| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09498268B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for acetabulum repair
Systems for repairing acetabulum fractures can include a bone plate that has openings therein and one or more bolts sized to fit through the openings. The bone plate can cooperate with the head portions of the bolts to prevent them from spinning within the holes as screws are attached to the bolts. Such arrangements can assist in reverse implantation methods in which the bone plate is introduced into the true pelvis of a patient. |
| US09498265B2 |
Devices and methods for bone fixation using axial implants
The invention comprises a method for fixating bones in the foot by aligning the bones in their desired position, inserting a screw in the aligned bones, inserting at least one transverse element near the head or tip of the screw, and tightening the screw to compress the bones. The screw comprises a shaft having first and second ends with spirally wound screw threads beginning near the first end and extending along the shaft. Advantageously, the screw is cannulated and screw threads are formed on an interior surface of the cannulation. Illustratively, the transverse elements may be staples, open-ended washers, or open-ended nuts. Reduction instruments and drill guides used in the invention are also disclosed. |
| US09498263B2 |
Prosthetic ligament having a helical bone fastener
An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration. Also included is a method of installing a bone fastening connection system, comprising the steps of: a) forming a pilot hole in a bone, b) providing a connection system comprising a conformable ligament having a first end portion, and an anchor having a central axis which is axially implantable into a bone in a patient's body, c) inserting the distal head portion of the system into the pilot hole, and d) rotating the helix to drive the system into the bone and drive the ligament up the helix. |
| US09498262B2 |
Minimally invasive fixation system
A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads. Once the rod is positioned in the screw heads, locking caps and/or set screws may be positioned over the rod and engage the screw heads so that the position of the rod may be fixed with respect to the screws. In some embodiments, a movement mechanism may be used to move the screws relative to each other to compress and/or distract the vertebrae. |
| US09498259B2 |
Dynamic spinal plating system
Dynamic spinal plating systems that can be placed on the anterior aspect of the spine to aid in spinal fusion and surgical methods for using the dynamic spinal plating systems are disclosed. The dynamic spinal plating systems including a plate and at least one bone attachment mechanism. The plate including a superior end with at least one screw hole, an inferior end, and two lateral sides forming an opening that is transverse by the bone attachment mechanism. The dynamic spinal plating systems also include at least one screw plate with a center screw hole and two passageways that mate with two transverse members of the bone attachment mechanism. When implanted the vertebral stabilization devices may provide a degree of movement in the superior-inferior direction providing for a minimal change in length as the patient moves and as vertebral body height decreases. |
| US09498257B2 |
Connection assembly
An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant. |
| US09498255B2 |
Translational pedicle screw systems
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to translational pedicle screw systems. A translational pedicle screw system may comprise a bone screw secured within a saddle. Different mechanisms may provide for translational movement of the saddle relative to the bone screw. In some embodiments, a saddle may comprise an elongated distal channel configured to provide a translational motion of a bone screw head disposed therein. In some embodiments, a saddle may comprise a discoidal recess configured to receive a corresponding discoidal section of a bone screw. The discoidal recess and the discoidal section may allow for a rotational offset of the saddle relative to the bone screw. In some embodiments, a proximal portion of a bone screw may comprise an attachment section configured to engage with a removable bone screw head. The removable bone screw head may translate laterally along the attachment section of the bone screw. |
| US09498252B2 |
Uterine lavage for embryo retrieval
A device for recovering one or more blastocysts from the uterus of a human includes an outer guide member for insertion into a cervical canal of the human. The outer guide member includes a distal portion with an activatable seal for isolating the uterus from the external environment and defines a lumen having a longitudinal axis. The device also includes an inner catheter located within the lumen and slidable along the longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the outer guide member. The inner catheter has a distal tip positionable distally of the seal to extend into the uterus and includes a fluid delivery lumen terminating at a distal fluid delivery port for delivering fluid into the uterus. The device defines a distal suction port for aspirating fluid and entrained blastocysts from the uterus. The distal fluid delivery port and the distal suction port are arranged such that, in use, fluid delivered from the distal fluid delivery port travels through the distal suction port to the uterus. |
| US09498250B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing intrastromalabdominal hysterectomy as bloodless nerve sparing method
An apparatus and procedure for defining the area for a thermo-electric knife to perform a bloodless intrastromal abdominal hysterectomy procedure while minimizing damage to the pericervical ring. The apparatus is configured to be inserted into the center cavity of the cervix and uterus to engage the uterine wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate member having a first end configured to extend into the center cavity of the uterus and cervix, and a thermo-electric knife guide plate secured concentrically to the elongate member proximal to the second end of the member to define the area for dissection of connective tissue between the cervix and the pericervical ring by a thermo-electric knife. A barb is secured to the elongate member between the first end and the guide plate, and configured to engage the uterine wall so that upon removal of the apparatus when in use the barb becomes attached to the uterus sufficient to remove the uterus and cervix through the abdomen. At least one aperture in the guide plate is configured to permit the passage therethrough of a centering tube when in use, whereby the apparatus is configured to stabilize the thermo-electric knife during intrastromal abdominal hysterectomy procedure. |
| US09498248B2 |
Retainer for immobilizing an implanted catheter during stylet retraction, and stylet holder for use with same
Devices, systems, and methods for immobilizing an implanted catheter tip while a catheter stylet is withdrawn from the catheter. In one embodiment, a cannula system is included that incorporates a catheter retainer securable to an immobilized guide cannula. The retainer may include one or more surfaces that operatively engage the catheter and effectively restrain the catheter relative to a head of the guide cannula. Other embodiments may also include a stylet holder operable to engage the stylet with a consistent and repeatable clamping force that is independent of clinician-applied force. |
| US09498245B2 |
Ultrasonic surgical instruments
In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. In various embodiments, an ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. In various embodiments, the ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer. |
| US09498242B2 |
Surgical instrument drive element, and related devices, systems, and methods
A surgical instrument including a shaft, an end effector, and a push/pull drive element is provided. The push/pull drive element may include a head extending perpendicular to a push/pull direction of the push/pull element. The head of the push/pull drive element may have end portions each having a cross-section that differs from a cross-section of a main portion of the head between the end portions. The push/pull drive element may include an engagement portion in contact with the end effector to actuate the end effector. The engagement portion may have a first width and an end portion may have a second width, with the second width being greater than the first width. A surgical instrument is also provided that may include an electrical connector connecting at least one conduit providing electrical energy to the end effector. The end effector may be in sliding contact with a portion of the connector. |
| US09498240B1 |
Device for cleaning a tongue and method of use
A device for cleaning a tongue includes a body having a top surface, an opposite bottom surface, a proximal section, and a distal section. An upwardly projecting ridge is centrally disposed at the proximal section. The ridge has a first downwardly sloping side which is shaped and dimensioned to receive one of the two fingers, and a second downwardly sloping side which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the other of the two fingers. The bottom surface forms a cavity at the proximal section, the cavity is shaped and dimensioned to receive the thumb. A tongue-cleaning pad is disposed on the bottom surface at the distal section. The device can be held by either hand and used to clean the tongue. |
| US09498236B2 |
High pressure ballistic extracorporeal shockwave device, system and method of use
The present invention relates to a device, system and a method for extracorporeal Shockwave treatment and in particular, to such a device, system and method in which a Shockwave is produced by a high pressure ballistic device utilizing a regulated high pressure energy source for generating an initial ballistic collision producing an initial Shockwave and an electromagnetic solenoid as reloading apparatus facilitating the formation of subsequent and/or successive Shockwaves. |
| US09498234B2 |
Customized surgical guides, methods for manufacturing and uses thereof
The invention relates to surgical guides which are of use during reconstructive bone surgery for guiding a surgical instrument or tool. More particularly, the guides are characterized in that they are fitted to the implant rather than to the bone. |
| US09498232B2 |
Articulating drill guide
Drill guides and methods for maintaining contact on bone in areas where rigid instruments cannot access. The drill guide is an articulating drill guide that comprises an articulating mechanism for articulating and positioning the guide in at least two positions, i.e., an undeployed (non-articulated or straight) position and a deployed (articulated or bent) position. The articulating drill guide delivers guide wires, drills and/or additional instruments at any angle while maintaining contact to the bone. |
| US09498231B2 |
On-board tool tracking system and methods of computer assisted surgery
A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery utilizing an on tool tracking system. The various improvements relate generally to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled using the OTT device. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure including the rate of and type of data processed depending upon a CAS mode. |
| US09498224B2 |
Ligation band dispensing cap assembly and methods of use
A medical device for resecting a tissue. The medical device includes an elongate shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of channels extending therebetween. The medical device also includes a cap assembly disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The cap assembly includes a housing having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a cavity extending therebetween. The housing is configured to be transparent and includes a friction surface pattern disposed over a portion of an outer surface of the housing. The cap assembly further includes one or more ligation bands disposed on the proximal portion of the housing. The cap assembly also includes a wire interwoven between the ligation bands. The wire is further configured to roll at least one ligation band at a time towards the distal end of the distal portion. |
| US09498219B2 |
Detachable motor powered surgical instrument
A stapling system is disclosed. The stapling system comprises a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a disposable loading unit configured for operable attachment to the shaft. The stapling system further comprises a battery, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein, a translatable member configured to translate within the staple cartridge to eject the staples from the staple cartridge, and a rotary drive comprising a motor configured to drive the translatable member, wherein the rotary drive is configured to selectively receive electrical power from the battery only when the disposable loading unit is attached to the shaft. |
| US09498215B2 |
Surgical staple cartridge with enhanced knife clearance
A surgical instrument having an elongated shaft having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end. An end effector is coupled to the shaft distal end and includes opposed jaws. A housing is included in one of the jaws, the housing having a housing proximal end, a housing distal end, an upper surface, a distal garage having lateral surfaces that extend above the upper surface, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the upper surface. A knife member is supported within the housing for movement distally. The knife member is moveable into a predetermined parked position such that a first portion of the cutting blade displaces below the upper surface and a second portion remains displaced above the upper surface. There is enough lateral clearance in the predetermined parked position between the lateral faces and the second portion to accommodate a dislodged staple. |
| US09498214B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus with clamping assembly
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly. An end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongate portion includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, wherein at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other to move the end effector between an open configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are substantially spaced and a closed configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are closer together. The end effector also includes a clamping assembly including a first clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the anvil assembly, and a second clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the cartridge assembly such that, when deployed, the first and second clamping surfaces oppose one another when the cartridge assembly is in the closed position. |
| US09498210B2 |
Puncture apparatus
A puncture apparatus includes a puncture member rotatable about a rotation center and having a needle tip which rotates together with the puncture member and is configured to puncture living body tissue. The puncture apparatus is also provided with at least one of: i) a vaginal-insertion member insertable into a vagina of a living body and including a vacuum area connected to a suction port; and ii) a urethra insertion member insertable into a urethra of the living body and including a vacuum area connected to a suction port. A cover covers the vacuum area so that the vacuum area does not contact and damage a vaginal wall of the vagina. The cover is movable relative to the vacuum area to expose the vacuum area. |
| US09498206B2 |
Tissue ligation devices and tensioning devices therefor
Described here are closure devices and methods for ligating tissue, such as the left atrial appendage, and tensioning devices and mechanism for actuating these devices. The tensioning mechanisms and devices may allow a user to apply one or more predetermined forces to a suture or other portion of the closure devices. The closure devices may comprise a suture loop releasably attached to a snare loop assembly, and a tensioning mechanism or device may be configured to tighten the suture loop and/or release the suture loop from the snare loop assembly. |
| US09498196B2 |
Sheath apparatus and methods for delivering a closure device
An apparatus for delivering a clip includes an introducer sheath including an outer surface extending between its proximal and distal ends. A clip is carried on the outer surface, e.g., on a carrier assembly that is slidable along the outer surface from the proximal end towards the distal end. A skin overlies the outer surface of the sheath and the carrier assembly that is separable from the outer surface as the carrier assembly is advanced from the proximal end towards the distal end of the sheath. During use, the distal end of the sheath is inserted into an opening through tissue, e.g., into a puncture communicating with a blood vessel. The carrier assembly is advanced towards the distal end of the sheath, causing the skin to separate from the outer surface of the elongate member, and the clip is deployed from the carrier to seal the opening. |
| US09498191B2 |
Device and method for use in the collection of whole saliva in research and diagnostics
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device for collecting a specimen of oral fluids. The device includes an elongate tubular member with a first end being configured to come into contact with a mouth of a subject. The device also includes a coupler, wherein the first end of the coupler is configured to couple to a second end of the elongate tubular member and wherein the second end of the coupler is configured to couple the device to a collection vial. A chamber is defined by the outer wall of the elongate tubular member and positioned proximate to the second end of the elongate tubular member, and a filter is disposed within the chamber. An exhaust port is defined by the coupler to allow pressure to escape from the device to ease the collection of the specimen. |
| US09498188B2 |
Enhanced ultrasound imaging apparatus and associated methods of work flow
Enhanced ultrasound imaging apparatus and associated methods of work flow are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of ultrasound scanning includes receiving a first dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of a target anatomy of a patient in a two-dimensional mode and generating a two-dimensional ultrasound image of the scanned target anatomy based on the received first dataset. The method also includes receiving an input defining at least one of an A-plane, a B-plane, and a C-plane on the displayed two-dimensional ultrasound image. Thereafter, a second dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of the target anatomy in a three-dimensional mode is received and an additional ultrasound image along a plane orthogonal to the two-dimensional ultrasound image of the target anatomy is generated based on (1) the three-dimensional scanning and (2) the input defining at least one of the A-plane, the B-plane, and the C-plane. |
| US09498183B2 |
Pulmonary embolism therapeutic methods using therapeutic delivery devices and systems
Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal pulmonary veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's pulmonary veins are provided. |
| US09498181B2 |
Sensor and stethoscope
It is presented a sensor comprising a sensor plate (14), a base piece (15) and a first sensor membrane (7a) and a second sensor membrane (7b), each having a side of positive electrical polarity and a side of negative electrical polarity. Each one of the first sensor membrane and the second sensor membrane is mounted between the sensor plate and the base piece while allowing movement of the sensor plate in relation to the mounting piece. The first sensor membrane and the second sensor membrane are mounted such that their respective sides of positive electrical polarity face each other or face away from each other. A corresponding electronic stethoscope is also presented. |
| US09498180B2 |
Detecting and quantifying patient motion during tomosynthesis scans
The effects of patient motion in tomosynthesis scan images are automatically detected and quantified. In at least one embodiment an indication of detection of the effects of patient motion in tomosynthesis scan images is provided shortly after the scan, e.g., before the patient is discharged or before the breast is decompressed. A patient motion score may be calculated as part of motion quantification. The score may be stored for subsequent retrieval. Images may be presented with reference features to help a technician confirm of the effects of motion in images. |
| US09498178B2 |
Method for spectral CT local tomography
A method for performing reconstruction for a region of interest (ROI) of an object is provided. The method includes designating the ROI within the object, the ROI being located within a scan field of view (FOV) of a combined third- and fourth-generation CT scanner, the CT scanner including fixed photon-counting detectors (PCDs), and an X-ray source that rotates about the object in synchronization with a rotating detector. Further, the method includes determining, for each PCD, as a function of view angle, an on/off timing schedule, based on a size and location of the designated ROI, and performing a scan to obtain a first data set from the rotating detector and a second data set from the plurality of PCDs, while turning each PCD on and off according to the determined schedule. Finally, the method includes performing reconstruction using the first and second data sets to obtain ROI spectral images. |
| US09498177B2 |
Contrast-dependent regularization strength in the iterative reconstruction of CT images
A method is disclosed for reconstructing image data of an examination object from measured data, the measured data being captured during a rotating movement of a radiation source of a computed tomography system around the examination object. In at least one embodiment, different iteration images of the examination object are determined successively from the measured data by way of an iterative algorithm, wherein with the iterative algorithm the current iteration image at any one time is high-pass-filtered and weighted as a function of contrast using a variable which contains contrast information relating to the current iteration image at that time. |
| US09498175B2 |
System and method for low dose tomosynthesis
A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing. |
| US09498173B2 |
Mobile radiation generating apparatus and radiation imaging system
A mobile radiation generating apparatus comprising: a cart unit; a column extending from the cart unit; and an arm extending from the column; a radiation emitting unit arranged in a distal end portion of the arm, and configured to irradiate an object with radiation; a first display control unit configured to cause a first display apparatus arranged in the cart unit to display a radiation image captured by a radiation imaging apparatus which detects radiation transmitted through the object; and a second display control unit independent of the first display control unit, and configured to cause a second display apparatus arranged in the radiation emitting unit or on the arm to display a thumbnail image of the radiation image and a state of the radiation imaging apparatus. |
| US09498171B2 |
Method for examining an object using an X-ray recording system for phase contrast imaging with displacement measurement
A method, for examining an object using an X-ray recording system, includes aligning the object in the X-ray beam and the X-ray recording system with one another such that regions in the X-ray beam are uncovered for measurement of a free field. During an X-ray image recording, the components are moved relative to one another with a lateral displacement. In a position of the relative lateral displacement of the components, a reference image containing free fields is recorded. The X-ray image recording is generated from partial images during the displacement and the position of the second component relative to the first component is determined for each partial recording such that the displacement distances of the displacements and the reference phases are calculated from a selected set of pixels and the measured intensity values thereof. Finally, the image information is determined from the partial images, the displacements and the reference phases. |
| US09498168B2 |
X-ray CT scanning and dual-source CT system
A method is disclosed for x-ray CT scanning with a dual-source system, in which two radiation bundles are each delimited by diaphragms such that these radiation bundles are free of mutual points of intersection at least in the examination object. An embodiment of the invention also relates to a dual source CT system, including a controller configured to control radiation-delimiting diaphragms, which delimit and align the radiation bundles such that these run free of mutual points of intersection at least in the examination object. |
| US09498166B2 |
Method for displaying the temperature field of a biological subject
Measurements for medical diagnostic purposes measure the temperature of parts of the body to diagnose illnesses and for monitoring dynamics of an illness during treatment. This increases accuracy and clarity and simplifies technical implementation. An image of the region of the body of a biological subject under investigation is input into a computer database, with the image being output to a monitor of the computer, wherein the measurement points for measuring the temperature in the region of the subject under investigation are displayed in the image of the subject on the monitor screen and, once the measurements have been taken and the results of the measurements have been processed in the computer, an image of the temperature field is generated by a computer. |
| US09498159B2 |
Analyte monitoring device and methods of use
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor. |
| US09498157B2 |
Robust calibration and self-correction for tissue oximetry probe
A method for calibrating detectors of a self-contained, tissue oximetry device includes emitting light from a light source into a tissue phantom, detecting in a plurality of detectors the light emitted from the light source, subsequent to reflection from the tissue phantom, and generating a set of detector responses by the plurality of detectors based on detecting the light emitted from the light source. The method further includes determining a set of differences between the set of detector responses and a reflectance curve for the tissue phantom, and generating a set of calibration functions based on the set of differences. Each calibration function in the set of calibration functions is associated with a unique, light source-detector pair. The method further includes storing the set of calibration function in a memory of the self-contained, tissue oximetry device. |
| US09498152B2 |
Method and system for expediting the rescue of victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) when used in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED)
A method and system for expediting the rescue of victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) when used in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The system involves an apparatus that calls for help (i.e. 911), detects SCA and cardiac arrhythmias, locates an AED, guides the rescuer through CPR and connection of the AED. A second apparatus is in the enclosure that contains the AED, sends location information to the other apparatus, triggers audible and visual indicators, and provides information on the victim's location. |
| US09498151B2 |
Ellipticity measuring device
A balloon catheter is used for dilating tubular members of the body such as dilating stenotic aortic valve leaflets found in the aortic root, and measuring the shape and dimensions of the annulus. The balloon has two larger diameter bulbous regions; one is positioned in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and the other in the aortic sinus; a smaller diameter waist region is positioned across the aortic annulus. During inflation of the balloon, the balloon waist expands in diameter until it comes into contact with the aortic annulus. The balloon pressure and inflation volume is monitored during inflation so that an inflection point in the dP/dV curve is seen at the point of contact of the waist with the annulus. Radiopaque rings and/or marker bands in the device allow the size and orientation of the elliptical annulus to be calculated. |
| US09498146B2 |
Electroanatomical mapping
This invention relates to the determination and/or representation of physiological information relating to a heart surface. |
| US09498145B2 |
Cardiac event monitoring system
A cardiac event monitoring system may include a base unit including a base connector, a wearable electrode system, and a plug-in adapter. The wearable electrode system includes a cable, an electrode at one end of the cable, and a cable connector at the other end of the cable. The cable connector is configured to plug into the base connector. The plug-in adapter includes electrodes and an adapter connector that is configured to plug into the base connector. A handheld device may include a plug-in adapter having first and second electrodes and a controller that is configured to process electrical signals detected by at least one of the first or second electrodes that are indicative of a cardiac event. |
| US09498139B2 |
Background suppression by time dependent flip angle of saturation pulses
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, method and/or computer readable storage medium is configured to effect QISS (quiescent interval single shot) MR imaging (e.g., MR angiography or MRA) where an optimized flip angle for one or more initial saturation pulses minimizes background signal from tissue and/or venous blood. Upon expiration of first configurable time interval from a start of a scan interval, at least one saturation pulse having a flip angle greater than ninety degrees is applied so that longitudinal magnetization of background tissue and venous blood in the selected area is approximately at a null value at the beginning of a readout time (occurring upon expiry of a second time interval) and/or when a lowest frequency of k-space data is acquired for the selected area. |
| US09498137B2 |
Multi-function fitness scale with display
Certain aspects of the instance disclosure are assessing a fitness of a user using a weighing scale apparatus. Specific embodiments concern an arrangement of devices configured and arranged to monitor physiological parameters while the user is standing on a platform region of the device, and communicate an assessed fitness to the user as feedback. Further specific embodiments concern methods of monitoring physiological parameters of a user using the apparatus, assessing the fitness of the user based on one or more of the physiological parameters, and communicating the assessed fitness to the user as feedback. |
| US09498134B1 |
Diffuse optical tomography methods and system for determining optical properties
Optical source and detector arrangements, systems, and methods are described, which may be used to provide or analyze information about a subject, including hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations. Multiple optical detectors can be positioned at different distances from an optical source. The optical sources may irradiate the subject with optical signals and the optical detectors can detect the optical signals from the optical sources after passing through the subject. Analysis of the detected signals source can yield information about the subject. |
| US09498131B1 |
Aids for maintaining scheduled medication dosing
Monitoring administration of medication to a user by receiving an identification of at least a medication and a time of administration of the medication to the user from the first sensor and storing the identification in the repository. The identification of the medication is compared to prescribed medication for the user. A time required for the medication to travel from the first location to the second location is determined. An electronic tag at the second location is monitored until the determined time has passed or the electronic tag is identified. When the determined time has passed and an electronic tag has not been identified, a notification is sent to at least one user; and when the electronic tag is identified, the ingestion of the medication is confirmed by the user and the time and electronic tag identification is stored in the repository. |
| US09498128B2 |
Wearable architecture and methods for performance monitoring, analysis, and feedback
The present application relates generally to computer software, mobile electronics, wireless communication links, and wearable monitoring systems. More specifically, techniques, fabrics, materials, systems, sensors, EMG sensors, circuitry, algorithms and methods for wearable monitoring devices and associated exercise apparatus are described. A garment borne sensor system may generate data on a user's performance during exercise, for example, and the data may be analyzed in real time and feedback may be provided to the user based on the analysis. A piece of exercise equipment may be instrumented and in communication with the sensor system or other system and may be controlled in real time to adjust its settings to affect the user during the exercise routine. Communication between the sensor system and other systems may be wireless. Conductive structures formed directly in a fabric of the garment may integrally include sensors, circuitry, controllers, conductive traces, and sensor electronics. |
| US09498127B2 |
Data transfer device and data transfer system
A device for receiving a transmitting unit that is detachably attachable to a sensor unit configured to be placed on a subject to acquire a biosignal of the subject and that acquires bio-information from the biosignal acquired in the sensor unit to transmit the biosignal to an external device. This device has first and second ports on which transmitting units can be placed, and communication sections each provided in a respective one of the ports to carry out communication with the transmitting units mounted on the respective ports. When the transmitting unit is newly mounted on one port, the device acquires transmission data including communication identification information for the transmission from the newly mounted transmitting unit by the communication section of this port and transmits the acquired transmission data to another transmitting unit already mounted on the other port by using the communication section provided in the other port. |
| US09498126B2 |
Fundus imaging system
A fundus imaging system includes: an image sensor array, where the image sensor array includes monochrome photodiodes and global shutter control, an illumination unit with one or more light-emitting diodes that have one or more dies, a computing system including a processor and memory, one or more lenses, one or more reflective mirrors, and a display. In an example method of use, a clinician positions a patient, initiates a focal adjustment, initiates a retinal imaging process, and the same or a different clinician views the image. In some embodiments, the imaging system is configured to analyze the image and identify detected physical attributes in the image relating to the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. |
| US09498123B2 |
Image recording apparatus, image recording method and image recording program stored on a computer readable medium
There is provided an image recording apparatus including an image-capturing section that captures an image of the observed person, an observer's point of sight measuring section that measures a point of sight of the observer when the image-capturing section captures the image of the observed person, an observer's point of sight judging section that judges whether the point of sight of the observer which is measured by the observer's point of sight measuring section is present within a predetermined area, and an image storing control section that stores the image of the observed person which is captured by the image-capturing section, when the observer's point of sight judging section judges that the point of sight of the observer is present within the predetermined area. |
| US09498122B2 |
Systems and methods for determining biomechanical properties of the eye for applying treatment
A system for determining biomechanical properties of corneal tissue includes a light source configured to provide an incident light and a confocal microscopy system configured to scan the incident light across a plurality of cross-sections of corneal tissue. The incident light is reflected by the corneal tissue as scattered light. The system also includes a filter or attenuating device configured to block or attenuate the Rayleigh peak frequency of the scattered light, a spectrometer configured to receive the scattered light and process frequency characteristics of the received scattered light to determine a Brillouin frequency shift in response to the Rayleigh peak frequency being blocked or attenuated by the filter or attenuating device, and a processor configured to generate a three-dimensional profile of the corneal tissue according to the determined Brillouin frequency shift. The three-dimensional profile provides an indicator of one or more biomechanical properties of the corneal tissue. |
| US09498121B2 |
Surgical microscopes using optical coherence tomography and related systems
Some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems for integration with a microscope. The OCT system includes a sample arm coupled to the imaging path of a microscope. The sample arm includes an input beam zoom assembly including at least two movable lenses configured to provide shape control for an OCT signal beam; a scan assembly including at least one scanning mirror and configured for telecentric scanning of the OCT signal beam; and a beam expander configured to set the OCT signal beam diameter incident on the microscope objective. The shape control includes separable controls for numerical aperture and focal position of the imaged OCT beam. |
| US09498116B2 |
Ophthalmologic apparatus
An ophthalmologic apparatus of an embodiment includes an optical system, a rotational movement amount calculator, a registration unit, a parallel movement amount calculator, a driver, and a controller. The optical system is used to capture a moving image of a subject's eye. The rotational movement amount calculator calculates a rotational movement amount between a first image and a second image included in the moving image. The registration unit performs registration between the first image and the second image in the rotation direction based on the rotational movement amount. The parallel movement amount calculator performs a phase only correlation process on the first image and the second image registered by the registration unit to calculate a parallel movement amount between the first image and the second image. The driver moves the optical system. The controller controls the driver based on the parallel movement amount. |
| US09498112B1 |
Laryngoscope
A system and method of intubating a patient includes an intubating body. A user-control at or associated with the proximal end of the body allows both display of patient oral cavity anatomy and control of orientation of a stylet guide at or near the distal end of the body. The combination assists a user to effectively intubate the patient even if the patient has difficult anatomy. |
| US09498110B2 |
Endoscope system having narrow band observation
An endoscope system includes a light source unit that emits first and second narrow band light sequentially, a color filter in which first and second filters having different spectral characteristic are disposed, an image pickup device that receives light passing through the first filter in a first pixel and receives light passing through the second filter in a second pixel, and can set an exposing period and a reading period of an electric signal for each pixel, and a control unit that performs control for causing the first narrow band light to be emitted, causing the first pixels to be exposed, and reading an electric signal from the second pixel in a first period, and causing the second narrow band light to be emitted, causing the second pixel to be exposed, and reading an electric signal from the first pixel in a second period. |
| US09498109B2 |
Fluorescence endoscope device
Provided is a fluorescence endoscope device that includes a light source; an image generating portion that captures an image of fluorescence generated at a subject due to irradiation with excitation light to obtain a fluorescence image and that captures an image of return light returning from the subject due to irradiation with white light to obtain a white-light image; a dividing portion that divides the fluorescence image by the white-light image to generate a divided fluorescence image; a coordinate extracting portion that extracts a second region of the divided fluorescence image having a gradation value higher than a second threshold; a fluorescence-image correcting portion that extracts a first region having a gradation value higher than a first threshold in the fluorescence image and generates a corrected fluorescence image in which an overlap region that overlaps the second region is extracted; and a monitor that displays the corrected fluorescence image. |
| US09498107B2 |
Clamping system
A collet comprising a cylindrical body comprising a first end and a second end and an aperture coaxial within the cylindrical body. The aperture is configured for receiving a medical device and for securing the medical device by decreasing in diameter when pressure is applied to at least one of the first end and the second end of the cylindrical body. |
| US09498104B2 |
Dishwasher rack assembly having positionable support members
A dishwasher rack assembly including a bottom wall formed of a first set of wire rods in parallel, uniform spaced relation to each other perpendicular a second set of wire rods in parallel, uniform spaced relation to each other, the first and second sets of wire members defining open, square lattice areas. One or more support members are coupled intermediate opposing wire rods of the first or second set within a selected lattice area. Each support member comprises an upwardly directed, support frame for optimally positioning the objects to be washed, the opposed ends thereof extending into mounting receivers that are adapted to be positionally coupled between opposed wire rods of the bottom wall of the dishwasher rack. |
| US09498103B2 |
Detergent release controller
A simply structured and conveniently used detergent release controller capable of avoiding detergent from solidifying and preventing use has a main channel. One terminal of the main channel is an inlet of a fluid, and the other terminal of the main channel is an outlet capable of being connected with a water outlet of a washing barrel. The detergent release controller is provided with multiple valves including valve A, valve B, valve C, valve D, a liquid collecting cavity, and a Venturi negative pressure generator. An inlet of valve A is connected with a bypass of the main channel. An inlet of valve B is connected with a storage tank of detergent A. The present disclosure is applicable to apparatuses such as clothes washing machines and dish washing machines. |
| US09498092B2 |
Cleaning brush
A cleaning brush is composed of a grip, a brush body, and a tightener. The grip includes a mounting portion running through first and second lateral sides and having an opening formed on a top side thereof, and a retaining portion located at third and fourth lateral sides. The brush body is a spherical reticular member formed of a tubular reticulum and includes a central portion passing through the opening and located at the mounting portion. The holds the central portion and the retaining portion for limiting the relative positions of the brush body and the grip. Thus, the brush body is not subject to sliding with respect to the grip to make the cleaning brush have definite perception of touch and preferable cleaning effect. |
| US09498090B2 |
Liquid dispensing system
A liquid-dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a container associated with a base, the container and base being mounted within an enclosure (e.g., a cabinet) or on a ground surface, the container having an inlet and an outlet and being movable relative to the base from a first position to a second, different position to present the inlet for refilling of the container with a liquid. The container is also fluidly connected with a dispenser through its outlet so that liquid can be dispensed to a user. Methods of refilling the container are also disclosed. |
| US09498089B2 |
Sustainable mini shower
Disclosed is a sustainable shower apparatus (1) comprising: (i) a pressurizable container (2) to hold water (3) and a gas; (ii) a pressurizer (4) for pressurizing said container; (iii) a shower head (7); (iv) a first tubing for carrying pressurized water from the container to the shower head; (v) a second tubing (8) for carrying pressurized gas from the container to the shower head; where flow of said gas or water is individually controllable by use of respective valves (6, 9) and where each tubing terminates into a respective nozzle (10, 11) in said shower head which comprises a nozzle for spraying said gas and adjacent thereto, at least one nozzle for spraying the water, wherein tip of each nozzle for spraying water is oriented at an acute angle with the tip of nozzle for spraying gas. |
| US09498085B2 |
Food processor feed tube assembly
A food processor feed tube assembly includes a first feed tube extension and a second feed tube extension telescopically and slidably received in the first feed tube extension. The second feed tube extension is configured to be movable from a retracted position in which the second feed tube extension is substantially entirely nested within the first feed tube extension, and an extended position in which the second feed tube extension is extended from the first feed tube extension. |
| US09498083B2 |
Cooking appliance with stirring means and associated method
The invention relates to an appliance (1) for cooking food, the appliance comprising firstly a receptacle (2) for containing the food and secondly a blade (8) placed within the receptacle (2), said receptacle (2) and blade (8) being designed to be driven with relative rotary motion so as to stir the food in the receptacle (2), the appliance being characterized in that the blade (8) includes turnover means (13) shaped to act under the effect of the relative rotary motion to cause at least a fraction of the food to turn over in a turnover direction (D) that presents, in the plane of the rotary motion, a majority component that is radial. |
| US09498077B2 |
Footwear application assisting apparatus
The invention is defined by an elongate member having a handle end and an opposite sock-engaging end. The member is longitudinally flexible and may be shaped into a generally frusto-conically shaped tube onto which a sock is applied. The sock-engaging lower portion includes longitudinally outwardly projecting shoulders, and preferably sock engaging structures, that engage the sock to retain the sock in place during use. Immediately adjacent to and contiguous with the sock-engaging lower portion is a heel portion that is flexible transversely to the longitudinal axis along the device and which defines a heel-receiving area where the user's heel is placed when being used. Immediately adjacent to and contiguous with the heel portion is an elongate portion and an extended handle portion that the user grasps to pull the entire device upwardly to cause the sock to be properly placed on the user's foot. With the user's toe's inserted into the top of the sock, held open by the lower sock-engaging portion and the user's heel resting in the heel-receiving portion, the device is pulled upwardly by the user and the sock is pulled onto the user's foot in a normal manner. The shoulders on the device cause resistance to the force that tends to pull the sock off the device and the sock is thus pulled onto the user's foot in substantially the same way as the sock would be donned without the device—the sock is released from the shoulders as the resistive force is overcome by the upward pulling action. |
| US09498076B1 |
Zipper pull assist tool
A clip to assist a user in pulling up a zipper is particularly suited for zippers located on the back of garments. The clip attaches to a zipper puller portion of a zipper and is provided with a spring-loaded clamping mechanism that grasps the puller. The clip is also provided with an extending elastic cord. The clip is installed upon the garment prior to donning and the cord is then grasped and pulled to close the zipper. A pair of release arms on the side of the clip is pressed together to install and release the clip from the zipper puller. |
| US09498075B2 |
Garment hanger
A garment hanger is disclosed. The hanger has a hook and a body suspended below the hook. The body includes a garment supporting portion for supporting a garment and a display receiving portion for receiving a display member. A display member is also provided for attachment to the display receiving portion. The display portion includes retaining tabs, a flat front portion and side portions extending away from the front portion. |
| US09498072B2 |
Display case door assembly with tempered glass vacuum panel
A display case door assembly for a temperature-controlled storage device includes an opening into the temperature-controlled storage device and a vacuum panel mounted within the opening. The vacuum panel includes a first vacuum pane of tempered glass, a second vacuum pane of tempered glass, and an evacuated gap between the first and second vacuum panes. The evacuated gap has a predetermined thickness within which a vacuum is drawn, thereby providing a thermal insulation effect for the vacuum panel. The vacuum panel further includes a plurality of spacers disposed within the evacuated gap and configured to maintain the predetermined thickness of the evacuated gap when the vacuum is drawn therein. |
| US09498071B2 |
Harness system for a baby carrier
A harness system comprised of a harness assembly having adjustable shoulder and waist straps connected therewith secured at two points of engagement to an anchoring assembly permanently anchored to a baby carrier. A padding member is attached to the shoulder strap of the harness assembly extending over either side of the user's shoulder. The adjustability of the present invention provides a system that accommodates users of various sizes. The anchoring assembly is comprised of a plurality of washers, a plurality of anchoring straps, and at least one spacer secured to a carrier bar of the carrier by a fastener and a lock nut. Two anchoring straps on each side of the carrier allow the harness assembly to be releasably anchored to either side of the anchoring assembly depending upon the user's preference. Once the harness assembly is connected to the carrier, the user may carry the carrier “hands-free.” |
| US09498070B2 |
Adjustable child booster seat
An adjustable height child booster seat including a seat and a base configured to be placed on an elevated surface above ground. The seat may be rotated relative to the base to move the seat and the base relative to each other in to adjust the booster seat to a desired height. |
| US09498064B2 |
Swivel feeding seat
The present disclosure relates to a seat configured to swivel, recline, and raise to accommodate a child during feeding. |
| US09498062B2 |
Actuating drive for moving a moveable furniture part
An actuating drive for moving a moveable furniture part includes at least one moveably mounted actuating member for moving the moveable furniture part a spring device for subjecting the actuating member to force; and an adjustment device by which a force of the spring device acting on the actuating member can be adjusted. The adjustment device has an adjustment screw having a thread, wherein the force of the spring device acting on the actuating member can be adjusted via a screw nut mounted displaceably along the thread. At least one spring element is provided via which the screw nut can be subjected, at at least one end region of the adjustment screw, to a force directed away from the end region. |
| US09498060B1 |
Slide track assembly
A slide track assembly includes an outer track having a first unlocking face, a first stop face, and a second stop face. A middle track is slideably received in the outer track and includes a sliding groove. An inner track is slideably received in the middle track and includes a first unlocking portion, a first stop portion, and a second stop portion. A positioning block is received in the sliding groove and is slideable relative to the middle track in a vertical direction. The positioning block includes first and second stop ends. The positioning block further includes a stop face extending between the first and second stop ends and facing the first lateral wall of the sliding groove. The positioning block can be moved to lock or unlock the inner track, the middle track, and the outer track during extending and retraction of the inner track and the middle track. |
| US09498055B2 |
Portable tray for luggage
A portable tray for luggage has a support assembly, a ratchet assembly, a table, and a storage sleeve. The support assembly installs upon the telescoping poles of an existing handle assembly of luggage. The support assembly then allows a user to position the invention at a desired elevation from a supporting surface such as a concourse floor. The ratchet assembly allows a user to rotate the table from a stowed position, generally within the poles of a handle assembly, to a cantilevered position across the top of a piece of luggage. The user then unfolds the table of three plates into a flat shape, generally level but with at least two alternate angles. The invention fits into a storage sleeve placed within the handle assembly and within the luggage. The storage sleeve prevents luggage contents from entangling with the table and other components of the invention. |
| US09498054B2 |
Foldable table
A foldable table that provides a stable operational position in which the table legs may extend beyond the footprint of the table, and a folded, storage position in which the table legs may be tucked within the footprint of the table. An aspect provides table legs that may slide and pivot within sockets of a table top, to enable the legs to lock into the extended position and to also pivot flat against a horizontal undersurface of the table top. |
| US09498053B2 |
Apparatus for capturing brushing habits
An interactive toothbrush is provided. The toothbrush may include memory including a set of instructions and at least one processor. The set of instructions, with the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the toothbrush to display a list of option to a user via a display panel when a switch to power on the apparatus is pressed. The set of instructions, with the at least one processor, may further be configured to cause the toothbrush to perform an action when a selection from the list of options is received from a user via the display panel. In some embodiments, the set of instructions, with the at least one processor, may further be configured to cause the toothbrush to detect the brushing habits of the user and transmit the brushing habits to another device. |
| US09498049B2 |
Elastic casing article holder
A holder for the shank of a tool comprising a cylinder having a series of shoulders and grooves in radial formation with the shoulders and grooves allowing for O-rings to penetrate to the interior and exterior of the cylinder to form a means whereby the shank of a tool can be inserted and the tool held in position. As an alternative embodiment the shoulders and grooves can be helical around the cylinder with rubber latex tubing in the grooves and penetrating to the interior and exterior of the cylinder to thereby hold a tool or implement.Also note that a tool can be inserted at either end of the cylinder; and that an oversize cylinder can be inserted over the cylinder and held by the exterior portion of the O-ring or latex tubing.A special embodiment of this invention is the formation of a grommet employing a tubular portion to form a ring into which is cut grooves forming shoulders and into which is inserted an O-ring to form a grommet. |
| US09498047B2 |
Applicator for a cosmetic product and associated applicator assembly
The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product, comprising a core having a first end, referred to as a proximal end, and a second, free end, referred to as a distal end, a plurality of protrusions projecting from the core, and a plurality of plates also projecting from the core, wherein the protrusions and the plates are moulded with the core, the core is curved in its direction of extension so as to define a concave part and a convex part, and wherein the protrusions extend substantially over the concave part of the core and the plates extend substantially over the convex part of the core. The invention also relates to an associated applicator assembly. |
| US09498046B2 |
Two-in-one apparatus comprising cosmetic brush and sponge
The present invention relates to a two-in-one apparatus comprising a cosmetic brush and sponge, comprising a cosmetic brush container (10) and a cosmetic sponge container (20) which are symmetrical to each other and are rotatably attached in contact. |
| US09498041B2 |
Cosmetic palette with selection mechanism for achieving a predefined look
Combinations of one or more selector mechanisms and a cosmetic palette for advising a user on how to achieve specific cosmetic effects. |
| US09498035B2 |
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses for sustained release of beneficial polymers
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses comprising an ionic component sustain release of beneficial cationic polymers. |
| US09498033B2 |
Protective enclosure for an electronic device
A protective enclosure for an electronic device includes a hard shell cover and a stretchable cushion shaped to conform to an outer surface of the hard shell cover. The hard shell cover includes a back shell to correspond with the back and sides of the electronic device. The hard shell cover includes an opening that provides access to controls of the electronic device, and provides rigidity to the protective enclosure. The stretchable cushion provides cushioning to the hard shell cover and the enclosed electronic device. The stretchable cushion includes one or more gaps that expose at least a portion of the hard shell cover. The stretchable cushion also has an opening that corresponds to the opening of the hard shell cover. A retention structure of stretchable cushion is disposed to engage a corresponding retention structure of the hard shell cover. |
| US09498032B2 |
Case for a portable electronic device with hard tactile buttons
A case for enclosing a personal electronic device is disclosed that has at least one button molded into the case, wherein the button is manufactured from rigid material that may or may not deform when depressed. The case, whether hard or soft, may incorporate the buttons manufactured from a hard material and afford the user the same tactile response as if the user were depressing the underlying buttons on the device. The case may be co-molded with two similar or dissimilar materials. One of the co-molded materials may provide a membrane that allows the button to flex and also secures the buttons to prevent them from being dislodged from or out of the case. |
| US09498031B2 |
Impact protection for electronic devices
Impact protection comprises using an impact protection apparatus to protect an electronic device from damage due to an impact with a surface (for example, if the device is dropped or falls from a height), reducing the likelihood that the device will be damaged by the impact. The impact protection apparatus comprises a flexible band that is placed around a perimeter of the device, where this band has a plurality of objects integrated therein. The objects are generally disposed along a length of the band, preferably in pairs. The flexible band is capable of adapting to a shape of a perimeter of the device. Each of the objects has a height suitable for causing the device to remain at a distance above a surface on which the device is located, once the band is placed around the perimeter of the device. The band preferably has a groove into which the device is insertable, thereby enabling the band to grip the perimeter of the device. |
| US09498029B2 |
Clasp mechanisms for wristwatch bands
In one aspect, the subject matter of the disclosure features a watch band. The watch band includes a strap and a clasp mechanism integrated with an end of the strap. The clasp mechanism includes a concave member defining a channel at the end of the strap and a cover plate. The cover plate is configured to move between (i) a first position in which the cover plate covers the channel, and (ii) a second position in which the cover plate is retracted to leave at least part of the channel uncovered by the cover plate. |
| US09498027B2 |
Pull tab and method of manufacturing a pull tab
A pull tab for zippers is formed by a cord having a cord retaining member attached to one end of the cord and a socket in the top surface of the cord retaining member, and a plug attached to other end of the cord. The plug has a shape corresponding to the shape of the socket, so that the plug can fit securely within the socket, thus, forming a loop with the cord. A slidable locking device is placed around the cord, the locking device having an interior cavity corresponding to the shape of the cord retaining member, such that placing the plug into the socket and sliding the locking device over the cord retaining member locks the second end of the cord to the cord retaining member. In a method for manufacturing the pull tab, the plug and cord retaining member are continuously overmolded in one piece on a length of the cord, and then cut into pieces to form completed pull tabs. |
| US09498026B2 |
Spaced multi-rib zipper
The present disclosure relates to a one piece multi-rib fastener including at least two groups of ribs, each rib with one or more hooks, wherein the groups are separated by a space less than the width of the maximum number of ribs within one of the groups. |
| US09498025B2 |
Strap attachment system for orthopedic device
A strap attachment system includes a frame member having an opening, a strap, and a tab having a body and an attachment element defined by the body. The tab connects to the strap. A fastener element connects to the tab and is detachably and slidably mountable to the frame member by the opening. |
| US09498021B2 |
Cleat for footwear
An improved cleat design is provided for article of footwear. At least one cleat is arranged on a bottom surface of the outsole, such that the cleat is disposed partially within the outsole and extends substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface of the outsole. The cleat includes an aperture such that a portion of the outsole extends through the aperture in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the outsole to retain the at least one cleat in a desired position relative to the outsole. |
| US09498017B2 |
Power generation device and shoe equipment having power generation device
A power generation device includes a first pivot arm having a shank extendable in a predetermined direction, and a rack arranged along the predetermined direction, wherein the shank has a slot between the rack and an end portion of the shank; a second pivot arm having a first end portion coupled with the end portion of the shank at a first pivot; and a third pivot arm having a first end portion coupled with a second end portion of the second pivot arm at a second pivot, and a second end portion of the third pivot arm coupled with the slot of the shank at a third pivot. |
| US09498008B2 |
Garments having an evacuation harness and methods of using the same
Garments having an evacuation harness that are intended for connection to each other, with each garment having an outer wear unit including at least a torso portion and an evacuation harness that includes a torso strap system connected to the outer wear unit, a drag strap coupling connected to the torso strap system and extending rearward relative to the outer wear unit, and a drag strap connected at a first end to the torso strap system at a position above the drag strap coupling and the drag strap being selectively extendible rearward relative to the outer wear unit. Also disclosed are methods of connecting a rescuer wearing a garment having an evacuation harness to an individual wearing a similarly configured garment having an evacuation harness. |
| US09498004B2 |
Apparel with drainage support
Disclosed is a support garment. The support garment is particularly configured to permit a post-surgical drainage tube to pass through the support garment unobstructed, thereby permitting the drainage of blood and other bodily fluids from the surgical site. The support garment employs a series of elastic panels joined in a way to provide comfort and utility, and includes a fastener in the front for enabling a wearer with decreased mobility to more easily apply and remove the support garment. |
| US09498003B2 |
Construction of a gripping fabric
A gripping fabric and method for construction thereof is provided. A fabric structure that defines an inner surface and an outer surface is created. The fabric structure or the gripping fabric is configured to conform to a user's body part for constructing a garment, for example, a sock. The inner surface is proximal to a user contact surface and distal to an external contact surface. The outer surface is proximal to the external contact surface and distal to the user contact surface. A gripping material is selectively applied on the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the fabric structure. The gripping material on the inner surface and the outer surface of the fabric structure adheres to the user contact surface and the external contact surface respectively, thereby providing grip between the user contact surface and the fabric structure, and grip between the fabric structure and the external contact surface. |
| US09498002B1 |
Multi-chamber vaporizer
A multi-chamber vaporizer is disclosed. The vaporizer includes a heating assembly with a heating element, the heating element having a portion thermally coupled to an airflow passage. A plurality of herbal placement chambers is rotatable relative to the airflow passage. Further, a track assembly having an herbal support surface extends about a central axis at a track radius and with a motor operably configured to rotate the herbal support surface about the central axis at a rotation rate. The herbal support surface is operably configured to support the herbal placement chambers thereon for rotation about the central axis to the airflow passage. |
| US09498000B2 |
Heated aerosol-generating device and method for generating aerosol with consistent properties
There is provided a method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device, the device including: a heater including at least one heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; and a power source for providing power to the heating element, including the steps of: controlling the power provided to the heating element such that in a first phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases from an initial temperature to a first temperature, in a second phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element drops below the first temperature, and in a third phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases again. Increasing the temperature of the heating element during a final phase of the heating process reduces or prevents the reduction in aerosol delivery over time. |
| US09497987B2 |
Devices and methods for instantly freezing food products
A device for quickly freezing food product incorporates a pan and a base. The pan is adapted to receive the food product to be frozen, and has a bottom portion and a wall portion surrounding the bottom portion. The bottom portion of the pan has an upper surface and an opposing lower surface. The base is positioned under the bottom portion and the wall portion of the pan. The wall portion of the base is coupled to the wall portion of the pan such that the pan and the base form a unitary body. A cavity exists between the bottom portion of the base and the lower surface of the bottom portion of the pan. A plurality of fins project outwardly from lower surface of the bottom portion of the pan into the cavity. |
| US09497983B2 |
Liquid enteral nutritional composition with a low monovalent metal ion content
Heat-treated liquid enteral nutritional composition with a low monovalent metal ion content are provided that contain micellar casein and optionally caseinate, and in which the total amount of monovalent metal ions is less than 25 mg/g of protein. Also, heat-treated liquid enteral nutritional compositions are disclosed comprising 10 to 20 g of protein per 100 ml of the composition, in which all or a major part of said protein comprises micellar casein. Also, a method is disclosed for producing the composition according to the invention, comprising a step wherein an aqueous protein solution in which all or a major part of said protein comprises micellar casein, is subjected to an evaporation step. |
| US09497981B2 |
Medicated particulate animal feed supplements and methods of preparation
The present invention is a process and the product produced by that process for solid, particulate animal feed premixes, characterized by having a certain particle size range, physical stability, hardness range, and rapid dissolution, wherein the premixes contain various drugs and other, pharmaceutically and nutritionally acceptable diluents, binders and formulation aids as needed, or desired. |
| US09497975B2 |
Broad spectrum natural preservative composition
Disclosed herein are preservative compositions comprising effective amounts of an alcohol, such as benzyl alcohol (“BA”), ethyl alcohol or phenyl ethanol, and cinnamon bark oil (“CB”), cinnamaldehyde (“CMA”), thyme oil, thymol, galangal oil, botanical extracts or combinations thereof, each of which are preferably obtained from natural sources. These preservatives have been observed to show broad spectrum anti microbial efficacy in both anionic and cationic formulations. In certain non-limiting embodiments, such compositions further comprise tetrahydrocurcuminoid (“THC”), phenyl ethanol and/or orange oil (“OR”) or rosemary oil (“RM”). |
| US09497973B2 |
Elasmobranch-repelling compounds, methods of use and devices
Elasmobranch-repelling compositions are prepared from elasmobranch carcasses. Extraction of these elasmobranch carcasses with polar solvent after a period of aerobic decay yields semiochemical repellents that induce a flight reaction in sharks when introduced into the sharks' oceanic proximity. |
| US09497966B2 |
Pesticidal compositions and related methods
A pesticidal composition comprises a 3-(1H-pyrazol)pyridine compound of formula I or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R9, R10, R12, x, n, and Q are as described herein. A method of controlling pests comprises applying the pesticidal composition near a population of pests. |
| US09497965B2 |
Pesticidal compounds
A compound of formula (I) wherein R1 to R4 are, for example, each hydrogen, R5 is, for example, a substituted phenol; R6 is, for example, hydrogen; R7 is, for example, hydrogen, cyano, hydroxyl, formyl, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, C2-C4-alkenyl, or C2-C4-alkynyl; and A1 to A5 is, for example, A1 is N or C—X, A3 is C—X, and A2, A4 and A5 are C—H, where X, is, for example, halogen; and its use as a pesticidal agent. |
| US09497961B2 |
Composition for improving the efficacy of herbicides
The present invention relates to a novel composition for improving the effectiveness of herbicides, to the use of this composition for improving the effectiveness of herbicides, to a herbicidal agent which comprises this composition and at least one herbicide, and to the use of this herbicidal agent for controlling undesired plant growth. The composition comprises: (a) at least one C1-C4-alkyl ester of at least one aliphatic C14-C22-carboxylic acid, where the at least one carboxylic acid consists to at least 70% by weight of aliphatic carboxylic acids having 18 carbon atoms; (b) at least one anionic surfactant which is selected from the esterification products of monohydroxy-functional alkyl polyethers with inorganic polyprotonic acids; (c) at least one aliphatic C14-C22-carboxylic acid; (d) optionally at least one antifoam; and (e) at least one aromatic solvent. |
| US09497960B2 |
Biocide compositions comprising alkoxylation products of isoamyl alcohol derivatives
Suggested are alkoxylation products of 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-hexan-1-ol in which AO stands for an ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or butylenes oxide unit or their mixtures and n denominates an integer of from 1 to 100. |
| US09497957B2 |
Animal trap
An animal trap has a housing (2) and a support (12) extending within the housing. The support is movable between a first, set position and a second, fired position. A trigger (6) is integrally formed with the support (12) and protrudes from the bottom of the housing in the set position. Wire loops (4), which act to kill an animal, are fixed to the bottom of the support (12) and also protrude downwardly. In the set position of the trap, shoulders (18) on the trigger (6) are engaged beneath flanges (20) formed on the bottom of the housing. These shoulders (18) and flanges (20) form interengaging means to hold the trigger (6) and the support (12) in the downwardly extending set position against the force of two torsion springs (22) which are each affixed to the bottom of the support (12) and to the housing (2). The trigger (6) can be moved by an animal due to its flexibility. This causes the interengaging means to become unengaged and the support (12) to move explosively to its upper fired position. The movement of the support explosively lifts the wire loops (4) whereby an animal within a loop is squashed against the bottom of the housing. |
| US09497955B1 |
Fumigation of containerized cargo
An apparatus and method for tarpless fumigation of containerized cargo within a shipping container is disclosed. A portable fumigation containment door is installed in covering relation with main rear opening of a standard cargo container. Pneumatic cylinders are actuated to secure the door in place, and an inflatable gasket extending around the perimeter of the containment door and is inflated to create an airtight seal between the cargo container and the containment door. The door is provided with a series of connection ports for receiving fumigant injection and sampling lines necessary for performing the fumigation process. A fumigant scrubber is placed in fluid communication with the interior of the shipping container via a scrubber inlet line and a scrubber outlet line whereby said scrubber inlet line draws fumigant from the interior of said container, where it passes through said scrubber, and is circulated back into the container by said scrubber outlet line. |
| US09497949B1 |
Fishing brakes
A fishing brake for a fishing line includes a generally concave fishing brake body having a brake interior and a brake mouth communicating with the brake interior and a buoyant flotation portion carried by the fishing brake body. |
| US09497944B2 |
Mouse for predicting a behavior of drugs in humans
The present invention is directed to the production, breeding and use of transgenic non-human animals such as mice in which specific genes, such as serum albumin, or portions of genes have been replaced by homologs from another animal, such as a human, to make the physiology of the animals so modified more like that of the other animal with respect to drug pharmacokinetics and metabolism. The invention also extends to the use of the genetically modified non-human animals of the invention for pharmacological and/or toxicological studies. |
| US09497943B2 |
Nucleic acid constructs encoding reprogramming factors linked by self-cleaving peptides
The disclosure relates to a method of reprogramming one or more somatic cells, e.g., partially differentiated or fully/terminally differentiated somatic cells, to a less differentiated state, e.g., a pluripotent or multipotent state. In further embodiments the invention also relates to reprogrammed somatic cells produced by methods of the invention, to chimeric animals comprising reprogrammed somatic cells of the invention, to uses of said cells, and to methods for identifying agents useful for reprogramming somatic cells. |
| US09497938B1 |
Receptacle for nesting material
The present invention directed to nesting material for birds, and more particularly, to a receptacle containing nesting material for birds. In a preferred embodiment the receptacle comprises a plurality of windings forming a generally spherical structure. The structure is provided with tuffs of fleece type nesting material inserted inside the ball and between the windings, and extending outwardly there from. |
| US09497937B1 |
Bird feeder with shield
A ground-mounted bird feeder includes a shield to prevent squirrels from accessing the feeder portion of the bird feeder. The ground-mounted bird feeder may include a post and a feeder mounted on the post, and a shield may be placed below a bottom of the feeder, and may also be above the feeder. |
| US09497932B1 |
Canine wound boot
A canine wound boot is fabricated using a breathable substrate having two layers of generally open weave and a fibrous material spacing and bonding the two layers together. Onto the substrate, various friction pads, wear pads, one or more straps, and strategically located cushions are attached. Specially configured slits ensure that a wide range of leg sizes relative to paw sizes may be accommodated, while easing application of the boot and eliminating any risk of bunching. Elastic material serves as a gusset in the boot which expands to cover a bandage or cast. |
| US09497929B2 |
Animal feeder having a retractable feeding surface
A feeder for animals has an enclosure that receives feed material. The enclosure has at least one vertical feed surface that retains the feed material and provides access to animals to the feed material. The vertical feed surface is movable in a horizontal direction. A biasing device is attached to the vertical feed surface. The biasing device moves the vertical feed surface horizontally as the feed material is depleted within the enclosure. |
| US09497923B1 |
Hybrid corn variety 373284
The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 373284. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 373284, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 373284 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 373284. |
| US09497921B1 |
Soybean variety 01051779
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01051779. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01051779. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01051779 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01051779 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09497918B2 |
Wheat cultivar FA9S10-0008R
The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated FA9S10-0008R. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar FA9S10-0008R. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar FA9S10-0008R and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar FA9S10-0008R with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09497915B2 |
Soybean variety XR32AU14
A novel soybean variety, designated XR32AU14 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XR32AU14, cells from soybean variety XR32AU14, plants of soybean XR32AU14, and plant parts of soybean variety XR32AU14. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XR32AU14 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XR32AU14, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XR32AU14, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XR32AU14. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XR32AU14 are further provided. |
| US09497914B2 |
Soybean variety 01045730
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01045730. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01045730. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01045730 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01045730 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09497912B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH608451
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH608451. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH608451, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH608451 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH608451. |
| US09497906B2 |
Method of assembling a platform to support a tree and rootball for tree relocation
A method of removing a tree and rootball includes the steps of excavating around the rootball, driving a plurality of pipes through a lower portion of the rootball to expose first ends on one side of the rootball and second ends on the other side of the rootball, disposing a first slotted beam across the topsides of the first ends of the plurality of pipes, disposing a second slotted beam across the topsides of the second ends of the plurality of pipes, interlacing a first lacing member with the first ends of the plurality of pipes and a first plurality of cross members, interlacing a second lacing member with the second ends of the plurality of pipes and a second plurality of cross members, and pulling the first and second lacing members taut to secure the first and second slotted beams to the pipes to create a platform. |
| US09497904B2 |
Plunger slot cover assembly for an agricultural baler
An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber having a pair of opposed side walls, with each said side wall including a plunger slot arrangement defining a plunger slot. A pair of plunger slot rails are positioned in each plunger slot, including a top rail positioned at a top of a respective plunger slot and a bottom rail positioned at a bottom of a respective plunger slot. A plunger is reciprocally disposed within the main bale chamber. The plunger includes a pair of opposed sides and at least one roller extending laterally outward from each side, with each roller being positioned within a respective plunger slot. The baler is characterized by a pair of plunger slot cover assemblies, with each cover assembly being associated with a respective plunger slot and having an upper cover and a lower cover. |
| US09497902B2 |
Forced-air conveyance harvesting system for small produce
A forced-air system for conveying a produce within a mechanized harvester of a row crop. The mechanized harvester includes a straddling over-carriage having a central channel for receiving a row of bushes or vines containing the produce to be harvested, and especially for blue berries. The harvester has a harvesting beater, including a spool with rotating rods, mounted within the central channel of the mechanized harvester. The forced-air system can employ offset harvesting beaters and a flexible air supply diffuser, to precisely direct the fan or blower-generated airstream, to direct the harvested fruits or produce to interior catch pans and conveyors within the harvester, and to help remove the produce from the bushes or vines. |
| US09497900B2 |
Planter with post seed tube mounted row cleaner and depth control tool
A planter unit for planting seeds as it traverses a field in a direction of travel includes a seed delivery tube and a furrow opener configured to open a furrow in the soil for receiving seeds dropped through the delivery tube. A gauge wheel assembly controls the depth of penetration of the furrow opener. The planter unit also has a furrow closing tool that closes the furrow, the furrow closing tool positioned after the delivery tube in the direction of travel. The planter unit also has a row cleaning and depth control tool positioned after the furrow closing tool. The row cleaning and depth control tool has first and second row whippers that push excess soil out away from above where seeds were dropped in the furrow, wherein vertical position of first and second row whippers is selectively adjustable relative the vertical position of the furrow opener. |
| US09504195B2 |
Cover assemblies, kits and methods for covering electrical cables and connections
A cover assembly for covering and electrically insulating an electrical connection includes a joint body including a tubular inner sleeve and an integral semiconductor layer. The inner sleeve is formed of an elastically expandable, electrically insulating material and having an outer surface and opposed first and second terminal ends. The inner sleeve defines a through passage extending axially from a first end opening at the first terminal end of the inner sleeve to a second terminal end opening at the second end of the inner sleeve. The semiconductor layer is disposed on the outer surface of the inner sleeve and is formed of an electrically semiconductive material. The semiconductor layer extends axially from a first terminal end of the semiconductor layer to an opposing second terminal end of the semiconductor layer. The first terminal end of the semiconductor layer is spaced apart from the first terminal end of the inner sleeve a prescribed semiconductor truncation distance to define a tubular band of the outer surface that is not covered by the semiconductor layer. |
| US09504194B2 |
Magnetic field shielding sheet for a wireless charger, method for manufacturing same, and receiving apparatus for a wireless charger using the sheet
Provided are a magnetic field shield sheet for a wireless charger, a method of manufacturing the sheet, and a receiver for the wireless charger by using the sheet. The sheet includes at least one layer thin magnetic sheet made of an amorphous ribbon separated into a plurality of fine pieces; a protective film that is adhered on one surface of the thin magnetic sheet via a first adhesive layer provided on one side of the protective film; and a double-sided tape that is adhered on the other surface of the thin magnetic sheet via a second adhesive layer provided on one side of the double-sided adhesive tape, wherein gaps among the plurality of fine pieces are filled by some parts of the first and second adhesive layers, to thereby isolate the plurality of fine pieces. |
| US09504191B2 |
Electronic assembly for an inverter
An electronic assembly for an inverter comprises a substrate having a dielectric layer and metallic circuit traces. A plurality of terminals are arranged for connection to a direct current source. A first semiconductor and a second semiconductor are coupled together between the terminals of the direct current source. A primary metallic island (e.g., strip) is located in a primary zone between the first semiconductor and the second semiconductor. The primary metallic island has a greater height or thickness than the metallic circuit traces. The primary metallic island provides a heat sink to radiate heat. |
| US09504189B1 |
Thermoelectric-enhanced, inlet air-cooled thermal conductors
A cooling apparatus is provided, which includes: a thermal conductor to cool a heat-dissipating component(s) of an electronics enclosure, the enclosure including an air inlet side through which airflow ingresses. The thermal conductor includes a first conductor portion coupled to the heat-dissipating component(s), and a second conductor portion positioned along the enclosure's air inlet side. The apparatus further includes one or more air-cooled heat sinks coupled to the second conductor portion to facilitate transfer of heat from the second conductor portion to the airflow ingressing into the enclosure, and one or more thermoelectric devices coupled to at least one of the first or second conductor portions to selectively provide auxiliary cooling. A controller controls operation of the thermoelectric device(s) and selectively switches operation of the cooling apparatus between an active cooling mode, where the thermoelectric device(s) is active, and a passive cooling mode, where the thermoelectric device is inactive. |
| US09504186B2 |
Heatpipe imbedded coldplate enhancing IGBT heat spreading
A cold plate for a power circuit is disclosed. The power circuit includes a plurality of transistors and each of the plurality of transistors includes a plurality of dies. The cold plate includes a liquid cooling system that includes a plurality of cooling channels and each of the plurality of cooling channels is aligned with at least one die. The liquid cooling system includes a heat sink associated with each of the plurality of cooling channels. The cold plate further includes a plurality of heat pipes, wherein each of the plurality of heat pipes is aligned with at least one of the plurality of cooling channels and at least one die. Each heat pipe includes a wick lining an interior of the heat pipe, a vapor flow area, and a fluid. |
| US09504180B2 |
Mounting system for arranging electric devices, for example, especially in switchgear cabinets
A mounting system (1) arranges electric devices (2), especially in switchgear cabinets. The mounting system (1) includes at least one preferably horizontal mounting strip (3) to which at least one device (2) can be secured. An ordering assembly (8) can be connected to the mounting strip (3) and used for ordering the connecting wires (34, 35) of the device (2) to be secured to the mounting strip (3). Ordering assembly (8) has a plurality of ordering segments (7, 9, 11) along the longitudinal direction of the mounting strip (3). The ordering segments are interconnected or rest against one another. One or more ordering segments (7, 9, 11) can be selectively detached from the ordering assembly (8) and can be removed from ordering assembly (8) to leave a gap (8) or be replaced by another ordering segment (7, 9, 11). |
| US09504173B2 |
Portable electronic product
This disclosure relates to the technical field of electronic products, and describes a portable electronic product, which solves the problems of fatigue, neck discomfort, health risk and the like caused by using a prior art portable electronic product. In an embodiment of this disclosure, the portable electronic product comprises a housing, wherein a back portion of the housing is provided with at least three rack mechanisms, each rack mechanism comprises: a rotary shaft, which is provided with a base at one end and a hook-shaped structure at the other end, the base is rotatably fixed in the housing; an elastic sheet, which is penetrated through by the rotary shaft and elastically fixed on the housing; and a support plate, which is provided with a through hole in one end and nested with the hook-shaped structure through the through hole, and a limit block is provided on a region, which is close to the through hole, on the support plate. Moreover, the elastic sheet is configured to limit the hinge connection between the support plate and the rotary shaft, and the limit block is configured to limit the rotating angle of the support plate, when supporting the electronic product, relative to the back portion of the housing. This disclosure is mainly used in electronic products. |
| US09504169B2 |
Printed circuit board having embedded electronic device and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein are a printed circuit board having an embedded electronic device and a method of manufacturing the same. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the printed circuit board having an embedded electronic device includes: a core substrate having circuit layers formed on both surfaces thereof; a taper-shaped cavity formed on the core substrate; and an electronic device embedded in the cavity. |
| US09504164B2 |
Manufacturing of high resolution conductive patterns using organometallic ink and banded anilox rolls
Disclosed herein are systems methods for using ink comprising organometallics in a flexographic printing process using engraved anilox rolls to transfer ink to an impression roll that prints a pattern on a substrate. A banded anilox roll with more than one geometry and/or volume of cells may be used in these production systems and methods. The pattern printed may comprise a plurality of lines which are each from 1 micrometer-25 micrometers wide and may be part of an electronics application such as a touch screen sensor or an RF antenna that requires microscopic conductive patterns such as touch screen displays or antennas. |
| US09504155B2 |
Touch sensor built-in display device structure
Touch sensor includes plural first connection terminals which are arranged side by side in one direction on a first circuit substrate, and plural second connection terminals which are arranged side by side in the one direction on a second substrate connected to the plural first connection terminals. Each of the plural second connection terminals includes plural first wirings extending in a direction crossing the one direction, and a second wiring connected to the plural first wirings and extending in the one direction. The second wiring is provided in a region where the second circuit substrate is overlapped with the first circuit substrate. |
| US09504153B2 |
Pad structure and display device having the same
A display device includes a plurality of signal lines arranged in a display area of a substrate and a pad structure located at a non-active area and connected with the signal lines. The pad structure includes a plurality of metal layers and two or more insulating layers located between the metal layers and having one or more contact hole which makes two metal layers among the metal layers contacted with each other, and the contact holes respectively located in the insulating layers are not overlapped with each other. |
| US09504150B2 |
Printed electronics
Printed electronic device comprising a substrate onto at least one surface of which has been applied a layer of an electrically conductive ink comprising functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. A method of preparing printed electronic devices is further disclosed. |
| US09504149B2 |
Surface treated copper foil and laminate using the same
A surface treated copper foil which is well bonded to a resin and achieves excellent visibility when observed through the resin, and a laminate using the same are provided. A surface treated copper foil comprising at least one surface treated surface with a color difference ΔE*ab of 40 or more based on JIS Z 8730, and a difference between the top average Bt and the bottom average Bb in a brightness curve extending from an end of the copper foil to a portion without the copper foil ΔB (ΔB=Bt−Bb) of 40 or more, after lamination of the surface treated surface to a polyimide having a ΔB (PI) defined as above of 50 or more and 65 or less before being laminated to the copper foil, wherein the brightness curve is obtained from an observation spot versus brightness graph of measurement results of the brightness of the photographed image of the copper foil through the polyimide with a CCD camera for the respective observation spots along the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the observed copper foil. |
| US09504148B1 |
Rapid PCB prototyping by selective adhesion
A PCB page blank includes a flexible substrate, a curable adhesive, a conductive layer, and a conductive layer support. The flexible substrate receives an opaque negative circuit pattern thereon. Portions of the curable adhesive not obscured by the circuit pattern may bond to portions of the conductive layer when exposed to light. The bonded portions of the conductive layer shear or tear from non-bonded portions of the conductive layer such that the bonded portions remain with the flexible substrate and the non-bonded portions remain with the conductive layer support when the flexible substrate and the conductive layer support are separated. The flexible substrate and the bonded portions of the conductive layer thus form a PCB prototype with the bonded portions of the conductive layer forming circuit traces of the circuit pattern. |
| US09504146B2 |
Heat radiation printed circuit board, method of manufacturing the same, backlight unit including the same, and liquid crystal display device
Provided are a heat radiation printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same, the heat radiation printed circuit board being produced by the method including: forming a circuit layer having an insulating layer, a circuit pattern and a solder resist on a first area of one surface of a metal substrate; and forming a bending part in a second area, in which the insulating layer is not formed, by bending the metal substrate, whereby a crack can be prevented in advance from being generated in the insulating layer, and durability and reliability of the heat radiation printed circuit board and a backlight unit applying the same can be improved. |
| US09504142B2 |
Flexible flat circuit
A flexible flat circuit includes a pair of insulation sheets, and a plurality of conductors that are held between and covered with the pair of insulation sheets in a state that the plurality of conductors are separated to each other. Among from the plurality of conductors, at least conductors with different current capacities are different in thickness to each other. |
| US09504141B2 |
Dielectric barriers with mechanical attachment
Described is an electronics assembly that includes an electronics carrier comprising a cavity and a plurality of modules disposed within the electronics carrier. Each module may include a power handling component mounted on a printed circuit board and a dielectric barrier mechanically attached to the printed circuit board to electrically isolate the power handling component of the module from an adjacent module disposed within the electronics carrier. The dielectric barrier may mechanically attach to the electronics carrier. |
| US09504137B2 |
Capacitively coupled devices and oscillators
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to sustain a capacitively coupled plasma. In some examples, a capacitive device can be used to sustain a capacitively coupled plasma in a torch in the absence of any substantial inductive coupling. In certain embodiments, a helium gas flow can be used with the capacitive device to sustain a capacitively coupled plasma. |
| US09504131B1 |
Lighting fixture sensor network
A lighting fixture includes a light source, a housing coupled to the light source, communications circuitry, sensor circuitry, and control circuitry. The housing includes an opening through which light from the light source is provided. The control circuitry includes a memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the control circuitry cause the lighting fixture to transmit sensor data obtained from the sensor circuitry via the communications circuitry for persistent storage of the sensor data. By transmitting sensor data from the lighting fixture for persistent storage thereof, the sensor data may be used to characterize a space in which the lighting fixture is located. |
| US09504128B2 |
Image display device and control method thereof
An image display device including: a light-emitting unit; a display panel including color filters of a plurality of colors and pixels corresponding to the respective color filters; a sensor which detects light from the light-emitting unit and light incident from outside; an acquisition unit configured to acquire, in a state where the display panel is controlled so that, relative to transmittance of pixels of one color among the plurality of colors, transmittance of pixels of colors other than the one color becomes smaller, a detection value that is output from the sensor; and a determination unit configured to determine an irradiation condition of external light based on the detection value of each color of the plurality of colors acquired by the acquisition unit. |
| US09504127B2 |
Illumination apparatus management system and information communication terminal
Illumination apparatus management system includes a plurality of illumination apparatuses, and server. Each of the plurality of illumination apparatuses transmits a status of use of illumination apparatus to server. Server includes: communication unit that obtains the status of use of the illumination apparatus transmitted by each of the plurality of illumination apparatuses, and obtains a requirement from a user; and selector that selects illumination apparatus matching the obtained requirement from among the plurality of illumination apparatuses based on the obtained status of use, and outputs a selection result indicating illumination apparatus that has been selected. |
| US09504126B2 |
Coded light detector
A coded lighting system comprises a set of light sources and a remote control unit or an arrangement. The set of light sources emits coded light. In order to do so each light source is associated with a unique identifier. The remote control unit or the arrangement comprises an image sensor which captures images comprising light emitted by at least one of the light sources in the set of light sources. By analyzing the captured images the remote control unit or the arrangement is able to associate light sources affecting a particular region and/or object. The remote control unit or the arrangement is thereby able to transmit a control signal comprising updated light settings to the set of light sources. |
| US09504125B2 |
Lighting module with optimized light output
A lighting module including a plate-type active element having two electrode layers and a light-emitting layer located between the electrode layers, and having a transparent, plate-type support element, on which the active element is located, at least the electrode layer facing the support element being transparent. In the lighting module, the transparent electrode layer has a structure with a thickness that varies periodically. |
| US09504123B2 |
Hybrid high electron mobility transistor and active matrix structure
Hybrid high electron mobility field-effect transistors including inorganic channels and organic gate barrier layers are used in some applications for forming high resolution active matrix displays. Arrays of such high electron mobility field-effect transistors are electrically connected to thin film switching transistors and provide high drive currents for passive devices such as organic light emitting diodes. The organic gate barrier layers are operative to suppress both electron and hole transport between the inorganic channel layer and the gate electrodes of the high electron mobility field-effect transistors. |
| US09504116B2 |
Air conditioning system controller for motor vehicles
An air conditioning system controller for motor vehicles includes a mood lamp, an illumination device configured to illuminate the mood lamp with a variable illumination color, and a control unit configured to control the illumination device to change the illumination color of the illumination device depending on a cooling/heating load. |
| US09504115B2 |
Light source circuitry for controlling the color of emitted light
Light source circuitry comprises a first group of one or more light emitting diodes operable to emit light of a first color, a second group of one or more light emitting diodes operable to emit light of a second color, and a third group of one or more light emitting diodes operable to emit light of a third color, wherein the first, second and third groups of light emitting diodes are arranged such that, when a fixed current arrives at the light source circuitry, the fixed current is shared between the first, second and third groups, and wherein the circuitry is configured such that a proportion of the fixed current that flows through each of the first and second groups is controllable in dependence on a received control signal and such that the remainder of the fixed current flows through the third group. |
| US09504113B2 |
Method for improving the illumination of an illuminated area
A method is provided for improving the illumination of an illuminated area (100), especially an operating area, of an illuminating device (10) with at least two light modules (20). The method includes the emission of an illuminant characteristic of the light module (20) with a preset amplitude from each light module (20). The reflected amplitudes of all characteristic light types are detected. The detected amplitudes for each light module (20) are compared. The light intensity of at least one light module (20) is varied on the basis of the comparison of the detected amplitudes for each light module (20). |
| US09504111B2 |
Duty factor probing of a triac-based dimmer
A line-frequency determining circuit for coupling to the output of a thyristor-switched dimmer that determines a line-frequency of an AC power source that supplies an input to the thyristor-controlled dimmer permits accurate control of periodic probing of the dimmer output. The probing is performed to predict zero-cross times of the AC power source that, in turn, are used to determine a dimming control value of the thyristor-switched dimmer. A minimum conductance is applied across the output of the dimmer during the probing intervals that begin at the turn-on time of the dimmer and last until enough information has been gathered to correctly predict a next zero crossing of the AC line voltage that supplies the input of the dimmer. The probing can be performed at intervals of an odd number of half-cycles of the AC line frequency so that internal dimmer timer operation is not affected by DC offset. |
| US09504110B2 |
AC lighting system with a control unit for controlling power of an LED
An AC light system with a control unit for controlling power of an LED is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a driver circuit for driving LEDs has a plurality of current sinks, a first interface configured to receive an AC power from an AC power source, a second interface to a plurality LED groups. The driver circuit further has a third interface configured to receive a control input from a control unit. Each current sink of the plurality of current sinks controls an LED current flowing through a corresponding LED group based on the control input from the control unit. |
| US09504106B2 |
Compensating for a reverse recovery time period of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in switch-mode operation of a light-emitting diode (LED)-based bulb
A turn-off transition time period, also referred to as a reverse recovery time period, may be compensated for by a controller of a power stage including a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). The reverse recovery time period may be measured in one switching cycle and a subsequent switching cycle may include compensations based on the measured reverse recovery time period. That is the switching on and off of the BJT may be compensated to obtain a desired average output current to a load. When the reverse recovery time period is known, an error in the peak current obtained due to the reverse recovery time period may be calculated. The calculated error may be used to offset the target peak current for controlling the switching of the BJT to begin a turn-off transition of the BJT earlier in a switching cycle and thus reduce error in peak current at the BJT. |
| US09504105B2 |
On-time control for switched mode power supplies
A switched mode power supply may include circuitry configured to output a bias signal that turns off and on switching circuitry of the switched mode power supply. The circuitry may wait for a first time period determined by the bias signal, and output the bias signal to turn off the switching circuitry when the time period expires. In addition or alternatively, the circuitry may begin waiting for a second time period when the bias signal turns off the switching circuitry. The circuitry may turn on the switching circuitry either when energy in inductive storage circuitry is depleted or when the second time period expires. |
| US09504104B2 |
Power supply apparatus and driving method thereof
A power supply apparatus and a driving method thereof are disclosedThe power supply apparatus includes: a dimmer controlling externally input power; a converter including a switch, and converting an output of the dimmer according to a duty of the switch and supplying a first current to a load; a dimming feedback unit receiving a first voltage corresponding to the first current, and having a finite gain in a DC state; and a controller controlling the duty of the switch according to an output of the dimming feedback unit. A duty of the switch is controlled according to an output of such a dimming feedback unit so that a dimming operation is performed. |
| US09504102B1 |
Light emitting device driver circuit and control circuit and control method thereof
The present invention provides a light emitting device driver circuit and a control circuit and a control method thereof. The light emitting device driver circuit includes a power stage circuit, a feedback circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a comparison circuit, a hysteresis control circuit, and a bleeder circuit. The control circuit generates an analog control signal according to a rectified dimmer signal and an output signal, for controlling the power stage circuit to regulate an output current, which is supplied to a light emitting device circuit to determine its brightness. When the analog control signal decreases to a predetermined hysteresis low level, the light emitting device driver circuit operates in a cut-off mode wherein the bleeder circuit consumes a bleeder current so as to maintain the output current at a zero current, for keeping the light emitting device circuit OFF. |
| US09504101B2 |
Kaleidoscopic light string
A light string can include a power cord adapted to electrically connect to an external power source, and a plurality of light bulbs electrically connected to the power cord in series. At least one of the light bulbs can include: a lamp base defining a first inner surface, and having a first beam-splitter formed on the first inner surface; a circuit board mounted in the lamp base, the circuit board electrically connected to the power cord; a plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) units electrically mounted on the circuit board; a light shade capping the lamp base, the light shade defining a second inner surface and having a second beam-splitter formed on the second inner surface, wherein the first beam-splitter and second beam-splitter are contiguous; and a refractive lens mounted in the lamp base between the LED units and the first beam splitter. |
| US09504097B2 |
Full support heating element apparatus
An electric heater apparatus for heating air is disclosed, comprising a heater coil assembly including a coil support comprising a panel around which lies a coil of an electrical resistance element from approximately one end of the panel to approximately an opposite end, the coil of the electrical resistance element comprising a pass of spaced apart loops, the coil support configured to support the spaced apart loops. |
| US09504095B2 |
Methods and devices for applying RF energy according to energy application schedules
Electromagnetic energy is applied to an object at multiple modulation space elements (MSEs). MSEs are grouped into at least a first subset and a second subset according to a first grouping rule. A first EM energy application protocol is associated with the first subset and a second EM energy application protocol is associated with the second subset. Energy is applied at each of the plurality of MSEs according to the first EM energy application protocol and the second EM energy application protocol. MSEs are grouped into a third subset and a fourth subset according to a second grouping rule. A third EM energy application protocol is associated with the third subset and a fourth EM energy application protocol is associated with the fourth subset. EM energy at each of the plurality of MSEs is applied according to the third EM energy application protocol and the fourth EM energy application protocol. |
| US09504094B2 |
Base station, communication system, and communication method
A base station includes plural communication units that each includes a first processing unit that executes physical layer and data link layer processes of radio communication between the base station and a mobile station, and a second processing unit that executes network layer processes of the radio communication; and a third processing unit that is of a network layer and controls a series of radio communication sessions between the base station and the mobile station, based on carrier aggregation using the first processing unit of each of the communication units. |
| US09504080B2 |
Vehicle supporting efficient bluetooth connection and control method thereof
A method for performing Bluetooth pairing with a mobile device by a head unit of a vehicle includes: initiating a Bluetooth pairing procedure between the mobile device and the head unit; storing an address of the mobile device upon the initiation of the pairing procedure; detecting an error generated in the pairing procedure; and automatically retrying the pairing procedure using the stored address of the mobile device or terminating the pairing procedure, based on a type of the detected error. |
| US09504077B2 |
Wirelessly connecting mobile devices and wearable devices
The various aspects provide for wirelessly connecting mobile devices and wearable devices, which may enhance battery life and user experience. The embodiments may include a wearable device that may receive from a mobile device a request to wirelessly connect to the wearable device. The wearable device may establish with the mobile device a first wireless connection. The wearable device may recognize termination of the first wireless connection by the mobile device and send to the mobile device a second request to establish a second wireless connection. The wearable device may establish the second wireless connection between the mobile device and the wearable device. |
| US09504076B2 |
Pairing method for establishing a wireless audio network
A method and system of establishing a wireless network for audio data transmission with a first and second audio devices having first and second transceivers, the first audio device being an audio signal transmission unit with a user operable switch, and the first and second audio devices being assistive listening devices. Periodically the second transceiver listens for pairing information, at at least one public frequency channel; operating the switch by the user to initiate pairing at any time during operation of the first audio device; the first transceiver transmitting pairing information at said at least one public frequency channel upon operation of the switch. The second audio device automatically pairs to the first audio device upon reception of pairing information from the first transceiver. The first and second transceivers are controlled so that reception of the pairing information from the first audio device is accepted by the second audio device. |
| US09504072B2 |
Wireless device pairing
Generally discussed herein are wireless systems, apparatuses, and methods for pairing a device and a base station. For example, the disclosed techniques may enable communication between a headphone base station (broadcasting an audio signal over a wireless channel) and a headphone set device (receiving an audio signal over a wireless channel) that establish communications using one or more identifiers. In some examples, a device or base station identifier maintained at the base station or device, respectfully, is validated and reprogrammed when it does not match a corresponding provided from the device or base station. In further examples, the validation and reprogramming may occur in response to a condition such as a charging event (such as the placement of the headphone set device onto a charging station provided by the headphone base station). |
| US09504070B2 |
Wireless provisioning a device for a network using a soft access point
A computing device for provisioning a wireless device for connection to a wireless network via a legacy access point. The wireless device supports a wireless protected setup protocol for obtaining the network profile of the network. A user requests the computing device discover wireless devices for provisioning. In response to the user input, the computing device is configured as a soft access point and broadcasts a beacon signal indicating that the access point supports a wireless protected setup protocol, such as Wi-Fi Protected Setup. A request for provisioning is then received by the computing device from the wireless device. A network profile is transmitted from the computing device to the wireless device in accordance with the wireless protected setup protocol. The wireless device may use the profile to connect to the network via the legacy access point using the network profile. |
| US09504068B1 |
Managing a network connection of a wireless device
In systems and methods of maintaining a network connection of a wireless device, network connection information is associated with the wireless device and is maintained at a gateway node in communication with a first communication network and a second communication network. A first network connection between the wireless device and the first communication network is terminated, and a second network connection is established between the wireless device and the second communication network using the network connection information, wherein the association of the network connection information and the wireless device is maintained until the second network connection is established. |
| US09504067B2 |
Method for reporting channel state information in wireless communication system, and apparatus therefor
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a terminal to report channel state information in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: a step of transmitting first channel state information according to a first channel state information (CSI) process for reporting the first channel state information periodically for every first period; a step of transmitting second channel state information according to a second CSI process for reporting the second channel state information periodically for every second period; and a step of dropping the transmission of either the first channel state information or the second channel state information on the basis of the CSI process index of each of the first and second CSI processes in the event the first channel state information transmission timing and the second channel state information transmission timing conflict. |
| US09504062B2 |
Method and device for scheduling downlink data transmission
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a device for scheduling downlink data transmission, includes: sending scheduling basic information to a user equipment; receiving a scheduling request reported by the UE, where the scheduling request carries at least one scheduling parameter that is determined by the UE according to the scheduling basic information; determining whether the scheduling parameter determined by the UE in the scheduling request needs to be modified; sending a scheduling request response to the UE according to a result of the determining, where the scheduling request response indicates whether the scheduling parameter determined by the UE in the scheduling request needs to be modified; and if it is determined that there is a scheduling parameter that needs to be modified, sending, to the UE, a modified parameter value of the scheduling parameter that needs to be modified. |
| US09504060B2 |
Reducing interference between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals during voice calls
In a wireless network, a method for operating a wireless device including at least a cellular modem, a wireless local area network (WLAN) controller, and a Bluetooth (BT) controller, the method comprising facilitating a voice call with another device; generating a signal, from the cellular modem, indicating whether the cellular modem is active during the voice call; and selectively suppressing background scanning operations based, at least in part, on the signal. |
| US09504056B2 |
Method and system for sharing a single antenna on platforms with collocated Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 b/g devices
A method and system for sharing a single antenna on platforms with collocated Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 b/g devices are provided. A single antenna may be utilized for communication of Bluetooth HV3 frame traffic and wireless local area network (WLAN) communication based on a time multiplexing approach. At least one antenna switch may be utilized to configure an antenna system to enable Bluetooth and WLAN coexistence via the single antenna. Configuration signals may be generated by a Bluetooth radio device and/or by a WLAN radio device to configure the antenna system. A default configuration for the antenna system may provide WLAN communication between a station and a WLAN access point until Bluetooth communication becomes a priority. |
| US09504054B2 |
Method and apparatus for sending uplink/downlink scheduling information, and method and apparatus for receiving uplink/downlink scheduling information
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for sending uplink/downlink scheduling information, and a method and an apparatus for receiving uplink/downlink scheduling information. The method for sending downlink scheduling information includes: determining, in downlink subframes on a second carrier, a first downlink subframe, in which at time corresponding to the first downlink subframe, a subframe on a first carrier is an uplink subframe; and sending, on a fifth downlink subframe on the first carrier, downlink scheduling information corresponding to the first downlink subframe on the second carrier to a terminal, in which time corresponding to the fifth downlink subframe is before the time corresponding to the first downlink subframe. The present invention achieves the purpose of performing uplink and downlink scheduling on a second carrier through a first carrier bearing a PDCCH. |
| US09504053B2 |
Methods for scheduling communication resources to a wireless device and scheduling device
The disclosure relates to a method 10 performed in a scheduling device 3 for scheduling communication resources to a wireless device 4 configured for wireless communication within a communication system 1. The method 10 comprises detecting 11, within a group of wireless devices of a first priority class, a first wireless device 4 to be scheduled; determining 12 a cluster time for the first wireless device 4; and scheduling 13, for the duration of the determined cluster time, consecutive communication resource units to the first wireless device 4. |
| US09504052B2 |
Device and method of handling communication operation with multiple base stations
A communication device of handling a communication operation with a first base station and a second base station comprises a storage unit for storing instructions and a processing means coupled to the storage unit. The processing means is configured to execute the instructions stored in the storage unit. The instructions comprise performing a communication operation with the second base station via a radio bearer configured as a SCG bearer; detecting a radio link failure on a cell of the second base station or a SCG change failure; suspending the radio bearer and transmitting a SCG failure information message in response to the detection of the radio link failure to the first base station; receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message configuring the radio bearer as a MCG bearer from the first base station; and resuming the second radio bearer in response to the reception of the RRC message. |
| US09504050B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
A wireless communication apparatus is capable of improving communication efficiency by reducing the amount of control information transmitted. A channel quality information extraction section extracts CQI's from a received signal. An allocation control section allocates subcarriers for every communication terminal apparatus and selects a modulation scheme in such a manner that required transmission rate is satisfied for each communication terminal apparatus based on required transmission rate information, etc. and CQI's for communication terminal apparatus of each user. A required subcarrier number determining section decides the number of subcarriers allocated to every communication terminal apparatus so as to satisfy the required transmission rate for each communication terminal apparatus. A required subcarrier number information generating section generates information for the number of subcarriers allocated to every communication terminal apparatus. A subcarrier allocation section allocates packet data to selected subcarriers. Modulating sections adaptively modulate packet data allocated to each subcarrier. |
| US09504049B2 |
Channel optimization in half duplex communications systems
Channel Optimization in Half Duplex Communications Systems is provided herein. Methods may include obtaining at a first terminal, radio frequency (RF) spectral information local to the first terminal, analyzing at the first terminal, RF spectral information for a second terminal that is not co-located with the first terminal, transmitting data to the second terminal on a second terminal optimal frequency band, and receiving data from the second terminal on the first terminal optimal frequency band, where the first terminal optimal frequency being based upon the RF spectral information local to the first terminal. |
| US09504048B2 |
Method and full-duplex communication device for acquiring channel response of self-interfering channel
Provided are a method and apparatus for acquiring channel responses of a self-interference channel and a full-duplex communication device. The method comprises: obtaining an estimate value of a channel response of the self-interfering channel by employing multiple reference signals to perform a channel estimation on the self-interfering channel; determining a stable range of each channel frequency-domain response on the basis of the channel response estimated value; randomly selecting a frequency point within the stable range of each channel frequency-domain response or selecting a frequency point of a greater channel response to serve as an emission frequency point of the reference signals, and, when an interrelation of the channel responses on the emission frequency point and on a non-emission frequency point is acquired, acquiring all the channel responses on time-domain and frequency-domain on the basis of a reception signal corresponding to the reference signals on the emission frequency point. |
| US09504047B2 |
Method and apparatus for opportunistic user scheduling of two-cell multiple user MIMO
An apparatus and a method for opportunistic user scheduling of two-cell multiple user Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) by a base station, the method comprising: broadcasting signals through random beams to users; and receiving Channel Quality Information (CQI) from best K user set. The CQI is calculated based on all possible combinations of transmit beamforming vectors. |
| US09504046B2 |
Time shifting of co-channel data transmissions to reduce co-channel interference
A cellular communications system in which transmission of control signals for plural different remote stations is so displaced in time that the transmission of control signals for one remote station does not interfere with the transmission of control signals for another remote station, the displacement being sufficient to prevent contemporaneous reception of control signals by the remote station intended for the other remote station. |
| US09504044B2 |
Providing a data function in an access gateway node
An access gateway node couples a control node to an external data network, where the control node and access gateway node are for use in a wireless communications network. The access gateway node comprises a data function to route packets containing traffic data between the control node and the external data network. An interface to the control node enables exchange of control messages between the data function and a control function in the control node. |
| US09504040B2 |
Integrated circuit to control a process and integrated circuit comprising control circuitry
A base station can prevent deterioration of data channel application control accuracy due to influence of transmission power control to a control channel. In the base station, each encoding section performs encoding processing to an SCCH (Shared Control Channel) of each mobile station, each modulating section performs modulation processing to the encoded SCCH, an arranging section arranges the SCCH to each mobile station to one of a plurality of subcarriers which configure an OFDM symbol, and transmission power control section controls transmission power of the SCCH based on reception quality information reported from each mobile station. The arranging section arranges a plurality of the SCCH to be under transmission power control to one of the subcarriers so that combinations at resource blocks are the same. |
| US09504036B2 |
Configuring cellular connectivity
A method, apparatus, and computer program for configuring a terminal device of a cellular system to propose aggregation of unlicensed frequencies for the use of the terminal device. A network element receiving the proposal processes the proposal and configures the aggregation of the unlicensed frequencies. |
| US09504034B2 |
Overlay of bearers in a radio communication system
A radio system having multiple bearers overlays a relatively narrowband bearer such as P25 on a relatively wideband bearer such as LTE, for transmission of both uplink and downlink signals. The wideband bearer uses a spectrum of subcarriers which form a set of radio frequency blocks. One or more blocks or other related parts of the spectrum may be allocated to the narrowband bearer. In some cases the narrowband bearer may push through the wideband allocation using a relatively high power to dominate signals transmitted by the wideband bearer. Voice calls such as emergency calls using the narrowband bearer may be prioritized. |
| US09504024B2 |
Mobile communication method, radio base station, and mobile station
Occurrence of a delay in transmission of uplink data in “Inter-site CA” is avoided. A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes the steps of: causing a mobile station UE to transmit an SR to a radio base station eNB#1 by using a PUCCH-SR; causing the radio base station eNB#1 to notify the mobile station UE of a “UL grant”; causing the mobile station UE to transmit a BSR in a bearer #B/LCH#B to the radio base station eNB#1 by using a PUSCH designated in the “UL grant”; causing the radio base station eNB#1 to notify a radio base station eNB#10 of an amount of buffered data in the bearer #B/LCH#B; and causing the radio base station eNB#10 to assign the mobile station UE a resource for transmission of uplink data upon receipt of the amount of buffered data. |
| US09504021B1 |
Long term evolution (LTE) network control of carrier aggregation for user equipment
A Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication network wirelessly exchanges first data with LTE User Equipment (UE) using LTE Carrier Aggregation (CA) to support at least an LTE Quality-of-Service Class Identifier 5 (QCI 5) data bearer. The LTE communication network detects if the LTE UE accepts an LTE QCI 1 data bearer while the LTE CA and the LTE QCI 5 data bearer are active. In response, LTE communication network disables the LTE CA for the LTE UE. LTE communication network wirelessly exchanges second data with the LTE UE over the LTE QCI 1 data bearer without using the LTE CA in response to disablement. |
| US09504018B2 |
Systems and methods for coordinating the scheduling of beamformed data to reduce interference
A system and method are disclosed for coordinating the scheduling of beamformed data to reduce interference in a wireless system. A first optimum phase adjustment is determined to increase the gain of an intended signal at a mobile device. A second optimum phase adjustment is determined to decrease the gain of interfering signals received at the mobile device. Using a phase adjustment map, a transmission is scheduled at a base station within wireless resources using the first optimum phase adjustment, at the same time an interfering base station is transmitting at the second optimum phase adjustment angle. Thus, signal strength is greatly improved while interference is greatly reduced, improving the efficiency of the wireless system. |
| US09504012B1 |
Extended discontinuous reception mechanism
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium having instructions to obtain extended discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters from a wireless network; store the extended DRX parameters; camp on a cell of the wireless network; wake up from an idle state based on the extended DRX parameters, wherein the device wakes up at a time, prior to a paging occasion, wherein a time period from the time to the paging occasion has a duration during which the device can perform a cell reselection procedure, and subsequently, a tracking area update; measure a metric of the cell in response to a wake up; and monitor a scheduled paging occasion, wherein the scheduled paging occasion is a paging occasion that is first to occur subsequent to the wake up. |
| US09504009B2 |
Paging processing method, communication apparatus, and communication system
A paging processing method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system are disclosed. The paging processing method includes: receiving, by a mobility management network element, a downlink data notification message which includes service attribute information of a downlink data packet; obtaining the service attribute information; and initiating paging of the user equipment based on different policies according to the service attribute information. |
| US09504007B2 |
Terminal, method for managing thereof, base station and method for managing thereof
A method for managing a terminal operated in an idle state is provided. The method includes entering a femto cell, determining whether a femto base station managing the femto cell has the same paging group as a macro base station managing a macro cell overlapping the femto cell, transmitting a first ranging code triggering a paging enable state to the femto base station if it is determined that the paging group is the same as the determination result, and receiving a paging message from the femto base station. |
| US09504006B2 |
Transponder localization
A method processes a concurrently triggered response signal at a number of transceivers configured to operate at a channel carrier frequency, where at least some of the transceivers have distinct transmit carrier frequencies offset from the channel carrier frequency. The method includes receiving, at a first receiver, a response signal in response to a trigger signal, the response signal including a combination of a number of transceiver response signals, each transceiver response signal of the number of transceiver response signals corresponding to a different transceiver of the number of transceivers and having a distinct transmit carrier frequency, wherein at least some of the transceiver response signals overlap in time, and determining characteristics of the number of transceivers based on the carrier frequencies of the transceiver response signals, including determining a number of transceivers in the number of transceivers. |
| US09504005B2 |
Method for processing data associated with location area update in a wireless communication system
A method of updating control information related to a location of a user equipment (UE) supporting a first type network and a second type network different from the first type network. The method according to one embodiment is performed by the UE and includes, when the UE enters a cell of the second type network from the first type network, determining to start a location updating procedure which updates a location area of the UE if a mobility management (MM) back-off timer in the UE is running, the UE's Temporary Identity used in Next update (TIN) is set to a Global Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI), and a location area of a current cell is equal to a location area stored in the UE; and starting the location update procedure. The MM back-off timer is a timer running when an MM back-off timer value is received by the UE. |
| US09504003B2 |
Arrival-delta position determination
Embodiments provide an indoor position system that can be used by an mobile device (legacy or non-legacy) without changes at the mobile device. In an embodiment, to use the indoor position system, a user of the mobile device downloads an application to the mobile device, which interfaces with the mobile device's existing wireless radio technology circuitry or module (e.g., WLAN chip) to obtain the position of the mobile device. In one embodiment, the indoor position system includes a plurality of wireless anchors with known positions that are each configured to receive a packet transmitted by the mobile device, time-stamp the packet per the arrival time of the packet, and forward the time-stamped packet to a pre-defined site. At the pre-defined site, the position of the mobile device is computed and sent to the application running on the mobile device. |
| US09504002B2 |
Mobile terminal and battery saving method in mobile communication system
A mobile terminal that obtains location information and information of an identifier of an area in which the mobile station resides. The mobile station causing the location information to be obtained in a case that the identifier of the area in which the mobile terminal currently resides is different from an identifier of an area in which the mobile terminal resided in the past. The mobile terminal then reports the location information to a server. |
| US09503997B2 |
Method and apparatus for registering with a public land mobile network
A wireless device is in a closed subscriber group CSG which was selected manually by the user. The wireless device receives an input from a user to initiate automatic PLMN selection in order to attempt to register with a PLMN. The wireless device uses a registered PLMN during the automatic PLMN selection initiated by the user. |
| US09503993B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling power at base station in a communication system
A method and apparatus for controlling power of a Base Station (BS) in a wireless communication system are provided, in which a voltage comparator compares an operation voltage of a power control target of the BS with a minimum required voltage for the power control target, and a controller decreases the operation voltage of the power control target by a predefined level, if the operation voltage is higher than the minimum required voltage, and increases the operation voltage of the power control target by a predefined level, if the operation voltage is lower than the minimum required voltage. |
| US09503992B2 |
Determining a target transmit power of a wireless transmission
Different target transmit powers are determined for different wireless transmissions from a wireless device. The target transmit power of a wireless transmission may depend upon whether any transmitters other than the device to which the wireless transmission is to be sent are within range of the sending wireless device. The target transmit power of a wireless transmission may be based, at least in part, on a current location of a device to which one or more frames carried by the wireless transmission are addressed. The target transmit power of a wireless transmission may be based, at least in part, on confidentiality of data carried by the wireless transmission. |
| US09503985B2 |
Transmission scheme for communication systems
A transmission scheme for at least one transceiver pair, each transceiver pair including a first transceiver and a second transceiver, each transceiver including a transmitter and a receiver, the at least one transceiver pair defining a downlink between the transmitter of a first transceiver and the receiver of a second transceiver and further defining an uplink between the transmitter of the second transceiver and the receiver of the first transceiver, each transceiver pair transmitting data over a data transmission frame, the transmission scheme including determining a respective active-set for each one of the at least one transceiver pairs, the active-set including a combination of selected logical allocation units, each the logical allocation unit being defined as a unique combination of a time-slot and a frequency band, each selected logical allocation unit relates to at least one of the downlink only and the uplink. |
| US09503982B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for communication between a mobile terminal and a base station during a random access procedure
The disclosure relates to a method in a mobile terminal for communication with a base station in a wireless network during a random access procedure. The method comprises exchanging (202) between the mobile station and the base station, during the random access procedure, information on a selected DRX scheme to be used for communication between the mobile terminal and the base station in the random access procedure, setting (204) the mobile terminal in DRX mode according to the selected DRX scheme and receiving (206) at least one message from the base station during the random access procedure, wherein the at least one message was transmitted according to the selected DRX scheme. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding method in a base station, and to a mobile terminal and a base station. By such methods, base station and mobile terminals, battery power in a mobile terminal may be saved during a random access procedure. |
| US09503980B2 |
Start signal generating apparatus
Besides a time constant circuit 5 that imposes a frequency limit on a wireless signal detected by a power detecting circuit 4 at a preset time constant Ta, there is provided a time constant circuit 8 that imposes a frequency limit on the wireless signal at a time constant Tb greater than the time constant Ta. When the signal level of an intermittent operation signal supplied from a signal input terminal 1 is H level or when a threshold processing circuit 6 decides that the level of the wireless signal is higher than a threshold Th, a logic unit 3 supplies a control signal that instructs starting to the power detecting circuit 4, time constant circuits 5 and 8 and threshold processing circuits 6 and 9. |
| US09503979B2 |
Delivering data to a wireless station
Disclosed are methods for delivering data (212) to a wireless station (102). An access point (104), or any other suitable device or system, receives a plurality of association requests (204) from a plurality of wireless stations (102) and transmits a different association identifier (208) to each of the plurality of wireless stations (102). The access point (104) buffers data (212) for a subset of the wireless stations (102). If the number of wireless stations (102) with buffered data (212) at the access point (104) is less than a threshold, then the access point (104) transmits a list of association identifiers indicating that buffered data (212) are held for each wireless station (102) identified by the list. If the number of wireless stations (102) with buffered data (212) at the access point (104) is not less than the threshold, then the access point (104) transmits data indicative of a range of association identifiers indicating that buffered data (212) are held for at least one wireless station (102) identified by the range. |
| US09503976B2 |
Grouping-based data transceiving method in wireless LAN system and apparatus for supporting same
Provided is a data transceiving method performed by a station (STA) in a wireless LAN system. The method comprises: receiving subgrouping parameter information from an access point (AP); determining whether a frame buffered in the STA subgroup in which the STA is contained exists or not based on the subgrouping parameter information; receiving a TIM element in a channel access interval for the STA subgroup from the AP if the buffered frame exists; and exchanging the AP and the frame in the channel access interval based on the TIM element. |
| US09503967B2 |
Method and apparatus for scanning in wireless LAN
A method for scanning by a STA can comprise the steps of: the STA unicasting a probe request frame to a target AP from a first channel, the target AP having been determined in accordance with a BSSID comprised in a primitive; the STA processing an ACK transmitted via the first channel within a first ACK transmission time, and determining whether the first ACK for the probe request frame is received; if the first ACK is received within the first ACK transmission time, then the STA monitoring a probe response frame, which is a response to the probe request frame from the first channel; and if the first ACK is not received within the first ACK transmission time, then regardless of a CCA level detected during the first ACK transmission time, the STA switching the scanning channel. |
| US09503957B2 |
Low cost mesh network capability
A wireless device that utilizes a single network interface to simultaneously connect to an infrastructure network and a mesh network. The device has a driver layer with a media access control module for each network type. A multiplexing module and transceiver module within the driver can direct received information associated with one of the networks to an appropriate media access control and then to an appropriate network adapter. For transmitted data, the multiplexing module can receive data from the application layer through an appropriate network adapter and route it to an appropriate media access control module for processing. The processed data can be interleaved by the transceiver for transmission. |
| US09503955B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for information transmission
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for information transmission, including: a network entity of a source network determines whether a handover of a UE from the source network to a target network satisfies an information transmission rule; if the handover satisfies the information transmission rule, the network entity of the source network transmits information of the UE to a network entity of the target network; the information of the UE includes: MDT allowed status information of the UE and/or MDT configuration information of the UE. Embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus and a system for information transmission. When the UE performs a network handover, the present invention can avoid repeated MDT operations of the UE and save network resources. |
| US09503951B2 |
Method and apparatus for switch
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for a switch from a first communication path between a first device and a second device to a second communication path to be established between the first device and the second device. A method can comprise: in response to the initiation of the switch, sending a notification of the initiation of the switch to a base station for setting up an intermediate communication path between the first device and the second device, wherein the intermediate communication path is relayed by the base station and does not pass a core network; and delivering traffics between the first device and the second device via the intermediate communication path until the second communication path is established. |
| US09503949B2 |
Method, systems and apparatuses for selecting stations for mobile stations in a moving object
A mobile communication system includes a mobile station and base stations, and the mobile station includes a base station selection unit, a first selected base station determination unit, a second selected base station determination unit, an inhibition command data transmission unit that transmits data for commanding inhibition of a downlink to a base station when the first selected base station determination unit determines that the base station is selected at the previous time and is not selected at this time, and a permission command data transmission unit that transmits data for commanding permission of a downlink to a base station when the second selected base station determination unit determines that the base station is not selected at the previous time and is selected at this time. |
| US09503945B2 |
Apparatuses, methods and computer programs for a base station transceiver and a relay station transceiver
Embodiments provide methods, computer programs and apparatuses 10, 30 for a base station transceiver 100 and a relay station transceiver 300 in a mobile communication network 400, which comprises the base station transceiver 100, a mobile transceiver 200 being associated with the base station transceiver 100 and a relay transceiver 300 being associated with the base station transceiver 100. The base station transceiver apparatus comprises a receiver 12 for receiving information on a handover request from the mobile transceiver 200, the information on the handover request indicating that the mobile transceiver 200 is in a situation in which a reception quality of the signals of the relay transceiver 300 would allow a re-association of the mobile transceiver 200 to the relay transceiver 300. The base station transceiver apparatus 10 further comprises a scheduler 14 for scheduling, subsequent to the reception of the handover request, the mobile transceiver 200 for transmission from the base station transceiver 100 to the mobile transceiver 200 on a radio resource on which transmission of the relay transceiver 300 is suspended. The apparatus 30 for the relay transceiver comprises a reception unit 32 for receiving information on a resource assignment from the base station transceiver 100 and a scheduling unit 34 for scheduling the mobile transceiver 220 for transmission or reception on a radio resource which is indicated in the information on the resource assignment. |
| US09503943B2 |
Combination cellular and Wi-Fi hardware device
A combination cellular and Wi-Fi hardware device has an IP interface that is configured to communicate with a first cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, or both. The combination cellular and Wi-Fi hardware device is configured to provide the network functionality (e.g., virtualized network cloud) that is required to facilitate communication and data flow between the IP interface and either a second cellular network or a cloud computing infrastructure network. The IF interface is accessed using a single IP address by a mobile device in wireless communication with the combination cellular and Wi-Fi hardware device. The single IP address is maintained when the mobile device switches between using the first cellular network and the Wi-Fi network to communicate with the combination cellular and Wi-Fi hardware device, and vice versa. |
| US09503940B2 |
Method, device and base station for handover control
A method, a device and a base station for controlling handover are described. In order to control handover from a source base station to a target base station in a wireless communication system, where the target base station controls multiple cells, preference levels for candidate cells to be used as a target cell for the handover are received from the target base station; and handover parameters for the candidate cells are adjusted by taking the preference levels into account when selecting the target cell for the handover. With the present invention, at least benefits of target eNB inter-cell interference coordination, load optimization among cells, tendency to dedicated-configured cell etc. may be achieved. |
| US09503939B2 |
Neighbor list broadcasting techniques
Techniques are disclosed that involve the indication of neighbor base stations. For instance, a base station may generate and wirelessly transmit a message that indicates a plurality of neighboring base stations. This message may include an indicator having one or more wildcard values. Through the employment of such wildcard values, the indicator may provide information corresponding to the plurality of neighboring base stations. For instance, the indicator may indicate a plurality of base station identifiers (BSIDs). Alternatively, the indicator may indicate a plurality of preamble indices. As a further alternative, the indicator may indicate a plurality of carrier frequencies. Through the employment of such techniques, overhead can be saved without causing ambiguity in mobility management. |
| US09503933B2 |
Method for coordinating access points for backhaul aggregation in a telecommunications network and device
In the method, a plurality of access points forming a cluster in a telecommunication network monitors network data traffic information from at least one user computing device connected thereto; obtains a status profile; reports an own identifier to a remote server; builds, by using a record including the corresponding identifier of each access point, a list of access points available for performing backhaul aggregation; and establishes connections between available access points forming sub-clusters of access points. Wherein, one of the access points acts as a cluster coordinator coordinating said formed sub-clusters of access points for a backhaul aggregation.The device is adapted to implement the method. |
| US09503929B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting overload indicatior over the air
Techniques for transmitting overload indicators over the air to UEs in neighbor cells are described. In one design, an overload indicator may be transmitted as a phase difference between at least one synchronization signal and a reference signal for a cell. In another design, an overload indicator may be transmitted as a phase difference between consecutive transmissions of at least one synchronization signal for a cell. In yet another design, an overload indicator may be transmitted by a cell on resources reserved for transmitting the overload indicator. In yet another design, an overload indicator may be transmitted by a cell on a low reuse channel or a broadcast channel. For all designs, a UE may receive overload indicators from neighbor cells, determine the loading of each neighbor cell based on the overload indicator for that cell, and control its operation based on the loading of the neighbor cells. |
| US09503927B2 |
Multiple-use wireless network
In embodiments of the present disclosure improved capabilities are described for a dual-use wireless network where the network may be used concurrently by the general public and by a managing agency (e.g., government or other agencies), but limited as deemed necessary in times of access restriction as determined by the managing agency, where network access may be denied to users/entities whose priority value is lower than the minimum allowed priority value set by the managing agency, or is not one of a set of allowed high priority access values or classes set by the managing agency. |
| US09503925B2 |
Method for measuring and reporting CSI-RS in wireless communication system, and apparatus for supporting same
Provided is a method for measuring and reporting a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) in a wireless communication system. The method comprises: transmitting a first measurement report message, which includes at least one first CSI-RS measurement report; determining whether to report at least one second CSI-RS measurement result; and transmitting a second measurement report message, which includes the at least one second CSI-RS measurement result, when the determination is made to report the second CSI-RS measurement result. The determination of whether to report is based on a first CSI-RS trigger list, which is a list of one or more first CSI-RS resources that are related to the at least one first CSI-RS measurement result, and a second CSI-RS trigger list, which is a list of one or more second CSI-RS resources that are related to the at least one second CSI-RS measurement result. |
| US09503923B2 |
Cooperative modulation of classification in cognitive radio networks
Multiuser classification of the modulation schemes of simultaneous multiple unknown transmitters is disclosed. Cooperation among multiple cognitive radio receivers for modulation classification offers improvements in classification performance and overcomes detrimental channel effects that degrade single cognitive radio classifier performance. A centralized soft-combining data fusion algorithm based on the joint probability distribution of fourth order cumulants is presented for cooperative modulation classification. Fourth order cumulants of received signals are calculated as discriminating features for different modulation schemes at each cognitive radio node and sent to a centralized data node. The data node chooses the modulation scheme that maximizes the joint probability of the estimated cumulants. |
| US09503920B2 |
Base station and communication system to restrict communication service
A base station has a first wireless communication unit that communicates with mobile stations for offering a first radio communication service to the mobile stations, and a second wireless communication unit that communicates with mobile stations for offering a second radio communication service that is different from the first radio communication service to the mobile stations. At the base station, a communication service continuation restrictor is provided that restricts operation of the base station as to whether or not, when it is detected that either one of the first or the second radio communication service is not executable, another radio communication service should be continued. Whether or not the other communication service should be continued can be set at the communication service continuation restrictor. |
| US09503919B2 |
Wireless communication network using multiple key performance indicators and deviations therefrom
A system and method for dynamically improving or optimizing the performance and robustness of a wireless communication network such as a mobile communication system or cellular telephony network are disclosed. In some aspects, a plurality of time and space dependent key performance indicators (KPI) are used as part of a statistical determination of a pattern and schedule for optimizing the design, configuration and operation of the network. By dynamically applying a method of multiple KPI deviations (MKD) the system and method improves handover execution in cellular or similar systems and reduces radio link failures and improves overall subscriber service quality. |
| US09503918B2 |
ENODEB and UE for dynamic cell on and off
Disclosed in some examples are methods, systems, and machine readable mediums which reuse existing LTE functionality to rapidly signal UEs on the availability of a LTE-U cell. Using these techniques the on/off operation can be in the order of a few milliseconds (ms). Several techniques are disclosed herein, including use of component carrier (CC) specific Discontinuous Reception (DRX) signaling, PDCCH signaling, DL assignment based signaling, Physical Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Indicator Channel (PHICH) signaling, Beacon signaling, and the like. |
| US09503916B2 |
Method for transmitting status report of PDCP layer in mobile telecommunications system and receiver of mobile telecommunications
Disclosed is a status report transmission of the PDCP layer for a PDCP status report which can reduce radio resources, by transmitting the reception success or failure of a series of PDCP SDUs in the form of a bitmap when configuring the PDCP status report for reporting a reception status of the PDCP SDU to another party in the PDCP layer in the LTE system. |
| US09503912B2 |
Wedge shaped cells in a wireless communication system
Aspects described herein relate to a network for providing air-to-ground wireless communication in various cells. The network includes a first base station array, each base station of which includes a respective first antenna array defining a directional radiation pattern that is oriented in a first direction, wherein each base station of the first base station array is disposed spaced apart from another base station of the first base station array along the first direction by a first distance. The network also includes a similar second base station array where the second base station array extends substantially parallel to the first base station array and is spaced apart from the first base station array by a second distance to form continuous and at least partially overlapping cell coverage areas between respective base stations of the first and second base station arrays. |
| US09503910B2 |
Relaying device
A relaying device is provided, which can mediate by using communications of a wireless apparatus without clipping off the beginning of verbal communication. The relaying device includes: a network interface that receives an audio signal as a group of packet trains via a network; a wireless apparatus interface to which a wireless apparatus is connected; a voice buffer that temporarily stores the audio signal; and a control unit that starts temporarily storing the audio signal in the voice buffer and requests the wireless apparatus to reserve a channel, when a leading packet of the group of packet trains is received, and that reads the temporarily stored audio signal from the voice buffer and transfers the audio signal to the wireless apparatus, after receiving from the wireless apparatus a reply indicating that a channel has been reserved. |
| US09503905B2 |
Spectrum sharing
The invention provides methods, a network device and radio station for spectrum resource allocation in a network employing spectrum sharing among at least a primary and secondary system, including scanning, by a network device of the secondary system, a specific frequency range of a candidate band of the primary system, estimating, by the network device, interference level on the scanned candidate band of the primary system, determining position of the network device, and transmitting the estimation result to a radio station of the secondary system. |
| US09503904B2 |
Partitioning a coordination area in a wireless network
The present invention relates to a wireless network, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for partitioning a coordination area in a wireless network, the method comprising: obtaining antenna directions of respective cells, base station locations of respective cells, and scope of a coordination area within the wireless network; determining an initial coordination area based on the scope of the coordination area and the base station locations in respective cells; partitioning the initial coordination area into an inner area and an outer area; partitioning the outer area into an inward area and an outward area based on the antenna directions of cells within the outer area and the base station locations of cells within the outer area; and combining the inner area and the inward area within the outer area into a new coordination area. The method is simple and easy. It may solve a problem of coordination area edge caused by partitioning a coordination area and meanwhile avoid the association between coordination areas, thereby reducing the complexity of scheduling. |
| US09503903B2 |
Server and method for remotely controlling working of communications terminal, and communications terminal
The present invention discloses a method for remotely controlling working of a communications terminal, and the method includes: receiving, in a push service manner, a management and control instruction actively provided by the server; parsing, according to a predetermined data exchange format, the received management and control instruction, so as to obtain corresponding operation information and acquire a device identifier, where the operation information includes command information and additional information; generating a corresponding working instruction according to the command information and the additional information that are obtained through parsing; and executing, according to the working instruction, work for protecting data security. The present invention further provides a server for remotely controlling working of a communications terminal, and a communications terminal. The present invention is capable of flexibly and conveniently controlling working of a lost communications terminal through the server for remotely controlling working of a communications terminal. |
| US09503899B2 |
System and method for access over a cable television network
A system and method for allowing a computing device to associate wirelessly with one or more access points that are connected to a cable TV network when such device is in a range of such access point, even though such wireless device would not generally be authorized to receive content or data from the access point. Signals to and from the wireless device are carried over the cable TV network and transmitted to other devices associated with other access points attached to the cable TV network. |
| US09503897B2 |
Secure wireless communication apparatus
Aspects of various embodiments are directed to the communication of wireless data. In a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a master/wireless communication circuit and a slave circuit that carries out a secure function. The master generates session initiation commands, and the slave is responsive to these commands by generating and storing a session ID. In response to the receipt and validation of user-input data, the slave accesses and locally stores the session ID. Upon the initiation of and/or during a wireless communication process, the slave again accesses the session ID and compares the accessed session ID with the locally stored session ID, and facilitates communication based on the comparison (e.g., communication is not permitted if the comparison does not indicate a match). |
| US09503896B2 |
Processing method of wireless network device, wireless network device, and processor of wireless network device
An authentication processing method, a processor of a wireless network device, and the wireless network device. The method includes receiving, by a wireless network device, a network access request sent by a user equipment; and if the wireless network device determines, according to the network access request, that the user equipment meets a set condition, performing authentication on the user equipment using a password-free authentication manner, or assigning permission, which is corresponding to the set condition, on a Web administrator page to the user equipment. In embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a user equipment meets a set condition, authentication is performed on the user equipment using a password-free authentication manner, and corresponding authentication manners are used according to different user requirements, so that an authentication manner of the wireless network device is more flexible, and network access experience of a user is improved. |
| US09503892B2 |
Mapping special subframes in a wireless communication network
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are described related to mapping special subframes in a wireless communication network. In embodiments, an eNB may assign demodulation reference signals (DM-RSs) and/or cell-specific reference signals (CRSs) to a downlink pilot time slot (DwPTS) of a special subframe responsive to a determined configuration of the special subframe. In embodiments, an eNB may bundle the DwPTS or an uplink pilot time slot (UpPTS) of the special subframe with another subframe for scheduling. In embodiments, a UE may estimate a channel associated with the special subframe based on DM-RSs and/or CRSs transmitted in another subframe. In embodiments, an eNB may exclude the DwPTS from scheduling for certain special subframe configurations if a new carrier type (NCT) is used. In embodiments, an eNB may exclude certain special subframe configurations from use for NCT communications. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09503885B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing a subscriber identity
There is provided a method of ensuring that an identifier for a subscriber of an IP Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) is available to a third-party service provider that can provide a service to the subscriber. The method comprises, at an application server of the third-party service provider, receiving a service request message from the subscriber, the service request message requesting access to the service, obtaining a source IP address and source port number from the service request message, generating an identity request message including the source IP address and source port number, the identity request message requesting a subscriber identifier associated with the source IP address and source port number, sending the identity request message to a node of the IP-CAN, and receiving an identity response message from the node of the IP-CAN, the response including a subscriber identifier that the IP-CAN associates with the subscriber. |
| US09503881B2 |
Method, device, and system for user equipment to access evolved packet core network
A method for a user equipment (UE) to access an evolved packet core (EPC) network includes: receiving, by an EPC access gateway connecting a wireless local area network (WLAN) to an EPC, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) request from the UE; and obtaining, by the EPC access gateway, subscription data of the UE according to a media access control MAC address of the UE in the DHCP request, and performing EPC access processing for the UE according to the obtained subscription data, where the obtaining subscription data of the UE according to a MAC address of the UE includes: obtaining the subscription data of the UE according to (a) the MAC address of the UE and (b) a matching MAC address of the UE the subscription data of the UE that are correspondingly stored by a network device in an access authentication process. |
| US09503879B2 |
Method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system
A method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system has been disclosed. The method, which is performed by a virtual visitor subsystem, VSS, included in the mobile communication system, comprises the following steps: detecting a roaming event on an MSISDN of a mobile station, MS, operating in the mobile communication system; determining a mobile network operator in the mobile communication system, having an HPLMN which covers a geographic area of the MS, to be a visitor mobile network operator of the MS; receiving a visitor IMSI from the visitor mobile network operator; assigning the visitor IMSI to the MSISDN of the MS; transmitting the visitor IMSI to the MS; intercepting an authentication initiation towards the visitor mobile network operator; authenticating the MS towards a home mobile network operator of the MS; and activating a visitor subscription identified by the visitor IMSI based on an authentication response received from the home mobile network operator. |
| US09503872B2 |
Method and apparatus for sending emergency call in mobile terminal
A method for sending an emergency call in a mobile terminal includes receiving a request for transmitting an emergency call in a screen-locked state; and displaying a keypad and/or an emergency button icon in response to the request. |
| US09503870B2 |
Advanced telephone management
Methods and systems for providing telephone management are provided. Information may be stored in memory of a first mobile device. Such stored information may concerns a plurality of other mobile devices. A telephone call may be connected between the first mobile device and a second mobile device. A request may be received from a user of the first mobile device concerning manipulating data concerning the telephone call with the second mobile device. Information regarding the second mobile device may be identified and matched to the stored information. Such a match may indicate that the second mobile device is enabled for manipulation of telephone call data during telephone calls. As such, the telephone call data may be manipulated during the telephone call in accordance with the user request. |
| US09503869B2 |
Service capability server (SCS) terminated short message service (SMS) systems and methods
Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are provided to determine routing associated with a short message. A SMS-SC may send a first routing request to a home subscriber server (HSS). The first routing request may be associated with the short message. The SMS-SC may receive a first routing reply. The first routing reply may include one of an indication that the short message is associated with a service capability server (SCS) or a first control plane routing associated with the short message. The SMS-SC may send the short message to an SCS serving node. The first routing reply may include the indication that the short message is associated with a service capability server (SCS). The SMS-SC may send a second routing request to a SCS subscription database. The SMS-SC may receive a second routing reply from the SCS subscription database, which may indicate a second control plane routing for the short message. |
| US09503865B2 |
Providing multiple multicast streams over a single transport bearer channel
A user device may be configured to identify a received transport bearer channel, via which a group of content streams are received, the transport bearer channel including a group of logical bearer channels that each correspond to a particular transport layer session, each transport layer session corresponding to a particular one of the content streams; receive a selection of a particular content stream, of the group of content streams; identify a particular logical bearer channel, of the group of bearer channels, that corresponds to the particular content stream; extract a transport layer session from the identified particular logical bearer channel; provide, from a transport layer of the user device and to an application layer of the user device, the particular content stream from the transport layer session; and present the particular content stream. |
| US09503863B2 |
Systems and methods to identify home addresses of mobile devices
Systems and methods including a database storing the identifiers of cells representing residential parcels of real estate properties. Mobile devices determine the coordinates of their locations during a period of time using a location determination system, such as a global positioning system. The coordinates are converted to cell identifiers to look up corresponding residential parcels that have been visited by the mobile devices. A server generates a visitation data set for each residential parcel visited by each mobile device, including different types of frequencies of the mobile device visiting the residential parcel (e.g., night, weekend). A server filters the residential parcels based on visitation frequencies to identify home candidates and then further filters the home candidates based on the count of mobile devices having the home candidates. A home parcel, and thus its address, is identified from the filtered home candidate(s) for each mobile device. |
| US09503857B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing location information in mobile device
A method of location information in a mobile device capable of improving position accuracy of the mobile device using a database (DB) of peripheral auxiliary data when GPS and navigation are performed in the mobile device, and an apparatus thereof is provided. The method of providing location information in a mobile device includes acquiring initial location information of the mobile device when a location based service is executed, transmitting the acquired initial location information to a server, receiving auxiliary data corresponding to the initial location information from the server, classifying satellites to be used to determine a location with reference to the auxiliary data, and determining the location based on a satellite signal of a satellite having a high weight through the classification of the satellites. |
| US09503856B2 |
Method for determining wireless device location based on proximate sensor devices
A method operational in a mobile device is provided for ascertaining location information for the mobile device by using captured/received locating information broadcast by local sensor devices. The method captures, at the mobile device, a message from a sensor device transmitted, for example, over a local wireless network. The method identifies a locating data in the message and may determine a location of the mobile device based on the identified locating data. |
| US09503849B1 |
Location based media content access management systems and methods
An exemplary method includes a media content access system maintaining a media content restriction list that specifies a plurality of media content access parameters that govern access to media content processed by a media player, receiving, from a mobile computing device, a request for the media player to stream the media content to the mobile computing device, determining, based on a geolocation key included in the request and a geographic restriction parameter, whether the mobile computing device is within the geographic area specified by the geographic restriction parameter, and performing a media content access operation. The media content access operation may include one of directing the media player to stream the media content to the mobile computing device and preventing the media player from streaming the media content to the mobile computing device. Corresponding methods and systems are also described. |
| US09503847B2 |
Electronic apparatus, uploading method and non-transitory computer readable storage medium thereof
An uploading method for an electronic apparatus includes: determining whether a current location of the electronic apparatus is recorded on an allowed network information list stored in a storage device; if the current location of the electronic apparatus is recorded on the allowed network information list, uploading the group of files according to an allowed network configuration corresponding to the current location; and if the current location of the electronic apparatus is not recorded on the allowed network information list, performing a network selecting process related to the current location. |
| US09503844B1 |
System and method for collocation detection
Systems and methods are disclosed for collocation detection. In accordance with one implementation, a method is provided for collocation detection. The method includes obtaining a first object observation that includes a first object identifier, a first observation time, and a first observation location. The method also includes obtaining a second object observation that includes a second object identifier, a second observation time, and a second observation location. In addition, the method includes associating the first observation with a first area on a map, associating the second observation with a second area on the map, and determining whether a potential meeting occurred between objects associated with the first object identifier and the second object identifier based on the first and second observation times, and the first and second areas. |
| US09503834B2 |
Application catalog on an application server for wireless devices
A system, method, and computer program for providing an application catalog of served applications and data to wireless devices on a wireless network seeking to download the applications and/or data. The application catalog is displayable to a wireless device across the wireless network, and the application catalog lists at least a plurality of applications and/or data downloadable to wireless devices and the application catalog is optimized based upon predetermined criteria such that the preferred application and/or data to be downloaded by a wireless device is initially displayed to a wireless device attempting to access the application catalog. |
| US09503830B2 |
Method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer
An ultrasonic transducer includes: a diaphragm pot that has a surrounding wall; a transducer element mounted in a diaphragm pot on a transducer section on an inner side of the diaphragm for generating the ultrasonic vibrations; a first damping element situated in the diaphragm pot on transducer element for damping the diaphragm; and a second damping element situated within the diaphragm pot in an edge section of the diaphragm around the transducer element for damping vibrations of the wall; the second damping element being connected with force locking, at least section by section, both to the edge section and to the inner side of the wall. |
| US09503828B2 |
Sound bases navigation using a portable communications device
Sound based navigation using a portable communications device is presented herein. A portable communications device can include a speaker for generating a sound, and microphone(s) for receiving a reflection of the sound—the reflection including an acoustic wave that has been reflected from an object. Further, the portable communications device can include a timing component configured to determine a time of propagation of the acoustic wave from the speaker to the microphone(s), and a distance component configured to determine a distance of the object from the portable communications device based on the time of propagation of the acoustic wave. Furthermore, the portable communications device can include a mapping component configured to: determine a geographic location of the portable communications device, and create, based on the geographic location and the distance of the object from the portable communications device, a map, indoor map, etc. of objects, structures, etc. comprising the object. |
| US09503820B2 |
Multi-mode microphones
In some embodiments, a sensor system may include a deformable structure and a sensing element. The deformable structure may include at least one layer of piezoelectric material and at least one actuator port disposed on the at least one layer of piezoelectric material. The deformable structure may deform in response to external phenomenon. The at least one actuator port may be configured to actuate the at least one layer of piezoelectric material via application of an electrical signal to the at least one layer of piezoelectric material. The at least one layer of piezoelectric material may be configured to apply a force to the deformable structure when actuated. The sensing element may be configured to sense deformation of the deformable structure capacitively, optically, or via a sensing port according to embodiments. |
| US09503818B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing signals of a spherical microphone array on a rigid sphere used for generating an ambisonics representation of the sound field
Spherical microphone arrays capture a three-dimensional sound field (P(Ωct)) for generating an Ambisonics representation (Anm(t)), where the pressure distribution on the surface of the sphere is sampled by the capsules of the array. The impact of the microphones on the captured sound field is removed using the inverse microphone transfer function. The equalization of the transfer function of the microphone array is a big problem because the reciprocal of the transfer function causes high gains for small values in the transfer function and these small values are affected by transducer noise. The present principles minimize that noise by using a Wiener filter processing (34) in the frequency domain, which processing is automatically controlled (33) per wave number by the signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone array. |
| US09503816B2 |
Surround signal generating device, surround signal generating method and surround signal generating program
A surround signal generating device includes: a surround signal generating unit which subtracts a sound signal obtained by multiplying a first gain by an inputted sound signal of a right channel from an inputted sound signal of a left channel so as to generate a surround signal of the left channel, and which subtracts a sound signal obtained by multiplying a second gain by the inputted sound signal of the left channel from the inputted sound signal of the right channel so as to generate a surround signal of the right channel; and a gain setting unit which sets the first gain and the second gain so that a correlation between the surround signal of the left channel and the surround signal of the right channel which are generated by the surround signal generating unit realizes a correlation between surround signals of an actual content having a surround sound. |
| US09503812B2 |
Systems and methods for split echo cancellation
Systems and methods for performing videoconferencing using split endpoints are disclosed herein. These endpoints can include a Main Unit and a Satellite Unit that are associated with each other, and where the tasks of video and audio encoding and decoding are separated between the two. In some embodiments the Main Unit performs video and audio encoding, and the Satellite Unit performs video and audio decoding. In some embodiments the Satellite Unit obtains media data through its associated Main Unit, whereas in other embodiments the Satellite Unit obtains media data directly from the Server. |
| US09503808B2 |
Boundary microphone and boundary microphone adapter
A boundary microphone that can reduce the change in its directional property caused by change of a sound collection axis of a microphone unit is provided. The boundary microphone includes a unidirectional microphone unit, a cylindrical unit holding member having a unit accommodating pocket in its peripheral surface to accommodate the unidirectional microphone unit, and a boundary plate to which top face the unit holding member is attached so as to rotate about its axis. When the unidirectional microphone unit is held in the unit holding member, a front acoustic terminal is positioned to face the outside of the peripheral surface of the unit holding member, the sound collection axis intersects the axis of a hollow of the unit holding member, and a rear acoustic terminal communicates with the outside at both side ends of the hollow via the hollow of the unit holding member. |
| US09503806B2 |
Loudspeaker system audio recovery imaging amplifier
The present invention is a small high fidelity full spectrum speaker, which arranges a passive speaker and two active speakers such that fidelity of a larger speaker or one with a cross-over network is achieved. |
| US09503804B2 |
Bluetooth headset and ear unit
The present invention refers to a headset with a Bluetooth device comprising an ear loud speaker (3) with connection means (4) for connection to a detachable ear unit (5, 5a, 5b). The Bluetooth device is equipped with an extra microphone (14) for receiving ambient sound, the microphone is provided with a sound attenuator (15). The invention also refers to an ear unit (5) for an ear loud speaker (3) of a Blue-tooth device. The ear unit (5) being adapted to be fixed onto the ear loud speaker (3) and to be inserted in the user's ear. According to the invention the ear unit (5) is made to be inserted in the auditory canal of the ear and to abut tightly against the auditory canal. The ear unit (5) has a through bore (6) which, when the ear unit (5) is inserted into the auditory canal, extends in the length direction of the auditory canal. The bore (6) is equipped with handle means (1 1, 13) for shape conformed fixation to the ear loud speaker (3). |
| US09503800B2 |
Glass-type terminal and method of controlling the same
A glasses-type terminal including a main body configured to be worn as glasses on a user's head; a first microphone configured to detect a vibration signal through a skull portion of the user in which a voice being input propagates through the skull portion of the user; a second microphone configured to detect a voice signal in which the voice being input propagates over the air; a memory configured to store a pre-registered vibration signal and a pre-registered voice signal corresponding to a pre-registered voice; and a controller configured to switch a locked state to an unlocked state when the vibration signal detected through the first microphone is matched to the pre-registered vibration signal and the voice signal detected through the second microphone is matched to the pre-registered voice signal. |
| US09503799B2 |
Handheld microphone with a notch filter and a high pass filter
A handheld microphone includes a microphone unit supported with a vibration insulator on a microphone case; the handheld microphone comprising a filter circuit for filtering output signals from the microphone unit; the filter circuit comprising a passive filter connected to an output terminal of the microphone unit, and a high-pass filter connected downstream of the passive filter and outputting the filtered signals from the microphone unit. |
| US09503798B2 |
Water dancing speaker
A water dancing speaker is disclosed. The water dancing speaker comprises a housing assembly, a liquid spraying device, a driving device and an audio device. The housing assembly comprises an upper housing and a lower housing connected with each other, the upper housing is made of a transparent material, an end cover is disposed on the top of the upper housing, the end cover is capable of being opened relative to the top of the upper housing to inject a liquid into the upper housing; and the liquid spraying device, the driving device and the audio device are disposed within the housing assembly. The water dancing speaker of the present disclosure, the users can add an appropriate amount of liquid or other substances capable of improving the ornamental effect into the speaker according to their own preferences, and this improves the ornamental value of the water dancing speakers. |
| US09503797B2 |
Audio and display system
An audio and display system comprising a housing having an interior region, at least one audio speaker positioned within the interior region, and a display coupled to the housing. The display includes a frame coupled to the housing, the frame having a plurality of mounting members, wherein at least two adjacent mounting members of the plurality of mounting members are spaced apart by a first distance, a plurality of support members coupled to the mounting members of the frame, wherein at least two adjacent support members of the plurality of support members are spaced apart by a second distance, and a plurality of light-emitting elements coupled to each of the plurality of support members, wherein the display module is substantially acoustically transparent. |
| US09503790B2 |
Sorting content assets
A network device obtains a first number of stars associated with a fan rating of a first asset by a first user, and obtains a total first number of fan reviews of the first asset. The network device obtains a first release year associated with the first asset, and determines a first sorting value based on a function of the first number of stars, the total first number of reviews, and the first release year. The network device sorts the first asset among other assets using the determined first sorting value. |
| US09503788B2 |
End user programming for a television multimedia device
A tool for creating and editing applications on a television multimedia device. The tool searches the television multimedia device for a plurality of currently installed applications on the television multimedia device. The tool exposes a workspace based on a graphical programming language on the television multimedia device. The tool receives a plurality of selections in the workspace. The tool receives a configuration of the plurality of received selections in the workspace. The tool determines, based on the configuration of the received selections in the workspace, the application is complete. The tool prompts to save the completed application. |
| US09503784B2 |
Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media
Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media are disclosed. An example method includes detecting an ID3 tag associated with streaming media presented at a client device. Data is extracted from a first field of the ID3 tag. The data from the first field of the ID3 tag is processed to generate a first request directed to a first internet domain, the first internet domain based on the data, the first request including a media identifier from a second field of the ID3 tag, the second field of the ID3 tag separate from the first field of the ID3 tag, the media identifier identifying the streaming media. In response to the detection of the ID3 tag, the first request is sent from the client device to the first internet domain. |
| US09503781B2 |
Commercial detection based on audio fingerprinting
A commercial detection system generates a probe audio fingerprint of an audio signal associated with a media stream on a broadcast channel and determines whether the media stream has commercial content based on analysis of the probe audio fingerprint. The commercial detection system determines whether a same match between the probe audio fingerprint and a reference audio fingerprint is observed across multiple broadcast channels. Responsive to the number of same matches exceeding a predetermined threshold, the commercial detection system determines that the media stream has commercial content. The commercial detection system may also apply a trained feature analysis model to extracted acoustic features of the audio signal. The commercial detection system determines whether the media stream has commercial content based on a confidence score assigned to the probe audio fingerprint. The commercial detection system reduces false positive detection using program guide information of the media stream. |
| US09503777B2 |
Method and system for unified start code emulation prevention bits processing for AVS
Aspects of a method and system for unified start code emulation prevention bits processing for AVS are provided. A Start code emulation prevention bit string with an arbitrary bit string length, for example 2 bits, may be inserted into AVS encoded data. When decoding, the received AVS encoded data may be parsed to identify the start code emulation prevention bit string and start codes. A bit processor may be signaled with the detection of the start code emulation prevention bit string and/or the start codes. The bit processor may remove the start code emulation prevention bit string in a decoding process and store the detected start codes for applications such as PVR. Constraints may be added to streams such as unbounded PES and/or TS with PUSI bit unset for further bit processing. |
| US09503776B2 |
Automatic playback overshoot control system and method
An automatic overshoot control system and method can enable a user to more easily terminate a trick mode (e.g., fast forward or rewind) at an intended point in program material. For example, after a trick mode, a user can initiate display of audio or video at a particular intended point in the program material while minimizing a need to manually adjust. The system determines an offset and tracks a preview position within the program material displayed as a trick mode preview incorporating the offset. The system also tracks an actual position within the program material based on the preview position and offset. The actual position corresponds to a predicted location that the user desires upon terminating the preview trick mode. When the preview trick mode is terminated, normal playback of the program material is resumed at the actual location corresponding to the user's intended location in the program material. |
| US09503773B2 |
Separating internet TV and broadcast TV using a TV remote control
Internet application use and execution in an IPTV system is separated from the television to eliminate the Internet application learning curve and at the same time preserve a viewing experience. |
| US09503772B2 |
Control mechanisms
A method of controlling a video clip player is described. The method comprises sending a control signal from a controller to the video clip player to output a pre-recorded video clip to a display; using a sensor to sense EEG signals from the brain of an observer of the displayed video clip; transmitting the sensed EEG signals from the sensor to the controller; processing the received EEG signals to determine an outcome, the outcome being achieved by the received signal comprising a predetermined frequency or a predetermined combinations of frequencies of EEG signals above a threshold level for a predetermined period of time; and controlling the video clip player in response to the determined outcome. The controlling step comprises selecting a next pre-recorded video clip to be output by the video clip player from a plurality of stored pre-recorded video clips; and instructing the video clip player to output the selected pre-recorded video clip to the display for presentation to the observer. |
| US09503766B2 |
Excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption data
Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts. |
| US09503763B2 |
Layered multicast and fair bandwidth allocation and packet prioritization
Embodiments include an overlay multicast network. The overlay multicast network may provide a set of features to ensure reliable and timely arrival of multicast data. The embodiments include a congestion control system that may prioritize designated layers of data within a data stream over other layers of the same data stream. Each data stream transmitted over the network may be given an equal share of the bandwidth. Addressing in routing tables maintained by routers may utilize summarized addressing based on the difference in location of the router and destination address. Summarization levels may be adjusted to minimize travel distances for packets in the network. Data from high priority data stream layers may also be retransmitted upon request from a destination machine to ensure reliable delivery of data. |
| US09503762B2 |
System and method for recognition of items in media data and delivery of information related thereto
The system and method disclosed herein relate to the establishment of both the location and identity of individual items in pictures or videos. Once the one or more items in the picture/video are identified and matched to images in a reference database, the locations of the items are established and additional information relating to the items is accessed. Collectively, the position data and additional data is merged in the electronic pictures or videos and then provided to a user as a merged data stream. Additional functionality related to those identified items can occur when those identified locations are “pointed to”, “clicked” or otherwise selected (e.g., purchase an item, request information, select another video stream, play a game, share the item, rate, “Like”, and the like). |
| US09503759B2 |
Adaptive filtering based upon boundary strength
An image decoding apparatus that includes a motion compensation prediction circuit configured to conduct motion compensation prediction for each of blocks to be decoded by using the reconstructed image, an inverse transformation circuit configured to conduct inverse orthogonal transformation for the data of the blocks to be decoded, and a determination circuit configured to determine a filtering strength and whether or not to conduct filtering, with respect to each of the boundaries. In addition, the determining circuit is configured to determine filtering is conducted when at least one of the two adjacent blocks is intra-coded, and filtering is not conducted when both of the two adjacent blocks are not intra-coded, a non-zero transformation coefficient is not coded in both of the two adjacent blocks, the two adjacent blocks are predicted by the same reference frame, and an absolute value of a difference between motion vectors of the two adjacent blocks is smaller than a specified threshold value. |
| US09503758B2 |
Method of applying edge offset
Provided is a method generates an edge index of a current sample, and applies an edge offset corresponding to the edge index to the current sample. The edge index is generated using the differences between a current sample and two neighboring samples determined by an edge offset type. Accordingly, the difference between original samples and reconstructed samples are effectively reduced by generating the optimum edge index. Also, the quantity of bits required for reducing the differences are reduced by fixing the sign of offset to positive or negative. |
| US09503756B2 |
Encoding and decoding using perceptual representations
Encoding a video signal including pictures includes generating perceptual representations based on the pictures. Reference pictures are selected and motion vectors are generated based on the perceptual representations and the reference pictures. The motion vectors and pointers for the reference pictures are provided in an encoded video signal. Decoding may include receiving pointers for reference pictures and motion vectors based on perceptual representations of the reference pictures. The decoding of the pictures in the encoded video signal may include selecting reference pictures using the pointers and determining predicted pictures, based on the motion vectors and the selected reference pictures. The decoding may include generating reconstructed pictures from the predicted pictures and the residual pictures. |
| US09503754B2 |
Image encoding device and image encoding method
Provided are a highly efficient image encoding device which is achieved by quantization of each sub-block in accordance with visual characteristics, and a quantization method that uses the image encoding device. An input image is divided into macro-blocks having a prescribed first size, each of the divided macro-blocks is divided into sub-blocks having a prescribed second size, and each of the sub-blocks is encoded using a same or different quantization parameter for each of the sub-blocks. As a result, by executing quantization for each of the sub-blocks in accordance with the visual characteristics, highly efficient image encoding and image decoding devices can be provided. |
| US09503753B2 |
Coded picture buffer arrival and nominal removal times in video coding
A video coding device, such as a video decoder, may be configured to derive at least one of a coded picture buffer (CPB) arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time for an access unit (AU) at both an access unit level and a sub-picture level regardless of a value of a syntax element that defines whether a decoding unit (DU) is the entire AU. The video coding device may further be configured to determine a removal time of the AU based at least in part on one of the CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time and decode video data of the AU based at least in part on the removal time. |
| US09503752B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a context model for transform coefficient level entropy encoding and decoding
Provided are a method and apparatus for determining a context model for entropy encoding and decoding of a transformation coefficient. According to the method and apparatus, a context set index ctxset is obtained based on color component information of a transformation unit, a location of a current subset, and whether there is a significant transformation coefficient having a value greater than a first critical value in a previous subset, and a context offset c1 is obtained based on a length of a previous transformation coefficient having consecutive 1s. Also, a context index ctxids for entropy encoding and decoding of a first critical value flag is determined based on the obtained context set index and the context offset. |
| US09503745B2 |
Methods, devices and systems for parallel video encoding and decoding
A method for decoding a video bitstream is disclosed. The method comprises: entropy decoding a first portion of a video bitstream, wherein first portion of video bitstream is associated with a video frame, thereby producing a first portion of decoded data; entropy decoding a second portion of video bitstream, wherein second portion of video bitstream is associated with video frame, thereby producing a second portion of decoded data, wherein entropy decoding second portion of video bitstream is independent of entropy decoding first portion of video bitstream; and reconstructing a first portion of video frame associated with video bitstream using first portion of decoded data and second portion of decoded data. |
| US09503744B2 |
Video processor with random access to compressed frame buffer and methods for use therewith
A video processing device includes a video processing unit that decodes a video input signal into a decoded video signal in accordance with a video compression protocol, based on uncompressed video frame data. A data object compression/decompression module generates compressed video frame data by compressing a plurality of video data objects into a plurality of compressed video data objects, storing the plurality of compressed video data objects in a compressed frame buffer. The data object compression/decompression module retrieves a selected portion of video frame data from the compressed video frame buffer by identifying selected ones of plurality of compressed video data objects that correspond to the selected portion of video frame data, retrieving the selected ones of the plurality of compressed video data objects and generating the uncompressed video frame data by decompressing the selected ones of the plurality of compressed video data objects. |
| US09503740B2 |
System and method for open loop spatial prediction in a video encoder
Presented herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for encoding video data. In one implementation the method and system classify at least one macroblock of at least one original reference picture and select an encoding technique at least in part based on the classification of the at least one macroblock. |
| US09503736B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding video by using block merging, and method and apparatus for decoding video by using block merging
Provided are a method and apparatus for encoding a video by using block merging and a method and apparatus for decoding a video by using block merging. The method of encoding includes: determining an encoding mode indicating a current data unit for encoding of a picture and an encoding method including prediction encoding performed for the current data unit; determining an occurrence of merging with at least one neighboring data unit based on at least one of the encoding mode and a prediction mode; and determining prediction mode information, merging related information, and prediction related information, and determining encoding information of the data unit including the prediction mode information, the merging related information, and the prediction related information. |
| US09503731B2 |
Camera system
Each of multiple cameras encodes and transmits a video signal captured, the encoding being performed with one of multiple variable bit rate encoding schemes each of which has a different average bit rate. A receiving device periodically measures the total bandwidth of the video signals received from the multiple cameras, and when the total bandwidth exceeds a first threshold value the receiving device switches the encoding scheme used by the cameras to a scheme having a lower average bit rate. In addition, when the total bandwidth falls below a second threshold value that is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the receiving device switches the encoding scheme used by the cameras to a scheme having a higher average bit rate. |
| US09503730B2 |
Method and apparatus of deriving intra prediction mode using most probable mode group
A method of generating a reconstructed block is provided. A mode group indicator and a prediction mode index are entropy-decoded. A quantized block is inversely quantized using a quantization parameter and a quantization matrix to generate a transform block. The transform block is inversely transformed to generate a residual block. A Most Probable Mode (MPM) group including three intra prediction modes is constructed using a left intra prediction mode and an above intra prediction mode of a current prediction unit. An intra prediction mode of the current prediction unit is derived using the mode group indicator and the prediction mode index. Reference pixels of a current block are adaptively filtered according to a size of a transform unit and the intra prediction mode. The prediction block is generated according to the intra prediction mode. The reconstructed block is generated using the prediction block and the residual block. |
| US09503727B2 |
Method and apparatus for coding video and method apparatus for decoding video, accompanied with intra prediction
A video decoding method involving intra prediction includes: parsing a most probable mode (MPM) flag of a block while parsing symbols of the block of an encoded video from a received bitstream; determining whether a predetermined number of a plurality of candidate intra prediction modes are used to predict an intra prediction mode of the block based on the MPM flag; when it is determined that the plurality of candidate intra prediction modes are used based on the MPM flag, determining the plurality of candidate intra prediction modes based on intra prediction modes of a left block and an upper block that are adjacent to the block while restoring the intra prediction mode of the block by using the parsed symbols. |
| US09503725B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding image for performing intraprediction using pixel value filtered according to prediction mode
A video encoding apparatus, a video decoding apparatus and video decoding method are provided. The video decoding apparatus includes: a decoding unit receiving encoded data and reconstruct an intra prediction mode by decoding a bitstream of the encoded data; a dequantization unit dequantizing the quantized transformed residual block to reconstruct a transformed residual block; an inverse transform unit inversely transforming the transformed residual block to reconstruct a residual block; a prediction unit generating a predicted block by selectively using one of pixels of a neighboring block adjacent to a current block and a reference pixel generated by filtering the pixels of the neighboring block according to the intra prediction mode; and an addition unit adding the reconstructed residual block and the predicted block to reconstruct the current block. |
| US09503723B2 |
Method and apparatus of depth prediction mode selection
There is disclosed a method, apparatus and computer program product for prediction mode selection for coding a block of a depth map. An ordered list of coding modes is obtained, wherein the ordered list of coding modes comprises a plurality of coding modes each of which is capable of being used for coding of the block. A plurality of depth modeling modes (DMMs) each of which is capable of being used for coding of the block are obtained. And whether a DMM of the plurality of DMMs is to be added into the ordered list of coding modes in accordance with a decision condition is determined. |
| US09503717B2 |
Context adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC) with scalable throughput and coding efficiency
A method for encoding a video sequence is provided that includes entropy encoding syntax elements representative of transform coefficients generated as the video sequence is processed, wherein entropy encoding syntax elements representative of a transform coefficient includes binarizing the syntax elements representative of the transform coefficient to generate a plurality of binary symbols (bins), coding a portion of the plurality of bins in context coding mode, and coding a remaining portion of the plurality of bins in bypass coding mode. The method further includes reducing the number of bins that are coded in context coding mode for each transform coefficient in a plurality of subsequent transform coefficients that are entropy encoded after a specified number of transform coefficients have been entropy encoded. |
| US09503709B2 |
Modular camera array
Devices, systems and methods employing modular camera arrays are described. A two-dimensional array of cameras may be arranged in a non-rectangular array. A first camera, a second camera, and a third camera in the array may be located approximately equidistant from each other, and/or may be arranged approximately in an equilateral triangle, an isosceles triangle, a scalene triangle, and/or a right triangle. |
| US09503708B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing z-thickness and zero-order effects in depth cameras
A projection system configured to emit patterned light along a projection optical axis includes: a diffractive optical element configured to perform a collimation function on the light emitted by the light emitter and to perform a pattern generation function to replicate the collimated light in a pattern, the pattern having substantially no collimated zero-order; and a light emitter configured to emit light toward the diffractive optical element, wherein the collimation function is configured to collimate the light emitted from the light emitter, and wherein the pattern generation function is configured to replicate the collimated light to produce the patterned light. |
| US09503698B2 |
Image sensor with shading detection
An image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns, the plurality of pixels comprising: image pixels arranged for providing image data, and shading detection pixels arranged for providing signals from which a degree of shading can be derived, wherein the shading detection pixels are located in substantially the same area as defined by the image pixels. |
| US09503688B1 |
Techniques for automatically scheduling and providing time-shifted communication sessions
A computer-implemented technique can include receiving, at a server from an inviter computing device associated with an inviter user, a request to have a communication session with a plurality of invitee users at a scheduled time. The technique can include determining a time zone of each invitee user, and determining that a specific time zone of a specific invitee user differs by more than a predetermined amount from the time zone of the inviter user. The technique can include providing a time-shifted invitation to a specific invitee computing device associated with the specific invitee user, the time-shifted invitation being for a delayed time that is appropriate for the specific invitee user. The technique can also include receiving an audio/video communication stream corresponding to the communication session beginning at the scheduled time, and providing the audio/video communication stream to the specific invitee computing device at the delayed time. |
| US09503685B2 |
Background replacement for videoconferencing
A solution for managing a videoconference is provided. Multiple virtual backgrounds can be stored, and a virtual background can be selected to be used for a first participant when he/she is conducting a videoconference with a second participant. The virtual background can be selected based on one or more attributes of the first and/or second participant, one or more attributes of the videoconference, and/or the like. The virtual backgrounds can be utilized, for example, to provide a desired perception, message, and/or the like, of a business entity to individuals outside of the business entity that are interacting with its personnel via videoconferencing. The virtual background can include static image data, a live video feed, a recorded video feed, a static web page of a business entity, and a non-static web page of the business entity. |
| US09503683B2 |
Providing users access to applications during video communications
The present disclosure, in some implementations comprises systems and methods for providing applications during video communication, via online communities or services, for example, social networks. Video communication may be video conferencing or “video chat” sessions among a plurality of users of the online services. Users may engage in a video conference or “video chat,” yet at the same time, use or obtain different applications, designated as either “personal” or “shared” applications. A “personal” application is one that does not involve others and is configured to enhance an individual user's personal experience during a group video communication. A “shared” application is one that involves at least one of multiple users during a group video communication, for example, users may participate in a card or trivia game, watch videos together, collaborate and share documents, or the like. |
| US09503682B2 |
Systems and methods for conveying physical state of a remote device
Described are systems and methods for helping a participant, who is represented in a remote space by a remote device, to understand the physical state of the remote device in the remote space. This is done through physical and virtual changes in their local space that reflect their own remote physical representation. For example, if their action in the local space causes the remote telepresence robot to rotate 90 degrees, their local display through which the control the robot might rotate 9 degrees. The described methods will help participants have a greater sense of presence in a remote space. |
| US09503672B2 |
Display module having strengthened structure
A display module having strengthened structure is provided. The display module includes a display panel and a transparent cover. The display panel has a display face and includes a circuit area. The circuit area is disposed close to a first side of the display panel. The transparent cover is attached to the display face and has a first edge corresponding to the first side, wherein the first edge extends beyond the first side. The transparent cover comprises a first recessed area, and the first recessed area shrinks from the first edge toward a center of the transparent cover. An edge of the first recessed area retreats behind the first side and exposes the circuit area. |
| US09503667B2 |
Method to read out pixels an ultra low readout noise architecture
A method to read out pixels includes reading a first pixel by resetting a first photodetector, integrating the first photodetector after resetting the first photodetector, resetting a first floating diffusion node coupled to the first photodetector and a second floating diffusion node coupled to a second photodetector, transferring charge from the first photodetector to the first floating diffusion node, comparing a first signal at the first floating diffusion node and a second signal at the second floating diffusion node and generating a first signal to latch a first counter value when the first signal is less than the second signal, incrementing the first signal and decrementing the second signal, and comparing the first signal and the second signal and generating a second signal to latch a second counter value when the first signal is greater than the second signal, wherein the difference between the second counter value and the first counter value indicates a first pixel level. |
| US09503664B2 |
Photoelectric conversion element, image reading device, and image forming apparatus
A photoelectric conversion element includes: a plurality of AD conversion units that convert respective analog signals representing amounts of charge stored in a plurality of light receiving elements into digital signals in parallel; and a parallel-serial conversion unit that performs parallel-serial conversion on the digital signals into which the analog signals have been converted in parallel by the AD conversion units. |
| US09503663B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging apparatus allows precise observation and analysis of ultra-high-speed phenomena at a frame rate more than 100 Mega frames per second, which has been targeted in advanced science and engineering. The solid-state imaging apparatus comprises pixels arranged in M columns and N rows. Each pixel includes a first layer for photoelectric conversion and a second layer having m charge collection devices, where m is equal to or greater than 3, for collecting and storing charges generated light incident on a substantially whole area of the pixel, and a readout device for reading out the charges, where m charge collection devices are locally placed in an area around a center of the pixel. The second layer further includes a second storage device for storing the charges collected and stored by each of the collection devices. |
| US09503649B2 |
Cooperative optical-imaging sensor array
An apparatus and method for providing image primitives, such as edge polarity, edge magnitude, edge orientation, and edge displacement, and derivatives thereof, for an object are described. The data are obtained substantially simultaneously and processed in parallel such that multiple objects can be distinguished from one another in real time. |
| US09503645B2 |
Preview system for concurrently displaying multiple preview images generated based on input image generated by image capture apparatus and related preview method thereof
A preview system of an image capture apparatus has a processing circuit and a display apparatus. The processing circuit reads an input image, scales at least a portion of the input image to generate a first preview image, and derives a second preview image from a selected portion of the input image. The display apparatus displays the first preview image and the second preview image, concurrently. Besides, a preview method for an image capture apparatus includes at least the following steps: reading an input image; scaling at least a portion of the input image to generate a first preview image; deriving a second preview image from a selected portion of the input image; and displaying the first preview image and the second preview image on a display apparatus, concurrently. |
| US09503640B2 |
Image capturing apparatus capable of capturing panoramic image
An image generating apparatus including a processor and a memory having instructions stored therein which are executable by the processor to cause the processor to: cause a display to separately and simultaneously display (i) a panoramic image in progress corresponding to images which are captured by an image capturing unit, and (ii) a live-view image corresponding to an image that is newly captured by the image capturing unit while images are being captured by the image capturing unit; receive an instruction to terminate image capture processing for generating panoramic image data while the panoramic image in progress and the live-view image are being displayed; and perform, in response to reception of the instruction, control to record, as a completed panoramic image, panoramic image data generated from the images captured by a time when reception of the instruction is finished, even if images have not yet been captured in a predetermined capture range set in advance for a full panoramic image to be generated. |
| US09503633B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image capturing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
By conventional method, it is not possible to check whether or not a target subject is included in a range in which refocus can be performed at the time of image capturing or at the time of editing a captured image. An image processing apparatus includes a subject of interest specification unit configured to specify a subject of interest within a parallax image obtained by performing image capturing from a plurality of different viewpoints, and a notification unit configured to notify a user of a focused state of the specified subject of interest in an image to be generated by performing image combination processing using the parallax image. |
| US09503626B2 |
Image display apparatus, camera and control method of the same
Disclosed are an image display apparatus, a camera and a control method of the same for photographing various images in a natural manner, the image display apparatus including a display unit, a user input receiver, a communication unit which communicates with at least one camera through a network, and a controller which displays an image input by the camera, and transmits a photographing signal to the camera according to the user's input. |
| US09503624B2 |
Optical imaging system using multiple light sources and driving control method thereof
Provided is an optical imaging system capable of increasing diagnosis reliability and preciseness, and efficiently observing a target. The optical imaging system using multiple light sources according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first light source generating a first light modulated with a first frequency, a second light source generating a second light modulated with a second frequency, a camera simultaneously detecting multiple lights output from an object after the first and second lights are illuminated on the object and outputting multiple image detecting signals, and an image processing unit processing the multiple image detecting signals to obtain a first image representing a shape of the object and a second image representing a desired target portion of the object. |
| US09503623B2 |
Color night vision cameras, systems, and methods thereof
Disclosed are improved methods, systems and devices for color night vision that reduce the number of intensifiers and/or decrease noise. In some embodiments, color night vision is provided in system in which multiple spectral bands are maintained, filtered separately, and then recombined in a unique three-lens-filtering setup. An illustrative four-camera night vision system is unique in that its first three cameras separately filter different bands using a subtractive Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMY) color filtering-process, while its fourth camera is used to sense either additional IR illuminators or a luminance channel to increase brightness. In some embodiments, the color night vision is implemented to distinguish details of an image in low light. The unique application of the three-lens subtractive CMY filtering allows for better photon scavenging and preservation of important color information. |
| US09503618B2 |
Camera system for monitoring a space area
A camera system for monitoring a space area has a camera unit including an image sensor and a number of optical elements which form an imaging optics. A system body has at least one receptacle for the camera unit. A mounting part serves for aligning the system body relative to the space area. The optical elements are fastened on an objective body which has a mounting flange. The objective body is fastened in the receptacle by means of the mounting flange. |
| US09503615B2 |
System and process for color-balancing a series of oblique images
Image processing systems and methods are disclosed, including an image processing system comprising a computer running image processing software causing the computer to receive an oblique aerial image having at least a first section and a second section, wherein the first section has a first color distribution and the second section has a second color distribution; receive at least two reference images having consistent color distributions; receive geographic information about the at least two reference images and the oblique aerial image; choose at least a one reference image for each of the first and second sections based on the geographic information; and create at least one color-balancing transformation for the first and second sections. |
| US09503611B2 |
Image forming apparatus, and method and device for creating dither patterns
An aspect of the invention provides an image forming apparatus storing first, second, and third dither pattern groups. The first group contains a plurality of line screens, each associated with one of gray levels in a first range, varying such that as the gray level increases, the line width increases. The second group contains a plurality of void-dot screens, each associated with one of gray levels higher than those in the first range, varying such that as the gray level increases, dots increase to reduce void portions surrounded by the dots. The third group contains, for switching from the line screen to the void-dot screen, a plurality of dither patterns varying such that as the gray level increases from a reference gray level, adjacent lines are connected at joint portions tapered toward tip ends in a manner that a position that gradually advances from the tip ends to basal ends. |
| US09503610B2 |
Apparatus and method for forming image obtained by adding midpoint indicating image to scan image on sheet
An image forming apparatus includes a punch hole detection section, a position calculating section, an image adding section, and an image forming section. The punch hole detection section analyzes image data of a scan image obtained through scanning of an original document to detect two punch hole images. The position calculating section calculates a midpoint between the two punch hole images in the scan image when the two punch hole images are detected. The image adding section adds image data of a midpoint indicating image to the image data of the scan image so that the midpoint indicating image is added to the scan image at a position corresponding to the midpoint. The image forming section performs image formation on a sheet based on the image data of the scan image to which the image data of the midpoint indicating image has been added. |
| US09503606B2 |
Time-delay-and-integrate image sensors having variable integration times
In various embodiments, a time-delay-and-integrate (TDI) image sensor includes (i) a plurality of integrating CCDs (ICCDs), arranged in parallel, that accumulate photocharge in response to exposure to light, (ii) electrically coupled to the plurality of ICCDs, a readout CCD (RCCD) for receiving photocharge from the plurality of ICCDs, and (iii) electrically coupled to the RCCD, readout circuitry for converting charge received from the RCCD into voltage. |
| US09503603B2 |
Reading apparatus, correction value calculating method and ink jet recording apparatus
The correction value calculating method of the reading apparatus includes a reading value acquiring step of acquiring reading values at respective pixels for respective reading positions at both ends of a reading range of the reference member and reading values at respective two or more pixels for respective reading positions in the reading range except the reading positions, and reading values for respective two or more reading positions at respective pixels while relatively moving an image pickup element in which a plurality of pixels are arranged along a first direction and the reference member which becomes a reference for shading correction, and a correction value calculating step of calculating a correction value for shading correction based on the acquired reading values. |
| US09503598B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus control method, and storage medium storing program
Selection of a send job by a user is accepted in an execution history which displays the execution history of a send job for sending data to a destination. It is determined whether the user has an authority to execute the send job displayed in the execution history. If it is determined that the user has the authority, an item for reusing a destination used when the selected send job was executed is displayed in a screen including the execution history. |
| US09503593B2 |
Operation console with enhanced configuration of operation buttons for command inputs, and electronic device and image processing apparatus provided with the operation console
An operation console used in relation to an apparatus as an object of control operated by a user operation includes: a display device having a display area for displaying information to the user; an input device for the user to input a request; and a display control device displaying, if a request for displaying specific information on said display device is input through the input device, the specific information on the display device. The input device includes a plurality of operation buttons for inputting a plurality of requests, corresponding to respective requests, arranged in the vicinity of the display area. Among the plurality of operation buttons, an operation button corresponding to the request for displaying the specific information is provided closest to the display device. |
| US09503592B2 |
Retrieving data associated with a printer using near field communication
Aspects of the disclosure provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for leveraging near field communications (NFC) in conjunction with printer devices. Examples of the disclosure provide for novel methods of interfacing with printers configured to use near field communications using NFC enabled readers and output media. Examples include using a smart phone to access data stored on an NFC tag associated with the printer. The data provided by the NFC tag may include printer status information, printer configuration information, network information, or other data relating to operation and maintenance of the printer. The printer may also encode the NFC tag dynamically, including encoding data to NFC tags included on print media. The printer may encode an NFC tag associated with media with a variety of information in support of various use cases. |
| US09503583B2 |
Peer-to-peer, internet protocol telephone system with proxy interface for configuration data
Various embodiments provide a Peer-to-Peer (P2P, Internet Protocol (IP) telephone system. The telephone system includes a plurality of terminals coupled together via an IP network. The terminals cooperate with one another to provide telephony features without a dedicated central controller such as a PBX and/or a KSU controller. The terminals may further receive requests for configuration data residing on other terminals, relay the requests to such other terminals to obtain the request configuration, and return the requested configuration data to the requesting device. |
| US09503582B2 |
Voice transcription
Methods, systems, computer readable media, and apparatuses for voice data transcription are provided. Packets that include voice data may be received and for each time that a threshold amount of voice data is received, a segment of voice data may be created and transcribed to text. A message that includes the transcribed text may then be transmitted to an intended recipient of the voice data, to allow the intended recipient to view the message prior to transcription of the remaining segments of the voice data. Additionally, subsequent to transmission of the message, another message may be transmitted that includes text transcribed from a different segment of the voice data. |
| US09503578B1 |
Script logic viewing
A system, method, and computer readable medium for script logic viewing that comprises calculating a script path for at least one script, defining an entry point into the at least one script, determining at least one panel associated with the at least one script, creating a navigation file based upon the calculated script path, the defined entry point and the determined at least one panel, and presenting the created navigation file. |
| US09503577B1 |
Emergency call service for groups of devices with a shared number
Distinct user devices may sometimes share a telephone number. Techniques described herein may provide for the assigning of a temporary telephone number for a user device, which shares a telephone number with other user devices, in certain situations, such as when the user device places a call to an emergency call center. The temporary telephone number may allow the user device to be reached and/or located by the emergency call center. |
| US09503573B1 |
Caller identification for restricted mobile devices
A call information server registers with a carrier platform to receive call notifications for a telephone number associated with a mobile device. When an incoming communication is made to the registered telephone number, the call information server receives a call notification before the incoming communication arrives at the mobile device. The call information server then determines the caller information associated with the caller telephone number. The caller information for the caller telephone number is information about an entity that controls or is otherwise associated with the caller telephone number. The call information server sends the caller information and the caller telephone number to the mobile device before the incoming communication arrives at the mobile device. The mobile device can then display the caller information when the incoming communication arrives at the mobile device. |
| US09503571B2 |
Systems, methods, and media for determining fraud patterns and creating fraud behavioral models
Systems, methods, and media for analyzing fraud patterns and creating fraud behavioral models are provided herein. In some embodiments, methods for analyzing call data associated with fraudsters may include executing instructions stored in memory to compare the call data to a corpus of fraud data to determine one or more unique fraudsters associated with the call data, associate the call data with one or more unique fraudsters based upon the comparison, generate one or more voiceprints for each of the one or more identified unique fraudsters from the call data, and store the one or more voiceprints in a database. |
| US09503567B2 |
Display interface converting system and method thereof
The present invention discloses a display interface converting system and a method thereof, which belongs to the technical field of mobile terminal interface transformation. The system comprises a display interface adjustment module, a storage module and a condition capturing module. The storage module has preconfigured a transformation condition data and has preconfigured the corresponding adjustment strategy. The method includes: transmitting the captured condition data to the display interface adjustment module; comparing the condition data with the preconfigured transformation condition data; obtaining the corresponding adjustment strategy and adjusting the display interface according to the adjustment strategy if the comparison is successful. The beneficial effects of this technical scheme are that as follows: it provides the user with different display interface corresponding to the different circumstances in the mobile terminal, consequently the mobile terminal is more personalized, and the user's application experience is improved. |
| US09503566B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting moderator access for a conference call
A method for protecting moderator access using a communication device. The method includes: displaying an interface for editing a conference call profile, the conference call profile including conference call scheduling information including one or more addressees for communicating with a conference call server, wherein the conference call scheduling information further includes a moderator access code and a participant access code; generating an indicator for the conference call profile for excluding sending of the moderator access code to invited participants; and storing the conference call profile including the indicator in a memory of the communication device. A communication device can be configured to perform the method. |
| US09503564B2 |
Communication device, control method of communication device, and program
A communication device includes: a first unit that is provided with a first display unit, a transmitter unit, and a receiver unit, a second unit that is detachably attached to the first unit and that is provided with a second display unit; an input unit; a communication unit that transmits a voice signal from the transmitter unit to a communication partner and that inputs to the receiver unit a voice signal from the communication partner; a detection unit that detects whether the first and second unit are in a separated state; and a control unit that executes an application, displays images that correspond to the execution of the application on the first and second display units, and when voice call is to be carried out, and moreover, when the detection result indicates that the first and second unit are in the separated state, displays images on the second display unit. |
| US09503563B2 |
Smart band and emergency state monitoring method using the same
A smart band including a display unit provided at a body, and forming a first touch recognition region; a wrist band connected to the body and having a second touch recognition region at one side of the band; and a controller configured to sense a dangerous situation has occurred based on touch inputs on the first and second touch recognition regions, and transmit preset information to a remote guardian's mobile terminal, in response to the dangerous situation being sensed. |
| US09503562B2 |
System and method for appliance control via a personal communication or entertainment device
A system for use in controlling operating functions of a controllable device includes a hand-held device and an intermediate device in communication with the hand-held device and the controllable device. The hand-held device is adapted to receive a gesture based input and to transmit a signal having data representative of the gesture based input. The intermediate device has programming for translating the data representative of the gesture based input in a signal received from the hand-held device into a command signal to be communicated to the controllable device wherein the command signal has a format appropriate for controlling an operating function of the controllable device that is associated with the gesture based input. |
| US09503561B2 |
Pen-based content transfer system and method thereof
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a system and method for providing pen-based content transfer between mobile computing devices. According to one embodiment, a first mobile computing device and second mobile computing device are configured to host electronic content. A pen device is operated by a user for selecting preferred electronic content from the electronic content hosted on the first computing device. Furthermore, the pen device is configured to store transfer information for facilitating transmission of the preferred electronic content from the first mobile computing device to the electronic content of the second mobile computing device based on action from the user. |
| US09503559B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method
A mobile terminal and control method to share content with a device and control the device are provide. The mobile terminal includes a communication unit to communicate with a host and the device; a search unit to receive content information and device information; an input unit to receive a content selection signal and a device selection signal; and a control unit to control the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal receives content information from a host and selects content to be outputted to a device selected from device information from the host. The mobile terminal controls the selected device using control commands transmitted to the selected device based on a control mode. If the control mode is not stored in the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal may receive the control mode from the host. |
| US09503557B2 |
Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which a meaningful information can be extracted during a call. The present invention includes a display unit, a wireless communication unit configured to perform a call, a microphone configured to receive a user voice during the call, an audio output unit configured to output a counterpart voice received through the wireless communication unit during the call, and a controller configured to convert at least one of the user voice or the counterpart voice to a text, extract specific information from the converted text, and, if the call ends, control the extracted specific information to be displayed through the display unit. |
| US09503548B2 |
Subscriber based priority of messages in a publisher-subscriber domain
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and computer system for prioritizing messages based on subscriber preferences. In an embodiment of the invention, an application server computer determines that a subscriber is subscribed to at least one topic space. The application server computer receives one or more topic priority preferences from the subscriber, and a plurality of messages from the at least one topic space. The application server computer prioritizes the plurality of messages based on the received topic priority preference, and sends the prioritized plurality of messages to the subscriber. |
| US09503547B2 |
Social network dating service
The invention relates to an online dating system in which users of the system maintain profiles listing friends, and in which only other users within a specified degree of relationship within a given user's social network can view the user profile of that given user. |
| US09503545B2 |
Evaluation of remote user attributes in a social networking environment
A computer host is configured to perform a method for defining user attributes with associated verification values for social networking accounts. The attributes concern the user's personal characteristics or attributes. The host publishes the attribute information to other clients together with interactive objects for soliciting corroboration of the attribute information. The host receives feedback information from other account holders, such as survey response data, concerning the veracity of the attribute information. The host processes the evaluation information and the feedback information to provide a veracity score of each attribute reported for each account holder, or for collections of attributes, by weighing the evaluation information and feedback information by a computed reliability factor for each source from which processed information is obtained. |
| US09503541B2 |
Fast mobile web applications using cloud caching
Methods and systems may provide for identifying a web application having a primary resource that references a secondary resource, wherein the primary resource contains a version identifier of the primary resource and a version identifier of the secondary resource. Additionally, a cached version of the primary resource and a cached version of the secondary resource may be created on a mobile device, and the version identifier of the primary resource may be used to determine whether the secondary resource is stale. In one example, it may be determined that staleness checking has been disabled in the secondary resource. Moreover, if the primary resource does not contain the version identifiers, cloud caching may be used. |
| US09503538B2 |
Method and system for providing a virtual platform for sharing information
A method and system for providing a virtual platform for sharing information is disclosed. The method for providing virtual platform comprises deploying a hotspot system at a hotspot access point, identifying one or more users at the hotspot access point, determining identification information associated with a user device, establishing a connection between the user device and the hotspot system and providing a virtual platform for sharing information on successful identification of the user device. The hotspot tracks the user activities, identifies user specific attributes based on the user activities, generates one or more communities for the user based on the user specific attributes, sends notifications to the one or more users of similar attributes to join the community and creates a virtual platform for providing interactive information sharing. |
| US09503537B1 |
Device tracker for user accounts
Disclosed are various embodiments for associating clients with user accounts using a unique device identifier. A plurality of identifiers is provided by a client to a device tracker. The device tracker determines if one of the plurality of identifiers matches an identifiers previously stored in association with a user account. If no association exists, the device tracker determines if the client is currently logged into a user account and associates the client with the user account in response to determining that the client is logged into the user account. If the client is not logged into a user account, then the device tracker stores the unique device identifier for the client and waits for the client to log into a user account in the future. |
| US09503536B2 |
Methods and apparatus to monitor media presentations
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to monitor media presentations are disclosed. An example method includes collecting demographic information from a user. The demographic information is transmitted to a central facility. A panelist identifier identifying the user is generated. The panelist identifier is stored in a shared memory of the media device, the panelist identifier to be retrieved by a monitoring enabled application, the monitoring enabled application to collect monitoring information if the panelist identifier is in the shared memory and to disable collection of the media monitoring information if the panelist identifier is not in the shared memory. |
| US09503535B2 |
Computer implemented methods and apparatus for automatically following entities in an online social network
Disclosed are methods, apparatus, systems, and computer readable storage media for causing an entity to automatically follow other entities in an online social network. Location information of an entity can be received, and an automatic follow rule applicable to the entity can be determined. The automatic follow rule may cause the entity to follow other entities when one or more conditions including a designated spatial proximity of the entity to the other entities is satisfied. When it is determined that one or more conditions is satisfied, data associated with the entity can be updated to indicate that the first entity follows the other entities. In some implementations, when the entity is associated with a temporal follow status and a trigger event specified by the automatic follow rule is satisfied, data associated with the entity can be updated to indicate that the entity does not follow the other entities. |
| US09503533B2 |
Network manager system for location-aware mobile communication devices
Embodiments of a location sharing network manager process are described. The process is executed on a server computer coupled to a plurality of mobile communication devices over a wireless network. Each mobile device is a location-aware mobile communication device. The process determines the geographic location of a mobile communication device operated by a user within an area, displays a map representation of the area around the mobile communication device on a graphical user interface of the mobile communication device, and superimposes on the map the respective locations of one or more other trusted users of mobile communication devices coupled to the mobile communication device over the network. A comprehensive network manager process provides management functions to allow communication with mobile phone users outside of the service network and allows for efficient communication with groups of users within the service network. |
| US09503532B2 |
Rediscovery of past data
According to one embodiment, a user's past content (e.g., pictures, movies, audio recordings) may be retrieved and pushed to the user's mobile device in a real-time and in a contextually-relevant manner. The pushed content may also include contextually-relevant content of others with whom the user has established a relationship to share such content. |
| US09503520B2 |
Application synchronization among multiple computing devices
A system and method for utilizing a server to synchronize launchers between a smartphone and a browser running on a personal computer of a user. When the user installs an application on his smartphone, the application's icon also appears automatically on a toolbar of the browser. The toolbar visually resembles the screen of the smartphone, and opening the icon of the toolbar launches, on the personal computer, a program that is identical or equivalent to the application installed on the smartphone. |
| US09503518B2 |
Method and apparatus for buffering and obtaining resources, resource buffering system
A method and an apparatus for buffering and obtaining resources as well as a resource buffering system are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining an access popularity value of a resource from a database at intervals of a first preset time, and obtaining load values of cache servers from the database if determining that the access popularity value reaches a preset first threshold; and determining a duplication cache server for duplicating the resource according to the access popularity value and the load values, and notifying the duplication cache server to duplicate the resource from a cache server that stores the resource and buffer the resource. The method overcome the problems in the prior, namely, the same resource is buffered in only one cache server and the relatively idle cache servers are unable to share loads with busy cache servers. The method improves extensibility and working efficiency of the buffering system. |
| US09503516B2 |
Context-based contact notification
Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a context-based notification from a first device to a second device. In an embodiment, the first device is associated with a driver travelling to pick up a passenger, and the second device is associated with the passenger. Substantially at a notification point, the first device determines if, how, and when to transmit an auto-notification to the second device based on context. For example, if the passenger is not near the meeting point, then a notification is not sent, whereas if the passenger is in a conference with others, then a text rather than a call is sent. If traffic between the notification point and the meeting point is heavy, then the notification is delayed until the expected amount of travel time remains. |
| US09503503B2 |
Method, user terminal, and web server for providing service among heterogeneous services
A method of providing a service among heterogeneous services may include verifying whether a second web application associated with an external web service is installed in a user agent, when data of the external web service is requested from a first web application executed in the user agent, requesting key information to be used for accessing the requested data from a first server providing a web service associated with the first web application, when the second web application is installed in the user agent, receiving the key information from the first server, and accessing the requested data existing on the second web application, using the received key information, in the first web application. |
| US09503502B1 |
Feedback mechanisms providing contextual information
Feedback received from users regarding potential problems with an application, service, or other source of electronic content can be configured to include additional information that help triangulate the source of the problem. Content provided by third parties can be combined with content from a primary provider, but the primary provider often will be unable to determine the precise instance of third party content that a user received that might have posed a problem for the user, as may relate to malware or another such issue. By configuring feedback submissions from users to automatically include identifying information, and by logging session data for various users, a content provider can analyze and filter the data to determine likely sources of the problem, and deactivate or otherwise address those sources. Further, the content provider can analyze the information to locate any users likely to have been exposed to the same third party content. |
| US09503497B2 |
Optimizing transfer to a remote access client of a high definition (HD) host screen image
A host-client protocol facilitates delivery of screen images from a host to a remote access client when the host content is continuous or large (such as high definition (HD) content). To facilitate this operation, the protocol implements several functions and operations that provide the desired result of an HD stream viewable on the remote access client. These functions and operations include one or more of: frame rate adjustment, rate control, dynamic adjustment to the stream based on client-provided screen resolution or changes, eliminating portions of the host screen that are not in view on the remote access client, implementing client-initiated zoom/pan operations on the host instead of the client, performing zoom/pan operations, dynamic control over screen updates, and (where multiple clients are receiving the stream) delivering streams to different clients at different frame rates. |
| US09503494B2 |
Adaptive streaming using chunked time-to-offset mapping
Systems and methods are provided herein relating to adaptive video streaming. Time-to-offset mapping associated with a set of video blocks can be broken up into chunks. A client can download a first set of seek index chunks and use the first set of seek index chunks to select a stream. Seek index chunks within remaining sets of seek index chunks can be ranked for relevance based on client capabilities. A subset of remaining sets of seeks index chunks can be downloaded based on the rankings and client capabilities during streaming. Chunked time-to-offset mapping can facilitate faster startup when playing streamed video. |
| US09503491B2 |
Playback stall avoidance in adaptive media streaming
Methods, systems and devices are described to avoid stalling during playback of an adaptive media stream delivered to a media player device over a network. The media device requests segments of the media stream that are received in a buffer. Buffer utilization is monitored over time to determine a rate of change, and future segment requests are adjusted based upon the determined rate of change in the buffer utilization. By making adjustments based upon the rate of change in buffer utilization, sudden changes that could otherwise affect the viewer's experience can be avoided. |
| US09503485B1 |
Connecting communicating devices in a multi-server communication system
A system and methods are provided for aggregating communication connections. Multiple users connect to a system (e.g., a web-based system) that hosts an application or service for exchanging communications. Users who exchange communications among themselves may be considered “associates.” When one user who is on-line with the application sends a communication through the system for an associate, the system determines whether the associate is on-line or off-line. If the associate is off-line, the system crafts and sends toward the associate a notification regarding the communication, including an address of the communication server to which the one user is connected. When the associate's device receives the notification, the application may attempt to connect to the specified address. In this way associated users' connections will aggregate or gravitate toward the same communication server, thereby eliminating the latency and cost of exchanging users' communications between multiple communication servers. |
| US09503479B2 |
Assessment of network perimeter security
A method and system for assessing security of a network perimeter of a network. Security of an authentication computer from attack is reviewed. Users outside of the network perimeter that request access to an application within the network perimeter are authenticated. Vulnerability of a gateway computer at the network perimeter from applications outside of the network perimeter is reviewed. The reviewing of vulnerability of the gateway computer includes scanning ports on the gateway computer to determine whether an unauthorized application outside the network perimeter and/or at least one unauthorized service from the unauthorized application is available within the network perimeter via the gateway computer. |
| US09503478B2 |
Policy-based secure communication with automatic key management for industrial control and automation systems
A method includes generating at least one access vector associated with a specified device in an industrial process control and automation system. The specified device has one of multiple device roles. The at least one access vector is generated based on one or more communication policies defining communications between one or more pairs of devices roles in the industrial process control and automation system, where each pair of device roles includes the device role of the specified device. The method also includes providing the at least one access vector to at least one of the specified device and one or more other devices in the industrial process control and automation system in order to control communications to or from the specified device. |
| US09503476B2 |
Anti-takeover systems and methods for network attached peripherals
Methods, systems, and devices are described for the prevention of network peripheral takeover activity. Peripheral devices may implement an anti-takeover mechanism limiting the number of available device command classes when certain handshake and verification requirements are not met. Anti-takeover peripheral devices with protection enabled may be relocated within a controller network, or in certain cases, from one controller network to another controller network when certain conditions are met. That same device may be hobbled when removed from a controller network and may remain hobbled when connected to another network that fails to meet certain conditions. Unprotection and unhobbling of a device may occur through an algorithmic mechanism using values stored on the peripheral device and the controller device for one or more of anti-takeover code generation, anti-takeover code comparison, network identification value comparison, and manufacturer identification value comparison. |
| US09503475B2 |
Self-adaptive and proactive virtual machine images adjustment to environmental security risks in a cloud environment
A computer system includes a security coordinator configured to be communicatively coupled to a plurality of managed machines deployed in a same computing environment and managed by an environment manager. The security coordinator is configured to detect a security condition with respect to a first one of the managed machines, and to automatically initiate modification of a second one of the managed machines in the same computing environment responsive to detection of the security condition. The security coordinator is configured to initiate the modification of the second one of the managed machines prior to occurrence of a security condition therein and prior to action by the environment manager with respect to the second one of the managed machines in response to the detected security condition. |
| US09503474B2 |
Identification of trusted websites
This document describes techniques for identifying trusted websites. In one embodiment, a computer system can receive a request from user to access a website and a private image and a public image wherein the public image and the private image are associated with a user account that enables the user to access the website. The computer system then embeds the private image in the public image to create a combined image and transmits the combined image to a client device for processing. The computer system can then receive a confirmation from the user that at least the private image embedded in the combined image is verified. |
| US09503473B1 |
Apparatus, system, and method for protecting against keylogging malware
An apparatus, system, and method is disclosed for protecting against key logger malware. The protection includes protection form grabbing keylogger malware. In response to detecting a form submission event from a browser associated with a user entering data into a form, confidential data is cleared to prevent it being captured by malware. Additional protection of data inputs, entered at a driver level, may be provided as an additional level of protection against hook based malware operating at a virtual keyboard level or operating system level. Data inputs received at a physical driver level may be protected as they pass through a virtual keyboard level and an operating system level. The projection against malware may be provided as a preventive measure that does not require detection of the key logger malware itself. |
| US09503468B1 |
Detecting suspicious web traffic from an enterprise network
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for detecting suspicious web traffic are provided herein. A method includes generating a database comprising information corresponding to each of multiple connections between one or more destinations external to an enterprise network and one or more hosts within the enterprise network, wherein said multiple connections occur over a given period of time; processing multiple additional connections between one or more destinations external to the enterprise network and one or more hosts within the enterprise network with one or more filtering operations to produce one or more filtered connections, wherein said multiple additional connections occur subsequent to said given period of time; and analyzing said filtered connections against the database to identify a connection to a destination external to the enterprise network that is not included in the information in the database. |
| US09503465B2 |
Methods and apparatus to identify malicious activity in a network
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to learn malicious activity. An example method includes assigning weights of a distance function to respective statistical features; iteratively calculating, with a processor, the distance function to adjust the weights (1) to cause a reduction in a first distance calculated according to the distance function for a first pair of entities in a reference group associated with malicious activity and (2) to cause an increase in a second distance calculated according to the distance function for a first one of the entities included in the reference group and a second entity not included in the reference group; and determining whether a first statistical feature is indicative of malicious activity based on a respective adjusted weight of the first statistical feature determined after calculating the distance function for a number of iterations. |
| US09503463B2 |
Detection of threats to networks, based on geographic location
A method for a wireless network. The network includes at least a server and a plurality of computer devices wirelessly connected to the server. At least one of the computer devices is under attack by an ‘attacker’ device. The method provides for detection and reporting of the attack as to the location of the attack. The method includes detecting an attack by one of the computer devices, using a zCore module and transmitting an ‘attack report’ to the server. The report includes at least the attack location. The method also includes notifying at least one of the plurality of computer devices and an external computer device that the network is compromised. |
| US09503461B2 |
Authentication based on proximate devices
In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes, in response to an attempt by a user to perform a transaction using a computing device, accessing a communication device connected to the computing device. A presence of one or more nearby devices, with respect to the computing device, is detected through use of the communication device connected to the computing device. A mapping of nearby devices to trust levels may be applied to the one or more nearby devices. In the mapping, each group of one or more nearby devices maps to a trust level of two or more trust levels. An assigned trust level for the transaction is determined, by a computer processor, based on applying the mapping of nearby devices to trust levels. The mapping of nearby devices to trust levels is modified based on the one or more nearby devices detected. The modified mapping is used for future transactions. |
| US09503460B2 |
System and method for managing access for trusted and untrusted applications
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes identifying a network location of an endpoint, which is attempting to initiate an application; identifying whether the endpoint is operating in an enterprise environment; determining whether the application is trusted based on metadata associated with the application; and provisioning a tunnel for data traffic associated with the application. In more detailed implementations, the tunnel can be provisioned if the application is trusted and the endpoint is outside of an enterprise environment. In addition, the tunnel can be provisioned if the application is untrusted and the endpoint is within an enterprise environment. |
| US09503458B2 |
Retrospective policy safety net
These and other objectives are attained with a method and system for evaluating an access policy change. The method comprises the step of providing an access control mechanism having a first policy, and an audit log having entries of accesses made under that first policy. The method comprises the further steps of submitting a second policy to the access control mechanism, comparing the log entries to the second policy, and based on the results of the comparing step, taking one of a predetermined number of actions. |
| US09503450B2 |
Login security with short messaging
Additional security is provided for on-line account users beyond that which is otherwise conventionally provided by, e.g., longer passwords, passwords that include both characters and numbers, etc., by implementing an on-line server that notifies a pre-registered account holder via a short messaging system (SMS) with a short message login notification when a log-in (or even just a login attempt) occurs. Thus, even entry of the proper user/password information, which would conventionally be presumed to be authorized, will be notified to the registered SM address of the authorized user. |
| US09503448B2 |
Authenticated session establishment
Methods, devices, and machine-readable media are provided to provide secure communications between entities. As provided in this disclosure, this may include receiving a request to begin a new communication session, determining one or more desired parameters of the session, and determining whether the desired parameters of the message match proposed parameters provided by the entity requesting the new communication session. When the one or more proposed parameters match the one or more desired parameters, a secure communication session is established between the entities. |
| US09503440B2 |
Persistent public machine setting
Disclosed herein are methods for protecting user information on a client device that may have a plurality of users. A user interface with a public machine designation portion is presented to a user prior to the start of the authentication process. The public machine designation removes web service account descriptions and any user specific information stored on the client device. Also, the client device is prevented from storing any new user specific information that is provided to the client device. The public machine designation is a persistent feature that may only be disabled by an affirmative action from the user. |
| US09503437B2 |
Apparatus for secure hearing device communication and related method
The disclosure provides a client device for hearing device communication and related method. The client device comprises a processing unit, a memory unit, and an interface. The processing unit is configured to send a session request for a session to the hearing device via the interface. The processing unit is configured to receive a session response from the hearing device via the interface. The processing unit is configured to obtain a session key based on e.g. the session response. The processing unit is configured to determine hearing device data and/or to generate session data e.g. based on the session key and the hearing device data. The processing unit is configured to send the session data to the hearing device via the interface. |
| US09503436B1 |
Methods and systems for NAS device pairing and mirroring
One embodiment is a system, comprising a first NAS device, a second NAS device. The first and second NAS devices may be configured to be paired with one another to enable an ongoing secure exchange of content (e.g., files, pictures, movies, audio recordings) and NAS settings (e.g., RAID settings, backup schedules, etc.) between the first and second NAS devices across a network. According to one embodiment, through this ongoing secure exchange of content and NAS settings, the second NAS device may become and may be thereafter maintained as a mirror of the first NAS device, such that the second NAS device may be maintained as a drop-in physical and functional replacement for the first NAS device in the event of a failure of the first NAS device. |
| US09503434B2 |
Single-pass data compression and encryption
Embodiments compress and encrypt data in a single pass to reduce inefficiencies that occur from compression and encrypting data separately. Typically, compression and encryption are implemented in separate functional units. This has a few disadvantages: 1) encryption cannot make use of compression state to further secure the message, 2) processed data is read and written twice, 3) additional space, time, and resources are consumed, and 4) it is more prone to potential cipher-attacks since the encryption stage is independent from compression. Embodiments overcome these disadvantages by structuring these operations so that both compression and encryption is executed within the same processing loop. Thus: 1) encryption is stronger due to the dependence on the compression state, 2) I/O buffers are accessed only once reducing overhead, 3) system footprint is reduced, and 4) cipher analysis is more complex since the decryption process cannot be separated from the decompression process. |
| US09503429B2 |
Systems for finding a lost transient storage device
Processes for identifying and recovering a lost transient storage device are provided. In some processes, information regarding the owner of the device is obtained. The device ownership information may be stored on a remote service with which the device is registered and/or may be stored on the device itself. In one process, the remote service provides the device with customized device-executable code when the device is registered. The device may also contain information regarding trusted systems. The process includes obtaining status information indicating whether a device is lost when the device is connected to a host system. In some processes, the status is determined by a remote service. In other processes, the status is determined by the device. If the device is lost then a device recovery plan is executed. Portions of a device recovery plan may be executed on the remote service, the host system, and/or the device. |
| US09503427B2 |
Method and apparatus for integrating a service virtual machine
For a host that executes one or more guest virtual machines (GVMs), some embodiments provide a novel virtualization architecture for utilizing a firewall service virtual machine (SVM) on the host to check the packets sent by and/or received for the GVMs. In some embodiments, the GVMs connect to a software forwarding element (e.g., a software switch) that executes on the host to connect to each other and to other devices operating outside of the host. Instead of connecting the firewall SVM to the host's software forwarding element that connects its GVMs, the virtualization architecture of some embodiments provides an SVM interface (SVMI) through which the firewall SVM can be accessed to check the packets sent by and/or received for the GVMs. |
| US09503424B2 |
Dynamic resolution of fully qualified domain name (FQDN) address objects in policy definitions
Dynamic resolution of Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) address objects in policy definitions is provided. In some embodiments, dynamic resolution of Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) address objects in policy definitions includes receiving a network policy that includes a domain name (e.g., the network policy can include a network security rule that is based on the domain name); and periodically updating Internet Protocol (IP) address information associated with the domain name by performing a Domain Name Server (DNS) query. In some embodiments, dynamic resolution of Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) address objects in policy definitions includes dynamically performing a first local Domain Name Server (DNS) lookup for a first VSYS using a first DNS server on a first domain name for implementing a network policy based on the first domain name; dynamically performing a second local DNS lookup for a second VSYS using a second DNS server on the first domain name for implementing the network policy based on the first domain name; in which the network policy includes a network security rule that is based on the first domain name, and the network policy includes a network security rule that is based on the second domain name. |
| US09503421B2 |
Security information and event management
Systems and methods are described for conducting work flows by an SIEM device to carry out a complex task automatically. According to one embodiment, an SIEM device may create a work flow that includes multiple security tasks that are performed by one or more security devices. When a security event is captured or the work flow is scheduled to be executed, the SIEM device starts the work flow by scheduling the security tasks defined in the work flow. The SIEM device then collects results of security tasks performed by the one or more security devices. |
| US09503420B2 |
Logical network separation method and apparatus
Disclosed are a logical network separation method and apparatus. The logical network separation method includes generating a first hash key on the basis of address information included in a service request packet, generating hash information on the basis of a transmission property of the service request packet corresponding to the first hash key when the same hash key as the first hash key is not in the hash table, and generating the policy about the reception of the service response packet corresponding to the service request packet on the basis of a destination of the service request packet. Accordingly, it is possible to block a cyber attack such as hacking, a malicious program, etc. |
| US09503412B1 |
Systems and methods for IT services and social knowledge management using social objects and activity streams
A system implementing a social paradigm for information technology (IT) services and social knowledge management in an IT environment. Physical and non-physical objects in the IT environment are represented by IT objects which are a type of social objects with social features. Each IT object has an activity stream for capturing communications, notifications, and knowledge related to the IT object. An activity stream manager may detect a change to an IT object, automatically generate a post, topic, or comment about the change, and place it in the activity stream of the IT object. For any IT object affected by the change, the activity stream manager may update an associated activity stream to reflect the change and may notify various users of the update in real time. A user interface is provided for the users to, among others, collaborate in the context of the change. |
| US09503411B1 |
Ranking posts based on a prioritized list of recipients
Various aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and machine-readable media for prioritizing content (e.g., a post on a social networking site) based on a prioritized list of recipients. According to some aspects, a system receives a post associated with a prioritized list of recipients, wherein the prioritized list of recipients comprises an assignment, made by a publisher of the post, of a recipient user to a priority category, prioritizes the post based on the priority category assigned to the recipient user, and provides for display of the post in a user interface associated with the recipient user based on the score for the post. |
| US09503409B2 |
Suppression of extraneous alerts on multiple devices
A system that includes a server and a plurality of destination clients. The server is connected to a network and routes an electronic communication through the network to a destination. The plurality of destination clients are associated with the destination and connected to the network, each destination client comprising: a network interface connected to the network and receiving the electronic communication; an output unit configured to output an alert associated with the electronic communication; and an alert suppression device suppressing output of the alert when a response to the electronic communication has been transmitted from the destination, where the alert suppression device of each of the plurality of destination clients suppresses the alert when any one of the destination clients responds to the electronic communication. |
| US09503408B2 |
Method and system for receiving and sending E-mail in network application system
A method and system for receiving and sending an email, including: generating a proxy mailbox corresponding to a registered user and recording a correspondence between an address of the proxy mailbox and an address of a real mailbox of the user; receiving a click request of a login user for network medium information presented by the network application system; establishing information about a binding relationship between an e-mail address of an advertiser of the network medium information and an address of a proxy mailbox of the login user; and determining, after the proxy mailbox receives an e-mail, whether an e-mail address of a sender of the e-mail and the address of the proxy mailbox have the binding relationship, and if yes, querying an address of a real mailbox of the user corresponding to the address of the proxy mailbox and forwarding the received e-mail to the found real mailbox. |
| US09503405B2 |
Information processing system and method that record result of process that uses e-mail transmission
An information processing system, which includes an electronic apparatus and a service providing system executing a process using e-mail based on a request from the electronic apparatus, includes a process reception part that receives the request, a mail transmission part that transmits the e-mail to which identification information uniquely identifying the request is added and in which the address of the service providing system is set as the return destination of the e-mail, a monitoring part that detects reception of the e-mail returned in response to the failure of the transmission of the e-mail, and identifies the request based on the identification information added to the returned e-mail, and a reporting part that reports the failure as the process result of the request to the process reception part. The process reception part records the failure as the process result of the request in response to the reported failure. |
| US09503404B2 |
Correction of incoming messaging
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to performing correction on incoming messages. Embodiments include receiving a message from a sender and determining if a portion of the message has been auto-corrected by the sender. Embodiments also include performing a correction on the portion of the message that was auto-corrected by the sender and storing the correction made by the receiver for each individual sender. |
| US09503401B1 |
Automated message recall from a sender's device
A system, apparatus, and methods are provided for supporting automated recall of a message (e.g., a chat message) from an originator's device, or at least media that accompanied the message. An original message may convey one or more media files that are temporarily stored on a system or apparatus that hosts the communication application used to create, send, and receive messages. The media files may be lost in transit because of failure of a system component, failure of a storage device, purging of the files before they are retrieved by a recipient, or for some other reason. When the recipient's device receives an error in response to an attempt to retrieve the media file(s), it automatically initiates a recall request that is returned to the originating device. If the message and media are still available on the device, an abbreviated version of the message is re-sent, with the media. |
| US09503400B2 |
Handheld electronic device and associated method providing time data in a messaging environment
An improved handheld electronic device and an associated method are provided in which time data regarding certain aspects of a messaging conversation on a handheld electronic device are made available to a user. Such time data is provided, for instance, in situations where an interruption has occurred during a messaging conversation. Time data can also be provided to a user on demand in certain circumstances. |
| US09503391B2 |
Method and system for network function placement
A method implemented for network function placement is disclosed. The method optimizes network function placement for each traffic flow, to minimize the overall inter-pod traffic volume. For each traffic flow going through a data center, the method initiates a pod list. The network functions of the traffic flow is sorted in a descending order by resource demanded. Then one network function is selected one at a time according to the descending order. For each network function, the pods in the pod list is sorted in an ascending order by resource available in each pod. The method selects a first pod for the network function when possible. When no pod in the pod list has enough resource for the network function, the method adds a pod with the most available resource from a pod pool to the pod list, and selects the added pod for the network function. |
| US09503389B2 |
Managing resource consolidation configurations
Systems and methods for monitoring the performance associated with fulfilling resource requests and determining optimizations for improving such performance are provided. A processing device obtains and processes performance information associated with processing a request corresponding to two or more embedded resources. The processing device uses the processed performance information to determine a consolidation configuration to be associated with a subsequent request for the content associated with the two or more embedded resources. In some embodiments, in making such a determination, the processing device assesses performance information collected and associated with subsequent requests corresponding to the content associated with the two or more embedded resources and using each of a variety of alternative consolidation configurations. Aspects of systems and methods for generating recommendations to use a particular consolidation configuration to process a subsequent request corresponding to the content associated with the two or more embedded resources are also provided. |
| US09503386B2 |
Computer product, terminal, server, data sharing method, and data distribution method
A computer-readable recording medium stores a data sharing program that causes a processor of a first terminal to execute a process that includes detecting a communication bandwidth used between the first terminal and a second terminal that are communicably connected in an ad-hoc network; comparing the detected communication bandwidth and a bandwidth related to a storage apparatus of the first terminal; determining an operation scheme related to data sharing of data in the storage apparatus of the first terminal and data in a storage apparatus of the second terminal, based on a comparison result obtained at the comparing; notifying the second terminal of the determined operation scheme; and executing a mounting process that enables access of the storage apparatus of the first terminal by the second terminal, based on the determined operation scheme. |
| US09503383B2 |
Flow control for reliable message passing
A message flow controller limits a process from passing a new message in a reliable message passing layer from a source node to at least one destination node while a total number of in-flight messages for the process meets a first level limit. The message flow controller limits the new message from passing from the source node to a particular destination node from among a plurality of destination nodes while a total number of in-flight messages to the particular destination node meets a second level limit. Responsive to the total number of in-flight messages to the particular destination node not meeting the second level limit, the message flow controller only sends a new packet from among at least one packet for the new message to the particular destination node while a total number of in-flight packets for the new message is less than a third level limit. |
| US09503379B2 |
Optimizing radio access network resources based on end-to-end analytics
A system may be configured to determine a measure of end-to-end latency associated with traffic sent from a first user device to a second user device, the traffic being sent via at least one radio access network (“RAN”); determine that the measure of end-to-end latency exceeds a threshold latency; and output, based on determining that the measure of end-to-end latency exceeds the threshold latency, one or more parameters to the RAN. The one or more parameters may cause the RAN to elevate a priority associated with the traffic when transported via the RAN. |
| US09503374B2 |
Apparatus for hybrid routing in SDN networks to avoid congestion and achieve good load balancing under fluctuating traffic load
A controller having an application optimally routing traffic to balance fluctuating traffic loads in a SDN network. A processor is configured to control the data plane to establish routing through the plurality of routers, wherein the processor is configured to establish hybrid routing comprising both explicit routing and destination-based routing. The processor utilizes a set of traffic matrices representing the fluctuating traffic load over time. A destination-based multi-path routing algorithm is configured to improve load balancing of the traffic load based on the set of representative traffic matrices. The destination based routing is calculated based on linear programming. The processor comprises a traffic categorization algorithm configured to identify a set of key flows, wherein the processor is configured to explicitly route the set of key flows. The processor is configured such that the set of key flows consume a small fraction of a ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM), and such that the set of key flows provide a routing decision for a large portion of the traffic load. |
| US09503372B1 |
SDN protocol message handling within a modular and partitioned SDN switch
An integrated circuit includes ingress ethernet ports and egress ethernet ports. A second ingress ethernet port is configurable to operate in a selected one of a command mode and a data mode. The ingress ethernet port does not power up in the command mode and can only be put into the command mode as a result of a port modeset command being received onto an ingress ethernet port operating in the command mode. A first ingress ethernet port powers up in the command mode. In the command mode the first ingress ethernet port can receive and carry out a port modeset command. Receiving and carrying out of the port modeset command causes one of the ingress ethernet ports identified by the port modeset command to operate in the command mode. A flow table structure adapted to store flow entries is used to determine which egress ethernet port outputs a packet. |
| US09503371B2 |
High availability L3 gateways for logical networks
Some embodiments provide a method for a network controller in a network control system that manages a plurality of logical networks. The method receives a specification of a logical network that includes a logical router. The method selects at least two host machines to implement a routing table for the logical router from several host machines designated for hosting logical routers. The selected host machines include a designated master host machine for the routing table. The method generates data tuples for provisioning a set of managed forwarding elements that implement the logical network to send data packets that require processing by the routing table to the selected host machines. The data tuples specify an order for the selected host machines with the designated master host machine as the first host machine in the specified order. |
| US09503370B2 |
Optimized content routing distribution using proximity based on predictive client flow trajectories
System, method, and computer program product to perform an operation, the operation comprising capturing, at one or more peering routers, parameters for a plurality of data packets sent by a client device and specifying a destination network address, identifying which peering router captured the parameters for each of the plurality of data packets, determining, based on the identified peering routers, a first peering router nearest to the client, relative to the other peering routers, identifying a first content cache, of a plurality of content caches in a content distribution network, nearest to the first peering router, and fulfilling a content request from the client device using content stored on the first content cache. |
| US09503360B2 |
Method and apparatus for traffic engineering in shortest path bridged networks
A method and apparatus for diverting traffic in a communications network are disclosed. According to one aspect, the invention provides a communications network with a first node and a second node. Connecting these two nodes is a first set of intermediate nodes on a first path (the true shortest path) and a second set of intermediate nodes on a second alternate path. At a first node, a first processor determines whether a packet arriving at the first node must transit the second node. If so, the base virtual local area network (VLAN) identifier (VID) of the packet is replaced by a first VID, and the packet is transmitted along the second path through the second set of intermediate nodes to the second node. At the second node, a second processor determines whether a packet arriving at the second node must transit the first node. If so, the base VID of the packet is replaced by a second VID different from the first VID and different from the base VID, and the packet is transmitted along the second path through the second set of intermediate nodes to the first node. |
| US09503357B2 |
Method and apparatus for limiting topology and reachability information in an OSPF area
A network element that acts as a hub in a hub and spoke topology is configured to limit the amount of topology and reachability information that is advertised to a set of one or more remote network elements that act as one or more spokes in the hub and spoke topology in a same routing area. The network element generates a set of one or two link state advertisements (LSAs) to advertise over an interface that connects at least one of the set of remote network elements to the network element, wherein the set of LSAs includes information that describes a connection to the set of remote network elements and one or more aggregate routes. The network element advertises, during a database exchange process with the one of the set of remote network elements, the set of LSAs to the one of the set of remote network elements. |
| US09503349B2 |
Complex interaction recording
A system for complex interaction recording, comprising a recording management server that operates on a network-connected computing device and records communications, a record server that operates on a network-connected computing device and presents records for review and interaction by a human user, and an interaction evaluation server that operates on a network-connected computing device and identifies interactions segments and groups them into complex interactions, and a method for recording complex interactions comprising the steps of loading an interaction, identifying segments within the interaction, grouping segments into a complex interaction, and sending the resulting complex interaction as output. |
| US09503335B2 |
Service metric analysis from structured logging schema of usage data
Technologies are generally described to provide a passive monitoring system employing a logging schema to track usage data in order to analyze performance and reliability of a service. The logging schema may be configured to track user requests as each request is received and processed at individual subsystems of the collaborative service. A logging entry may be created at a data store of the service, where the logging entry includes a subsystem name, an operation performed by the subsystem to fulfill the request, and start and end times of the operation. The logging schema may also detect errors fulfilling the requests, and may classify detected errors into a bucket, where each bucket denotes a failure scenario. Reliability of the service may be calculated based on analysis of the buckets to compute error rates. Reports may be generated to enable continuous monitoring of a performance and reliability of the system. |
| US09503329B2 |
Correlating road network information and user mobility information for wireless communication network planning
Various embodiments monitor user mobility in a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, a set of temporally related call detail records associated with at least one user of a wireless communication network is analyzed. A set of base stations accessed during at least one call associated with the set of temporally related call detail records is identified based on the analysis of the records. At least one road segment of a road network within a threshold distance to each of the set of base stations is identified. A set of mobility information for the at least one user indicating that the at least one user traversed the at least one road segment is stored based on identifying the at least one road segment. |
| US09503322B2 |
Automatic stack unit replacement system
Systems and methods for replacing a stack unit in a stack system include determining that a first and a second port that are located on opposite ends of the stack system are inactive when operating in a stack port mode after being connected to respective ports on a new stack unit that are operating in a Ethernet port mode. In response, the first and second port are converted from the stack port mode to the Ethernet port mode. A stack port probe packet is then sent from the first and second port to the new stack unit that cause the new stack unit to convert its connected ports from the Ethernet port mode to the stack port mode. A stack port probe reply is then received through the first and second port from the new stack unit and, in response, the first and second port are converted from the Ethernet port mode to the stack port mode. |
| US09503317B2 |
Method and device for processing communication path
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and a device for processing a communication path. The method includes: obtaining a path processing parameter from local configuration information or from a control layer device, obtaining path information and/or a restarting counter parameter from the control layer device; increasing a path with an opposite-end device when the path information is of increasing a path, identifying the state of the path and/or the state of the opposite-end device using the path processing parameter and/or the restarting counter parameter the opposite-end device; reporting the fault state of the path and/or the reset state of the opposite-end device to the control layer device when the path fails and/or the opposite-end device is reset, releasing sessions on the failed path and/or on a path connected with the reset opposite-end device. |
| US09503316B2 |
Method and system for updating distributed resilient network interconnect (DRNI) states
A method of configuring a set of conversation identifiers (IDs) at a network device in a distributed resilient network interconnect (DRNI) of a link aggregation group is disclosed. The method starts with initializing the set of conversation IDs, wherein the initialization includes setting entries of a Boolean vector associated with the set of conversation IDs to be a sequence of zeroes, and wherein the Boolean vector includes values indicating processing the set of conversation IDs through the single gateway or the single aggregator of the network device. The method continues with determining that distribution of the set of conversation IDs needs to be updated, setting values of an operational vector indexed by the conversation IDs, and setting values of the Boolean vector, wherein the Boolean vector lists whether the single gateway or the single aggregator of the network device is associated with each of the conversation IDs. |
| US09503312B2 |
Network management system
It is to realize a network management system which can suppress to a minimum a time during which it is impossible to make a communication when a trouble occurs in any of field wireless management stations formed to be redundant.In a network management system in which field wireless management stations 11, 12 having gateway functions and system management functions incorporated are redundantly connected together, the field wireless management stations 11, 12 include at least switch modules 11b, 12b, and the plurality of field wireless management stations 11, 12 are connected to each other through a synchronizing cable 30 and synchronizing connectors CNa, CNb provided in the synchronizing cable 30, and switches SWm are connected in series to a synchronizing system which connects the switch modules 11b, 12b to each other to turn on and off the system. |
| US09503311B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing network applications monitoring
A method and apparatus for providing network performance monitoring using a switch running a service monitoring (SERMON) client is disclosed. A request for SERMON metrics is received from a performance database manager (PDM). The request is sent to the SERMON server designated in the request. The SERMON server is running in a service host. A reply is received from the SERMON server. The reply is sent to the PDM.A method and apparatus for providing network performance monitoring using a service host running a service monitoring (SERMON) server is disclosed. In one embodiment, a request is received from a SERMON client. SERMON data is collected using a kernel thread. The collected data is sent in a reply to the SERMON client. |
| US09503308B2 |
Method, device and system for processing content
The disclosure relates to a method, device and system for processing content. In the method: a server receives a content acquiring request transmitted by a terminal. The server determines a first storage node list according to a mapping relation acquired in advance between contents and storage nodes. The first storage node list includes a plurality of first storage nodes that store a first content corresponding to the content acquiring request. The server transmits a sorting request to a network storage management server and receives a sorting result transmitted by the network storage management server. The sorting result includes priorities of the plurality of first storage nodes. The server transmits a content acquiring response to the terminal, where the content acquiring response includes first access information and priority of at least one of the first storage nodes. |
| US09503303B2 |
Symbol mapping for binary coding
The present disclosure presents symbol mapping for any desired error correction code (ECC) and/or uncoded modulation. A cross-shaped constellation is employed to perform symbol mapping. The cross-shaped constellation is generated from a rectangle-shaped constellation. Considering the rectangle-shaped constellation and its left hand side, a first constellation point subset located along that left hand side are moved to be along a top of the cross-shaped constellation while a second constellation point subset located along that left hand side are moved to be along a bottom of the cross-shaped constellation. For example, considering an embodiment having four constellation point subsets along the left hand side of the rectangle-shaped constellation, two of those subsets are moved to be along the top of the cross-shaped constellation while two other subsets of the constellation points along the left hand side are moved to be along the bottom of the cross-shaped constellation. |
| US09503301B2 |
Noise-shaping crest factor reduction with polyphase transforming
Apparatus, system and method relates generally to data communication with noise-shaping crest factor reduction using polyphase transformation. In such a method, a composite signal is received by a delay and a waveform generator. The waveform generator is for noise-shaping crest factor reduction using polyphase transformation. The composite signal is delayed by the delay to provide a delayed composite signal. A waveform is generated by the waveform generator from the composite signal. The waveform is output from the waveform generator having clipping noise with respect to bands of corresponding carriers of the composite signal. The waveform is subtracted from the delayed version of the composite signal for peak-to-amplitude power ratio reduction. A reduced peak version of the delayed version of the composite signal delayed is output from the signal combiner. |
| US09503296B2 |
FM receiver and FM receiving method for receiving FM signal
A quadrature detector performs a quadrature detection on an FM signal based on a local oscillation signal, and outputs a baseband signal. A first corrector and a second corrector perform a correction on the baseband signal based on a DC offset correction value. The DC offset detector performs a polar coordinate conversion on the baseband signal, and derives the DC offset value in such a way that respective amplitudes in a plurality of phase domains defined on an IQ plane approximate one another. An FM detector performs an FM detection on the corrected baseband signal, and generates a detection signal. A controller controls the frequency of the local oscillation signal in such a way that a phase component having undergone the polar coordinate conversion by the DC offset detector is rotated. |
| US09503294B1 |
Amplitude and phase shift keying modulation for saturated amplifier systems
An amplitude and phase modulation circuit for modulating an M-ary digital signal having pulses onto a carrier wave for transmission by direct digital synthesis. The modulation circuit includes a digital source that generates a digital signal including pulses representing logical 1s and no pulses representing logical zeros, where a group of M pulses represents a constellation point to be transmitted. The modulation circuit further includes a phase control circuit that provides phase control and an amplitude control circuit that provides pulse width control for the constellation point to be transmitted. A saturated amplifier amplifies the phase and amplitude controlled digital signal and a filter integrates and averages the digital signal to remove noise from the signal so as to convert the digital signal to an analog signal, where the digital source operates to reduce the amplifier power consumption requirements. |
| US09503291B1 |
Method and apparatus for discrete multitone transmission
A method for discrete multitone (DMT) transmission is disclosed. In the method, a DMT signal is received from a transmission channel. The DMT signal is passed through a time-domain equalizer (TEQ) to obtain an equalized DMT signal. The DMT signal is passed through a target impulse response (TIR) filter to obtain a TIR signal. A mean square error (MSE) of an error signal is obtained from the equalized DMT signal and the TIR signal. A TEQ coefficient vector of the TEQ is iteratively updated based on the MSE of the error signal, a frequency kernel matrix corresponding to the TEQ and a frequency kernel matrix corresponding to the TIR filter. |
| US09503283B2 |
Apparatus for remotely rebooting VoIP communication devices and an associated method and computer program product
An apparatus is provided for remotely rebooting Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication devices. In general, the apparatus remotely selects VoIP communication devices connected to a network, reboots the selected devices, and evaluates the status of each device. A processor allows a user to select VoIP communication devices connected to the network and receives inputs pertaining to the reboot operation, including a time input and search criteria. The processor communicates with the designated VoIP communication devices over a packet-switching network to instruct the devices to reboot and monitors each device. In this way, multiple VoIP communication devices may be rebooted from a remote location, and problems or issues that arise during the reboot process may be identified and addressed. An associated method and computer program product are also provided for remotely rebooting VoIP communication devices. |
| US09503282B2 |
Methods and systems for determining the positions of orthodontic appliances
The positions of orthodontic appliances such as brackets and buccal tubes on a patient's teeth are determined using digital data that represents the shapes of the patient's teeth. Certain landmarks of the teeth such as the marginal ridges are determined using software, and the software adjusts positions of the virtual appliances on the teeth as needed in order to bring the marginal ridges into proper alignment at the conclusion of treatment. The resulting positions are optionally used to determine the location of the appliances in an indirect bonding apparatus such as a transfer tray. |
| US09503280B2 |
Methods and systems for email integrated file delivery
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide a file delivery system for transmitting files to recipients using email, which may be used with existing email infrastructure. Email clients may “attach” files to an email by an attachment process. The attachment process, however, associates a placeholder with the email instead of the actual file. The placeholder is replaced with a URL link to the file and the email is sent. The system moves the attachments over the network to a remote server that is capable of delivering the attachments to the email recipients. File attachments are routed to recipients independent of the associated email. |
| US09503278B2 |
Reflective relay processing on logical ports for channelized links in edge virtual bridging systems
Embodiments of the invention relate to reflective relay (RR) processing on logical ports for channelized links in edge virtual bridging (EVB) systems. One embodiment includes providing a virtual edge bridge (VEB) mode and a virtual Ethernet port aggregator (VEPA) mode in an EVB system on a same port of a physical switch. RR capability per channel is negotiated between a server and the physical switch in the EVB system. RR per channel is supported on the physical switch of the EVB system using RR setting information per channel. |
| US09503277B2 |
Dynamic instantiation of remote virtual extensible local area network tunnel end points acquired through a control protocol
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes acquiring at a local network element information regarding a remote network element via a control protocol distribution method and refraining from instantiating the remote VTEP for the remote network element on the local network element until unicast traffic from the local network element to the remote network element via an overlay network has begun. The method may further include detecting unicast traffic from the local network element to the remote network element and subsequent to the detecting, instantiating the remote VTEP for the remote network element on the local network element. Some embodiments may include detecting cessation of the unicast traffic from the local network element to the remote network element and subsequent to the detecting cessation, uninstantiating the remote VTEP for the remote network element from the local network element. |
| US09503276B2 |
Method and system to reduce wireless network packets for centralised layer two network
A method of operating a communication system, comprising the steps of: receiving a first OSI layer two packet from a first network interface; determining transmission type of the first OSI layer two packet; determining whether to send a second OSI layer two packet according to the transmission type, origin and destination of the first OSI layer two packet; determining destination address and transmission type of the second OSI layer two packet when determined to send the second OSI layer two packet; and sending the second OSI layer two packet through a second network interface when determined to send the second OSI layer two packet; wherein when the first OSI layer two packet is encapsulated in at least one layer three packet, the second OSI layer two packet is not encapsulated in any OSI layer three packet; and wherein when the first OSI layer two packet is not encapsulated in any Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layer three packet, the second OSI layer two packet is encapsulated in at least one OSI layer three packet. |
| US09503274B2 |
System facilitating user access to content stored or exposed on connected electronic communication devices
A communication system facilitating the establishment of a channel of communication for multiple electronic communication devices includes a registration server. The system also includes a plurality of enabled electronic communication devices in communication with the registration server. Each of the plurality of enabled electronic communication devices including an application programming interface enabling communication with the registration server. The communication server further includes a local communication network and a global communication network. If the plurality of enabled electronic communication devices are in the local communication network, communication amongst the plurality of enabled electronic communication device is established using the local communication network and if the plurality of electronic communication devices are not in the local communication network, communication amongst the plurality of enabled electronic communication device is established using the global communication network. |
| US09503271B2 |
System and method for custom chat invitations
A method is presented for providing a Customer hosted chat invitation to a browsing user. A service provider provides a Customer with a set of interactive invitation input objects, and the Customer creates and stores a set of customized invitation setup data from interacting with the input objects. The service provider runs custom code to generate, from the set of customized invitation setup data, an invitation program code module characterized by a set of programmatic invitation criteria. The invitation program code module is connected to a web page creating program code that resides on a web server operatively associated with the Customer site so that the browsing user's choices can be monitored and stored and, when selected invitation criteria are met by these choices, an invitation event is triggered. System claims to related subject matter are also presented. |
| US09503267B2 |
Generating digital signatures
Methods, systems, and computer programs for generating a digital signature are disclosed. In some aspects, a symmetric key is accessed. The symmetric key is based on an ephemeral public key. The ephemeral public key is associated with an ephemeral private key. A ciphertext is generated based on the symmetric key and a message. An input value is obtained based on the ciphertext independent of a hash function. A digital signature is generated from the ephemeral private key, the input value, and a long term private key. |
| US09503266B2 |
Relational encryption
A method includes receiving a first linearity ciphertext that represents a first biometric template encrypted using a relational linearity encryption scheme. The method includes receiving a second linearity ciphertext that represents a second biometric template encrypted using the relational linearity encryption scheme. The method includes discovering a linearity relationship between the first and second linearity ciphertexts using a linearity relational secret key. The method includes receiving a first proximity ciphertext that represents the first biometric template encrypted using a relational proximity encryption scheme. The method includes receiving a second proximity ciphertext that represents the second biometric template encrypted using the relational proximity encryption scheme. The method includes detecting a proximity between the first and second proximity ciphertexts in terms of a Hamming distance using a proximity relational secret key and authenticating an identity of a user based upon the proximity and the linearity relationship. |
| US09503262B2 |
Transparent denial of service protection
Embodiments are directed toward transparent denial of service protection. Instruction set information that references a seed file may be communicated to a client computer. A network packet key may be generated based on the instruction set information or encrypted and provided by a server. A client computer may generate a client network packet key based on the instruction set information provided by the network computer and a seed file installed on the client computer. The client computer may include the client network packet key the one or more network packets that it is sending to the network computer before they are provided to the network computer. A packet rule that includes the network packet key may be generated and installed in a packet inspection engine. If network packets are received, the packet inspection engine compares the network packet key to the network packets using the packet rule. |
| US09503261B2 |
Public key encryption with digital signature scheme
An improved encryption and digital signature system and method in accordance with the invention reuses an encryption ephemeral key pair from an encryption process in a digital signature process. The reuse of the encryption ephemeral key pair in the digital signature process advantageously results in reduced byte size of the digital signature and reduction of costly computation overhead. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is based on the El Gamal encryption scheme and the Nyberg-Rueppel signature scheme. The present invention is particularly useful for operation in conjunction with small communication devices having limited processing and storage, wherein such devices may communicate via bandwidth sensitive RF links. |
| US09503260B2 |
Security token and service access system
According to an aspect of the invention, a security token for facilitating access to a remote computing service via a mobile device is conceived, said security token comprising an NFC interface, a smart card integrated circuit and a smart card applet stored in and executable by said smart card integrated circuit, wherein the smart card applet is arranged to support a cryptographic challenge-response protocol executable by the mobile device. |
| US09503259B2 |
System and method for generating and protecting cryptographic keys
In the present disclosure, implementations of Diffie-Hellman key agreement are provided that, when embodied in software, resist extraction of cryptographically sensitive parameters during software execution by white-box attackers. Four embodiments are taught that make extraction of sensitive parameters difficult during the generation of the public key and the computation of the shared secret. The embodiments utilize transformed random numbers in the derivation of the public key and shared secret. The traditional attack model for Diffie-Hellman implementations considers only black-box attacks, where attackers analyze only the inputs and outputs of the implementation. In contrast, white-box attacks describe a much more powerful type of attacker who has total visibility into the software implementation as it is being executed. |
| US09503258B2 |
System and method for communication using orbital angular momentum with multiple layer overlay modulation
A communications system and method includes first circuitry for receiving plurality of data streams and processing the plurality of data streams to associate with each of the plurality of data streams a orthogonal function to cause each of the plurality of composite data streams to be mutually orthogonal to each other on a link to enable transmission of each of the plurality of data streams on the link at a same time. Quantum key processing circuitry generates a secret key for transmission to second circuitry using a quantum key generation process and for encoding the plurality of data streams for transmission on the link using the generated secret key. Third circuitry transmits the encoded plurality of data streams on the link. |
| US09503257B2 |
Quantum key distribution device, quantum key distribution system, and quantum key distribution method
According to an embodiment, a quantum key distribution device includes a key sharing unit, a correcting unit, a compressor, and a controller. The key sharing unit is configured to generate a shared bit string by using quantum key distribution performed with another quantum key distribution device via a quantum communication channel. The correcting unit is configured to generate a corrected bit string through an error correction process with respect to the shared bit string. The compressor is configured to generate an encryption key through a key compression process with respect to the corrected bit string. The controller is configured to perform a restraining operation in which the total number of bits of encryption keys generated per unit time by the compressor is smaller than the total number of bits of the encryption keys generated per unit time by the compressor in the case of not performing the restraining operation. |
| US09503253B2 |
Serial data transmission circuit and reception circuit, transmission system using the same, electronic device, and serial data transmission method
Transmission circuit for transmitting serial data with superposed clock signal includes encoder to scramble parallel data of information and apply predetermined coding scheme to generate D symbols having clock signal embedded therein, and to output alternately continuous predetermined number of the D symbols and one of K symbols as synchronization control codes for the scrambling; and parallel-to-serial converter configured to convert the D symbols and the K symbols output from the encoder into serial data, wherein, for each period of the scrambling, the encoder outputs K symbols, each of which is allocated to one of the first code indicating beginning of the period of the scrambling, the second code allocated at equal interval among remaining ones of the K symbols other than that for the first code, and a third code allocated among remaining ones of the K symbols other than those for the first code and the second code. |
| US09503251B2 |
Method and apparatus for mitigation of baseline wander on an AC coupled link
Methods and apparatus for mitigating baseline wander in an AC coupled transmission line are provided. An apparatus includes an input node, an output node, a sampling circuit and a level-shifting output circuit. The input and output nodes couple the apparatus in parallel with a high-pass filter of the transmission line. The sampling circuit samples an input voltage at the input node. The level-shifting output circuit delivers a level-shifted version of the input voltage to the output node. The apparatus may include a first pair of synchronized switches, a second pair of synchronized switches, and a sampling capacitor therebetween. The switches are driven periodically with concurrent closure of the two pairs of switches inhibited. The sampling capacitor couples between a signal input and a reference node upon closure of the first pair of switches, and between a bias voltage and a signal output upon closure of the second pair of switches. |
| US09503246B2 |
Uplink timing error reduction method and apparatus
The technology presented in this disclosure pertains to telecommunication. For example, there is presented a method of operating a wireless terminal 30. A timing advance command (TAC) control element (CE) is received over a radio interface (from a network node 28). Upon receipt of the TAC CE, the method continues by updating UL (uplink) transmission timing for cells in a timing advance (TA) group even when a TA timer for the associated TA group is not running. |
| US09503241B2 |
Systems and methods for channel measurements and reporting
Embodiments are provided for configuring channel measurements and reporting by a user equipment (UE). The embodiments avoid unnecessary cell measurements and resulting reporting transmissions by the UE in network scenarios with restricted downlink transmissions from serving cells. A method by a network component includes sending, to the UE, a data transmission pattern for transmissions on downlinks from multiple cells serving the UE. The data transmission pattern indicates a plurality of subframes including one or more restricted subframes where transmissions from one of the cells are restricted. The method further includes sending, to the UE, a measurement pattern allocating measurements and reports for a cell from the UE to the cells at corresponding designated subframes of the subframes in the data transmission pattern. The UE transmits measurement reports to an assisting serving cell during the one or more restricted subframes. |
| US09503233B2 |
System and method of enhancing WiFi real-time communications
Systems and methods of enhanced real-time communications between WiFi devices. In one embodiment of the present invention a method for enhanced payload protection in a WiFi system includes transmitting multiple copies of data packets in successive frame body transmissions. In another embodiment, a method for enhanced communications over a WiFi link includes examining a unit ID packet to determine a destination of a data payload when errors are detected in IP and/or MAC headers. If a destination is determined, the packet is corrected and forwarded to the device based on the unit ID determination. In another embodiment, a method for enhanced real-time communications in a WiFi network includes establishing a communications frame that includes an active timeslot, preferably based on U-APSD, for a WiFi device to use for transmission of successive audio data packets transmitted between the WiFi handset and AP. |
| US09503232B2 |
Methods and apparatus for inter-cell interference coordination with protected subframes
A cellular radio communications network includes base stations that provide radio communication service to user equipments (UEs) in respective cell service areas. A node receives or determines a usage fraction or percentage of protected subframes and converts the fraction or percentage of protected subframes into one or more protected subframe patterns for an aggressor base station to not transmit on or to transmit at reduced power, in one example, an operations and maintenance (OaM) node configures one or more interfered base stations to use the one or more protected subframe patterns, in another example, the node is a base station. |
| US09503229B2 |
Transmitting apparatus and receiving apparatus and controlling method thereof
A transmitting apparatus is provided. The transmitting apparatus includes: a frame generator configured to generate a frame including a plurality of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols; and a guard interval (GI) inserter configured to insert GIs into the generated frame, wherein the plurality of OFDM symbols are divided into a bootstrap, a preamble, and a payload, and the GI inserter inserts first GIs having a size corresponding to a fast Fourier transform (FFT) size of each of OFDM symbols configuring the payload into front ends of each of the OFDM symbols, inserts second GIs having a size corresponding to a quotient obtained by dividing an extra region of the payload calculated based on the FFT size of the OFDM symbols configuring the payload, the number of OFDM symbols, and the size of the first GIs by the number of OFDM symbols into front ends of each of the first GIs, and inserts a cyclic postfix (CP) having a size corresponding to the remainder remaining after dividing the extra region of the payload by the number of OFDM symbols into a rear end of a final OFDM symbol configuring the payload. |
| US09503225B2 |
Terminal, base station, wireless communication method, and integrated circuit
A terminal includes a determination unit that determines a PUCCH resource based on at least a first value in a case where downlink control information is detected with a PDCCH and a second value is not set, determines a PUCCH resource based on at least the second value in a case where the downlink control information is detected with the PDCCH and the second value is set, and determines the PUCCH resource based on at least the third value for the ePDCCH set with which the downlink control information is detected regardless of whether or not the second value is set in a case where the downlink control information is detected with the ePDCCH in the ePDCCH set. With this feature, a HARQ-ACK to a transport block transmitted on the PDSCH can be efficiently transmitted and received using a PUCCH. |
| US09503223B2 |
Controlling network device behavior
A sender device is able to send packets over a network destined to a receiver device, and the sender device receives response information that is responsive to the packets. A behavior of the sender device with respect to data transmission on plural subflows of a connection is controlled based on the response information. |
| US09503221B2 |
Method for adjusting aggregation size based on acknowledgment (ACK) bitmap
The present invention relates to a method for adjusting aggregation size based on Acknowledgement (ACK) bitmap, characterized by the steps of: receiving kth Compressed Block Acknowledgement (CBA); calculating granularity factor (g) by applying Equation (1); determining bit error density (BEDk) for kth CBA by applying Equation (2); receiving (k+1)th CBA; determining bit error density (BED(k+1)) for (k+1)th CBA by applying Equation (2); adjusting the aggregation size based on the value of granularity factor (g), kth bit error density BEDk+1 values and (k+1)th bit error density BEDk+1; wherein if the kth bit error density BEDk is greater than the (k+1)th bit error density BEDk+1, then increasing the aggregation size based on the value of granularity factor (g); wherein if the kth bit error density BEOk is lower than the (k+1)th bit error density BEDk+1 then decreasing the aggregation size based on the value of granularity factor (g); wherein if the kth bit error density BEDk is equal to the (k+1)th bit error density BEDk+1 then the aggregation size is kept unchanged. |
| US09503218B2 |
Method and apparatus for quantizing soft information using non-linear LLR quantization
A process capable of employing compression and decompression mechanism to receive and decode soft information is disclosed. Upon receiving a set of signals representing a logic value from a transmitter via a physical communication channel, the set of signals is demodulated in accordance with a soft decoding scheme and subsequently, a Log Likelihood Ratio (“LLR”) value representing the logic value is generated. After generating a quantized LLR value in response to the LLR value via a non-linear LLR quantizer, the quantized LLR value representing the compressed logic value is stored in a local storage. |
| US09503216B2 |
Methods and devices related to effective measurements
Systems and methods related to effective measurements in a cellular communications network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network node obtains a reference measurement performed by a measuring node, where the reference measurement contains one or more interference components. The reference measurement may be, for instance, a reference signal quality measurement or a reference signal power measurement. The network node then mitigates at least one of the interference components contained in the reference measurement to thereby provide an effective measurement for the measuring node. In one embodiment, the network node mitigates the at least one interference component by obtaining a compensation value for mitigating the at least one interference component and applying the compensation value to the reference measurement to thereby provide the effective measurement. |
| US09503215B2 |
Interference signal control information acquisition method and apparatus for use in wireless communication system
An interference signal control information acquisition method and apparatus for use in the wireless communication system is provided. The interference signal information detection method of a terminal for use in a wireless communication system includes acquiring a first control information part and a second control information part of other users from a received signal, generating a first control information candidate identical in bit length with the first control information part, blindly decoding first control information based on the first control information candidate, and detecting and removing interference signals of the other users from the received signal based on the blindly decoded first control information. |
| US09503210B2 |
Integrated circuit for sequence reporting and sequence generation
Disclosed are a sequence report method and a sequence report device for reducing a signaling amount for reporting a Zadoff-Chu sequence or a GCL sequence allocated for a cell. Indexes starting at 1 are correlated to different ZC sequences and are allocated for cells so that the indexes are continuous. When such ZC sequences are reported from BS to UE, a start index indicating the start of the continuous indexes is combined with the number of allocated sequences and they are reported as allocation sequence information by a report channel. The UE and the BS share the correlation between the ZC sequences and the indexes and the UE identifies a usable sequence number according to the correlation and the allocation sequence information reported from the BS. |
| US09503204B2 |
Apparatus and method for calibrating transmission path
Provided is an apparatus for calibrating a transmission path, the apparatus including one or more couplers to separate, by one or more paths, one or more input signals input from an input terminal of one or more antennas, a power detector to detect amplitude of one or more path signals separated by the one or more paths, a power distributor to distribute any one of the one or more path signals, one or more mixers to mix a distribution signal distributed by the power distributor with the one or more path signals, a low-pass filter to remove a high-frequency component of a mixed signal mixed by the one or more mixers; and a voltage detector to detect amplitude of one or more filter pass signals with the high-frequency component removed. |
| US09503203B2 |
Wireless interference cancellation
Interference cancellation circuitry is provided for reconstructing a wirelessly transmitted modulated signal in a receiver using output of a decoder for calculating per-bit probabilities corresponding to bit-by-bit estimates of a coded message from which one bit hard decisions and multi-bit soft decision can be derived. A soft modulator reconstructs the transmitted modulated signal by calculating a weighted superposition depending upon the hard decisions and at least one combined value computed by combining two or more of the multi-bit soft decisions corresponding to different bits of the coded message. A soft modulation method using combined value(s) in a weighted superposition of hard decisions and computer program code for calculating the combined values and regenerated modulated signal are also provided. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09503200B2 |
Communication system and transfer method thereof
A communication system is provided. A receiver receives a plurality of audio signals, wherein a frequency of each of the audio signals is selected from a frequency group formed by at least three frequencies. A signal detector coupled to the receiver is configured to obtain the frequency of each of the audio signals. A processor coupled to the signal detector is configured to convert the frequency of each of the audio signals into a digital signal having a first logic level or a second logic level. Two adjacent audio signals of the audio signals have different frequencies, and at least one frequency of the frequency group is used to dynamically represent the first logic level or the second logic level. |
| US09503198B2 |
Receiver and reception method
A photodiode (11) of a receiver (10) outputs a current signal having a value that corresponds to the optical power of a received optical signal. A transimpedance amplifier (12) amplifies the current signal output from the photodiode (11), converts the current signal to a voltage signal, and further outputs the voltage signal that is converted from the current signal. A current detection circuit (17) generates a current having a value larger than that of the current signal output from the photodiode (11). A feedback resistor (16) changes a gain of the transimpedance amplifier (12) based on magnitude of the current generated by the current detection circuit (17). |
| US09503195B2 |
Working point controlling device and method for applying MZ modulator
Provided is a working point controlling device and method for applying MZ modulator, which includes: a light modulator; a transimpedance amplifier, transmits current outputted by PD of the modulator into voltage signal; a low-noise amplifier, detects low-frequency signal and amplifies the signal, in order to improve the signal/noise ratio; a high Q band-pass filter, detects error signal and amplifies the signal, in order to improve the signal/noise ratio; a first power level conditioning, performs power level condition on error signal of phase, in order that signal output meets A/D input rang; a micro processor, generates low-frequency signal and finishes software synchronization detection wave and ratio integration PI adjusting algorithm; a second power level conditioning, finishes D/A output voltage condition, in order that D/A output is able to meet direct current offset whole controlling range power voltage range of the light modulator. Applying present invention, the problems, that the hardware controlling circuit of current MZ modulator offset point is complex and controlling accuracy is not high, can be resolved. |
| US09503193B2 |
Method and system for using persistent identifiers in passive optical networking
A method of configuring an optical network terminal (ONT) at a computer terminal is described. The method may include reading in an instruction including a persistent identifier and an ONT command, identifying the ONT within a database using the persistent identifier, packaging an optical communication command to be sent through an optical line terminal (OLT) using the ONT identified by the persistent identifier through the database, and sending the optical communication command to the ONT through the OLT. The instruction may be operable to configure the ONT. Identifying the ONT may include referencing the persistent identifier against a table including standard transient ONT identifiers stored within the database. The OLT may be optically coupled to the ONT using a passive optical networking. |
| US09503191B2 |
GMP mapping method and apparatus for optical channel data unit
The disclosure discloses a Generic Mapping Procedure (GMP) mapping method for an Optical channel Data Unit (ODU), including: caching low-level ODUk data to a memory according to the rate of low-level ODUk data stream; generating an adjustment byte in a mapping process and encoding the adjustment byte; generating read enable of the cached data by an algorithm according to the adjustment byte, reading the cached low-level ODUk data, and generating Optical channel Data Tributary Unit (ODTU) data according to the read data; and crossing a time slot of the ODTU data in multiple channels to that of a high-level ODU payload, and forming the data in the time slot of the high-level ODU payload and the encoded adjustment byte into a completed high-level ODU frame. The disclosure may further provide a GMP mapping apparatus for an ODU. According to a technical solution of the disclosure, the GMP mapping of the ODU can be implemented according to the dynamic change of a service rate. |
| US09503186B2 |
Space division multiplexing apparatus including multi-core fiber and selfhomodyne detection method
To provide a self-homodyne detection communication system capable of using a space-division multiplexing signal as a signal for communication. The present invention relates to a space-division multiplexing apparatus 12 including a multi-core fiber 11 having multiple cores. The space-division multiplexing apparatus 12 uses cores other than a core 13 for self-homodyne detection among the multiple cores included in the multi-core fiber 11 as cores 16 for communication. The space-division multiplexing apparatus is configured to include a pilot-tone guiding unit 14 and a self-homodyne detection unit 15. |
| US09503170B2 |
System, method and apparatus for multi-input multi-output communications over per-transmitter power-constrained channels
A multipath communication system forms a complex weighted compound signal for transmission through a channel environment wherein the compound signal includes a complex variable weighted compound signal related to a count of available antennas, a power constraint related to each said antenna, and a channel state characteristic. |
| US09503168B2 |
Method and apparatus for codebook-based precoding in MIMO systems
A method including using a precoding code book for controlling transmissions from four antennas of a device, said code book including a plurality of entries, wherein said entries are such that a single layer is mapped to each selected antenna, said code book entries including different antenna pair combinations whereby one or two antenna pairs are selected for transmission. |
| US09503165B2 |
Uplink multiuser carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation in wireless communications
A wireless communication device includes circuitry and capability to perform carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation based on signals received from one or more other wireless communication devices. In an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) implementation, the wireless communication device receives two or more OFDMA symbols from first and second other wireless communication devices that include data and a copy/repeat of that data from each of the respective first and second other wireless communication devices within specified one or more sub-carriers. The sub-carrier assignment for the first and second other wireless communication devices is made such that the first wireless communication device transmits first data and the copy of that first data using a first at least one sub-carrier, and the second wireless communication device transmits second data and the copy of that second data using a second at least one sub-carrier. |
| US09503164B1 |
Method and apparatus for channel estimation in massive MIMO systems with dynamic training design
This invention is concerned with estimating a massive multi-input multi-output (MIMO) channel. In one embodiment, the transmit antennas are first partitioned into antenna groups each comprising a subset of the transmit antennas such that a pre-determined level of channel-estimation accuracy is attainable. For each antenna group, training signals for estimating a group of channels associated with the antenna group are determined. In particular, the number of the antenna groups, the subset of the transmit antennas for forming the antenna group, and the training signals for the antenna group are determined based on spatial correlations of the massive MIMO channel, a maximum allowable total number of training signals and a transmit signal-to-noise ratio such that the pre-determined level of channel-estimation accuracy is achievable. Advantageously, the number of antenna groups is determined by identifying a highest number of antenna groups under a constraint that the pre-determined level is achievable. |
| US09503159B2 |
Storing and retrieving electronic device information
An electronic device includes a processor, a memory, an embedded element storing information, and a short-range radio controller. The embedded element is readable by an external reader. The short-range radio controller is configured to receive a radio communication. If the short-range radio controller is being powered by a primary battery that powers the processor, the short-range radio controller is configured to route the radio communication to the embedded element if the radio communication is for accessing the embedded element, or route the radio communication to a component of the electronic device different from the embedded element if the radio communication is not for accessing the embedded element. If the short-range radio controller is not being powered by the primary battery, the short-range radio controller is configured to route the radio communication to the embedded element. |
| US09503158B2 |
Adaptive sub-band algorithm for point-to-point communication in PLC networks
Embodiments of methods for adaptive sub-band point-to-point communication are presented. In one embodiment a method includes performing functions using a power line communication (PLC) transmitter device. The method may include receiving a first data packet having a first adaptive sub-band information set, the first sub-band information set comprising information from a PLC transmitter. The method may also include extracting the first sub-band information set from the first data packet. Additionally, the method may include analyzing the first sub-band information set to determine a transmitter sub-band hopping pattern. The method may further include setting a corresponding receiver sub-band hopping pattern synchronized to the sub-band hopping patter used by the PLC transmitter and hopping to a subsequent sub-band as defined by the receiver sub-band hopping pattern. |
| US09503154B2 |
Methods and systems for interference estimation via quantization in spread-spectrum systems
A method for interference estimation and mitigation includes receiving a high-resolution digital signal. The high-resolution digital signal comprises a signal of interest and an interfering signal. An estimate of the interfering signal is generated using a quantizer. The signal of interest is in a quantization noise of the quantizer. An interference-mitigated signal of interest is generated based on a difference of the estimate of the interfering signal and the high-resolution digital signal. |
| US09503150B2 |
Antenna and RF front-end arrangement
An antenna and RF front-end arrangement include at least one LTE or WCDMA Tx&Rx antenna, one MIMO Rx or diversity antenna adapted for low band LTE or WCDMA and one MIMO Rx or diversity antenna adapted for high band LTE or WCDMA. At least one of the MIMO Rx or diversity antennas is adapted for transmitting and receiving WLAN and/or BlueTooth signals. Therefore, a dedicated WLAN antenna is not required and the number of antennas can be reduced. |
| US09503146B1 |
Waterproof device for cellphones
A waterproof device for cellphones comprises a lower case and an upper case pivotally fitted at the lower case. The lower case has a grip section protruding from the underside, an accommodating space inside the lower case for loading of a smart phone device, and a transparent material region located at the underside and corresponding to the lens of the smart phone device wherein the accommodating space is designed to accommodate a power supply module at another side for charging the smart phone device. Moreover, the upper case is penetrated by at least a pressing component which faces the accommodating space in the lower case and has one end above the upper case and the other end over the touch panel of the smart phone device. When the upper case is securely coupled with the lower case for development of an airtight space between the upper case and the lower case, a diver can manipulate the waterproof device for cellphones to take up underwater photography by tapping one end of the pressing component on a control panel and making the other end contact the smart phone device for controlled photography in water. |
| US09503144B2 |
Band-type wireless communication device
A band-type wireless communication device (10A) of an embodiment of the present invention is arranged such that a main body (1) contains an antenna (2) and a ground conductor (3) and that the ground conductor (3) is electrically connected to a metal section (5) on a first belt (4) joined with the main body (1). |
| US09503134B2 |
Methods and apparatus for adapting transmitter configuration for efficient concurrent transmission and radar detection through adaptive self-interference cancellation
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to adapting transmitter configuration for efficient concurrent primary user detection through adaptive self-interference cancellation. A wireless transmitting device may schedule a transmission in a shared spectrum. The device may scan at least a portion of the shared spectrum during the transmission to receive a signal. Interference caused by the transmission may he cancelled from the received signal using self-interference cancellation circuitry. The device may determine whether the received signal indicates usage by a primary user of the shared spectrum. In an aspect, the transmission may be a SISO transmission. In another aspect, carrier aggregation may be used for the transmission and a potential carrier may be subject to primary user detection. The device may determine a self-interference cancellation complexity for a combination of carriers including the potential carrier, and may select one or more carriers for aggregation based on the self-interference cancellation complexity. |
| US09503133B2 |
Low noise detection system using log detector amplifier
A low noise detection system is disclosed in which a modulator located in a transmitter or a receiver is configured to convert a voltage data signal to a frequency signal, to modulate a baseband signal with the voltage data, and to output the modulated data signal. The receiver further includes a log detection amplifier configured to receive the modulated data signal and to regeneratively demodulate the modulated data signal to extract the data in an amplified analog data signal while not significantly amplifying any noise in the modulated data signal. The receiver further includes a digital conversion circuit for converting the amplified analog signal into a digital data signal. |
| US09503131B2 |
Antenna for receiving and/or transmitting polarized communication signals
An antenna for communicating with a remote communication system. The antenna comprises main and sub reflectors, a beam shaping element facing the sub reflector and having a plurality of feeding points, a plurality of ortho-mode transducers (OMTs), and a plurality of waveguides each having a proximal end connected to another of the plurality of OMTs and a distal end connected to one of the plurality of feeding points. The beam shaping element is sized and shaped to form an ellipsoidal beam creating a first elliptical spot on the sub reflector by combining a plurality of polarized intermediate transmission signals; each of the polarized intermediate transmission signals is originated from another of the plurality of OMTs. |
| US09503129B2 |
Interference control between different radio communication systems involving user equipments
A first User Equipment (UE), a second UE, a first Radio Network Node (RNN), and methods therein for controlling interference between transmissions in a first system and transmissions in a second system. The first system comprises the first UE and the first RNN serving the first UE. The second system comprises the second UE and a second RNN serving the second UE. The first system has a first priority in a first part of a shared spectrum and the second system has a second priority in the first part of the shared spectrum, wherein the first priority is higher than the second priority. The method in the first UE comprises transmitting a signal to a second RNN that is to perform a downlink transmission to the second UE, which signal is configured to control the transmission of the second RNN. |
| US09503124B2 |
Method and apparatus for decoding low-density parity-check code
Provided is a method of decoding a low-density parity-check code (LDPC). The decoding method including an initialization process, a check node update process, a variable node update process, a tentative decoding process, and a parity check process, for a plurality of check nodes and a plurality of variable nodes, further includes detecting at least one inactive variable nodes that do not require variable node update among the variable nodes, the variable node update process is performed only on active variable nodes except for the inactive variable node, and the check node update process is performed without using the inactive variable node. |
| US09503121B2 |
Very high dynamic-range switched capacitor ADC with large input impedance for applications tolerating increased distortion and noise at large input signal levels
A modulator is configured to respond to input swings by providing a feedback voltage via a feedback path to compromise an increase in noise and distortion power with increasing signal power at signal levels exceeding a predetermined threshold. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) generates a feedback voltage with a resistor string biased with a given current and switches as a function of an input value to mitigate the voltage swing at a summing node. |
| US09503118B2 |
Multiplying analog to digital converter and method
A multiplying analog to digital converter (ADC) including a successive-approximation-register (SAR) analog to digital converter (ADC) having a sample input and a feedback input and an ADC output configured with a feedback path configured to couple the ADC output to a digital to analog converter. A feedback attenuator is disposed in the feedback path, the feedback attenuator being configured to attenuate a feedback signal coupled to the feedback input, the feedback attenuator being configured to provide analog multiplication observed at the ADC output. A barrel shifter is configured to provide digital multiplication of the ADC output. The feedback attenuator may be configured as a divider network. The feedback attenuator may be configured to provide attenuation using only passive components. The feedback attenuator may be configured as a capacitive divider network. The feedback attenuator may be configured to provide attenuation ranging between 1 and 0.5. |
| US09503114B1 |
Time interleaving structure for a multi-lane analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
A multi-lane analog to digital converter (ADC) samples an analog input according to multiple phases of a sampling clock. Ideally, the multiple phases of the sampling clock are non-overlapping. The multi-lane ADC includes one or more reset switches to remove any residual samples that can remain after their conversion from an analog signal domain to a digital signal domain. As a result of this removal, the multiple phases of the sampling clock need not to ideally coincide with one other. Rather, some overlap between the multiple phases of the sampling clock can exist while having digital output samples still accurately represent the analog input. |
| US09503113B1 |
Apparatus for offset trimming and associated methods
Apparatus and associated methods are disclosed for gain and offset trimming. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a first circuit that includes a first transconductance stage to generate a first current. The first circuit has an output offset. The apparatus further includes an offset trim circuit, which includes a second circuit to provide an output voltage selectable from a plurality of voltage values, and a second transconductance stage to generate a second current in response to the output voltage of the second circuit. The output offset of the first circuit is trimmed by adding the second current to the first current. |
| US09503104B2 |
Low power loss of lock detector
A loss of lock detector that includes a logic gate, a voltage-to-current converter coupled to the logic gate, a capacitor coupled to the converter, and a comparator coupled to the capacitor. The logic gate is configured to receive a first error signal and a second error signal from a phase detector, perform an AND function of the first and second error signals, and generate a gate output signal. The converter is configured to receive the gate output signal and generate a stream of current pulses representative of the gate output signal. The capacitor is configured to receive the stream of current pulses and generate a DC signal representative of the stream of current pulses. The comparator is configured to compare the DC signal to a reference signal and output a lock signal. |
| US09503102B2 |
Synchronization for multiple arbitrary waveform generators
A system and method synchronizes multi-AWG system, where such systems are of a type having a master arbitrary waveform generator (AWG), one or more slave AWGs, and a sync hub having a sync controller and sync phase detector. The method operates by receiving at the sync hub a divided down clock (SystemRefClock) signal from a master arbitrary waveform generator (AWG). The method then derives a clock signal (SystemClock) from the SystemRefClock signal received from the master AWG and outputs the SystemClock signal to the master AWG and to the one or more slave AWGs Finally, the SystemClock signal is used to clock a synchronous trigger for the master AWG and one or more slave AWGs to play a waveform. In one aspect, the synchronous trigger includes AlignmentFiducial and Run signals to effect trigger and play commands. |
| US09503101B2 |
Phase locked loop circuit
A phase locked loop circuit includes a first current source that outputs a current from a first output node. The phase locked loop circuit includes a driving current circuit that includes a first voltage node set at a voltage corresponding to a supplied current and outputs a driving current from a driving current node according to the current supplied to the first voltage node. The phase locked loop circuit includes a current-voltage converter circuit that includes a second voltage node set at a supplied current. The phase locked loop circuit includes a first current switch circuit that electrically connects the first output node and the first voltage node or electrically connects the first output node and the second voltage node. The phase locked loop circuit includes an oscillator that receives the driving current and changes an oscillatory frequency according to a magnitude of the driving current. |
| US09503100B1 |
Digitally reconfigurable ultra-high precision internal oscillator
A system, method and apparatus for tuning an internal oscillator to a desired frequency F1 is shown and uses an RC delay element that comprises a resistor, a capacitor and a comparator. The method includes receiving a clock signal from an oscillator to be tuned, triggering charging of the RC delay element, and N clock cycles after triggering the charging, the method determines whether the charge on the precision RC delay element is higher than or lower than a reference voltage. Correction to the clock frequency is based on the results. |
| US09503091B2 |
Wordline decoder circuits for embedded charge trap multi-time-programmable-read-only-memory
Wordline decoder circuits for an embedded Multi-Time-Read-Only-Memory that includes a plurality of NMOS memory cells coupled to a plurality of wordlines in each row. The wordline decoder circuits control the charge trap behavior of the target NMOS memory array by the mode-dependent wordline high voltage (VWLH) and wordline low voltage (VWLL) trapping the charge in a programming mode by applying an elevated wordline voltage (EWLH) to one of the plurality of WLs, while de-trapping the charge in a reset mode by applying a negative wordline voltage (NWLL) to the entire array. The mode dependent voltage control is realized by switching to couple EWLH to VWLH in a programming mode, otherwise VDD to VWLH, while coupling NWLL to VWLL in a reset mode, otherwise, GND to VWLL. The switch includes plural gated diodes from VWLH with the wordline high protection voltage of VWLH_PR generated by lowering VWLH determined by gated diodes times threshold voltage. The switch includes a series of gated diodes from VWLL with a wordline low protection voltage of VWLL_PR generated by raising VWLL determined by the gated diodes by the threshold voltage, resulting in controlling the WL swing using thin-oxide devices. |
| US09503090B2 |
High speed level translator
A high speed VPP level translator circuit using thin-oxide field effect transistors (FETs) and methods of use are disclosed. The level translator includes a resistor divider and a one-shot circuit in parallel with the resistor divider. The one-shot circuit conducts to assist a transition from a first state to a second state, and is non-conducting during the transition from the second state to the first state. |
| US09503087B2 |
Method of driving semiconductor device
A programming element including a first transistor, a second transistor, and a capacitor between a logic circuit using a semiconductor element and a power supply is provided. In the programming element, a node where a drain electrode of the first transistor, a gate electrode of the second transistor, and one of electrodes of the capacitor are electrically connected to each other is formed. A potential can be supplied to each of a source electrode of the first transistor and the other of the electrodes of the capacitor. The power supply and the logic circuit are electrically connected to each other through a source electrode and a drain electrode of the second transistor. A connection state between the power supply and the logic circuit is controlled in accordance with the state of the second transistor. |
| US09503084B2 |
Capacitive control interfaces for domestic appliances
A capacitive control interface for a domestic appliance includes an outer layer configured to be pressed by a user, a first capacitive component, a second capacitive component facing and separated from the first capacitive component, a first layer of insulating material between the outer layer and the first capacitive component, and a second layer of insulating material beneath the first layer of insulating material and in contact with the first capacitive component, the second layer having a thru hole encompassing the second capacitive component, wherein the second capacitive component faces the first capacitive component at the thru hole, and wherein the outer layer is flexibly responsive to pressure and is configured to transfer a flexure to the first capacitive component. |
| US09503083B2 |
Force feedback-type touch panel device
A force feedback-type touch panel device is provided which can provide an operator with clearer feedback than that of conventional art by presenting the operator with vibration having a larger vibration amplitude than that of conventional art and can prevent any breakage or damage of a touch panel when an external impact is applied to the touch panel. The touch panel device includes a base member, a touch panel retained by the base member, a cover member formed in a shape covering the touch panel with a hard synthetic resin, and an actuator that causes the cover member to be displaced along the perpendicular direction with respect to a flat surface of the touch panel. The cover member is urged in the direction toward the base member using an attraction force generated between a first magnet fixed on the base member and a second magnet fixed on the cover member. |
| US09503080B2 |
Switch cell
A radio-frequency (RF) switch circuit is configured to maintain a disconnection or a connection between a node and an antenna terminal. The RF switch circuit comprises one or more switch cells. A switch cell comprises one or more transistors. The switch cell comprises one or more gate-drain capacitors. The switch cell comprises one or more source-drain capacitors. A gate-drain capacitor is coupled between a gate of a transistor and a drain of the transistor. A source-drain capacitor is coupled between a source of a transistor and a drain of the transistor. |
| US09503078B1 |
Method and apparatus for charge transfer
A circuit comprises: a first capacitor; a second capacitor; a MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) transistor; and an operational amplifier, wherein the first capacitor is configured to couple to the second capacitor via the MOS transistor; the operational amplifier is configured to receive a voltage at the first capacitor and output a control voltage; and the MOS transistor is configured to be controlled by the control voltage. |
| US09503076B2 |
Gate potential control circuit
A gate potential control circuit includes a driving switching element, a first gate potential supply part, a first switching element, a first resistor, and a first operational amplifier. The first operational amplifier includes an output portion connected to a gate of the first switching element, an inverting input into which a first reference potential is input, and a non-inverting input into which a closer one of a first value and a second value to a potential of the first gate potential supply part is input. The first value is based on a potential difference obtained by subtracting a potential of a terminal of the first resistor on a driving switching element side from a potential of a terminal of the first resistor on a first gate potential supply part side. The second value is based on a potential of a terminal of the first switching element. |
| US09503071B2 |
Circuit for providing dummy load
A circuit for providing a dummy load includes first to fifth resistors, a comparator, and first to fifth electronic switches. When a power good signal from a power supply is at a low level signal, the first electronic switch is turned off. The second to fourth electronic switches are turned on. The fifth electronic switch is turned off. When the power good signal from the power supply is at a high level signal, the first electronic switch is turned on. The second to fourth electronic switches are turned off. The fifth electronic switch is turned off. |
| US09503070B2 |
Signal conversion system and method
A signal conversion system and method for converting an input signal to a pulse width modulated signal is disclosed. The signal conversion system includes a sample rate converter coupled with an associated pulse width modulation (PWM) module. A hardware and power efficient signal conversion system for resampling an audio input signal with an arbitrary sample rate to a pulse width modulated output audio signal for use in an audio processor and/or reproduction is disclosed. The signal conversion system may be particularly suitable for use in a battery operated consumer electronics device. |
| US09503068B1 |
Supply voltage envelope detection
In an embodiment, a supply voltage envelope detector circuit is configured to detect a shape of the supply voltage over time and to compare the detected shape to expected shapes that indicate voltage droop events for which corrective action may be needed. The expected shapes may be predetermined based on one or more of: the design of the integrated circuit that includes the supply voltage envelope detector circuit; attributes of the power management unit (PMU) that is to generate the supply voltage for the integrated circuit; and/or attributes of the system that includes the integrated circuit. The shape of the voltage droop may experience little variation during use, and thus may be used to detect a droop event earlier and more accurately than a threshold-based mechanism, in some embodiments. |
| US09503053B1 |
Active balun for wideband applications
An active balun uses two inverters to produce a differential output from a single-ended input. A current source supplies current to both inverters and a current sink sinks current from both inverters. The inverters include bias resistors coupled between their inputs and outputs. A coupling capacitor couples the output of the first inverter to the input of the first inverter. Values of the bias resistors and the coupling capacitor may selected to assure stability of the active balun. The values may be programmable, for example, based on a desired operating frequency. The current source may be biased by a common-mode feedback circuit based on the common-mode voltage of the differential output. |
| US09503051B2 |
High-frequency module having a matching element coupled to a connection unit
A filter unit of a high-frequency module includes SAW resonators connected in series with first and second series connection terminals therebetween, first and second shunt connection terminals, and additional SAW resonators. One end of one SAW resonator is connected to a connection node of other SAW resonators via a connection conductor, and the other end of the one SAW resonator is connected to the first shunt connection terminal via a connection conductor. The first shunt connection terminal is connected to ground via an inductor. A matching element is connected between the second series connection terminal and the second external connection terminal. The matching element is inductively coupled or capacitively coupled to the connection conductor. |
| US09503048B2 |
Piezoelectric vibrating reed and piezoelectric vibrator
To provide a small-sized piezoelectric vibrating reed and a piezoelectric vibrator with excellent durability. The piezoelectric vibrating reed includes a piezoelectric plate having a rectangular shape, a vibrating portion formed on a principal surface of the piezoelectric plate and a pair of mount portions for mounting the piezoelectric plate. The pair of mount portions are formed at both end portions of the piezoelectric plate in a longitudinal direction. The piezoelectric vibrator includes the piezoelectric vibrating reed and a package on which the mount portions of the piezoelectric vibrating reed are mounted. |
| US09503047B2 |
Bulk acoustic wave (BAW) device having roughened bottom side
A bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator includes a substrate having a top side surface and a bottom side surface. A Bragg mirror is on the top side surface of the substrate. A bottom electrode layer is on the Bragg mirror, and a piezoelectric layer is on the bottom electrode layer. A top dielectric layer is on the piezoelectric layer, and a top electrode layer is on the top dielectric layer. The bottom side surface of the substrate has a surface roughness of at least 1 μm root mean square (RMS). |
| US09503042B2 |
Passive harmonic filter for power distribution systems
A subsea power distribution system includes a three-phase AC power source; multiple variable frequency drives having inputs and outputs, with their inputs connected to the AC power source; an electric motor connected in series to the output of each variable frequency drive; and a passive harmonic filter system having its input connected, in parallel with the variable frequency drives, to the AC power source. The filter system includes multiple harmonic filters, each harmonic filter tuned to a specific harmonic frequency. Each harmonic filter includes a plurality of sub-filters. Each sub-filter includes a reactor connected in series to a main capacitor and one or more detuning capacitors. Each of the multiple harmonic filters is tuned to a different specific harmonic, and includes sub-filters also tuned to the same respective harmonic, and each sub-filter is sized to equally share the kVAR load of its respective harmonic filter. |
| US09503037B2 |
Cavity filter, power amplifying module
A cavity filter is disclosed, which comprises a cavity, a cover plate, and a connector inner conductor disposed within the cavity, wherein the connector inner conductor passes through the cover plate to be connected with an external circuit board, the connector inner conductor comprises a first inner conductor and a second inner conductor, the first inner conductor is connected with a signal transmission point on the external circuit board, the second inner conductor is connected with an internal signal transmission point inside the cavity, the first inner conductor and the second inner conductor have a gap therebetween and cooperate with each other to form a structural capacitor, and the internal signal transmission point is connected with the signal transmission point on the external circuit board via the structural capacitor. A power amplifying module and a signal transceiving device are also disclosed. |
| US09503035B2 |
High-frequency amplifier
There is provided a high-frequency amplifier including a divider, a plurality of amplifiers for amplifying a high-frequency signal distributed by the divider and outputting the amplified high-frequency signal, a combiner for combining amplified high-frequency signals, a base substrate, a conductor pattern that is connected to a ground end of each of the amplifiers, and a ground electrode. Each of the conductor patterns has a first conductive portion. A slot is disposed between the two conductor patterns connected to the corresponding adjacent amplifiers. Between the adjacent amplifiers, two vias are formed so that the slot is sandwiched between the vias. One of the two conductor patterns is connected to the ground electrode via one of the two vias, and the other one of the conductor patterns is connected to the ground electrode via the other one of the two vias. |
| US09503034B2 |
RF/microwave high power switching combiner unit
A switching combiner unit (SCU) may combine coherent RF or microwave outputs from multiple power amplifier units (PAUs). Each SCU may be able to be switched between an on-line mode (on-line PAU), during which the PAU amplifies a coherent instance of the same RF or microwave input signal and delivers that amplified input signal to an output, and a standby or off-line mode (standby/off-line PAU), during which the PAU does not amplify an instance of the same RF or microwave input signal or deliver an amplified input signal to the output. The SCU may include an input port that connects to each of the PAU outputs; a control signal input that receives one or more control signals that indicate whether each PAU is in the on-line or standby/off-line mode; signal combining circuitry that coherently sums the outputs from all of the on-line PAUs, while simultaneously isolating the standby/off-line PAUs from the output of the SCU and the outputs of the on-line PAUs; and an SCU output port that delivers the coherently summed outputs from all of the on-line PAUs. |
| US09503033B2 |
Audio amplifier mode transition
An audio amplifier is to transition between a power-down mode and an active mode, based on assertion and deassertion of a power down signal. A power down control module is to selectively assert and deassert the power down signal to the audio amplifier. The power down control module may identify at least one of a digital detection signal and an analog detection signal. The digital detection signal indicates the availability of a digital audio signal to be amplified, and the analog detection signal indicates the availability of an analog audio signal to be amplified. |
| US09503031B2 |
Electronic system and auto configuration method for an operational amplifier in the electronic system
The invention provides an auto configuration method for an operational amplifier in an electronic system. The method includes steps of estimating an internal resistance of the electronic system; estimating an operation frequency of the electronic system; and determining a control parameter to adjust a characteristic of the operational amplifier according to the internal resistance and the operation frequency. |
| US09503030B2 |
Radio frequency power amplifier
A radio frequency power amplifier comprises an input and output terminals, a main and peak amplifier stages, and an output power combiner for combining a main output signal and a peak output signal into an output signal. The output power combiner comprises a first combiner terminal electrically coupled to a main output terminal, a second combiner terminal electrically coupled to a peak output terminal, a first transition structure extending from the first combiner terminal in a first direction to a first end, a second transition structure extending from the second combiner terminal in the first direction to a second end, a first electrical conductor arranged between the first and the second ends, and a second electrical conductor arranged between the second combiner terminal and the output terminal. The first electrical conductor extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second electrical conductor extends in the first direction. |
| US09503028B2 |
Three-way sequential power amplifier system for wideband RF signal
A three-way sequential power amplifier includes an input network connected to a main amplifier, a first peak amplifier, a second peak amplifier, which in turn are connected to a three-way output network. An input signal for an input port of the input network is a wideband radio frequency (RF) signal with a time varying amplitude. An output port of the output network can be connected to an antenna, via a bandpass filter, to attenuate out of band frequencies. |
| US09503024B2 |
Amplifying device
An amplifying device includes: a signal splitter configured to split an input signal to a plurality of signals having a phase difference between the plurality of signals fluctuating in accordance with an absolute value of an amplitude of the input signal; a plurality of amplifiers configured to amplify the plurality of signals respectively; a combiner configured to combine the amplified plurality of signals to generate an output signal; a selector configured to select one of output signals whose phase is inverted or non-inverted; and a switch controller configured to control the signal splitter so that phases of the plurality of signals are non-inverted, and to control the selector so that the selector selects one of the output signals, in accordance with a first point of time when the absolute value becomes a minimum or a second point of time deviated from the first point by a predetermined time period. |
| US09503022B2 |
Balanced up-conversion mixer
A balanced up-conversion mixer includes: a negative resistance compensation circuit generating and outputting first and second currents based on a DC bias voltage; a mixing circuit allowing a differential radio frequency current (DRFC) signal pair to flow thereinto based on the first and second currents from the negative resistance compensation circuit, a differential oscillating voltage (DOV) signal pair and a differential intermediate frequency voltage (DIFV) signal pair; and a load circuit outputting a differential radio frequency voltage signal pair based on its impedance, the DC bias voltage and the DRFC signal pair. The DRFC signal pair has a frequency associated with those of the DOV and DIFV signal pairs. |
| US09503021B2 |
Quantum interference device, atomic oscillator, electronic device, and moving object
An atomic oscillator includes an atom cell, a first light source device, a second light source device, and a reception section. The atom cell is filled with alkali metal. The first light source device emits a light beam that includes a resonance light beam pair configured to be circularly polarized with each other in the same direction and configured to cause the alkali metal to resonate. The second light source device emits a light beam that includes adjustment light beam configured to be circularly polarized in a reverse direction to the resonance light beam pair. The reception device receives the resonance light beam pair that pass through the atom cell. The adjustment light beam may include the resonance light beam that causes the alkali metal to resonate. In addition, the resonance light beam pair may be a line and the adjustment light beam is a line. |
| US09503015B2 |
Solar panel support
A solar panel support comprising an upper coupling member including a hollow sleeve having a tapered inner surface increasing in diameter or cross-sectional dimension from the proximal end to the distal end having a key or wedge decreasing in width from the proximal end to the distal end projecting inwardly from the inner surface thereof and a lower support member including an elongated hollow pole or shaft having a slit or slot formed on the proximal end to receive the key or wedge therein such that when the elongated hollow pole or shaft is slidably received in the hollow sleeve and the key or wedge is aligned with the slit or slot the upper portion of the elongated hollow pole or shaft is squeezed by the hollow sleeve wedging the key within the slit or slot to secure the upper coupling member and lower support member together. |
| US09503012B1 |
Dynamic inductor system
A dynamic inductor system capable of storing usable electrical energy includes a rotor, a stator, a three-phase winding set, and a damping circuit. The damping circuit includes three freewheeling diode sets. Each of the three freewheeling diode sets has a first freewheeling diode and a second freewheeling diode. When the rotor rotates around the stator, the three-phase winding set generates a current passing through the first freewheeling diode of one of the freewheeling diode sets to charge the first damping capacitor, and a current passing through the second freewheeling diode of another one of the freewheeling diode sets to charge the second damping capacitor. |
| US09503007B2 |
System and method for controlling a power generation system connected to a weak grid
A method for controlling a power generation system connected to a weak grid may generally include operating a power converter of the system so as to produce current at or above a power factor threshold associated with a power factor operating requirement for the system, detecting that a generator speed of the system has increased over a period of time, detecting that a local reference voltage for the system has decreased within the same period of time over which the generator speed has increased and adjusting the operation of the power converter to produce current at a reduced power factor below the power factor threshold so as to increase a real power output of the system. |
| US09503006B2 |
Plasma and induction heating power supply systems and related methods
In some aspects, a power supply system for a plasma application and/or an induction heating system includes at least two controllable power generators of different types. Each controllable power generator includes an associated identifier, and at least one operating unit for controlling at least one of the power generators, the operating unit includes an operating application to import the respective identifiers from the power generators that are connected to the operating application, and based on generator-specific configuration data that are stored for each power generator and the identifiers, the operating application constructs a graphic user interface on a display device of the operating unit. |
| US09503004B2 |
Motor driving circuit
A logic circuit controls a bridge circuit connected to a coil of a stepping motor in synchronization with an input pulse, so as to control electric power supplied to the coil of the stepping motor. A back electromotive force detector detects the back electromotive force VBEMF across the coil L. A load angle estimation unit estimates the load angle φ based on the back electromotive force detected in the detection period set in the high-impedance period set for the coil L. A logic circuit is configured to adjust electric power supplied to the coil such that the estimated load angle φ approaches a predetermined target angle φREF. |
| US09503003B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus drives and rotates at least one of a photosensitive drum and a transport roller with use of a stepping motor in a multi-phase excitation mode. The image forming apparatus includes: a constant-voltage control unit controlling the stepping motor by applying a constant voltage for each phase; a constant-current control unit controlling the stepping motor by regulating an amount of current for each phase by a chopping control; a measuring unit measuring a chopping count of each phase on a per-step basis; a chopping count determination unit determining whether the chopping count of each phase is less than or equal to a predetermined count; and a control switching unit causing the constant-voltage control unit to control the stepping motor when the chopping count determination unit determines affirmatively, and causing the constant-current control unit to control the stepping motor when the chopping count determination unit determines negatively. |
| US09503001B2 |
Remotely-programmable control circuit for single-phase motor
An HVAC control system, associated brushless direct current motor, and methods of operation are disclosed. One such control system includes a brushless direct current motor and an optically-isolated interface exposing control access to the brushless direct current motor. The system includes a first programmable controller electrically connected to the brushless direct current motor, the programmable controller configured to receive a control signal via the optically-isolated interface, and a second programmable controller providing the control signal to the optically-isolated interface. |
| US09502999B2 |
Apparatus for driving motor and controlling method thereof
There is provided an apparatus for driving a motor including: a converter applying an input voltage to each phase winding of the motor; and a processor controlling a phase current flowing to the phase winding to which the input voltage is applied to be increased or decreased in a preset reference range and controlling phase commutation of the motor based on a change in the phase current. |
| US09502998B1 |
Systems and methods for controlling motor torque output
Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling a torque output by an AC motor drawing power from a DC bus. According to certain embodiments, the system for controlling the torque output has a controller and an inverter. The controller further has an operation status detector, a basic voltage vector calculator, and a voltage command generator. The operation status detector is configured to determine a DC bus voltage and a rotor field vector. The basic voltage vector calculator is configured to calculate a plurality of basic voltage vectors having a magnitude proportional to the DC bus voltage. The voltage command generator is configured to generate a voltage command for producing a stator field vector. Producing the stator field vector includes at least one of maintaining a constant angle between the stator field vector and the rotor field vector, and setting a magnitude of the stator field vector equal to the magnitude of the plurality of basic voltage vectors. The inverter is electrically connected to the controller and configured to receive the voltage command. The inverter is also configured to convert the DC bus voltage to one or more AC voltage signals according to the voltage command. The inverter is further configured to apply the one or more AC voltage signals to the AC motor to produce the stator field vector. |
| US09502993B2 |
Method and apparatus for sensing signals
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for a transducer. The transducer can include a bottom plate formed from a first sheet of material, a top plate formed from a second sheet of material, and a middle portion. The middle portion includes a mid-upper element formed from a third sheet of material, with a mid-upper frame, a mid-upper mass, and a plurality of mid-upper attachment members coupling the mid-upper mass to the mid-upper frame. The middle portion can also include a central element formed from a fourth sheet of material, with the central element having a central frame and a central mass. |
| US09502991B2 |
Hybrid converter and wind power generating system
The present invention discloses a hybrid converter and a wind power generating system, the hybrid converter including a voltage source converter, a line commutated converter and a line commutated converter, a positive DC terminal of the voltage source converter is connected to a negative DC terminal of the line commutated converter, a positive DC terminal of the line commutated converter is connected to a positive DC transmission line, a negative DC terminal of the voltage source converter is connected to a positive DC terminal of the line commutated converter, and a negative DC terminal of the line commutated converter is connected to a negative DC transmission line. The present invention features a self-commutating capability, can be directly connected to a wind farm to convert wind power to DC power, and is able to improve rated voltage and rated power of the hybrid converter, technology of each component thereof is mature, and system reliability thereof is high. |
| US09502990B2 |
Electric power feedback apparatus with main power output-feedback and standby power output-feedback
An electric power feedback apparatus is electrically connected to a power supply apparatus. The power supply apparatus includes a power supply module, a main power output terminal and a standby power output terminal. The main power output terminal and the standby power output terminal output electric power to a power conversion system respectively. The electric power feedback apparatus includes a constant voltage compensating module, a compensating and clamping module, an adaptive current weighting module and a controller. The constant voltage compensating module is electrically connected to the main power output terminal. The compensating and clamping module is electrically connected to the standby power output terminal, the constant voltage compensating module and the power conversion system. The adaptive current weighting module is electrically connected to the standby power output terminal, the constant voltage compensating module and the power conversion system. |
| US09502987B1 |
Circuit and method for managing common mode noise in isolated resonant DC-DC power converters
A resonant DC/DC power converter is provided with isolated primary and secondary circuits. The primary circuit includes at least four switches as first and second pairs in a bridge configuration, an isolation transformer having at least one primary and at least one secondary winding, and a resonant tank including a resonant capacitor and a split resonant inductor having two separate windings. In one embodiment, the split resonant inductor windings are substantially identical. Synchronous switching of diagonally opposed switch pairs in the bridge configuration thereby produces a center point voltage of the primary transformer winding is substantially free of stepwise voltage changes. |
| US09502983B2 |
Power supply device capable of varying switching frequency according to load condition
A power supply device includes a power switch, a power delivering means configured to convert an input in accordance with switching operation of the power switch and output a result, and a switch control circuit configured to linearly control switching frequency of the power switch in accordance with an output detection voltage corresponding to an output voltage according to the output. |
| US09502981B2 |
Enhanced power factor correction
A power converter is described that includes a switch. The power converter may also include a controller that controls the switch. The controller may be configured to ascertain a first parameter. Additionally, the controller may be configured to ascertain a second parameter. The controller may dynamically modulate duty cycle of the switch based on the first parameter and the second parameter in addition and independent of the control loop. |
| US09502979B2 |
Output switching circuit
An output switching circuit includes a switching circuit having a first transistor connected to a high-voltage power supply, a second transistor connected to a low-voltage power supply, and an output s terminal at a connection node between the first and second transistors; a comparison unit that compares an input signal with a feedback signal obtained by feedback of an output signal of the output terminal via a low-pass filter to generate a comparison signal; and a drive pulse generating unit that generates first drive pulses for driving the first transistor and second drive pulses for driving the second transistor in accordance with the comparison signal. |