Document Document Title
US09399275B2 Machine tool, in particular hand machine tool
A tool machine has a housing assembled by two separate housing parts and an air directing element arranged in the housing, wherein the air directing element is implemented independently from a connection device for connecting the housing parts. The air directing element is forced by a housing part axially in a seat in the other housing part, wherein in the transmission path between the housing parts and the air directing element a spring element is arranged.
US09399272B2 Dust extraction device for a rotary power tool
A dust extraction device (10) for a rotary power tool having an elongate rotating drill bit (1) for operating on a work surface includes a casing (12) having an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) and defining an interior cavity (15). A fan element (16) having a plurality of impellers (17) and a central hub (18) is adapted for rotation within and independent of the casing for inducing air flow within the casing from the inlet to the outlet when the fan element rotates, the hub being adapted for engaging the drill bit (11) in a manner that permits rotation of the hub as well as axial movement of the drill bit relative to the hub during rotation of the drill bit. Rotation of the drill bit results in air flow to remove debris from the work surface to the outlet without rotating the casing.
US09399269B2 Systems, tools and methods for high power laser surface decommissioning and downhole welding
There are provided using high power laser systems for performing decommissioning welding and repair of structures in boreholes, off-shore, and other remote and hazardous locations. In a particular embodiment the laser system is a Class I system.
US09399268B2 Laser welding method, laser welding jig, and semiconductor device
In a laser welding method, a gap between first and second members to be welded is made at most 300 μm by pressing the second member against the first member with claws that are pressing parts of a laser welding jig, and the second member to be welded at a place between the claws is irradiated by laser light to laser-weld the first member and the second member. In a semiconductor device, the gap between the first member and the second member at the portion of laser-welding is at most 300 μm.
US09399261B2 Hybrid welding control technique
A hybrid welding system is provided. In one embodiment, the welding system includes an engine-driven generator, an energy storage device, a contactor, and a controller. The controller may be configured to control delivery of weld power from the generator when a commanded output is below a threshold level, and from both the generator and the energy storage when the commanded output is above the threshold level. Closing of the contactor enables the energy storage device to contribute to weld power during welding operations and to be charged by the generator output independent of charging between weld operations. Additional hybrid welding systems and methods are also disclosed.
US09399260B2 Wire electrical discharge machining apparatus
A wire electrical discharge machining apparatus includes a target-control-section calculating unit calculating a target control section, which is indicated by a start point and an end point of the corner control in a current electrical discharge machining during the finish machining, based on a machining parameter; an actual-control-section calculating unit correcting the start point and the end point of the corner control, which are indicated in the target control section calculated by the target-control-section calculating unit, and calculating an actual control section, based on a magnitude of a shape error of the corner portion in a previous electrical discharge machining during the finish machining; and a speed controlling unit controlling the feed speed of the wire such that an amount of machining per unit time in the actual control section becomes equal to that when a portion other than the corner portion is machined.
US09399259B2 Boring device
A boring device according to the present invention includes: a hollow main shaft; a table supporting the main shaft rotatably about a predetermined axis; a tool holder extending in the form of a bar and configured to rotate coaxially with the main shaft; a radially protruding tool provided at a distal end portion of the tool holder; a tilting unit provided between the main shaft and the tool holder in the axis direction and configured to cause the tool holder to be inclined from the axis; a drawbar configured to be movable back and forth in the axis direction within the main shaft; a first drive unit configured to rotate the main shaft about the axis; and a second drive unit configured to move the drawbar back and forth in the axis direction.
US09399256B2 Apparatuses, systems and methods for three-dimensional printing
The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) objects, 3D printing processes, as well as methods, apparatuses and systems for the production of a 3D object. Methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for auxiliary supports. The present disclosure provides three dimensional (3D) objects printed utilizing the printing processes, methods, apparatuses and systems described herein.
US09399252B2 Method for determining a stretch of casting line including the closing position of the liquid cone of a continuously cast metal product
A method for determining if a stretch of casting line includes the closing position of the liquid cone of a continuously cast metal product, where there is provided a casting line including an ingot mold containing the liquid metal and in which a meniscus is defined, one or more soft reduction roll devices, cylinders for actuating the one or more soft reduction devices, at least two oscillation application areas, the oscillation application areas being arranged in the one or more soft reduction roll devices. The oscillation being achieved by the rolls of the one or more soft reduction devices through the actuating cylinders. The method includes the following stages: a) applying an oscillation along the casting line to the cast product through at least two application areas in sequence; b) detecting the oscillating frequency of the meniscus level in the ingot mold; c) comparing the oscillating frequency of the meniscus level in the ingot mold with the oscillating frequency of the at least two areas of application.
US09399250B2 Thread rolling method for gear using cylindrical dies
A thread rolling method for a gear using cylindrical dies in which no slippage occurs. The method includes placing a work having a cylindrical outer surface to be supported to a support to be freely rotatable about a rotation axis of the cylindrical outer surface; placing a pair of the cylindrical dies each rotatable about an axis parallel to the rotation axis to face each other across the work; thrusting the pair of cylindrical dies against the work; and determining an outer diameter of the work, when rotary movement of the cylindrical dies and the work rotated together is shifted from friction gear movement to gear movement, in which a dimension obtained by dividing an outer circumferential dimension of a dedendum circle of the tooth grooves by the number of teeth to be formed is equal to an addendum circular pitch of each of the cylindrical dies.
US09399248B2 Operating mechanism for a vertically oriented bodymaker
A can bodymaker is provided. The can bodymaker includes two rams that travel over a generally vertical path. The bodymaker includes a housing assembly and an operating mechanism structured to move a number of ram assemblies over a vertical path of travel. The operating mechanism includes a crankshaft, a motor, a link assembly, and a number of ram assemblies. The crankshaft is rotatably coupled to the housing assembly and includes a number of pairs of crankpin journals. The motor is operatively coupled to said crankshaft. The link assembly includes a number of links. Each ram assembly includes an elongated ram body, each ram body structured to move over a ram path. Links from said link assembly extend between, and movably couple, each crankshaft crankpin journal to a ram body.
US09399245B2 Method of flatness control of a strip and a control system therefor
A method of providing flatness control for rolling a strip in a mill including a plurality of rolls controllable by actuators. The method includes the steps of: receiving flatness measurement data pertaining to a flatness of the strip; determining a flatness error as a difference between a reference flatness of the strip and the flatness measurement data; determining an adjusted flatness error based on the flatness error and weights for actuator position combinations which provide a flatness effect below a threshold value; and utilizing the adjusted flatness error for the control units to control the actuators to thereby control the flatness of the strip. A computer program product and a control system for carrying out the above method are also presented herein.
US09399243B1 Method of preparing carbon-coated cuprous oxide
A method of preparing carbon-coated cuprous oxide, including: (1) preparing a liquid polyacrylonitrile (LPAN) solution, stirring the LPAN solution to yield a cyclized polyacrylonitrile solution; (2) heating the cyclized LPAN solution to yield a thermally-oxidized polyacrylonitrile (OPAN); (3) mixing the thermally-oxidized polyacrylonitrile with a copper compound to yield a mixture, and adding to the mixture a hydrophilic solvent or a hydrophobic solvent, thus yielding a polyacrylonitrile coated copper compound; (4) drying the polyacrylonitrile coated copper compound in an oven until the solvent is evaporated completely and the polyacrylonitrile coated on the copper compound is crosslinked to form a solid, where yielding a carbonized precursor coated copper compound; and (5) calcining the carbonized precursor coated copper compound in the presence of an inert gas flow of between 10 and 500 mL/min.
US09399240B2 Waterproof coating process machine and its negative pressure coating and atomized coating methods
A waterproof coating process machine and its negative pressure coating and atomized coating methods are disclosed. The machine includes a coating process tank disposed at a top end, a drying chamber and a control panel. A discharge port connected with a discharge pipe on an outer side is disposed at a bottom of the coating process tank; and at least one negative pressure suction port connected with a suction pipe of a suction pump is disposed on a back side. An opening of the drying chamber in combination with a movable door is disposed at a front side of a lower section of the machine. An infrared outlet, an infrared spiral wave outlet and a circulation fan are disposed inside the drying chamber. The control panel is disposed on the front side of the machine between the coating process tank and the drying chamber.
US09399229B2 Tray for dispensing a gas and a liquid, reactor provided with such a tray, and use of said tray
A distributor tray for a gas and a liquid circulating as a co-current, said tray comprising a plate perforated by orifices and supporting hollow chimneys extending perpendicularly to said plate, each orifice of the plate being surmounted by a chimney of identical cross section to said orifice, characterized in that the plate is equipped with a plurality of openings arranged on the periphery of each chimney inside a circumscribed circle, the center of which coincides with the center of the chimney, and the radius of which is less than or equal to ⅓ of the shortest distance separating two adjacent chimneys, and in that a single deflector element is arranged beneath each chimney, the openings and the deflector element associated with each of the chimneys being so arranged as to impart a rotating movement to the gas/liquid mixture under each chimney.
US09399227B2 Reduced air hydrocyclone unit and fluid system and method
A reduced air hydrocyclone unit includes a hydrocyclone having a cylindrical section, a conical base having an underflow outlet formed in its apex, and an overflow outlet on an upper end of the cylindrical section. An underflow basin collects underflow material. Overflow material flows through an overflow line. An exhaust fan of the reduced air hydrocyclone unit withdraws from the overflow material in the overflow line a portion of an amount of air introduced through the apex of the hydrocyclone. A reduced air fluid system includes the reduced air hydrocyclone unit, a fluid tank in fluid communication with the overflow line of the reduced air hydrocyclone unit, and a reduced air hopper for mixing a solid material with a fluid contained in the fluid tank to form a slurry. A liquid barrier inlet of the reduced air hopper creates a liquid barrier to prevent air introduction into the slurry.
US09399226B2 Method and apparatus for separating fluid components
A floating element for separating components of a physiological fluid comprises two parts that are relatively movable. The two parts define a prescribed volume between them when at their maximum separation, and one of the parts may be moved toward the other to express the fluid contained in the volume between the parts. The parts are made of materials having densities so that they assume a desired position in the fluid to allow selected components to be easily obtained and expressed.
US09399223B2 System and method of forming nanostructured ferritic alloy
A system for mechanical milling and a method of mechanical milling are disclosed. The system includes a container, a feedstock, and milling media. The container encloses a processing volume. The feedstock and the milling media are disposed in the processing volume of the container. The feedstock includes metal or alloy powder and a ceramic compound. The feedstock is mechanically milled in the processing volume using metallic milling media that includes a surface portion that has a carbon content less than about 0.4 weight percent.
US09399221B2 Vertical split bowl liner for cone crusher
A bowl liner for use in a cone crusher that is comprised of a pair of bowl liner sections joined to each other to define the bowl liner. Each of the bowl liner sections includes first and second ends that engage opposite first and second vertical ends of the second bowl liner section. The first and second ends include key features that limit the axial movement of the first and second bowl liner sections relative to each other. Each of the first and second bowl liner sections further include a radial key and mating key slot to limit the radial movement between the bowl liner sections. The vertical joint between the bowl liner sections includes an inner relief that allows for manganese growth during use of the bowl liner.
US09399219B2 Thermal Array
Traditional thermocyclers are heating devices that change sample temperatures by adding heat energy into a sample block that is usually a large metal block and then extracting that heat energy out of the block in a process called ramping the temperature. Presented herein is a technology that eliminates the large mass sample block and ramping temperatures in a sample block and thus in a sample vessel. This design called a Thermal Array requires a fraction of the energy used to process a sample. In addition, the array allows a much smaller thermal cycler to be designed leading to portability of a device. This technology is designed to allow optimal polymerase chain reactions to be executed.
US09399215B2 Sample holder with a well having a wicking promoter
Sample holding system, including methods and apparatus, including a holder defining a well having a wicking promoter that encourages flow of a sample to the bottom of the well. Methods of making and using the holder are also disclosed.
US09399207B2 Preparation method of denitration catalyst
Provided is a preparation method of a denitration catalyst for treating nitrogen oxides contained in exhaust gas discharged from gas turbines for generating plants, coil fired boilers, etc., in which the catalytic activity can be improved, and furthermore, an increase of the cost of producing the catalyst is not involved. The preparation method of a denitration catalyst used when reacting nitrogen oxides with reducing agent ammonia to decompose the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water, and including titanium oxide and vanadium as catalytic active ingredients thereof, is characterized in that the vanadium precursor is ammonium metavanadate powder, the ammonium metavanadate powder containing particles having a particle diameter of 10 μm or less in a cumulative ratio of 20% or more. The ammonium metavanadate powder is preferably a reclaimed product including vanadium recovered from petroleum-based combustion ash such as heavy oil ash.
US09399206B2 Process for producing encapsulated metal colloids as inorganic coloured pigments
A process for producing encapsulated metal colloids useful as inorganic colored pigments, including, reacting one or more glass-forming components according to the sol-gel process to obtain a sol dispersing a metal salt in the resulting sol in the presence of an additional reducing agent to form metal colloids, converting the resulting dispersion into xerogel-encapsulated metal colloids by spray drying, heating the resulting xerogel-encapsulated metal colloids to density them. The present invention relates, furthermore, to inorganic colored pigments, in particular producible by the process of the invention, including metal colloids produced from metal salts and encapsulated in an encapsulation, the encapsulation being produced from glass-forming components according to the sol-gel process and being densified to a xerogel or glass, the proportion of metal colloid in the capsules being at least 80%.
US09399197B2 Aeration method
This invention relates to an aerator that resides fully in the neck of a bottle or other liquid vessel. Through differential pressure, created through a venturi, the aerator mixes air with the fluid contained in the bottle. More specifically, the aerator can be used to mix air with wine as the bottle is inverted thus essentially instantly decanting the wine.
US09399194B2 Methods for treating a liquid using draw solutions
Draw solutions comprising at least one N-cyclicalkyl-cycloalkylamine and a secondary solvent. The N-cyclicalkyl-cycloalkylamine comprises the chemical structure: wherein n is 0, 1, or 2, n′ is 0, 1, or 2, and each of R1-R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acetyl group, an aryl group, a hydrogen group, a hydroxyl group, and a phosphorus-containing group. Methods of treating a liquid using the draw solution are also disclosed.
US09399190B2 System and method for recovering gas containing CO2 and H2S
An absorber that uses a gasified gas containing CO2 and H2S formed by gasifying coal, for example, as an introduced gas, and that makes the CO2 and H2S absorbed from the introduced gas by bringing the introduced gas into contact with an absorbent for absorbing C02 and H2S; an absorbent regenerator-that extracts absorbent that has absorbed CO2 and H2S from the bottom of the absorber and introduces the absorbent from the top of the absorber, and that regenerates the absorbent by releasing the CO2 and H2S; a second supply line that returns the regenerated absorbent from the regenerator to the absorber; and a third supply line that extracts the absorbent (semi-rich solution) that has absorbed a part of the CO2 and H2S from the vicinity of the middle of the absorber, and that introduces the semi-rich solution in the vicinity of the middle of the regenerator.
US09399188B2 Apparatus for removing carbon dioxide in combustion exhaust gas
An object of the present invention is to provide a CO2 removal apparatus that prevents release of an amine compound of an absorbing solution from a CO2 absorption device. The CO2 removal apparatus includes a desorption column 13 that heats and regenerates an amine compound aqueous solution discharged from a decarbonator 1 making counterflow contact of a combustion exhaust gas and an amine compound aqueous solution; and reflux means that refluxes an amine compound aqueous solution regenerated in the desorption column 13 to the decarbonator 1 via a cooler 19. A contact section that makes counterflow contact of reflux water of the desorption column 13 and a CO2-removed combustion exhaust gas is formed in two stages, and the cooler 19 on the downstream side of the desorption column is also formed in two stages. Reflux water from the first stage cooler is supplied to the first stage contact section, and reflux water from the second stage cooler is supplied to the second stage contact section. As a result, the reflux water from the cooler 19 on the downstream side of the desorption column 13 can be efficiently used for amine removal of the decarbonator 1, and a concentration of an amine released from the decarbonator can be reduced.
US09399187B2 Air handling system with integrated air treatment
Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and systems of circulating air in an enclosed environment. In such embodiments, the system may comprise an air handling unit (AHU), the AHU including an indoor air inlet to receive an indoor airflow from the enclosed environment and an indoor air outlet to expel the indoor airflow, a conditioning element arranged between the inlet and the outlet configured to at least heat or cool the indoor airflow as it flows thereover, one or more fan units arranged between the inlet and the outlet configured to provide velocity to the indoor airflow, and an air treatment assembly (ATA) arranged within or proximate the AHU, the ATA including an air inlet configured to receive a portion of the indoor airflow received by the AHU indoor air inlet.
US09399184B2 Deflagration suppression screen for portable cyclonic dust collector/vacuum cleaner
A cyclonic portable vacuum cleaner/dust collector has a cyclonic chamber and a filter chamber. The filter chamber contains a filter cartridge with a hollow core positioned over the discharge opening of a motor plate that closes the filter chamber. A vacuum blower is mounted on the motor plate, with an intake tube at the discharge opening of the motor plate. An anti-deflagration screen mounted upon the discharge opening of the cover plate of the filter chamber. The anti-deflagration screen is in the form of a metal mesh creating a multiplicity of small passages to permit exhaust air flow from the filter chamber but blocking any flame front. The screen may be hemispherically domed.
US09399179B2 Separation of components from a multi-component hydrocarbon stream
A process (10) to separate a multi-component hydrocarbon stream (26) comprising ethylene, at least one polymer and other components includes flashing the multi-component hydrocarbon stream in a first flash stage (12) from an elevated pressure of more than 30 bar(a) and an elevated temperature in the range of 150° C. to 135° C. to a flash pressure in the range of 10 bar(a) to 30 bar(a), producing a first ethylene-containing vapor overheads product (28) at a pressure in the range of 10 bar(a) to 30 bar(a) and a first flash stage bottoms product (30.1) which includes some ethylene, the at least one polymer and some of the other components. The flash pressure and the elevated temperature of the multi-component hydrocarbon stream (26) are selected such that the first flash stage bottoms product (30.1) has a concentration of the at least one polymer of less than 5% by mass to render the viscosity of the first flash stage bottoms product (30.1) at the temperature of the first flash stage bottoms product (30.1) in the first flash stage (12) at less than 1000 cP at a shear of 1 per second. At least a portion of the first flash stage bottoms product (30.1) is heated to a temperature in excess of 150° C. to form a heated first flash stage bottoms product (30.2). A recycle portion (30.3) of the heated first flash stage bottoms product (30.2) is combined with the multi-component hydrocarbon stream (26), which is at a temperature less than 150° C. before combination with the recycle portion (30.3), thereby to heat the multi-component hydrocarbon stream (26) to the elevated temperature in the range of 150° C. to 185° C. At least a portion (32) of the first flash stage bottoms product and the first ethylene-containing vapor overheads product (28) are withdrawn from the first flash stage (12).
US09399176B1 Helium free balloon support bracket system
The invention includes methods and apparatus for a balloon support bracket that may be secured to an attachment surface such as a light pole or fence and may further be coupled with one or more helium-free balloons through a balloon support. Additional embodiments include novel quick-release coupling and security features to enhance ease of use and deter theft.
US09399172B2 Mechanism for allowing a number of split-screens to share a display on a client device beyond an application's native capacity for split-screening
A method for allowing a number of split-screens to share a display on a client device beyond an application's native capacity for split-screening, includes determining configuration parameters for the client device, establishing a plurality of application instances to be initialized based on the number of split-screens and the application's native capacity for split-screening, initializing one or more virtual machine servers to service the plurality of application instances, optimizing display output parameters for each application instance based at least in part on the configuration parameters for the client device, and outputting display from each application instance to the client device, such that the display output from each application instance shares the display on the client device.
US09399171B2 Electronic gaming and advertising method using proximate personal devices
A method of gaming between multiple participants, each of whom has a locationally aware smart phone or similar user device with a microphone and at least one speaker, capable of a triggering interaction with other such devices using a sound-based trigger. A gaming session is triggered by the playing of an acoustic gaming session request tone by a first device. Software on other user devices within acoustic listening range which “hear” the trigger tone can cause the listening devices to join a gaming session with the first user device through contact with a centrally administered gaming application on a server. Based on the geographic location of the gaming session, or other applicable user parameters, at least one game or contest from the server is made available and can then be selected and played between the connected user devices, served by the central system. Advertising content relevant to the location or other user parameters of the user of each user device in the gaming session will be served to the user devices during or after completion of the gaming session.
US09399169B2 Game system, control method for game system, output device, control method for output device, and information storage medium
Provided is a game system that, while reducing a load on a communication line, enables a current situation of a game that is being played by at least one user to be known by another user. A situation identifying information transmission section transmits, to an output device, situation identifying information related to the situation of the game that is being executed in at least one game device. An output control section of the output device causes an output section to output the situation of the game based on the situation identifying information.
US09399167B2 Virtual space mapping of a variable activity region
An electronic game system and a method of its operation are provided for virtual space mapping of a variable activity region in physical space. A calibration input may be received from a positioning device of a game controller that indicates waypoints that define an activity region in physical space. A scale factor may be identified between the activity region and an interactive game region in virtual space based on the calibration input. Positioning information may be received from the positioning device that indicates a position of the positioning device within the activity region. The position of the positioning device within the activity region may be mapped to a corresponding virtual position within the interactive game region based on the scale factor.
US09399162B2 Apparatus and method of catching a golf ball
An apparatus and method for catching a golf ball is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a compact golf ball catching apparatus having a first energy absorbing layer located at a frontal portion of the apparatus, a second energy absorbing layer located at a rear portion of the apparatus, and a frame adapted to connect the first and second energy absorbing layer as well as provide structural integrity to the first energy absorbing layer; wherein the first energy absorbing layer slows down the speed of a golf ball as it enters and penetrates the apparatus and hinders the golf ball's ability from exiting the apparatus post impact.
US09399159B2 Shaft for golf clubs
A shaft 6 includes a plurality of fiber reinforced resin layers s1 to s10. The plurality of layers include a first straight layer s1 in which a 0°-compression strength is the minimum and a second straight layer s9 in which a 0°-compression strength is the maximum. A specific tip part Tx which is a region between a tip end Tp and a position separated by 100 mm from the tip end Tp satisfies the following (a) to (c): (a) the first straight layer forms a innermost layer; (b) the second straight layer is arranged outside a central position in a thickness direction; and (c) when a 0°-compression strength of the first straight layer is defined as Cmin and a 0°-compression strength of the second straight layer is defined as Cmax, a difference (Cmax−Cmin) is equal to or greater than 550 MPa.
US09399158B2 Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads
Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion and a plurality of weight portions. The body portion may include a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion having an outer surface associated with an outer surface curve, and a weight port region located at or proximate to the bottom portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09399153B2 Exercise and sporting apparatus
A novel exercise and sporting apparatus with improved safety features is disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises: a first resilient arched member having two opposite end zones, and being configured to securely engage with a foot receiving member; a second resilient arched member having two opposite end zones, and being configured to contact a ground surface; a connection element being configured to connect an end zone of the first resilient arched member with an end zone of the second resilient arched member, and a rotation-opposing assembly extending from the connection element toward a ground surface, the rotation-opposing assembly being configured to limit an amount of rotational motion of the apparatus.
US09399150B1 Fire risk detection, suppression, and communication system
A vehicle-mounted fire control system for safe transport and management of a flammable liquid transported by a vehicle. The system includes a liquid storage vessel having an outer protective wall, a buffer space, and an interior wall. The outer protective wall encloses the buffer space and the interior wall. A rollover sensor measures a roll angle of the liquid storage vessel. An impact sensor measures impact acceleration of the liquid storage vessel. A smoke detector is located inside the buffer space. A fire extinguisher having a plurality of nozzles sprays fire suppressant at least onto one of the outer wall or the interior wall upon command. Electrically actuated solenoids, each one in communication with the nozzles, are configured to automatically open and spray fire suppressant upon the command. A processor programmed to issue the command upon detection of a hazard.
US09399146B2 Methods of treating acne using dual panel photodynamic therapy lamp
A photodynamic therapy lamp includes two lamp modules comprising an array of LEDs. Each of the lamp modules is movable between a first position in which an angle between the lamp modules is from 157 degrees to 180 degrees, and a second position in which the angle between the lamp modules is from 50 degrees to 70 degrees.
US09399128B2 Flexible neural interfaces with integrated stiffening shank
A neural interface includes a first dielectric material having at least one first opening for a first electrical conducting material, a first electrical conducting material in the first opening, and at least one first interconnection trace electrical conducting material connected to the first electrical conducting material. A stiffening shank material is located adjacent the first dielectric material, the first electrical conducting material, and the first interconnection trace electrical conducting material.
US09399127B2 Neurostimulation lead with stiffened proximal array
An implantable electrical lead is provided. The electrical lead comprises an electrically insulative, flexible, elongated lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrical contact carried by the distal end of the lead body, an electrical terminal carried by the proximal end of the lead body, an electrical conductor axially extending within the lead body between the electrical contact and the electrical terminal, and a stiffening tube extending within the proximal end of the lead body from a point proximal to the terminal to a point distal to the terminal and proximal to the electrode. An implantable lead assembly kit comprises the implantable electrical lead, and a connector configured for firmly receiving the proximal end of the lead body. A method of implanting the electrical lead comprises introducing the electrical lead into a patient.
US09399126B2 Methods for user control of neurostimulation to modify a cognitive state
Methods for allowing a user to control a neuromodulator to modify a cognitive state being experienced by the user. The user may select a waveform ensemble from a hand-held user device having an interface, and the user may adjust the perceived intensity of the applied waveform ensemble with the user device while the waveform ensemble is being applied. Also described are methods of managing communication between the hand-held user device (such as a smartphone or the like) and a wearable neurostimulator. Methods of displaying and visually tracking and controlling the applied waveform ensemble are also described herein.
US09399114B2 Introducer sheath
Introducer sheath (10,30,40) having a flexible kink-resistant distal tip portion (26,32,42). A multilayer sheath structure is used, with an inner tube (12) such as PTFE having a coil (14) of wire wound therearound. A first length of outer tubing (20) such as of nylon is inserted over most of the coil-wound inner tube (12) in a manner exposing a distal length of coil-wound inner tube. A second length of outer tubing (22) with a softer durometer than first outer tubing length (20), is inserted over the exposed coil-wound inner tube and extends for a slight distance beyond the end of the coil. During heat application, the outer tubing lengths (20, 22) are melted to bond to each other and to flow between the spacings of the coil turns to bond to the roughened outer surface of the inner tube (12). The distal tip region corresponding to the second tubing length is flexible and is kink-resistant due to the coil (14).
US09399113B2 Flexible medical tubing having kink resistant properties and methods and apparatus to produce the same
A method is provided for making a tubing, which includes forming a generally tubular inner layer by flowing a first material through an extrusion assembly. At least one non-tubular segment is formed along the length of the tubing by flowing a second material through the extrusion assembly. A generally tubular outer layer coaxial with the inner layer is formed by flowing a third material through the extrusion assembly. The segment is positioned between the inner and outer layers and oriented non-tangentially with an interface between the inner and outer layers. The resulting tubing, which may be suitable for medical applications, may have kink-resistant properties.
US09399112B2 Catheter hole having an inclined trailing edge
A catheter having a catheter body with a lumen and a distal lumen opening. The catheter's lumen extends through the catheter body along a longitudinal axis of the catheter body. A hole is formed through a wall of a distal portion of the catheter body. A portion of the proximal surface of the hole is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the catheter body. The acute angle of the proximal hole surface opens proximally with respect to the catheter body.
US09399110B2 Medicant delivery system
An improved medicant delivery system 100 is disclosed wherein the carrier for the medicant is a fluid that can be atomized or vaporized by exposure to heat. The system provides for repeatable dose of medicant, can be stored in any orientation, and/or has an ability to maximize energy efficiency.
US09399108B2 Portable sedation apparatus and related method
Various embodiments may provide a breathing and/or anesthetic unit that is portable, compact, inexpensive, and convenient, and which may expedite medical procedures by allowing a health care provider to quickly sedate a patient. Such a unit may be ideal for minor medical procedures needing mild or moderate analgesia/sedation (e.g., <30 minutes) in various fields. Such a unit may include (i) a handheld gas supply container including a therapeutic amount of anesthetic gas; (ii) a mask; (iii) a single-use, uninterruptable flow coupler to couple the mask to the supply container; and (iv) a handheld, self-contained, recovery gas container, including a negative pressure, coupled to the mask.
US09399107B2 Textured/polished respiratory mask seal and mask
A seal for a respiratory mask that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell, a second end portion for sealing engagement with a face of a patient, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least a portion of the second end portion includes a textured area having a predetermined pattern. The area of increased surface roughness provides the patient contacting portion of the seal with a silky feeling to maximize patient comfort and the effectiveness of the seal without impairing the sealing ability.
US09399104B2 Respiration system for an anesthesia apparatus
A respiration system includes a patient connection (1), an inspiratory branch (3), an expiratory branch (13), a rebreathing line (99), a reservoir (25), a CO2 absorber (29), a radial compressor respiration drive (33), a fresh gas supply unit (51), an oxygen flushing device (55), connected to the rebreathing line, a pressure sensor (31) and an actuatable control valve (21), arranged in the rebreathing line between a second end (17) of the expiratory branch and the CO2 absorber. The compressor, oxygen flushing device and fresh gas supply unit are arranged in the rebreathing line between the CO2 absorber and a second end (7) of the inspiration branch. The compressor inlet points towards the CO2 absorber and the outlet points towards the second end of the inspiratory branch. The pressure sensor is arranged in the rebreathing line between the compressor and the second end of the inspiratory branch.
US09399103B2 Dispensing device
A device for dispensing individual doses of powder from respective pockets of a disc-shaped carrier by outwardly rupturing a lidding foil by means of pressure on an opposite side surface, the device providing individual respective deaggregation flow paths for each pocket, split airstreams allowing improved entrainment of powder, a cam mechanism for outwardly rupturing the pockets, an indexing mechanism linked to the cam mechanism and a dose counter.
US09399102B2 Device and method for the controlled delivery of ophthalmic solutions
The present disclosure is directed to an injector device for delivering an ophthalmic solution to a cornea of an eye. The device may include a base configured to contact part of the eye, and a needle connected to the base, wherein needle may deliver the ophthalmic solution to the cornea.
US09399097B2 Medicated module with user selection
A medicated module (4) for an injection system to co-deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a primary delivery device containing a primary medicament accepts a medicated module (4) containing a single dose of a secondary medicament (2) and where both medicaments are delivered through a single hollow needle (5). The medicated module (4) is user selectable so that it will deliver both the primary (1) and secondary medicaments (2), or only the primary medicament (1). The module (4) also contains a guard (42) that locks after dose delivery.
US09399093B2 Systems and methods for performing online extracorporeal photopheresis
Systems and methods for performing online extracorporeal photopheresis of mononuclear cells are disclosed. Whole blood is removed from a patient and introduced through a processing set into a separation chamber to separate the desired cell population from the blood. The separated cell population is processed through the set which is associated with a treatment chamber where the cells are treated. Once treated, the cells are returned to the patient. The processing set remains connected to the patient during the entire ECP treatment procedure and provides an online, sterile closed pathway between the separation chamber and the treatment chamber.
US09399089B2 Cassette with a sensor for determining the difference between a first and a second fluid stream
The invention relates to the balancing of fluid streams in a dialysis system. In particular the invention relates to a cassette for conveying a first and a second fluid stream in a dialysis system, wherein the first and the second fluid streams can be medical fluid streams such as for example dialysate streams or blood streams, wherein the cassette has a sensor as a device for balancing the first and the second fluid stream, and wherein the sensor has a first channel for the first fluid stream and a second channel for the second fluid stream. The invention further relates to a dialysis system, which is configured to accommodate at least one cassette which is configured as described above. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an arrangement by which two channels for the first and the second fluid streams are formed. In addition, the invention relates to a method for construction of the two channels or the arrangement.
US09399088B2 Intravascular blood pump
A foldable, intravascularly insertable blood pump (10) comprises a foldable, radially delivering impeller (20) accommodated in a foldable housing or envelope (24). Axially before and behind the impeller a clearance (60) is provided between the impeller (20) and the front and back walls (32, 62) of the housing (24), the clearance being at least 0.2 mm. Preferably, the space defined between adjacent blades (54) of the impeller (20) is open towards the front wall (32) of the housing (24).
US09399085B2 Immobilized biologically active entities containing heparin having high biological activity following mechanical manipulation
The present invention is directed to immobilized biologically active entities that retain significant biological activity following mechanical manipulation of a substrate material to which the entities are immobilized.
US09399081B2 Fragrance sampler insert
A fragrance sampler is provided which is made from two plies, a bottom ply and a top ply, of material. A cosmetic, such as a wet fragrance, sample is deposited on the bottom ply. A well is formed in at least one of the plies and is sized and shaped to surround the sample. The two plies are then adhered together to form a liquid tight seal between the two plies and around the well.
US09399080B2 Heated air freshener with power port for 12v receptacle
An air freshener is configured to be carried by a power outlet of an automobile. The air freshener includes a scent capsule disposed in a housing. A heat source is disposed in the housing adjacent and opposing a permeable membrane of the scent capsule. The heat source is configured to heat the fragrant material in the scent capsule and accelerate permeation of the fragrant material through the permeable membrane of the sent capsule. A hatch is pivotally coupled to the housing and substantially contained within a hatch cavity with an outer surface that is substantially flush with an exterior of the housing in a closed position. The hatch can include a capsule cavity therein, carrying the scent capsule, and facing an interior of the housing in the closed position.
US09399075B2 Nanoparticle contrast agents for diagnostic imaging
Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprising a nanoparticulate transition metal oxide covalently functionalized with a silane-functionalized non-targeting zwitterionic moiety.
US09399074B2 Antibodies specific for trop-2 and their uses
The present invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to trophoblast cell-surface antigen-2 (Trop-2). The invention further provides antibody conjugates comprising such antibodies, antibody encoding nucleic acids, and methods of obtaining such antibodies. The invention further relates to therapeutic methods for use of these antibodies and Trop-2 antibody conjugates for the treatment of a condition associated with Trop-2 expression (e.g., cancer), such as colon, esophageal, gastric, head and neck, lung, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer.
US09399070B2 Compositions comprising a polymeric reagent and a pharmacologically active agent
Pharmaceutical compositions of conjugates are provided. The conjugates can be prepared by (among other ways) conjugating a pharmacologically active agent with a polymeric reagent that has a particular arrangement of atoms. Related methods, preparations, and so forth are also provided.
US09399067B2 Pharmaceutical compositions comprising prasugrel and cyclodextrin derivatives and methods of making and using the same
The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising prasugrel and a cyclodextrin derivative, and methods of making and using the same.
US09399064B2 Pitavastatin-containing preparation and method for producing same
The present invention provides: a pitavastatin-containing preparation containing pitavastatin or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof and at least one kind of a basic additive selected from the group consisting of basic magnesium compounds and basic calcium compounds, and an aqueous solution or an aqueous dispersion of the pitavastatin-containing preparation having a pH of more than 8 and 10 or less; and a method for producing a pitavastatin-containing preparation, including blending at least one kind of a basic additive selected from the group consisting of basic magnesium compounds and basic calcium compounds with pitavastatin or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, to make an aqueous solution or an aqueous dispersion of the pitavastatin-containing preparation have a pH of more than 8 and 10 or less.
US09399063B2 Compositions and methods to modulate cell activity
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the remote control of cell function based on the use of radiofrequency waves to excite nanoparticles targeted to specific cell types. The nanoparticles may be applied to the target cell extracellularly and/or expressed intracellularly. The cell type of interest expresses a temperature sensitive channel wherein excitation of the nanoparticles results in a localized temperature increase that is transduced into a cellular response. Such cellular responses may include, for example, increases in gene expression resulting in production of one or more physiologically active proteins. The expression of such proteins can be used to treat a variety of different inherited or acquired diseases or disorders in a subject. Accordingly, the invention provides a generic approach for treatment of any disease associated with a protein deficiency.
US09399062B2 PVRL4 (Nectin4) is a receptor for measles virus
PVRL4 is a tumor marker that is highly expressed on the surfaces of many carcinomas. Disclosed herein are compositions and methods that provide impetus for using measles virus as an oncolytic agent against PVRL4+ carcinomas and use of PVRL4-binding agents to interfere with viral infection.
US09399058B2 Vaccine against Clostridium perfringens
There is provided a vaccine for controlling Clostridium perfringens in animals, and particularly necrotic enteritis in poultry. The vaccine may comprise a C. perfringens antigenic polypeptide or variant thereof, a nucleic acid encoding the C. perfringens antigenic polypeptide or variant thereof, or a recombinant cell producing the C. perfringens antigenic polypeptide or variant thereof.
US09399055B2 Anti-cancer nanoparticle compositions and methods of use
The present invention encompasses a composition capable of delivering and expressing a nucleic acid encoding UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases, p53 or a combination thereof into a cell, and methods for treating tumors.
US09399047B2 Composition and method to alleviate joint pain using phospholipids and roe extract
A dietary supplement composition and associated method has its composition formulated in a therapeutic amount to treat and alleviate symptoms of joint pain in a person having joint pain. The composition includes astaxanthin, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan) having a molecular weight of 0.5 to 300 kilodaltons (kDa), and a phospholipid rich egg roe extract having phospholipid bound EPA and DHA admixed with seed and/or fish oil having an ALA to LA ratio of 1:1 to 6:1 and in an oral dosage form.
US09399046B2 Treatment of CNS disorders using descendants of MSCs expressing an exogenous Notch intracellular domain
There is provided a method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural cells or skeletal muscle cells by introduction of a Notch gene. Specifically, the invention provides a method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural cells or skeletal muscle cells in vitro, which method comprises introducing a Notch gene and/or a Notch signaling related gene into the cells, wherein the finally obtained differentiated cells are the result of cell division of the bone marrow stromal cells into which the Notch gene and/or Notch signaling related gene have been introduced. The invention also provides a method of inducing further differentiation of the differentiation-induced neural cells to dopaminergic neurons or acetylcholinergic neurons. The invention yet further provides a treatment method for neurodegenerative and skeletal muscle degenerative diseases which employs neural precursor cells, neural cells or skeletal muscle cells produced by the method of the invention.
US09399045B2 Inhibition of choroidal neovascularization
Methods of treatment of diseases that include or are characterized by inappropriate or pathological neovascularization are disclosed. These diseases include diseases of the eye, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and choroidal neovascularization which can occur in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Disclosed methods include applying to macrophages in cell culture an agent that causes upregulation of ABCA1 transporter protein, and administering the macrophages to a subject. The agents include, without limitation, LXR agonists. Administration routes can include, without limitation, intraocular, periocular, and systemic administration.
US09399042B2 Method for the removal of subcutaneous fat accumulations by subcutaneous lipolysis by administering a combination of glycyrrhizic acid and soybean phospholipids
The invention described herein relates to the use of an aqueous composition containing at least one phospholipid. at least one glycyrrhizic acid or salts of glycyrrhizic acid for the manufacture of mediciments for the removal of subcutaneous fat accumulation.
US09399038B2 Benzothiophene compound
A method for preventing or treating a disease selected from the group consisting of visceral pain, inflammatory pain, osteoarthritis pain, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of the compound of the following formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X and n are as described herein.
US09399032B2 Methods and compositions for treating degenerative and ischemic disorders
Model systems have shown that shifting a cell's reliance from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis can protect against cell death. Exploiting the therapeutic potential of this strategy, however, has been limited by the lack of clinically safe agents that remodel energy metabolism. The present invention identifies non-toxic small molecules (e.g., drug-like compounds) that are capable of modulating oxidative metabolism. One identified compound comprises meclizine. As described herein, meclizine, and its enantiomer S-meclizine, redirects OXPHOS to glycolysis. Such compounds could be protective or therapeutic in degenerative disorders such as diabetes, Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease and/or ischemic disorders including, but not limited to, stroke, heart attack, or reperfusion injuries.
US09399031B2 Combined use of amides of mono- and dicarboxylic acids and silymarin in the treatment of renal diseases
A therapy for renal diseases characterized by alterations of the kidney function, such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), acute and chronic renal impairment, and renal diseases that develop in diabetic patients or in patients who underwent an anticancer chemotherapic treatment with a platinum derivative. The invention is a combination of compounds selected from mono- or diamide of a C12-C20 monocarboxylic acid, saturated or monounsaturated, or a C4-C14 dicarboxylic acid, saturated or monounsaturated, with an aminoalkanol, and compounds selected from Silymarin, derivatives thereof or conjugates or complexes thereof, for use in the treatment of renal diseases. The mono- or diamide of a C12-C20 monocarboxylic acid, saturated or monounsaturated, or of a C4-C14 dicarboxylic acid, saturated or monounsaturated, with an aminoalkanol and said Silymarin, derivatives thereof or conjugates or complexes thereof are formulated for a separate, sequential, concomitant administration or in admixture, also in a co-micronized or co-ultra-micronized form.
US09399028B2 Treatment of drug resistant cancer
The present invention discloses novel agents and methods for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. Also disclosed are related arrays, kits, and screening methods.
US09399022B2 Pharmaceutical compositions
Pharmaceutical compositions are provided which comprise effective amounts of analgesic to treat a subject, including to reduce or eliminate an adverse effect associated with the analgesic.
US09399020B2 Hydrophilic matrix beadlet compositions with enhanced bioavailability
The instant invention provides hydrophilic matrix beadlet compositions that include at least one fat soluble nutrient and an effective amount of cellulose polymer with low viscosity. The invention also provides a process for the preparation of the hydrophilic matrix composition by employing a fluid bed system or extrusion spheronization technique. This hydrophilic matrix beadlet composition is comprised of at least 5% to about 25% carotenoid wherein free lutein is present in combination with zeaxanthin. The free flowing nature of the composition allows it to be compressed into tablets or to be filled into two piece capsules or blended as a dry premix for beverage applications. These hydrophilic matrix compositions exhibit desired dissolution characteristics and at least 1.6 times more bioavailability as compared with marketed reference formulations containing modified starch, thus making it advantageous for nutraceutical applications.
US09399012B2 Reduced dose intravenous acetaminophen
Described herein are compositions and methods for intravenous administration of acetaminophen at a single dose level of less than about 1000 mg for the treatment or prevention of pain (e.g., postoperative pain) and/or fever.
US09399010B2 Nail enamel compositions having decorative voids
An aqueous nail enamel composition of non-toxic components forms a decorative irregular film over natural or synthetic human nails. The nail enamel composition includes water, at least one film forming component, and at least one silicone component in a homogeneous mixture. The film forming component forms a decorative irregular film by containing a plurality of voids upon drying.
US09399008B2 Sunscreen compositions
The present invention provides a taste-masked sunscreen composition comprising at least one sunscreen and a spider ester wherein the sunscreen and the spider ester are in intimate association. A method of making the taste—masked sunscreen composition is provided.
US09399006B2 Antiperspirant with anhydrous compositions
Anhydrous soft slid antiperspirant compositions include, relative in each case to the total weight of the composition, at least one antiperspirant active ingredient, at least one oil in a total amount from 20 to 80 wt. %, at least one fatty alcohol having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, at least one fatty alcohol having more than 18 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the total amount of fatty alcohols is 3 to 12 wt. %, the weight ratio of fatty alcohols having 12 to 18 carbon atoms to the other fatty alcohols is in a weight ratio range from 1:1 to 1:3.
US09399000B2 Fused quartz tubing for pharmaceutical packaging
A high silica glass composition comprising about 92 to about 99.9999 wt. % SiO2 and from about 0.0001 to about 8 wt. % of at least one dopant selected from Al2O3, CeO2, TiO2, La2O3, Y2O3, Nd2O3, other rare earth oxides, and mixtures of two or more thereof. The glass composition has a working point temperature ranging from 600 to 2,000° C. These compositions exhibit stability similar to pure fused quartz, but have a moderate working temperature to enable cost effective fabrication of pharmaceutical packages. The glass is particularly useful as a packaging material for pharmaceutical applications, such as, for example pre-filled syringes, ampoules and vials.
US09398997B2 Foldable sexual device
The present invention is a foldable sexual device that includes a handle, a seat frame that includes a plurality of rollers and is rotated by a user while utilizing the foldable sexual device, a seat bar that allows the user to rotate the seat frame up or down and a pivot hinge point that allows the seat frame to rotate on the pivot hinge point. The device also includes a first support leg and a second leg support to support and stabilize the foldable sexual device, a phallus that moves upward and downward above and through the seat frame to provide sexual pleasure to the user, a seat that is disposed on the seat frame, a pair of corresponding arms that includes a slip bushing and a phallus base that is moved upward and downward by the pair of corresponding arms and the slip bushing.
US09398992B1 Pressure free face rest
The Pressure Free Face Rest is a device designed for any standard professional massage table to hold a clients face suspended/free of any frame while in the prone position (lying face down). The Frame is wider and The Insert Rods can be adjusted through snap locks to extend for shorter or longer necks. The Face Hammock should be able to hold faces allowing them to flex much like that of a face mask. The holes for the eyes, nose, mouth are very similar to that of a standard face mask. The mask hooks into the frame like a hammock creating the feeling of suspension. By doing this we remove the pain and pressure commonly felt by the standard design on the market today.
US09398990B2 Motion-based power assist system for wheelchairs
A motion-based push activation power assist system for manual wheelchairs. The system uses motion-based measurements to determine when the user applies a push to the wheelchair handrims and brakes with the handrims. The push recognition activates a drive system that provides an assistive driving force-pulse to the wheelchair to reduce the demand on the user during propulsion. The brake recognition deactivates the power assist. The provided power assist is proportional to the sensed push and can be modulated to different proportional settings.
US09398984B2 Adjustable applicator for urinary incontinence devices
An applicator for urinary incontinence devices has an insertion barrel, a deployment plunger, and an adjustable insertion depth indicator. The applicators are useful to correct for a consumer's body mass index to ensure that urinary incontinence devices are placed in the appropriate position to be effective.
US09398983B2 Matrix-construction padded absorbing article and making method therefor
An absorbing article with a pad having a matrix construction comprises a water impermeable first main sheet, a substantially water permeable second sheet and an absorbing pad member arranged between the first and second sheets, the absorbing pad member having an absorbing layer including a flexible matrix made of cotton fibers and superabsorbing polymer fibers, the cotton fibers of the pad matrix having a random three-axis orientation and do not have a preferred X-Y orientation.
US09398981B2 Reversible strap-mounting clips for goggles
Goggles include a strap, a frame, at least one lens, and first and second connectors. The strap has opposite strap free ends. The frame has a lateral center and opposite lateral end portions. Each connector has a base portion for connecting to the opposite lateral end portion of the frame, and a strap-mounting portion for connecting to the opposite strap free end of the strap. Each strap-mounting portion has a strap connecting end where the strap meets the strap-mounting portion. Each of the first and second connectors have a first orientation for helmet-less usage and a second orientation for helmet usage. The strap connecting end of each connector is located a greater distance from the lateral center of the frame when the connector is in a second orientation than when in the first orientation.
US09398977B2 Glaucoma treatment device
Methods and devices are adapted for implanting into the eye. An incision is formed in the cornea of the eye and a shunt is inserted through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye. The shunt includes a fluid passageway. The shunt is passed along a pathway from the anterior chamber through the scleral spur of the eye into the suprachoroidal space and positioned in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber.
US09398968B2 Method and device for loading medical appliance with drugs and/or polymers
A method for loading a medical appliance with a medicament and/or a polymer is disclosed, the medical appliance comprising one or more grooves or holes loaded with the medicament and/or polymer. The method comprising the steps of: 1) capturing an image of the grooves or holes of the medical appliance, wherein the image contains at least one complete pattern of the grooves or holes; 2) performing digital image processing on the captured image to obtain the pattern of the grooves or holes; 3) calculating a central position of the pattern of the grooves or holes, and determining an actual central position of the grooves or holes based on the central position; 4) adjusting a relative position of a loading device to the medical appliance to align an outlet of the loading device with the actual central position of the grooves or holes; and 5) opening the outlet of the loading device to load the grooves or holes. A device for loading a medical appliance with a medicament and/or a polymer is further disclosed.
US09398961B2 Plastically deformable inter-osseous device
Described here are deformable monolithic, stabilization devices, or implants, suitable for use within bone and between bones, for instance, to fuse vertebral bodies, to repair herniated discs, or to repair spinal compression fractures. The implants are introduced into a chosen site at a first, smaller height and then plastically deformed to achieve a second, but unique, pre-selected, larger height. Variations of the device provide one or more specific larger heights. The devices are particularly suitable as intervertebral spinal fusion implants for the immobilization of adjacent vertebral bodies. Methods of deploying the implants are also described as are instruments for such deployment.
US09398960B2 Multi-piece intervertebral implants
Intervertebral implants for implanting into an intervertebral space are provided. The implants can comprise one or more layers that are operably attached to one another. An implant can comprise a first layer having a first mating surface that mates with a second mating surface of a second layer. The first mating surface and the second mating surface can have features that allow them to complement each other. The implants can include one or more bore holes for receiving a fixation member. The bore holes can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. In some cases, the bore holes will be blind bore holes.
US09398957B2 Femoral and tibial bases
Various embodiments are directed to femoral and tibial bases that form structures of an implantable mechanical energy absorbing system. According to one embodiment, the bases include a low-profile body having a elongate and a curved body portion. One end of the base is elevated as compared to another end. An inner surface of the low-profile body has a raised portion extending along the elongate, straight portion of the low-profile body. The bases also include a plurality of openings positioned along the low-profile body for alignment and purposes of affixation to body anatomy.
US09398956B2 Fixed-bearing knee prosthesis having interchangeable components
A fixed-bearing prosthesis includes a femoral component having a medial condyle surface and a lateral condyle surface. The knee prosthesis also includes a bearing having a medial bearing surface configured to articulate with the medial condyle surface of the femoral component, and a lateral bearing surface configured to articulate with the lateral condyle surface of the femoral component. A tibial tray is secured to the bearing. The tibial tray has a platform with an elongated stem extending downwardly from a lower surface thereof. A posterior buttress extends along a posterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform, and an anterior buttress extends along an anterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform. Differently-sized tibial trays are interchangeable with differently-sized bearings.
US09398951B2 Self-actuating sealing portions for paravalvular leak protection
A prosthetic heart valve for replacing a native valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end and a distal end, and a valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets, the valve assembly being disposed within the stent. The heart valve further includes a plurality of elongated legs each with a first end coupled to the stent and a free end, the elongated legs being configured to transition from an extended configuration to a relaxed configuration. A sealing portion connected to the plurality of legs forms a sealing structure when the legs transition to the relaxed configuration to reduce perivalvular leakage between the implanted valve and surrounding tissue.
US09398945B2 Vascular implant retrieval assembly and method
A retrieval assembly for retrieving an implanted device includes an outer catheter; an interior tube arrangement with a first tube extending through the catheter lumen and having a first distal end, and with a second tube having extending through the catheter lumen outside the first tube. The second tube has a distal portion extending distally past the first distal end with a bend toward the first tube axis and with a second distal end. An entangling element is configured to be advanced through the second tube past the second distal end and to be at least partially retracted into the second tube. A withdrawal tool configured for engaging the implanted device and for at least partially retracting the implanted device into the first tube. The entangling element may have a distal flexible coil, and the withdrawing tool may have a distal pickup hook.
US09398944B2 Lock bar spring and clip for implant deployment device
A system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue includes an implant deployment device with a frame arm and a clip operably disposed on the frame arm. A mesh attachment apparatus has a clip press with a body portion including a recess and at least one chamfered press operably disposed in the recess. The chamfered press is configured to move between an extended position protruding at least partially from said recess and a retracted position. The mesh attachment apparatus is configured to move the clip from an open position to a closed position to facilitate loading an implant onto the implant deployment device.
US09398942B2 Surgical implant
An implant is provided for maintaining the position of pelvic organs, such as components of the urinary tract. The implant contacts the anterior surface of the urethra and is anchored to the pelvic fascia and the periurethral fascia. A method of anchoring the pelvic organs is also provided, involving inserting the implant via an anterior approach, avoiding complications and side effects that result when implants are inserted through the wall of the vagina.
US09398939B2 Dynamic dental crown
An artificial tooth system, including a denture-engaging body portion, a first recess formed in the denture-engaging body portion, and a pivot base positioned within the first recess and operationally connected to the denture-engaging body portion. A generally spherical ball connector extends from the pivot base. A pivot platform is pivotably connected to the generally spherical ball portion and a resilient ring is positioned around the generally spherical ball connector and situated between the pivot base and the pivot platform. A membrane is sealingly connected around the pivot base and the pivot platform. The tooth also includes a crown portion with a second recess formed in the crown portion, wherein the pivot platform is positioned within the second recess.
US09398937B2 Operating room environment
A method serves to facilitate communication between members of an operating team in an operating room. Among others the method supports operation of different devices and expression of different command by gazing at a proper area on the monitor.
US09398929B2 Pin impactor
A multi-pin pin impactor and method of use are described. The pin impactor includes a body which can be held by a user and manipulated to re-position the pin impactor during use. First and second pin holders are attached to the body and each include a pin release mechanism effective to releasably retain a pin within the pin holder. An impaction can have a force applied to apply a driving force to a one of the pins. In use, a first pin held by the pin impactor is introduced into an aperture in a surgical instrument mounted on a bone. A force is applied to the pin impactor to drive the first pin into the bone. The orientation or position of the pin impactor is changed to introduce a second pin held by the pin impactor into a second aperture in the surgical instrument without re-loading the pin impactor and a force is applied to the pin impactor to drive the second pin into the bone.
US09398926B2 Interspinous stabilization device
An interspinous stabilization device includes: (1) a supporting member with a top surface and a bottom surface both being configured to engage spinous processes; (2) two side members connected to the supporting member; (3) a fastener attached to the side members; and optionally (4) two extendable arms each secured on one of the side members.
US09398919B2 Customized patient-specific revision surgical instruments and method
A surgical instrument including a customized patient-specific guide block is disclosed. The customized patient-specific guide block includes a first surface, a bone-facing surface, a second surface positioned opposite the first surface and the bone-facing surface, and a guide pin hole extending between the second surface and the bone-facing surface. The first surface has a customized prosthesis-specific negative contour shaped to match a corresponding contour of a prosthetic component, and the customized prosthesis-specific negative contour includes a concave surface shaped to match a convex surface of the corresponding contour of the prosthetic component. A method of performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure is also disclosed.
US09398917B2 Endoscopic surgical clip applier
An apparatus for application of surgical clips is provided and includes a lockout system selectively engageble with a pusher bar to prevent the pusher bar from returning to a home position and to prevent a trigger from completing a full stroke when a plurality of clips are substantially exhausted. The apparatus may include a trip mechanism including a trip lever biased into contact with the pusher bar, wherein distal movement of the drive bar moves the trip mechanism until the trip lever engages a lip of the pusher bar and in turn distally moves the pusher bar. The apparatus may include a wedge plate including a distal end placeable between spaced-apart jaw members, wherein the wedge plate is moved proximally to withdraw the distal end thereof from between the jaw members when a drive channel is moved in a distal direction.
US09398915B2 Loading a tissue closure device onto a delivery device
A compression tool is configured to compress one or more components of a delivery device, such as a closure element and one or more flanges of a pusher tube. The compression tool includes clamping means configured to close or release with rotation of actuating means (e.g., rotating means). In a closed position, the clamping means can sufficiently compress the one or more components of the delivery device so that a technician can easily position a garage tube about the compressed delivery device components. The assembled delivery device (or assembled garage tube) can then be removed from the compression tool upon reverse rotation of the actuating means, and subsequent opening of the clamping means.
US09398908B2 Integrated fan drive system for cooling tower
A drive system for driving a fan in a wet cooling tower, wherein the fan has a fan hub and fan blades attached to the fan hub. The drive system has a high-torque, low speed permanent magnet motor having a motor casing, a stator and a rotatable shaft, wherein the rotatable shaft is configured for connection to the fan hub. The drive system includes a variable frequency drive device to generate electrical signals that effect rotation of the rotatable shaft of the motor in order to rotate the fan.
US09398907B2 Suturing device
A suturing device for suturing a portion of biological tissue includes a needle attached to a suture, a needle holder that releasably holds the needle, and a needle driver adapted to be advanced and retracted substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the suturing device. A distal needle holder adapted to releasably hold the needle is positioned in a distal position relative to the portion of biological tissue and a distal end of the needle driver is positioned in a proximal position relative to the portion of biological tissue. The needle is positioned in either the proximal position or the distal position. The needle driver is moved longitudinally in a first direction along a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the needle and suture pass through the portion of biological tissue, thereby forming a suture incision through which the suture passes. By repeating the above-described processes, a series of stitches is thereby formed.
US09398900B2 Device and method for treating varicose veins
A surgical instrument for treatment of superficial varicose veins in a body is provided. The surgical instrument includes at least one vein-engaging element disposed within or on a housing being adapted for insertion into a tissue. The at least one vein-engaging element is operable to a vein-engaging state whereby it protrudes from the housing at a length thereof.
US09398897B2 Ultrasonic sensor, measuring device, and measurement system
An ultrasonic sensor includes a substrate, three or more ultrasonic arrays and a control unit. The three or more ultrasonic arrays are disposed on a surface of the substrate. The control unit is configured to control ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic arrays. Each of the three or more ultrasonic arrays includes a linear array structure has a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged in a corresponding one of three or more straight lines, with the three or more straight lines collectively enclosing a closed area on a plane that contains the surface of the substrate. The control unit is configured to control the ultrasonic waves transmitted from each of the three or more ultrasonic arrays so that the ultrasonic waves are transmitted within a scanning plane that contains the corresponding one of the three or more straight line and that is perpendicular to the surface of the substrate.
US09398894B2 Removable cassette for articular injection system
Systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, an intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end of the handpiece assembly, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medications, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location.
US09398893B2 System and method for diagnostic vector classification support
The diagnostic vector classification support system and method disclosed herein may both reduce the time and effort required to train radiologists to interpret medical images, and provide a decision support system for trained radiologists who, regardless of training, have the potential to miss relevant findings. In an embodiment, a morphological image is used to identify a zone of interest in a co-registered functional image. An operator's grading of a feature at least partially contained within the zone of interest is compared to one or more computer-generated grades for the feature. Where the operator and computer-generated grades differ, diagnostic support can be provided such as displaying additional images, revising the zone of interest, annotating one or more displayed images, displaying a computer-generated feature grade, among other possibilities disclosed herein.
US09398892B2 Device and method for a trackable ultrasound
The invention provides a method for adjusting the calibration of a tracked ultrasound device using the measured difference between two sets of fiducial markings in two relative positions of a tracker and an scan head of the device. The invention also provides a trackable ultrasound device that enables repeatable attachment of a tracker to a scan head, thus preserving an initial calibration between the tracker and the scan head. Furthermore, the invention provides a calibration jig that can be used to repeatably attach a tracker to an ultrasound scan head or to measure the difference between two relative positions of a tracker and a scan head.
US09398891B2 Multiple communication interface medical examination apparatus, system, and/or method
An embodiment of an auscultation device can be constructed using, at least in part, electronic components to provide improved acquisition, processing, and communication of sound signals. An input device can be used for detecting sounds, and electrical signals representing the sounds can be processed and transmitted via one or more of a plurality of substantially contemporaneously available wired and/or wireless communications interfaces. Bluetooth and/or another form of wireless communication can be employed. Such embodiments can employ, at least in part, one or more of several commercially available wired and/or wireless receiver devices, such as, without limitation, headsets and headphones, mobile phones, PDAs and/or other handheld devices, desktop, laptop, palmtop, and/or tablet computers, speakers and/or other conventional and/or specifically configured computer devices and/or electronic devices.
US09398890B2 Geometry calibration algorithm for large flat module detector CT scanner
A method for geometric calibration of a CT scanner, including, for each row of at least one row of detector cells, establishing a complete geometric description of the CT scanner, including at least one unknown geometric parameter, establishing a description of a forward projection function using the complete geometric description, acquiring actual projection coordinates of a calibration phantom placed in a scanning field of view (SFOV) on a current row of detector cells and corresponding to a plurality of angles, acquiring calculated projection coordinates of the calibration phantom on the current row of detector cells and corresponding to the plurality of angles using the description of the forward projection function, and acquiring a calibrated value for the at least one unknown geometric parameter by evaluating the at least one unknown geometric parameter based on the acquired actual projection coordinates and calculated projection coordinates via a nonlinear least square fitting algorithm.
US09398886B2 Systems and methods for imaging large field-of-view objects
An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a detector located a distance from a source and positioned to receive a beam of radiation in a trajectory; a detector positioner that translates the detector to an alternate position in a direction that is substantially normal to the trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the alternate position.
US09398885B2 Mobile x-ray diagnostic apparatus and method for controlling mobile x-ray diagnostic apparatus
The problem addressed by the invention is to always keep an imaging angle of an X-ray detector to an object constant before and after an imaging unit is moved. In order to solve the problem, a mobile X-ray diagnostic apparatus related to the present invention detects a rotation amount of a main body in a horizontal surface due to movement on a floor surface and controls rotation drive of the X-ray detector based on a detection result.
US09398883B2 System and method for reconstructing cardiac activation information
An example method of representing cardiac information associated with a heart rhythm disorder includes accessing a plurality of neighboring cardiac signals obtained from a patient. The method also includes eliminating far-field activations from the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals using one or more divergence criteria that define local activations in the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals, the divergence criteria being associated with divergence among the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals. The method further includes constructing a clinical representation of local activations in the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals.
US09398881B2 Micro-analyzer with passive aggregator
A micro-analyzer is described. This micro-analyzer includes an outer surface region on a sampler surface that receives liquid droplets, and aggregates and moves the droplets radially toward an inner surface region on the sampler surface that receives the droplets. For example, the outer surface region may include a set of micro-patterned concentric rings, each of which includes a set of radially oriented wall-groove pairs. Moreover, the sampler surface may be increasingly less hydrophobic along a radial direction toward the center of the sampler surface, thereby creating an axisymmetric wettability gradient. After the droplets are aggregated, an analysis mechanism in an area within the inner surface region performs analysis on the aggregated droplets.
US09398880B2 Plurality of lamination for soft tissue compression support, protection and bracing; intelligent textile for equine and equestrian sports or activities
A Wearable Orthopedic/Orthotic Device for diagnostics and therapy of an equine limb comprises a soft tissue compression material and a sheet of stretchable laminate material for soft tissue compression and bracing. The device includes a stretchable, porous and breathable polyurethane membrane to allow a certain degree of perspiration and heat to escape while retaining a therapeutic amount of heat. The device includes an intelligent textile layer, including fibertronics, organic electronics, other forms of e-textiles and sensors for monitoring parameters associated with tendon and ligament injuries in sub clinical time periods. The device may include an acoustic sensor for detecting the speed and frequency of sound traveling through underlying tissue onto which an acoustic signal is emitted. In a diagnostic monitoring method, parameters associated with the health tissue of the equine limb and body is wirelessly transmitted by the device to an external receiver for analysis.
US09398879B2 SEM scanner sensing apparatus, system and methodology for early detection of ulcers
A handheld, conforming capacitive sensing apparatus configured to measure Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor the formation of pressure ulcers. The device incorporates an array of electrodes which are excited to measure and scan SEM in a programmable and multiplexed manner by a battery-less RF-powered chip. The scanning operation is initiated by an interrogator which excites a coil embedded in the apparatus and provides the needed energy burst to support the scanning/reading operation. Each electrode measures the equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance corresponding and representing the moisture content.
US09398877B2 Method and device for optical imaging of a turbid medium
Disclosed is a method and a device for optical imaging of a turbid medium. This method comprises a reference measurement of reference intensities of light emanating from the turbid medium at a reference blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) in the turbid medium and a reference imaging step for reconstructing a reference image of the turbid medium from the measured reference intensities. Furthermore the method comprises a contrast measurement of the contrast intensity of the light emanating from the turbid medium at a contrast blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) level in the turbid medium and a contrast imaging step for reconstructing a contrast image of the turbid medium from the measured contrast intensities. A comparison is made between the contrast image to the reference image of the turbid medium.
US09398872B2 Method and apparatus for providing analyte sensor calibration
Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in verifying the stability of sensor sensitivity of an analyte sensor.
US09398870B2 Wireless, handheld, tissue oximetry device
A system includes an enclosure having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The enclosure includes a display coupled to the processor where the display is visible from an exterior of the enclosure; and a battery within the enclosure coupled to the processor and the display. The enclosure includes a probe tip coupled to an exterior of the enclosure. The probe tip includes first, second, and third sensor openings. A first distance between the first and second sensor openings is different than a second distance between the first and third sensor openings. The enclosure includes code stored in the memory where the code is executable by the processor, and includes code to receive first data associated with the first and second sensor openings, code to receive second data associated with the first and second sensor openings, and code to perform SRS using the first and the second data.
US09398867B2 Efficient activity classification from motion inputs
A device worn by a human performing a method using accelerometer data to classify human activities is disclosed. The method uses memory and computation efficiently. A stream of samples is divided into a sequence of sampling periods; each sample has an acceleration value for each axis (e.g., a 3-D accelerometer). Standard deviation of the values for each axis during each sampling period are calculated. A running sum of each axis' values can be maintained sample-by-sample. Each value is sorted into a bin of a histogram, by quantifying a deviance from a respective mean in standard deviations. A standard deviation produced from samples of a previous period can be used. The histogram is compared with histograms associated with particular activities and a classification output can be produced. Classification outputs from multiple sampling periods can be used for voting. A threshold amount of activity can be required to begin activity classification.
US09398864B2 Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
Example headsets and methods for gathering electroencephalographic signals are disclosed herein. An example headset disclosed herein includes a cap to be worn on a head of a person and a first electrode carried by the cap. The first electrode holder defines a first opening therethrough. The example headset includes a first electrode that insertable into the first opening. The first electrode has a first length and is adjustable in the first opening to a first plurality of discrete positions having different depths of insertion relative to the first opening. The first electrode is to engage the head of the person when inserted a sufficient depth into the first opening. The example headset also includes a second electrode that is interchangeable with the first electrode and insertable into the first opening. The second electrode has a second length, greater than the first length, and is adjustable in the first opening to a second plurality of discrete positions having different depths of insertion relative to the first opening. The second electrode is to engage the head of the person when inserted a sufficient depth into the first opening.
US09398860B2 System and method to define a rotational source associated with a biological rhythm disorder
An example system and method of determining a likely core of a rotational source associated with a heart rhythm disorder are disclosed. A plurality of relative diffusion shapes associated with wave fronts is calculated at a plurality of time points associated with the rotational source. The wave fronts associated with heart signals. A plurality of intersecting points of a smallest relative diffusion shape and other relative diffusion shapes is determined. A bounded polygon of the intersecting points is defined as the likely core.
US09398859B2 Wearable medical treatment device with motion/position detection
A wearable defibrillator consists of a vest (or belt) which is worn by the patient. The device monitors the patient's ECG with sensing electrodes and can monitor other patient conditions and in appropriate cases can treat certain conditions. An accelerometer(s) in the wearable defibrillator can allow for the device to determine the position, movements, forces applied to the patient, and/or the device. The device can use a least one patient motion detector generating a signal indicative of patient activity. Analysis of the signal can be indicative of patient activity appropriate for treatment or indication of device condition.
US09398856B2 Thermal imaging system
Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.
US09398851B2 Retinal imaging device
A retinal imaging device and illumination module. The illumination module includes a light source to provide an incident beam along an illumination axis, a condenser lens at a spaced apart distance from the light source for condensing the incident beam and emanating a condensed incident beam, a transparent plate at a spaced apart distance from the condenser lens, wherein the transparent plate comprises a light absorber, at least one projections lens system to focus the condensed incident beam, a shield at a spaced apart distance from the projection lens system to yield a first partially blocked beam to form a comea illumination doughnut, and a perforated mirror comprising a hollow cylinder. A portion of the hollow cylinder protrudes out from a reflecting face of the mirror, forming an elliptical stopper to yield a second partially blocked beam to form a pupil illumination doughnut, enabling reflex-free imaging of the retina.
US09398850B2 Ophthalmic apparatus, method for controlling ophthalmic apparatus, and storage medium
An ophthalmic apparatus comprising: an illumination optical system including a light source and configured to illuminate an eye to be examined; an imaging optical system including an image sensor and configured to image the eye illuminated by the illumination optical system; an optical member insertion/removal unit configured to insert/remove an optical member in/from at least one of optical paths in the illumination optical system and the imaging optical system; and a notification unit configured to notify an insertion/removal state of the optical member with respect to the optical path based on a signal output from the image sensor in synchronism with insertion/removal of the optical member in/from the optical path.
US09398848B2 Eye gaze tracking
A method of performing eye gaze tracking of at least one eye of a user, by determining the position of the center of the eye, said method comprising the steps of: detecting the position of at least three reflections on said eye, transforming said positions to spanning a normalized coordinate system spanning a frame of reference, detecting the position of said center of the eye relative to the position of said reflections and transforming this position to said normalized coordinate system, tracking the eye gaze by tracking the movement of said eye in said normalized coordinate system. Thereby calibration of a camera, such as knowledge of the exact position and zoom level of the camera, is avoided. Further, it is not necessary to know the position of light sources. This results in a much more flexible and user friendly system.
US09398842B2 Endoscope valve for controlling fluid
According to the present invention, an endoscope valve is provided that comprises a cylinder, a cylinder liner, a piston, and a sleeve. The cylinder has a groove on a lateral surface of the cylinder. The cylinder liner has a cylindrical shape and is inserted into an inner circumference of the cylinder. The piston is inserted into an inner circumference of the cylinder liner. The sleeve has a sleeve rib, a sleeve skirt, and a pin. The sleeve rib covers at least part of an open end of the cylinder. The sleeve skirt covers at least part of a circumferential surface of the open end. The pin projects from the sleeve skirt towards the circumferential surface to engage with the groove. The cylinder liner has a rib that projects radially outward from a circumference of the cylinder liner. The sleeve rib holds the rib on the open end in the case that the pin engages with the groove.
US09398841B2 Steerable probes
A steerable probe comprises a body and drive means arranged to drive the probe through a sample. The body comprises at least three body sections extending parallel to each other along the probe and each movable relative to the others along the probe. The drive means is arranged to move each of the body sections in turn relative to the others thereby to drive the probe through the sample.
US09398840B2 Endoscope with variable direction of view
An endoscope with a variable direction of view is provided, which includes an endoscope shaft and imaging optics arranged inside the endoscope shaft. These image an object located before the distal end of the endoscope and produce an image of the object in the proximal area of the endoscope in which a field stop is arranged. The produced image is larger than the field stop. In the proximal area of the endoscope an image module is arranged with which the relative position between the produced image and the field stop can be changed for changing the section of the produced image visible after the field stop in order to change the direction of view of the endoscope.
US09398839B2 Protective sleeve for an endoscope having an endoscope tube
A protective sleeve for an endoscope having an endoscope tube is provided. The protective sleeve of certain embodiments can include a tubular main body for holding a distal section of the endoscope tube. The main body has an open proximal end and a cover glass at the distal end. The cover glass has a spherically curved, concave inside, a spherically curved, convex outside and a constant thickness.
US09398836B2 Surface cleaning apparatus
A surface cleaning apparatus, such as a steam mop or fluid delivery mop, comprises an upright housing and a foot coupled to the upright housing. The cleaning apparatus comprises an illumination element for illuminating a fluid supply tank and the contents therein. A cleaning pad can be mounted to a lower surface of the foot and positioned to contact the surface to be cleaned. A movable agitator provided on the foot is configured for movement between a first use position in contact with the surface to be cleaned and a second non-use position out of contact with the surface to be cleaned.
US09398829B2 Integrated heater for a beverage preparation device
An in-line heater for a liquid food or beverage preparation machine, in which machine liquid is circulated through the heater and then guided into a brewing chamber for brewing a food or beverage ingredient supplied into said brewing chamber. The heater has a body incorporating an inlet, an outlet and a heating chamber extending therebetween, with the inlet, outlet and heating chamber forming together a rigid passage for guiding the liquid circulating through the body, and one or more electric components that are secured on or in the body and connected to a printed circuit board arranged to control the heater. The one or more electric components are rigidly connected to the printed circuit board.
US09398826B2 Infusion unit for drinks with hydraulic closing system
The infusion unit (3) comprises a moving element (9) with a seat (15) for ingredients for making said beverages, forming an infusion chamber (15) and shifting from a position for charging the ingredients to an infusion position, wherein the seat is between a hot water dispensing device (41) and a beverage outlet nozzle (35) opposite one another. The hot water dispensing device (41) comprises a cylinder-piston actuator (43, 47) fed by a first conduit (48) of water under pressure that controls a closing movement of the dispensing device (41) towards the seat (15) in infusion position. Moreover, the piston (47) of the actuator is associated to a conduit (57) of hot water under pressure. The piston exhibits a feeding chamber (55) of the hot water under pressure with an outlet port on a closing surface (53A) of the infusion chamber.
US09398825B2 Bottle cross frame and method for making a bottle cross
A bottle cross frame and method for making a bottle cross. The bottle cross frame provides a metal framework structured to receive four bottles, typically of wine bottle shape and size, and to retain the bottles in a cross shape. The frame includes a top post for receiving a single upside down bottle, as well as two side arms to each receive a single bottle to form the lateral arms of the cross. A base of the cross is formed by positioning a bottle upright between a base pin and a bottom bracket positioned along a stand component. The frame includes a stake stand component and an alternate bracket component.
US09398821B1 Magnetic serving system, method, and device
Liquid serving and receiving containers are shown and described. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a serving container having a magnetic field and a receiving container having an opposing magnetic field. In another embodiment, a method includes configuring serving and receiving containers to repel one another when aligned in an adjacent pouring position. The result is devices, assemblies, and methods for preventing cross-contamination of liquid food service containers and the like.
US09398820B2 Manikin stretch joint
Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg closer to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.
US09398814B2 Person support systems
A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.
US09398812B2 Core for armrest
To provide a core for armrest, the core including a stopper pin for restricting rotation, and exhibiting higher resistance to loads. A core for armrest includes a framed body being made of resin, a stopper pin being made of metal, the stopper pin being subjected to insert molding in the framed body so as to protrude a leading-end side thereof toward an outer side of the framed body, and being hooked onto a stopper of a seat, thereby being restricted from rotating, and a rib being integrally molded onto the framed body inside the framed body, and being disposed so as to overlap with respect to a base-end face of the stopper pin in an axial direction of the stopper pin.
US09398809B2 Interactive mobile whiteboard panel system
The present invention provides a system and method for transmitting wallboard content from a wallboard content server to an interactive wallboard through a data interface hub, said interactive wallboard movable from a home position to an away position.
US09398808B2 Drawer glide mechanism
A drawer glide mechanism can include a first elongate guide member, a second elongate glide member, a ball bearing component, and a v-notch socket. The first elongate guide member includes a distal end that is configured to fit within an opening in the v-notch socket. The drawer glide mechanism can further include one or more floating members and fixed members.
US09398807B2 Hook for clothes hanger
A hook for clothes hanger has a first direction, a main body, a pressing unit and a resilient element. When in use, a hook segment of a clothes hanger is pushed to abut a slope of a blocking segment of the pressing unit, thereby moving the pressing unit along a direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, the hook segment of the clothes hanger can enter the hook. Afterwards, the resilient element pushes back the pressing unit along the first direction, such that the blocking segment is moved back to prevent the clothes hanger from falling off easily. To remove the clothes hanger, the pressing unit is directly pressed. As a result, the hook for clothes hanger does not need any specific operational effort for opening the hook, and only needs a simple press for closing the hook. Therefore, the operation is convenient and quick.
US09398805B2 Track roller food table slide
An anti-binding slide is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the slide includes a bar having a pin hole adjacent the distal end of the bar. A rolling assembly includes rollers connected by a pin along a roller axis, the pin being positionable in the pin hole. A casing accepts the distal end of the bar. The rollers are positionable within tracks of the casing. The rollers, and thus the distal end of the bar, are able to move within the casing between a compressed position and an extended position. The pin hole provides a clearance fit for the pin, such that small movements of the bar do not interfere with the orientation of the roller axis with respect to the casing.
US09398803B2 Oral care system, kit and method
An oral care dispenser and oral care system incorporating the system that includes a resilient applicator that optimizes application of the subject fluid to the desired oral surfaces. In one embodiment, the invention is a dispenser comprising a housing having an internal reservoir containing the fluid. The resilient applicator is coupled to the housing and comprises a dispensing orifice. The resilient applicator comprises a working surface that is oriented at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis of the housing and is defined by a polygonal perimeter edge, the polygonal perimeter edge comprising a plurality of apex portions and a plurality of side portions, wherein one of the plurality of side portions forms a distal most-portion of the resilient applicator.
US09398802B2 Method of forming a head plate and formation of oral care implement using the same
A method of forming a head plate for enhanced cleaning action during brushing. In one embodiment, the invention can be a method of forming a head plate comprising: a) forming a mounting plate comprising a first section and a second section, the first section separated from the second section by a gap, a groove formed into the second section that extends from the gap to a cleaning element location; b) positioning the mounting plate in a mold cavity; c) injecting a molten resilient material into the mold cavity so that the molten resilient material: (1) flows into the gap; (2) flows into the groove; and (3) flows into a cleaning element chamber; and d) solidifying the molten resilient material, the solidified resilient material in the gap coupling the first and second sections of the plate together, the solidified resilient material in the cleaning element chamber forming a first resilient tooth cleaning element.
US09398797B2 Nail gauge measuring nail shape and nail arc length
A nail gauge tool is provided for quickly and accurately measuring nail shape and nail size. The nail gauge offers several arch-shaped openings for matching to and measuring a natural nail. As the measurement result, the nail arch shape information and nail arc length information along the natural nail's width direction are obtained for manufacturing custom-fit artificial nails. The nail gauge tool is advantageously small and suitable for use inside a nail salon.
US09398792B2 Replaceable decoration unit for an accessory
A replaceable decoration unit for an accessory has an accommodating element, an outer cover and an outer decorating element. The decoration unit can be used in accessories such as earrings, watches, pendants, necklaces, waistlets, bracelets or key chains. When the outer cover is covered on the accommodating element, the outer decorating element is clamped and positioned between the outer cover and the accommodating element. The user can change the outer decorating element depending on usage demand. To change the outer decorating element, the user can open the outer cover and then remove the outer decorating element for replacement, thereby varying the look and style of the accessory. Besides, the outer decorating element can be made of solid materials such as metal or plastic, or soft materials such as fabric or leather, or the combination of the solid materials and the soft materials.
US09398790B1 Personal recording necklace and pendant system
A discreet personal recording necklace and pendant system for recording an audio signal for playback is suspended around a neck of a user. The system features a hollow tube adapted for housing wiring, a cylindrical clasp located on the hollow tube adapted for housing a power supply, and a pendant located on the hollow tube. The pendant features a microprocessor located in a pendant cavity connected to the power supply via wiring through the hollow tube. A pendant first surface has a capacitive touch sensor and a microphone. A pendant second surface features a speaker. The microprocessor is operated via a voice activation component in the microprocessor. The audio signal is received via the microphone and emitted via the speaker. The discreet personal recording necklace and pendant system for recording the audio signal for playback is suspended around the neck of the user.
US09398787B2 Removable rounded midsole structures and chambers with computer processor-controlled variable pressure
This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the removable midsole section. The removable midsole section may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole. The shoe sole can, in another embodiment, include at least one compartment containing a fluid, a flow regulator, a pressure sensor to monitor the compartment pressure, and a control system such as a computer processor capable of automatically adjusting the pressure in the compartment(s) in response to the impact of the shoe sole with the ground surface.
US09398785B2 Shoe, especially sports shoe
The invention relates to a shoe (1), especially to a sports shoe, having a shoe upper (2) and a sole (3) which is connected with the shoe upper (2), wherein the sole (3) has a longitudinal axis (L) and has a forefoot region (4), a midfoot region (5) and a rearfoot region (6). To support the foot especially during running in a more natural way the invention is characterized in that at least one first hinge (7) is provided in the sole (3) being located between the forefoot region (4) and the midfoot region (5), which first hinge (7) allows a bending of the forefoot region (4) relatively to the midfoot region (5) around a first horizontal axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L), and that at least one second hinge (8) is provided in the sole (3) being located in the midfoot region (5), which second hinge (8) allows a bending of two adjacent parts (5a, 5b) of the midfoot region (5) around a second horizontal axis (T2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein at least one elastic tensioning element (9) is arranged at or in the sole (3), which biases the forefoot region (4) to pivot around the first horizontal axis (T1) upwards relatively to the midfoot region (5) when the shoe is standing on the ground (10) and which biases the two parts (5a, 5b) of the midfoot region (5) to pivot around the second horizontal axis (T2) to form an arch when the shoe is standing on the ground (10).
US09398783B2 Helmet with shell having raised central channel and ear holes with abutting slopped banks
A football helmet has a shell with a top portion having a raised central channel at least at one of a front area and a top area of the top portion of the shell, with a plurality of elongated vent openings on each side of the channel, the vent openings being spaced from each other on each side of the channel, from front to back, along the helmet shell, the sides of the helmet having earholes and sloped banks abutting the earholes in a wedge configuration.
US09398780B1 Shower cap
A shower cap including a piece of fabric formed into a generally hemispherical shape having a peripheral edge and defining a cavity shaped to receive a portion of the user's head therein. The piece of fabric may be formed from two separate pieces of fabric that are secured together. An elastic member is positioned adjacent only part of the peripheral edge of the piece of fabric and a remaining section of the peripheral edge is free of the elastic member. The piece of fabric is shaped to include an annular band that has a wider section positionable adjacent the user's forehead. The elastic member does not extend into this wider section and consequently this section is able to lay flat against the user's forehead. The exterior of the cap is fabricated from waterproof or water-resistant material and a soft, water-absorbent layer may line at least the band of the cap.
US09398778B2 Water-resistant waders incorporating a waist lock system
Water-resistant waders may incorporate a waist lock system to reduce the likelihood of water entering the waders below the wearer's waist area while the waders are being worn during water-based activities, such as fishing or hunting. The waders may include a waist lock system formed of a ring of water-resistant material that may be firmly positioned around the waist area of the wearer such that it may create a flap and seal structure. If water reaches the top portion of the waist lock system, the waist lock system generally may prevent or at least minimize the water that may penetrate the waist lock system and enter the waders, particularly below the wearer's waist area, such as the wearer's feet and legs.
US09398776B2 Nutritional supplements for 50+ individuals for improving vitality, immunity, eye and bone health
A nutritional supplement for adults fifty years and older, and methods of use thereof, are provided that are designed to be most effective in optimizing health, improving vitality and immunity, and improving, aiding, eye and bone health.
US09398775B2 Dietary measurement system and method of correlating dietary contents information to a defined volume
A dietary measurement system and a method of correlating dietary information to a defined volume of a measuring device are provided to reduce the effort and time necessary to keep track of the nutritional intake. The dietary measurement system comprises at least a measuring device adapted to accommodate food having multiple measurement indicators representing defined volumes, a nutrition database comprising dietary contents information for food and a mapping device. The mapping device comprises an input interface for receiving food selection information and a mapping processor, connected with said input interface and said nutrition database, said mapping processor being adapted to generate dietary correlation data from said dietary contents information, said dietary correlation data providing a reference between one of said measurement indicators of said measuring device and a given dietary contents level for food according to said food selection information.
US09398771B2 Spray apparatuses, uses of diatomaceous earth, and methods of controlling insect populations
There is disclosed a spray apparatus for holding contents comprising diatomaceous earth and a compressed propellant for propelling the diatomaceous earth. There is also disclosed use of diatomaceous earth to control a population of bedbugs, wherein the diatomaceous earth comprises remains of pennate diatoms. There is also disclosed a method of controlling a population of insects, the method comprising causing a compressed propellant to propel diatomaceous earth on a surface. Method of manufacturing a spray apparatus and methods of preparing diatomaceous earth for use in controlling a population of insects are also disclosed.
US09398767B2 Fungicide pyrazole carboxamides derivatives
The present invention relates to pyrazole carboxamides derivatives of formula (1) wherein Y represents CR5 or N, T represents S or O, X1 and X2 represent a chlorine or a fluorine atom, and Z1 represents a substituted or non-substituted cyclopropyl; Their process of preparation, their use as fungicide, and/or anti-mycotoxin active agents, and/or insecticide, and/or nematicide, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions, and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, notably of plants, using these compounds or compositions.
US09398763B2 Two-speed fishing reel
The present invention relates to a two-speed fishing reel which allows the choice of a higher or lower speed when reeling in or pulling out the fishing line, while keeping constant the rotation speed of the handle driving the reel operation.That is possible because the fishing reel features two kinematic chains, which, by means of a knob, allow choosing one or the other, and due to the diameter and number of cogs of each one of the gears of these kinematic chains, the rotation speed of the rotor increases or decreases, at the same rotation speed of the handle.
US09398760B2 Fish farming plant, module, method and use
A fish farming plant is adapted for floating in free water. The plant comprises a substantially vertical inlet pipe and a corresponding outlet pipe for taking in and discharging water, respectively, at a water depth having the desired water quality at a depth (h). A substantially horizontal residential compartment of an accommodation assembly has an inlet end and an outlet end. Lattices are provided at the inlet end and the outlet end. Also provided at the ends are angled end sections for connecting the inlet pipe, outlet pipe, and the residential compartment. The plant also comprises at least one arrangement for providing water flow through the residential compartment. A module for a residential compartment of a fish farming plant, a method for manufacturing an accommodation assembly, use of such a fish farming plant for smolt, as well as a method for emptying such a fish farming plant are also provided.
US09398753B2 Lettuce cultivar cielo verde
A lettuce cultivar, designated Cielo Verde, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds, plants and plant parts of lettuce cultivar Cielo Verde and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar Cielo Verde with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Cielo Verde, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Cielo Verde and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar Cielo Verde with another lettuce cultivar.
US09398740B2 Leaf corral for a lawnmower
A leaf corralling apparatus including a deflector plate is provided for a lawnmower to prevent an amount of leaves or other debris from being diverted around a deck of the lawnmower. The deflector plate defines a tip that is positioned at a distance from a centerline of the deck approximately equal to or greater than a distance from the centerline of an outermost point of a cutting area defined by one or more blades positioned within the deck of the lawnmower. The deflector plate additionally defines a slanted portion that extends inwardly towards the centerline and rearwardly towards a rear end of the deck.
US09402336B2 Cooling structure for inverter device
A cooling structure for an inverter (31) controls a motor (6) to drive an automobile. This inverter device (22) includes a power circuit section (28) having an inverter (31) to convert a DC power of a battery (19) to an AC power for the motor (6), and a casing (39) enclosing the power circuit section (28). A fin (41) is provided in an outer surface of the casing (39), a coolant path (42) for the flow of a cooling medium is provided within the casing (39) or in the outer surface thereof, and a pump (43) circulating the cooling medium in the coolant path (42) is disposed on or in the casing (39). With this structure, the flow resistance for cooling the inverter (31) is reduced to allow the pump (43) to be downsized and a proper cooling can be accomplished to the amount of heat by the inverter (31).
US09402323B2 Positionable keyboard bezel
A system can include a keyboard housing that includes a keyboard and a positionable keyboard bezel, a display housing that includes a display, a hinge that pivotably connects the keyboard housing and the display housing for orienting the display housing with respect to the keyboard housing, and a positioning mechanism that positions the keyboard bezel in a first state with respect to the keyboard for a first orientation of the display housing with respect to the keyboard housing and that positions the keyboard bezel in a second state with respect to the keyboard for a second orientation of the display housing with respect to the keyboard housing. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
US09402321B2 Soldering method using a low-temperature solder paste
Even if the strength of a solder composition close to a SnBi eutectic composition was improved, it was brittle, so when it was used for small electronic devices such as mobile phones or notebook computers, the resistance to drop impacts when the small electronic equipment was dropped was low. Therefore, interface peeling often took place between the soldered surface and a printed circuit board, resulting in the devices being destroyed. As disclosed, when soldering using a solder paste containing a SnBi-based low-temperature solder, at least one type of solder composition selected from a Sn—Ag, a Sn—Cu, and a Sn—Ag—Cu solder composition is diffused into the solder paste by simultaneously supplying at least one type of preform selected from a Sn—Ag, a Sn—Cu, and a Sn—Ag—Cu solder composition, whereby resistance to drop impacts is improved.
US09402320B2 Electronic component assembly
According to embodiments of the invention, an electronic component assembly may be provided. The electronic component assembly may include an electronic component body. The electronic component assembly may also include a non-conductive force transfer plate affixed to the electronic component body to receive an assembly force. The electronic component assembly may also include a plurality of electrical connectors passing through the non-conductive force transfer plate, wherein first ends of the electrical connectors are located within the electronic component body and second ends are located outside the electronic component body, and the electrical connectors have a force transfer structure adapted to engage the non-conductive force transfer plate and transfer at least a portion of the assembly force from the force transfer plate to the electrical connectors.
US09402314B2 Semiconductor module
A semiconductor module includes a circuit substrate, a first semiconductor device substrate that is mounted on the circuit substrate and that processes an input signal of a first frequency band, a second semiconductor device substrate that is mounted on the circuit substrate and that processes an input signal of a second frequency band, and a control device substrate that is arranged between the first and second semiconductor device substrates and that controls the first and second semiconductor device substrates.
US09402312B2 Circuit assemblies with multiple interposer substrates, and methods of fabrication
A combined interposer (120) includes multiple constituent interposers (120.i), each with its own substrate (120.iS) and with a circuit layer (e.g. redistribution layer) on top and/or bottom of the substrate. The top circuit layers can be part of a common circuit layer (120R.T) which can interconnect different interposers. Likewise, the bottom circuit layers can be part of a common circuit layer (120R.B). The constituent interposer substrates (120.iS) are initially part of a common wafer, and the common top circuit layer is fabricated before separation of the constituent interposer substrates from the wafer. Use of separated substrates reduces stress compared to use of a single large substrate. Other features are also provided.
US09402309B2 Printed wiring board and method of producing the same
The printed wiring board includes: an insulating board including a conductive metal layer formed on both surfaces of an insulating resin; and a conductor layer formed on both surfaces of the insulating board, the conductor layer including a different circuit pattern depending on a region. The circuit patterns formed on both surfaces of the insulating board includes a pattern with line width accuracy of ±10 μm or less, and a conductor layer thickness in a region having a dense circuit pattern area and a conductor layer thickness in a region having a sparse circuit pattern area have a following relational expression: conductor layer thickness in a dense region/conductor layer thickness in a sparse region=0.7 to 1.0.
US09402306B2 Tile, assembly of tiles with a carrier, method of manufacturing an assembly
An assembly of a plurality of tiles (1) with a carrier (40). The tiles (1) comprise a foil (20) with an electro-physical transducer (10) and electrical connectors (24, 28) to said transducer. The tiles are mechanically and electrically coupled to the carrier in a connection portion (1c) of said tiles.
US09402304B2 Controlling apparatus for electric power steering apparatus
There is provided a printed circuit substrate and a noise suppression structure capable of minimizing constraint on a component layout on a substrate and suppressing noise. The printed circuit substrate includes conductive patterns of odd numbered layers and conductive patterns of even numbered layers which are alternately arranged in a vertical direction and hold an insulating layer between each layer. Portions excepting predetermined areas for connecting a first through-hole and predetermined areas for insulating from a second through-hole in the conductive patterns of the odd numbered layers have a same shape as portions excepting predetermined areas for connecting the second through-hole and predetermined areas for insulating the first through-hole in the conductive patterns of the even numbered layers, and the portions are laminated on one another at the same position in the vertical direction.
US09402300B2 Substrate for light-emitting diode
A substrate for a light-emitting diode comprising a metal base with a thickness of a predetermined value or more is constituted so that the thickness of a top conductor for an electrical connection with a light-emitting diode (LED) in a predetermined range falls within a predetermined range and the thickness of an insulation layer which electrically insulates the metal base and the top conductor and the thickness of the top conductor meet a predetermined relation. Thereby, a substrate for a light-emitting diode which can show a high heat dissipation capacity by achieving a low thermal resistance as the total thermal resistance of the whole substrate without reducing an insulation reliability and high-humidity reliability of the substrate is provided.
US09402297B2 Extreme ultraviolet light generation system
An apparatus used with a laser apparatus may include a chamber, a target supply for supplying a target material to a region inside the chamber, a laser beam focusing optical system for focusing a laser beam from the laser apparatus in the region, and an optical system for controlling a beam intensity distribution of the laser beam.
US09402294B2 Self-calibrating multi-directional security luminaire and associated methods
A luminaire may include a wall mount and a driver circuit housing connected to the wall mount. The luminaire may also include a camera housing connected to the driver circuit housing, a light source housing connected to the camera housing, and a light source array that includes a plurality of light sources carried by the light source housing. The luminaire may include a prism, a heat sink in thermal communication with the light source array, and a camera carried by the camera housing. The luminaire may also include a sensor and a driver circuit carried by the driver circuit housing. The camera and/or the sensor may be configured to detect the presence and vicinity of an object in the target area. The light sources may be configured to emit light to illuminate the vicinity of the object sensed in the target area.
US09402292B1 Providing, measuring and demonstrating highly effective uplighting
A method, system, or apparatus for evaluating and/or improving illumination of a wide area target area or space above the same. Illumination of the area or space is evaluated relative to conventional illumination levels and spectral features. At least a portion of illumination is adjusted in some aspect of spectral profile to improve contrast between a target in the space or aspects of the target area or space. The adjusted illumination can be uplight, downlight, or both. Optionally, an object is launched to a known height above a lighting location, and the luminance from the object is read by a calibrated sensor, enabling verification of adequate uplighting.
US09402290B2 Automatic color adjustment on LED video screen
A system and method for the automatic color/brightness adjustment of a video display screen, panel, module or other display component comprising light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The system and method incorporate a reference LED and a light sensor on each module and use decay information sensed from each reference LED to determine the amount of decay experienced by the display LEDs in the modules. Each module will be adjusted to have one uniform color/brightness level based on the decay information sensed from each reference LED.
US09402286B2 Circuits and methods for driving a light source
A circuit includes a bridge circuit, a converter, and a controller. The bridge circuit receives power from first and second power lines of a switch and generates a rectified voltage. The switch is capable of operating in a first state in which the switch conducts power to the first power line but not the second power line, a second state in which the switch conducts power to the second power line but not the first power line, and a third state in which the switch conducts power to both the first and second power lines. The converter converts the rectified voltage to an output voltage to drive a light source, and controls a current through the light source according to a driving signal. The controller monitors the operation state of the switch and generates the driving signal based on the operation state to control brightness/dimming of the light source.
US09402285B2 Indoor photovoltaic flasher
An indoor photovoltaic flasher has a photovoltaic panel to collect ambient indoor light and convert the light into energy; the energy from the photovoltaic panel is stored as voltage in a capacitor; current will flow from the capacitor through a MOSFET to the light emitting diodes display, with the MOSFET being an on/off switch for the light emitting diodes display; and a voltage divider and an integrated circuit will control the MOSFET and determine whether there is sufficient voltage in the capacitor to power the light emitting diodes in the display.
US09402283B2 Spring clip corner key assembly
Each corner key assembly of an insulating glass unit is constructed of an electrically non-conductive housing having a pair of arms disposed in perpendicular relation to each other to engage with respective ends of a spacer system and a central post extending in parallel to one of the arms with an electrically conductive spring clip mounted in the post to engage a bus bar. The spring has a reversely curved portion extending from the post of the housing to lie flat against the opposed glass panes of the IG unit. Each corner key may be used as either a right-hand or as a left-hand corner key by being flipped over on itself.
US09402280B2 Methods and apparatus for receiver only tune away in multi-SIM devices
Methods and apparatus for wireless communication are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus for wireless communication comprises a transmitter configured to transmit data at a first frequency on a first radio access technology. The apparatus comprises a receiver configured to receive data at the first frequency on the first radio access technology. The apparatus comprises a processor configured to tune the transmitter to the first frequency associated with the first radio access technology. The processor is configured to tune the receiver from the first frequency to a second frequency associated with a second radio access technology while the transmitter remains tuned to the first frequency associated with the first radio access technology. The processor is further configured erase data to be transmitted for the first radio access technology from at least one transmission channel slot when the first frequency and the second frequency satisfy a predetermined combination of frequencies.
US09402277B2 Proxy server for facilitating power conservation in wireless client terminals
A novel power conservation scheme is provided for conserving power in client terminals by using a proxy server. The client terminal, having a low-power communication interface and a high-power communication interface, may power down its high-power communication interface, to conserve power. Prior to shutting off its high-power communication interface, the client terminal may assign a host terminal to act as a proxy for the client terminal. The host terminal monitors the paging channels for the client terminal via a high-power communication interface. If the host terminal detects a paging message for the client terminal, it forwards at least a portion of the paging message to the client terminal via a low-power communication interface. Upon receipt of the paging message from the host terminal via its low-power communication interface, the client terminal may power up its high-power communication interface and directly respond to an access terminal that initiated the paging message.
US09402273B2 DRX wakeup rule in an eICIC environment
Methods, systems, and devices are described for a UE to determine a DRX wakeup rule in an eICIC environment. A UE may identify a measurement period associated with reduced interference from one or more cells in a wireless communications network. The cells may be a serving cell or a neighbor cell. The measurement period may be identified based on eICIC data available to the UE. The eICIC data may be sent to the UE by a serving cell and/or determined by the UE. The UE may power up a wireless modem to perform a warm-up measurement of the serving cell during the identified measurement period prior to transitioning the UE to a DRX on state.
US09402270B2 Secure device bootstrap identity
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with generating transient identifiers are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a memory device that stores a primary identifier that is unique to the apparatus. The primary identifier correlates with a displayed identifier of the apparatus that is used by a remote device to initiate communications with the apparatus. The apparatus includes identifier logic configured to generate a secondary identifier in response to receiving an association request that includes the displayed identifier when the apparatus is in a bootstrap mode. The bootstrap mode is a state of the apparatus when the apparatus is initializing and will accept a new association. The association request is a wireless communication that initiates establishing secure communications. The apparatus includes communication logic configured to establish secure wireless communications with the remote device by causing the remote device to identify the apparatus using the secondary identifier.
US09402267B2 Radio base station and communication control method
An LTE base station 1 determines whether or not a timing for setting a logical area arrives. When the timing for setting a logical area arrives, the LTE base station 1 acquires an uplink traffic volume and a downlink traffic volume in radio communication with a radio terminal 2. On the basis of the uplink traffic volume and the downlink traffic volume, the LTE base station 1 sets an uplink dedicated logical area, a downlink dedicated logical area and a shared logical area in a logical area for one PDCCH.
US09402266B2 Priority-based data transmission method in a peer-to-peer communication system
The present invention relates to a wireless access system, and more particularly, to methods for transceiving data in a peer-to-peer (P2P) communication system, and to apparatuses for supporting the methods. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for transmitting data from a first device, which is a peer device in a P2P communication system, comprises the steps of: receiving an acknowledgement signal broadcast from a second device; comparing the priority of a P2P communication link of the second device and the priority of a P2P communication link of the first device on the basis of a resource region in which the acknowledgement signal is broadcast; and determining, by the first device on the basis of the first priority, whether or not to transmit the data or make a concession to data transmission.
US09402265B1 Synchronized interference mitigation scheme for heterogeneous wireless networks
In a method of synchronizing time domain multiplexing interference mitigation schemes of at least a first, second, and third wireless communication link within a first, second, and third network, respectively, a first set of parameters defining a first set of time intervals is determined. The first set of time intervals is utilized to schedule transmissions of the first wireless communication link to reduce interference with transmissions of the second wireless communication link. A second set of parameters defining a second set of time intervals is determined. The second set of time intervals is utilized to schedule transmissions of the first wireless communication link to reduce interference with transmissions of the third wireless communication link. The second set of parameters is determined based at least in part on at least one of the first set of parameters.
US09402263B2 Radio resource control method and device
The disclosure discloses a radio resource control method and device, the radio resource control method includes that: a User Equipment (UE) detects the Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP) of each component carrier and determines whether or not a preset requirement for image interference due to power imbalance is met according to the result of the detection; and a preset image interference avoidance strategy is performed if the preset requirement for image interference due to power imbalance is met. The disclosure is capable of addressing the problem that the power imbalance between component carriers adjacent in frequency degrades communication performance.
US09402262B2 Wireless resource allocation of device-to-device communication
A method of allocating a wireless communication resource to a device-to-device (D2D) pair of wireless devices may include determining an access-point interference threshold of an access point of a wireless communication network. The method may further include determining a device-to-device (D2D) signal power of a D2D signal at the access point. The D2D signal may be associated with D2D communications between a D2D pair of wireless devices. The method may also include assigning a wireless communication resource to the D2D pair based on a comparison of the access-point interference threshold with an access-point interference value where the access-point interference value is based on the determined D2D signal power at the access point.
US09402261B2 Methods and apparatus for communicating uplink data signals simultaneously with device to device data signals
A wireless communications device, e.g., a mobile wireless terminal, is controlled by a base station to simultaneously: (i) transmit uplink data signals in an uplink spectrum to a base station and (ii) transmit device to device data signals in the uplink spectrum to another wireless communications device. In various embodiments, the uplink data signals are communicated in a first multi-antenna stream corresponding to a first multi-antenna configuration and the device to device data signals are communicated in a second multi-antenna stream corresponding to a second multi-antenna configuration. Control information communicated from the base station to the wireless communications device being controlled include, e.g., a selected first antenna configuration for uplink data signaling, a selected second antenna configuration for device to device data signaling, a selected first maximum transmission power level for uplink data signaling and a selected second maximum transmission power level for device to device data signaling.
US09402260B2 Method and device for improving cell throughput based on streaming media service
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a system for improving a cell throughput based on a streaming media service. The method includes: pre-adjusting, according to a channel quality sampling value of two clients in the same cell that are performing a streaming media service, an air interface resource allocated to the two clients; acquiring a variation of a cell throughput that exists after the air interface resources of the two clients are pre-adjusted; and if the variation of the cell throughput that exists after the air interface resources of the two clients are pre-adjusted is greater than a preset resource adjustment threshold, allocating the pre-adjusted air interface resources to the two clients, so that the two clients two capable of receiving streaming media content having an adjusted code rate value from a media server.
US09402256B2 Method and system having reference signal design for new carrier types
A method and network element for providing reference signals to a user equipment, the method determining a reference signal pattern at the network element; and sending the reference signals to the user equipment using a reference signal mapping based on the reference signal pattern. Further a method and user equipment for receiving reference signals from a network element, the method determining a reference signal mapping at the user equipment; and detecting the reference signals at the user equipment using the reference signal mapping.
US09402253B2 Method for signaling control information, and apparatus therefor
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to a method for a terminal to transmit and receive control information and/or a response signal in a carrier aggregation-based wireless communication system, and to an apparatus therefor, wherein the method includes the steps of: constituting a first cell group having a PCell; constituting a second cell group having at least one SCell; and carrying out a process for transmitting and receiving specific cell-related control information and/or a response signal. The control information and/or the response signal are transmitted and received on the first cell group or the second cell group in the event the first cell group and the second cell group are managed by the same base station. The control information and/or the response signal are transmitted and received on only the first cell group or the second cell group depending on the type of the control information in the event the first cell group and the second cell group are managed by different base stations.
US09402250B2 Methods and systems for transmission of multiple modulated signals over wireless networks
A method and apparatus for requesting and allocating bandwidth in a broadband wireless communication system. The method and apparatus includes a combination of techniques that allow a plurality of CPEs to communicate their bandwidth request messages to respective base stations. One technique includes a “polling” method whereby a base station polls CPEs individually or in groups and allocates bandwidth specifically for the purpose of allowing the CPEs to respond with bandwidth requests. The polling of the CPEs by the base station may be in response to a CPE setting a “poll-me bit” or, alternatively, it may be periodic. Another technique comprises “piggybacking” bandwidth requests on bandwidth already allocated to a CPE. Currently active CPEs request bandwidth using unused portions of uplink bandwidth that is already allocated to the CPE. The CPE is responsible for distributing the allocated uplink bandwidth in a manner that accommodates the services provided by the CPE.
US09402249B2 Methods and apparatus for operating timer(s) for stand-alone HS-DPCCH
In one of its aspects the technology disclosed herein concerns a wireless terminal (30) which is configured to communicate over a radio interface (32) with a radio access network. The wireless terminal (30) comprises a timer (52) and a timer controller (54). The timer (52) is configured to determine when to release an Enhanced Dedicated Channel (E-DCH) resource utilized on an uplink from the wireless terminal (30) to the network. The timer controller (54) is configured to initialize or adjust the timer with a timer value received from the network, the timer value being for a mode in which the network has commanded the wireless terminal to request a common E-DCH resource.
US09402248B2 Method for determining the location of control channels in the uplink of communication systems
Embodiments of the invention provide methods for user equipments to implicitly determine the location for the transmission of uplink control signaling information, that is in response to downlink data packet transmissions, using information that is already available through the downlink control signaling for the respective downlink scheduling assignments. No additional explicit downlink control signaling is required for the transmission of the above uplink control signaling from each user equipment.
US09402242B2 Association management in a wireless node network
Methods and systems for association management within a wireless node network of nodes and a server are described. A method may identify a first node as a potential for associating with a second node based, for example, upon status information about the nodes. An association request is transmitted by the second node to the server. The server may determine the locations of the nodes, determine if associating the nodes is desired based on the locations, and record new association data if association should occur. Upon receiving a permissive response from the server, which may include one or more authorization credentials, the first node and second node may be associated. Then with authorization credentials, the first and second nodes may securely connect and share data. And once associated, responsibility for a task previously done by the first node may be shifted to the second node after the nodes are associated.
US09402239B2 Method and apparatus of transmit power control in wireless local area network
A method and apparatus of controlling a transmit power in a wireless local area network is provided. A wireless device operated in a TV White Space transmits a white space map indicating a list of available channels, and transmits an extended power constraint indicating a plurality of transmission channels and a plurality of maximum transmit powers, wherein the plurality of transmission channels are selected among the list of available channels and each of the plurality of maximum transmit powers corresponds to a maximum transmit power for each of the plurality of transmission channels. Interference can be mitigated between wireless devices operated in the TV White Space.
US09402235B2 Non-cooperative power control for large-scale antenna systems
A base station servicing a cell of a cellular network provides power control of a cell independent of any other cell in the network. For downlink power control, the base station transmits information at its full power and applies a downlink power control factor to each downlink channel to equalize downlink throughputs of the mobile terminals in the cell. For uplink power control, the base station transmits instructions to have the uplink channel with the worst channel condition to transmit at its full power and the other uplink channels to transmit at that same full power. Each transmission is scaled by a corresponding uplink power control factor such that uplink throughputs for the mobile terminals in the cell are equalized. The base station applies an approximation of a rigorous capacity lower bound algorithm using propagation channel conditions and channel parameters to calculate the uplink and downlink power control factors.
US09402229B2 Behavior for wireless transmit/receive unit and MAC control elements for LTE DRX operations
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) stops discontinuous reception (DRX) timers that are running and that are related to uplink and/or downlink transmissions during a DRX time period. The WTRU stops the DRX timers in response to receiving a medium access control (MAC) control element signal from an eNode-B.
US09402226B2 Station, method, and apparatus for network detection in a wireless communications system
A station, method, and apparatus for network detection in a wireless communication system are provided. One implementation may include a station for identifying the presence of at least one access point to associate with. The station comprises a processor configured to generate a probe message, the probe message including a scrambling seed. The processor is further configured to transmit the probe message. The processor is further configured to receive a first probe response message from each access point, the first probe response message being encoded with the scrambling seed. The processor is further configured to receive the second probe response message from each of the access points, the second probe response message from each of the access points including at least an address of the access point. The processor is further configured to identify an access point to associate with based on the second probe response messages. The processor is further configured to generate an association request to transmit to the identified access point. The processor is further configured to transmit the association request to the identified access point.
US09402225B2 Detecting method and device for a terminal
The present invention provides a detecting method and device for a terminal and relates to the communications field, which can, when cell broadcast and paging messages cannot be acquired in time, read system information proactively within an appropriate time to acquire an enabled or disabled state of cell broadcast at that time, and, according to the current state, continue or stop receiving cell broadcast information messages, so as to decrease unnecessary decoding operations, reduce power consumption of the terminal, increase a cell broadcast message receiving rate, and save communication resources. This is implemented by defining a first time on a terminal and attempting to decode common traffic channel information in a cycle preset by a hysteresis timer, and further, attempting to receive system information according to different decoding results, and finally, according to a system state indicated in the system information, taking an action to continue or stop the reception.
US09402222B2 Communication system, relay device, communication terminal, and base station
Provided is a communication system including a plurality of base stations, a plurality of communication terminals that communicates with one of the plurality of base stations, and a relay device, the relay device including a selection unit that selects a communication terminal to be relayed from among the plurality of communication terminals on the basis of communication quality information received from each of the plurality of communication terminals, and a relay unit that relays communication between the communication terminal selected by the selection unit and the corresponding base station.
US09402218B1 Prioritization of network handovers
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for prioritizing a handover from an LTE network to a legacy network are provided. The method includes receiving, at a management component, a message from a mobile device. The message communicates a capability type associated with the mobile device. Based, in part, on this capability type, the management component assigns a priority to the mobile device. According to the assigned priority, the management component prioritizes the handover of the mobile device from the LTE network to the legacy network. This method reduces the latency for network handovers of mobile devices that are assigned a high priority.
US09402213B2 Dynamic channel switching for wireless mesh networks
The present invention relates to a method of dynamic channel switching in a wireless mesh network that is in conformance with an IEEE 802.11s standard. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a request frame to a node for scanning a channel associated with the node; determining a link quality of the channel; receiving a response frame from the node; and switching to the channel if the switching metric is larger than a switching threshold, wherein if otherwise, remain unswitched. The switching metric integrates the interference, transmission frame size, latency of channel switching and data rate of the node on the channel.
US09402212B2 Method for SRVCC solution
A method is provided for single radio voice call continuity from E-UTRAN to UTRAN, comprising receiving a single radio voice call continuity request for handover from packet switched access of a source radio access network to circuit switched access of a target radio access network, sending a query to determine whether last active session is a voice only or a video session, and receiving a response to said query indicating whether said last active session is a voice only or a video session.
US09402208B2 Handover method and base station
A handover method and a base station are provided. The handover method may include: when a UE needs to be handed over, obtaining bearer context information of the UE in a first base station; sending a handover request to a target base station, where the handover request carries the bearer context information; and after receiving a handover response that is returned by the target base station and indicates that the handover is agreed to, sending a handover command to the UE so that the UE is handed over to the target base station. Based on the above technical solutions, the UE handover can be implemented quickly in the case of using multiple carriers and the current service of the UE can be recovered quickly, which can improve communication experience of a user.
US09402205B2 Traffic forwarding method and system based on virtual switch cluster
A traffic forwarding method and system based on a virtual switch cluster is described. The method includes setting an aggregation group member list to store information about all the members of an aggregation group; setting an aggregation group traffic forwarding member list to store information of aggregation group members for forwarding traffic, wherein the list in an initial state only containing information about local members of the aggregation group; and when it is determined that traffic of a physical device exceeds the total bandwidth of the members in the aggregation group traffic forwarding member list or a threshold value related to the total bandwidth, selecting a nonlocal member from the aggregation group member list and adding the same into the aggregation group traffic forwarding member list, and forwarding traffic according to the changed aggregation group traffic forwarding member list.
US09402200B2 Flow based packet manipulation congestion control
This disclosure relates to a Radio Network Controller, RNC, a base station, and to methods therein. By extracting information from one or more flows of Protocol Data Units, PDUs, which information is accessible on a certain protocol layer only, congestion control is enabled and performed on another protocol layer based on said information.The present disclosure avoids that inappropriate PDUs are discarded, which else would inappropriately affect the user performance.
US09402197B2 Measurement collection method, base station, and radio terminal
A measurement collection method used in a mobile communication system, comprises: a base station includes unnecessary area information, which indicates a measurement unnecessary area requiring no measurement data, into a configuration message as one of a parameter, and transmits the configuration message to a radio terminal; and the radio terminal excludes measurement data, which corresponds to the measurement unnecessary area indicated by the unnecessary area information, from a report object to the network, or stops measurement in the measurement unnecessary area and reports measurement data including a measurement result, other than that in the measurement unnecessary area, to the network.
US09402193B2 Systems, apparatus and methods for interference management in wireless networks
Systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided. In some embodiments, a method for facilitating interference management in an unplanned wireless communication system is provided. The method can include a non-serving base station obtaining information about a user equipment served by a serving base station; and determining signal information based, at least, in part, on the information. The method can also include the non-serving base station disallowing access to the user equipment due to restricted access rules for the non-serving base station. The method can also include the non-serving base station performing interference management of the user equipment served by the serving base station. The interference management can be performed based, at least, in part, on the determined signal information.
US09402192B2 Method for calibrating antenna reciprocity in a base station of wireless network and a device thereof
The present invention provides a method and device for calibrating antenna reciprocity via OTA in a base station of wireless network, and the method comprises: determining, based on a predefined rule, a plurality of calibrating UEs out of a plurality of UEs, and antennas, to be calibrated by the plurality of calibrating UEs, of the plurality of base stations, wherein the plurality of calibrating UEs are configured to calibrate antennas of the plurality of base stations; and calibrating, according to the determined calibration relationship, the antennas reciprocity of the plurality of base stations based on the plurality of calibrating UEs. With the method of present invention, communication channel model can be calibrated effectively so as to enhance antenna reciprocity in CoMP scenario.
US09402190B2 Apparatus and methods for radio frequency signal boosters
Provided herein are apparatus and methods for radio frequency (RF) signal boosters. In certain implementations, a multi-band signal booster is provided for boosting the uplink and downlink channels of at least a first frequency band and a second frequency band. In certain configurations, the downlink channels of the first and second channels are adjacent, and the signal booster includes a first amplification path for boosting the uplink channel of the first frequency band, a second amplification path for boosting the uplink channel of the second frequency band, and a third amplification path for boosting both downlink channels of the first and second frequency bands.
US09402189B2 Method and apparatus for providing activity-based map job
An approach is provided for validating crowd-sourced information. The approach includes processing and/or facilitating a processing of map error data to generate at least one map job and at least one activity context associated with the at least one map job, the map error data, or a combination thereof. The approach also includes determining one or more devices based, at least in part, on the at least one activity context. Further, the approach includes causing, at least in part, a transmission of the at least one map job to the one or more devices for resolving one or more map errors indicated in the at least one map job, the map error data, or a combination thereof.
US09402185B2 Fast path to capture network data to disk storage
A method and system for virtualization of access points are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, after the access point network processor captures the packets and stores the data on the direct memory access (DMA), the access point's OS is designed to call an access point kernel-space driver to directly transfer the data from DMA to the access point's hard disk and thus bypasses the access point's OS File System.
US09402182B1 Automated distribution of logon credentials for establishing wireless connectivity of electronic flight bag (EFB)
Automated distribution of wireless logon credentials for an electronic flight bag (EFB) is provided. In one embodiment, a method for secured aircraft wireless network access comprises: establishing a NFC link between an EFB and an NFC node, wherein the node is hardwired to a wireless access point coupled to EFB service applications via an aircraft network. The access point provides a plurality of wireless channels for accessing the network, each are single user wireless channels. In response to a request from the EFB, determining whether a first wireless channel is available; if the first wireless channel is available, generating a logon credential associated with the first wireless channel and transmitting the credential to the EFB with the NFC node; establishing a second link between the EFB and the wireless access point using the credential; and transferring data between the EFB and EFB server applications over the second link.
US09402177B2 Authentication in secure user plane location (SUPL) systems
A particular method includes generating, at a secure user plane location (SUPL) server, a message to be sent to a mobile device, the message including: a server certificate including an identifier of the SUPL server and a public key of the SUPL server; and a request for a device certificate of the mobile device. The method also includes receiving a reply from the mobile device that includes a device certificate of the mobile device; and authenticating the mobile device as associated with a SUPL user based on the device certificate.
US09402175B2 Selection of roaming gateway
A system and method for selecting a proxy gateway server for controlling data traffic initiated by a user device roaming on a visited network is disclosed. The method includes utilizing a mobility anchor server associated with the visited network to receive a request to activate a data traffic session from a user device, identify the user device as a roaming user device, and select a proxy gateway server from one or more servers associated with the visited network for controlling the data traffic initiated by the roaming user device. The selection of a proxy server is accomplished by querying a DNS server associated with the visited network with a pre-defined roaming APN string associated with the visited network and, in response to the query, receiving an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the proxy gateway server from the DNS server.
US09402171B2 Methods and apparatus for short message service over a packet-switched domain
A wireless communication device can provide an indication that its registration in a circuit-switched domain of a network is intended only for a short message service that is included in or accompanies a registration request, such as a combined registration for both the CS domain and a packet-switched (PS) domain. The device can also change a conventional order of its domain registrations, e.g., by performing a PS-domain registration before a CS-domain registration, when it will send SMS messages over the PS domain. The device can indicate its intention to use or support for SMS over the PS domain and/or be informed about network support for SMS over the PS domain before the UE attempts a network registration.
US09402170B1 Method and system for providing informative incoming call alerts
A method and apparatus for providing informative incoming call alerts are provided herein. The method includes receiving an incoming call from a second device; transmitting, to the second device, a first message regarding the incoming call; receiving, from the second device, a second message responsive to the first message regarding the incoming call; receiving a selection of one of a plurality of options based on the received second message; and processing the selected option.
US09402165B2 Radio communication terminal and server
A radio communication terminal according to the present invention is capable of performing group call by specifying multiple members. The radio communication terminal includes: a generator configured to generate a message during the group call; an acquisition unit configured to acquire information on a non-participating member of the group call among the specified members of the group call; and a transmitter configured to specify a destination for the message generated by the generator, on the basis of the information on the non-participating member acquired by the acquisition unit, and to transmit the message to the non-participating member.
US09402161B2 Providing personalized content based on historical interaction with a mobile device
Methods and computer products can provide personalized content based on historical interaction with a mobile device. A computing device can receive information about a user interaction with an application running on the mobile device at a first time and location. A type of the application can be identified by parsing a description of the application (e.g., using a natural language processing algorithm). An affinity model can be generated that associates the type of the application with the first time and/or location. At a second time and location, it can be determined that the second time corresponds to the first time and/or that the second location corresponds to the first location. Using the affinity model, the second time and/or location can be associated with the type of the application, and the mobile device may then display content related to the type of the application.
US09402160B2 Methodology to extend battery power in asset-tracking device
A protocol and methodology that extends the battery power in a remote asset tracking device by storing location data more than once (i.e., “n” times), yet transmitting that data only once to a server. In other words, multiple data points are transmitted simultaneously. Devices and systems incorporating the protocol are also provided.
US09402157B1 Estimating proximity to a mobile station by manipulating a signal that is decodable, but unexpected in the wireless network serving the mobile station
A technique for providing a location estimate of a mobile station, with increased accuracy. An unenhanced estimate of the location of a target mobile station is first obtained. A portable transmitter is then situated in an initial geographic area defined by the unenhanced estimate. The transmitter is then tuned to transmit a particular identifier on a particular frequency. When the transmitter is moved close enough to the mobile, the mobile starts reporting the identifier to the mobile's wireless network. Because the identifier and frequency are carefully selected so as not into interfere with ongoing operations of the wireless network, the wireless network itself merely regards the reported data to be invalid for handoff purposes. The estimated distance from the transmitter to the mobile depends on the transmit signal strength used by the transmitter. By considering these details, an enhanced estimate of the location of the mobile can then be deduced.
US09402154B2 Methods for providing location of wireless devices using Wi-Fi
Method includes maintaining a collaborative database on a database server containing geographic location information pertaining to Wi-Fi access points. The collaborative database includes database records for Wi-Fi access points including a MAC address and geographic location. A position location request from a Wi-Fi enabled wireless device is received at a server, and includes a respective MAC address of at least one Wi-Fi access point for which a wireless beacon is detected by the wireless device. Via a query issued to the database server using at least one MAC address included in the position location request, geographic location data for one or more Wi-Fi access points is retrieved from the database. A processor determines geographic location of the wireless device based at least on the retrieved geographic location data, and returns, via the server, geographic location data to the wireless device corresponding to the geographic location of the wireless device.
US09402148B1 Loop back scheme for NFC
A method for testing an Integrated Circuit (IC) with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes: utilizing a BB modem of the IC to generate a known data pattern; modulating the known data pattern to generate a modulated data pattern; sending the modulated data pattern on the transmitting path to an NFC antenna of the IC and utilizing the NFC antenna to loop the modulated data pattern back to the receiving path; demodulating the modulated data pattern; and determining if the data pattern on the transmitting path is the same as the data pattern on the receiving path. When the data pattern on the transmitting path is not the same as the data pattern on the receiving path, it is determined that the IC fails.
US09402147B2 Enhanced paging mechanism for machine type communication
Enhanced paging mechanisms are proposed for Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices in 3GPP networks. First, adaptive paging is proposed to adaptively allocate extra paging occasions for MTC devices with no extra procedure or power consumption on normal UEs. Second, group paging is proposed to simultaneously page a plurality of MTC devices with one paging. Group paging is controlled in different levels for optimized signaling and easier management. In one embodiment, group broadcasting and group release are used. Third, paging with response policy is proposed to pre-define or dynamically configure paging response policies for MTC devices.
US09402146B2 On-device movement of an existing mobile number
An un-provisioned user device may send, via a cellular network, a request associated with receiving a service provided by a service provider. The user device may receive, via the cellular network, a response indicating that the user device has limited access to the cellular network. The user device may identify, based on a user account with which the user device is to be associated, a particular existing mobile directory number (MDN), associated with the user account, that is to be moved to the user device. The user device may send, via the cellular network, a movement request to move the particular existing MDN to the user device. The movement request may be sent to cause the particular existing MDN to be associated with the user device such that the user device is provisioned to receive the service using the particular existing MDN.
US09402142B2 Range control for wireless hearing assistance device systems
Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for wireless hearing assistance devices and in particular to a controllable range control for wireless hearing assistance device systems. An advertisement is used to allow the receiver to quickly receive streaming information, thus conserving power. In various embodiments, a system for communications with a hearing assistance device includes a wireless streaming device having a range control. The range control is configured to provide a first range for an advertisement transmission and a second range for a streaming information transmission. The first range is less than the second range, in various embodiments.
US09402140B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting air pressure inside the ear of a person wearing an ear-wearable device
A method is provided including: receiving a signal for regulating a valve of an ear-wearable device; and changing a state of the valve based on the signal, the changing including at least one of opening and closing the valve.
US09402135B1 Magnetostrictive parametric transducer
An ultrasonic audio magnetostrictive emitter configured to emit an audio modulated ultrasonic beam. The magnetostrictive emitter may include an emissive surface, a back plate and at least one magnetostrictive actuator positioned between the emissive surface and the back plate. Ultrasonic audio systems incorporating a magnetostrictive emitter may further be provided.
US09402134B2 Manufacturing method for stiffened diaphragm and the manufactured diaphragm using same
A stiffened diaphragm manufacturing method and the manufactured diaphragm using same are provided. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: applying a hot glue layer to a side of a stiffened plate; putting a base layer on the hot glue layer, and then heating and adhering the base layer and the stiffened plate together; and performing a pressing process on the base layer and the stiffened plate to form a diaphragm having a central portion and a surround portion. The stiffened plate is coated uniformly with the hot glue layer and then put on the base layer to undergo heating and adhesion; hence, an oversupply or undersupply of a glue will be unlikely to happen. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is simple and attains high-strength adhesion between the stiffened plate and the base layer.
US09402128B2 Adaptive rail power amplifier technology
Adaptive rail power amplifier technology processes an audio signal by feeding the audio signal to the power amplifier to produce an output signal, applying positive and negative power supply voltages centered with respect to the audio signal to the positive and negative power supply rails of the power amplifier, comparing the output signal with the positive and negative power supply rail voltages to produce dynamically varying positive and negative control signals, feeding the positive and negative control signals to positive and negative high current charge pumps and adding supplemental positive and negative voltages from the positive and negative charge pumps to the positive and negative power supply rails to produce a linear adaptive rail voltage which tracks the output signal.
US09402118B2 Housing and method to control solder creep on housing
An acoustic device includes a substrate, a substrate cover, and a plurality of electrical and acoustic components. The substrate cover is disposed on the substrate and the plurality of electrical and acoustic components are disposed on the substrate and under the substrate cover. The substrate cover is constructed of a base metal and the substrate cover comprises a partially plating. The partial plating is arranged so as to prevent solder creep along a surface of the substrate cover.
US09402115B2 Monitoring system, notification apparatus and monitoring method
Generally, in accordance with one embodiment, a monitoring system comprises a sensor, a wireless tag, a reader and a notification apparatus. The sensor is correspondingly arranged in a structure. The wireless tag is a passive wireless tag which is correspondingly arranged in the structure to send identification information and measurement information of the sensor by using received electromagnetic wave as a drive source. The reader communicates with the wireless tag to acquire the identification information and the measurement information. The notification apparatus acquires the identification information and the measurement information from the reader, detects a wireless tag or a structure serving as a notification target based on the identification information and the measurement information, and notifies the notification target.
US09402114B2 System and method for providing randomization in adaptive bitrate streaming environments
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving video data at an adaptive bitrate (ABR) client that includes a buffer; determining whether a buffer level for the buffer is below a target buffer level; applying a random delay for a fetch interval associated with requesting the video data; and requesting a next segment of the video data after the random delay. The random delay can provide for a plurality of fetch times to become decorrelated from each other.
US09402113B1 Visualizing video audience retention by impression frequency
Systems and methods for visualizing audience retention for a video as a function of impression frequency are provided. In an aspect, a system includes a reception component configured to receive watch history information for a plurality of users regarding their watch history of a video, and a visualization component configured to generate a visualization based on the watch history information that graphically depicts viewer retention over duration of the video as a function of impression frequency.
US09402112B1 Two-stage playback: verifying user intent to watch an embedded video
A method for facilitating monetization of an embedded video configured for automated playback includes detecting, via an iframe embedded in a user interface of a third party platform, an indication of a user intent to view the video configured for automated playback. The video is hosted by a content sharing platform and embedded in the user interface of the third party platform. The method further includes providing, to a client device, video related data pertaining to the automated playback of the video in the user interface of the third party platform, and upon receiving the video-related data, validating the automated playback of the video in the user interface of the third party platform.
US09402110B2 Non-intrusive advertisement presentation methods and systems
An exemplary method includes a non-intrusive advertisement presentation system subscribing a user to an advertisement service associated with a media content program, detecting a presentation of the media content program together with one or more advertisements associated with the media content program, and providing, in accordance with the advertisement service and in a manner independent of the presentation of the media content program together with the one or more advertisements, advertisement content associated with the one or more advertisements for selective access by the user. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
US09402106B1 Split signal bands in a multi-directional repeater device
According to one configuration, a repeater device includes a first port, a second port, and amplifier circuitry. The first port receives a first set of multiple signal bands transmitted in a downstream direction on a communication link. The second port receives a second set of multiple signal bands transmitted in an upstream direction on the communication link; the second set of multiple signal bands include a first signal band and a second signal band. The amplifier circuitry amplifies the first set of multiple signal bands and the second set of multiple signal bands. A given signal band in the first set resides in a frequency spectrum between the first signal band and the second signal band of the second set. Communications in the given signal band control at least one set-top box coupled to the communication link in the downstream direction.
US09402103B2 Program guide system for recording television programs
An interactive program guide system is provided. The system facilitates recording of programs selected from the program guide. The system handles the recording and viewing of pay programs, parentally-controlled programs, consecutive programs on different television channels, and programs with and without copy protection. Programs may be recorded using combination television videocassette recorder (TV/VCR) units.
US09402101B2 Content presentation method, content presentation device, and program
A content presenting method of the present disclosure includes: a history collecting step of collecting a viewing history of a user; a determining step of analyzing the viewing history to determine an active time segment in which an output section is in a state of being viewed; a data collecting step of collecting meta data assigned to a viewed content; an analyzing step of analyzing the meta data to extract a word representing the content; a profile generating step of generating, for each active time segment, a user profile based on the extracted word; a calculation step of calculating an estimated viewing time; and a playlist generating step of selecting contents based on the user profile generated correspondingly to the active time segment to be compatible with the estimated viewing time, to generate a playlist which defines an order in which the selected contents are played.
US09402094B2 Display apparatus and control method thereof, based on voice commands
A display apparatus and a method of controlling a display apparatus are disclosed. The display apparatus includes: a display configured to display an image based on a video signal; a sound output section configured to output a first sound based on a sound signal; a first sound receiver configured to receive a first mixed sound including the first sound and a second sound of a user; a second sound receiver which is spaced apart at a distance from the first sound receiver and is configured to receive a second mixed sound comprising the first sound and the second sound; and a controller configured to perform control in accordance with the second sound of the user, the second sound being acquired based on the first mixed sound and the second mixed sound.
US09402092B2 Communication device, communication program, and communication method
Task: To provide communication technology in which clock synchronization accuracy can be easily maintained, even on networks where packets can be easily lost.Resolution Means: A communication device, comprising: a transmission unit that includes a flag processing unit that, upon receipt of one or a plurality of MPEG-2 TS packets, applies flag information to the packets at a predetermined interval in the forward reproduction direction of the packets, and a time stamp application unit that generates MPEG-2 TTS packets by applying a time stamp value calculated using a GPS clock to each of the one or a plurality of MPEG-2 TS packets, including the MPEG-2 TS packets having the flag information applied by the flag processing unit, and transmits the MPEG-2 TTS packets to a transmission path.
US09402091B2 Digital broadcasting receiver and method for controlling the same
A method of processing broadcast data includes: performing RS encoding and CRC encoding on mobile service data to generate an RS frame belonging to an ensemble including a signaling information table including access information of the mobile service data and identification information for identifying a stream where keys to decrypt the mobile service data are obtained; mapping a portion of data in the RS frame to a group including known data sequences, FIC data, and TPC data, wherein the FIC data includes information for rapid mobile service acquisition, and the TPC data includes FIC version information for indicating an update of the FIC data; and transmitting a broadcast signal including the group. The group further includes data blocks. First, fourth, fifth and sixth known data sequences are inserted into third, fifth, sixth and seventh data blocks, respectively. Second and third known data sequences are inserted into a fourth data block.
US09402090B1 Live streaming video sharing system and related methods
A live streaming video sharing system. Implementations may include a video camera, portable computing device, video streaming server, database, application server, web server, and a portable computing device associated with a user operatively coupled together. The video camera sends a live stream of video data wirelessly to the portable computing device. The computing device associated with a user receives a live stream of video data from the web server, processes the live stream of video data, and generates a computer interface. The computer interface may include a public computer interface including a public channel and an invisible computer interface including an invisible shares channel associated with the user including an icon corresponding with one or more invisible shares, each invisible share corresponding with a live stream of video data and each invisible share not retrievable using a search form in the computer interface, the application server, and the database.
US09402086B2 Method for processing stereoscopic images and corresponding device
The invention relates to a method for video processing of at least one image of a video sequence, said video sequence comprising a plurality of image pairs, each image pair comprising a first image and a second image said first and second images being intended to form a stereoscopic image. In order to reduce display defects, the method comprises a step of generation of at least a third image by motion compensated temporal interpolation from at least two of said second images.
US09402084B2 Method and apparatus for video encoding/decoding using improved merge
A video encoding apparatus includes an inter predictor to check for availability of merge candidates configured from neighboring blocks of a current block, add into a merge candidate set, as one of the merge candidates, a combined bi-predictive motion parameter with respect to an unavailable block, the combined bi-predictive motion parameter generated by combining a list 0 motion parameter of a first available andidate block and a list 1 motion parameter of a second available candidate block, when the unavailable block is checked to be present among the merge candidates, and predict the current block by using a motion parameter corresponding to a merge candidate selected from the merge candidates including the combined bi-predictive motion parameter, to thereby generate a predicted block for the current block.
US09402082B2 Electronic devices for sending a message and buffering a bitstream
An electronic device for sending a message is described. The electronic device includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The electronic device determines whether a first picture is a Clean Random Access (CRA) picture. The electronic device also determines whether a leading picture is present if the first picture is a CRA picture. The electronic device further generates a message including a CRA discard flag and an initial CRA Coded Picture Buffer (CPB) removal delay parameter if a leading picture is present. The electronic device additionally sends the message.
US09402079B2 Image encoding method and device, and decoding method and device therefor
A video encoding method and apparatus and a video decoding method and apparatus. In the video encoding method, a first predicted coding unit of a current coding unit that is to be encoded is produced, a second predicted coding unit is produced by changing a value of each pixel of the first predicted coding unit by using each pixel of the first predicted coding unit and at least one neighboring pixel of each pixel, and the difference between the current coding unit and the second predicted coding unit is encoded, thereby improving video prediction efficiency.
US09402072B2 Signal processing device and video display device including the same
Local control for high-quality 3D images is achieved while reducing circuit cost and extraneous radiation. A control signal is outputted to an LED backlight 105 having a plurality of light emission areas for emitting light to a liquid crystal panel 103 from the back for the respective light emission areas corresponding to a plurality of display areas included in the liquid crystal panel 103 capable of displaying a three-dimensional image by receiving a left-eye video signal 101b and a right-eye video signal 101a, the control signal controlling the intensity of each of the light emission areas according to the intensity of an image. Light emission intensity is determined based on the left-eye video signal 101b and the parallax information or depth information of the image, and then information on the light emission intensity is outputted to the LED backlight 105.
US09402067B2 Imaging optical system for 3D image acquisition apparatus, and 3D image acquisition apparatus including the imaging optical system
An imaging optical system and a three-dimensional (3D) image acquisition apparatus which includes the imaging optical system are provided. The imaging optical system includes an object lens configured to transmit light; first and second image sensors having different sizes from each other; a beamsplitter on which the light transmitted by the object lens is incident, the beamsplitter being configured to split the light incident thereon into light of a first wavelength band and light of a second wavelength band, and to direct the light of the first wavelength band to the first image sensor and the light of the second wavelength band to the second image sensor; and at least one optical element, disposed between the beamsplitter and the second image sensor, configured to reduce an image that is incident on the second image sensor, the optical element including at least one of a Fresnel lens and a diffractive optical element.
US09402063B2 Image pickup apparatus that performs white balance control and method of controlling the same
An image pickup apparatus capable of properly performing white balance control on an image. A photographed image is divided into areas and a color evaluation value is acquired from each area. Infrared light is detected from each of areas of an object defined in association with the areas of the image. White balance correction is performed on the image using a mixed WB correction value calculated by mixing a first WB correction value calculated using the color evaluation values included in a white detection range set in a color space and a second WB correction value calculated using the color evaluation values acquired from areas each having an infrared light amount larger than a predetermined amount and included in a detection range of a predetermined color other than white, set in the color space.
US09402061B2 Smart optical sensor for adaptive, predictive, and on-demand control of public lighting
The subject of the present invention is a system characterized by a distributed network of smart optical sensors for adaptive, predictive, and on-demand control of public lighting. The invention pertains to the technical sector of monitoring and video-surveillance installations.
US09402053B2 Method for control of a video interface, method for operation of a video interface, face orientation detector, and video conferencing server
The present invention relates to a method for control of a video interface (4) associated to a user (12) for use in conference situations and the like, comprising the steps of capturing a frame (11) of a video stream originated from the user (12), recognizing a face (10) of the user (12) within the video frame (11), detecting an orientation of the face (10) of the user (12) within the video frame (11), and providing a control signal indicating the orientation of the face (10). The invention also relates to a method for operation of the video interface (4) comprising the steps of the above control method, mapping the orientation of the face (10) based on the control signal to a focus area (15) of the video interface (4), and highlighting the focus area (15). The invention further relates to a face orientation detector (6) and a video conferencing server (5), which are adapted to perform the above methods.
US09402049B2 Image processing apparatus and control method thereof
A first signal of a pixel of interest in second image data is generated by adding a plurality of signals that correspond to the same color component in first image data consisting of signals corresponding to a plurality of color components. A second signal of the pixel of interest in the second image data is generated by adding a plurality of signals in the first image data that correspond to different color components. The first signal and the second signal are mixed based on color information of the pixel of interest. Jaggies are effectively ameliorated by replacing the value of the pixel of interest with the mixing result.
US09402043B2 Method and systems for amplifying an output of a CMOS pixel array
A CMOS sensor includes a pixel configured to output a voltage based on incident light received by the pixel. Circuitry is coupled to the pixel and is configured to determine a reset voltage of the pixel and to select a gain level based on the reset voltage of the pixel. A gain circuit is coupled to the circuitry and is configured to set a voltage level of the gain selected by the circuitry.
US09402041B2 Solid-state image sensor and imaging apparatus using same
A solid-state image sensor provided with a plurality of pixels which photo-electrically convert an object image formed by an imaging optical system, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of pixels are ranging pixels in which a first photoelectric conversion unit, a barrier region and a second photoelectric conversion unit are provided in alignment in a first direction in this sequence; in the peripheral regions where are distanced from a straight line perpendicular to the first direction and passing through the center of the solid-state image sensor, for more than half of the ranging pixels, the barrier region is situated eccentrically in a direction parallel to the first direction.
US09402040B2 Solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device has a plurality of imaging-purpose pixels and a plurality of focus detection-purpose pixels. Each of the imaging-purpose pixels are provided with a first lower electrode, a photoelectric conversion film formed on the first lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the photoelectric conversion film. Each of the focus detection-purpose pixels is provided with a second lower electrode, the photoelectric conversion film formed on the second lower electrode, and the upper electrode formed on the photoelectric conversion film. The area of the second lower electrode is smaller than the area of the first lower electrodes. The second lower electrode is provided on a position deviating from a pixel center of a corresponding focus detection-pixel, and two second lower electrodes corresponding to two focus detection purpose pixels included in the plurality of focus detection purpose pixels is arranged in mutually opposite directions.
US09402034B2 Adaptive auto exposure adjustment
Techniques for adjusting exposure parameters of a camera such that video data captured by the camera may be coded efficiently. A camera with auto exposure control may capture and output frames of video. A pre-processor may estimate brightness of the frames of the video output from the camera. A controller may estimate a rate of brightness change among the frames, and when the rate of change is lower than a predetermined threshold, the controller may reduce sensitivity of the auto exposure control. A coding engine may predictively code the video.
US09402032B2 Miniature telephoto lens assembly
An optical lens assembly includes five lens elements and provides a TTL/EFL<1.0. In an embodiment, the focal length of the first lens element f1
US09402025B2 Detection apparatus, method for detecting feature point and storage medium
A feature point detection apparatus sets, in accordance with a shooting mode or a designation from a user, a detection parameter for each region of an image to detect a feature point, and detects the feature point based on the detection parameter.
US09402023B2 Image capturing apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium
An image capturing apparatus comprises: a focus detection unit; a mirror movable between a first position where the mirror is inserted in an imaging light path a second position where the mirror is withdrawn from the imaging light path; and a calculation unit configured to predict a moving amount of a subject on the basis of a history of focus detection result and calculate an in-focus position using the predicted moving amount. In a case of continuously performing first and second image shootings, the calculation unit performs the prediction for the second image shooting before the mirror finishes moving from the second position in the first image shooting to the first position, and the focus detection unit continues charge accumulation until the mirror starts to move from the first position to the second position for the first image shooting.
US09402022B2 Imaging apparatus with focus assist function
An imaging apparatus with a focus assist (FA) function includes an imager configured to obtain an image signal from a subject formed by a lens, a high-frequency signal extractor configured to extract a high-frequency signal from the image signal, a modulation level calculator configured to determine a magnitude of a modulation level signal in each of regions, into which a screen of the image signal is divided, in accordance with an amplitude level of the high-frequency signal, a level modulator configured to modulate an amplitude level of the high-frequency signal using the modulation level signal to obtain an FA signal, and an FA signal synthesizer configured to synthesize the FA signal with the image signal to output a resultant signal.
US09402019B2 Autofocus system
An autofocus system includes: an imaging unit which captures an image of an object formed by an optical system; an autofocus portion which performs focus adjustment of the optical system on an autofocus area set in the image captured by the imaging unit so that the object within the autofocus area comes into focus; an AF area tracking processing portion which performs tracking processing to set a predetermined object within the autofocus area as a target to be tracked, detect a presence area of the target to be tracked in an image newly captured by the imaging unit and determine the presence area as a new autofocus area; a depth-of-field computing portion which calculates a depth of field based on information acquired from the optical system; and a control portion as defined herein.
US09402017B2 Electronic device and communication apparatus
An electronic device includes a housing that accommodates therein at least one heating element. At least a part of an inner surface of the housing is applied with a heat conductive material. The electronic device may be incorporated in a communication apparatus.
US09402014B2 Method for improving clarity of PDF file converted from paper file
The present invention relates to a method for improving clarity of a PDF file converted from a paper file. The method comprises: step 1: scanning a paper file to obtain an electronic image file; step 2: determining a top margin, a bottom margin, a left margin, and a right margin of the electronic image file, and deleting data within the top margin, the bottom margin, the left margin, and the right margin of the electronic image file, and converting a first cropped file into a first PDF file; step 3: dividing the first PDF file into some rectangular objects, determining effective areas of the rectangular objects, and deleting data outside effective areas of the rectangular objects, so as to obtain cropped rectangular objects corresponding to the rectangular objects in a one-to-one manner; and step 4: combining the cropped rectangular objects according to same position distribution of the rectangular objects corresponding to the cropped rectangular objects on the first PDF file, so as to obtain and output a second PDF file. By means of the present invention, clarity of a PDF file converted from a paper file can be improved.
US09402013B2 Information processing system and information processing method
An information processing system comprises a terminal device and an image search system that are connected to each other via a network, the image search system comprises: a storage unit storing an object and linkage information; a first receiver receiving a captured image; and a first transmitter transmitting the linkage information associated with the object to a source from which the captured image is transmitted, and the terminal device comprises: an identification information acquisition unit acquiring identification information that identifies each terminal device; an image capturing unit capturing an image of a subject and output the captured image; a second transmitter transmitting the captured image to the image search system; a second receiver receiving the linkage information; and a third transmitter transmitting, when an access is made via the network on the basis of the linkage information, the identification information to an access destination to which the access is made.
US09402012B2 Image-reading lens, image-reading device, and image-forming apparatus
An image-reading lens includes front-group and rear-group lens systems which are arranged on an object side and an image side, respectively. The front-group lens system includes equal to or less than 5 lenses which include at least one positive lens and at least one negative lens, and the rear-group lens system includes one negative lens. An angle of view of an entire system of the image-reading lens is equal to or more than 56°. The front-group and rear-group lens systems are structured such that with respect to a change in a distance between the front-group and rear-group lens systems, a change in a focal length of the entire system of the image-reading lens is small, and a change in an image plane is large, and by adjusting the distance between the front-group and rear-group lens systems, a required lens performance is obtained.
US09402011B2 Single-facet spindle implementation for a laser scanner system
A system includes a laser scanner system. The system includes a scanner laser to generate an optical scanning beam. The system also includes a spindle assembly comprising a spindle that extends along an axis and reflects the optical scanning beam. The system also includes a beam detector to receive the reflected optical scanning beam from the single facet and to indicate when to generate a latent image corresponding to an image based on the optical scanning beam for a given scan operation. The system further includes a scan controller to control the scanner laser such that the optical scanning beam is reflected from only a single facet of the spindle during the given scan operation.
US09402010B2 Electronic apparatus capable of setting value adjustment and setting value adjustment method of electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus comprises a storage apparatus configured to store a model-specific setting value information containing a name of machine, a setting item code that is the object for adjusting of the setting value and an outlier determination condition of the setting value, which is predefined every combination the model name and the setting item, and a self-apparatus setting value information containing a setting value of self-apparatus, the setting item code and the setting value, and a control panel configured to display a display unit for displaying the model-specific setting value information and the self-apparatus setting value information every setting item code, and an adjustment value input screen including a input unit for inputting a new setting value.
US09402006B2 Display input apparatus, display input system including the same, and method for controlling the display input apparatus
A display input apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a display portion, a touch panel portion, and a communication portion. The display portion displays a setting screen which disposes a plurality of images for accepting a setting operation. The touch panel accepts the setting operation on the setting screen and when accepting the setting operation, accepts a selection operation as well for selecting a non-permission image from the plurality of images that is an image not permitted to be displayed on a partner machine which is a communication destination. The communication portion transmits screen data for forcing the partner machine to display a screen to the partner machine, in which the non-permission image is removed from the setting screen, as a sharing screen and forces the partner machine to display the sharing screen.
US09401997B2 Dynamic application integration associated with hosted VoIP PBX using client-side integration proxy
A system for dynamically integrating and synchronizing a plurality of software applications of an end user as part of a telephonic communication between the end user and a third party managed and handled by a hosted VoIP PBX includes a client side integration proxy having (i) an API for communicating and exchanging data with the software applications and (ii) memory cache dedicated to storing information about the telephonic communication handled and managed by a hosted VoIP PBX, wherein the client side integration proxy assigns a record in the memory cache for storing information about the telephonic communication and enables the software applications periodically to access and dynamically update, modify, or add to the record as the information about the telephonic communication is updated or changed by other software applications and by the end user.
US09401995B2 Method and arrangement for echo cancellation in conference systems
A technique is provided for echo cancellation. The technique includes marking respective source signals with a respective marker signal to identify respective starting time references of the respective source signals and to identify respective transmitters to transmit respectively obtained marked source signals, transmitting the respectively marked source signals by the respective transmitters to at least one aggregate node, summing the respective marked source signals received by the at least one aggregate node to create a multicast signal for provision, via a multicast node, to respective receivers associated to the respective transmitters, determining respective round trip power normalization and round trip delay values for modifying, in the respective receivers, the respective marked source signals, to obtain respective delayed and normalized respective marked source signals, and subtracting, at the respective receivers, the respective round trip delayed and normalized marked source signal from the multicast signal to obtain respective echo cancelled multicast signals in the respective receivers.
US09401994B1 Conferencing and meeting implementations with advanced features
Meeting and conferencing systems and methods are implemented in a variety of manners. Consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating an audio conference system that includes at least one logic circuit and a caller interface involves receiving incoming telephony calls at the caller interface. A logic circuit is used to authenticate incoming telephony calls. Menu options are provided to authenticated, incoming telephony calls. In response to a selection of the menu options, an incoming telephony call is prompted to select a callback number. The logic circuit monitors for a trigger event. A participant is called back using the selected call back number in response to detecting the trigger event. The called-back participant is then placed into a conference.
US09401989B2 Work assignment with bot agents
A contact center auditing work assignment engine communication system hosts a multi-functional automatic bot agent to discover issues, update properties, identify and solve problems, and provide operational support for contact center managers, creating a proactive and flexible automatic audit and cooperation between a bot agent, human agents, and supervisors.
US09401988B2 Facilitating context delivery during communication sessions
An approach is disclosed that facilitates context delivery during communication sessions. The approach may be implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to: render at least one service to a user device through a communication session; collect information of the communication session; and send the information of the communication session to a service provider when a call is setup between the user device and the service provider. The service provider renders the information of the communication session for viewing by the service provider.
US09401982B2 Device capable of notifying operation state change thereof through network and communication method of the device
A method of notifying an operation state change of a device is provided. The method includes receiving a message by a first device; identifying, by the first device, that a second device is currently connected to the first device through a network; and transmitting, by the first device, information regarding the message to the second device. The information is displayed on a display unit of the second device.
US09401981B2 Data processing method and electronic device supporting the same
An electronic device includes a short range communication module configured to establish a communication channel for collecting device-related information on at least one other electronic device. The electronic device also includes a communication module configured to establish a communication channel with a service supporting device. The electronic device also includes a control module configured to transmit a message requesting function-related information installable or updatable on the other electronic device to the service supporting device in correspondence to the device-related information and configured to control transmitting identification information for receiving the function-related information and the device-related information.
US09401978B2 Flexible telematics system and method for providing telematics to a vehicle
A system for providing telematics to a vehicle is provided. The system includes an integrated communication device of the vehicle having a memory holding a list uniquely identifying at least one mobile communication device. The system includes a telematics component that is communicatively connected to the integrated communication device of the vehicle and has a data pump that sends out a request for information. An off-site telematics information provider receives a request for information from the telematics component utilizing a communications path between the data pump of the telematics component and the off-site telematics information provider. The at least one mobile communication device automatically receives a channeled response to the request for information from the off-site telematics information provider when connected to the integrated communication device.
US09401974B2 System and method of binding a client to a server
Systems and methods to bind a client with a server are provided. A particular method includes establishing a connection between a server and a client. A list of best-fit server IP addresses is received at the client via the connection. A determination is made whether the server is identified in the list of best-fit server IP addresses. When the server is not identified in the list of best-fit server IP addresses, the connection to the server is terminated.
US09401970B2 System, method and engine for group communication
An engine, system and method for a domain social network that interconnects Internet users with at least domains owned by or of interest to those Internet users, and that may obtain and/or forward obtained dynamic data regarding those domains automatically, such as by web service or email service. The dynamic data may be used to filter and protect content and data of the respective domains, to protect users by identifying low quality web pages or malicious software or pages, to isolate or improve search results regarding the domain, and/or to improve Internet-based transaction flow, such as the creation of advertising.
US09401952B1 Managing presence state
A client application server (CAS) can include a presence layer configured to compute a published presence state for a client of the given CAS that characterizes at least one of an ability and a willingness of the client to communicate with another communication endpoint. The presence layer can also be configured to provide the published presence state for the client to a presence layer of at least another CAS according to a subscription request provided from the another CAS.
US09401951B2 System and method for managing distribution of network information
A method for distributing information in a network includes independently selecting and sending segments of N files to a plurality of terminals through a network. One or more of the selected segments except a first segment are sent to a first number of the K terminals, and one or more of the selected segments except a second segment are sent to a second number of the K terminals. A first logical combination of segments is then generated and sent to the terminals. By logically combining the first logical combination with previously sent files, a new file not previously received may be recovered.
US09401950B2 Node unregisterable without user account at remote site
Systems and methods for providing registration at a remote site that may include, for example, a monitoring module that may communicate with a remote site. A registration protocol may be used by the monitoring module and the remote site in generating the messages communicated during the registration process. The monitoring module may gather and generate various identification information to be included in the registration protocol messages. The registration information provided by the monitoring module may be stored at the remote site in a database server having a database. A confirmation message may be communicated from the remote site to the monitoring module that may either acknowledge successful registration or report that an error occurred during the registration process.
US09401949B1 Client web content cache purge
Tracking web content updates is disclosed. An indication that a web content has been updated is received. It is tracked that the web content has been updated. An update to a client that a version of the web content stored in a web browser cache of the client is no longer valid is provided.
US09401947B1 Methods, systems, and media for presenting comments based on correlation with content
Methods, systems, and media for presenting comments based on correlation with content are provided. In some implementations, a method for presenting ranked comments is provided, the method comprising: receiving, using a hardware processor, content data related to an item of content; receiving, using the hardware processor, comment data related to a comment associated with the item of content; determining, using the hardware processor, a degree of correlation between at least a portion of the comment data and one or more portions of the content data; determining, using the hardware processor, a priority for the comment based on the degree of correlation; and presenting, using the hardware processor, the comment based on the priority.
US09401945B2 Apparatus, system, and method of managing data transmission, and recording medium storing data transmission management program
An apparatus, system, method, and program stored in a non-transitory recording medium, each of which generates a message indicating that image data is not received or only sound data is received, when a relay device transmits only the sound data from a transmission terminal to a counterpart transmission terminal, and transmits the message to the counterpart transmission terminal for display to a user at the counterpart transmission terminal.
US09401944B2 Layered adaptive HTTP streaming
Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable HTTP streaming that downloads different layers of the same media interval at different points of time before the play out time of that media interval. The various embodiments provide a download sequence that enables downloads of portions of a media interval to continue at different points in time until the play out position of the media presentation reaches a certain point with respect to the media interval. In an embodiment, the download sequence may rapidly adapt to changing network bandwidth conditions and may help ensure no stall occurs in media play out under minimum conditions. In an embodiment, the download sequence may provide an increased smoothing effect to reduce the rate of adaptation to changes in bandwidth, which may reduce the fluctuations in quality in the presence of repeated abrupt network changes.
US09401942B2 Establishment of a conference with a communication flow mixing policy
To access a communication managed by a host communicating entity between participant communicating entities including the host communicating entity via a packet network (RP), a third-party communicating entity transmits a message (MI) to the host communicating entity, which message comprises at least one parameter (PM) associated with an identifier of at least one participant communicating entity. The third-party entity's access to a peer-to-peer communication established between the host entity and a participant entity may create a conference between the three entities. The third-party entity's access to a conference communication may cause a participant to be added to the existing conference. The host communicating entity applies a restrictive policy on mixing communication flows exchanged between the communicating entities as a function of the parameter and the identifier of the participant communicating entity associated with the parameter.
US09401941B2 Song lyric processing with user interaction
A computer-implemented system (and method and computer readable storage medium) are disclosed for processing interactions with song lyrics. The system is configured to provide for display on a screen of a computing device the song lyrics. The system detects a selection of a segment of the song lyrics and provides for display a menu of options for interacting with the selected segment of the song lyrics. The system receives a selection of an option from the menu of options and updates, in a user interaction database, a data field corresponding to the selected segment with the selected option from the menu of options. The system executes the selected option from the menu of options.
US09401939B2 Communication management system, communication method, and recording medium storing communication control program
A communication management system, a communication method, and a non-transitory recording medium storing a communication control program, each of which is capable of determining whether to start a communication session with a third communication terminal that requests to participate in a communication session being carried by at least a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal, based on session identification information and location information that are received from the third communication terminal.
US09401932B2 Device and method for detection of anomalous behavior in a computer network
A device and method for providing forensic data in network activity indicative of the presence of malware. A distributed set of network-based sensors operates within an enterprise network in cooperation with a centralized analytics and correlation engine that correlates detected events across the sensors to detect malicious activity on a monitored network which may include using a multi-tiered or Rete net rule set or engine. When malicious activity is detected upon the satisfaction of a predetermined set of conditions, the invention traces the activity to a host responsible for the activity for further action.
US09401931B2 Method and system for dynamically associating access rights with a resource
A method for dynamically associating, by a server, access rights with a resource includes the step of receiving, by the server, a request for a resource from a client. The server requests, from a policy engine, an identification of a plurality of access rights to associate with the resource, the plurality of access rights identified responsive to an application of a policy to the client. The server associates the resource with the plurality of access rights via a rights markup language. The server transmits the resource to the client with the identification of the associated plurality of access rights. An application program on the client makes an access control decision responsive to the associated plurality of access rights. The application program provides restricted access to the resource responsive to the access control decision.
US09401930B2 System and method for using partial evaluation for efficient remote attribute retrieval
An attribute-based policy defining subjects' access to resources is enforced by a computer system. A processing means (PDP) in the system communicates with a nearby attribute value source and at least one remote attribute value source and is adapted to evaluate the policy for an access request containing one or more explicit attribute values, which together with the policy define at least one implicit reference to a further attribute value, which is retrievable from one of said attribute value sources. The processing means reduces the policy by substituting attribute values for attributes in the policy if they are contained in the request or retrievable from the nearby source. References to further attributes retrievable from a remote source only are cached together with intermediate results. All attribute values from a given remote source are retrieved on one occasion, and the intermediate results are used to terminate the evaluation.
US09401927B2 Compromised insider honey pots using reverse honey tokens
According to one embodiment, a method for setting a trap to detect that an intruder has compromised a client end station (CES) in an attempt to gain unauthorized access to enterprise data provided by a server is described. The method includes causing a honey token to be placed on the CES secluded within a configuration repository, wherein the honey token is metadata and/or instructions indicating how applications can seemingly access the enterprise data but that is actually invalid, and the honey token is placed on the CES and not on the server. The method also includes causing attribute values to be installed on a security gateway for a security rule causing the security gateway to monitor network traffic for attempted use of the honey token, and to generate an alert when a set of one or more packets that include the honey token are received.
US09401926B1 System and method for implementation of cyber security
The present invention provides a system and method designed to continually monitor and evaluate an IT system. More specifically, the present invention teaches a system and method which continually monitors and evaluates the software, networks and devices of an IT system while providing reports and analysis for identified risks. Further, the present invention teaches a system and method which provides analysis and reports regarding the value and costs of identified risks.
US09401924B2 Monitoring operational activities in networks and detecting potential network intrusions and misuses
Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are for monitoring operational activities in networks and detecting potential network intrusions and misuses. According to one aspect disclosed herein, an intrusion detection system can collect logs from an authentication, authorization, and accounting system. The intrusion detection system can extract information from the logs, update intrusion detection information utilized by an intrusion detection rule based upon the information extracted from the logs, update a profile utilized by the intrusion detection rule, compare the profile and the intrusion detection rule against a running state of an on-going session, tag corresponding log entries with a threat score, calculate the threat scores from the corresponding log entries to create an aggregated threat score, and present the aggregated threat score. The intrusion detection system can also present an alarm if the aggregated threat score triggers an alarm condition.
US09401918B2 User to user delegation service in a federated identity management environment
Method for providing user-to-user delegation service in federated identity environment, characterized in that it comprises a delegation or assignment step wherein a delegator specifies said delegation at an identity provider for delegating a privilege or task to a delegatee to be performed at a service provider.
US09401917B2 Pre-caching resources based on a cache manifest
A method executed on a first electronic device for accessing an application server on a second electronic device includes receiving a cache manifest for an application, the cache manifest identifying a resource item that can be pre-cached on the first electronic device, pre-caching the resource item as a cached resource item in a cache memory of the first electronic device prior to launching an application client on the first electronic device. The method further includes, upon launching the application client on the first electronic device, retrieving data from the application server, wherein the data includes content and a reference to the resource item, obtaining, from the cache memory, the cached resource item that corresponds to the resource item, and displaying an output based upon the content and the cached resource item.
US09401916B2 Method for providing a user with an authenticated remote access to a remote secure device
The invention relates to a method for providing a user with an authenticated remote access to a remote secure device (2), said remote access being initiated from a local accessing device (1), said remote secure device (2) embedding secure data related to a specific service, characterized in that it comprises establishing a mutual authentication between said remote secure device (2) and a local secure device (3) different from the local accessing device (1) so as the user of the local accessing device (3) is able to access to the secure data of the remote secure device (2).
US09401914B1 Utilization of multiple keypads for password inputs
A method includes generating a first virtual keypad for entry of a first portion of a password, wherein the first portion includes a first value and a second value. The method receives the first portion, wherein the first portion includes a first number of keys selected equal to the first value and the second value present in the first number of keys selected. The method generates a second virtual keypad for entry of a second portion, wherein the second portion includes a third and a fourth value. The method receives the second portion, wherein the second portion includes a second number of keys selected equal to the third value and the fourth value present in the second number of keys selected. Responsive to determining the first and the second portion matches an account password, the method determines to grant a user access to an account associated with the account password.
US09401910B2 Establishing and maintaining an improved single sign-on (SSO) facility
A backend server system includes at least one hardware processor configured to initiate and/or perform the following. A login page is sent to a browser executing on a client associated with a user; and an authentication process is performed with the client. The logic page is intercepted by a proxy, and a modified logic page is generated by the proxy by adding a routine to the logic page. The modified logic page is forwarded to the browser, and the routine causes the browser to loads an asynchronous engine configured to execute a login process with an authentication profiling service to retrieve login information for the back-end server, and complete the authentication process.
US09401909B2 System for and method of providing single sign-on (SSO) capability in an application publishing environment
A client-server computing system includes a computer cluster for hosting certain resources, applications, programs, processes, files, and/or data that are published to users who are accessing the computer cluster remotely. The computer cluster includes a network of one or more host computers, a gateway server, a gateway service database, and a user database. A single sign-on (SSO) method of the disclosure includes performing a computer cluster authentication process in which a user enters his/her credentials followed by a resource authentication process in which there is no need for the user to reenter his/her credentials, having entered them already in the computer cluster authentication process.
US09401907B2 Information processing apparatus and method, recording medium and program
An electronic device that shares a secret key with another electronic device; receives a first response request transmitted from the another electronic device; generates a first response message based on the first response request and the secret key; receives a second response request transmitted from the another electronic device; and generates a second response message based on the second response request, the second response message transmitted to the another electronic device and including authentication data generated based on the secret key. The electronic device is authorized to receive data from the another electronic device when the authentication data matches expected authentication information generated by the another electronic device, and a predetermined time elapsed from a transmission of the second response request does not expire before the second response message is received by the another electronic device.
US09401906B2 Method and apparatus for providing authorized remote access to application sessions
A method and apparatus for providing authorized remote access to one or more application sessions includes a client node, a collection agent, a policy engine, and a session server. The client node requests access to a resource. The collection agent gathers information about the client node. The policy engine receives the gathered information, and makes an access control decision based on the received information. The session server establishes a connection between a client computer operated by the user and the one or more application sessions associated with the user of the client node identified in response to the received information.
US09401903B2 Facilitating access to data from virtual private networks
Arrangements and methods for facilitating access to VPN-derived data regardless of computing platform power state.
US09401900B2 Secure electronic mail system with thread/conversation opt out
An e-mail system is disclosed that overcomes many deficiencies of, but is backward compatible with, existing e-mail systems. An exemplary method for communicating e-mail messages comprises receiving, at a server system, an original e-mail message associated with a unique message ID that is assigned by the server system. The method further comprises storing a distribution list associated with the unique message ID and a thread participation status indicator for each of the one or more recipients, and, in response to an opt-out request received from one of the recipients, updating the distribution list to thereby produce a modified distribution list that does not include the requesting recipient. The method further comprises receiving a reply e-mail message in the same thread, and sending the reply e-mail message based on the modified distribution list such that the reply e-mail message is not sent to the requesting recipient.
US09401899B2 System and method for signaling segment encryption and key derivation for adaptive streaming
An apparatus for decoding a media stream, wherein the apparatus comprises a memory module, a processor module coupled to the memory module, wherein the memory module contains instructions that when executed by the processor cause the apparatus to perform the following: receive a media stream comprising a segment signaling information and a plurality of segments, wherein the plurality of segments comprises encoded and unencoded segments, wherein the segment signaling information comprises identification of at least two segment groups each comprising at least one segment, identify at least one segment group using the segment signaling information in the media stream, identify at least one segment decoding algorithm for the at least one segment group, identify at least one decoding key for the at least segment group, and decode each encoded segment within the at least segment group using the at least segment decoding algorithm and the at least one decoding key.
US09401895B2 Device configuration for secure communication
A method including generating a mapping in response to an enrollment message received from a customer device. The enrollment message includes a device identification number (device ID) of the customer device. The mapping includes a one-time password (OTP) encrypted using the device ID. The method includes generating a quick response (QR) code including a uniform resource locator (URL), a provider certificate (CRT), and certificate signing request (CSR) content. The method includes receiving a confirmation message at a website identified by the URL. The confirmation message includes a generated public key, a CSR, and a decrypted OTP. The method includes verifying the decrypted OTP against the mapping and communicating one or more application configuration settings. The method includes securely communicating information using the one or more application configuration settings, a provider public key, a provider private key, the generated public key, and a generated private key.
US09401891B2 Network address translation traversals for peer-to-peer networks
In a networking environment, multiple end-users applications running on computing devices may operate behind a respective NAT device. Information transferred from one end-user application to another can be accomplished by establishing a connection from one private network to another. The NAT device translates information related to an end-user application operating within a private network to information that is understood by the public network environment. This translated information is communicated to the associated NAT device of the intended recipient. The NAT device of the intended recipient translates the public environment related information to information for the end-user in the private network.
US09401889B2 Port-based dynamic network parameter assignment
Systems, apparatus and methods described herein are configured to dynamically assign network parameters based on a location (e.g., port) of a network parameter associated with a requesting device. In some embodiments, the systems, apparatus and methods described herein are further configured to facilitate network parameter assignment by an external network parameter assignment server based on the location (e.g., port) where a network parameter of requesting device is coupled.
US09401886B2 Preventing personal information from being posted to an internet
A method of preventing personal information from being posted to an internet, comprising determining whether text within a post includes a pre-identified text pattern indicative of a first user's personal information, replacing any identified personal information with a number of trackback identifiers, and posting the text to the internet with the post including the number of trackback identifiers. A system for replacing personal information in an interact post with a number of trackback identifiers, the system comprising a processor, a discovery module, and a trackback generation module, in which the discovery module, when executed on the processor, searches through text within a post for any personal information associated with a first user, and in which the trackback generation module, when executed on the processor, replaces any identified personal information with the number of trackback identifiers before the information is posted to the internet.
US09401885B2 Data push service method and system using data pull model
A data push service method and system are provided. The service data push method includes: providing a device with data push information regarding service data to be pushed to at least one device; and pushing the service data to the device when receiving a data push service request from the at least one device. Accordingly, the server does not need to maintain and manage information of the at least one device.
US09401881B2 Automatic question generation and answering based on monitored messaging sessions
Mechanisms are provided, in a first computing device, for sharing content of communication sessions. The mechanisms establish a first communication session between the first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is operated by a first user and the second computing device is operated by a second user. The apparatus establishes, in response to content of the first communication session indicating subject matter for which additional information is desired by at least one of the first user or the second user, a second communication session between the first computing device and a question and answer (QA) system. In response to an input by the first user requesting sharing of information, the first computing device automatically copies a portion of content of the first communication session to the second communication session as an input question submitted to the QA system.
US09401880B1 Flow control using a local event ring in an island-based network flow processor
An island-based network flow processor (IB-NFP) integrated circuit includes islands organized in rows. A configurable mesh event bus extends through the islands and is configured to form a local event ring. The configurable mesh event bus is configured with configuration information received via a configurable mesh control bus. The local event ring involves event ring circuits and event ring segments. In one example, a packet is received onto a first island. If an amount of a processing resource (for example, memory buffer space) available to the first island is below a threshold, then an event packet is communicated from the first island to a second island via the local event ring. In response, the second island causes a third island to communicate via a command/push/pull data bus with the first island, thereby increasing the amount of the processing resource available to the first island for handing incoming packets.
US09401879B1 Systems and methods for sending and receiving information via a network device
A network device is provided. The network device includes a port complex having a plurality of ports configured to operate at different operating speeds for sending and receiving information complying with different protocols. The network device further includes a processor complex having a plurality of processors for processing information complying with different protocols and received by the plurality of ports; and a message queuing system (MQS) for managing messages for the plurality of processors regarding the received information complying with different protocols. Each processor can process information complying with any of the different protocols.
US09401877B2 Inline power system and method for network communications
A system and method for coupling a communications device to a primary communications network having a first communications format and to a secondary communications network having a second communications format. The system and method can comprise a first port configured for connecting to the communications device, a second port configured for connecting to the primary communications network and facilitating the communication of the data between the primary communications network and the communications device through the first port.
US09401875B2 Packet transfer processing method and packet transfer processing device
A packet transfer processing device includes common processing units that perform processing common to inbound processing of a packet received from an access network for transfer to a core network and outbound processing of a packet received from the core network for transfer to the access network, an input destination switching unit that selects common processing units to which the received packets are to be input, an output destination switching unit that outputs packets processed by the common processing units to a destination network, an individual processing switching unit that selects a common processing unit to connect to an individual processing unit that performs individual processing not performed by the common processing units as part of inbound processing, and a control unit that controls the input destination switching unit, the individual processing switching unit, and switching supply/shutoff of power to the common processing units.
US09401873B2 Fibre channel over ethernet (FCoE) zoning in a distributed ethernet switch
Systems, methods, and computer program products to perform an operation comprising, receiving a login request from an endpoint connected to first physical port of a first switch module of a distributed network switch, wherein the distributed network switch comprises a plurality of switch modules, wherein each switch module comprises a plurality of ASICs, responsive to the login request, storing, in a FCDF database, an entry comprising an identifier of the first physical port and a unique identifier of the endpoint, and responsive to receiving, from a cFCF, a zoning update comprising the unique identifier of the endpoint and an FCID for the endpoint, storing the FCID in the FCDF database entry for the endpoint, identifying a first ASIC, of the plurality of ASICs of the first switch module, connected to the first physical port, and updating a zoning table of the first ASIC to include the zoning update.
US09401871B2 RFID for available resources not connected to the network
Disclosed are apparatus and techniques for providing presence and location information from available media resources to participants in a media conference so that the participants can use then use such available resources in the conferencing interaction. When participating in such rich media conferences with presence and location capabilities, apparatus and techniques are provided for determining the device(s) being used and their capabilities and determining available resources presently connected to a network that is available to the participants and presenting such presence information to the conference participants. Additionally, apparatus and techniques are provided for obtaining presence and location knowledge of potential resources that are accessible but not connected to the network or shutdown and presenting such information to the participants. Thus, the participants can obtain presence and location information regarding accessible resources, including off-line or shutdown resources, and then use such information to enhance the conference in a number of ways.
US09401867B2 Method of handling transmission of data to a mobile device through multiple channels
Example embodiments provide methods of handling transmission of data to a mobile device through multiple channels. One example embodiment includes receiving carrier capacity values from each of a plurality of carrier controllers providing communication for a mobile device over corresponding channels, the carrier capacity values being an estimate of the number of bytes that the carrier controller can send to the mobile device on time; receiving data for the mobile device; and sending the data to the plurality of carrier controllers, the amount of the data sent to each of the carrier controllers being based on the carrier capacity value received from each of the plurality of carrier controllers.
US09401864B2 Express header for packets with hierarchically structured variable-length identifiers
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for forwarding named packets. During operation, the system receives a named packet with an express header. The named packet includes a payload and a name which identifies the payload. The express header includes a content identifier, a global forwarding identifier, and a local forwarding identifier. The content identifier uniquely represents an interest corresponding to the name. The global forwarding identifier includes forwarding information to facilitate global forwarding. The local forwarding identifier includes forwarding information to facilitate local forwarding. The system then makes a forwarding decision for the packet based on the content identifier, the global forwarding identifier, and optionally the local forwarding identifier.
US09401862B2 Optimized internet small computer system interface path
A system for optimizing communication paths between two given network ports. More specifically, the system for optimizing communication paths identifies an optimal port between a multi-ported target node and a multi-ported initiator node and then couples the multi-ported target node and the multi-ported initiator node using an optimal path corresponding to the identified optimal port.
US09401855B2 Methods and apparatus to deliver media content across foreign networks
Example methods and apparatus to deliver media content across foreign networks are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a request from a subscriber of a media provider, the media provider associated with a native network and identifying a foreign network associated with a current location of the subscriber. The example method also includes identifying at least one quality of service (QoS) parameter associated with the foreign network, comparing the at least one foreign network QoS parameter with a first threshold value, and at least one of prohibiting a service delivered by the media provider when the at least one foreign network QoS parameter fails to meet the first threshold value, or enabling the service when the at least one foreign network QoS parameter meets the first threshold value.
US09401843B2 Method and apparatus for reverse link control in a wireless communication network as a function of reverse link load characteristic
A method and apparatus for controlling one or more aspects of reverse link communications is based on determining reverse link load softness. Such control may be implemented in the network, such as in a base station controller. Control may be sector based, wherein the softness is determined on a per sector basis and one or more aspects of the reverse link communications are adjusted, or otherwise controlled, for each sector as a function of the softness determined for the sector. In at least one embodiment, a base station controller (or equivalently, a radio network controller) is configured to evaluate the softness of reverse link loads for the sectors under its control. In one embodiment, the base station controller makes softness-based control adjustment(s), while in other embodiments, the base station controller transmits softness information and one or more mobile stations make softness-based control adjustments.
US09401840B2 Quality check identifying source of service issue
A quality check of service received by a CPE device within a first customer premise is initiated, and if the results of the quality check indicate a problem with the service received by the CPE device, one or more CPE devices within one or more customer premises sharing upstream network resources with the first customer premise is identified and a quality check of service received by the one or more identified CPE devices can be conducted. If the results of the quality check of the one or more identified CPE devices indicate a problem with the service received by the CPE devices, a determination can be made that a problem exists at a network component upstream from the first customer premise and the other one or more customer premises.
US09401837B2 Network management method and network management system
The present invention provides a network management method and a network management system (30). The network management system comprising: a manipulating organ and a peer-to-peer network, with the peer-to-peer network consisting of a plurality of function units, wherein, the manipulating organ is configured to generate a management task according to an operation of a management role and to send the management task to the peer-to-peer network; and the function units in the peer-to-peer network are configured to perform the management task for a managed network or store relevant data. With the present invention, equipment cost can be reduced and normal running of the network management is guaranteed.
US09401834B1 Control over call connection in response to call-teardown request
A method and system for responding to a call-teardown request generated, for instance, as a result of a user equipment device (UE) losing coverage of a first serving radio access network (RAN) while the UE is engaged in a call with another party. A signaling intermediary receives the call-teardown message en route from a first call server to a second call server and responsively determines whether the UE is now served by a second RAN. Responsive to determining that the UE is served by the second RAN, the intermediary arranges for establishment of a new call connection with the UE via the second RAN and for linking of the new call connection with an existing leg of the call with the other party, and the intermediary discards the call-teardown message rather than forwarding it along to the second call server.
US09401833B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving signal in wireless communication system
One or more embodiments provides method for transmitting a signal by a transmitting apparatus in wireless a communication system supporting a modulation scheme based on a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) scheme and a frequency shift keying (FSK) scheme. The method includes determining at least one first bit which will be mapped to at least one QAM symbol and at least one second bit which will be mapped to at least one FSK symbol among bits included in an encoded input bit stream; and generating a modulation symbol by mapping the at least one first bit to the at least one QAM symbol and mapping the at least one second bit to the at least one FSK symbol based on a Hamming distance of the at least one second bit.
US09401830B2 Channel reconfiguration method, precoding method and apparatus therefor
In order to recognize a relatively accurate channel state of each UE, a channel of the UE is reconfigured based on channel phase information and channel quality information reported from the UE to obtain a channel matrix of the UE. Besides, a channel of the UE is reconfigured based on channel phase information and channel quality information reported from the UE to obtain a channel matrix of the UE, a precoding matrix of the UE is determined based on the channel matrix of the UE, and precoding is performed on data to transmit to the UE, using the precoding matrix.
US09401826B2 Signal processing unit employing a blind channel estimation algorithm and method of operating a receiver apparatus
A receiver apparatus receives a transmit signal through a plurality of transmission channels, wherein each transmission channel is described by its channel vector. A sparseness evaluation unit (127) may obtain a sparseness measure containing sparseness information for previously estimated frequency-domain channel vectors. From the plurality of receive signals, an estimator unit (120) estimates updated channel vectors for the transmission channels by applying an iterative blind channel estimation algorithm that may consider a change of the sparseness measure, out-of-band energy information and/or signal-to-noise information and cross-relations between pairs of receive signals. A combining unit (130) may combine the receive signals on the basis of combining coefficients derived from the estimated channel impulse responses for a pre-selected diversity combining scheme to obtain a combined receive signal representing an estimation of the transmit signal. The receiver apparatus employs an improved blind channel estimation approach.
US09401820B2 Method for transmitting MTC data in a mobile communication system
The present invention relates to a mobile communication system, and more particularly relates to a method for transmitting a small-sized control signal (also known as “small data”) using a control plane in a MTC (machine-type communication) service in a mobile communication system. In the present invention, MTC data is encapsulated in an existing control procedure or control message or the like, on a control signal, without performing packet data bearer setup, and the control signal having the encapsulated MTC data is sent between a network and a terminal, thereby optimizing network resource efficiency and reducing the wireless channel load.
US09401817B2 E-spring support of ethernet protection
A method of routing traffic through a packet network having a mesh physical topology. At least two types of network primitive are defined, each type of network primitive providing a respective model of traffic forwarding through at least two neighbor nodes of the network. A network model encompassing at least a portion of the network is constructed using a set of two or more interconnected network primitives. The network model has nodes and links corresponding to respective nodes and lines of the network. Respective forwarding information is computed for each node of the network model. For each node of the network model, the respective computed forwarding information is installed in a forwarding database of the corresponding node of the network, such that traffic is forwarded by each node of the network in accordance with the respective computed forwarding information.
US09401811B2 Attribute-based digital signatures
An attribute-based digital signature system is disclosed. A first signature generating unit (1) is used for generating a first signature (10) for a document (11), based on a first signature key (12) and the document (11). A re-signing unit (2) is used for generating a second signature (13) for the document (11), based on the first signature (10) and a re-signing key (14), wherein the re-signing unit (2) is arranged for handling attributes (15, 16) associated with the first signature (10) and/or the second signature (13). The second signature (13) is associated with a second set of attributes (16,16′) determined by the re-signing key (14), wherein the second set of attributes (16) comprises a plurality of attributes. The first signature (10) is associated with a first set of attributes (15), wherein the first set of attributes (15) comprises a plurality of attributes, and the re-signing unit (2) is arranged for generating the second signature (13) only if the first set of attributes (15) satisfies a set of conditions (17, 17′).
US09401810B2 Method and apparatus for applying recipient criteria in identity-based encryption
An approach is provided for reducing communication traffic and cost by applying recipient criteria in identity-based encryption. A recipient criterion application selects one or more recipient criteria for data, and encrypts the data using the selected one or more recipient criteria as a public key of identity-based encryption.
US09401807B2 Processing non-editable fields in web pages
A method of processing non-editable fields in a web page is provided herein. The method includes receiving a request comprising a submitted form of the web page. The request may include a target field value generated by a web server. The target field value may be non-editable on the web page. The method further includes determining that the web page comprises a hidden key associated with the target field value. Additionally, the method includes encrypting the target field value using an encryption key and a one-way encryption algorithm. The method also includes determining that the encrypted target field value matches the hidden key. Further, the method includes persisting the target field value.
US09401806B2 Data security method used in a wireless communication system
The present invention develops a wireless communication transmitting scheme which allows a desired receiver to stably receive data so that data are not tapped by a third party when a transmitter transmits data to the receiver in a wireless scheme. In particular, the third party not a desired receiver taps, a bit error probability of received data is maintained to have about 50%, so that the third party cannot substantially obtain valid data. A suggested scheme of the present invention may transmit security data in a state that a transmitter and a receiver do not have a secret key unlike an existing cryptography.
US09401799B2 Synchronization method, and corresponding device and integrated circuit
The operation of a circuit exhibiting a delay that is subject to a time spread as a function of process, voltage, and temperature variations is synchronized with a synchronization signal. A digital delay corresponding to the time spread is applied to the synchronization signal. The digital delay is generated via cascaded delay elements having respective delay values and by controlling the number of cascaded delay elements in the circuit that are applied to the synchronization signal.
US09401797B2 Radio communication system, communication controller, and base station
Each of two or more base stations notifies a communication controller of information on a first frequency band that the base station uses for radio communication. Based on the information on the first frequency bands acquired from the two or more base stations, the communication controller selects a second frequency band to be used by the two or more base stations to transmit the data with common content, and notifies the two or more base stations of information on the selected second frequency band. The two or more base stations transmit the data with common content based on the information on the second frequency band acquired from the communication controller.
US09401795B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting receipt acknowledgement in wireless communication system
The present invention discloses a method for transmitting a reception acknowledgement response in a wireless communication system. The method includes receiving an enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH), determining a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource based on a lowest one of enhanced control channel element (ECCE) indexes configuring the EPDCCH and a HARQ-ACK resource offset (ARO), and transmitting a reception acknowledgement response through the PUCCH resource. When a reception acknowledgement response related to two or more subframes is transmitted in a subframe for transmission of the reception acknowledgement response, a set of possible values for the ARO includes a first ARO value to shift a PUCCH resource of a specific subframe to a PUCCH resource region for at least one subframe prior to the specific subframe. The first ARO value provides a different shift amount depending on a group having the specific subframe among groups related to the two or more subframes.
US09401792B2 Method and device for receiving or transmitting downlink control signal in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for receiving and transmitting downlink control information in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The method for receiving a downlink control signal by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system includes: receiving an Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (EPDCCH) from a downlink serving base station (BS); and monitoring a plurality of EPDCCH candidates in an EPDCCH set contained in the received EPDCCH, wherein a minimum aggregation level (AL) of the EPDCCH candidates is associated with a downlink (DL) bandwidth of the wireless communication system and downlink control information (DCI) format.
US09401789B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting reference signals in uplink multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for transmitting reference signals in uplink MIMO transmission. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method for transmitting uplink signals through a terminal in the wireless communication system comprises the steps of: receiving control information including the information on a cyclic shift and/or an orthogonal cover code; allocating the multiplexed reference signals onto an uplink subframe; and transmitting the subframe through a multi-antenna. When the uplink MIMO transmission is multiuser MIMO transmission, the reference signals of the terminal and the reference signals of other terminals can be multiplexed by using the orthogonal cover code.
US09401787B2 Method and apparatus for providing an efficient pilot pattern
An approach is provided for generating a pilot pattern. A sequence of tiles is generated, wherein the tiles are arranged to avoid redundant pilot sub-carriers by utilizing different pilot patterns. A transmission signal is generated according to the generated sequence for transmission over a network.
US09401785B2 Coordinated set selecting method and device
Disclosed are a coordinated set selecting method and device, which are applicable to a wireless communication system. The coordinated set selecting method comprises the following steps: determining a transmission manner adopted by a wireless communication system, the transmission manner being joint processing or coordinated scheduling/beamforming; and, directed to the transmission manner adopted by the wireless communication system, selecting a coordinated set according to a coordinated set selecting mechanism adapting to the transmission manner. According to the technical solution of the present invention, by considering transmission characteristics of different transmission manners, a reasonable coordinated set is selected to perform coordinated multi-point transmission.
US09401775B2 Communication method, information processing apparatus, and recording medium
A communication method executed by an information processing apparatus capable of transmitting data to another information processing apparatus, the method includes: setting a first threshold as an amount of data capable of being transmitted without waiting for a reply from the another information processing apparatus; transmitting a first data having a data amount less than or equal to the first threshold to the another information processing apparatus; acquiring from the another information processing apparatus processing time information taken to process the first data by the another information processing apparatus; and changing the first threshold concerning the data amount into a second threshold based on the processing time information.
US09401773B1 Compact multi-channel WDM devices for high-speed data communications
Techniques for designing compact free-space optical device with all input/output ports on one side are disclosed. Instead of folding a fiber, a beam folding means is provided to turn a light beam to significantly reduce the size of the device. In one embodiment, there are a first collimator, a second collimator, and a beam folding means to turn a light beam from the first collimator back to the second collimator by two turns so that a first light path from the first collimator to the beam folding means and a second light path from the second collimator to the beam folding means are parallel. A substrate is provided to which the first and second collimators and filters are boned thereto.
US09401771B2 Systems and methods for delivering contextually relevant media content stream based on listener preference
The present disclosure provides a system for delivering contextually relevant streaming media content embodied in a mobile device, wherein the media stream includes one or more media content segments content selected from a plurality of media content segments content based on the current location of the mobile device and received listener preferences.
US09401770B1 Broadband integrated single ended to differential active balun with an n-Way power splitter, DC power shutdown circuit, and /or a default-on port
An apparatus comprising a switch, a balun and a splitter. The switch may be configured to provide (i) a first signal on a first path when a power signal is not present and (ii) a second signal on a second path when the power signal is present. The first path activates only the first signal. The second path activates only the second signal. The balun circuit may be configured to convert the second signal to a differential signal. The splitter circuit may be configured to generate a plurality of differential output signals in response to the differential signal.
US09401768B2 Near field communication apparatus
An apparatus comprising: a transducer suitable for generating an acoustic sound pressure wave being configured to: magnetically couple the apparatus to a further apparatus transducer for transferring data.
US09401759B2 Multibeam coverage for a high altitude platform
Multibeam coverage for a high altitude platform is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a plurality of antennas configured to provide communication coverage among a plurality of terminals within a specified area on the ground, each antenna being configured to communicate with a specified cell within the specified area. The antennas of the example apparatus have differently sized apertures to maintain a similar surface spectral density among the cells within the specified area.
US09401757B2 Wireless communication system
A wireless communication system includes a wireless base station, a mobile station configured to communicate with the wireless base station, and a relay station configured to relay the communication between the wireless base station and the mobile station. When the number of the mobile stations communicating with the wireless base station is judged to have become smaller than or equal to a given number, a power controller in the relay station executes at least one of power control to cut off the power for relaying the communication, power control to perform intermittent operation, and power control to perform power-saving operation.
US09401756B2 Method for configuring multiple antennas and related wireless communication device
A method for configuring a plurality of antennas in a wireless communication device, including using at least a plurality of representative antennas of the plurality of antennas to receive RF signals from a cell with a specific cell identity, determining a status of an RF environment corresponding to the wireless communication device according to the received RF signals, and selecting at least an antenna from the plurality of antennas for transmission or reception of following RF signals according to the status of the RF environment.
US09401753B2 Native medium access control support for beamforming
Apparatuses, systems, and methods that enable native MAC support of beamforming are contemplated. An embodiment may comprise a mobile computing device, such as a laptop, with wireless communications capabilities, such as an integrated wireless networking card. The networking card of the laptop may transmit and receive various types of frame data using one or more beamforming techniques. Upon establishing a link with another wireless device, the laptop may sense that the link quality is degrading. Instead of having to reestablish a new link using dedicated BF frames and the conventional BF protocol, embodiments described herein may instead transmit beamforming information in various types of frames which enable the wireless communication devices to adjust the beamforming parameters in a more efficient manner. For example, the devices may include beamforming information in control frames and data frames and transmit the frames in a sweeping sector fashion.
US09401752B2 Method and device for performing codebook processing on channel information
A method and a device for performing codebook processing on channel information are described, wherein channel information obtained by channel estimation is analysed to obtain a value space and a null space; the value space or the null space of which a dimension is small is taken as a codebook space; a codebook space vector is selected; and multidimensional codebook processing is performed separately on each codebook space vector, and information obtained by performing codebook is fed back to a base station. Thus the channel information feedback quantity and the codebook precision can be balanced flexibly without expanding codebook capacity, and the codebook precision is improved and channel information distortion is deduced under a premise that channel information data quantity is reduced.
US09401750B2 Method and precoder information feedback in multi-antenna wireless communication systems
A method for two component feedback in wireless communication systems is disclosed, with a wireless communication device sending a first representation of a first matrix chosen from a first codebook, wherein the first matrix has at least two columns, the wireless communication device sending a second representation of a second matrix chosen from a second codebook, and the base station obtaining a precoder from the first representation and the second representation.
US09401748B2 Method and apparatus for channel state information feedback in a coordinated multi-point communication system
A method of operating a wireless communication system (FIG. 4) is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of reference signals from a respective plurality of transceivers (402). Each, of the plurality of reference signals is measured to produce a respective plurality of channel state information (CSI) measurements (404). An aggregated channel quality indicator (CQI) is calculated from measuring the plurality of reference signals (406). The aggregated CQI is transmitted to at least one transceiver of the respective plurality of transceivers (408).
US09401747B2 Method and device for data transmission
Disclosed in the present invention is a method for data transmission. The method comprises the following steps: receiving coded bit streams; mapping said coded bit streams to every spatial stream. A device for implementing stream mapping, a device for implementing rate matching and a transmitter are also disclosed in the present invention. With the method and device in the present invention, compared with the current stream mapping method, the mapping is more uniform with higher gain in high order modulation and multi-streams circumstance in a closed-loop model. And the system performance of a radio communication system could be further improved.
US09401742B2 On cell/finger assignment for reduced cell delay spread
Methods and apparatus for wireless communications are described. A method of wireless communications includes determining an energy for a first signal received at a first finger of a rake receiver after a reference signal is received at a second finger of the rake receiver, determining an energy for a second signal received at a third finger of a rake receiver before the reference signal is received at the second finger of the rake receiver, and selecting the first signal as a new reference signal when the energy of the first signal exceeds the energy of the second signal by a predefined threshold amount. In another aspect, a method includes assigning a signal received at a rake receiver to a finger of the rake receiver, and deassigning the finger if the signal has an energy level below a preselected lock threshold energy for a predefined time.
US09401738B2 Method for simplified closed-loop antenna tuning
A method of closed-loop antenna tuning (CLAT) search strategy based on maximum Relative Transducer Gain (RTG) is proposed. A search region that account for TX input mismatch and forward voltage gain is pre-computed. The search region that is independent of antenna load can be pre-computed to reduce the computation complexity. The Maximum RTG is searched by estimating antenna S-parameters corresponding to a good load match. The search is conducted between the peak forward voltage gain and the best load match. Global optimal with reasonable RTG can be found with limited number of iterations. The transmitter search region can further be constrained by the receiver path mismatching.
US09401731B2 Skew control for three-phase communication
Aspects disclosed in the detailed description include skew control for three-phase communication. A three-phase communication involves three signal branches. A signal skew may occur when one signal branch is being coupled to a common mode voltage while another signal branch is being decoupled from the common mode voltage. In this regard, in one aspect, an impedance mismatch is introduced in the signal branch being coupled to the common mode voltage to help shift a rightmost crossing of the signal skew leftward. In another aspect, a current source or a current sink is coupled to the signal branch being decoupled from the common mode voltage to help shift a leftmost crossing of the signal skew rightward. By shifting the rightmost crossing leftward and the leftmost crossing rightward, it is possible to reduce the signal skew, thus leading to reduced jitter and improved data integrity in the three-phase communication.
US09401727B1 Shared circuit configurations for bootstrapped sample and hold circuits in a time-interleaved analog to digital converter
In a time-interleaved Analog to Digital Converter, circuit components and capacitances may be shared among a plurality of sample and hold circuits in each of two sets. The two shared circuits alternate, on different half-periods of a master clock signal, between charging a capacitance and sampling an input in an overlapping manner such that one is charging while the other is sampling. One sample and hold circuit is activated during each successive half-period (following a charging half-period) by independent, sequential, non-overlapping clocking signals. To improve SNDR, at least one switch is bootstrapped by driving its gate terminal with the voltage of a capacitor configured between the gate and the input signal. By sharing at least some components among multiple sample and hold circuits, the number of gates driven by clock signals is reduced, reducing clock distribution and calibration complexity, and the circuit area is reduced.
US09401723B2 XOR phase detector, phase-locked loop, and method of operating a PLL
An XOR phase detector for a phase-locked loop PLL comprises an XOR gate which has an input for a periodic reference signal and another input connected to a frequency divider of the PLL. A level shifter has a level shifter input connected to an output of the XOR gate and a level shifter output connectable to a voltage-controlled oscillator VCO of the PLL. The level shifter is connectable between low and high voltage providers and has a high level and a low level. The level shifter is arranged to deliver at its output the high level or the low level depending on whether the voltage at the output of the XOR phase detector is low or high. The level shifter further has a setpoint input for setting the high level to a setpoint level.
US09401722B2 Autoconfigurable phase-locked loop which automatically maintains a constant damping factor and adjusts the loop bandwidth to a constant ratio of the reference frequency
A phase-locked loop (PLL) includes a state machine programmed to automatically produce a set of control signals to select a charge-pump current and integrating capacitance value to automatically adjust a loop bandwidth of the PLL. A charge-pump DAC generates a charge-pump current of magnitude controlled by the state machine control signals. An integrator integrates the charge-pump output current to produce an integrated charge-pump output signal. The integrator has a plurality of capacitors switchably selected by control signals from the state machine to produce an integrating capacitance value. A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) produces a PLL output frequency in response to the integrated charge-pump output signal.
US09401712B2 Touch panel substrate with first grid electrodes and second grid electrodes
Provided is a touch panel substrate to be used in a touch panel, the touch panel substrate having improved display qualities. A touch panel substrate of one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first detection electrode having a plurality of first lattice electrodes that are aligned in the lateral direction. Each of the first lattice electrodes includes conductor lines formed in a lattice shape parallel to the outer shape of each of the first lattice electrodes, and in each of the first lattice electrodes, the diagonal line between the two opposing corners adjacent to first relay wiring is tilted with respect to the lateral direction.
US09401707B1 Push-pull voltage driver with low static current variation
A push-pull driver is provided with a differential amplifier that amplifies a difference between an input voltage and an output voltage to drive a bias node coupled to a diode-connected bias transistor. The push-pull driver is configured to control the drain-to-source voltage for a source-follower output transistor having its gate tied to a gate for the diode-connected bias transistor to be proportional to the drain-to-source voltage for the diode-connected bias transistor. This proportionality prevents excessive static current variation that would otherwise be present in the source-follower output transistor.
US09401703B1 Variable frequency relaxation oscillator
A relaxation oscillator system has a relaxation oscillator and a frequency control (FC) unit. The oscillator includes first and second oscillator sub-circuits and a latch. The first and second oscillator sub-circuits receive from the FC unit, respectively, first and second control signals for controlling corresponding outputs provided to the latch by the first and second oscillator sub-circuits. The latch outputs a variable frequency feedback signal provided to the FC unit. The FC unit receives a frequency control signal for controlling the frequency of an oscillator output signal and generates the first and second control inputs based on the frequency control signal and the feedback signal so that changes to the oscillator frequency are implemented by each oscillator sub-circuit while that sub-circuit is in an idle state to avoid glitches in the oscillator output signal.
US09401702B2 Binary frequency shift keying with data modulated in digital domain and carrier generated from intermediate frequency
Binary frequency shift keying modulation is implemented by choosing appropriate phases of a high frequency clock to generate a modulated intermediate clock frequency. The high frequency clock is chosen to be (M+0.5)*fc, where fc is the carrier frequency and M is an integer. Depending on the binary data ‘1’ or ‘0’ to be transmitted, ‘M’ or ‘M+1’ clock phases from the high frequency clock are converted to an intermediate clock that is 2*N times faster than the carrier frequency, where N is an integer. This intermediate clock, generated entirely in the digital domain, has the required data modulation in it, and is used to generate N pulse width modulated (PWM) phases of waveforms operating at the carrier frequency. The N phases are then weighed appropriately to synthesize a sine waveform whose lower harmonics are substantially suppressed.
US09401700B1 High speed latch and method
An embodiment latch device includes a first stage having circuitry that receives a differential input and generates a clocked data signal according to a clock signal and the differential input, and a second stage connected to the first stage and having circuitry that generates differential outputs according to the clock signal and the clocked data signal. The second stage further has a reset circuit that resets a latch storage to a high value according to the clock signal.
US09401699B2 High frequency low-gain noise ring-type VCO oscillator leading to a low-noise/area PLL
A phase locked loop includes a voltage-controlled oscillator and a current mirror circuit that supplies a drive current to the voltage-controlled oscillator. The current mirror circuit includes a filter between a bias current generator and current mirror transistor. The filter includes a first and a second switch driven in unison with a small duty cycle.
US09401698B1 Transforming a phase-locked-loop generated chip clock signal to a local clock signal
Electronic circuits and memory circuits are provided for implementing a method for transforming a chip clock signal to a local clock signal. The method includes: generating a first clock signal in response to the chip clock signal, a first control signal and a second control signal; generating a second clock signal by delaying the first clock signal with a second clock delay; generating the first control signal and the second control signal by delaying the second clock signal with a pulse width delay, where the first control signal goes from high-to-low with a control signal delay after the second control signal goes from high-to-low, and vice versa; and generating the local clock signal based on the second clock signal.
US09401690B2 Calibration circuit and method
A circuit comprises a phase combiner and four output ports. The phase combiner adds an in-phase positive input and a quadrature positive input to obtain an in-phase positive output, adds an in-phase negative input and a quadrature negative input to obtain an in-phase negative output, adds the in-phase negative input and the quadrature positive input to obtain a quadrature positive output, and adds the in-phase positive input and the quadrature negative input to obtain a quadrature negative output. The four output ports, are respectively configured to output the in-phase positive output, the in-phase negative output, the quadrature positive output, and the quadrature negative output.
US09401688B2 Passive equalizer
A first meander line 1A is formed on one surface of a first dielectric layer 9A, with one end as a signal input position, and the other end connected to a first termination resistance 5A, and a second meander line 1C facing the first meander line 1A is formed on a surface facing the first dielectric layer 9A, and the second meander line 1C is formed, with one end positioned at the other end side of the first meander line 1A as a signal output position, and the other end connected to a second termination resistance 5C, and a first conductor line 3A is formed on the side facing the first dielectric layer 9A, with one end connected to the signal input position and the other connected to the signal output position, and a dividing section in a middle of the first conductor line 3A is connected by a first series resistance 7A.
US09401684B2 Methods, systems, and computer readable media for synthesizing sounds using estimated material parameters
The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for synthesizing sounds using estimated material parameters. According to one aspect, a method for sound synthesis using estimated material parameters is provided. The method includes at a computing platform including a memory and a processor, estimating, by the processor and based on a recorded audio sample of an impact on a physical object, one or more material parameters of a physical object for use in synthesizing a sound associated with a virtual object having material properties similar to the physical object. The method further includes storing the one or more material parameters in memory. The method further includes using the estimated material parameters to generate a synthesize sound for the virtual object.
US09401682B2 Structure for a radio frequency power amplifier module within a radio frequency power amplifier package
A RF power amplifier module comprises a die with a RF power transistor and the RF power transistor comprises a control terminal, a transistor output terminal and a transistor reference terminal. The RF power amplifier module further comprises a module input terminal, a module output terminal and at least two module reference terminals being electrically coupled to the control terminal, the transistor output terminal and the transistor reference terminal, respectively. The RF power amplifier module further comprises an electrically isolating layer and a heat conducting element. The die is in thermal contact with the heat conducting element via the electrically isolating layer in order to transfer heat during operation of the RF power transistor to the heat conducting element.
US09401681B2 Semiconductor amplifier
A semiconductor amplifier includes a semiconductor amplifying element, an output terminal, an output matching circuit, and an output bias circuit. The output matching circuit includes a bonding wire, a first transmission line, and a second transmission line. The other end part of the first transmission line is connected to one end part of the second transmission line. The output bias circuit includes a third transmission line having an electrical length of approximately 90° at a center frequency, a grounded shunt capacitor, and a power supply terminal. The third transmission line includes one end part and the other end part connected to the grounded shunt capacitor. The one end part of the third transmission line is connected to the second transmission line at a position where an electrical length is approximately 45° from the one end part of the second transmission line at the center frequency.
US09401675B2 Vehicle AC generator control apparatus
A vehicle AC generator control apparatus, the rotor of an vehicle AC generator 1 of which is coupled through a torque transfer member with the output axle of an internal combustion engine mounted in a vehicle, is provided with a magnetic-field current control system that can control the value c of a magnetic-field current flowing in a magnetic-field winding 3 of the vehicle AC generator 1 so that the magnetic-field current value c coincides with a magnetic-field current command value b; it is made possible to make the rotation torque of the vehicle AC generator 1 depend only on the rotation speed and to stabilize control of the internal combustion engine.
US09401674B2 Single-shunt current sensing for multi-phase motor
A motor controller for providing a three-phase alternating current (AC) signal to a three-phase motor. The motor controller uses current feedback from a single shunt to monitor or control the three phase AC signal. The motor controller may include a three-phase DC to AC power inverter, a single-shunt current sensor, and a processor. During individual duty cycles when two or more phase signals are too close to each other, the processor may shift one of the phase signals in time so that its leading or trailing edges are a predetermined conflict time away from each other. Then, the processor may sample current from the single-shunt current sensor to determine currents of two of the three phase signals and then calculate current of a remaining one of the three phase signals. Sample times may depend on pulse widths and shifting of the phase signals.
US09401673B2 Control apparatus for synchronous rotary machine enabling suppression of rotor vibration
In a synchronous rotary machine such as a synchronous motor, respective values of the number of pole pairs of the rotor and the number of stator slots are predetermined such as to enable drive currents to be passed through the stator windings which suppress specific varying electromagnetic forces that act on the rotor and produce vibration. The drive current of each phase of the motor consists of a fundamental-frequency sinusoidal waveform current having specific harmonic-frequency currents superimposed thereon, the harmonic-frequency currents having angular velocities which are appropriate, with respect to the angular variation velocities of the specific varying electromagnetic forces, for suppressing these forces.
US09401671B2 Electric power conversion circuit
In a three phase inverter device, a smoothing capacitor, a bus bar at a positive electrode side and a bus bar at a negative electrode side are formed on a first surface of the circuit substrate. Electronic components containing a microcomputer, etc., a differential wiring pattern, a single wiring pattern and a current wiring pattern are formed on a second surface of the circuit substrate. A ground pattern is formed in the inside of the circuit substrate in order to separate the electronic components, the differential wiring pattern, the single wiring pattern and the current wiring pattern from the smoothing capacitor, the bus bar at the positive electrode side and the bus bar at the negative electrode side.
US09401667B2 Vibration-type driving device
A vibration-type driving device includes a vibrator including an electro-mechanical transducer and an elastic portion supported by a shaft, and a rotor the position of which relative to the vibrator changes. The rotor includes a first rotor having a threaded portion engaging with a first threaded portion formed on the elastic portion, and a second rotor having a threaded portion engaging with a second threaded portion formed on the shaft. The first rotor and the second rotor are configured to be driven integrally with each other, with a spring member between the first rotor and the second rotor.
US09401665B2 Electric power conversion apparatus
The disclosure relates to an electric power conversion apparatus, and capable of determining a minimum output voltage of a boost converter based on a voltage of the grid, and comparing the minimum output voltage of the converter with an input voltage of the converter, and controlling the operation of the converter based on the comparison result, thereby reducing the unnecessary operation and switching loss of the converter, the electric power conversion apparatus according to the invention comprises a converter; and a control unit configured to detect a grid voltage to determine a minimum output voltage of the converter based on the grid voltage, and control the operation of the converter based on an input voltage of the converter and the determined minimum output voltage.
US09401663B2 Power converter circuit with AC output
A power converter circuit includes a synchronization circuit configured to generate at least one synchronization signal. A series circuit includes a number of converter units configured to output an overall output current. At least one of the converter units generates an output current such that at least one of a frequency and a phase of the generated output current is dependent on the synchronization signal.
US09401661B2 Connecting an inverter in a solar power plant with shifted potential center point
The invention relates to a process of connecting an AC output of a transformerless inverter of a solar power plant to an internal AC power grid at an input side of a galvanic isolation, while an offset voltage for shifting a potential center point of a photovoltaic generator connected to the inverter is applied. The process includes: (i) synchronizing the inverter with the power grid; (ii) essentially matching a potential center point of the current-carrying lines of the AC output and a potential center point of the power grid, while only one of the potential center points of the current-carrying lines and the power grid is yet shifted by the offset voltage; and (iii) galvanically connecting all current-carrying lines of the AC output with the power grid only after the steps of synchronizing and essentially matching.
US09401658B2 Power supply apparatus and method of generating power by the same
A power supply apparatus includes a power source, power converters and an output connector. The power converters are configured for converting an input power from the power source into conversion powers. The output connector is configured for receiving the conversion powers from the power converters and outputting a parallel output power, a serial output power or separate output powers corresponding to the conversion powers from the power converters. A method of generating power by a power supply apparatus is also disclosed herein.
US09401655B2 Power conversion apparatus with inverter circuit and series converter circuit having power factor control
An inverter circuit including a DC capacitor is connected in series to an AC power supply, and at the stage subsequent to the inverter circuit, a smoothing capacitor is connected via a converter circuit. A short-circuit period T for short-circuiting the AC terminals of the converter circuit is provided in one cycle, whereby the converter circuit is controlled, and PWM control is performed for the inverter circuit so as to improve an AC power supply power factor. When current control by the inverter circuit cannot be performed, the PWM control is switched to PWM control for the converter circuit, to perform current control.
US09401654B2 Device for modifying an AC voltage, AC voltage having a superimposed data signal, method for data transmission, use of a receiver and communication architecture
A device for modifying an AC voltage has an input for connecting to an AC voltage source and an output for connecting to a load circuit. An interrupter is designed such that, within a time window, the output can be disconnected from the AC voltage source. The time window has a time delay from the zero crossing of the voltage of the AC voltage source. At the output, the device has a terminator that is designed, together with the interrupter, such that the voltage at the output has a predefined or predefinable value in the time window. The device also includes a pulse shape generator for generating a predetermined or predeterminable pulse shape, and a control that actuates the terminator and the interrupter such that the voltage curve at the output can be modified according to the pulse shape predetermined by the pulse shape generator.
US09401653B2 Power supply with switching converter
Circuits and techniques for improving power converter efficiencies and controllability are disclosed. For example, a first converter stage includes a push-pull circuit topology and an isolating element including a magnetizing inductance for isolating a primary side of the first converter stage from a secondary side of the first converter stage. The magnetizing inductance may vary as a function of a current flowing in the primary side of the first converter stage. For example, the isolating element can be a transformer with a stepped gap core and have a varying magnetizing inductance profile.
US09401652B2 Primary side regulator
A primary side regulator according to an embodiment includes a power switch connected to a primary winding, a secondary winding configured to be insulated and coupled to the primary winding, a diode connected between the secondary winding and an output terminal, and an auxiliary winding coupled to the primary winding, and insulated and coupled to the secondary winding. The primary side regulator controls a switching operation of the power switch using a voltage obtained by filtering at least one of an estimation voltage signal corresponding to an output voltage of the output terminal and an estimation current signal corresponding to an output current flowing through the diode.
US09401650B2 Power supply apparatus
A power supply apparatus is provided. The power supply apparatus includes two power suppliers connected in parallel, and the two power suppliers supply electric power to an electronic product at the same time. According to the present invention, when a load is a light load, the conductive impedance of an output isolation switch-component (for example, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET)) in each power supplier is changed/adjusted to balance the voltages on two light-loading setting points (not the source or drain of the output isolation switch-component (MOSFET)). If the voltages on the two light-loading setting points are not balanced (i.e., a reverse current is about to flow into the power supplier), the output isolation switch-component (MOSFET) is turned off in advance, so that a power isolation function is started/activated before the reverse current flows into the power supplier.
US09401648B2 Current limit module and control module for power converters and associated method
A power converter having a current limit module and a method for controlling the power converter. The power converter converts an input voltage to an output voltage based at least on driving a main switch to switch on and off and regulates the output voltage through regulating a duty cycle of the main switch. The current limit module is configured to compensate a first current limit threshold indicative of a maximum allowable value of a peak value of a switching current of the main switch with a threshold compensation signal indicative of the duty cycle to provide a second current limit threshold. The second current limit threshold is used to limit the maximum value of the peak value, so that a maximum allowable output power of the power converter is substantially uninfluenced by the variation in the duty cycle.
US09401644B2 Trench MOSFET having an independent coupled element in a trench
A trench MOSFET is disclosed that includes a semiconductor substrate having a vertically oriented trench containing a gate. The trench MOSFET further includes a source, a drain, and a conductive element. The conductive element, like the gate is contained in the trench, and extends between the gate and a bottom of the trench. The conductive element is electrically isolated from the source, the gate, and the drain. When employed in a device such as a DC-DC converter, the trench MOSFET may reduce power losses and electrical and electromagnetic noise.
US09401643B1 Bias-temperature induced damage mitigation circuit
A circuit that regulates electrical current flow through an integrated circuit involves a sequencing circuit connected to a clock signal generator, the sequencing circuit configured to, responsive to receiving a clock signal from the clock signal generator, generate a set of sequencing signals that includes a first switching signal, a second switching signal, and a disable signal. The circuit also involves a switching circuit connected to the sequencing circuit, the switching circuit configured to receive the first switching signal and the second switching signal and a current mirror connected to the switching circuit and the sequencing circuit, the current mirror configured to receive an activation signal from a current control logic circuit and to receive the disable signal.
US09401636B2 Multi-function power regulator for prioritizing functions and allocating resources thereof
A multi-function power regulator for prioritizing functions and allocating resources thereof, the multi-function regulator including a plurality of resources each having a resource capacity limit. The multi-function regulator also includes a shunt converter is configured to perform one or more shunt converter functions while consuming one or more of the resources, a series converter is configured to perform one or more series converter functions while consuming one or more of the resources. A control engine coupled to the shunt converter, the series converter, and a plurality of sensors, the control engine is configured to monitor and control the one or more shunt converter functions and the one or more series converter functions. The multi-function regulator also includes a priority control engine coupled to the control engine, the priority control engine is configured to set a priority order for performing the one or more shunt converter functions and/or the one or more series converter functions and configured to determine whether one or more resource capacity limits has been exceeded or not exceeded by the shunt converter functions and/or the series converter function and in response to one or more exceeded resource capacity limits adjust the operation of the shunt converter functions and/or the series converter based on the priority order such that the one or more resource capacity limits exceeded is no longer exceeded.
US09401634B2 Saturation prevention in an energy transfer element of a power converter
A controller for use in a power converter includes logic circuits to turn on and off a switch to regulate an output quantity. A first integrating capacitor is charged with a combination of a first current and a second current while the switch is turned on. The first current is proportional to a reset voltage and the second current is proportional to an input voltage. A reference generation circuit including a second integrating capacitor is charged with the first current during a previous switching cycle of the switch. The reference generation circuit generates a reference voltage in response to the second integrating capacitor. A comparator provides a stop signal to the logic circuits to turn off the switch in response to a comparison of a voltage across the first integrating capacitor with the reference voltage.
US09401633B2 Three-phase inverter with a repositioned choke
A method and apparatus for converting direct current into alternating current. The direct current is converted into a number of alternating currents using a switch system. The number of alternating currents is filtered using a set of inductors and a set of capacitors. Higher-frequency electromagnetic interference is blocked using a choke located between the set of inductors and the set of capacitors.
US09401629B2 Rotary electric machine and bearing changing method
A rotary electric machine includes a stator core; a rotor that includes a laminated core, core holders, and cooling fans; a frame that includes a tubular unit that encloses the stator core and the rotor, and a first bracket and a second bracket that extend in a direction of a rotor shaft and supports the rotor shaft; and cartridges that are detachably attached to the first bracket and the second bracket and rotatably supports the rotor shaft, wherein groove-like or hole-like holding portions, which hold end portions of bearing attaching and detaching jigs inserted through the first bracket and the second bracket, are provided in the cooling fans.
US09401626B2 Battery, power supply apparatus and electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus including an RT/CMOS DATA logic unit which stores Real-Time Clock information and CMOS information, and a battery having a power terminal to supply main power used in the electronic apparatus and a signal terminal for data communication with the electronic apparatus, and when the main power is turned off, supplies power to the RT/CMOS DATA logic unit through the signal terminal to maintain operations of the RT/CMOS DATA logic unit.
US09401625B2 Solar-powered external charger and solar-powered external charger cradle for medical implantable device systems
Disclosed are an external charger including a solar cell array for charging or powering an implantable medical device (IMD), and a cradle including a solar cell array for charging or powering an external charger for charging or powering an implantable medical device. The disclosed improved external charger or improved cradle are particularly beneficial for charging a battery in an external charger used to charge or power an IMD when a power source is otherwise unavailable, such as a wall socket.
US09401623B2 Wireless power system
A wireless power system can include wireless power receive circuitry for generating power from a wireless signal, and a wireless power transceiver for communicating with a wireless power transmission unit. The wireless power system can transition from an idle state to different power management states depending on whether or not communication has been established with the wireless power transmission unit. Different modules can be activated, different supply voltages, and different clock signal rates can be used in different power management states.
US09401622B2 Systems and methods for extending the power capability of a wireless charger
Systems and methods for converting voltages between different voltage levels in a receiver are disclosed. In an aspect, a wireless power receiver apparatus for charging a chargeable device is provided. The wireless power receiver apparatus for charging a chargeable device can include a receive antenna configured to wirelessly receive power at a level sufficient for charging the chargeable device. The wireless power receiver apparatus can also include converter circuitry. The converter circuitry can be coupled to the receive antenna. The converter circuitry can be configured to receive an input voltage derived from the wirelessly received power. The converter circuitry can also be configured to produce an output voltage that is scaled to a value relative to the input voltage based on a relationship between the input voltage and a first voltage level threshold.
US09401618B2 Control circuit, and power generation device having the same
Provided is a control circuit capable of efficiently supplying electric power from an alternating-current generator to a load, and a power generation device having this control circuit. A control circuit 1 for controlling electric power to be supplied from a power generator 5 to a battery 6 is provided with: a rate-of-change obtaining unit 11 configured to obtain a rate of change of a sensor cycle for a sensor signal synchronous with an operation of the power generator 5; an estimation unit 12 configured to estimate a next sensor cycle using the rate of change of the sensor cycle obtained by the rate-of-change obtaining unit; and an output-supply control unit 13 configured to perform PWM control of switching elements provided for a drive circuit 30 using the next sensor cycle estimated by the estimation unit 12.
US09401617B2 Hybrid drive device
A method for operating a hybrid drive device including an internal combustion engine-generator unit as a range extender, at least one electric machine for driving and for decelerating the hybrid vehicle, and a battery. During operation of the at least one electric machine, the electrical power provided by a generator of the internal combustion engine-generator unit and/or the electrical power provided by the at least one electric machine in regenerative mode for charging the battery is/are controlled and/or regulated in such a way that the electrical charging capacity of the battery is below a predefined limiting value.
US09401615B2 Charging and discharging control circuit and battery device
A charging and discharging control circuit includes a switching circuit that controls the gate of a bidirectional conduction type field effect transistor; a first transistor of which the drain is connected to the drain of the bidirectional conduction type field effect transistor, the gate is connected to the source of the bidirectional conduction type field effect transistor, and the source and the back gate are connected to a first terminal of the switching circuit; and a second transistor of which the drain is connected to the source of the bidirectional conduction type field effect transistor, the gate is connected to the drain of the bidirectional conduction type field effect transistor, and the source and the back gate are connected to the first terminal of the switching circuit. The back gate of the bidirectional conduction type field effect transistor is connected to the first terminal of the switching circuit.
US09401614B2 Method for controlling a battery, and battery for carrying out the method
A method is used for controlling a battery having at least one battery module line with a plurality of battery modules that are connected in series. Each battery module has at least one battery cell, at least one coupling unit, a first connection, and a second connection. Each battery module is configured to assume one of at least two switching states dependent on a control of the coupling unit. The different switching states correspond to different voltage values between the first connection and the second connection of the battery module. The method includes determining a ranking among the battery modules. The method also includes engaging the battery modules in a supply of a desired output voltage of the battery module line using the ranking. The battery modules compare respective battery module operating states among one another and determine the ranking on the basis of the comparison.
US09401610B2 System and method for electric vehicle battery charging
Systems and methods that facilitate the charging of an electric vehicle battery while avoiding electric grid peak load difficulties are discussed. One such method may include generating charge instructions based on a historical load profile, forecast load profile, historical weather data, and/or forecast weather data, in the absence of real-time grid condition information.
US09401607B2 Charge and discharge control circuit and battery device
Provided is a charge and discharge control circuit and a battery device which ensure high safety, even when a charger is reversely connected. The charge and discharge control circuit includes a consumption current increase circuit for supplying a current from a power supply terminal to a ground terminal, the consumption current increase circuit including a switch circuit configured to be turned on in response to a detection signal from a charger reverse connection detection circuit, which indicates that a charger is reversely connected.
US09401604B2 Relay-based foolproof circuit for over-voltage protection
The present invention provides a relay-based foolproof circuit for over-voltage protection, which is electrically connected between a plug and an electric device, and includes a relay having at least one magnetic core, a coil wound around the magnetic core and two reed switches each having a reed and being normally in a closed state because of the elastic effect of its reed. The relay-based foolproof circuit is able to provide AC power of a first specification (e.g., 110 V AC power) received from the plug to the electric device. However, when AC power of a second specification (e.g., 220 V AC power) greater than the first specification flows through the coil, the coil causes the magnetic core to generate a magnetic force great enough to drive the two reed switches into an open state for stopping the AC power of the second specification from being provided to the electric device.
US09401587B2 Method of manufacturing an ignition plug
A method for producing a spark plug for internal combustion engines, having a metallic shell, a ceramic insulator held in the shell, a center electrode embedded in the insulator, and a ground electrode implemented as a bridge attached to the front end of the shell, wherein an end piece made of a precious metal is attached to the front end of the center electrode and a counterpart is attached to the bridge opposite the end piece, between which is formed a spark gap. A cylindrical body made fully or partially of the precious metal or precious metal alloy intended for the end piece and that is longer than the end piece is welded onto the front end of the center electrode. A bridge is used that has, in the center, a hole, the cross-section of which is matched to the cross-section of the cylindrical body. The bridge is placed on the front end of the shell in such a manner that the forward-facing end of the cylindrical body enters the hole in the bridge. The cylindrical body is welded to the bridge, and lastly the spark gap is created by cross-cutting the cylindrical body.
US09401586B1 Spark plug
A spark plug includes: a metal shell including a tool engagement portion and having a through hole; an insulator disposed in the through hole of the metal shell; and a metal terminal including: a trunk portion disposed in an axial hole of the insulator; a flange portion having a larger diameter than the trunk portion; and a head portion having a smaller diameter than the flange portion. A minimum thickness of an exposed portion of the insulator is equal to or less than 2.5 mm. A diameter difference between the maximum outer diameter of the head portion and the maximum outer diameter of the tool engagement portion is equal to or less than 9 mm, or a diameter difference between the maximum outer diameter of the exposed portion and the maximum outer diameter of the head portion is equal to or less than 2.3 mm.
US09401581B2 Jig for CAN-package semiconductor laser
A jig for handling a CAN-package semiconductor laser having a semiconductor laser mounted on a pedestal, a cap which is put on one surface of the pedestal and covers the semiconductor laser, and a lead pin which is electrically connected to the semiconductor laser and protrudes from the other surface of the pedestal includes: a base part provided with a recessed part to which the pedestal is fitted; a terminal pad provided on a recessed-part bottom surface and being in contact with the lead pin; and a terminal pin electrically connected to the terminal pad and protruding from the base part.
US09401577B2 RJ-45 insertion and extraction tool
An RJ-45 insertion and extraction tool is disclosed that allows a user to plug and unplug an RJ-45 connector from an RJ-45 socket in a quick and easy way that does not disturb other cables plugged into adjacent sockets.
US09401576B2 Apparatus and method for manufacturing a stacked electrode
A stacking apparatus according to the present invention manufacturing a stacked electrode in which cathode sheets and anode sheets are stacked with a separator in between includes a first unit that folds a continuous separator sheet onto a first region and a second unit that alternately supplies an anode sheet and a cathode sheet to the first region in synchronization with the first unit folding the continuous separator sheet. The first unit includes a first wall surface and a second wall surface whose lengths are substantially equal to the folded length and fold the continuous separator onto the first region in a state where the continuous separator sheet is alternately vacuum chucked.
US09401575B2 Method of assembling a transducer assembly
A method of assembling a transducer assembly comprising a transducer and a conductor element, where one of the transducer and the conductor element includes holes and conducting parts, each conducting part being exposed in or at a hole and the other of the transducer and the conductor element includes elevated, electrically conducting elements. The method includes aligning the conductor element and the transducer so that each of the elevated elements extends into a separate hole of the holes and fixing the transducer to the conductor element by fixing each elevated element to the conducting parts of the pertaining hole.
US09401573B1 Electrical plug connector
An electrical plug connector includes an insulated housing, conductive terminals, and a metallic shell. The insulated housing includes a base portion and recessed portions configured at two sides of the base portion. The conductive terminals are held at the base portion. The metallic shell includes a body shell, two stopping pieces, two holding portions, and an extending sheet. The body shell encloses the base portion and defines two engaging grooves. The stopping pieces are protruded out of lateral inner surfaces of the body shell to engage with the recessed portions. The holding portions allow connections of portions of the body shell spaced by the engaging groove and hold two sides of the circuit board from moving. Engaging pieces of the extending sheet are engaged with the circuit board to prevent the circuit board from being detached from the insulated housing to prevent charging or data transmission failure.
US09401570B2 Electrical connector having ground bus bar
An electrical connector includes a housing, signal contacts and ground contacts, and a ground bus bar. The housing has a first side wall and a second side wall that define a socket at the front end of the housing. The socket is configured to receive a mating connector therein. The signal and ground contacts are held in the housing and interspersed along at least one of the first or second side wall. The signal and ground contacts extend into the socket to mate with corresponding mating signal contacts and mating ground contacts, respectively, of the mating connector. The ground bus bar is coupled to the housing at the first side wall of the socket. The ground bus bar includes spring contacts that extend into the socket and are configured to engage corresponding mating ground contacts of the mating connector to electrically common the mating ground contacts.
US09401569B2 Electrical connector assembly having signal modules and ground shields
A header assembly of a mezzanine connector system may include a main housing defining signal channels extending through the main housing and ground channels extending into a first surface of the main housing, a plurality of signal modules, and a plurality of ground shields. At least a portion of each of the plurality of signal modules is retained within a respective one of the signal channels. At least a portion of each of the plurality of ground shields is retained within at least one of the ground channels.
US09401567B2 Connector having a first metal member with a bulging portion contacting a second metal member
Provided is a connector having a double shielded construction, which connector, though simple in its configuration, can improve the EMI characteristics reliably. The connector includes a contact to be electrically connected to a connecting object, a first insulating member having a front end portion to which the connecting object is connected and a rear end portion opposed to the front end portion, the first insulating member holding the contact, a first metal member covering the first insulating member, a second insulating member holding the first metal member, and a second metal member covering the first metal member and the second insulating member. The first metal member forms a bulging portion which bulges outwards from an outer face of the rear end portion, thus being in contact with the second metal member.
US09401564B2 Plug-type connection with locking elements
A plug-type connection with a first plug-type connector and a second plug-type connector, wherein the plug-type connectors each have at least one electrical contact element, which electrical contact elements can be brought into contact with one another by plugging together the first plug-type connector and the second plug-type connector, and the first plug-type connector has a first locking element, with which a second locking element of the second plug-type connector can be latched with tensile and/or shear strength in a locking position of the plug-type connection, wherein the first locking element and/or the second locking element can be shifted by a shifting apparatus in the plug-in direction relative to the contact element of the associated plug-type connector into a contact position of the plug-type connection in order to make contact between the contact elements of the plug-type connectors.
US09401560B2 High power single-pole electrical connector
A downsized, high-power, single-pole electrical connector is disclosed. The connector employs an insulating axial positioner between two rigid insulators, such that the insulating axial positioner maintains proper internal axial alignment while allowing for use of a smaller outer shell.
US09401559B2 Electrical connector having terminals at different heights
An electrical connector having terminals at different heights includes: a housing having a vertical wall provided with a first hole and a second hole on the counter mating side thereof; a first terminal press-fitted into the first hole; and a second terminal press-fitted into the second hole. A recessed portion is provided between the first hole and the second hole in the vertical wall. A first press-fitting portion is press-fitted into the vertical wall by coming into pressure contact with, among the wall surfaces constituting the first hole in the vertical wall, the wall surfaces on the two width direction sides, and a second press-fitting portion is press-fitted into the vertical wall by coming into pressure contact with, among the wall surfaces constituting the second hole in the vertical wall, the wall surfaces on the two width direction sides and the wall surfaces on the two height direction sides.
US09401558B1 Power connector
A power connector includes an insulative housing, a plurality of power contacts received in the insulative housing, a contact bus bar electrically connecting with the plurality of power contacts and a fastening element fastening the contact bus bar and an outer terminal arranged behind the insulative housing together. The insulative housing has a mating face at a front side thereof. The power contacts are provided with soldering pads, and the contact bus bar has a front mating pad engaging with the soldering pads. The front mating pad is formed with a plurality of soldering holes, and the front mating pad and the soldering pads being connected electrically via soldering tin set in the soldering holes.
US09401557B2 Electrical connector and the assembling method thereof
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulating housing (1) and a plurality of electrical contacts (2) received therein, the insulating housing (1) includes a top surface (11), a bottom surface (10), a plurality of passageways (110) and a pair of blocks (12) extending toward each other from the inner surface of the passageway (110), each of the electrical contacts (2) includes a body portion (20) positioned in the insulating housing (1), the blocks (12) locate under the body portion (20) of the electrical contact (2), the electrical connector (100) further includes adhesive (3) pasted on the inner surface of the passageway (110), after the electrical contacts (2) are assembled to the insulating housing (1), the electrical contacts (2) touch with the adhesive (3) to position the electrical contacts (2) on the insulating housing (1).
US09401553B2 Connector device
A connector device includes an electric wire side connector to which a shielded electric wire is connected, and a board side connector that is connected to a circuit board. The electric wire side connector is engaged with the board side connector. The electric wire side connector includes an electric wire side housing and an electric wire clamping member. The board side connector includes a board side housing and a fixing metal fitting. A bus bar plate electrically contacts the fixing metal fittings when the board side connector is engaged with the electric wire side connector.
US09401551B2 Reverse taper, anti-pull out support feature for surface mount HDMI and USB connectors
A reverse tapered mounting tab for a signal connector is disclosed. The signal connector includes the reverse tapered mounting tab coupled to a connector body having a connector port inside. The reverse tapered mounting tab is configured to be secured in a through hole of a circuit board. Solder may be positioned in the through hole after positioning the mounting tab. The solder may prevent the mechanical tab from being forced through the through hole even after minor cracking and deformations in the solder.
US09401546B2 mmW low sidelobe constant beamwidth scanning antenna system
Reflector antennae and related structures and methods are described. The reflector antennae may have a deep f/D ratio and use an offset corrugated horn. Pivoting feed arms may be included for connecting a feed horn to a dish of the antenna. Radomes are also described, which may be formed of two or more pieces.
US09401544B2 Quad-band internal antenna and mobile communication terminal thereof
A quad-band internal antenna may include an antenna radiating element, a first slotted hole and a second slotted hole arranged on a printed circuit board. The first slotted hole may be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the current flow direction of the printed circuit board, and the second slotted hole may be arranged between a ground pin and a feed pin of the antenna radiating element, such that the first slotted hole and the second slotted hole are both open slotted holes.
US09401543B2 Broadband antenna
A broadband antenna for a wireless communication device includes a grounding unit for grounding; a first radiating element; a second radiating element electrically connected to the grounding unit; a signal feed-in element for transmitting a radio signal to the first radiating element in order to emit the radio signal via the first radiating element; and a passive component comprising an inductor, where the passive component is electrically connected between the first and the second radiating elements to work in conjunction with the first radiating element, the second radiating element and the grounding unit to form a loop antenna effect.
US09401541B2 Methods and systems useful in connection with multipath
In accordance with one aspect of the present technology, information about multipath in an area is gained by occasionally switching the directivity of one or more of the involved antennas (transmitting or receiving). Based on resulting changes in signal strength, information about the multipath effects can be discerned, and corresponding action may thereafter be taken. Another aspect of the technology involves localizing sources of multipath by reference to multiple receiving stations, such as cellular receivers at cell towers in adjoining cells of a wireless network.
US09401537B2 Multi-mode filter
A multi-mode cavity filter comprises a dielectric body having at least first and second orthogonal resonant modes; a first coupling element formed on a first face of the dielectric body for coupling energy to at least a first resonant mode; and a second coupling element formed on the first face of the dielectric body for coupling energy from the at least a first resonant mode. The dielectric body is capable of supporting a first coupling path between the first coupling element and the second coupling element via the at least a first resonant mode and a second coupling path between the first coupling element and the second coupling element, the second coupling path being such that at least partial cancellation of at least some coupled energy takes place so as to form a zero in a response of the filter.
US09401534B2 High-frequency signal line and electronic device
A high-frequency signal line includes an element assembly including a plurality of flexible insulator layers, a linear signal line provided in or on the element assembly, a first ground conductor arranged in or on the element assembly so as to be opposed to the signal line not in a first section including a portion of the signal line but in a second section adjacent to the first section, and a second ground conductor provided along the signal line in the first section on the insulator layer on which the signal line is provided. The second ground conductor is not opposed at least in part to the first ground conductor in the first section.
US09401533B2 Flat cable
A flat cable includes a dielectric element assembly including a plurality of dielectric layers laminated on each other, a linear signal line provided in the dielectric element assembly, a first ground conductor provided on one side in a direction of lamination relative to the signal line and including a plurality of first openings arranged along the signal line, and a second ground conductor provided on the other side in the direction of lamination relative to the signal line and including a plurality of second openings arranged along the signal line. The first ground conductor is more distant from the signal line in the direction of lamination than is the second ground conductor. The first openings are larger than the second openings.
US09401532B2 High-frequency signal line and electronic device including the same
A high-frequency signal line includes a dielectric element body including regions and a plurality of flexible dielectric sheets. A signal conductive layer is provided in or on the dielectric element body. Ground conductive layers are provided in or on the dielectric element body and face the signal conductive layer. A distance between the ground conductive layer and the signal conductive layer in the region is smaller than a distance between the ground conductive layer and the signal conductive layer in the regions. The dielectric element body is bent in the region.
US09401526B2 Power storage device
A power storage device includes positive electrodes, negative electrodes separators each of which is located between a positive electrode and a negative electrode and insulates the positive electrode and the negative electrode from each other, and an electrode assembly, which is configured by stacking the positive electrodes, the negative electrodes, and the separators. The power storage device further includes an insulating member including sandwiching portions. Each sandwiching portion is formed by two insulating portions that sandwich a positive electrode non-application portion from both sides in the stacking direction of the electrode assembly. When viewed in the stacking direction of the electrode assembly, each insulating portion is arranged at least between a positive electrode border and a negative electrode border.
US09401523B2 Fuel cell and method for reducing electrode degradation during startup and shutdown cycles
One embodiment of the invention includes a product comprising: a membrane electrolyte having a first face and a second face; and an anode over the first face and a cathode over the second face, and wherein the anode has a catalyst loading that is less than 50% of the catalyst loading of the cathode.
US09401522B2 Fuel cell assembly having feed-back sensor
A sensor cell (1010) for control purposes usable in an assembly (1000) of fuel cells of the type having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) interposed between an anode gas diffusion layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer, and first and second current collectors coupled to the anode and cathode gas diffusion layers (GDL), respectively. The sensor cell (1010) is preferably coupled so that it shares the negative current collector (1050) with last fuel cell in the in-plane fuel cell assembly (1000), and is short-circuited by a resistor (1070) to provide a voltage signal, indicative of the status of the assembly in operation.
US09401521B2 Method and apparatus for diagnosing state of fuel cell system
Disclosed is a technique of diagnosing a state of a fuel cell system. The technique includes configuring a processor to calculate a duty ratio and an average output current, based on real-time driving data for a preset driving period, during operation of a fuel cell vehicle; obtain a reference current value from the calculated duty ratio and the calculated average output current; and determine a state of a fuel cell system by choosing a state graph corresponding to the obtained reference current value among a plurality of state graphs which vary depending on each reference current value.
US09401518B1 Integrated water separator and reactant humidifier for fuel cells
A humidifier for humidification of a reactant gas in a fuel cell includes a container having a water-gas void volume disposed about a hollow core member, and a water-gas inlet and a gas outlet disposed on an outer surface of the container. At least a portion of the hollow core member is gas permeable and in fluid communication with the water-gas void volume. The hollow core member is further fitted with a reactant gas inlet and a reactant gas outlet for passage of the reactant gas through the hollow core member. The reactant gas outlet is equipped to be in fluid communication with the fuel cell to deliver a humidified reactant gas to the fuel cell. The humidifier is integrated within a fuel cell system. A method of humidifying a reactant gas in such a fuel cell system includes providing the humidifier and passing a reactant gas through it.
US09401513B2 Titanium suboxide supports for catalyst electrode of fuel cell and low temperature synthesis of titanium suboxide
Titanium suboxide (TixO2x-1) nanoparticles useful as a support for a catalyst electrode of a fuel cell, and a method for synthesizing the titanium suboxide (TixO2x-1) nanoparticles by using TiO2, a Co catalyst and hydrogen gas at a low temperature ranging from 600 to 900° C. are described Since the titanium suboxide nanoparticles show high corrosion resistance to acid and durability and have excellent thermal and electric conductivities, a catalyst electrode manufactured by using the same as a support exhibits improved catalytic activity and oxidation reduction (redox) properties.
US09401511B2 Metal/oxygen battery with modified electrode
In one embodiment, a metal/oxygen electrochemical cell includes a negative electrode, a separator positioned adjacent to the negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode by the separator, the positive electrode including a porous electrically conductive material portion, the porous electrically conductive material portion coated with a conformally coated protective layer, and an electrolyte within the porous electrically conductive material portion.
US09401510B2 Lithium accumulator
A lithium accumulator with a housing includes at least one cell with two electrodes provided with current collectors and separated by a separator. Each electrode, free of organic binders, is pressed down onto both sides of the current collector made of a perforated metal strip in the form of metal network, expanded metal or perforated metallic foil. The minimum thickness of the electrodes is three times the thickness of the perforated metal strip.
US09401508B2 Electrical storage device and electrode thereof
The present invention generally relates to electrodes, electrical storage devices comprising the electrodes, and methods for producing the electrodes and electrical storage devices. The electrodes comprise a current collector, an electrically conductive mat, and a first and second electroactive material, the first electroactive material having a higher energy density than the second electroactive material, and the second electroactive material having a higher rate capability than the first electroactive material. The electrically conductive mat provides a structural and conductive support for at least one of the high-rate and high-energy electroactive materials. The electrodes can be provided in various configurations and be used in high-rate high-energy electrical storage devices to provide improved cycle life.
US09401507B2 Methods for the colloidal synthesis of lithium iron phosphate
Methods for producing lithium iron phosphate or lithium manganese phosphate or lithium iron manganese phosphate, by colloidal synthesis are provided. Such methods include the operation of reacting a lithium salt, an iron(II) halide (and/or a manganese(II) halide) and a phosphorus compound, which, under the reaction conditions, is capable of releasing the phosphate ion, in the presence of an organic surfactant or a mixture of organic surfactants including an alkylamine or alkenylamine, in which the surfactant or mixture of surfactants is capable of dissolving the lithium salt and the iron halide (and/or the manganese halide), where used, in an organic solvent, which is liquid at room temperature, in which the surfactant or mixture of surfactants is soluble, the reaction being performed at a temperature not lower than 250° C.
US09401506B2 Surface treated silicon containing active materials for electrochemical cells
Provided are active materials for electrochemical cells. The active materials include silicon containing structures and treatment layers covering at least some surface of these structures. The treatment layers may include aminosilane, a poly(amine), and a poly(imine). These layers are used to increase adhesion of the structures to polymer binders within active material layers of the electrode. As such, when the silicon containing structures change their size during cycling, the bonds between the binder and the silicon containing structure structures or, more specifically, the bonds between the binder and the treatment layer are retained and cycling characteristics of the electrochemical cells are preserved. Also provided are electrochemical cells fabricated with such active materials and methods of fabricating these active materials and electrochemical cells.
US09401505B2 Separator including coating layer of inorganic and organic mixture, and battery including the same
A polyolefin porous separator includes a polyolefin porous base film, and a coating layer formed on one or both sides of the base film. The coating layer includes inorganic particles. The inorganic particles include first inorganic particles having an average particle size ranging from 150 nm to 600 nm, and second inorganic particles having an average particle size ranging from 5 nm to 90 nm. The separator has a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W/m·K or more.
US09401504B2 Battery cell
A battery cell including an electrode assembly; a taping portion on the electrode assembly, the taping portion including a first adhesive layer on the outer surface of the electrode assembly, a first base layer on the first adhesive layer, and a second base layer on the first base layer; and a case receiving the electrode assembly.
US09401501B2 Electrochemical cells and methods of manufacturing the same
Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.
US09401496B2 Organic light-emitting display apparatus
An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes: a substrate; an organic light-emitting device including a first electrode disposed on the substrate, a second electrode disposed to face the first electrode, and an intermediate layer including an organic emission layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a light scattering layer disposed on at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode disposed in a light emission direction, where the light scattering layer includes a plurality of barriers, and a light scattering pattern disposed at a side surface of each of the plurality of barriers.
US09401491B2 Direct/laminate hybrid encapsulation and method of hybrid encapsulation
An encapsulated device achieves good water vapor transmission rates while reducing the amount of time needed in an inert environment, and thereby reducing the size of the deposition tool used to encapsulate the device. The encapsulated device includes a first barrier layer deposited directly on the device, and a first adhesive and first laminate on the first barrier layer. The laminate comprises a polymeric substrate and a second barrier layer on the substrate. The first barrier layer has a water vapor transmission rate suitable to allow lamination of the laminate on the first barrier layer in a non-inert environment. A method of making an encapsulated device comprises depositing a first barrier layer on the device in an inert environment, applying an adhesive on the first barrier layer in a non-inert environment, and applying a first laminate on the first adhesive in the non-inert environment.
US09401488B2 Cobalt-carbon eutectic metal alloy ohmic contact for carbon nanotube field effect transistors
A cobalt-carbon (Co—C) eutectic metal alloy ohmic contact for a radio-frequency (RF) carbon nanotube (CNT) field effect transistor (FET) device and a method of manufacturing same are disclosed. Embodiments of a method include providing a graphite crucible, placing Co and a C source within the graphite crucible, heating the graphite crucible containing the Co and C source such that the Co and C source combine with graphite from the graphite crucible to thereby form a Co—C eutectic metal alloy, and creating an ohmic contact by depositing the Co—C eutectic metal alloy directly on top surfaces of CNTs of a RF CNT FET device such that the Co—C eutectic metal alloy is in direct contact with the CNTs. The Co—C eutectic metal alloy ohmic contact formed in this manner is consistently stabile and uniform and functions as a high work function layer that also serves as an adhesion layer to the CNTs.
US09401486B2 Driving circuit board, method of manufacturing the same, display unit, and electronic apparatus
There are provided a driving circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same as well as a display unit and an electronic apparatus in which a number of forming steps is small and usage efficiency of materials is improved. The display unit includes: a pair of source-drain electrodes; an organic semiconductor layer forming a channel region in contact with the source-drain electrodes; an insulating layer f having a through hole penetrating to the source-drain electrodes, and the insulating layer on the organic semiconductor layer and the source-drain electrodes; a gate electrode provided at a position corresponding to the channel region; and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the source-drain electrodes through the through hole, the pixel electrode being made of a same material as the gate electrode with a same film thickness as the gate electrode, and the pixel electrode on the insulating layer.
US09401482B2 Organic electroluminescent materials and devices
Compounds comprising a 3,9-linked oligocarbazole moiety and a dibenzothiophene, dibenzofuran, dibenzoselenophene, aza-dibenzothiophene, aza-dibenzofuran, or aza-dibenzoselenophene are provided. The 3,9-linked oligocarbazole and dibenzo or aza-dibenzo moiety are separated by an aromatic spacer. The compounds may be used as non-emissive materials for phosphorescent OLEDs to provide devise having improved performance.
US09401474B2 Methods of forming structures
Some embodiments include methods of forming structures. Spaced-apart features are formed which contain temperature-sensitive material. Liners are formed along sidewalls of the features under conditions which do not expose the temperature-sensitive material to a temperature exceeding 300° C. The liners extend along the temperature-sensitive material and narrow gaps between the spaced-apart features. The narrowed gaps are filled with flowable material which is cured under conditions that do not expose the temperature-sensitive material to a temperature exceeding 300° C. In some embodiments, the features contain memory cell regions over select device regions. The memory cell regions include first chalcogenide and the select device regions include second chalcogenide. The liners extend along and directly against the first and second chalcogenides.
US09401472B1 Programmable impedance elements and devices that include such elements
Programmable impedance elements structures, devices and methods are disclosed. Methods can include: forming a first electrode layer within an electrode opening that extends through a cap layer; planarizing to expose a top of the cap layer; cleaning the exposed top surface of the cap layer to remove residual species from previous process steps. Additional methods can include forming at least a base ion conductor layer having an active metal formed therein that may ion conduct within the ion conductor layer; and forming an inhibitor material that mitigates agglomeration of the active metal within the base ion conductor layer as compared to the active metal alone. Programmable impedance elements and/or devices can have switching material and electrodes parallel to both bottoms and sides of a cell opening formed in a cell dielectric. Other embodiments can include an ion conductor layer having an alloy of an active metal, or two ion conductor layers in contact with an active electrode.
US09401468B2 Lamp with LED chips cooled by a phase transformation loop
An apparatus includes an LED light source positioned within an envelope, a porous fluid transporting material coating the envelope, providing a path between the LED light source and the envelope, and a cooling medium conducted through the fluid transporting material toward the LED light source in a liquid phase and conducted from the LED light source to the envelope in a vapor phase for removing heat from the LED light source.
US09401463B2 Optoelectronic package and method of manufacturing the same
An optoelectronic package includes an optoelectronic chip, a transparent protection layer and a plurality of pads. The optoelectronic chip has an upper surface and an active area defined on the upper surface. The transparent protection layer is connected to the optoelectronic chip and covers the upper surface. The transparent protection layer touches and is entirely attached to the active area. The pads are electrically connected to the optoelectronic chip.
US09401458B2 Film and light-emitting device
It is an object to provide a flexible light-emitting device with long lifetime in a simple way and to provide an inexpensive electronic device with long lifetime using the flexible light-emitting device. A flexible light-emitting device is provided, which includes a substrate having flexibility and a light-transmitting property with respect to visible light; a first adhesive layer over the substrate; an insulating film containing nitrogen and silicon over the first adhesive layer; a light-emitting element including a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and an EL layer between the first electrode and the second electrode; a second adhesive layer over the second electrode; and a metal substrate over the second adhesive layer, wherein the thickness of the metal substrate is 10 μm to 200 μm inclusive. Further, an electronic device using the flexible light-emitting device is provided.
US09401456B2 Light-emitting diode with improved light extraction efficiency
According to the present invention, a light-emitting diode with improved light extraction efficiency comprises: a semiconductor laminated structure including an N-layer, a light-emitting layer, and a P-layer formed on a substrate; an N-type electrode formed on the N-layer; and a P-type electrode formed on the P-layer, wherein the N-type electrode and the P-type electrode include a pad electrode and a dispersion electrode, and the N-type electrode and/or the P-type electrode includes a reflective electrode layer for reflecting light onto the dispersion electrode. Thus, the light-emitting diode has a reflective electrode layer on the electrode so as to improve light extraction efficiency. Further, a reflective layer is patterned beneath a pad unit, thus forming roughness and improving adhesion.
US09401455B1 Ultraviolet light-emitting device with lateral tunnel junctions for hole injection
An ultraviolet light-emitting device with a lateral tunnel junction for hole injection includes a PN tunnel junction structure formed on a p-type layer at one side of an active region. The PN tunnel junction structure includes a p-type structure containing a plurality of alternately laminated p-AlGaN barrier layers and p-AlGaN well layers, and an n-type structure containing a plurality of alternately laminated n-AlGaN barrier layers and n-AlInGaN well layers, with the p-type structure facing the p-type layer. Both the p-type structure and the n-type structure have a plurality of projections extending from their surface. The n-type structure is formed on the p-type structure with the projections of the n-type structure fully filling void portions of the p-type structure.
US09401454B2 Semiconducting structure with switchable emission zones, method of manufacturing such a structure and semiconducting device comprising such a structure
The invention relates to a semiconducting structure intended to emit light, comprising a first semiconducting region (10) with a first type of conductivity, and a second semiconducting region (20) with a second type of conductivity, at least on a portion (220, 210), so as to form a junction semiconducting with the first region (10). This second region (20) has at least a first portion (210) in contact with the first region (10), this first portion (210) comprising at least one first and one second carrier confinement zone (211, 212). The structure (1) comprises at least a first means of polarizing the first portion (210) adapted to apply direct first external polarization to the first portion (210) in order to modify the distribution of carriers of at least one type of conductivity in the first portion (210) relative to the first and second confinement zones (211, 212). The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconducting structure (1) and a device comprising at least such a structure (1).
US09401452B2 P-side layers for short wavelength light emitters
A light emitting device includes a p-side heterostructure having a short period superlattice (SPSL) formed of alternating layers of AlxhighGa1-xhighN doped with a p-type dopant and AlxlowGa1-xlowN doped with the p-type dopant, where xlow≦xhigh≦0.9. Each layer of the SPSL has a thickness of less than or equal to about six bi-layers of AlGaN.
US09401451B2 Shingled solar cell module
A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells arranged in a shingled manner to form super cells, which may be arranged to efficiently use the area of the solar module, reduce series resistance, and increase module efficiency.
US09401448B2 Photon detector and process for detecting a single photon
A photon detector article includes a photon detector configured to receive a primary waveform, the photon detector includes a multiplication region; a photon absorption region; a punch through voltage range; and a breakdown voltage; a source in electrical communication with the photon detector and configured to provide the primary waveform that includes a first voltage that is: less than a maximum value of the punch through voltage range, or effective to maintain a charge carrier in the absorption region; and a second voltage that is greater than the breakdown voltage; and a reference member in electrical communication with the source and configured to provide a reference waveform in response to receiving the primary waveform.
US09401444B2 Solar cell and manufacturing method thereof
A solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity; a pillar-shaped structure constituted by a semiconductor of the first conductivity, the pillar-shaped structure being formed on the semiconductor substrate; a superlattice layer including a barrier layer and a quantum structure layer that are alternately deposited on a side wall of the pillar-shaped structure, the quantum structure layer being constituted by a material having a smaller energy bandgap than that of the barrier layer, the quantum structure layer including a wurtzite type crystal part and a zinc blend type crystal part that are alternately arranged along an axial direction of the pillar-shaped structure; and a semiconductor layer of a second conductivity that is formed so as to surround the superlattice layer, the second conductivity being an opposite conductivity to that of the first conductivity.
US09401443B2 Electrodeposition methods of gallium and gallium alloy films and related photovoltaic structures
Photovoltaic devices and methods for preparing a p-type semiconductor generally include electroplating a layer of gallium or a gallium alloy onto a conductive layer by contacting the conductive layer with a plating bath free of complexing agents including a gallium salt, methane sulfonic acid or sodium sulfate and an organic additive comprising at least one nitrogen atom and/or at least one sulfur atom, and a solvent; adjusting a pH of the solution to be less than 2.6 or greater than 12.6. The photovoltaic device includes an impurity in the p-type semiconductor layer selected from the group consisting of arsenic, antimony, bismuth, and mixtures thereof. Various photovoltaic precursor layers for forming CIS, CGS and CIGS p-type semiconductor structures can be formed by electroplating the gallium or gallium alloys in this manner. Also disclosed are processes for forming a thermal interface of gallium or a gallium alloy.
US09401441B2 Back-illuminated image sensor with dishing depression surface
A fabricating method of a back-illuminated image sensor includes the following steps. First, a silicon wafer having a first surface and a second surface is provided, wherein a number of trench isolations are formed in the first surface, and at least one image sensing member is formed between the trench isolations. Then, a first chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is performed to the second surface using the trench isolations as a polishing stop layer to thin the silicon wafer. Because the polishing rate of the silicon material in the silicon wafer is different with that of the isolation material of the trench isolations in the first CMP process, at least one dishing depression is formed in the second surface of the silicon wafer. Finally, a microlens is formed above the dishing depression, and a surface of the microlens facing the dishing depression is a curved surface.
US09401438B2 Solar cell module and solar cell thereof
A solar cell module includes a first solar cell, a second solar cell and an electrically connecting member. The first solar cell has a first connecting side having at least one first protruding portion and at least one first recess portion that are adjacent to each other. The second solar cell has a second connecting side having at least one second protruding portion and at least one second recess portion that are adjacent to each other. The shape of the first protruding portion matches the shape of the second recess portion while the shape of the first recess portion matches the shape of the second protruding portion. The electrically connecting member electrically connects the first upper electrode layer of the first solar cell and the second lower electrode layer of the second solar cell.
US09401434B2 E-flash cell band engineering for erasing speed enhancement
The present disclosure relates to a structure and method for forming a flash memory cell with an improved erase speed and erase current. Si dots are used for charge trapping and an ONO sandwich structure is formed over the Si dots. Erase operation includes direct tunneling as well as FN tunneling which helps increase erase speed without compensating data retention.
US09401432B2 Semiconductor device and electronic device
A semiconductor device of one embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor, an insulator, a first conductor, and a second conductor. In the semiconductor device, a top surface of the semiconductor has a region in contact with the insulator; a side surface of the semiconductor has a region in contact with the insulator; the first conductor has a first region overlapping with the semiconductor with the insulator positioned therebetween; the first region has a region in contact with the top surface of the semiconductor and a region in contact with the side surface of the semiconductor; the second conductor has a second region in contact with the semiconductor; and the first region and the second region do not overlap with each other.
US09401431B2 Double self-aligned metal oxide TFT
A method of fabricating metal oxide TFTs on transparent substrates includes the steps of positioning an opaque gate metal area on the front surface of the substrate, depositing transparent gate dielectric and transparent metal oxide semiconductor layers overlying the gate metal and a surrounding area, depositing transparent passivation material on the semiconductor material, depositing photoresist on the passivation material, exposing and developing the photoresist to remove exposed portions, etching the passivation material to leave a passivation area defining a channel area, depositing transparent conductive material over the passivation area, depositing photoresist over the conductive material, exposing and developing the photoresist to remove unexposed portions, and etching the conductive material to leave source and drain areas on opposed sides of the channel area.
US09401430B1 VTFT with a top-gate structure
An electronic device includes a vertical-support-element on a substrate. The vertical-support-element extends away from the substrate and includes a first edge having a first reentrant profile. A conformal semiconductor layer is in contact with the vertical-support-element in the reentrant profile. A first electrode is in contact with a first portion of the semiconductor layer and is located over a top of the vertical-support-element. A second electrode is in contact with a second portion of the semiconductor layer and is located over the substrate and not over the vertical-support-element. The second electrode is adjacent to the first edge of the vertical-support-element. A conformal dielectric layer is on the conformal semiconductor layer in the reentrant profile. A conformal conductive gate is on the conformal dielectric layer in the first reentrant profile. The first electrode and the second electrode define a semiconductor channel of a transistor.
US09401426B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a gate stack, an isolation structure and a strained feature. The gate stack is over a substrate. The isolation structure is in the substrate. The strained feature is disposed between the gate stack and the isolation structure and disposed in the substrate. The strained feature includes an upper surface adjacent to the isolation structure having a first crystal plane and a sidewall surface adjacent to the gate stack having a second crystal plane. The first crystal plane is different from the second crystal plane.
US09401423B2 Enhancing transistor performance and reliability by incorporating deuterium into a strained capping layer
When forming transistors with deuterium enhanced gate dielectrics and strained channel regions, the manufacturing processes of strain-inducing dielectric material layers formed above the transistors may be employed to efficiently introduce and diffuse the deuterium to the gate dielectrics. The incorporation of deuterium into the strain-inducing dielectric material layers may be accomplished on the basis of a deposition process in which deuterium is present in the process environment during deposition. The process temperature of the deposition process may be chosen to perform—potentially in combination with further subsequently performed process steps—a sufficient diffusion of deuterium to the gate dielectrics.
US09401420B2 Semiconductor device
Semiconductor device including: silicon-based substrate; first buffer layer on silicon-based substrate and is formed of first layer containing Al composition and second layer containing less Al than the first layer, the first and second layers being alternately stacked; second buffer layer on the first buffer layer and is formed of third layer containing Al composition and fourth layer containing less Al than the third layer, the third and fourth layers being alternately stacked; and third buffer layer on the second buffer layer and is formed of fifth layer containing Al composition and sixth layer containing less Al than the fifth layer, the fifth and sixth layers being alternately stacked, wherein the second buffer layer contains more Al than the first and third buffer layers. Thus, the semiconductor device leakage can be suppressed while reducing stress which is applied to buffer layer and can improve flatness of active layer upper face.
US09401409B2 High density MOSFET array with self-aligned contacts enhancement plug and method
A semiconductor substrate comprises epitaxial region, body region and source region; an array of interdigitated active nitride-capped trench gate stacks (ANCTGS) and self-guided contact enhancement plugs (SGCEP) disposed above the semiconductor substrate and partially embedded into the source region, the body region and the epitaxial region forming the trench-gated MOSFET array. Each ANCTGS comprises a stack of a polysilicon trench gate embedded in a gate oxide shell and a silicon nitride spacer cap covering the top of the polysilicon trench gate; each SGCEP comprises a lower intimate contact enhancement section (ICES) in accurate registration to its neighboring ANCTGS; an upper distal contact enhancement section (DCES) having a lateral mis-registration (LTMSRG) to the neighboring ANCTGS; and an intervening tapered transitional section (TTS) bridging the ICES and the DCES; a patterned metal layer atop the patterned dielectric region atop the MOSFET array forms self-guided source and body contacts through the SGCEP.
US09401402B2 Nitride semiconductor device and nitride semiconductor substrate
An object of the present invention is to provide a nitride semiconductor device and a nitride semiconductor substrate in each of which a nitride semiconductor layer formed on a silicon substrate is improved in crystallinity to realize a decrease in on-resistance of a field-effect transistor. The nitride semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate, and a first nitride semiconductor layer formed over the silicon substrate and including a nitride semiconductor, wherein a Si <111> axial direction of the silicon substrate is different from a <0001> axial direction of the first nitride semiconductor layer.
US09401396B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and plasma oxidation treatment method
Provided is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, in which a degradation of characteristics of a thin film transistor can be suppressed by performing plasma oxidation treatment on a gate insulating film containing nitrogen. An embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising a thin film transistor including a gate electrode, a gate insulating film containing nitrogen, and a channel region in microcrystalline semiconductor films. The method includes the steps of performing plasma treatment on the gate insulating film in an oxidizing gas atmosphere containing hydrogen and an oxidizing gas containing an oxygen atom, and forming the microcrystalline semiconductor film over the gate insulating film. Formula (1), a/b≧2, and Formula (2), b>0, are satisfied, where the amount of hydrogen and the amount of the oxidizing gas in the oxidizing gas atmosphere are a and b, respectively.
US09401395B2 Decoupling MIM capacitor designs for interposers and methods of manufacture thereof
Decoupling metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor designs for interposers and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming a decoupling capacitor includes providing a packaging device, and forming a decoupling MIM capacitor in at least two metallization layers of the packaging device.
US09401393B2 Organic light-emitting display device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light-emitting display device includes a thin film transistor (TFT) including an active layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode, the thin film transistor includes at least one of a switching TFT and a driving TFT. A pixel electrode is connected to one of the source electrode or the drain electrode. An auxiliary electrode is spaced apart from the TFT and the pixel electrode. An intermediate layer is disposed on at least a portion of the pixel electrode and on at least a portion of the auxiliary electrode. A first electrode is disposed on at least a portion of the intermediate layer and on at least a portion of the auxiliary electrode. A second electrode, which directly contacts an upper surface of the auxiliary electrode, is disposed on the first electrode. A contact hole exposes at least a portion of the auxiliary electrode.
US09401392B2 Organic light emitting display device and fabricating method thereof
Disclosed is an organic light emitting display device. The organic light emitting display device includes: at least one transistor arranged in a transistor region of the substrate and configured to include a channel layer, an insulation film, a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode; a storage capacitor arranged in the storage capacitor region, the pixel region and the pad region of the substrate and configured to include a first storage electrode, an insulation film pattern and a second storage electrode; a color filter arranged over the storage capacitor opposite to the pixel region; and an organic light emitting diode arranged on the color filter and configured to include a first electrode, an organic emission layer and a second electrode.
US09401389B2 Display panel and method of manufacturing the same
A display panel and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the display panel comprises a first substrate, a switching element formed over the first substrate, a planarization insulating layer having a via hole that at least partially exposes the switching element, and a light-emitting structure including a first electrode connected to the switching element through the via hole. The display panel also includes a spacer having a trench configured to alter the path of external light reflected off the light-emitting structure, wherein the spacer at least partially covers the first electrode and the planarization insulating layer. The display panel further includes a second substrate formed over the spacer, wherein the spacer is interposed between the first and second substrates.
US09401388B2 Photo electric converter, imaging system, and method for manufacturing photoelectric converter
A method for manufacturing a photoelectric converter includes a first step of preparing a semiconductor substrate including a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor, a second step of forming a plurality of interlayer insulating films above the semiconductor substrate, and a third step of forming a photoelectric conversion portion above the semiconductor substrate. The second step includes a step of forming a first film containing hydrogen. The third step includes a step of forming a first electrode, a step of forming a photoelectric conversion film, and a step of forming a second electrode. The method includes a step of performing heat treatment between the step of forming the first film and the step of forming the photoelectric conversion film.
US09401382B2 Image sensor and manufacturing method thereof
Provided are an image sensor and a method of manufacturing method of manufacturing the image sensor. The image sensor includes a substrate, photoelectric transducers and switching elements formed in layers on the substrate in this order. Each of the photoelectric transducers includes a hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer. Each of the switching elements includes an amorphous oxide semiconductor layer. The image sensor further includes a blocking layer arranged between the hydrogenated amorphous silicon layers of the photoelectric transducers and the amorphous oxide semiconductor layers of the switching elements, where the blocking layer suppresses penetration of hydrogen separated from the hydrogenated amorphous silicon layers.
US09401381B2 Solid-state image pickup device
A portion on the light exit end surface side of a fiber optic plate includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion corresponds to a peripheral portion of a semiconductor photodetecting element. The second portion corresponds to a thin portion of the semiconductor photodetecting element and projects more toward the semiconductor photodetecting element than the first portion. A height of a step made between the first portion and the second portion of the fiber optic plate is lower than a height of a step made between the thin portion and the peripheral portion of the semiconductor photodetecting element. The semiconductor photodetecting element and the fiber optic plate are fixed by a resin, in a state in which the first portion and the peripheral portion are in contact and in which the second portion and the thin portion are separated.
US09401377B2 Infrared detector made up of suspended bolometric micro-plates
An array bolometric detector for detecting an electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined infrared or terahertz wavelength range, including a substrate, and an array of bolometric microplates for the detection of the radiation, suspended above the substrate by support elements. The detector includes a membrane arranged above each microplate, and having patterns having a refractive index smaller than that of the membrane formed therein. The patterns are placed periodically along at least one axis of the membrane, according to a period shorter than or equal to λ n , where λ is a wavelength to be detected and n is the average refractive index of the medium separating the microplate from the membrane. The width of the patterns along the axis increases from a central location of the membrane towards the periphery thereof.
US09401374B2 Pixel structure, dual gate pixel structure and display device
According to the present disclosure, there are disclosed a pixel structure, a dual-gate pixel structure and a display device. The pixel structure comprises: a thin film transistor, a passivation layer that is located over the thin film transistor, an upper pixel electrode that is located over the passivation layer, a lower pixel electrode that is located under a gate insulating layer of the thin film transistor; and a common voltage line that is located between the passivation layer and the gate insulating layer. The common voltage line overlaps with the lower pixel electrode and the upper pixel electrode at least in part with the gate insulating layer and the passivation layer interposed therebetween, respectively, so as to form a storage capacitance.
US09401371B1 Sacrificial spin-on glass for air gap formation after bl isolation process in single gate vertical channel 3D NAND flash
A method for manufacturing a memory device, which can be configured as a 3D NAND flash memory, and includes a plurality of stacks of conductive strips, including even stacks and odd stacks having sidewalls. Some of the conductive strips in the stacks are configured as word lines. Data storage structures are disposed on the sidewalls of the even and odd stacks. Active pillars between corresponding even and odd stacks of conductive strips include even and odd semiconductor films connected at the bottom of the trench between the stacks, and have outside surfaces and inside surfaces. The outside surfaces contact the data storage structures on the sidewalls of the corresponding even and odd stacks forming a 3D array of memory cells; the inside surfaces are separated by an insulating structure that can include a gap. The semiconductor films can be thin-films having a U-shaped current path.
US09401365B2 Epitaxial source/drain differential spacers
A process of forming an integrated circuit containing a first transistor and a second transistor of the same polarity, by forming an epitaxial spacer layer over gates of both transistors, performing an epitaxial spacer anisotropic etch process to form epitaxial spacers on vertical surfaces adjacent to the first transistor gate and removing the epitaxial spacer layer from the second transistor gate, subsequently performing a source/drain etch process and a source/drain epitaxial process to form source/drain epitaxial regions in the substrate adjacent to the first and second gates, such that the first source/drain epitaxial regions are separated from the first gate by a lateral space which is at least 2 nanometers larger than a second lateral space separating the second source/drain epitaxial regions from the second gate. An integrated circuit formed by the recited process.
US09401362B2 Multiple threshold voltage semiconductor device
In one aspect there is set forth herein a semiconductor device having a first field effect transistor formed in a substrate structure, a second field effect transistor formed in the substrate structure, and a third field effect transistor formed in the substrate structure. The first field effect transistor can include a first gate stack configuration, and a first threshold voltage. The second field effect transistor can include a second gate stack configuration, and a second threshold voltage. The third field effect transistor can include a third gate stack configuration, and a third threshold voltage.
US09401360B2 Semiconductor devices including etching stop films
A semiconductor device may include a substrate including an NMOS region and a PMOS region. A gate structure can include a gate pattern and a spacer pattern, where the gate structure is on the substrate. A first etching stop film can be on the substrate in the NMOS region and a second etching stop film can be on the substrate in the PMOS region. A contact hole can penetrate the first and second etching stop films and a contact plug can be in the contact hole. A thickness of the first etching stop film can be greater than a thickness of the second etching stop film. Related methods are also disclosed.
US09401359B2 Semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a gate structure through a first insulating interlayer on a substrate such that the gate structure includes a spacer on a sidewall thereof, forming a first hard mask on the gate structure, partially removing the first insulating interlayer using the first hard mask as an etching mask to form a first contact hole such that the first contact hole exposes a top surface of the substrate, forming a metal silicide pattern on the top surface of the substrate exposed by the first contact hole, and forming a plug electrically connected to the metal silicide pattern.
US09401358B1 Semiconductor device structure
A semiconductor device structure having at least one thin-film resistor structure is provided. Through the metal plug(s) or metal wirings located on different layers, a plurality of stripe segments of the thin-film resistor structure is electrically connected to ensure the thin-film resistor structure with the predetermined resistance and less averting areas in the layout design.
US09401357B2 Directional FinFET capacitor structures
A method for fabricating a capacitor within a FinFET device includes patterning a first gate interconnect material having a first recess. The method also includes patterning a first trench interconnect material coupled to the first gate interconnect material at the first recess to form a first plate of a FinFET capacitive structure.
US09401356B2 Power circuit, control method, power system, and package structure of power circuit
A power circuit, control method, power system, and package structure of power circuit are disclosed. The power circuit includes a quasi-cascade power unit. The quasi-cascade power unit includes a normally-on switch, normally-off switch, control unit, first switch unit and second switch unit. The normally-off switch is electrically connected to the normally-on switch in series. The first end and the third end of the control unit are electrically connected to the control end of the normally-off switch and the control end of the normally-on switch, respectively. The first end and the second end of the first switch unit are electrically connected to the control end of the normally-on switch and the second end of the normally-off switch, respectively. The first end and the control end of the second switch unit are electrically connected to the second end of the control unit and the second end of the normally-on switch, respectively.
US09401353B2 Interposer integrated with 3D passive devices
An integrated interposer includes an interposer substrate including at least a first portion of a 3D passive device within an active region of the interposer substrate. The integrated interposer also includes an inter-conductive dielectric layer on an active surface of the active region of the interposer substrate, the inter-conductive dielectric layer including at least a second portion of the 3D passive device. The integrated interposer further includes a contact layer coupled to the 3D passive devices and configured to couple at least one die to the integrated interposer. The integrated interposer also includes at least one through via coupled to the contact layer and extending through the interposer substrate to a passive surface of the interposer substrate. The integrated interposer further includes an interconnect layer on the passive surface of the interposer substrate and coupled to the at least one through via.
US09401350B1 Package-on-package (POP) structure including multiple dies
A package-on-package (POP) structure is disclosed. The POP structure includes a first die, a second die, and a photo-imaged dielectric (PID) layer. The PID layer is disposed between the first die and the second die. The POP structure also includes a first conductive path from the first die through the PID layer to the second die. The first conductive path extends directly through a first area of the PID layer directly between the first die and the second die. The POP structure further includes a second conductive path from the first die through the PID layer to the second die. A particular portion of the second conductive path is perpendicular to the first conductive path and extends through a second area of the PID layer not directly between the first die and the second die.