| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09498356B2 |
Flexible stent and delivery system
A stent is provided. The stent includes an elongate body comprising a tightly coiled wire disposed therealong, the coiled wire spanning between a first end portion and a second end portion, and defining a lumen therethrough. A safety wire is disposed through the lumen and fixed with respect to each of the first and second end portions. Proximal and distal end caps are fixed to the ends of the safety wire. At least one of the proximal and distal end caps comprises a window configured to receive the safety wire therethrough, and configured to allow access to the safety wire to weld the safety wire and the respective end cap. |
| US09498350B2 |
Insertion device for use with an expandable cage
An insertion device includes a first engagement arm having a first body portion and a first proximal extension, a second engagement arm including a second body portion and a second proximal extension, and an adjustment mechanism. The second proximal extension is disposed about the first proximal extension and is slidable therealong to vary a spacing between the first and second engagement arms. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment screw rotatably coupled to the first proximal extension and an adjustment cylinder coupled to the second proximal extension. The adjustment cylinder is configured to receive the adjustment screw in threaded engagement therewith such that rotation of the adjustment screw relative to the adjustment cylinder urges the second proximal extension to translate along the first proximal extension to vary the spacing between the first and second engagement arms. |
| US09498343B2 |
Implant system for knee prosthesis
An implant system for knee prosthesis includes a superiorly located femoral bearing block having a femoral component bearing surface and an inferiorly located stem selectively attachable to the bearing block. A strengthening rod is disposed within at least a portion of the femoral bearing block and the stem. |
| US09498341B2 |
Latent mobile bearing for prosthetic device
A prosthetic device for an anatomical feature includes a prosthetic member able to be fixed to the anatomical feature. The device also includes a bearing including a bearing surface able to support an articulating surface for articulation thereon. Additionally, the device includes a bearing restraining member that limits movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a first time. The bearing restraining member also allows for increased movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a second time without surgical intervention. |
| US09498337B2 |
Intervertebral implant
An intervertebral implant, particularly an intervertebral implant comprising local degradable hydroxyl apatite/metal block and based on a support mounting model of porous hydroxyl apatite with metal powders held for sintering and molding, guides osseous tissues to grow in porous metal and is steadily merged in upper and lower bones when the implanted hydroxyl apatite is gradually degraded in a certain period. |
| US09498336B2 |
Implants with a connectable insert and related systems and methods
Systems and methods for forming an insert, such as a threaded or threadable insert, within a cavity in an implant, such as a spinal spacer. According to various embodiments, a spinal interbody spacer may include a proximal end and a distal end. The interbody spacer may be manufactured using a non-threadable material, or at least a material that is difficult to thread, such as a ceramic, a glass, or a porous material. Some embodiments may comprise a silicon nitride ceramic material. A cavity may be formed in the interbody spacer, such as in the proximal end. A material having desired properties lacking in the spacer, such as a threadable insert within a non-threadable spacer, may be inserted into the cavity. The threadable material may then be threaded in order to form a female-threaded insert within the otherwise non-threadable interbody spacer. |
| US09498335B2 |
Implantable devices for musculoskeletal repair and regeneration
This application describes an implantable device for tissue repair comprising at least two fabrics with interconnecting spacer elements transversing, connecting, and separating the fabrics, forming the device. Some embodiments have fixation points which can be an extension of at least one of the fabrics. The implantable device allows modification of the two fabrics having varying constructions, chemistries, and physical properties. The spacer elements create a space between the two fabrics, which can be used for the loading of biological materials (peptides, proteins, cells, tissues), offer compression resistance (i.e. stiffness), and compression recovery (i.e., return to original dimensions) following deformation and removal of deforming load. The inclusive fixation points of the fabrics are designed to allow for fine adjustment of the sizing and tension of the device to promote integration with the surrounding tissues as well as maximize the compressive resistance. The fixation points can include either the first fabric, the second fabric, or the combination of both fabrics. This device is suitable for soft and hard tissue regeneration or replacement with a preference for musculoskeletal tissues including but not limited to cartilage (including hyaline (referred to as articular, e.g. cartilage on the ends of long bones), fibrous (e.g. meniscus or intervertebral discs), elastic (e.g. ear, epiglottis)), bone, muscle, tendon, ligament, and fat. |
| US09498331B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for reshaping a heart valve annulus
Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools. |
| US09498330B2 |
Blood flow controlling apparatus
A method for reducing regurgitation in a mitral valve using a blood flow controlling apparatus. The blood flow controlling apparatus comprises a leaflet coaptation member, a connecting member, and an anchor suitable for anchoring the apparatus to the interventricular septum. The leaflet coaptation member coapts with the native mitral valve leaflets during systole when disposed therebetween, thereby reducing mitral valve regurgitation. During diastole, the native leaflets release coaptation with the leaflet coaptation member, permitting blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. |
| US09498316B1 |
Biocompatible extremely fine tantalum filament scaffolding for bone and soft tissue prosthesis
A tissue implant member for implanting in living tissue is provided. The implant is formed of an open structured tantalum filament having a cross-sectional size of less than about 250 microns. |
| US09498313B2 |
Kit of parts, method of producing and use thereof
The present disclosure relates to a kit of parts comprising part A and part B, part A comprising a polymerizable component having an acid group in the molecule, an initiator, part B comprising an activator, and a film former with a molecular weight of at least 1000. The present disclosure also relates to a composition obtainable by mixing the components contained in the kit of parts and to a process for producing the kit of parts comprising the steps of bringing the components contained in part B of the kit in contact with a surface, drying the surface to form a film. |
| US09498308B1 |
Multi-functional osteotome and method of use for sinus lift procedure
A device, for atraumatically elevating the Schneiderian membrane during a sinus lift procedure with positive, real-time indication of the amount of lift occurring, may include: a first conduit; a first balloon coupled to a first end of the first conduit and in fluid communication therewith; a second conduit; a second balloon coupled to a first end of the second conduit and in fluid communication therewith; and means for infusing a fluid into the first and second conduits to cause inflation of the balloons. The balloons may be constructed the same, or may be individually tailored. The first balloon is configured to be received within the implant socket and apply pressure to the membrane. The second balloon, expanding against atmospheric pressure only, is configured of a different material and wall thickness. An integral scale behind the second balloon provides indication of the inflation and lift provided by the first balloon. |
| US09498303B2 |
Assembly formed by a self-ligating bracket and an elastic clip, for an orthodontic apparatus
An assembly of a self-ligating bracket intended to be part of an orthodontic apparatus. The bracket having in the longitudinal direction thereof an outer face and an occlusal face and being provided on the outer face thereof with a groove for holding an orthodontic arch wire. An elastic clip that can be moved in a reversible manner between an open position, leaving a free passage for the insertion of the arch wire into the groove or the extraction of the arch wire from the groove, and a closed position closing off the groove. The clip being moveable between said positions by a rotational movement, without the clip sliding in translation. |
| US09498302B1 |
Magnetic orthodontic assembly
An orthodontic assembly for moving selected teeth of a patient includes a hollow aligner shell that fits over a set of selected teeth. The aligner shell supports a series of tooth moving elements, such as magnets or metal engagement plates that are fixed in place in alignment with the selected teeth. Metal plates or magnets are affixed to the selected teeth and when the aligner shell is fitted over the teeth, the magnets in the shell exert attraction or repulsion forces on the metal plates to move the selected teeth in accordance with a treatment protocol. |
| US09498297B2 |
Manipulator for surgical tools
Apparatus 10 includes arcuate links 12, 14, a block-like hub 16 adapted to hold a surgical tool 50, and a frame 26 for supporting the links 12, 14. Each link 12, 14 includes a curved portion extending from a first extremity at an end of the link 12, 14 to an extremity at an opposite end thereof. The hub 16 is slidably mounted to the links 12, 14. The hub 16 moves along arcuate paths defined by the links 12, 14, for guiding manipulation of the tool 50 about a pivot point 40. The frame 26 includes a lateral wall having a first pair of opposed guiding slots 28 and a second pair of opposed guiding slots 29. The slots 28 slidingly receive the extremities of the link 12 and have a degree of curvature equivalent to the degree of curvature of the link 14. The slots 29 slidingly receive the extremities of the link 14 and have a degree of curvature equivalent to the degree of curvature of the link 12. |
| US09498295B2 |
Optimization of laser therapy
Systems and processes for the optimization of laser treatment of an eye are disclosed. The process can include receiving a set of parameters of a laser treatment (e.g., an aerial beam size, contact lens, pulse duration, and the desired clinical grade), determining an estimated size of a lesion to be generated by the laser treatment beam, receiving a lesion pattern density (e.g., full grid, mild grid, or other), and determining a recommended pattern of laser treatment beam spots. The recommended pattern of laser treatment beam spots may include a recommended number of laser treatment spots and a spacing between the spots. |
| US09498292B2 |
Single site robotic device and related systems and methods
The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various medical devices for in vivo medical procedures. |
| US09498291B2 |
Touch-free catheter user interface controller
A command interpreter is in communication with a wireless controller. The command interpreter is configured to identify a reference location of the wireless controller, identify a second location of the wireless controller, and determine, based on the reference location and the second location, a sequence of instrument commands configured to adjust positioning of the instrument device. |
| US09498289B2 |
Methods and systems for directing movement of a tool in hair transplantation procedures
Methods and systems are provided useful in various procedures, including hair harvesting and implantation, and further including computer-implemented and/or robotic hair transplantation. Methodologies are provided which enable selection of follicular unit harvesting or implanting sites. In various cases, such selection may be made using a lowest and closest method, overlap-based methods, position-based methods, pattern-based methods, and/or a combination of these methods. In various combinations of the methods, the output selection from one of the methods may be used as an input for one of the other methods. |
| US09498285B2 |
Impedance matching in a microwave electrosurgical system
A method and apparatus is disclosed for the ablation of biological tissue to produce a therapeutic effect. An adjustment is made to the output frequency of an electrosurgical generator during the ablation cycle to accommodate changes in the electrical properties of the apparatus and the biological tissues that occur as energy is transferred to the tissue. The adjustment is made to better align the source impedance with that of the load. |
| US09498284B2 |
Treating and preventing nail disorders
A method of treating or preventing a nail disorder comprises administering to a subject having/suffering from or susceptible/predisposed to, said nail disorder, a therapeutically effective amount or dose of microwave energy. |
| US09498283B2 |
Systems and methods for delivery of a therapeutic agent
Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems. |
| US09498280B2 |
Blade lockout mechanism for surgical forceps
A forceps includes first and second shaft members and a trigger assembly. The first and second shaft members each have a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One or both of the jaw members are moveable to position the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. One of the jaw members is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. The trigger assembly is movable between unactuated and actuated positions to selectively translate the blade between a retracted position and one or more extended positions. The blade extends at least partially through one or both of the jaw members in the one or more extended positions such that when the blade is disposed in the one or more extended positions, the trigger assembly is configured to move to the unactuated position upon movement of the jaw members from the closed position to the open position. |
| US09498279B2 |
Vessel sealing instrument
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members. |
| US09498276B2 |
Systems and methods for narrowband real impedance control in electrosurgery
The electrosurgical systems and associated methods of the present disclosure perform narrowband real impedance control for precise treatment of tissue in electrosurgery. The electrosurgical systems include an electrosurgical generator that includes an output stage configured to generate electrosurgical energy to treat tissue, a plurality of sensors configured to sense voltage and current waveforms of the electrosurgical energy, and a controller coupled to the output stage to control the generated electrosurgical energy. The controller includes a signal processor that (1) determines a complex-valued voltage and a complex-valued current based on the voltage waveform and the current waveform sensed by the plurality of sensors using a plurality narrowband filters, and (2) calculates a real part of an impedance of the tissue using the complex-valued voltage and the complex-valued current. The controller also includes an output controller that controls the output stage based on the calculated real part of the impedance of the tissue. |
| US09498273B2 |
Orthopedic implant kit
An implant kit has an adapter having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first and to the second end, wherein the first end is configured for removably receiving and engaging an implant and the second end is configured for removably coupling to a driver shaft of an implant driving tool, and an implant preloaded into the first end of the adapter, the implant having an elongated threaded portion; and a blade portion extending from the elongated threaded portion, and having two serrated edges, wherein the blade portion is received in the first end of the adapter and the elongated threaded portion of the implant is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the adapter. |
| US09498261B2 |
Laminar hook insertion device
A surgical hook insertion device includes an elongate body defining a lumen therethrough and an actuation assembly. The elongate body has a retaining portion configured and dimensioned to releasably retain a laminar hook therein. The actuation assembly includes an actuation rod and an actuator member. The actuation rod is slidably disposed within the lumen of the elongate body. The actuator member is operatively coupled with the actuation rod and is slidably mounted on the elongate body, wherein the actuation assembly is transitionable between a first position in which a portion of the actuation rod engages the laminar hook releasably disposed in the retaining portion and a second position in which the actuation rod disengages the laminar hook. |
| US09498260B2 |
Implantable orthopedic device component selection instrument and methods
The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of artificial facet joints at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing an artificial cephalad facet joint including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of an artificial cephalad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudad facet joint including a stem element and a trial caudad bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudad facet joint measurement tool. |
| US09498258B2 |
Adjustable-angle spinal fixation element
A spinal fixation device is provided having first and second elongate members that are angularly adjustable relative to one another. Each elongate member can include a connecting feature formed on a terminal end thereof, and each connecting feature can be coupled to one another to allow angular movement of the first and second elongate members. The device can also include a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the connecting feature on each of the first and second elongate members to lock the elongate members in a fixed position relative to one another. |
| US09498256B2 |
Bone screw
A bone screw having a screw member possessing a threaded section and a head and a receiving part at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part has on open first bore and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two free legs provided with a thread. Furthermore, the receiving part has a second bore on the end opposite to the first bore whose diameter is greater than that of the threaded section and smaller than that of the head. On the bottom of the first bore a seat for the head is provided. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free end of the second bore viewed relative to the axis of the first bore is of asymmetric construction. |
| US09498246B2 |
Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices
Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; and a cutting unit having a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion, the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated body to capture a blood vessel between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and being rotatable relative to one another circumferentially about the tip to cut the captured blood vessel. |
| US09498241B2 |
Medical instrument with shape adaptive gripping tool
A medical instrument with a shaft, a handle positioned on the proximal end of the shaft, a tool positioned on the distal end of the shaft with two jaw members that can be displaced between an open and a closed position, and with an actuating element by which the handle and tool are in active connection with one another and where each jaw member of the tool consists of an inner cheek and an outer cheek, which are connected with one another on the distal end of each jaw member and are distanced from one another in the proximal direction, and at least one connecting brace is positioned between the inner cheek and the outer cheek. The medical instrument has jaw members, while preserving flexibility, have an increased dimensional stability, in particular with respect to torsion impact. The inner cheek and the outer cheek of each jaw member is configured differently with respect to the shape of their cross-section, with the inner cheek configured as wider than the outer cheek and with the inner cheek of each jaw member having rounded or stepped configuration. |
| US09498237B2 |
Method and system for destroying of undesirable formations in mammalian body
A method and a system for destruction of an undesirable formation in a mammalian body are described. The invention is based on inserting a probe into mammalian body; said probe is electrically connectable to a control unit and upon bringing the probe in physical contact with the formation supplying pulses of energy from the control unit to the probe in order to destroy the formation. The invention further comprises counting amount of pulses being supplied to the probe and establishing a remaining service life of the probe by subtracting the amount of pulses being supplied to the probe from an amount of pulses corresponding to initial service life of the probe. The treatment session is automatically terminates as soon as amount of pulses being supplied to the probe approaches at least a fraction of the established remaining service life of the probe. The established remaining service life of the probe is stored for new treatment session. Delivery of pulses automatically terminates when the remaining service life is exhausted and use of such probe becomes impossible. |
| US09498235B2 |
Device and method for installing femoral prosthetic knee joint
Devices and method for performing replacement prosthetic knee surgery are disclosed in which a spacing means is introduced between the femur (1) and tibia (2) while the patella (9) is in place. The spacing means separates the femur (1) from the tibia (2) by an amount essentially equal to or greater than the required flexion gap (4). An alignment device (26) is used for performing femoral bone cuts, which device attaches temporarily to a fitted tibial plate. |
| US09498233B2 |
Universal acetabular guide and associated hardware
An orthopedic device includes a patient-specific acetabular guide that may be used for preparing an acetabulum of a patient to receive an acetabular implant. The acetabular guide has a body with an outer three-dimensional surface configured to match an acetabulum of a specific patient's hip joint designed from data of the patient's hip joint. The acetabular guide may further include a peripheral annular rim. |
| US09498230B2 |
Modular reaming system for femoral revision
A modular reaming system for reaming a plurality of pockets in an anatomical feature extends along a longitudinal axis. The system includes a first reamer in a first position on the longitudinal axis, and the first reamer reams a first pocket in the anatomical feature. The system further includes a second reamer that is removably coupled to the first reamer in a second position on the longitudinal axis. The second reamer reams a second pocket in the anatomical feature. The second reamer is keyed against rotation relative to the first reamer to ream the first and second pockets substantially simultaneously. |
| US09498229B2 |
Multi-use screwdriver for adjustable compression screws
An adjustable screwdriver for selectively driving an adjustable compression screw into a substrate. A distal tip of a adjustable head driver is configured to engage an adjustable head of an adjustable compression screw. A shaft driver is concentrically disposed in the adjustable head driver. A distal tip of the shaft driver is configured to engage the head of the screw shaft of the adjustable compression screw for use in rotating the screw shaft. The shaft driver is configured to selectively lock in an even driving position, in which the adjustable head driver and the shaft driver cooperatively drive the adjustable head and the screw shaft. The shaft driver is configured to selectively lock in a retracted driving position wherein the distal tip of the shaft driver is recessed in the adjustable head driver to thereby drive the adjustable head without the shaft driver driving the screw shaft. |
| US09498228B2 |
Apparatus and method for heart valve repair
A transcatheter method of gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include inserting an elongated catheter assembly to a position adjacent the heart valve leaflet, the catheter assembly including a capture tool moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, a tissue support, and a clamping member moveable between an open position and a closed position. The capture tool may be partially retracted to gather tissue of the heart valve leaflet between the tissue support and the clamping member. The clamping member may then be moved from the open position toward the closed position so as to clamp a substantial portion of the gathered tissue of the heart valve leaflet between the tissue support and the clamping member. Subsequently, a clip may be applied from the catheter assembly to the clamped tissue so as to hold the clamped tissue substantially in a gathered configuration. |
| US09498227B2 |
Surgical clip applier
A surgical clip applier is provided including a housing; a pair of handles; a channel assembly extending from the housing; a clip carrier disposed within said channel assembly and defining a channel and a plurality of windows; a wedge plate slidably disposed within said channel assembly and being operatively connected to said handles, said wedge plate including a plurality of apertures formed along a length thereof; a plurality of clips slidably disposed within said channel of said clip carrier; and a clip follower slidably disposed within said channel of said clip carrier at a location proximal of said plurality of clips. The clip follower is configured and adapted for selective engagement with said windows of said clip carrier and said apertures of said wedge plate to distally urge said plurality of clips relative to said clip carrier upon a distal advancement of said wedge plate. |
| US09498226B2 |
Embolic coil delivery system
An embolic coil delivery system includes a flexible elongate body having a distal segment. An embolic coil is loaded on the flexible elongate body at the distal segment and contacts an outer surface of the flexible elongate body. The embolic coil delivery system also includes a delivery catheter sized to advance over the flexible elongate body during an embolic coil delivery procedure, wherein a distal segment of the delivery catheter contacts the embolic coil during the embolic coil delivery procedure. |
| US09498225B2 |
Occluding catheter and method for prevention of stroke
An occluding catheter for preventing stroke by occluding blood flow through right and left carotid arteries is provided. The occluding catheter includes a shaft that has a proximal end and a distal end, and a proximal occluding balloon carried by the shaft. The proximal occluding balloon is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery. A distal occluding balloon is carried by the shaft and is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery that is not occluded by the proximal occluding balloon. The shaft has a segment that is located between the proximal occluding balloon and the distal occluding balloon. Also provided is an alternative arrangement with a single occluding balloon, and an associated method of diverting emboli from cerebral circulation. |
| US09498223B2 |
Devices for closing the left atrial appendage
Described here are devices, systems and methods for closing the left atrial appendage. Some of the methods described here utilize one or more guide members having alignment members to aid in positioning of a closure device. In general, these methods include advancing a first guide having a first alignment member into the left atrial appendage, advancing a second guide, having a second alignment member, into the pericardial space, aligning the first and second alignment members, advancing a left atrial appendage closure device into the pericardial space and adjacent to the left atrial appendage, and closing the left atrial appendage with the closure device. In these variations, the closure device typically has an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a closure element at least partially housed within the elongate body. The closure element comprises a loop defining a continuous aperture. |
| US09498220B2 |
Sutureless vascular anastomosis connection
Techniques for sutureless vascular anastomosis are described, including a sutureless vascular anastomosis connector configured to couple a graft vessel to a main vessel, including a connector body configured to engage a main vessel when inserted into an opening in a wall of the main vessel, and a wing coupled to the connector body and formed using a memory material, the wing being configured to rotate about a transverse axis of the connector when a restraining force is removed from an exterior surface of the wing. |
| US09498217B2 |
Wound closure devices and methods
Methods and devices are provided for closing a puncture wound. In one exemplary embodiment, a puncture closure device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a puncture in tissue and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion can be adapted to expand to form proximal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a first direction. The distal portion can be adapted to expand to form distal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a second, opposite direction. The proximal and distal portions can also be adapted to be moved toward one another as they expand upon rotation. As a result, the proximal and distal wings can engage tissue therebetween. |
| US09498211B2 |
Methods of using applicator instruments for securing prosthetic devices to tissue
A method of securing a prosthetic device to tissue includes providing an applicator instrument including a housing, a shaft, surgical fasteners, a firing rod for dispensing the surgical fasteners from the shaft, a trigger, and an energy storing element. The method includes positioning a prosthetic device over tissue, juxtaposing a distal end of the shaft with the prosthetic device, and compressing the trigger for piloting the firing rod toward the distal end of the elongated shaft at a first rate of speed. The method includes preventing the firing rod from moving distally while building up energy in the energy storing element, and further compressing the trigger for releasing the firing rod for distal movement and transferring the built up energy for moving the firing rod toward the distal end of the elongated shaft at a second rate of speed that is greater than the first rate of speed. |
| US09498209B2 |
Endoscopic fascial closure devices and methods for using same
A system for closure of a fascial opening is disclosed. The system may include a first capture device for pulling one end of a suture through fascial tissue on one side of a fascial opening, and a second capture device for pulling an opposing end of the suture through the fascial tissue on an opposite side of the fascial opening. A trapping device for locating and engaging the first capture device can be used, prior to the capture device being pulled through the fascial tissue, so that the trapping device can subsequently pull the suture to facilitate closure of the fascial opening. Methods and apparatuses for closure of a fascial opening are also disclosed. |
| US09498208B2 |
Methods for passing multiple sutures through tissue
Methods for passing multiple sutures through tissue are provided herein. In particular, the methods described herein allow multiple sutures to be passed through tissue without removing a suture passing instrument from a patient's body. In one embodiment, a method for passing a suture through tissue is provided that includes loading first and second suture limbs into a suture passing instrument, positioning the instrument within a patient's body, actuating the instrument to pass a portion of the first suture limb through the tissue, pulling the first suture limb through the tissue, pulling the second suture limb to reload the suture passing instrument without removing the instrument from the patient's body, actuating the instrument a second time to pass a portion of the second suture limb through the tissue, and pulling the second suture limb through the tissue. |
| US09498207B2 |
Cartridge interface for surgical suturing device
A surgical suturing system comprises a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends, and receiver on the distal end with a rotary drive. A cartridge is selectively attachable to and detachable from the receiver. The cartridge has a surgical needle, a length of suture connected to the needle, a needle driver operative to engage and move the needle relative the cartridge, a transmission operatively connected to the needle driver, and a torsional interface rotationally coupling the rotary drive to the transmission. |
| US09498203B2 |
Tissue repair device
The present disclosure relates to a tissue repair device. The device includes a handle, a knob coupled to the handle, and a needle coupled to the handle. The needle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a slot, wherein a first anchor is housed within the distal end and a second anchor is housed within the slot and located proximal to the first anchor. An actuator disposed within the needle and operatively coupled to the knob, wherein advancement of the knob allows for engagement of the actuator with the first anchor and subsequent advancement of the first anchor via the actuator. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed. |
| US09498202B2 |
Suture securement devices
Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of suture securement devices that replace the need to tie knots in sutures. Some embodiments comprise an annular outer body and one or more suture engagement tabs extending inwardly from the outer body. The devices can comprise a superelastic and/or shape-memory material and have a generally in-plane initial configuration. The suture engagement portions are deformable out-of-plane to an active configuration with the outer body compressed and the tabs interlocked with each other. The device can be heat-set in the deformed configuration. The interlocked tabs exert a pinching force on sutures passing between them that restricts the sutures from sliding through the opening in one longitudinal direction. |
| US09498199B2 |
Distractor instrument
A distractor instrument for use in knee joint surgery is provided that includes a tibial plate, a femoral plate, a tibial arm having a plate end and a control end, wherein the tibial plate is fastened to the plate end of the tibial arm at its anterior edge, and wherein, when the tibial plate is engaged with the tibia, the tibial arm is configured to extend from the tibial plate generally medially or laterally of the knee joint. The distractor instrument also includes a femoral arm having a plate end and a control end, wherein the femoral plate is fastened to the plate end of the femoral arm, and wherein, when the femoral plate is engaged with the femur, the femoral arm extends from the femoral plate generally aligned with the tibial arm. The tibial arm and the femoral arm are pivotably connected to one another at a point between their respective plate and control ends so that pivotal movement of the femoral arm relative to the tibial arm reduces the distance between their control ends and causes the distance between the tibial plate end and the femoral plate end to increase. |
| US09498194B2 |
Surgical instrument input device organization systems and associated methods
Organization systems for surgical instruments input devices and associated methods and systems are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a surgical instrument input device organization system can include a first interface configured to receive input from a user and a second interface communicatively coupled to the first interface via a link. The second interface can include a module sized to receive a surgical input instrument device and an actuator configured to engage a movable surface of the surgical instrument input device in response to input received from the user at the first interface. |
| US09498193B2 |
Biopsy device
A biopsy device comprises a body and a needle extending distally from the body. The needle comprises a cannula and a tissue piercing tip that is unitary with the cannula. The tissue piercing tip may be formed by compressing the distal end of the cannula to put two distal cannula portions in apposition with each other. One of the apposed distal cannula portions may be removed. The remaining distal cannula portion may be formed into a blade of the tissue piercing tip. A cutter may be moved relative to the needle to sever samples from tissue protruding through a transverse aperture formed in the cannula. A gap may be provided between the exterior of the cutter and the interior of the cannula, permitting the cutter to be distally vented while a proximal vacuum is communicated to the cutter to transport severed tissue samples proximally through the cutter. |
| US09498192B2 |
Surgical tool
A surgical tool for use in a tissue removal procedure from a subject is described. The surgical tool has proximal and distal regions and at least one sensor for sensing one or more predetermined conditions located at a distal region of the surgical tool. And a substantially flat signal transmission structure electrically connected with the at least one sensor and extending between the location at the distal region and the proximal region. The signal transmission structure is configured for providing impedance controlled signal transmission between the at least one sensor and the proximal region. |
| US09498189B2 |
Ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus and ultrasound diagnostic imaging method
Described is an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus which includes an ultrasound probe and which generates ultrasound image data sets for displaying an ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus includes a transmitting unit which performs ultrasound scanning for a plurality of times so that a part of or all of scan regions overlap in a plurality of different directions, an image processing unit which generates a plurality of ultrasound image data sets according to the receive signals and an anisotropic aspect evaluation unit which evaluates an anisotropic aspect of ultrasound wave reflection in the subject according to at least either of the ultrasound image data sets and the receive signals. In the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus, the image processing unit generates synthetic image data in which the plurality of ultrasound image data sets are synthesized according to an evaluation result of the anisotropic aspect evaluation unit. |
| US09498187B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying ultrasound image
A method of displaying an ultrasound image, the method including acquiring patient identification information; providing an examination list including a bookmark used to identify at least one ultrasound image based on the acquired patient identification information; receiving selection information regarding the at least one ultrasound image included in the examination list; and displaying the ultrasound image selected based on the selection information. |
| US09498182B2 |
Systems and methods for planning and navigation
The present disclosure is directed to a planning and navigation method. The planning and method includes obtaining and rendering a plurality of images. The plurality of images are segmented to demarcate a target area. A treatment plan is determined based on the target area. The navigation method includes obtaining an ultrasound image of a scan plane including the target and obtaining a fiducial image of a fiducial pattern disposed on an ultrasound device. The obtained fiducial image is corrected and a correspondence between the fiducial image and a model image is found. A position of the surgical device is transformed to model coordinates. Then the ultrasound image and a virtual image of the surgical device is displayed to allow a surgeon to navigate the surgical device to the target using the displayed ultrasound image and the virtual image. The target is treated based on the treatment plan. |
| US09498176B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamically modifying acquisition parameter during image acquisition
Systems and methods for automatically and dynamically modifying an image acquisition parameter for use in tomosynthesis breast imaging. A selected image acquisition parameter is modified in response to a measured characteristic of an imaged object such as a breast, and thus tailored to provide the highest quality image for the particular object. For example, image quality in a breast tomosynthesis system can be improved by dynamically varying motion and other acquisition parameters of the tomosynthesis system in response to physical characteristics of the breast to be imaged (determined during image acquisition), such as the breast thickness, density or composition. Dynamically varying acquisition or processing methods helps to customize the system for each particular patient, thereby improving image quality and identification and assessment of potential pathologies and abnormalities, and lower radiation dose, and thus a reduced the risk of long-term adverse health effects due to lifetime accumulated radiation dose. |
| US09498174B2 |
Whole body RF coil for PET-MR system
A PET-MR apparatus includes an MR imaging system having an RF coil former having inner and outer surfaces, an RF shield formed about the outer surface of the RF coil former, and an RF coil positioned on the inner surface of the RF coil former. The PET-MR apparatus also includes a PET system having a detector array positioned to encircle the bore to acquire PET emissions of the subject of interest and a plurality of RF power cables to provide power to the RF coil. The RF coil of the PET-MR apparatus comprises an RF body coil including a pair of end rings and a plurality of rungs extending between the end rings, wherein the plurality of RF power cables are coupled to one of the pair of end rings, along an outer edge of the one end ring distal from the plurality of rungs. |
| US09498170B2 |
Apparatus for holding and positioning X-ray film, photostimulable phosphor plates or digital sensors while taking dental radiographs
A positioner arm for positioning an imaging material, an imaging material holder, an aiming device or a combination thereof is disclosed that includes at least one positioning arm having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm comprises at least two fixed arm angles and wherein at least one angle is not a 90 degree angle. Methods of obtaining non-right angle views of a patient during x-ray imaging of the patient's mouth are also disclosed that include: providing a positioner arm for positioning an imaging material, an imaging material holder, an aiming device or a combination thereof, wherein the positioner arm comprises at least one positioning arm having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm comprises at least two fixed arm angles, and wherein at least one angle is not a 90 degree angle; coupling the positioner arm with an imaging material, an imaging material holder, an aiming device or a combination thereof; and imaging the patient's mouth, wherein the imaging is taken at a non-right angle. |
| US09498169B1 |
Imaging sheet and related method
A flexible, durable, sanitary, adhesive-backed sheet is applied to the skin-contacting surfaces of a mammography bucky prior to commencing a mammography procedure, and is removed from the bucky once the procedure is complete, without leaving a residue behind. The sheet is made of a non-woven polymeric material that gives the sheet a fabric-like or cloth feel, and is substantially incompressible in response to forces applied during a mammography procedure. The sheet insulates the patient from the temperature differential between the patient's skin and the bucky surfaces. Additionally, the surface of the sheet is embossed with a texture, markings or raised features to enhance the fabric-like feel. |
| US09498163B2 |
Automated location and activity aware medical monitoring
A method, system, and/or apparatus for automatically monitoring for possible mental or physical health concerns. The method or implementing software application uses or relies upon location information available on the mobile device from any source, such as cell phone usage and/or other device applications. The method and system automatically learns user activity patterns and detects significant deviations therefrom. The deviations are automatically analyzed for known correlations to mental or physical concerns, which can then be automatically communicated to a relevant friend, family member, and/or medical professional. |
| US09498161B1 |
Small form-factor pressure sensor passages
Passages for communicating ambient air to a pressure sensor within a housing are provided; such passages may have particular cross-sectional characteristics that result in higher-quality pressure data having less noise than may be obtained used passages having other cross-sectional characteristics. |
| US09498158B2 |
Optical sensor path selection
A device includes a sensor for measuring a parameter for tissue. The sensor includes a plurality of optical elements including a plurality of detectors and at least one emitter. Separation distances between the various optical elements are selected based on a depth corresponding to a region of interest in the tissue and based on a depth corresponding to an exclusion region in the tissue. |
| US09498156B2 |
Opacity consistent polymer graft for optical sensor
A sensor (e.g., an optical sensor) that may be placed within a living animal (e.g., a human) and may be used to measure an analyte (e.g., glucose or oxygen) in a medium (e.g., interstitial fluid) within the animal. The sensor may include a sensor housing and a polymer graft including indicator molecules and covering at least a portion of the sensor housing. The opacity of the polymer graft may remain substantially the same (i.e., may have little or no variation) over time. The sensor may include a photodetector, and variation in the opacity of the polymer graft does not cause a significant change in a measurement signal output by the photodetector. The polymer hydrogel may be made of polymers including acrylic acid and/or polyethylene glycol. |
| US09498155B2 |
Signal processing for continuous analyte sensor
Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor, including receiving a data stream, selecting one of a plurality of algorithms, and employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. Additional data processing includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, comparing the estimated analyte values with corresponding measure analyte values, and providing output to a user. Estimation can be used to compensate for time lag, match sensor data with corresponding reference data, warn of upcoming clinical risk, replace erroneous sensor data signals, and provide more timely analyte information encourage proactive behavior and preempt clinical risk. |
| US09498153B2 |
Endoscope apparatus and shake correction processing method
An endoscope apparatus includes an imaging section, a selection section, and a shake correction section. The imaging section includes an imaging optical system and an imaging element, and captures images. The selection section selects shake correction parameter information from a plurality of pieces of shake correction parameter information based on the observation state of the imaging section. The shake correction section performs a shake correction process on the captured images based on the shake correction parameter information selected by the selection section. |
| US09498150B2 |
Breath sampling device
There is provided a breath sampling tube comprising a deflector adapted to reduce liquid intake into a sampling inlet. There is also provided a breath sampling tube including a deflector adapted to deflect liquid droplets present in breath to reduce liquid at the sampling inlet. There is also provided a breath sampling system including a gas analyzer and a breath sampling tube comprising a deflector adapted to deflect breath to reduce liquid at the sampling inlet. There is also provided a breath sampling system including a gas analyzer and a breath sampling tube comprising a deflector adapted to deflect liquid droplets present in breath to reduce liquid at the sampling inlet. |
| US09498148B2 |
Electrode for biopotential sensing
An electrode for biopotential sensing comprising a main electrode base and at least a plurality of contact pins protruding from the main electrode base and configured to make contact with a subject's skin. Each of the first plurality of contact pins comprises at least one conductive mesh having an elongated pillar shape. A headset or biopotential monitoring system comprising such an electrode for biopotential sensing. |
| US09498142B2 |
Multi-layered structure and method
One aspect relates to a method for producing a layered structure, including providing a substrate, forming a first layer onto at least part of the substrate, the first layer being a first polymer, and forming a second layer onto at least part of the first layer, the second layer being a second polymer. The substrate and the second layer are electrically conductive and the first layer is insulating or the substrate and the second layer are insulating and the first layer is electrically conductive. Forming each of the first and second layers includes forming such that each layer is no more than one tenth of the thickness of the substrate. |
| US09498141B2 |
Method for determining right ventricle stroke volume
The present invention relates to a method for determining right ventricle stroke volume comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of three-dimensional images of right cardiac ventricle of a patient over a cardiac cycle; identically slicing each of the plurality of images; selecting an image from the plurality of images, for each time unit of the cardiac cycle; determining a region of interest in each slice of the selected images, wherein the region of interest shows the right ventricle of the patient; determining area of the region of interest; determining volume of the region of interest; determining total volume of the region of interest for each time unit, wherein the maximum total volume is end diastolic volume and the minimum total volume is end systolic volume; and determining the right ventricle stroke volume using an equation: Right Ventricle Stroke Volume=end diastolic volume−end systolic volume (3). |
| US09498140B2 |
Image-based waveform parameter estimation
Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating waveform parameter estimation. In accordance with one aspect, time-based waveforms are generated based on analysis planes positioned along a centerline of the vessel. A surface may be fitted to upslope regions of the waveforms to determine one or more waveform parameters based on intersection of the surface with the upslope regions. |
| US09498132B2 |
Visualization of anatomical data by augmented reality
A sensor means is employed to sense a distance to the surface of a subject to be examined, so that a range image may be acquired. Intensity information may be acquired alongside the distance information. The distance information and intensity information may be evaluated to track the pose of the sensor means relative to the surface of the subject to be examined, so that anatomical data related to said subject may be displayed as seen from the position and/or orientation of the sensor means or display means. By moving the sensor means or display means along the surface of the subject to be examined, such as a patient in a hospital environment, the user hence gets the impression of being able to look directly into the human body. |
| US09498129B2 |
Method and device for patient monitoring using dynamic multi-function device
The present invention is directed to an improved method, system and product to provide wireless ECG patient monitoring. Although embodiments make specific reference to monitoring electrocardiogram signal with an adherent patch, the system methods, and device herein may be applicable to any application in which physiological monitoring is used. The present invention also presents a reliable means for docking the interface while minimizing signal interference and user error. In addition, a novel means for transmitting and receiving a patient's ECG measurements is introduced which includes the use of an epidermal communication network (ECN) and an ECG enabled module for ECN communications and interface. Although embodiments make specific reference to the use of the ECN for ECG measurements, the system methods, and protocol herein may be applicable to any wearable device and/or other smart device which is ECN enabled. |
| US09498125B2 |
Method for operating an eye tracking device and eye tracking device for providing an active illumination control for improved eye tracking robustness
The invention relates to an eye tracking device and a method for operating an eye tracking device (30) comprising an imaging device (32), a plurality of light sources (34), a processing unit and a control unit. The imaging device (32) captures a first image (36a) while at least one of the light sources (34) emits light. If at least one first reflection (14; 16; 16a-16f) is detected, a position in the first image (36a) of the at least one first reflection (14; 16; 16a-16f) is determined, the first reflection (14; 16; 16a-16f) is categorized on the basis of the position in the first image (36a) and if the first image (36a) does not fulfill a predefined quality criterion, the plurality of light sources (34) is controlled in dependence of the categorization by changing the light intensity of at least one light source (34). |
| US09498115B2 |
Ophthalmic measurement device, and ophthalmic measurement system equipped with ophthalmic measurement device
An ophthalmic measurement device to simulate a retinal image of an examinee's eye includes an ocular aberrometer for measuring an aberration of the eye and a calculation control unit for analyzing aberration data obtained by the ocular aberrometer on the naked eye. The calculation control unit calculates subjective correction data intended for a prescription based on a subjective value by obtaining the difference in each meridian direction between a refraction value in the aberration data and a new subjective value of the eye as obtained by a subjective optometry device, obtains a second polynomial equation wherein the coefficient that represents the refraction value among the coefficients of a first polynomial equation used for approximating the aberration data is replaced with a coefficient corresponding to the subjective correction data, back-calculates the aberration data by using the second polynomial equation, and generates a simulation image based on the back-calculated aberration data. |
| US09498106B2 |
Full HD transmission oral cavity photographic apparatus
A full HD transmission oral cavity photographic apparatus comprises a photographic portion and a grip portion. The photographic portion includes an image sensor to capture a full HD image and a light source. The grip portion includes a control circuit electrically connected to the image sensor and a transmission interface electrically connected to the control circuit. The transmission interface includes a Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer transmission module which can transmit the full HD image via Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer transmission to a display device for displaying. |
| US09498105B2 |
Anti-slip shoe accessory for court sports
A traction-enhancing cleaning kit for allowing sports players to clean and dry the soles of their court shoes while in-play. The cleaning kit comprises a gellified shoe cleaning fluid, and a shoe-attachable cleaning and drying device comprising a gel-absorbent cleaning/drying cartridge removably secured by a clipping mechanism to a carrier platform, which is in turn secured along the forefoot of the sneaker by its laces. The cartridge includes an encapsulated viscose rayon microfiber panel backed by a moisture-impermeable layer, and held captive in a plastic frame. The frame includes a raised wiping lip surrounding the panel. In use, the player need only swipe one foot over the top of the cleaning and drying device attached to the other foot, brushing the sole. One swipe wets and squeegees dry, and the process is repeated for the other foot. |
| US09498101B2 |
Dishwasher using oscillatory flow generated from thermoacoustic effect
Disclosed herein is a dishwasher using oscillatory flow generated from thermoacoustic effect. The dishwasher is configured such that thermoacoustic waves having high amplitude are generated from solar energy rather than electric energy, wherein the thermoacoustic waves make oscillating waves be directly transmitted to an air column and a water column formed in a closed end of a dishwashing pipeline. In this way, high-quality energy can be directly applied to washing water, whereby energy loss can be minimized, and the washing efficiency can be markedly increased. |
| US09498099B2 |
Surface maintenance vehicle with compact side brush assembly
A surface maintenance vehicle with a compact side brush assembly. The side brush assembly includes a brush deck, a parallel linkage assembly, a swing arm, and an actuator assembly. The brush deck carries a floor-engaging brush. The parallel linkage assembly permits pivoting of the brush deck about a lift axis to raise and lower the brush deck. The swing arm is adapted to rotates to swing the brush deck towards and away from the floor surface maintenance machine. The actuator assembly includes a linear actuator and a slip link. |
| US09498097B2 |
Portable toilet seat adapter with an integrated carrying case
A portable toilet seat adapter (100) can size down a stationary toilet to a child size and also provide a sanitary barrier. The seat adapter (100) comprises a carrying case (105) and an open-front toilet seat (120) in a U-shape. The toilet seat (120) folds in a catty-corner position for size reduction and then folds into the carrying case (105). Living hinges are rotatable hinges integrated in the toilet seat (120) so that the toilet seat (120) can be formed from a single molding. Also, living hinges are integrated between a lid (110) for rotation around a base (130) and the carrying case (105) can be formed from a single mold. Fasteners that close the carrying case (105) can also be living hinges and formed from the same single mold as the carrying case (105). |
| US09498095B2 |
Gravity feed dispenser
A gravity feed dispenser including a dispensing opening that exposes part of a front face and part of a bottom face of a stack of interfolded napkins. Interference tabs restrict the dispensing opening at the front face of the stack of napkins. A stack of interfolded napkins is seated on a bottom wall of the dispenser. The bottom wall is set back from a front wall in a front to rear direction to provide a dispensing gap. A leading flap of the stack of napkins hangs through the dispensing gap while a leading fold of the stack of napkins is pressed against a bottom end of the front wall. When the leading flap is pushed back, the leading fold passes beneath a bottom edge of the front wall to be grasped by a user for dispensing napkins at least two at a time. |
| US09498091B2 |
Wet wipes package
Provided is a compact wet wipes package, wherein wet wipes can be easily drawn from a storage container, and the production cost can be kept low. This wet wipes package is provided with: a wet wipes folded body which is continuously folded and stacked, and in which dividing portions are formed at a predetermined interval; an airtight storage container which is formed to store the wet wipes folded body and includes an opening portion from which stored wet wipes are to be drawn outward; a base plate which is attached to the opening portion and is formed with a pinching hole through which the wet wipes are pinched and drawn outward; a drawing hole which is linked with the pinching hole and functions to divide the wet wipes at the dividing portion; and openable/closable lid which can hermetically close the pinching hole and the drawing hole. |
| US09498087B1 |
Adjustable infant bathing chair
The adjustable infant bathing chair is a chair that can be placed in a bathtub and used to wash infants. The adjustable infant bathing chair has the general appearance of a baby swing. The adjustable infant bathing chair has a plurality of nonskid feet that allow the adjustable infant bathing chair to be placed directly in a bathtub. The infant is then placed in the chair. With the chair supporting the infant, the caretaker does not need to worry about the infant slipping into the water and can focus on cleaning the infant. The adjustable infant bathing chair is adjustable for height and has a seatbelt to secure the infant. The adjustable infant bathing chair comprises a structure, a seat frame, a plurality of struts, a plurality of T connectors, a plurality of nonskid feet, and a seatbelt. |
| US09498082B2 |
Self-cleaning milk foaming device
A self-cleaning milk foaming device includes a mixing unit, a steam jet unit and a control unit. The mixing unit has a mixing chamber, and a milk inlet passage, a cleaner inlet passage and a foaming gas inlet passage communicated with the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has a milk outlet nozzle, an upstream section, and a downstream section disposed between the upstream section and the milk outlet nozzle. The milk inlet passage is situated between the cleaner inlet passage and the milk outlet nozzle. The foaming gas inlet passage is disposed upstream of the milk inlet passage. The steam jet unit is for supplying steam into the mixing chamber. The control unit is for controlling the cleaner to flow or to stop flowing into the cleaner inlet passage. |
| US09498081B2 |
Disposable beverage press
Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing a pressed beverage using a press and lid system. In one aspect, a beverage material is pressed to the bottom of a beverage container by means of a press ring including a filter. The walls of the beverage container exert a force on the press ring, folding flaps (perimeter portions) that are attached to the press ring by means of a flexible attachment member. Any beverage material or other debris that is net collected by the filter in the press ring is collected by a filter in the lid. Other variations and features consistent with the present invention exist. |
| US09498080B2 |
Single cup brewer with truncated sphere plug
A single cup brewer includes a steeping cup and a drain plug. The steeping cup includes a sidewall extending from a base to form a contained space. The steeping cup also includes a tapered drain extending from the base and away from the contained space. The tapered drain has a tapered drain hole tapering from a top diameter to a bottom diameter through the base of the steeping cup. The drain plug includes a stem and a tip extending from the stem. The tip has a truncated spherical shape, which is a sphere truncated substantially perpendicular to an axis of the stem on the top surface and the bottom surface of the tip. The truncated spherical shape has a tip diameter greater than a width of the stem, greater than the bottom diameter of the drain hole, and less than the top diameter of the drain hole. |
| US09498079B2 |
Window treatment mounting assembly
The present invention relates to a window treatment mounting assembly, and a kit which includes a window treatment mounting assembly and a window treatment or modular fabric components thereof. In one preferred aspect, a window treatment mounting assembly for mounting a window treatment over a window is provided, where the mounting assembly comprises a longitudinally elongated channel beam for releasably retaining the window treatment; a resiliently compressible retention member for releasably coupling the window treatment to the channel beam in a friction fit; and at least one mounting bracket for supporting the channel beam in a mounting position adjacent the window. |
| US09498078B2 |
Transport device incorporating full-body immersion baptismal pool having automatic comfort, adjustment, and baptism assistance features
Full-body immersion baptismal pools and transport devices, having full-body immersion baptismal pools incorporated therein, incorporate automatic, comfort, adjustment, and baptism-assistance features. Such features include water level adjustment, temperature adjustment, a self-cleaning features, internal air freshening, a dehumidification, filtration adjustment, and sanitation adjustment. |
| US09498073B2 |
Corner picture hanger
Presented is a device for hanging a picture frame in the corner of a room, with a wall attachment bracket, and a tensioning device for pressing the picture frame into contact with the walls of the corner. The tensioning device can be an elastic tubing, a retracting reel, or a cord with a tightening device. |
| US09498069B2 |
Mattress manufacturing process and apparatus
A process and apparatus for manufacturing a mattress generally includes an insertion station for supporting an innercore, a movable platform for supporting a bucket, and an adhesive applicator intermediate the insertion station and the movable platform. The adhesive applicator is configured to apply adhesive prior to or simultaneous with insertion of the innercore unit into a cavity of the bucket. The innercore unit is gravity fed from an elevated surface of the insertion station into a leading edge of the bucket cavity to form the innercore unit and bucket assembly. The process and apparatus minimizes and/or eliminates manual labor as it relates to the manufacture of the innercore unit and bucket assembly. |
| US09498068B2 |
Massage module that fits into a cavity of a decompressed foam mattress
Removable massage modules provide a mattress with a massage function. The mattress is compressed and shipped in a packing box with the massage modules separate from the mattress. The end customer then inserts the massage modules. The mattress has a bottom foam layer with cavities whose walls are perpendicular to the outer surface of the foam layer. Each massage module includes a massage motor encased in molded foam. The molded foam is attached to a foam section with cylindrical holes that pass from an outer side to the molded foam and allow hot air to escape the massage motor. The top and bottom sides of each massage module have the shape formed by the walls of the cavities. The massage modules are connected by power cords to a module controller that receives RF signals from a remote control device. The massage modules can also be inserted into a mattress topper. |
| US09498066B2 |
Ergonomic seating assemblies and methods
Seating assemblies and methods are disclosed. A seating assembly (100) can comprise a seat, a back support (114), and a frame component (110). The frame component can extend from a bottom portion (118), positioned near an underside of the seat, to a top portion (120), configured to maintain the back support at a position above the seat. The back support can laterally extend from a left edge portion (1670) to a right edge portion (1672) and can include a spring member (122) at or near each of the left and right edge portions. The spring member can include at least one undulation or arc (1674) providing integrated rated compression adaptation to a user. The seating assembly can further comprise a tilt mechanism (408), engaged with the frame component, including one or more leaf springs (424) and a spring contact assembly. The spring contact assembly (426) can be positioned on a top side of the one or more leaf springs. |
| US09498065B2 |
Modular structure and method for preparing same
The invention is a structure comprising a tensioned skin filled with shaped modules for bearing compression. In an uncompressed state, the modules are pourable like sand, salt or sugar. When compressed by tensioning of the skin, the modules lock up so that the skin filled tightly with modules comprises a load-bearing structure. |
| US09498063B2 |
Window shelf
An apparatus is disclosed for a window shelf that attaches to a window stool without causing any damage and requiring no tools for installation. The apparatus includes a shelf with an upper and lower surface and a downwardly angled lip that engages with the rear portion of a window stool. A series of channels is defined by the bottom surface of the shelf and one or more plates, which receive one or more supporting legs. The horizontal surface of the supporting legs has a series of pointed teeth that engage with a series of pointed teeth along the channels, locking the shelf in place. The shelf can be used for a variety of purposes, such as holding household items, indoor planters, or even as a bed for small pets. |
| US09498061B2 |
Slide rail assembly
A slide rail assembly includes first and second rails, a running carriage, and a pushing member. The second rail can be longitudinally displaced relative to the first rail. The running carriage is slidably mounted to the first rail, carries the second rail, and can be moved together with the second rail in a differential manner with respect to the second rail. The pushing member is movably connected to the first rail and displaceable between a horizontal position and an inclined position. Should an error occur in differential movement of the running carriage, the pushing member is able to be driven by a portion of the second rail to displace from the horizontal position to the inclined position and hence displace the running carriage to correct the error. |
| US09498048B2 |
Receptacle, more particularly a bottle for a cosmetic product, an associated manufacturing method and an applicator assembly comprising such a receptacle
The invention relates to a receptacle, more particularly a bottle for a cosmetic product, to an associated manufacturing method and to an applicator assembly comprising such a receptacle. The invention relates in particular to a receptacle, more particularly a bottle, for a cosmetic product, said receptacle comprising a body forming a container and an intermediate part forming a reservoir, which is capable of containing the cosmetic product and of sliding within said container so as to move with an applicator of said product, under the effect of the viscosity of said product, when said applicator is removed from said reservoir and/or when said applicator is inserted into said reservoir. |
| US09498045B2 |
Applicator with bristle-ended cartridges
Cosmetic or pharmaceutical applicator with a supply of the cosmetic or pharmaceutical fluid provided in the brush outside of the bristle facing, a pump mechanism for dispensing the fluid through or in the bristle facing of the brush, whereupon the bristle facing of the brush is a fixed component of a cartridge which provides a supply of the fluid and which can be inserted into and removed again from the applicator chamber intended for this purpose, preferably without the use of tools. |
| US09498043B2 |
Cosmetics applicator
A cosmetic applicator whose application part has an arithmetic average surface roughness Ra of 10 μm or less is provided, based on a study of the surface roughness of the application part of the cosmetic applicator, to further reduce the amount of cosmetic material accumulating on the surface of the application part, and to more reliably release onto the skin surface the cosmetic material that has been picked up onto the surface of the application part. |
| US09498030B2 |
Umbrella quick frame assembly systems and methods
An umbrella hub is provided that includes an inner portion, an outer periphery, a lower portion and an upper portion. A plurality of vertical grooves is disposed in the outer periphery and is configured to receive umbrella ribs or struts. A plurality of grooves extends transverse to the vertical grooves. A retention member is disposed in each of the transverse grooves. A first configuration of the hub permits deflection of the retention member such that a transverse pin coupled with the umbrella ribs or struts can be inserted into the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed. A second configuration of the hub prevents deflection of the retention member such that inadvertent withdrawal of the pin from the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed is prevented. |
| US09498024B1 |
Decorative button cover
Clothing accessories and more specifically a decorative button cover that will convert any man's suit coat into a sports jacket. The button cover includes a locking mechanism serving to connect the button cover to a jacket button, completely covering it and changing the appearance of the due at least in part to a decorative design on the visible front surface of the button cover. |
| US09498022B2 |
Shoe upper and method for producing shoe upper
There is provided a shoe upper with high productivity in which a reinforcing section can be easily formed at the position of the heel or the toe, and a method for producing the same.A shoe upper (1) in which an instep cover section (3) and a sole cover section (2) are integrally knitted in a seamless manner is provided. The shoe upper (1) includes a pocket section (4) formed extending over a left side portion and a right side portion of the shoe upper (1) at least at a position of a heel or a toe of the shoe upper (1). The pocket section (4) is configured by an outer side knitted fabric portion (40) configured with a part of the instep cover section (3), and an inner side knitted fabric portion (49) directly connected to the sole cover section (2) and entered to the inner side of the outer side knitted fabric portion (40). A pocket opening (4i), which is an opening of the pocket section (4), opens at the side of the sole cover section (2). |
| US09498018B2 |
High heel shoe
Embodiments of an improved high heel shoe are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the improved high heel shoe can include an upper, a sole at least partially connected to the upper, a heel at least partially connected to the sole, and a platform including a portion of the sole. The platform can include an improved platform assembly comprising a plurality of springs located between the sole and a cover that engages a foot of the wearer. |
| US09498014B2 |
Protective helmet
A protective helmet having an inner shell and an outer shell assembly. Internal padding contacts an inner surface of the inner shell and an energy absorbing layer is positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell assembly. The outer shell assembly includes a plurality of rigid, outer shell segments with at least one of the outer shell segments designed and arranged to move relative to the other outer shell segments upon receiving an impact force. The external energy absorbing layer and the outer shell assembly dampens impact energy before it reaches the inner shell. |
| US09498013B2 |
Wearable safety apparatus for, and method of, displaying heat source characteristics and/or hazards
A wearable safety apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of directional thermal imaging sensors mounted on the housing and facing outwardly away from the housing in a corresponding plurality of different directions towards thermal zones of a heat source. Each sensor detects infrared radiation (IR) intensity and generates an output indicative of a temperature of the detected IR intensity in a respective thermal zone faced by a respective sensor. An interface is mounted on the housing and has a display positioned to be viewable by a user, e.g., a firefighter. A controller processes the outputs generated by the sensors, and displays at a plurality of spaced-apart positions on the display a plurality of positional thermal indicators when the temperature in the respective thermal zone is elevated. The position of each positional thermal indicator corresponds to the thermal zone faced by the respective sensor. |
| US09498012B1 |
Deployable umbrella hood garment
A deployable umbrella hood garment that includes a waterproof umbrella hood moveable between a folded position, furled within a pack member dorsally dispositional upon said garment, and a deployed position, extended to encapsulate the head of a user and securable in said deployed position by means of a support member disposed interior to the hood, whereby automated and expedient deployment of said umbrella hood is effective between said stowed and deployed positions to prevent contact of rainfall with a user's head. |
| US09498006B2 |
Sleeping aid that restricts movement during sleep
Motion limiting pants prevent a person from turning over onto his or her back or stomach while sleeping on his or her sides, or prevents a person from turning over onto his or her side while sleeping on his or her back or stomach. The motion limiting pants can include one or more pockets formed therein. The pockets can be filled with a filling material, such as a lightweight foam. The pockets can be formed either on the sides of the pants to prevent side sleeping, or on the front and back of the pants to prevent back and/or stomach sleeping. |
| US09497999B2 |
Electronic vapor provision device
An electronic vapor provision device comprising a battery assembly 8 and a vaporizer 24, wherein the battery assembly 8 comprises a power cell 10 and a computer 12, the vaporizer 24 is releasably connectable to the battery assembly 8 and the computer 12 comprises a computer processor 16 and a memory 18; wherein the computer 12 is configured to detect whether the vaporizer 24 is connected to the battery assembly 8; the battery assembly 8 further comprises a capacitor 38; and the computer 12 is configured to first charge the capacitor 38 and then detect whether a vaporizer 24 is connected to the battery assembly 8 by measuring whether the capacitor 38 is discharged. |
| US09497998B2 |
Electronic cigarette
An electronic cigarette includes a mouthpiece, an atomizer assembly, a first connecting assembly, a second connecting assembly, and a power assembly. The atomizer assembly is received in the first housing of the mouthpiece, which includes a liquid reservoir and a heating element. The first connecting assembly includes a first conductive tube, a second conductive tube, and a first sleeve. The first sleeve includes an insulation tube, a convex ring, and a connecting portion. The insulation tube is disposed between the first conductive tube and the second conductive tube; the convex ring is sleeved on the second conductive tube and fixed to the first housing; the connecting portion extends through the second conductive tube and interconnects the insulation tube and the convex ring. The second connecting assembly includes a second sleeve and a flexible conductive ring. The power assembly includes a second housing fixed to the first housing and a battery. |
| US09497996B2 |
Electronic cigarette
An electronic cigarette of the invention includes an atomizing device for vaporizing cigarette liquid, a battery which is electrically connected with and supply power to the atomizing device, and a first electrode assembly set between the battery and the atomizing device. Herein, the first electrode assembly includes an electrode seat, an electrode and a resilient mechanism. The electrode seat is electrically connected with the battery, the electrode resiliently connects electrode of the atomizing device, and the resilient mechanism is resiliently connected between the electrode seat and the electrode. The electronic cigarette of the embodiments has resilient electrode assembly, simple structure, and high liability of electric circuit connection. |
| US09497994B2 |
Electronic cigarette device, electronic cigarette, and atomizing device used in the same
An atomizing device comprises an atomizing seat, and an atomizer having a heating wire and disposed at one side of the atomizing seat. A first electrode assembly is disposed at another side of the atomizing seat away from the atomizer. The first electrode assembly includes a first seat body and a first electrode post, two of which two of which are insulated from each other and respectively connected with two ends of the heating wire to form the positive and negative electrode. The first seat body resists the atomizing seat and clamps a first end of the heating wire therebetween, and the first electrode post resists the atomizing seat and clamps a second end of the heating wire therebetween. The heating wire is secured by the squeezing of the atomizing seat and the first electrode assembly, the atomizing sleeve, which has a stable structure and low cost. |
| US09497991B2 |
Smoking article with colour change segment
The present invention relates to a smoking article (9) comprising a mouthpiece (1), a color change segment and a rupturable, fluid-containing capsule (5). The color change segment is adapted to interact with the fluid from the rupturable fluid-containing capsule such that, upon interaction, the color change segment shows a color change when the capsule is ruptured. The smoking article comprises a permeable outer wrapper which is in a first region covered with an impermeable coating such that the first region is impermeable, wherein a second region, which is not covered by the impermeable coating, is permeable. |
| US09497990B2 |
Local storage and conditioning systems for nutritional substances
Nutritional substance systems and methods are disclosed enabling the tracking and communication of changes in nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic values of nutritional substances, and further enabling the adaptive storage and adaptive conditioning of nutritional substances. |
| US09497989B2 |
Utensil for retaining an object in a liquid bath
A utensil that retains a food item or other object in a liquid bath includes a core portion and at least one aim extending from the core portion at the upper end thereof to hover over the object to keep it fully submerged. An anchor, such as a suction cup, secures the core portion in the bath container. |
| US09497984B2 |
Nutritional tablet
To improve the solubility and the speed of dissolution of nutritional tablets comprising protein, fat and carbohydrates, dietary fibers are included in the nutritional tablets. |
| US09497982B1 |
Method and system for manufacturing frozen sushi that remains stable until consumption following thawing and refrigeration
The current document is directed to methods and systems for manufacturing frozen-sushi food products that remain texturally and compositionally stable while frozen and refrigerated for extended periods of time. A variety of different processing steps and ingredients are employed to prevent retrogradation of gelatinized starch in cooked sushi rice, including quick cooking of the rice, employing non-nutritive sweeteners in place of sugar, controlling the amount of salt in the sushi rice, and use of β amylase and gellan gum. |
| US09497978B2 |
Apparatus for making and dispensing nitrogen-charged coffee
A method of making coffee is provided. After a cold-brewed coffee is extracted from coffee beans, nitrogen gas is charged into the cold-brewed coffee. The cold-brewed coffee into which nitrogen gas is dissolved, is cooled to form a nitrogen-charged coffee. Therefore, the nitrogen-charged coffee may keep a rich density of foam and a flavor. |
| US09497977B2 |
Refrigeration appliance and method for operating such appliance
A refrigeration appliance comprises a cavity in which an ozone generating device is placed. The ozone generating device is configured to maintain in the cavity a concentration of ozone between 0.04 and 0.12 ppm, more preferably between 0.06 and 0.1 ppm. |
| US09497976B2 |
Method for improving, by using power-variable ultrasonic waves, frozen fish fillets treated by means of salt-water immersion process
A method for improving frozen fish fillets treated by way of a salt-water immersion process includes the following steps: pretreating raw fish to obtain fish fillets; precooling the fish fillets; stacking the precooled fish fillets to obtain a fish fillet stack; freezing the fish fillet stack by using a salt-water immersion process, and performing power-variable ultrasonic wave treatment; and feeding the fish fillets into a cold storage, and performing freezing storage at minus 18 degrees centigrade. The power-variable ultrasonic wave treatment includes: firstly treating for 5 to 10 min under the power of 800 to 600 W, and then changing the power to 200 to 600 W for treating for 5 to 15 min. The freezing time of fish flesh is shortened, and formed ice crystals are fine and uniform, thereby preventing the damage of the formed ice crystals to cell walls. |
| US09497974B2 |
Pesticidal compositions and methods for using same
Pesticidal compositions containing plant essential oils, such as rosemary oil, wintergreen oil, etc., and methods for using same are disclosed. |
| US09497972B2 |
Compositions comprising a biological control agent and an insecticide
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one biological control agent. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts. |
| US09497968B2 |
Synergistic microbicidal combinations
Antimicrobial compositions based on the synergistic combination of 2-methyl-3-isothiazolone and selected commercial microbicides where the compositions are substantially free of halogenated 3-isothiazolone, are disclosed. Particularly preferred are combinations of 2-methyl-3-isothiazolone together with benzoic acid, citric acid, sorbic acid, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, zinc pyrithione or climbazole, that provide enhanced microbicidal efficacy at a combined active ingredient level lower than that of the combined individual 3-isothiazolone and commercial microbicide effective use levels. |
| US09497964B2 |
Synergistic activity of peracetic acid and at least one SAR inducer for the control of pathogens in and onto growing plants
A method for controlling pathogens on a plant tissue of a growing plant with an aqueous solution resulting from the dissolution in water of a powdered composition comprising a dry, water soluble mixture of (i) a peracetic acid precursor comprising: a solid hydrogen peroxide precursor, optionally a pH adjusting agent, and an acetylating agent; and (ii) at least one SAR inducer which is a water soluble silicate salt defining a source of silicate ions, to generate in situ peracetic acid (PAA). A synergistic effect is observed once the SAR inducer which is a water soluble silicate salt defining a source of silicate ions, and the peracetic acid are respectively simultaneously present in and on the plant. |
| US09497962B1 |
Hydroalcoholic foaming sanitizer
The present invention is related to an improved method of foaming hydroalcoholic solutions having between 60% and 80% ethanol (by weight) present. The compositions of the present invention are useful as hand sanitizer compositions. The compositions of the present invention provide copious dense foam, and an outstanding skin feel upon evaporation of the water and alcohol. |
| US09497954B1 |
Apparatus and method for holding a fumigant container in relation to an interior of a bulk material container
An apparatus for holding a fumigant container has a sleeve with an interior volume, a first fastener affixed to the sleeve adjacent an end of the sleeve and extending outwardly therefrom, and a second fastener affixed to the sleeve adjacent the opposite end thereof. The first and second fasteners are suitable for removably affixing to at least an exterior surface, such as a pair of rails of a hopper car. Each of the fasteners includes a clip and a strap affixed to the clip. The clip includes a body formed of a polymeric material and having an aperture formed therethrough and an arm having one end integrally formed at the body and extending into the aperture such that the arm is flexible in relation of the body. The sleeve has at least one surface formed of a gas-permeable material. One end of the sleeve is open so as to allow for the introduction of a fumigant container into the interior of the sleeve. |
| US09497952B2 |
Bait trap for insects
A bait trap generally for crawling insects, such as ants, cockroaches, silverfish, etc., having a bottom sheet and a top sheet attached to one another in a leak-tight manner at their respective edges forming an enclosure for holding bait, and at least one inlet communicating with the enclosure and sized so that the target insect can access the enclosure and reach the bait. The bottom and top sheets also form a bait reservoir connected with the enclosure through an initially obstructed passage suitable for being opened and allowing transferring bait from the reservoir to the enclosure in response to a pressure increase in the reservoir as the reservoir is being pressed using one's fingers. |
| US09497950B2 |
Beacon light for free floating fishing device
A beacon light for a free floating fishing device having a transparent or translucent upper housing slidably engaged and friction fit with a lower base. The lower base is configured to be removably or permanently attached to the free floating fishing device. A lighting assembly is housed within the upper housing, and the lighting assembly includes a power source in electrical communication with a light source. A conductive biasing linkage, such as a compression spring, is housed within the upper housing and configured to be in electrical contact between the power source and the light source. The upper housing, the lighting assembly, and the lower base are in coaxial and concentric alignment. The lower base is configured to contact the conductive biasing linkage to complete the path of an electrical circuit between the power supply, the biasing linkage and the light source in order to selectively energize the light source. |
| US09497948B2 |
Spinning reel
A spinning reel includes a handle, a reel unit, a rotor, a spool, a rotor drive mechanism, and an anti-reverse mechanism. The reel unit has a fishing rod attachment portion and a mount portion. The rotor drive mechanism includes a drive gear and a pinion gear. The pinion gear is disposed in the through hole. The pinion gear is meshed with the drive gear. The anti-reverse mechanism is configured to prevent the rotor from rotating in a fishing-line releasing direction. The anti-reverse mechanism includes a one-way clutch assembly. The one-way clutch assembly is detachably attached to the mount portion of the reel unit. The rotor drive mechanism includes a seal member. The seal member is configured to seal a clearance between the pinion gear and the through hole while being disposed at a rear end of the one-way clutch assembly in the back-and forward direction. |
| US09497946B2 |
System and methodology for culturing cochineal insects on an artificial medium
A method is provided for culturing cochineal insects. In accordance with the method, a medium is created (101-109) from a mixture comprising a plant or cactus additive and a polymeric material. The medium is then inoculated (111) with a species selected from the group consisting of the genus Dactylopius. |
| US09497939B2 |
Apparatus and system for research and testing of small aquatic species
An apparatus and system for testing and researching aquatic species is provided. The apparatus and system includes a housing rack for housing a tank. The apparatus and system further includes one or more dividers for dividing the at least one tank into one or more compartments. The apparatus further includes a collection channel and a downspout in each compartment for draining of water from each compartment. The apparatus further includes one or more lids for covering the one or more compartments. |
| US09497926B2 |
System and method for treating livestock
A system and method for treating livestock may include a ramp for containing dairy livestock and one or more mobile units configured to travel on the ramp, below the dairy livestock, and perform at least one action related to a treatment of the livestock. A mobile unit may be adapted to travel to a predefined location within a stall, and attach a milking equipment unit to a cow in the stall. A plurality of mobile units and a central management unit may be configured to dynamically cause at least some of the plurality of mobile units to each perform a portion of a treatment or task. |
| US09497924B1 |
Soybean cultivar 41180801
A soybean cultivar designated 41180801 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 41180801, to the plants of soybean cultivar 41180801, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 41180801, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 41180801. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 41180801. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 41180801, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 41180801 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09497922B1 |
Soybean variety 01051809
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01051809. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01051809. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01051809 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01051809 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09497913B1 |
Soybean variety 10CR134130
Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated 10CR134130, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123071. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the 10CR134130 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program. |
| US09497911B2 |
Wild rice cultivar KC-755
A wild rice cultivar designated KC-755 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of wild rice cultivar KC-755, to the plants of wild rice KC-755 and to methods for producing a wild rice plant produced by crossing the cultivar KC-755 with itself or another wild rice variety. The invention further relates to hybrid wild rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar KC-755 with another wild rice cultivar. |
| US09497907B2 |
Indoor/outdoor hydroponic nutrient delivery system for plants
The embodiments herein provide a hydroponic system having a self-contained reservoir. The system comprises, a plurality of plastic pipes, a plurality of plant receivers, a plurality of angled joints, a plurality of T-fitting/connectors, a plurality of pipe caps, a customizable water pipe, an adjustable pipe brace, and an electrical pump. A method is provided for delivering the nutrient solutions to the plants through a hydroponic system. The method comprises, assembling the hydroponic system, selecting a plurality of plants to be grown in the hydroponic solution, delivering nutrient solution to the roots of the selected plant from the reservoir, and customizing the hydroponic system. |
| US09497901B2 |
Boundary definition system for a robotic vehicle
A method for defining boundaries for a work area of a robotic vehicle may include receiving map data descriptive of a parcel of land and receiving information indicative of at least one reference object disposed on the parcel. The at least one reference object may have corresponding information for defining boundaries for a work area on the parcel associated therewith. The work area may define an area to be worked by a robotic vehicle. The method may further include determining the boundaries responsive to detection of the at least one reference object, and operating the robotic vehicle to remain within the area defined by the boundaries. |
| US09497899B2 |
Sensor for air cart metering system
An agricultural particulate delivery system includes a tank operable to contain particulate, a metering structure including a metering element operable to regulate flow of particulate from the tank, and a collector assembly configured to receive particulate from the metering structure. The collector assembly directs particulate into a particulate-transporting line configured to deliver particulate toward an implement. The system also includes a sensor located between the metering element and the particulate-transporting line and that is configured to detect particulate flow from the metering element to the particulate-transporting line. |
| US09497896B2 |
Farm implement with steering tracks
A toolbar implement with steering tracks connects to a tractor and a plurality of row units are connected to the toolbar implement. The toolbar implement contains: (a) a main longitudinal frame; (b) a transverse axle assembly; (c) a lift arm assembly pivotably connected to the frame and pivotably connected to the axle assembly for raising or lowering the frame relative to the axle assembly; (d) a control arm pivotably connected to each end of the axle; (e) a track assembly connected to each spindle; and (f) a steering mechanism extending between the control arms. |
| US09504190B2 |
System and method of packaging computing resources for space and fire-resistance
A computing system includes one or more rack rows comprising one or more racks. The racks includes one or more tanks that hold liquid coolant for at least one of the one or more servers, and a liquid coolant to remove heat from at least one of the one or more servers. An aisle is provided next to a rack row or between two of the rack rows. The aisle includes a floor. The floor can be walked on by service personnel to access at least one of the one or more racks in at least one of the rows. Cooling components at least partially below the aisle move a liquid to remove heat from at least one of the servers in at least one of the racks. The racks, floor and cooling components may be fire-resistant. |
| US09504187B2 |
Electronic device housing and electronic device
An electronic device housing, includes: a housing case including a housing area which houses a heat generating component; a duct, including ends which are in communication with the housing area at different positions respectively and a body portion disposed outside the housing area, in which first air inside housing case which is heated by the heat generating component flows; and a flow device, disposed in the housing case, configured to circulate the first air and make second air which radiates heat in the duct flow towards a side of the housing area side. |
| US09504185B2 |
Dual chamber loop heat pipe structure with multiple wick layers
A loop heat pipe structure includes a transport pipe, an evaporator, a first wick layer, a second wick layer, and a plurality of grooves. The transport pipe communicates with the evaporator. The evaporator has a bottom and internally defines a first chamber and a second chamber, and has a working fluid filled therein. The first wick layer is located on the bottom, and the second wick layer is located on and covers the first wick layer. The grooves can be selectively provided on the first wick layer or the bottom. The first and second wick layers are so designed that the situation of very high vapor pressure would not occur in the second chamber, enabling the loop heat pipe structure to have upgraded heat dissipation efficiency. |
| US09504183B2 |
Hybrid thermal management of electronic device
An enclosure with hybrid thermal management for a heat-generating electronic device comprises a passive heat sink for conducting heat away from the electronic device, a cold skin adapted to slide over the top of the passive heat sink and having a front wall forming a plurality of air intake ports, and a plurality of blowers mounted inside the cold skin for drawing air into the cold skin though the air intake ports and then directing the air through the passive heat sink. In one implementation, the passive heat exchanger includes multiple thermally conductive fins adjacent to the electronic device and extending rearwardly from the intake ports, the fins being spaced apart from each other for conducting heat away from the electronic device. The blowers preferably direct air rearwardly from the intake ports in the front wall into the spaces between the thermally conductive fins. |
| US09504179B2 |
Ejectable component assemblies in electronic devices
Electronic devices are provided with ejectable component assemblies that can be substantially flush with the external surfaces of the housings of the devices, despite variations in their manufacture. The ejectable component assemblies may include connectors coupled to circuit boards of the devices, and trays that can be loaded with removable modules, inserted through openings in the housings of the devices, and into the connectors for functionally aligning the removable modules with the circuit boards. The ejectable component assemblies may also include ejectors coupled to the housings of the devices for ejecting the trays from the connectors and, thus, from the devices themselves. |
| US09504178B2 |
Vehicle control device for electric rolling stock
A draining member protrudes from both openings of a through-hole in a vehicle control device. It has a pair of spaced elastic members extending from a connection. The connection has a width smaller than a width of the through-hole. The width between the elastic members varies from the connection toward their ends, reaching a narrow portion smaller than the width of the through-hole via an increased width portion greater than the width of the through-hole. A leg portion beyond the narrow portion has a width greater than the width of the through-hole. A minimum distance between a location where the width between the increased width portion and the narrow portion matches the width of the through-hole, and another location where the width of the leg portion is equal to or greater than the width of the through-hole, is equal to or greater than a thickness of the housing. |
| US09504177B2 |
Hermetic electronics package with dual-sided electrical feedthrough configuration
A hermetic electronics package includes a metal case with opposing first and second open ends, with each end connected to a first feedthrough construction and a second feedthrough construction. Each feedthrough contruction has an electrically insulating substrate and an array of electrically conductive feedthroughs extending therethrough, with the electrically insulating substrates connected to the opposing first and second open ends, respectively, of the metal case so as to form a hermetically sealed enclosure. A set of electronic components are located within the hermetically sealed enclosure and are operably connected to the feedthroughs of the first and second feedthrough constructions so as to electrically communicate outside the package from opposite sides of the package. |
| US09504176B2 |
Waterproof structure for use in display device
A waterproof structure for use in display device includes a back cover (100), a display module (200) and a waterproof member (300). The back cover (100) includes a peripheral part of back cover (110), a stop part (120) connected to the peripheral part of back cover (110), and a groove (130) defined between the peripheral part of back cover (110) and the stop part (120), wherein the height of the peripheral part of back cover (110) is greater than the height of the stop part (120). The display module (200) is disposed on the back cover (100). The waterproof member (300) is disposed between the display module (200) and the stop part (120). Accordingly, the speed of moisture permeating into the display device can be buffered so as to prolong the service life. |
| US09504175B2 |
Solid-state drive housing, a solid-state disk using the same and an assembling process thereof
This invention relates to a solid-state drive housing, a solid-state disk using the same and an assembling process thereof. More particularly, the present invention is capable of preventing the unauthorized disassembly of the consumer. The solid-state drive housing comprising a upper cover and a basement, where the lower casing has a plurality of first hollows, the upper cover has a second base and a plurality of fastening structures one pieced formed therewith, part of the end of the fastening structures are bent and disposed in the corresponding first hollows so as to secure the second member with the first member. By the novelty assembling process provided by the present invention, the user may secures the upper cover and the lower casing without the screw liked fasteners and completes the assembly in only a few quick steps, meanwhile, the present invention is also capable of preventing the unauthorized disassembly of the consumer. |
| US09504171B2 |
Portable power supply
A power supply has a generally rectangular housing that has a length of about 11 inches and a width of about 8.5 inches, with a thickness of less than 5.2 cm. A rechargeable battery is housed inside the housing, and a power bay is provided on the housing and coupled to the battery inside the housing. |
| US09504167B2 |
Method of producing a cable connector device with blade
Disclosed is a procedure for manufacturing a cable connector device with a blade and the structure of the cable connector device including a printed circuit board and a cable thread. a bore is made on the printed circuit board covered with a conductive layer, and then the head of the cable connector component is placed into the bore and is soldered to the conductive layer. Then, the cable threads are held in the bladed opening of the cable connector. In the next step, the entire unit is covered by a resin case, thereby also holding the cable threads in the opening of the cable connector. The case itself consists of a single part and does not require any other holding component or plastic shell. Given the small size of the case, there is a shortened warm up period. |
| US09504166B2 |
Process for producing substrate for mounting element
A process for producing a substrate for mounting element includes forming a thick conductor layer-provided substrate having a thick conductor layer made of a metal composed mainly of silver (Ag) or copper (Cu), on a surface of an inorganic insulating substrate made of an inorganic insulating material, applying wet blast treatment to the thick conductor layer to planarize the surface of the thick conductor layer to a surface roughness Ra of at most 0.02 μm, and forming a nickel (Ni)/gold (Au)-plated layer on the thick conductor layer having the surface planarized by the wet blast treatment. |
| US09504165B2 |
Method of forming conductive traces on insulated substrate
A method of forming conductive traces on insulated substrate includes the steps of providing an insulated substrate; forming a coating layer on a surface of the insulated substrate, dividing the coating layer into traces-forming zones and non-traces-forming zones through laser engraving, and removing areas of the coating layer that are located in the traces-forming zones through laser-vaporizing to expose corresponding portions of the surface of the insulated substrate; forming a metallized layer of conductive traces by performing a metallizing treatment on the exposed portions of the insulated substrate and on the coating layer; and directly stripping off the residual coating layer from the non-traces-forming zones or removing it using an acid, an alkaline or a neutral solution. |
| US09504163B2 |
Y axis beam positioning system for a PCB drilling machine
A positioning system for a gantry adapted to move in the horizontal, X-Y plane that utilizes up to 80% less energy to operate than commercial machines, while at the same time decreasing the position settling times by 50%, and achieving this with an “in position window” of 2-3 microns, (a settling window) beating the current industry in position window of 7-12 microns. It accomplishes this through a novel synergistic overall design that utilizes a much lighter and much stiffer moving mass resulting in the moving components having an increased natural frequency. With this system on any style of PCB drilling machine, the drill bit life is extended in two ways: they do not dull as fast and they do not break as often. This is because the small in position window ensures that as the drill bits plunge into the substrate to be drilled (a PCB board) the drill unit sees very little motion in the horizontal plane thus keeping the bits from wandering upon hole initiation and from experiencing excessive horizontal plane sheer forces (side loads) when starting their plunge into the substrate. |
| US09504161B2 |
Solution and process for the pre-treatment of copper surfaces using an N-alkoxylated adhesion-promoting compound
The invention concerns a solution for pretreating copper surfaces, and a method for pre-treating copper surfaces allowing the formation of a tight bond to plastic substrates. The solution comprises: a) hydrogen peroxide, b) at least one acid, and c) at least one nitrogen-containing, five-membered, heterocyclic compound, and d) additionally at least one nitrogen containing, adhesion-promoting compound, said compound comprising, or consisting of, lactams, non-quaternary fatty amines, amides and polyamides, connected at one or more of its nitrogen atoms with at least one residue of formula (I). |
| US09504158B2 |
Metal-free monolithic epitaxial graphene-on-diamond PWB
According to some embodiments, an apparatus includes a circuit board made of polycrystalline diamond. The circuit board is formed by deposition of layers of poly(hydridocarbyne). Each layer has the geometry of a cross section of the circuit board. The circuit board is further formed by pyrolysis of the layers of poly(hydridocarbyne) at a temperature greater than or equal to 100 degrees Celsius and less than or equal to 800 degrees Celsius. The apparatus additionally includes a plurality of tubes formed within the circuit board. The tubes have a plurality of terminations at one or more surfaces of the circuit board. Each tube comprises a layer of graphene that is operable to permit each tube to conduct electrical current. Each layer of graphene is formed by thermolysis of the polycrystalline diamond circuit board at a temperature greater than or equal to 900 degrees Celsius. Each tube is substantially hollow each layer of graphene forms an outer surface of the respective tube. |
| US09504157B2 |
Hybrid circuit assembly
A hybrid circuit assembly includes an integrated metal substrate (IMS) having high-voltage, high-power components mounted thereon. The IMS includes a metal base plate an insulating adhesive on the metal base plate, and one or more wiring layers on the insulating adhesive. The hybrid circuit assembly includes a multi-layer printed wiring board (PWB) having low-voltage, low-power components mounted thereon. The multi-layer PWB is connected to the IMS and has an upper surface that is co-planar with an upper surface of the IMS. The PWB is mounted on the metal base plate via the insulating adhesive. |
| US09504152B2 |
Printed circuit board for semiconductor package
A printed circuit board for a semiconductor package including a printed circuit board body, a plurality of ball lands on one surface of the printed circuit board body, a first plating layer on a portion of each of the ball lands, and a second plating layer on another portion of each of the ball lands may be provided. An upper surface of the first plating layer may be coplanar with an upper surface of the second plating layer. |
| US09504145B2 |
Flexible display device
A flexible display device includes: a flexible display panel configured to display an image; a dielectric elastomer film disposed on a portion of the flexible display panel; a first electrode layer disposed on an upper portion of the dielectric elastomer film; and a second electrode layer disposed on a lower portion of the dielectric elastomer film, the first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrodes, each of the plurality of first electrodes disposed apart from each other, the second electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrodes, each of the plurality of second electrodes disposed apart from each other. |
| US09504140B2 |
PCB having offset differential signal routing
In accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein, an improved electrical connector footprints, such as printed circuit boards (printed circuit board), is described comprising one or more of, for example, a first linear array containing at least a first anti-pad extending along a first direction, a first electrical signal trace extending along the first direction and spaced from the first linear array along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, a group of ground isolation vias containing at least one electrically conductive ground via arranged along a line extending parallel to the first direction and spaced from the first electrical signal trace along the second direction, and a second linear array containing at least a second anti-pad extending along the first direction spaced from the group of ground isolation vias along the second direction. |
| US09504135B2 |
Apparatus and method for magnetic control of an electron beam
An apparatus and method for magnetic control of an electron beam includes a control circuit having a first low voltage source and a second low voltage source. The control circuit also includes a first switching device coupled in series with the first low voltage source and configured to create a first current path with the first low voltage source when in a closed position and a second switching device coupled in series with the second low voltage source and configured to create a second current path with the second low voltage source when in a closed position. The control circuit further includes a capacitor coupled in parallel with an electron beam manipulation coil and positioned along the first and second current paths and a current source circuit electrically coupled to the electron beam manipulation coil and constructed to generate an offset current in the first and second current paths. |
| US09504134B2 |
Methods and apparatus for controlling lighting
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for lighting control. One or more properties of light output are controlled based on a light origination input and a light destination input received via one or more user interfaces. For example, in some embodiments a light origination input and a light destination input may be utilized to determine one or more control parameters of one or more LEDs to achieve illumination of a light destination area indicated by the light destination input, wherein the illumination is from a light origination area indicated by the light origination input. |
| US09504132B2 |
Distributed processing using resources of intelligent lighting elements of a lighting system
An exemplary lighting system utilizes intelligent system elements, such as lighting devices, user interfaces for lighting control or the like and possibly sensors, and utilizes network communication amongst such intelligent system elements. Some processing functions performed within the system are implemented on a distributed processing basis, by two or more of the intelligent elements of the lighting system. Distributed processing, for example, may enable use of available processor and/or memory resources of a number of intelligent system elements to process a particular job. Another distributed processing approach might entail programming to configure two or more of the intelligent system elements to implement multiple instances of a server functionality with respect to client functionalities implemented on intelligent system elements. |
| US09504124B2 |
Narrow border displays for electronic devices
An electronic device may be provided with an organic light-emitting diode display with minimized border regions. The border regions may be minimized by providing conductive structures that pass through polymer layers of the display and/or conductive structures that wrap around an edge of the display and couple conductive traces on the display to conductive traces on additional circuitry that is mounted behind the display. |
| US09504121B2 |
System and method for providing surge protection for an AC direct step driver lighting system
An AC direct driver lighting system including a surge protection circuit and a current limiting circuit is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the AC direct driver lighting system includes an LED load, a rectifier, and an LED driver configured to receive rectified AC voltage from an AC power source and drive the LED load. The AC direct driver lighting system further includes a surge protection circuit and a current limiting circuit disposed between the AC power source and the LED load. The surge protection circuit and the current limiting circuit suppress excessive current flowing through the AC direct driver lighting system. |
| US09504119B2 |
LED driver having short circuit protection
An LED driver having short circuit protection includes a power, a controlling module coupled to the power and be configured to control output thereof, a sampling module electrically connected to the controlling module, a switch controlling module coupled to the sampling module, and a second switch coupled to the switch controlling module 40 and the output end of the power. The controlling module includes a first switch. The sampling module gets a low level signal during that short circuit is occurred in the first switch. When the switch controlling module receives the low level signal, it turns off the second switch so as to reduce the input voltage of the controlling module. The LED driver having short circuit protection can protect the first switch and load during that short circuit is occurred in the first switch. |
| US09504118B2 |
Resistance measurement of a resistor in a bipolar junction transistor (BJT)-based power stage
A bipolar junction transistor (BJT) may be used in a power stage DC-to-DC converter, such as a converter in LED-based light bulbs. The power stage may be operated by a controller to maintain a desired current output to the LED load. A resistor may be coupled to the BJT through a switch at the emitter of the BJT. The switch may regulate operation of the BJT by allowing current flow to ground through the resistor. The controller may perform measurements of the resistor to allow higher accuracy determinations of the current through the BJT and thus improve regulation of current to the LED load. |
| US09504114B2 |
Illumination control apparatus and illumination control method
An illumination control apparatus including a controller which: in switching a first lighting mode to a second lighting mode when a combination of results of detections by occupancy sensors changes, compares a first priority level pre-assigned to the first lighting mode and a second priority level pre-assigned to the second lighting mode; if the second priority level is lower than the first priority level, maintains the first lighting mode for a predetermined amount of wait time from a moment when the combination of the results of the detections changes, and subsequently switches the first lighting mode to the second lighting mode; and if the second priority level is higher than the first priority level, switches the first lighting mode to the second lighting mode at the moment when the combination of the results of the detections changes. |
| US09504103B2 |
Driving a multi-color luminaire
Embodiments are disclosed for driving a multi-color solid state light source luminaire so as to maintain a color point as temperature varies within a given range. An array of solid state light sources includes two or more strings and is driven by a single constant current source. The array is topologically arranged to allow for control of the division of current between the strings of solid state light sources. In one such current-sharing scenario, the duty cycle of a switching control signal corresponds directly to the proportion of current that flows in one of two distinct strings of solid state light sources. Thermal feedback is used to control the duty cycle. In this way, the amount of current that flows in both strings may be adjusted as temperature changes. |
| US09504099B2 |
Lighting system with flexible lighting sheet and intelligent light bulb base
A light bulb base includes a power source interface configured to couple the light bulb base to a light bulb socket. It also includes a bulb-coupling interface configured to removably couple the light bulb base to a bulb assembly. A user interface mechanism is also included in the light bulb base, and is operable to control a function of the bulb assembly or the base when the base is coupled to the bulb assembly. The light bulb base may also include a receiver for receiving a signal from a remote control source and/or a controller configured to perform the function. |
| US09504092B2 |
System for the coexistence between a plurality of wireless communications modules sharing single antenna
A system for the coexistence between a plurality of wireless communication modules sharing a single antenna includes an antenna, first and second transceiving paths, and first and second wireless communications modules. The first wireless communications module is coupled to a first transceiving path and transmits or receives first wireless signals via the first transceiving path. The second wireless communications module is coupled to the second transceiving path and transmits and receives second wireless signals via the first and the second transceiving paths, wherein signal strengths of the second wireless signals passing through the second transceiving path are attenuated by a certain level, and the attenuated second wireless signals are added to the first wireless signals when passing through the first transceiving path, wherein one of the first and the second communications module is a LTE module and the other one is a WLAN module. |
| US09504088B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for device-to-device discovery
A user equipment (UE) includes a reference signal component, a guard period component, and a transmission component. The reference signal component is configured to randomly select a sequence for a reference signal for transmission in an open device-to-device discovery packet. The guard period component is configured to determine a first symbol signal for transmission during a first symbol of the device-to-device discovery packet. The first symbol comprises a partially punctured symbol. The transmission component is configured to transmit the device-to-device discovery packet. The device-to-device discovery packet includes the first symbol having the partially punctured symbol and a reference signal based on the randomly selected sequence. |
| US09504085B2 |
Methods for one radio module to listen to paging signals without breaking the data transmission of the other radio module operating in the connected mode and communication apparatuses utilizing the same
A communications apparatus. A first radio module communicates with a first wireless network and provides wireless communications services. A second radio module communicates with a second wireless network and provides wireless communications services. At least two antennas shared by the first radio module and the second radio module. When the first radio module operates in a connected mode and when the timing of the first radio module performing the first receiving activity coincides with the timing of the second radio module performing a second receiving activity, the first radio module reports a value of 1 for a Rank Indicator to the first wireless network at least once before the second radio module is to perform the second receiving activity, and then the second radio module uses one of the antennas to perform the second receiving activity. |
| US09504083B2 |
Method and related communications device for improving discontinuous reception functionality
A method of improving discontinuous reception (DRX) functionality for a user equipment (UE) of a wireless communication system is disclosed, so as to allow continuous reception of following transmissions during a retransmission period. The method includes steps of monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) when an On Duration Timer, a DRX Inactivity Timer or a DRX Retransmission Timer is running; and starting or restating the DRX Inactivity Timer when the PDCCH indicates the UE a new transmission. |
| US09504079B2 |
System and method for communications in communications systems with relay nodes
A system and method for communications in communications systems with relay nodes are provided. A communications controller includes a communications control unit, a bearer control unit coupled to the communications control unit, and a mapping unit coupled to the bearer control unit. The communications control unit manages resources and schedules transmission opportunities, the bearer control unit manages radio bearers for relay nodes coupled to the communications controller, and the mapping unit provides a mapping of user bearers to radio bearers. |
| US09504078B1 |
Method of communication and apparatus of communication between devices
This present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus of communication between devices, the method being implemented at the wireless access equipment side and including: establishing connection with a first device; acquiring communication instructions sent by the first device; selecting for communication, as appropriate to the communication instruction, a client identification module from at least one client identification module in the wireless access equipment; establishing connection with a second device via the client identification module selected for communication so as to enable communication between the first device and the second device. This proposal provides the user with a backup communication means, whereby the user may use the first device to communicate with the second device conveniently via the wireless access equipment when the mobile phone signal becomes unreliable, the mobile phone is out of power, or the mobile phone is not with the user. |
| US09504073B2 |
Autonomous transport layer connection setup by a transport layer concentrator
The present disclosure concerns wireless communication. More particularly, a method and an apparatus (e.g. a SCTP concentrator) for setting up transport layer connections (e.g. SCTP associations) between a eNB and a (H)eNB are disclosed. |
| US09504071B2 |
System and methods for addressing mobile station in wireless communication system
In wireless communication system each MS is assigned a globally unique address. The method and system use one of these globally unique addresses to identify the MS. The efficient method of signaling this large size MS address (MS ID) is proposed. The ‘n’ bit MS ID is divided into ‘p’ parts wherein ‘p’ is greater than 1. The MS is addressed or identified using ‘x’ parts from a set of ‘p’ parts of MS ID, wherein ‘x’<=‘p’. Further, methods to determine and signal the number of parts i.e. value of ‘x’ and which ‘x’ parts out of ‘p’ parts to be used for addressing is also proposed. The decision to determine the number of parts i.e. value of ‘x’ and which ‘x’ parts out of ‘p’ parts to be used for addressing the MS may be static, semi static or dynamic. |
| US09504069B2 |
Method and apparatus for content protection in Wi-Fi direct network
A method of performing communication between a first device and a second device by using a Wi-Fi direct scheme is provided. The method may include receiving, by the first device, information on relating to a content protection capability of the second device in during a device discovery procedure; and determining, by the first device, whether to perform a connection setup procedure with the second device based on the received information on relating to the content protection capability of the second device. |
| US09504065B2 |
Method for protecting opportunity to transmit data frame in wireless LAN system
A method for guaranteeing a data frame transmit opportunity in a wireless LAN system having three different transmission modes includes: setting a first transmission protection interval based on a lowest transmission mode, when a node of a mode having a lowest transmission rate among the three transmission modes exists in the wireless LAN system, aggregating a data frame to be transmitted within time of the set transmission protection interval, and transmitting the data frame; and setting a second transmission protection interval based on a mode having a highest transmission rate, when only nodes of a mode having a highest transmission rate among the three transmission modes exist, aggregating a data frame to be transmitted within time of the set transmission protection interval, and transmitting the data frame. |
| US09504064B2 |
Method and system for scheduling in mobile communication system
A method and an apparatus for scheduling in a mobile communication system. According to the method, for data/message pre-promised between a UE and a network node, the UE transmits a scheduling request at a predetermined timing. When the network node receives the scheduling request at the predetermined timing, the network node directly allocates a resource for transmission of the promised data/message by itself, so that the UE can instantly transmit the data/message. As a result, transmission delay can be reduced. |
| US09504063B2 |
Base station and related radio communication method
Provided are a terminal device and a retransmission control method that make it possible to minimize increases in overhead in an uplink control channel (PUCCH), even if channel selection is used as the method to transmit response signals during carrier-aggregation communication using a plurality of downlink unit bands. On the basis of the generation status of uplink data and error-detection results obtained by a CRC unit, a control unit in the provided terminal uses response signal transmission rules to control the transmission of response signals or uplink control signals that indicate the generation of uplink data. If an uplink control signal and a response signal are generated simultaneously within the same transmission time unit, the control unit changes the resources allocated to the response signal and/or the phase point of the response signal in accordance with the number and position of ACKs within the error-detection result pattern. |
| US09504055B1 |
Scheduling receive chain activities on a mobile device
Various embodiments include methods for scheduling reception activities on a wireless communication device having a first receive chain and a second receive chain. Various embodiments may include identifying a first reception activity and a second reception activity of a first subscription scheduled on the first receive chain, in which a duration of the second reception activity is longer than a duration of the first reception activity. The wireless communication device may determine whether the first reception activity and the second reception activity can be performed concurrently on the first receive chain, and schedule the second reception activity on the second receive chain in response to determining that the first reception activity and the second reception activity cannot be performed concurrently on the first receive chain. |
| US09504045B2 |
Bluetooth service estimation apparatus and bluetooth service estimation method thereof
A Bluetooth service estimation apparatus and a Bluetooth service estimation method thereof are provided. The Bluetooth service estimation apparatus listens to data packets transmitted between the Bluetooth host and the remote Bluetooth device, and determines a Bluetooth service type between the Bluetooth host and the remote Bluetooth device according to contents of the data packets. The Bluetooth service estimation apparatus transmits the Bluetooth service type to a packet traffic arbitration module of a Wi-Fi host so that the Wi-Fi host determines a weight of network resources according to the Bluetooth service type, and decides a utilization rate of an antenna based on the weight of the network resources. |
| US09504043B2 |
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. |
| US09504042B2 |
System and method for encoding and decoding of data with channel polarization mechanism
A computing system includes: a communication unit configured to: determine a relaxed coding profile including a polar-processing range for processing content data over a bit channel; process the content data based on a total polarization level being within the polar-processing range, the polar-processing range for controlling a polar processing mechanism or a portion therein corresponding to the bit channel for the content data; and an inter-device interface, coupled to the communication unit, configured to communicate the content data. |
| US09504032B2 |
Method, wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) and base station for transferring small packets
A method, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) and a base station for transferring small packets are described. The WTRU generates a packet that has one or more of a medium access control (MAC) or a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) header, the one or more of the MAC or the PLCP header including a field. On a condition that the WTRU has data buffered for transmission, the WTRU includes in the field information that indicates a time or a transmission opportunity (TXOP) needed to transmit at least one packet of data that the WTRU has buffered for transmission. The WTRU transmits the packet to another WTRU in the wireless network. The WTRU receives another packet from the other WTRU with a granted TXO) based on the time needed to transmit the at least one packet of the data that the WTRU has buffered for transmission. |
| US09504026B2 |
Keep alive periodicity determination for WiFi networks
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for keep alive messages. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, at a user equipment, an indicator sent by a wireless access point, wherein the indicator represents a time to send at least one keep alive message to enable maintenance of at least one binding in at least one intermediate node; and generating, by the user equipment, the at least one keep alive message. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described. |
| US09504022B2 |
Methods and devices for configuring user equipments with multiple transmit antennas
In deployments where there is a mixture of new Node Bs capable of uplink multi-antenna transmission and legacy Node Bs not capable of uplink multi-antenna transmission some embodiments described herein enable a network node (e.g. a radio network controller, RNC) to configure an uplink control channel (e.g. dedicated physical control channel, DPCCH) to be decodable by both the new and the legacy Node 8s when the UE operates in uplink multi-antenna transmission. |
| US09504020B2 |
Method for exchanging information between communication terminals, and communication terminal
Upon sensing an update of any routing information entry held in a routing information storage unit (A104), an information exchange coordination unit (A105) references a node information storage unit (A102), and if a node information entry corresponding to the updated routing information entry does not exist, acquires the corresponding node information entry from another communication terminal (A1b). Alternatively, upon sensing an update of any node information entry held in the node information storage unit (A102), the information exchange coordination unit (A105) references the routing information storage unit (A104), and if a routing information entry corresponding to the updated node information entry does not exist, acquires the corresponding routing information entry from another communication terminal (A1b). This provides a communication terminal for acquiring both the node information entry and the routing information entry relating to a specific communication terminal substantially at the same time. |
| US09504017B2 |
Method and apparatus to increase service capacity in radio communication systems using idle working channels as flexible control channels
A subscriber unit-based method and a subscriber unit include locally maintaining a status of each working channel of a plurality of working channels in a wireless communication system; responsive to an inbound request, selecting one of a plurality of idle working channels of the plurality of working channels and a dedicated control channel; and sending the inbound request on the selected channel. An infrastructure-based method is also provided. Variously, the methods and systems increase service capacity in radio communication systems using idle working channels as flexible control channels. An infrastructure-based method is also described. |
| US09504016B2 |
Optimized multicast routing in a Clos-like network
Techniques are provided for optimizing multicast routing in a network. At a router device, a message is sent to one or more physical devices. The message is configured to solicit a response indicating a network assignment for each of the physical devices. A response message is received from each of the physical devices. The response message comprises network assignment information for each of the physical devices. For each of the physical devices, the network assignment information is translated into a segment identifier. The segment identifier is distributed to other router devices in the network. |
| US09504008B2 |
UE based CSFB enhancement
A mobile station for notification of a circuit switched event. The mobile station includes a circuit switched modem, a packetized data modem, a radio, and a tune away controller. The circuit switched communicates circuit switched data over a circuit switched network. The packetized data modem communicates packetized data over a packetized data network. The radio couples the packetized data modem to the packetized data network via a packetized data radio link, and couples the circuit switched modem to the circuit switched network via a circuit switched radio link. The tune away controller is coupled to the circuit switched modem and to the packetized data modem, and indicates tune away events over the packetized data network and notice the mobile station to process the circuit switched event, where the tune away controller directs switching of the radio between the packetized data radio link and the circuit switched radio link. |
| US09503998B2 |
Notifications based on device presence
An architecture is provided that can facilitate and/or transmit notifications based upon device presence techniques in connection with a wireless communications network. For example, when certain mobile devices register with a particular network entity (e.g., a femtocell) that services a particular target location (e.g., place of residence), then such registration can be leveraged to indicate presence at the target location. Accordingly, notifications can be delivered to custodian devices that indicate the presence information if certain predetermined conditions or criteria are satisfied. |
| US09503996B2 |
Method and apparatus for cell search and synchronization in mobile communication
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for cell search and synchronization for subscriber stations of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. The invention uses primary synchronizing signal of primary synchronization code in each frame structure to establish synchronization with the base station when a subscriber station accesses the LTE network. With such synchronization between the subscriber station and the base station, control signals and transmission data may be correctly exchanged between them. |
| US09503995B2 |
Method and system for synchronous service-flow transmission in heterogeneous network
The present disclosure discloses a method for synchronous service-flow transmission in a heterogeneous network, including that: an access point collects a parameter on a wireless-network channel, and reports the parameter to a synchronization managing unit of an access-network controller; the synchronization managing unit dynamically adjusts the received parameter on the wireless-network channel, and transmits the adjusted parameter to each service-flow channel to implement synchronization between different service-flows. The present disclosure also provides a system for synchronous service-flow transmission in a heterogeneous network. With a technical solution of the present disclosure, it is possible to implement synchronous service-flow transmission and reduce delay while increasing a system throughput. |
| US09503994B2 |
Network node, user equipment and methods therein for adjusting the transmit timing of uplink transmissions
A method in a user equipment for adjusting a transmit timing of uplink transmissions to a network node in a telecommunications system is provided. The user equipment is configurable with more than one aggregated serving cells. The reception timing of a downlink transmission from a timing reference serving cell is used as a timing reference for the transmit timing of uplink transmissions. The user equipment determines a change to a second serving cell as the new timing reference serving cell which is different from a first serving cell currently being used as the timing reference serving cell. The user equipment applies an incremental adjustment of the transmit timing of uplink transmissions for the serving cells in a group of serving cells with respect to a timing reference based on the reception timing of a downlink transmission from the second serving cell in the user equipment. |
| US09503991B2 |
Method for controlling power transitions in transmitter systems
A method for controlling a transmitter power control system in communication networks that include a modulation scheme having a non-constant amplitude envelope. The method includes generating a transmission signal and transitioning the transmission signal from a first specified power level to a second specified power level and having a transition period therebetween, and generating a constant amplitude envelope modulation of the transmission signal during the transition period. The method may further include generating a non-constant amplitude envelope modulation of the transmission signal at the first specified power level, switching to the constant amplitude envelope modulation of the transmission signal during the transition period and generating the non-constant amplitude envelope modulation of the transmission signal at the second specified power level. A mobile communication device may be used to perform the method. |
| US09503988B2 |
Method, device and computer program product for managing radio states in a mobile communication device using device mobility information
This disclosure is directed to a method, computer program product and mobile communication device configured for managing radio states in a mobile communication device using device mobility information. A mobility state is determined from the number of cell changes over a predefined period of time. If the mobility state transitions to medium or high, such as when the user is in a vehicle, a Bluetooth™ radio is enabled. If a connection to a Bluetooth™-enabled device is available, a connection is established. When the connection is disconnected, a configurable timer is started. If the timer expires without re-establishing the connection or the mobility state transitioning to medium or high, the Bluetooth™ radio is disabled to reduce power consumption. According to an embodiment, a Wi-Fi radio may then be enabled to establish a Wi-Fi connection. Various configurations of computer program products and mobile communication devices are also described. |
| US09503986B2 |
System and method to reduce power consumption associated with cell reselection operations
Embodiments are provided for resolving, at a user equipment (UE), unnecessary frequent consecutive back and forth reselections between the same two or more network cells. In an embodiment method, upon detecting predefined criteria indicating reaching a threshold frequency of reselections between the same cells, the UE switches to a defined mobility state reducing the frequency of reselections between the same cells. In accordance with the defined mobility state, the method increases a waiting time for cell reselection. The predefined criteria includes detecting the UE in a defined Static-idle state, detecting a serving cell of the UE and a strongest neighbor cell having approximately equal signal quality for a defined duration or a defined number of consecutive measurements, and detecting a number of consecutive reselections between the same cells exceeding a defined minimum threshold. |
| US09503975B2 |
Exchanging energy credits wirelessly
A system and method for effectively “exchanging” battery power among physically distinct battery-powered devices communicating in a network for optimal conservation of aggregate battery power to preserve and extend the usable life of devices before requiring recharging. The network communication may be wired, wireless, or some combination; the devices may be mobile, fixed, or some combination. This invention improves Internet access where it already exists by making it faster, more reliable, and less expensive. It can also be used to provide Internet service in places where there is none. |
| US09503973B2 |
Method and apparatus for energy saving
Methods and apparatuses for energy saving have been disclosed. A method for a base station serving a cell is provided. The method comprises: monitoring communication conditions of the cell; and altering a bandwidth for communication in response that the monitored communication conditions meet a predefined criterion. Energy saving may be achieved by dynamically altering the bandwidth for communication based on the communication conditions. Further, the proposed energy saving technique may be applied to various communication networks, including but not limited to, FDD system and TDD system. |
| US09503970B2 |
Managing a data network connection for mobile communications based on user location
Providing for select Internet Protocol traffic offload (SIPTO) in a mobile communication environment is described herein. By way of example, SIPTO traffic can be facilitated via local packet gateways (P-GWs) that provide an interface to the Internet or a like data network, in addition to a centralized gateway GPRS support node (GGSN). Eligibility for SIPTO can be on a user equipment (UE) by UE basis; for instance, relying on stored subscription or account information to determine SIPTO eligibility. In particular aspects, eligibility for SIPTO can also be based on a packet network by packet network basis, or a combination of the foregoing. This enables flexibility in determining whether SIPTO can be established for a given UE in a given location, and can be based for instance on UE capability, subscription status information, data network capability, tariff rates, and so on, as well as different legal requirements of government jurisdictions. |
| US09503969B1 |
Apparatus and method for a dynamic scan interval for a wireless device
An apparatus and method are described for adjusting a scan interval or scan width of a BTLE device. For example, one embodiment of a method comprises: placing a Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) device of an IoT device into a low power or sleep state; waking the BTLE device from the low power or sleep state in response to a specified schedule or set of conditions; attempting to establish a connection between the BTLE device and a BTLE device of an IoT hub using a first scan width and/or scan interval; dynamically adjusting the first scan width and/or scan interval to a second scan width and/or scan interval, respectively, based on a randomly-selected value if a connection is not established after a specified time period; and reattempting to establish a connection between the BTLE device of the IoT device and the BTLE device of the IoT hub using the second scan width and/or scan interval. |
| US09503968B2 |
Vehicle communications via wireless access vehicular environment
Vehicle Communications using IEEE 802.11p WAVE functionality includes structure and method whereby a smart phone (SP) linked to an On Board Unit (OBU) having WAVE functionality, and incorporating Automotive Telemetry Protocol (ATP), has at least one processor to configure the SP as a GUI for the OBU, and to enable WAVE authentication of the SP through a networked Road Side Unit. Preferably, the OBU opens, after a command from an ATP Client, a virtual connection for streaming data between the vehicle data bus and a remote server providing an automotive scan tool. Also preferably, the SP may use either cellular or IEEE 802.11 control signals to trialaterate its geographic position with greater accuracy than GPS, and to hand off the geo-position fixes to the OBU. Accumulated geo-location information may be reported to a remote server, providing a centralized geographic trend analysis of plural SPs operating with OBUs. |
| US09503961B2 |
System and method for joining neighbor awareness networking hidden clusters
Embodiments described herein relate generally to a communication between in a neighbor awareness networking (NAN) cluster. A first communication device may be participating in a hidden NAN cluster and a second communication device may seek to join the hidden NAN cluster. The second communication device may broadcast a discovery beacon that includes an identifier of the hidden NAN cluster in a field of the discovery beacon that is associated with a transmitter address. If the first communication device detects such a discovery beacon, the first communication device may transmit a synchronization beacon having timing information associated with the hidden NAN cluster. If the second communication device detects the synchronization beacon, the second communication device may synchronize with the hidden NAN cluster. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09503953B1 |
Increasing reference signal level to prevent communication format change
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and software for increasing reference signal power to prevent communication format change. In a particular embodiment, a method of operating a wireless communication system includes identifying a wireless communication device with first communication format to second communication format switching capability. The method further provides allocating a center bandwidth in the first communication format for the wireless communication device. The method further provides identifying a handover event from the wireless communication device requesting a switch from the first communication format to the second communication format and increasing the reference signal power for at least the center bandwidth in the first communication format. |
| US09503950B2 |
Managing reselection in a multi-SIM device by blocking reselection to a frequency of a subscription that is prone to interference from transmissions of another subscription
Various embodiments provide methods, devices, and non-transitory processor-readable storage media for reducing interference between subscriptions during cell reselection. Various embodiments enable blocking cell reselection by a subscription to a neighbor cell that may be prone to interference by the radio frequency (RF) resources of another subscription on a mobile communication device (e.g., a multi-active communication device). |
| US09503946B2 |
User equipment mobility in networks including small cells
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for mobility estimation in networks including small cells. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, at a user equipment, at least one of a first time value and a second time value, the first time value being configured for use towards a small cell and configured to have a duration to inhibit a hand over of the user equipment to the small cell, the second time value being configured for use towards a macro cell; and sending, by the user equipment, a measurement report including information representative of at least one of the small cell and the macro cell, the sending being delayed by the first time value, when the user equipment is evaluating the small cell, and by the second time value, when the user equipment is evaluating the macro cell. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described. |
| US09503944B2 |
Methods and apparatus for detecting possible repeated handover different radio access technologies
Inter-radio access technology (IRAT) ping pong handover of a user equipment (UE) connection between a source radio access technology (RAT) communications network, e.g., LTE, and a different target RAT communications network, e.g., UTRAN, is detected. A control node determines IRAT ping pong handover information and evaluates an IRAT handover request message for the UE connection from the source RAT network with respect to the handover ping pong information. Based thereon, the node determines that the UE connection meets one or more ping pong conditions associated with the handover ping pong information and provides an indication of an IRAT ping pong handover condition to a base station in the source RAT network to allow the base station to make mobility adjustments. |
| US09503942B1 |
Selection of air interface protocol based on spectral efficiency
A method and system is disclosed for selection of an air interface protocol based on spectral efficiency (SE). When a request for service is received from a wireless communication device on a first air interface, a requested SE of the request will be determined, and a first ratio of the requested SE to an average SE on the first air interface computed. If the first ratio is greater than a threshold, the requested service will be provided on the first air interface. Otherwise, a projected SE of providing the requested service on a second air interface will be determined, and a second ratio of the projected SE to an average SE on the second air interface computed. If the first ratio is greater than the second ratio, the requested service will be provided on the first air interface. Otherwise, the requested service will be provided on the second air interface. |
| US09503938B2 |
Handover method and system based on cognitive technology
The disclosure discloses a handover method based on a cognitive technology. At least two working areas such as a Primary Working Area (PWA) and a Secondary Working Area (SWA), a RRM and a HOC are configured both in User Equipment (UE) and in a Base Station (BS); after receiving a handover request, according to the current radio environments, the PWA of the BS makes a handover negotiation with the neighboring BSs or with the neighboring BSs and the UE requesting handover, determines the communication parameters satisfying the handover request, and sends the determined communication parameters to the SWA of the BS and the SWA of the UE; the SWA of the BS and the SWA of the UE configure said communication parameters and notify the RRM of the BS after the configuration is finished; the RRM of the BS instructs the HOC of the BS and the HOC of the UE to activate the respective SWAs, and to perform the handover according to the communication parameters configured by the SWA. The disclosure also discloses a handover system based on the cognitive technology. The disclosure improves the resource utilization ratio and the quality of service in the current communication system. |
| US09503937B2 |
Mobile communication system, base station, higher-order apparatus, gateway apparatus, communication method, and program
A mobile communication system includes a first Home Node B (HNB); a second HNB; and a HNB gateway (HNB-GW) that is connected to a core network, wherein the first HNB is configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE) before a relocation of intra HNB-GW in which the UE is relocated from the first HNB to the second HNB, wherein the second HNB is configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE) after the relocation and send Iu-UP Initialization comprising an RFCI information to the HNB-GW during the relocation, and wherein the HNB-GW is configured to receive the Iu-UP Initialization. |
| US09503936B2 |
Optimizing supplementary service operations for LTE-enabled devices
A method of optimizing transactions involving Call Independent Supplementary Service (CISS) data on a Long Term Evolution (LTE) device may include receiving an indication that the CISS data should be transmitted between the device and a core network. The method may also include determining whether the device is standing by in a packet-switched LTE network or standing by in a 3G/2G network. In response to a determination that the device is standing by in the packet-switched LTE network, the method may additionally include packaging the CISS data in a control layer message and sending the control layer message between the core network and the device in the packet-switched LTE network. In response to a determination that the device is standing by in the circuit-switched 3G/2G network, the method may further include sending the CISS data between the core network and the device in the circuit-switched 3G/2G network. |
| US09503934B2 |
System and method for radio access virtualization
A method embodiment includes defining, by a network controller, one or more operation modes for a radio node in a network. The one or more operation modes includes a hyper transceiver mode, where the hyper transceiver mode configures a virtual transmission point to cooperatively communicate with a virtual reception point in accordance with neighborhood relations of a target radio node. The method further includes selecting one of the one or more operation modes for the radio node and signaling a selected operation mode to the radio node. |
| US09503932B2 |
Enhancements to the MU-MIMO VHT preamble to enable mode detection
Certain aspects of the present disclosure present a technique for enabling a receiver to detect mode of transmission of a signal based on a common field transmitted to all the receivers. The proposed technique includes frame structure in which information about the transmission mode is transmitted in a first portion of a SIG field to all the receivers. |
| US09503931B2 |
Enhancements to the MU-MIMO VHT preamble to enable mode detection
Certain aspects of the present disclosure present a technique for enabling a receiver to detect mode of transmission of a signal based on a common field transmitted to all the receivers. The proposed technique includes frame structure in which information about the transmission mode is transmitted in a first portion of a SIG field to all the receivers. |
| US09503928B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for adaptive persistent acknowledge priority control for bi-directional TCP throughput optimization
Systems, methods and apparatus for wireless communication are provided. In one aspect, the method comprises receiving at least one downlink packet. The method further comprises generating an acknowledge message in response to receiving the at least one downlink packet. The method further comprises prioritizing the acknowledge message in a buffer according to a probability, the probability based at least in part on a current utilization level of the buffer. The method may further comprise one or more of the following: setting the probability to a first value when the utilization level is below a first level, setting the probability to a second value when the utilization level is above the first level and below a second level, and setting the probability to a third value when the utilization level is above the second level. The second value may be adjusted based on feedback corresponding to a downlink throughput. |
| US09503926B2 |
Distributed bi-directional flow control in wireless mesh networks
A distributed, bi-directional congestion control and starvation avoidance system for wireless mesh networks. In particular implementations, the nodes of the wireless mesh network monitor their respective local buffers for traffic load, and signal upstream and downstream nodes in response to detected congestion or excess capacity to dynamically allocate transmit capacity between neighboring nodes. Particular implementations are capable of mitigating congestion and preventing starvation in a fully distributed, low-overhead, scalable and efficient manner. |
| US09503917B2 |
Methods for mitigating interference in a communications apparatus and communications apparatus utilizing the same
A communications apparatus includes at least two cellular system radio transceivers capable of simultaneously performing transmitting/receiving radio activities in two cellular networks and a control entity. The control entity is coupled to the cellular system radio transceivers, collects radio activity information of the cellular system radio transceivers, determines whether interference will occur or is occurring and which cellular system radio transceiver is an aggressor transceiver and which cellular system radio transceiver is a victim transceiver when the interference occurs according to the radio activity information, and further determines control information according to the radio activity information for controlling the aggressor transceiver or the victim transceiver to mitigate the interference. The aggressor transceiver is the cellular system radio transceiver having the transmitting radio activity that will interfere or interferes with the receiving radio activity of the victim transceiver. |
| US09503915B2 |
Dynamic beamforming configuration based on network conditions
A method includes steering client devices to access points that potentially increase capacity of communications using beamformed transmissions. In particular, this includes determining the best access points for beamforming to a particular client or a group of clients in the network for an improved throughput performance in the deployment or a subset of access points. |
| US09503914B2 |
Methods and apparatus for enhanced scrambling sequences
Methods and apparatus for identification of macro-cells and subordinate transmission nodes. In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus are configured for use within a long term evolution (LTE/LTE-A) network, and include a scrambling technique which can facilitate advanced capabilities in which the subordinate nodes possess unique cell identities from the macro-cell. The use of unique scrambling sequences allows subordinate node switching and other advanced multi-antenna techniques in heterogeneous networks. The disclosed methods and apparatus further allow for distinction and detection of signals transmitted from low-power RRHs, femto-cells, etc. and advantageously achieve greater interference randomization gain. |
| US09503909B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a relay in a communication system
An apparatus and method for controlling a communication link that interconnects communication devices through a relay in a communication system is disclosed. A relay connection configuration between one or more first communication devices and one or more second communication devices is determined, and communication between the first communication device and the second communication device is provided by the determined connection configuration. The relay connection configuration includes a backhaul network connection configuration that interconnects the first communication device and the relay device, an access network connection configuration that interconnects the second communication device and the relay device, a direction access connection configuration that interconnects the first communication device and the second communication device, and/or an internal connection configuration that interconnects a backhaul network interface bank connected to the first communication device and an access network interface bank connected to the second communication device in the relay device. |
| US09503908B2 |
Relaying device
A relaying device includes an uplink interface that continuously receives an audio signal in communication, a wireless apparatus interface to which a repeater acting as a wireless relaying apparatus is connected, a voice buffer that buffers the audio signal, and a control unit. The control unit performs a VOX processing of detecting whether or not a level of the audio signal is equal to or higher than a preset threshold. When the level of the audio signal is equal to or higher than the threshold, the control unit starts buffering the audio signal in the voice buffer, and requests the repeater to reserve a channel. After receiving, from the repeater, a reply indicating that a channel has been reserved, the control unit reads the buffered audio signal from the voice buffer, and transfers this audio signal to the repeater. |
| US09503907B2 |
Overlapping cells for wireless coverage
A system is provided for overlapping cells for wireless coverage in a cellular communication system. The system includes a beam-weight generator and beamformer coupled to the beam-weight generator. The beam-weight generator is configured to generate a plurality of beam weights including at least first and second sets of beam weights. And the beamformer is configured to apply the first and second sets of beam weights to signals in a cellular communication system. The cellular communication system provides coverage over a geographic region divided into cells arranged in overlapping first and second layers of cells having criteria optimized for respective, distinct first and second types of services, or communication by respective, distinct first and second types of user terminals. In this regard, the criteria are reflected in the first and second sets of beam weights. |
| US09503902B1 |
Proximity-based system that secures linked IP enabled devices
The proliferation of networked, wireless-enabled devices is challenged by the reliance upon password management and user knowledge of privacy and security techniques to maintain control over data that is personal, proprietary or restricted. This disclosure enables a geo-proximity security and privacy system for assuring control and non-repudiation for wireless-enabled devices by relying upon location and trusted network relationships among a set of wireless-enabled devices, where one or more devices may act as a control or master key. Security in a digital society may be benefited by the establishment of digital walls that are as flexible as the world of cyberspace to be erected whenever and wherever wireless-enabled technology is in use. The security protocol may be configured to secure a protected device or the data they contain from loss, theft, abuse or misuse. |
| US09503901B2 |
Encryption in a wireless telecommunications
An example of the present invention is a method of transmitting encrypted user data to a mobile terminal in a wireless telecommunications network. The method comprises sending to the mobile terminal a data packet. The data packet comprises both an identifier of encryption information to be used in recovering encrypted user data, and user data encrypted using the encryption information. |
| US09503895B1 |
Distributed wireless device association with basestations
An embodiment of the invention is directed to associating a wireless device with a basestation. A connection request is received from the wireless device. The wireless device is authenticated to the basestation. A token-transfer-request message is received. The wireless device is associated with the basestation by transferring a token associated with the wireless device to the basestation. |
| US09503888B2 |
Enhanced timer handling mechanism
The present methods and apparatus relate to adapting a network configured timer corresponding to a user equipment (UE) capability information procedure for indicating one or more UE capabilities to a network entity, comprising determining a message size of a capability message configured for transmission from the UE to the network entity during the UE capability information procedure; and performing a timer adaptation procedure, wherein the timer adaptation procedure includes adapting the use of the network configured timer based on the message size of the capability message. |
| US09503878B2 |
Methods and systems of pairing wireless devices
Embodiments include systems and methods of verifying wireless devices for paring without user interaction or with reduced user interaction. A processor may send, from a first wireless device to a second wireless device, a discovery query, and may receive a discovery response from the second wireless device. The processor may authenticate, in the first wireless device, the second wireless device based on the discovery response. The processor may send, from the first wireless device to a second wireless device, a first capability query. The processor may receive, in the first wireless device from the second wireless device, a first capability response including first capability response information. The processor may authenticate, in the first wireless device, the second wireless device based on the first capability response information. The processor may initiate a pairing process between the first and second wireless devices when the first wireless device authenticates the second wireless device. |
| US09503877B2 |
Method and system for retrieving external identifier of terminal
Disclosed is a method for retrieving an EID of a terminal, which includes that a network side stores a corresponding relationship between an RN of the EID of the terminal and the EID of the terminal, and when the terminal responds to a trigger request from an MTC server, the network side retrieves the EID of the terminal which corresponds to the RN according to the RN of the EID of the terminal and the corresponding relationship. A system for retrieving the EID of the terminal is also disclosed. By employing the method and system, the network side can retrieve the EID of the terminal, and use a correct EID to respond to a terminal trigger request from an MTC server. |
| US09503876B2 |
Personal security system
A method for providing assistance to each of a plurality of users, each having been enrolled as a member of a community includes receiving, at a server, communications from corresponding mobile devices, each of which is associated with a user who has enrolled as a member in a first community. These emergency communications were initiated by activation of respective personal security buttons on the mobile devices, and provide information about respective security conditions. In response to the communications, the server alerts corresponding first and second security services that are appropriate responding to the respective security conditions. |
| US09503875B2 |
Systems and methods of data collection, exchange, and analysis
An information processing system is described, which has circuitry configured to receive, via a mobile application, a data entry form request for a type of incident. The circuitry is also configured to select, via a server of the information processing system, at least one data entry form based on the request. The at least one data entry form is customized according to an established protocol for the type of incident. The circuitry is also configured to receive data entered into a selected data entry form, and analyze and process the received entered data based on the established protocol for the type of incident. The circuitry is also configured to forward the received entered data to one or more designated entities. |
| US09503874B2 |
Communication of critical data
Methods and apparatuses for supporting communication of critical data in a cellular system are disclosed. Upon determination of communication of critical data in a first cell a node of the first cell generates a signal including information of reservation of radio resources for said communication of critical data. The signal is communicated from the first cell to at least one second cell to reduce interference on said radio resources. A node of a second cell receives the signal and manages interference on said radio resources based on the signal. This includes prevention or limitation of use of said radio resources in the second cell when the second cell is not involved in communication of critical data. |
| US09503871B2 |
Systems and methods for providing notifications in a communications system
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing notifications in a communication system. In connection therewith, a first communication is transmitted, by a processor, in accordance with a first communication scheme that defines a first communication service by which the first communication is to be transmitted and a first user device to which the first communication is to be transmitted. The processor estimates whether the first communication was received by the first user device. Responsive to estimating that the first communication was not received by the first user device, the processor operates to determine a further communication scheme, different to the first communication scheme, that defines a further communication service by which a further communication is to be transmitted and a further user device to which the further communication is to be transmitted, and operates to transmit the further communication in accordance with the further communication scheme. |
| US09503867B2 |
Dual button push to talk device
Described are dual button push to talk devices that enable a user to simultaneously monitor multiple call nets/voice conferences and selectively respond on each call net that includes a PTT controller that connects to/controls audio streams received from a radio and a voice telephony EUD, selectively routs the audio streams from the radio and the EUD to left and right earpiece outputs simultaneously and selectively routs audio received from microphone input to the radio and the EUD. The PTT receives the radio audio streams through a radio interface and microphone input audio is selectively routed to the radio through the radio interface. The PTT may also include an EUD input, wherein the EUD audio stream is received through the EUD input and a EUD microphone output, in which the audio received from the microphone input is selectively routed to the EUD microphone output. |
| US09503866B2 |
Methods and apparatus for managing group membership for group communications
Improved group communications methods which are well suited for a wireless environment are described. End nodes request that access nodes make changes in group membership information maintained at the access node. The access node responds to the requests by a response signal indicating a grant or denial of the request. Requests may be to add or remove the end node, e.g., a mobile wireless terminal, from a particular group membership list identified in the request signal. The access node maintains a detailed list of group members and uses the information to control how signals, e.g., packets, are transmitted to the group members. Group membership information may be updated at the access node at the time of handoff and/or an end node enters the cell or otherwise changes its point of network attachment. |
| US09503864B1 |
Detection of unauthorized wireless personal area network low energy devices
In an approach for determining an unauthorized device, a computer receives detection information from a computing device, wherein the detection information includes a broadcast transmission from one or more devices. The computer creates a state trajectory map based on the received detection information, wherein the state trajectory map identifies connections between at least the computing device and a first device of the one or more devices and the computing device and a second device of the one or more devices. The computer one or more anomalies within the created state trajectory map. The computer determines an unauthorized device based on the determined one or more anomalies. |
| US09503862B2 |
Method for providing a service
A method for providing a service provides for a service provider to provide information to a service demander. In order to produce the information, the service provider evaluates data that describe selected parameters along a journey route. The data from the selected parameters are obtained by the service provider from selected data providers for the purpose of evaluation. The data from the selected parameters are received by service provider from the selected data providers such that identification by the service provider of one of the data providers on the basis of the transmitted data is made more difficult. |
| US09503861B1 |
Determining a geographic location of a mobile device
Systems and methods for providing a geographic location of a mobile device are provided. In one aspect, a method includes determining a geographic location of the mobile device. The method also includes storing the determined geographic location in a geographic location history in a local memory of the mobile device. The geographic location of the mobile device is determined and stored in the geographic location history at a first time interval. The method also includes providing the geographic location history to a server at a second time interval. The second time interval is longer than the first time interval. |
| US09503860B1 |
Intelligent pursuit detection
Systems and methods may include receiving first motion data corresponding to a first object and receiving second motion data corresponding to a second object. The systems and methods may include determining whether the second object is following the first object based on the first motion data and the second motion data. The systems and methods may include receiving additional information corresponding to the second object. The systems and methods may include determining whether the second object poses a risk to the first object based on the additional information. The systems and methods may include performing processes in response to determining that the second object is following the first object and poses a risk to the first object. Such processes may include providing a notification to a subscribing party. The notification may indicate that the second object is following the first object and poses a risk to the first object. |
| US09503859B2 |
Sending location information from within a communication application
A method in a wireless communications device for transmitting location information entails, from within a communication application executing on a processor of the wireless communications device, receiving input on a user interface of the wireless communications device, including location information comprising a current location of the wireless communications device obtained by the wireless communications device and path information delineating a recent path taken by the user, in a communication being generated from within the communication application, and transmitting the communication that includes the current location information. The path information is determined based on recent location fixes for the wireless communications device. Location information, such as maps can be sent directly from an instant messenger without having to separately launch a mapping application. |
| US09503855B2 |
Terminal apparatus, position estimating method, position estimating system, and computer-readable storage medium
A mobile terminal communicable with a plurality of base stations narrows down candidate positions of the mobile terminal estimated from signals received from the plurality of base stations, based on missing data of the signals received from a certain base station, and estimates a position of the mobile terminal from the narrowed down candidate positions, based on an observation probability of intensities of the signals received. |
| US09503853B2 |
Aggregation of mobile device data for facilitation of rule-based action
A network device can be placed in a central location to detect and disseminate mobile device data via a wireless network. The network device actions can be determined by an end-user device that receives subscription-based data. The end-user can determine parameters for communication between the network, network device, and the mobile device and determine actions based on the communication. |
| US09503852B2 |
Apparatus and method of surveillance
Surveillance apparatus and method include a surveillance processor; a requestor terminal communicating with the surveillance processor for requesting information regarding a particular site of an object; a plurality of responder terminals; and a location processor for determining the locations of the responder terminals with respect to the particular site. The novelty is characterized in that the apparatus and method further include a media processor for relaying messages regarding the particular site to the responder terminals; and in that the information requested by the requestor terminal from the surveillance processor includes the locations of the responder terminals to be stored when located, by the location processor, within a specified distance from the particular site. |
| US09503848B1 |
Method and system for locating a wireless tracking device associated with a network of alarm panels
A wireless tracking device can operate in two or more modes in connection with determining location of the wireless tracking device. In one mode, the wireless tracking device can determine location by establishing communication with an alarm panel using a short-range transceiver. The alarm panel can have a location that is known at the alarm panel or at a remote server, for example. In another mode, the wireless tracking device can utilize a location detector, such as a GPS receiver or a short-range receiver, to determine location of the wireless tracking device. |
| US09503845B2 |
Image customization to enhance transaction experience
Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments enhance a user's transaction experience. In an embodiment, a system includes a computer memory storing a user profile. The system also includes a computer processor operatively coupled to the computer memory. The computer processor is configured to perform the following operations: determining a location of a user associated with a user device; and automatically changing an image displayed on the user device based on the location of the user associated with the user device and data determined or inferred based on, at least in part, data comprising the user profile. |
| US09503843B2 |
Method and apparatus for sending a request to locate an individual via a text message
A method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for processing a text message are disclosed. For example, the method receives the text message, analyzes the text message for an indication that a sender of the text message is requesting location information of an individual that the text message is addressed to, receives a permission to provide the location information of the individual receiving the text message, and transmits the location information of the individual to an endpoint device of the sender, wherein the location information of the individual is continually updated and sent to the endpoint device of the sender. |
| US09503841B2 |
Method and technical equipment for short range data transmission
The application relates to a method, an apparatus and a computer program product. The method comprises adjusting dynamically a sensitivity of a receiver from a default sensitivity to a low sensitivity; wherein the adjusting is based on the signal strength of at least one existing connection or at least one previous connection; receiving only such packets by the receiver which are available with the low sensitivity. |
| US09503840B2 |
Enhanced wireless handset, including direct handset-to-handset communication mode
A wireless handset is provided with enhanced features and capabilities. The wireless handset may be embodied as a full-featured handset that is capable of operating either within a wireless network (such as a cellular or PCS network) or in a direct handset-to-handset communication mode that is independent of the wireless network. Alternatively, the wireless handset may be embodied as a special purpose handset, that is capable of simply operating in a direct handset-to-handset communication mode. The wireless handset may additionally include features for supporting and enhancing direct communication between handsets. Such features may include a find feature that permits a user to determine which objects, including other wireless handset users, are located within a predetermined operating range of the wireless handset. A memorize feature may also be provided to permit handsets and other objects exchange information by wireless transmission. |
| US09503839B2 |
DSRC listen mode for Wi-Fi using DSRC spectrum
Methods, systems, and devices are described for detecting dedicated short range communications (DSRC) transmissions to determine whether to use at least a portion of the DSRC spectrum. In one embodiment, a multi-mode device may be operated outside of the DSRC spectrum using a first clock rate, and may then be switched to a second clock rate while operating outside of the DSRC spectrum to detect DSRC transmissions using the DSRC spectrum. |
| US09503838B2 |
Method and system for communicating between devices
A method and system for communicating between devices according to the present invention are provided. The method for communicating between the devices according to the present invention is used for communicating with a first terminal, and is carried out in a device having a capacitive touch screen. The method includes: detecting a change in capacitance for a specific part of the capacitive touch screen, which occurs by means of the first terminal; and acquiring information transferred from the first terminal on the basis of the detected change in capacitance of the capacitive touch screen. The communicating method using such a touch screen may be easily used for various services such as authenticating terminals or transferring files between local terminals. |
| US09503836B2 |
Mobile communication system, mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A method of processing data in a first mobile terminal, and which includes registering, via a controller of the first mobile terminal, a second mobile terminal as a master device and the first terminal as a slave device; storing, via a memory associated with the first mobile terminal, status information indicating previous success or non-success of receiving a positive response from the second mobile terminal for a request to activate an application on the first mobile terminal; transmitting, via a wireless communication unit of the first mobile terminal, an application activation request signal to the second mobile terminal based on the stored status information; receiving, via the wireless communication unit, a response signal corresponding to the application activation request signal from the second mobile terminal; and activating, via the controller, the application in response to the received response signal. |
| US09503835B2 |
Service provisioning through a smart personal gateway device
Embodiments include a smart personal gateway device (SPGD) that augments the capabilities of smart personal devices (SPDs) connected in a personal area network (PAN). The SPGD implements services for the SPDs using computing resources of the SPGD. In some embodiments, the SPGD provides carrier-grade voice services to SPDs lacking hardware to support such services (e.g., SPDs supporting Wi-Fi only). |
| US09503832B2 |
System and methods for motion restoration in acoustic processing of recorded sounds
A motion signal processing technique modifies digital audio recordings in order to restore a sense of motion, liveliness, and spatial dynamics. The technique compensates for the static presentation of sound created by modern recording and sound synthesis techniques and common modern playback equipment such as headphones and ear buds in order to create a more natural, immersive, and enjoyable listening experience. |
| US09503827B2 |
Earphone testing device
The present invention discloses an earphone testing device. An earphone testing device provided by the embodiments of the present invention comprises an fixation base, a standard microphone attached to the fixation base, and a fixation scaffold for attaching and fixing the fixation base and the standard microphone; the fixation base is supported and fixed on the fixation scaffold by several supporting elements; a sealer is located on the position on the fixation base in contact with the outer shell of an earphone, the sealer forms an earphone storage portion for placing the earphone; a sealer is located on the position on the fixation base in contact with the outer shell of the standard microphone, the sealer forms a microphone attachment portion for attaching to the standard microphone; the earphone placed in the earphone storage portion and the standard microphone attached onto the microphone attachment portion are communicated with each other in the fixation base. The present invention provides a stable and highly precise testing solution of earphone, which can guarantee the precision and stability of earphone testing. |
| US09503826B2 |
Devices and methods for transferring data through a human body
An illustrative method for transferring data to a device includes identifying the data that is to be transferred to the device, modulating the data with a signal, providing the signal to a contact microphone that is in physical contact with an individual, and transmitting the signal through a body of the individual to the device using the contact microphone. An illustrative method for authenticating the individual includes transmitting a signal through a body of the individual in response to the individual physically contacting an authentication device, receiving a modified signal including the signal as modified by the body of the individual, removing the signal from the modified signal to identify a unique body signature of the individual, comparing the unique body signature to a database to determine if the database includes the unique body signature, and selectively authenticating the individual based upon whether the database includes the unique body signature. |
| US09503825B2 |
Hearing aid and hearing aid dual use dongle
A power dongle for a hearing aid includes conductive wires, each wire having a computing device end and a hearing aid end. A first connector is connected to the computing device end of each of the plurality of conductive wires to releasably couple to an input/output port of the computing device and a second connector is connected to the hearing aid end of each of the plurality of conductive wires to releasably couple to an interface of the hearing aid, the second connector configured to deliver at least one of a first power supply and an audio signal from the computing device to the interface of the hearing aid. |
| US09503824B2 |
Method for adjusting parameters of a hearing aid functionality provided in a consumer electronics device
A method for adjusting a parameter on a consumer electronics device is arranged for outputting a hearing loss compensated signal having a plurality of parameters. The consumer electronics device comprises processing means arranged for processing an audio input signal and for generating an audio output signal which is a hearing loss compensated version of the audio input signal. The method comprises producing with the consumer electronics device the audio output signal to be presented to a user. A rotation applied to the consumer electronics device such that the rotation is in a first direction in a substantial horizontal plane and, adjusting at least one parameter relates to the audio output signal's dynamic range, whereby the rotation in the first direction corresponds to a reduction of the dynamic range and a rotation in a direction opposite to the first direction to an increase of the dynamic range, or vice versa. |
| US09503819B2 |
Progressive audio balance and fade in a multi-zone listening environment
A system or method for controlling speaker acoustic output in a multi-speaker audio system having multiple listening zones include substantially simultaneously adjusting gain and at least one additional parameter, such as filtering and/or other signal processing parameters of at least a first speaker relative to at least a second speaker in response to a change in balance and/or fade settings of the audio system across a range of balance and fade settings except for a maximum or minimum setting, and muting at least one speaker in response to the maximum or minimum balance or fade setting. |
| US09503817B2 |
Sound reproduction device
The sound reproduction device is applied to an acoustic space such as a passenger compartment, and controls the levels of the reproduced sounds at two evaluation points set at the seats in the passenger compartment, for example. Specifically, the sound reproduction device controls the phase of the one channel sound signal inputted from external and supplies it to the pair of speakers. The phase control is performed such that the sum of reproduced sound levels at the two evaluation points becomes larger than the sum of the reproduced sound levels at the two evaluation points in a case where the sound signal is reproduced by only one of the pair of speakers, in an entire audible band. |
| US09503811B2 |
Digital microphone and position-to-frequency converter
A digital microphone includes: a cavity resonator operatable in a micrometer, millimeter, or electromagnetic waveband, the cavity resonator having a metal wall including a conductive membrane 32 that vibrates in response to incident acoustic waves and converts the shift of the membrane 32 into a resonance frequency of the cavity resonator; an FM-signal generator that modulates the resonance frequency of the cavity resonator in response to the shift of the membrane 32 and outputs FM signals from the metal wall other than the membrane; and a ΔΣ-modulated-signal generator that generates ΔΣ-modulated signals from the FM signals. The FM-signal generator includes a slot 36, a micro-strip line 38, and a negative resistive element 40. The ΔΣ-modulated-signal generator includes an edge detector 42. |
| US09503807B2 |
Acoustic horn arrangement
An acoustic horn arrangement including an acoustic horn, a first sound driver operable to drive the acoustic horn and a second sound driver further operable to drive the acoustic horn. The acoustic horn arrangement also including an interface region where sound from the second sound driver transfers into the acoustic horn to combine with sound from the first sound driver, wherein the interface region is adapted to reduce changes in a beam angle measure of the acoustic horn as a function of frequency. |
| US09503805B2 |
Piezoelectric ceramic dual-frequency earphone structure
A piezoelectric ceramic dual-frequency earphone structure includes an earphone housing, a dynamic transducer, a piezoelectric ceramic transducer and a circuit board. The piezoelectric ceramic transducer is installed in the receiving region. The piezoelectric ceramic transducer is connected to the dynamic transducer via a support unit and a positioning unit. The circuit board is assembled in the receiving region and connected to acoustic signal cables. The acoustic signal cables are connected to a dynamic voice coil of the dynamic transducer and the piezoelectric ceramic transducer. When electric signals are applied to a ceramic membrane of the piezoelectric ceramic transducer, a metal sheet of the piezoelectric ceramic transducer is vibrated to generate high frequency sound, and the high frequency sound are then mixed with the sound from the dynamic transducer. |
| US09503803B2 |
Collaboratively processing audio between headset and source to mask distracting noise
A media playback device has programmable signal processing capabilities and an input receiving signals representative of ambient noise. The media playback device identifies an output response characteristic and an attenuation characteristic of a set of headphones associated with the media playback device, predicts a property of audio output by the headphones at a user's ear based on the ambient noise input signal, the output response characteristic, and the attenuation characteristic of the headphones, predicts expected residual ambient noise at the user's ear, when wearing the headphones, derived from the ambient noise input signal and the attenuation characteristic, and modifies masking audio signals to be provided to the headphones such that they will mask the expected residual ambient noise at the user's ear. |
| US09503802B2 |
Controller for controlling an electronic device
The present invention relates to a controller for controlling an electronic device. The invention may e.g. be used to control a headset or another electronic device connected to the controller.The controller (1) comprises an elongate controller body (3) having a first body end (4) and a second body end (5). The controller body (3) comprises an elongate rotatable body section (10) adapted to be rotated by a user about a longitudinal axis (11) extending through the first body end (4) and the second body end (5). The rotatable body section (10) has a radially outer side surface (12) extending between a first section end (13) near the first body end (4) and a second section end (14) near the second body end (5). The rotatable body section (10) has a size and shape allowing the user to rotate the rotatable body section (10) about the longitudinal axis (11) by performing a rolling action using three or more fingers (21, 22, 23). The controller (1) further comprises a sensing means (30) adapted to detect a rotation of the rotatable body section (10) about the longitudinal axis (11) and to provide a control signal (Sc) indicating one or more control commands to the electronic device in dependence on detecting a rotation.The controller (1) is characterized in that the sensing means (30) further is adapted to distinguish between a three-finger rolling action and a corresponding two-finger rolling action and to provide the control signal (Sc) in dependence on detecting a three-finger rolling action.This may provide a controller (1) with a significantly reduced rate of “false alarms” as well as an unobtrusive, reliable and at the same time simple and easy-to-use interface to the user. |
| US09503801B2 |
Panel device
An audio transmission unit 8 is placed on a surface side of a panel unit 4 where a display 7 is provided, and transmits an audio signal in a direction almost perpendicular to the surface of the display 7. When a viewer sitting in a seat behind a front seat 1 turns the display 7 to be faced toward him/her, the audio transmission unit 8 is directed in front of the viewer's eyes, so that stable audio signal can be received in the side of the headphone worn on the head of the viewer. |
| US09503796B2 |
Speaker
In one aspect, a speaker kit includes a first portion of a speaker housing, and an electroacoustic driver that can be secured to the housing first portion. The kit has one or more additional portions of the speaker housing. One of the one or more additional housing portions has at least one electrical component secured thereto. The kit also has one or more mechanisms that can be used to hold the housing portions together such that the housing portions form an acoustic seal that encompasses an acoustic volume. The one or more mechanisms are removable from the housing portions such that the housing portions can be moved away from each other without damage to the housing portions or the one or more mechanisms. |
| US09503795B2 |
National insertion of targeted advertisement
Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for providing targeted asset/advertisements for broadcast-wide programming feeds. The systems and methods allow network platforms to select among asset options provided with a content stream and/or replace assets in the content stream. In one arrangement, after selecting an asset, the asset is inserted into the content stream and the content stream is disseminated to subsequent network platforms (e.g., local platforms). At this time, the local platforms may insert local assets into the content stream in predetermined local asset insertion spots. |
| US09503792B2 |
Display apparatus and method of setting up channel of the same
Disclosed are a display apparatus and a method of setting up a channel of the same. The method includes receiving a channel retrieval request on a setting screen displayed on the display apparatus, retrieving a determined frequency band corresponding to the received channel retrieval request, and selecting one of a terrestrial broadcasting mode and a cable broadcasting mode in response to a retrieval result. Thus, automatically retrieving a frequency band corresponding to one connected broadcasting mode of a terrestrial broadcasting mode and a cable broadcasting mode is possible. |
| US09503787B2 |
Interactive television program guide system with pay program package promotion
A system is provided that allows a user to select a pay program for purchase from a program guide. The program guide determines whether the selected program is part of a package of pay programs. If the selected program is part of a package, information regarding the package is provided to the user so that the user may decide whether to purchase the package. If the selected program is part of several packages, information for all packages is provided. The system automatically sets reminders for packages containing repetitive programming. The system monitors whether the user has watched any of the programs in such packages. When the user watches a program from the package, the remaining reminders are cancelled. If a user does not watch any programs in a package of any type, purchase of the package is cancelled and the user is provided with the opportunity to reschedule. |
| US09503785B2 |
Anti-splitter violation conditional key change
Systems and methods are disclosed for performing anti-piracy countermeasures in order to prevent unauthorized access of protected content. A conditional access system may be modified to include a counter. The counter is incremented every time the conditional access system receives a request that is a potential indication of pirate activity. The counter may also be decremented every time the conditional access system receives a request indicative of legitimate activity. If the conditional access system receives a management message containing a key required to access content keys, the conditional access system cheeks the counter. If the counter is below a threshold value, the conditional access system obtains the key. However, if the counter is above the threshold value, the conditional access system disregards the key contained in the management message, thereby losing access to protected content. |
| US09503782B2 |
Decoder and method for decoding encoded input data containing a plurality of blocks or packets
A decoder which decodes input data to generate corresponding decoded output data is operable: (a) to process encoded input data to extract header information indicative of encoded data pertaining to blocks and/or packets included in the encoded input data, the header information including data indicative of transformations employed to encode and compress original block and/or packet data for inclusion as the encoded data pertaining to the blocks and/or packets; (b) to prepare a data field in a data storage arrangement for receiving decoded block and/or packet content; (c) to retrieve information describing the transformations and then applying an inverse of the transformations for decoding the encoded and compressed original block and/or packet data to generate corresponding decoded block and/or packet content for populating the data field; and (d) when the encoded input data has been at least partially decoded, to output data from the data field as the decoded output data. |
| US09503780B2 |
System and method for switching between audio content while navigating through video streams
An electronic device with one or more processors, memory, and a display displays a first video stream on the display and plays first audio content that corresponds to the first video stream. While displaying the first video stream and playing the first audio content, the electronic device receives a request to display a second video stream on the display. In response, the electronic device displays a visual transition from display of the first video stream to display of the second video stream; plays second audio content that corresponds to the second video stream; and increases an amplitude of the second audio content while decreasing an amplitude of the first audio content, in accordance with progress of the visual transition. |
| US09503778B2 |
Reception device, reception method, program, and information processing system
A reception device including a reception unit configured to receive AV content, a feature value extraction unit configured to extract a feature value from data of the received AV content, an identification result acquisition unit configured to acquire an identification result of the AV content identified using the extracted feature value, a command acquisition unit configured to acquire a command for controlling an operation of an application program that is executed in linkage with the AV content according to the acquired identification result, a control unit configured to control the operation of the application program according to the acquired command, and a detection unit configured to detect switching of the AV content being viewed. When the switching of the AV content is detected, the control unit closes the application program that has been executed in linkage with the AV content. |
| US09503775B2 |
Content access device with polling processor and methods for use therewith
A content access device includes an interface module that receives a transport stream and outputs a processed transport stream. An input buffer buffers the received transport stream. A polling processor processes the transport stream based on the at least one key to generate the processed transport stream, wherein the polling processor operates to descramble individual packets of the transport stream in a plurality of polling slots of a polling loop. An output buffer buffers the processed transport stream for output by the interface module. |
| US09503770B2 |
Content orchestration for assembly of customized content streams
There is provided a content orchestration system and a method for use by the content orchestration system to enable assembly of one or more customized content streams. In one implementation, such a content orchestration system includes a computing platform having a processor, and a content orchestration engine for execution by the processor. The content orchestration engine is configured to receive data describing multiple content sources capable of providing content for use in assembling a customized content stream. The content orchestration engine is also configured to identify customization guidelines corresponding to a destination of the customized content stream, and to determine instructions for assembling the customized content stream based on the data and the customization guidelines. |
| US09503765B2 |
Averting ad skipping in adaptive bit rate systems
An adaptive bit rate system uses adaptive streaming to deliver content to client devices capable of adaptive bit rate streaming. Techniques for averting or inhibiting ad skipping by an adaptive bit rate client device that receives media chunks from the adaptive bit rate system may include techniques for both live content and on demand content. Techniques include modifying a buffer size for access to trick plays and/or constructing a manifest file with limited content based on ad breaks. |
| US09503761B2 |
Method and system for localized replacement of base content in video feed, with replacement-media delivered in broadcast-TV transport stream
A method and system to facilitate localized replacement of one or more commercials or other instances of base content in a video feed with replacement-media delivered in a separate broadcast TV transport stream. A local TV station that broadcasts to an area covering a video program distributor (VPD) includes supplemental content, such as replacement commercials, within its broadcast in a manner that standard broadcast-TV receivers would disregard but that a equipment at the VPD will receive and process. The equipment at the VPD thus receives the local broadcast from the TV station and extracts from the broadcast the included supplemental content. And equipment at the VPD inserts the extracted supplemental content in place of one or more instances of base content in a transport stream that the VPD receives separately from a video-program source, so as to establish a modified transport stream for delivery to end-user TV receivers. |
| US09503760B2 |
Method and system for symbol binarization and de-binarization
A method of binarizing an input symbol using a hybrid Truncated Rice/k-th order exp-Golomb binarization scheme with a Rice Parameter includes: determining a threshold; comparing the input symbol with the threshold; constructing a codeword using a Truncated Rice (TR) binarization process for the input symbol when a comparison result belongs to a first type of comparison result; and constructing a codeword with an initial prefix and a suffix for the input symbol when the comparison result belongs to a second type of comparison result; wherein the suffix is constructed using an exp-Golomb binarization process. |
| US09503757B2 |
Filtering for image and video enhancement using asymmetric samples
Filtering lower quality images or sequences of images with higher quality images or sequences of images. The filtering is utilized in a post-process, decoded, or encoded images including multiple sets of images that are filtered and/or combined. Different image features including, for example, quality, frequency characteristics, temporal resolution, spatial resolution, number of views, or bit-depth are present in the images. In one embodiment, the filtering comprises a multi-hypothesis filtering and the confidence value comprises a difference between the filtered sample and samples lying within a filter support. The post processes images are then stored or distributed. |
| US09503748B2 |
Image processing device and method for assigning luma blocks to chroma blocks
The present invention relates to an image processing device and method, which realize improvement in encoding efficiency for color difference signals and reduction in address calculations for memory access. In a case where a block size of orthogonal transform is 4×4, and a macroblock of luminance signals is configured of four 4×4 pixel blocks appended with 0 through 1, the four luminance signal blocks are corresponded with one color difference signal 4×4 block appended with C. At this time, there exist four motion vector information of mv0, mv1, mv2, and mv3, as to the four luminance signal blocks. The motion vector information mvc of the one color difference signal 4×4 block is calculated by averaging processing using these four motion vector information. The present invention can be applied to an image encoding device which performed encoding based on the H.264/AVC format, for example. |
| US09503747B2 |
Threshold filtering of compressed domain data using steering vector
In an embodiment, a processor includes a compression domain threshold filter coupled to a plurality of cores. The compression domain threshold filter is to: receive a sample vector of compressed data to be filtered; calculate, based at least on a first subset of the elements of the sample vector, an estimated upper bound value of a dot product of the sample vector and a steering vector; determine whether the estimated upper bound value of the dot product satisfies a filter threshold value; and in response to a determination that the estimated upper bound value of the dot product does not satisfy the filter threshold value, discard the sample vector without completion of a calculation of the dot product of the sample vector and the steering vector. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09503743B2 |
Methods and apparatus for uni-prediction of self-derivation of motion estimation
Methods and apparatus are provided for uni-prediction of self-derivation of motion estimation. An apparatus includes a video encoder for encoding at least a portion of a picture. The video encoder includes a self derivation motion estimator for performing self derivation motion estimation for the portion. The self derivation motion estimation is used for selectively performing uni-prediction or bi-prediction for the portion based on one or more criterion. |
| US09503741B2 |
Video decoder with multi-format vector processor and methods for use therewith
A multi-format video decoder includes an entropy decoding device that generates entropy decoded (EDC) data from an encoded video signal. A multi-format video decoding device includes a memory module that stores a plurality of operational instructions including at least one matrix multiply instruction that includes matrix input configuration data. A plurality of vector processor units generate a decoded video signal from the EDC data, wherein at least one of the plurality of vector processors include a matrix multiplier that generates output data based on a multiplication of first input data and second input data in accordance with the matrix input configuration data, wherein the matrix input configuration data indicates the dimensionality of the first input data and the second input data. |
| US09503739B2 |
Encoder-assisted adaptive video frame interpolation
The disclosure is directed to techniques for encoder-assisted adaptive interpolation of video frames. According to the disclosed techniques, an encoder generates information to assist a decoder in interpolation of a skipped video frame, i.e., an S frame. The information permits the decoder to reduce visual artifacts in the interpolated frame and thereby achieve improved visual quality. The information may include interpolation equation labels that identify selected interpolation equations to be used by the decoder for individual video blocks. As an option, to conserve bandwidth, the equation labels may be transmitted for only selected video blocks that meet a criterion for encoder-assisted interpolation. Other video blocks without equation labels may be interpolated according to a default interpolation technique. |
| US09503735B2 |
Moving image coding apparatus and moving image decoding apparatus
A moving image decoding apparatus and decoding method. The apparatus comprises an entropy decoder, a rectangular region size determiner, and a rectangular region decoder. The rectangular region decoder includes a motion compensator performing motion compensation prediction on a motion compensation region using a motion vector information to obtain a prediction image. Further, there is a transformer performing an inverse quantization and inverse orthogonal transformation process based on the block size indication information. |
| US09503734B1 |
Signaling signed band offset values for sample adaptive offset (SAO) filtering in video coding
A method for signaling sample adaptive offset (SAO) band offset syntax elements in a video encoder is provided that includes receiving a plurality of band offset syntax elements, entropy encoding an absolute value of a magnitude of each band offset syntax element in a compressed video bit stream, and entropy encoding a sign of each non-zero band offset syntax element in the compressed video bit stream following the absolute values of the magnitudes. |
| US09503732B2 |
Re-sampling with phase offset adjustment for luma and chroma to select filters in scalable video coding
A sampling filter process is provided for scalable video coding. The process provides for re-sampling using video data obtained from an encoder or decoder process of a base layer (BL) in a multi-layer system using adaptive phase shifting to improve quality in Scalable High efficiency Video Coding (SHVC). In order to compensate for phase offsets introduced by downsampling an appropriate phase offset adjustment is made for upsampling in SHVC with an appropriate offset included for proper luma/chroma color space positions. In one approach the luma/chroma phase offset is specified and a filter is selected to apply the appropriate phase change. |
| US09503726B2 |
Method of generating reconstructed block
Provided is a method that derives an intra prediction mode of a prediction unit, determines a size of a current block using transform size information, generates a prediction block of the current block according to the intra prediction mode, generating a residual block of the current block according to the intra prediction mode and generating a reconstructed block of the current block using the prediction block and the residual block. The sizes of the prediction block and the residual block are set equal to a size of a transform unit. Therefore, the distance of intra prediction becomes short, and the amount of coding bits of residual block is reduced by generating a prediction block very similar to original block. Also, the signaling bits required to signal intra prediction mode decrease by generating MPM group adaptively according to the neighboring intra prediction modes. |
| US09503721B2 |
Method and apparatus for predictive encoding/decoding of motion vector
A video encoding apparatus for predicting a motion vector of a current block to be encoded is to determine one or more representative blocks from neighboring blocks of the current block according to priorities of the neighboring blocks; and encode the motion vector of the current block by using, as a predicted motion vector of the current block, a first motion vector selected from motion vectors of the determined one or more representative blocks and a second motion vector of at least one block within a reference picture. |
| US09503720B2 |
Motion vector coding and bi-prediction in HEVC and its extensions
In one example, a device includes a video coder (e.g., a video encoder or a video decoder) configured to determine that a block of video data is to be coded in accordance with a three-dimensional extension of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), and, based the determination that the block is to be coded in accordance with the three-dimensional extension of HEVC, disable temporal motion vector prediction for coding the block. The video coder may be further configured to, when the block comprises a bi-predicted block (B-block), determine that the B-block refers to a predetermined pair of pictures in a first reference picture list and a second reference picture list, and, based on the determination that the B-block refers to the predetermined pair, equally weight contributions from the pair of pictures when calculating a predictive block for the block. |
| US09503718B2 |
Image coding device, image decoding device, image coding method, and image decoding method
Disclosed is an image decoding method including a step of variable-length-decoding coded data multiplexed into a bitstream to acquire compressed data associated with a coding block, a reference image restriction flag indicating whether or not to restrict a significant reference image area which is an area on a reference image which can be used for the motion-compensated prediction, and motion information and a motion-compensated prediction step of carrying out a motion-compensated prediction process on the coding block on the basis of the motion information to generate a prediction image, in which the motion-compensated prediction step includes a step of when the prediction image includes a pixel located outside the significant reference image area, carrying out a predetermined extending process to generate the prediction image on the basis of the reference image restriction flag by using the motion information. |
| US09503716B2 |
Block size dependent filter selection for motion compensation
Disclosed are various embodiments for determining a filter length according to a width and height of the reference block and selecting a filter based on the block size. Corresponding pixels from memory may be fetched based on the filter length and the block size. Reference pixels may be interpolated based on the selected filter to generate a prediction. |
| US09503713B2 |
Method and system for stereo gaze tracking
Stereo gaze tracking estimates a 3-D gaze point by projecting determined right and left eye gaze points on left and right stereo images. The determined right and left eye gaze points are based on one or more tracked eye gaze points, estimates for non-tracked eye gaze points based upon the tracked gaze points and image matching in the left and right stereo images, and confidence scores indicative of the reliability of the tracked gaze points and/or the image matching. |
| US09503711B2 |
Reducing angular spread in digital image projection
Chromatic aberration can be reduced and extreme projection angles can be allowed in a projection system by modifying one color channel of light having a wavelength bandwidth with image data to produce imaged light, causing the imaged light to spread angularly when displaying the imaged light through an optical distorting element onto a screen, and reducing angular spread of the imaged light exiting the optical distorting element by adjusting the wavelength bandwidth. |
| US09503705B2 |
Stereoscopic image generation
For generating a stereoscopic image, a first parallax optical element directs a first parallax image to an optical selector. A second parallax optical element directs a second parallax image to the optical selector. The optical selector alternates between directing the first parallax image and the second parallax image to a video camera. |
| US09503701B2 |
Scanning projectors that use guard bands to reduce color shifts, and methods and controllers for use therewith
A scanning projector system includes a controller, a driver and one or more micro-mirror(s). The controller produces first, second and third pixel data in dependence on a video signal. The driver drives first, second and third light emitting elements in dependence on the first, second and third pixel data produced by the controller, to thereby emit light of first, second and third colors. The micro-mirror(s) project an image in dependence on light beams produced in dependence on the light of the first, second and third colors. To reduce color shifts due to inter-pixel interference, the controller and/or driver causes at least one timing guard band per pixel period associated with each instance of the pixel data. |
| US09503694B2 |
Methods and apparatus for utilizing vehicle system integrated remote wireless image capture
A method for using an integrated wireless image capture system on a vehicle and a tow object is provided. The method connects to an image capture device over a vehicle-based wireless network, wherein the image capture device is positioned on the tow object; configures operational parameters for the image capture device; and receives, at a computer system onboard the vehicle, image data from the image capture device, wherein the image data is captured by the image capture device in accordance with the configured operational parameters. |
| US09503692B2 |
Image processing device, electronic apparatus, endoscope system, information storage device, and method of controlling image processing device
The image processing device includes: a first image acquisition section that acquires a first image, the first image being an image that includes an object image including information within a wavelength band of white light; a second image acquisition section that acquires a second image, the second image being an image that includes an object image including information within a specific wavelength band; a candidate attention area detection section that detects a candidate attention area based on a feature quantity of each pixel within the second image, the candidate attention area being a candidate for an attention area; a reliability calculation section that calculates reliability that indicates a likelihood that the candidate attention area is the attention area; and a display mode setting section that performs a display mode setting process that sets a display mode of an output image corresponding to the reliability calculated by the reliability calculation section. |
| US09503690B2 |
Video session manager and method for enabling a video communication session across geographically disparate domains
A video session manager and method for enabling, optimizing, and managing inter-domain video communication sessions, including telepresence and videoconferencing sessions. The video session manager is configured to receive and analyze a video communication session request from one or more endpoints; to determine the viability of a communication session based on one or more attributes of the session; and to connect the one or more requesting endpoints to start the session. The video session manager is further configured to connect the one or more requesting endpoints via a bridging resource, such as a multipoint control unit, based on one or more considerations such as geography and transmission channel utilization. |
| US09503687B2 |
Personalized meeting event capture using egocentric tracking in smart spaces
A system to determine viewer attention to presented content. Markers are applied to a presentation. Head orientation information is received from a body mounted camera worn by a viewer and is used to determine a sequence of head orientations of the viewer. The sequence of head orientations is associated with an identifier of the viewer and a corresponding sequence of first time stamps. A sequence of images is captured by the body mounted camera worn by the viewer. The sequence of images is associated with an identifier of the viewer and the body mounted camera and a corresponding sequence of second time stamps. Respective members of the sequences of images and head orientations are associated, and the presentation content is identified by evaluating information from visible markers in the captured sequence of images. Viewer attention to different elements can then be determined. |
| US09503686B2 |
Review bucket for video conferences
Embodiments of the invention detail systems, computer program products, and methods for providing a review bucket for video conferences. In an exemplary embodiment the system presents on a display a review bucket widget that is configured to receive a plurality of discussion topics for use in a video conference communication session between the customer and a business agent that represents a particular entity. To this extent, the system may additionally receive, within the review bucket widget, an identifier of at least one discussion topic that the customer is interested in discussing during the video conference communication session and transmit the at least one discussion topic to the business agent. |
| US09503684B2 |
Digitally-generated lighting for video conferencing applications
A method of improving the lighting conditions of a real scene or video sequence. Digitally generated light is added to a scene for video conferencing over telecommunication networks. A virtual illumination equation takes into account light attenuation, lambertian and specular reflection. An image of an object is captured, a virtual light source illuminates the object within the image. In addition, the object can be the head of the user. The position of the head of the user is dynamically tracked so that an three-dimensional model is generated which is representative of the head of the user. Synthetic light is applied to a position on the model to form an illuminated model. |
| US09503681B1 |
Simulated transparent display with augmented reality for remote collaboration
A method and system for remote collaboration and remote instruction utilizing computing devices at trainee site and mentor sites are disclosed. Annotations are superimposed onto a trainee's view of a view field displayed using a simulated transparent display with augmented reality (“AR”). By tracking the position of the trainee's view point, the position of the trainee's computing device, and the geometry of the view field, the annotations remain anchored to the image of the view field when the trainee device moves and/or when the view field deforms or becomes occluded. |
| US09503678B2 |
Method and apparatus for composition of subtitles
Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including a processor for retrieving subtitle layer data, wherein the subtitle layer data contains a graphic subtitle elements. The processor extracts from retrieved subtitle layer data, subtitle display region information for defining a subtitle display region, a cropping flag, and subtitle display region cropping information, for cropping the display region, the subtitle display region cropping information including a parameter for horizontal position of the cropped subtitle display region, a parameter for vertical position of the crossed subtitle display region, a parameter for width of the cropped subtitle display region, and a parameter for height of the cropped subtitle display region. The apparatus includes a renderer for enabling automatic cropping of parts of the subtitle elements to be displayed in the cropped subtitle display region, where the cropped parts of the subtitle elements to be displayed are defined by subtitle display region cropping information. |
| US09503677B1 |
Rectifying camera pairs
The quality of stereoscopic imaging using cameras with wide angle lenses can be improved using various calibration approaches to determine distortions or misalignments between the cameras. A calibration object such as a checkered grid with a determined inclination between portions can be used to provide lateral calibration as well as depth information. Intersections of the checkered regions can be used to determine intersection points for the calibration object in the image. Regions about at least a portion of these points can be analyzed, where the regions are sized such that features of the calibration object are substantially linear. Nearest neighbor points can be identified, and a local orientation determined in order to determine a relationship of each of the nearest points. Once identified, the points in each image can be correlated to corresponding points of the calibration object. |
| US09503674B2 |
Video recording failover
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for performing video recorder failover. In a particular embodiment, a system for handing a failover of a first Network Video Recorder (NVR) is provided. The system includes a second NVR that receives a video stream and temporarily stores an amount of the video stream to the temporary storage, wherein the amount of the video stream stored in the temporary storage at any given time corresponds to a duration of time sufficient to accommodate a failover of the first NVR to the second NVR. In response to a detection of a failure of the first NVR, the second NVR records the video stream to the second long-term storage and transfers at least a portion of the video stream stored in the temporary storage to the second long-term storage. |
| US09503670B2 |
Electronic apparatus and display control method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a data receiver, processing circuitry and an operation information receiver. The data receiver receives first data for displaying an image. The processing circuitry displays, using the first data, the image on a screen of a display. The operation information receiver receives operation information indicating that one of a plurality of buttons provided at a remote control is pressed. The processing circuitry displays, based on the operation information, an enlarged image of a first area of a plurality of divided areas of the image on the screen. |
| US09503668B2 |
Interacting display device
A display device includes a display cover screen, a two-dimensional matrix of photo-detecting elements constructed on a first substrate that is visually transparent, and a matrix of pixel elements constructed on a second substrate. The first substrate is sandwiched between the display cover screen and the second substrate. |
| US09503665B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit and image sensor circuit
The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first converting circuit that receives the input analog signal, analog-to-digital converts the input analog signal and outputs a resulting first digital signal. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes an amplifier circuit that receives a reference analog signal, which is obtained by the first converting circuit digital-to-analog converting the first digital signal, and the input analog signal and outputs an amplified signal responsive to the difference between the reference analog signal and the input analog signal. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a second converting circuit that analog-to-digital converts the amplified signal and outputs a resulting second digital signal. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes an output circuit that outputs an output signal obtained by a calculation of the first digital signal and the second digital signal. |
| US09503655B2 |
Photoelectric conversion apparatus and photoelectric conversion system
A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a first unit pixel including a first transfer transistor configured to transfer electric charges from a photoelectric conversion unit to an impurity diffusion region and a second unit pixel including a second transfer transistor configured to transfer electric charges from a photoelectric conversion unit to an impurity diffusion region, and a potential at a channel of the first transfer transistor when the first transfer transistor is on-state is higher than a potential at a channel of the second transfer transistor when the second transfer transistor is on-state. |
| US09503652B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling image generation of image capture device by determining one or more image capture settings used for generating each subgroup of captured images
An image generation method includes: determining at least one first image capture setting and at least one second image capture setting; controlling an image capture device to generate a plurality of first successive captured images for a capture trigger event according to the at least one first image capture setting and generate a plurality of second successive captured images for the same capture trigger event according to the at least one second image capture setting. Variation of the at least one first image capture setting is constrained within a first predetermined range during generation of the first successive captured images. Difference between the at least one first image capture setting and the at least one second image capture setting is beyond the first predetermined range. Variation of the at least one second image capture setting is constrained within a second predetermined range during generation of the second successive captured images. |
| US09503650B2 |
Zoom-tracking method performed by imaging apparatus
Provided is an improved zoom-tracking method. A point or two points between a Wide point and a Tele point are chosen, histogram information is stored, and a distance to a subject is estimated based on the stored histogram information. A locus curve is selected based on the estimated distance to the subject, and zoom-tracking is performed along the locus curve after a zoom lens reaches a specific point. |
| US09503648B2 |
Imaging apparatus capable of switching display methods
An imaging apparatus comprises an image pickup unit, a cutout image generation unit for cutting out a specified area in a pickup image taken by the image pickup unit to generate a cutout image enlarged at a specified magnification, an image display unit for displaying one or both of the pickup image taken by the image pickup unit and the cutout image generated by the cutout image generation unit, a display image control unit for controlling a method of displaying an image the image display unit displays, a manual focus operation unit for the user to control through manual operation the focus position of the image pickup unit, and a manual zoom operation unit for the user to control the zoom magnification of the image pickup unit. |
| US09503647B2 |
Image stabilizer, image pickup apparatus having the same, and control method of image stabilizer
An image stabilizer includes a first optical corrector moving along a direction different from an optical axis to correct an image shake, a second optical corrector moving along a direction different from the optical axis to correct an image shake, a controller moving at least one of the first and second optical correctors to correct an image shake, and a first position detector detecting information about a movement position of the first optical corrector. The controller performs image shake correction of the first optical corrector without image shake correction of the second optical corrector when the information about the movement position of the first optical corrector is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and performs image shake correction of the second optical corrector when the information about the movement position of the first optical corrector is more than the predetermined value. |
| US09503646B2 |
Image blur correction apparatus, optical apparatus, and method thereof
An image blur correction apparatus includes an shooting state detecting portion that determines a shooting state of a first shooting state or a second shooting state based on an angular velocity signal, and a controller that performs an image blur correction using characteristics depending on a determination result of the shooting state determining portion, and the shooting state determining portion determines that the first shooting state has started when the angular velocity signal exceeds a first threshold value and exceeds a second threshold value having an opposite sign of the first threshold value within a predetermined time after exceeding the first threshold value, and determines that the first shooting state is continuously maintained when the angular velocity signal exceeds a third threshold value and exceeds a fourth threshold value that has an opposite sign of the third threshold value within the predetermined time after exceeding the third threshold value. |
| US09503644B2 |
Using image properties for processing and editing of multiple resolution images
Various embodiments enable a capture device to capture at least one high resolution image and generate a low resolution image based on the high resolution image. Some embodiments transfer an associated low resolution image file to a second device prior to transferring the corresponding associated high resolution image file. In some cases, the low resolution image can be analyzed to determine one or more properties associated with the low resolution image. Processing decisions associated with the high resolution image can then be based on the property or properties of the low resolution image. |
| US09503643B1 |
Electronic device and method of controlling same for capturing digital images
A method of controlling a portable electronic device including a digital camera for setting automatic exposure and automatic white-balance values for capturing a digital image. The method includes identifying an available current for a main flash output of the digital camera for capturing the digital image, in response to determining that the available current for the main flash output is less than a full current value, identifying a corresponding current value for a preflash output based on the available current for the main flash output and setting the current value for the preflash output to the corresponding current value, actuating the preflash output utilizing the corresponding current value and receiving light at an image sensor, and based on the light received at the image sensor, setting automatic exposure and automatic white-balance values for use in capturing the digital image. |
| US09503639B2 |
Distortion correcting sensors for diagonal collection of oblique imagery
A vehicle collects oblique imagery along a nominal heading using rotated camera-groups with optional distortion correcting electronic image sensors that align projected pixel columns or rows with a pre-determined direction on the ground, thereby improving collection quality, efficiency, and/or cost. In a first aspect, the camera-groups are rotated diagonal to the nominal heading. In a second aspect, the distortion correcting electronic image sensors align projected pixel columns or rows with a pre determined direction on the ground. In a third aspect, the distortion correcting electronic image sensors are rotated around the optical axis of the camera. In a fourth aspect, cameras collect images in strips and the strips from different cameras overlap, providing large-baseline, small-time difference stereopsis. |
| US09503638B1 |
High-resolution single-viewpoint panoramic camera and method of obtaining high-resolution panoramic images with a single viewpoint
The present invention provides a method and apparatus of obtaining single and video, high-resolution, panoramic images of a large field-of-view scene with a single viewpoint. The system consists of a segmented cap lens, multiple imaging sensors and imaging lenses. The cap lens is segmented to capture an individual sub-field of the entire panorama. In addition, the cap lens is optimized to relay the optical centers of the component cameras into a single viewpoint therefore reducing parallax errors. A high-resolution panoramic image with reduced artifacts is reconstructed by mosaicking multiple images taken by component cameras. The entire system is based upon refractive lenses to minimize the path length of light rays, enabling a relatively compact design for practical applications. |
| US09503636B2 |
Credential transfer management camera system
A camera detects devices, such as other cameras, smart devices, and access points, with which the camera may communicate. The camera may alternate between operating as a wireless station and a wireless access point. The camera may connect to and receive credentials from a device for another device to which it is not connected. In one embodiment, the camera is configured to operate as a wireless access point, and is configured to receive credentials from a smart device operating as a wireless station. The camera may then transfer the credentials to additional cameras, each configured to operate as wireless stations. The camera and additional cameras may connect to a smart device directly or indirectly (for instance, through an access point), and the smart device may change the camera mode of the cameras. The initial modes of the cameras may be preserved and restored by the smart device upon disconnection. |
| US09503634B2 |
Camera augmented reality based activity history tracking
Augmented reality can be used to display previously captured images on a viewfinder of a camera as the camera's active position nears a position from which the picture was originally taken. A histogram file may associate the original image with positional information of the camera when the image was captured. When the cameras active position nears those coordinates, a transparent version of the digital image is displayed on the viewfinder of the camera. The positional information may include a spatial location of the camera (e.g., GPS coordinates, etc.) as well as an orientation of the camera (e.g., yaw, pitch, roll, etc.). Augmented reality can be used to guide the user to configure/re-configure the camera in order to correct (or avoid) an image quality issue/defect when re-taking a picture. |
| US09503632B2 |
Guidance based image photographing device and method thereof for high definition imaging
An image photographing device for photographing images through a front camera and a rear camera, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a display unit; a feature extraction unit for extracting facial features from an image of a user's face which is displayed on a preview screen through the rear camera; a structure extraction unit for extracting the structure of the user's face by using the extracted facial features; an expression extraction unit for extracting the facial expression of the user by using the extracted facial features if the extracted structure of the face matches a standard facial structure; and an notification unit for outputting a photograph notification signal if the extracted facial expression of the user matches a standard facial expression. |
| US09503628B1 |
Camera mounting and control device
A camera mounting device and method including a rectangular frame fixed on a foldable stand, a turn table having a mounting attachment for a camera, a directional antenna and a laser rangefinder, a tilting platform placed within the rectangular frame and fixed to a driven elevation gear, an azimuth motor connected to the turn table and fixed on the tilting platform within the rectangular frame, an elevation motor mounted within the rectangular frame and connected to a driving elevation gear that engages with the driven elevation gear of the tilting platform, a camera mounting controller that controls the azimuth motor and elevation motor, and implements a process for determining an azimuth angle and an elevation, and a wearable remote control having the camera mounting controller, a display screen and an omnidirectional antenna that communicates with the direction antenna. |
| US09503622B2 |
Preventing artifacts due to underfill in flip chip imager assembly
A CMOS imager assembly may include an integrated circuit (IC) having an active-pixel image sensor that is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate using flip chip packaging technology. The IC and the PCB may be physically and electrically connected to each other through multiple electrically conductive connectors. An underfill material (which may include an anti-reflective material) may, during assembly, be introduced around the connectors in the space between the IC and the PCB. A chemical or physical discontinuity on the integrated circuit may, during assembly, prevent the underfill material from entering an area framed by the discontinuity, which may include the pixel array of the image sensor. The discontinuity may include a dam-like structure built up on the IC, a trench-like structure created on the IC, or a low surface tension material that has been applied to the surface of the IC. |
| US09503620B2 |
Evaluation of the security situation in a building by means of a radio tomographic location and detection method and by means of RFID reading devices
A method and a system evaluate a security situation in a building. The building has accommodation areas with access authorization for authorized persons. A count of the persons present in the accommodation areas is determined in that, in a radio network which contains a plurality of radio stations arranged spatially distributed in the ceiling, wall or floor, the influencing of the radio field of the radio stations between one another by persons physically present there is evaluated, by a radio tomographic location and detection method. A current count of identifiers which are read by RFID reading devices of RFID transponders is determined, the identifiers being carried by authorized persons. The RFID reading devices are arranged there spatially distributed in the ceiling, wall or floor. Based on the respective counts of personal identifiers and the determined person count, an indicator for evaluating the current security situation in the building is determined. |
| US09503619B2 |
Arrangement for an image recording device in a vehicle
An arrangement for an image recording device in a vehicle having an image recording device for recording image data. The arrangement includes a carrier part which can be positioned on the vehicle with the front side of the carrier part on or in front of the inside of a vehicle window, retaining elements for retaining the image recording device, the retaining elements are coupled to the carrier part in such a way that the optical recording axis of the image recording device is directed into an area in front of the front side of the carrier part, and a heating device, the heating device designed in such a way that the thermal radiation produced by the heating device in the direction of the area in front of the front side of the carrier part is determined. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the heating device in such an arrangement. |
| US09503617B2 |
Electronic device with flexible housing portion and related method
The disclosure is directed to an electronic device having an internal light source that emits light along a path through the housing. The housing has at least one flexible portion which, when subjected to external pressure flexes, thereby altering the path of the light. A processor receives a signal (from a light sensor receiver) indicating a change in the light and reacts by initiating a function of the device. The particular function that the processor initiates may depend on the mode that the device is currently in. For example, if the device is not currently in a camera mode, then the processor may launch a camera function. If the device is in a camera mode, then the processor may control the zoom of an imager. If the device is in a camera mode and is also motionless, then the processor may cause the imager to capture an image. |
| US09503609B2 |
Data-generating device, data-generating method, data-generating program and recording medium
Data is generated which can prevent content displayed on a screen from being accurately replicated. A data-generating device has: an acquiring means that acquires still image data; a still image data generating means that generates a predetermined number of items of still image data in which at least part of pixel values of the acquired still image data are changed, and that makes an average of pixel values of matching display positions between the predetermined number of items of still image data equal to pixel values of matching display positions in the acquired still image data; and a movie data generating means that generates movie data for which each of the generated still image data is displayed at a predetermined frame rate. |
| US09503607B2 |
Image capture apparatus and method of controlling the same
The size of an image file is not influenced even if location information is added or deleted after storing the image file. To achieve this, when an image is stored on a storage medium, whether GPS measurement was successful is determined. If measurement was successful, information indicating the existence of location information is stored in a first area as attribute information compliant with the image file format, the acquired location information is stored in a second area as attribute information, and the image is stored in a predetermined format. If not, information indicating the existence of location information is stored in the first area, predetermined information is stored in the second area, a reserved area having a pre-set size is allocated in a continuous area that follows the second area, and the captured image is stored. |
| US09503604B2 |
Illuminating device, image reading apparatus, and image forming apparatus
Provided is an illuminating device including a cylindrical lens in which a light incidence surface and a light emission surface, which are opposite to each other, extend in a longitudinal direction, and a light source that is disposed in such a manner that a positional relationship between a paraxial virtual image of the light source due to the light incidence surface of the cylindrical lens and a center of curvature of the light emission surface is in a predetermined range. |
| US09503601B2 |
Printing apparatus having plurality of power states and control method therefor
An image forming apparatus which is capable of selecting power states that suit user's intention for a low-power state and a job executable state. A first power-saving state or a second power-saving state in which a smaller amount of power is consumed than in the first power-saving state is set as a power-saving state to which the printing apparatus is shifted when a shifting factor is detected. A first returning method for returning the printing apparatus from the power-saving state when a returning factor that causes the printing apparatus to return from the power-saving state is detected, or a second returning method for returning the printing apparatus from the power-saving state when a function to be used is selected on a function selecting screen displayed in response to detecting the returning factor is set. When the first power-saving state has been set, the first returning method is set. |
| US09503600B2 |
Image forming apparatus that shifts into different power saving states and control method thereof
When an image forming apparatus satisfies a condition to shift it to a power saving state, if a specific function that needs to respond to an inquiry from an external apparatus within a predetermined time is set, a power control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to a first power saving state in which power is supplied to a control unit configured to respond to the inquiry, and if the specific function is not set, shifts the image forming apparatus to a second power saving state in which no power is supplied to the control unit. |
| US09503599B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for managing background processing on an image processing device
A system and method are provided including one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media coupled to the one or more processors. The one or more computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operation including performing, at an image processing device, a login process wherein access to one or more resources on the image processing device is granted based on a credential associated with a user and receiving a request to perform a scan and send process is received at the image processing device, the request comprising instructions for scanning a physical document and sending an electronic document representing the scanned physical document to a destination system. The scan process is initiated and a data object including data representing job data and the credential associated with the use is generated. The send process using the generated data object is executed as a background process on the image processing device and a subsequent user is able to access the image processing device and use at least one resource of the image processing device simultaneously. |
| US09503595B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a wireless board for a wireless communication, a discharge tray having a placement surface on which the sheet having an image formed thereon is placed, and a wall part provided at one end-side of the discharge tray in a width direction and having a wall surface standing upwardly beyond the placement surface, wherein at least a part of the wireless board is positioned in the wall part. |
| US09503594B1 |
Electronic device, and computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing display control program
An electronic device includes: a display section displaying function screens each including a plurality of function setting keys for receiving function settings; a first operation key for displaying the first function screen at the display section; a second operation key for displaying the second function screen at the display section; and a control section displaying, at the display section, the first and second function screens in accordance with operation performed on the first and second operation keys. The control section displays the first and second function screens at the display section when the first and second operation keys have been pressed simultaneously. |
| US09503591B2 |
Image processing apparatus, mobile terminal, system, methods of controlling these, and storage medium
A mobile terminal 102, when an MFP 101 is approached, transmits to the MFP 101, using a short-range wireless communication, a scan start instruction and access information. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 102, when job-related information related to a job is received, publicizes accessibly a storage area, and when the job corresponding to the job-related information completes, makes the publicized storage area to be unpublicized. On the other hand, the MFP 101 receives the scan start instruction and the access information, issues the job-related information, notifies, using the short-range wireless communication, the mobile terminal of the job-related information, and stores the image data read from the original in accordance with the start instruction by accessing the publicized storage area. |
| US09503589B1 |
Printing system for distributing print jobs, image forming apparatus and server apparatus
A printing system according to an embodiment includes a server connected with at least one user device and a plurality of image forming apparatuses. A storage unit stores use history in which identification information of a user is associated with at least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses used by the user. A control unit receives the print job from the at least one user device and identification information of a user associated with the print job. The use history corresponding to the user is retrieved based on the identification information. One of the plurality of image forming apparatuses for printing the print job is selected based on the retrieved use history. Print data corresponding to the print job is sent to the selected image forming apparatus before a job start operation input is received in the selected image forming apparatus. |
| US09503585B2 |
Dynamic usage inequity detection and/or remedy
An architecture that can dynamically detect and/or automatically remedy service usage inequities in a communications network is provided. For example, based upon a comparison of incoming call detail records (CDRs) to various subscriber information entities (e.g., service plan, blacklisted devices for the service plan, historic or current billing cycle usage, etc.), the architecture can identify when a usage inequity occurs or is likely to occur, substantially in real time. |
| US09503581B2 |
System and method for web-based real time communication with contact centers
A method for connecting a website user to a contact center agent includes: monitoring user interaction associated with the website user; receiving a call request via the website; identifying an agent or an interactive voice response based on the monitored user interaction; and establishing a communication channel supported by a web browser between the website user and the identified agent or the interactive voice response. |
| US09503575B2 |
Method and apparatus for augmenting communication sessions using contextual information
Systems and methods for establishing and conducting communication sessions augmented by contextual information. A call originator initiates a request to establish a communication session. The endpoint furnishes information identifying the call originator and intended call recipient(s). The method receives the request from the call originator and retrieves contextual information relating the call originator to the intended call recipient. If no contextual information has yet been derived, the contextual information is generated from data attributes available from one or more social networking sites. In some embodiments, the method generates the contextual information according to a set of rules and, if applicable, user preferences. The method handles the call request based on at least one of a set of rules, user preferences, and scheduling input received from the intended recipient responsive to receipt of the contextual information. The contextual information is accessible to some or all participants before and during the communication session. |
| US09503574B2 |
System and method for selecting call recordings for storage
A system and method for selecting call recordings for storage is provided. Criteria for retaining call recordings are identified. Each of a plurality of watchers within a call center is programmed with one or more criteria selected from the identified criteria. Call recordings are generated from calls within the call center. The criteria from one or more of the watchers are applied to each of the call recordings. Those call recordings that satisfy the applied criteria are retained within the call center. |
| US09503570B2 |
Enhanced data capture, analysis, and reporting for unified communications
The present disclosure includes descriptions of various aspects of unified communication (UC) systems, including UC management and analysis systems and related tools and techniques. Described systems, tools, and techniques are adapted for enhanced UC data capture, analysis, and reporting; enhanced UC monitoring services; and a user survey service that can be used for conducting user surveys related to UC services. Embodiments disclosed herein include computer systems and methods that can be used for analyzing service level objectives for call quality, classifying calls into distinct categories, and real-time user notification of call quality and reliability issues. |
| US09503569B1 |
Methods and apparatus for performing echo cancellation for a communication device
Methods and devices for enabling and disabling the updating of an adaptive filter for echo cancellation of a communication device are disclosed. An echo canceller may include an adaptive filter enabled to update responsive to a determination that a first condition is satisfied that there is no double talk detected on the communication device, and a determination that a second condition is satisfied based, at least in part, on a performance characteristic. The adaptive filter may be disabled from updating responsive to at least one of the first condition and the second condition not being satisfied. Described is disabling the adaptive filter from updating responsive to detecting a performance characteristic of the adaptive filter to fail to meet a condition indicating that the adaptive filter is diverging. The condition to be met may be independent of whether double-talk is determined to be present on the communication device. |
| US09503568B1 |
Detecting dial tone on a telephone line
A method to detect dial tone on a telephone line may include taking samples of incoming audio on a telephone line. The method may also include determining volumes of the samples. The method may further include determining whether the volumes of a threshold number of the samples are at or above a threshold volume. The method may also include, in response to determining that the volumes of a threshold number of the samples are at or above a threshold volume, determining that the incoming audio on the telephone line includes a dial tone. |
| US09503560B1 |
Remote control for mobile applications
The remote control for mobile applications is a remote control system adapted for use with PDAs. Specifically, the remote control for mobile applications establishes a Bluetooth connection between a remote control device and a controller application that is adapted to run on a PDA. The remote control for mobile applications is used to remotely control the operation of a target application that resides as a separate application on the PDA. The controller application receives commands from the remote control devices and causes the received command to be executed by the targeted application. The remote control for mobile applications comprises a remote control device, a controller application, and a Bluetooth connection. |
| US09503556B2 |
Handling voice calls
Apparatus has at least one processor and at least one memory having computer-readable code stored thereon which when executed controls the at least one processor to perform a method comprising: whilst providing two-way communication in a voice call, detecting whether a speaker component of a voice communications device is in a state of being moved away from a user's ear; in response to detecting that the speaker component of the voice communications device is in a state of being moved away from a user's ear, entering a line activity mode; in the line activity mode, determining whether voice activity is present on the inbound channel of the voice call; and in response to determining the presence of voice activity on the inbound channel of the call when in the line activity mode, causing announcement of the detection of voice activity. |
| US09503554B1 |
Portable electronic apparatus
A portable electronic apparatus includes a first touch-sensing substrate, a camera module, transmission routes, a flexible printed circuit, and a main board. The first touch-sensing substrate has an active area and a peripheral area surrounding the active area. The camera module is connected to a second connecting area of the peripheral area. At least one of the transmission routes connects between a first connecting area and the second connecting area of the peripheral area, and rest of the transmission routes respectively connect between the active area and the first connecting area. The flexible printed circuit connects to the first connecting area. The flexible printed circuit includes a touch-sensor driver. The touch-sensor driver is electrically connected to at least part of the transmission routes. The main board includes a connector. The connector is connected with an end of the flexible printed circuit. |
| US09503552B2 |
System and method for adapting to network protocol updates
A system and method are provided for updating network protocols. A new ASIC is designed to adapt to future network protocols, the ASIC including at least one packet editing program. The ASIC is configured to classify a received packet to determine new protocols to which the packet is to be updated, delete selected existing headers of the packet, insert new headers in the packet based on the classification, and modify selected headers based on the classification. |
| US09503549B2 |
Real-time data analysis for resource provisioning among systems in a networked computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for intelligent service resource provisioning among distinct systems in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, the embodiments of the present invention provide an intelligent provisioning engine (hereinafter engine) that accesses a service intelligence repository that comprises configuration information pertaining to a set of service resources available on a set of systems. The engine may also receive/identify a set of rules pertaining to any constraints on the set of service resources as well as a set of policies pertaining to provisioning the set of service resources. Still yet, the engine can collect real-time data pertaining to operational characteristics of the set of service resources. Based on the information/data collected, the engine may determine a plan for provisioning the set of service resources and integrate the plan with ancillary systems/engines (e.g., scaling, provisioning, monitoring, etc.) for implementation of the plan. |
| US09503540B2 |
Method and apparatus for asynchronous distribution of content
An approach is provided for asynchronous distribution of content and notifications of updates to a client. A proxy server causes an establishment of at least one communication connection between at least one proxy client, at least one proxy server, and/or at least one service provider. The proxy server determines one or more updated content items available to the at least one proxy client. The proxy server causes a transmission of the one or more updated content items, one or more notifications regarding the one or more updated content items, or a combination thereof via the at least one communication connection. |
| US09503539B1 |
Providing electronic content based on sensor data
Techniques are described for using sensor data derived from a monitoring system to drive personalized content. Sensor data captured by a monitoring system may be used to determine attributes of users of the monitoring system and/or attributes of a property monitored by the monitoring system. The determined attributes may be used to select content to present to users of the monitoring system. Content presentation may be made through the monitoring system and may be triggered based on events detected by the monitoring system. |
| US09503531B2 |
Region identification server, region identification method, region identification program, and computer readable recording medium storing the program
A content server (10) includes a receiving unit (14) that receives a request signal from a request source terminal, an acquisition unit (15) that acquires an IP address assigned to the request source terminal from the request signal, and a determination unit (16) that determines a location region of a user of the request source terminal by referring to an address storage unit (11) based on the acquired IP address. The address storage unit (11) stores address information including location regions of registered users set based on addresses of the registered users and IP addresses assigned to terminals of the registered users in association with each other. |
| US09503530B1 |
Preferential loading in data centers
Infrastructure is disclosed for optimizing performance and minimizing errors during normal operation of replicated data centers. In some implementations, systems that are replicated in each data center under a common IP address may have service requests routed to them using routing tables that favor one of the systems. The routing tables may prefer the system that resides in the data center where the service requests originated, or they may prefer the system that meets other criteria. Other systems replicated in the data center may have service requests routed to them using configuration tables that favor one of the systems. The configuration tables may also prefer the system that resides in the data center where the service requests originated, or they may prefer the system that meets other criteria. This arrangement helps optimize performance during normal operation and minimize potential for disruption of service should one of the data centers fail. |
| US09503528B2 |
System for provisioning service data utilizing the IMS defined Sh interface's transparent data
Embodiments of the method and apparatus utilizes a conventional provisioning interface to the IMS HSS and the Sh interface from the HSS to a generic application to provision service data on the application at the other end of the Sh interface. One embodiment may have the steps of: interfacing a provisioning system with an HSS with a Sh interface; and using the Sh interface as a provisioning interface. |
| US09503526B2 |
Therapy management system
Stored data is accessed over a computer network through a network data manager. Data may be stored and transferred to the network data manager from a product device using an uploader application. In one aspect, a request message containing an access request or identifier is received at the network data manager from a client device for access to a data storage facility. If the network data manager determines the access requestor identifier is associated with a data record that identifies a product device having a registration record, the network data manager transmits a data link to the client device to provide access to the data record by the client device over the computer network. |
| US09503525B2 |
Devices and methods for network-coded and caching-aided content distribution
A method for transmitting data files in a network includes receiving requests from destination devices for packets of the data files. The method includes constructing a conflict graph such that each packet requested by each destination device is represented by a distinct vertex in a plurality of vertices of the conflict graph, the plurality of vertices being associated with the destination devices. The method includes assigning labels to the plurality of vertices. The method includes assigning levels to the plurality of vertices. The method includes ordering the plurality of vertices from vertices having a highest level to vertices having a lowest level. The method includes coloring the plurality of vertices based on the ordering. The method includes combining the packets represented by vertices in the plurality of vertices having a same color. The method includes sending the combined packets. |
| US09503524B2 |
Distributed data storage
The present invention relates to a distributed data storage system comprising a plurality of storage nodes. Using unicast and multicast transmission, a server application may write data in the storage system. When writing data, at least two storage nodes are selected based in part on a randomized function, which ensures that data is sufficiently spread to provide efficient and reliable replication of data in case a storage node malfunctions. |
| US09503522B2 |
Parallel migration of data objects to clustered storage
Data objects can be migrated, while live, to virtualized clustered storage arrays in an efficient manner to allow for efficient transition from non-clustered storage to the virtualized clustered storage arrays. A data migration specification indicates data objects to be migrated and parameters for the migration. The parameters include a source of a data object, a destination of the data object in the virtualized clustered storage arrays, and a transfer space. A migration engine validates and parses the data migration specification. For each unique association of source, destination, and transfer space, the migration engine instantiates a migration process that drives and monitors migration of the corresponding data object. The migration processes operate in parallel for migration of the specified data objects into the virtualized clustered storage arrays. |
| US09503521B2 |
Method and switching unit for the reliable switching of synchronization of messages
The invention relates to a method for the reliable switching of synchronization messages in a distributed computer system consisting of a number of node computers, wherein the management of a transparent clock conforming to IEEE Standard 1588 is supported, wherein a switching unit consists of four separate FCUs, specifically an input system EIN, two independent switching systems VER1 and VER2, and an output system AUS, and wherein a message arriving at EIN from a transmitting node computer is forwarded immediately in unmodified form from EIN directly to the two independent switching systems VER1 and VER2, and wherein VER1 provides the event of the arrival of the message with a timestamp, analyses the message and switches said message to (an) output port(s) associated with an address field of the message, and wherein VER1 opens the message and modifies a TIC field within the message in order to determine the delay period of the message in VER1, and wherein VER1 closes the message again by re-calculating a CRC field of the modified message and forwarding the closed message to AUS, and wherein VER2 provides the event of the arrival of the message with a timestamp, analyses the message and switches said message to the output port(s) associated with the address field of the message, and wherein VER2 opens the message and modifies the TIC field within the message in order to determine the delay period of the message in VER2, and wherein VER2 closes the message again by re-calculating the CRC field of the modified message and forwarding the closed message to AUS, and wherein AUS checks whether the content of the message delivered from VER1 matches the content of the message delivered from VER2, and wherein AUS checks whether the interval between the moment of receipt of the message delivered from VER1 and the moment of receipt of the message delivered from VER2 is smaller than a first interval determined a priori, referred to hereinafter as the interval_1, and whether the absolute value of the difference of the delay values stored in the two TIC fields is smaller than a second interval known a priori, referred to hereinafter as the interval_2, and wherein, in the case that one of these checks is negative, AUS interrupts the transmission of the message that is outbound via the addressed output ports or changes the outbound message in such a way that each message receiver identifies the incoming message as faulty. |
| US09503512B2 |
Distributed computation systems and methods
Systems and methods for performing a distributed computing task may use a plurality of distributed digital data resources. The distributed computing task may include dividing the computing task into sub-tasks for performance by a plurality of distributed worker nodes. The worker nodes may include a first worker node having at least partial access to a first digital data resource associated with a first set of rules corresponding to first conditions for accessing the first digital data resource and/or for computations operating on the first digital data resource. The worker nodes may include a second worker node having at least partial access to a second digital data resource associated with a second set of rules corresponding to second conditions for accessing the second digital data resource and/or for computations operating on the second digital data resource. The first conditions may differ from the second conditions. |
| US09503509B1 |
Systems and methods for substituting references to content
Techniques for substituting references to content shared within the social networking system. In an embodiment, a first reference to a first version of content is received. A second version of the content is selected based on at least one optimization objective. A second reference to the second version of the content is created for provision to a user of a social networking system. The second reference is provided for the user. The at least one optimization objective includes at least one of a business objective, a technical objective, and a legal objective. The content may include at least one of video and audio. |
| US09503507B2 |
System, apparatus and methods for storing links to media files in network storage
When a user purchases digital rights to a media file, or otherwise obtains the right to have a copy of the media file downloaded to the user's wireless device, a link to the media file that is stored in the media database is stored in a user storage database. When the user desires to have the media file downloaded to the user's wireless device, the user sends a request to the network. The network performs a check to determine whether the user is authorized to receive the requested media file, and if so, causes the requested media file to be downloaded to the user's wireless device where the media file is stored in the local memory of the wireless device for playback by the user on the wireless device. |
| US09503501B2 |
Cross domain in-browser proxy
An in-browser proxy enables an application in a frame to make a cross domain request. The proxy executes within the browser, which has a first domain. The browser provides a frame in which a client application executes, which has a second domain. The request from the client application is a request for data access to the external domain. The proxy identifies a registration of the client application, and forwards the request to the external domain. The proxy receives a response to the request and provides the response back to the client application within the frame. |
| US09503496B2 |
System and method for a media content reconciler
A system and method for reconciling media content available through a number of service providers. A request is received to identify media content. One or more characteristics of the media content are determined. A determination is made whether the media content is associated with an identifier in response to the one or more characteristics. An identifier is associated with the media content in response to determining there is not an existing identifier associated with the media content. The media content is cross referenced between the number of service providers utilizing the identifier and time zones. A database is updated to include the identifier and the one or more characteristics associated with the media content. |
| US09503495B1 |
Invalidation in a content delivery network (CDN)
A content delivery (CD) service in a CDN maintains property invalidation information on said CD service including, for each property, a list of one or more group invalidation commands. New group invalidation commands are added by selectively merging one or more invalidation commands to form a merged invalidation command and inserting the merged invalidation command into said list, wherein the merging is based on a length of common prefix of elements in said list. A per property common prefix list is maintained for invalidation commands in each property list. |
| US09503490B2 |
Dash client and receiver with buffer water-level decision-making
A client/receiver downloads data over a network path between a source and the receiver coupled by the network path and stores the media data in a presentation buffer of the receiver and from there it is consumed by a presentation element. The receiver monitors a presentation buffer fill level that represents what portion of the presentation buffer contains media data not yet consumed by a presentation element. The receiver makes requests for additional data to download. If the fill level is above a high fill threshold, the receiver does not make further requests and eventually the fill level goes down. If the fill level is below a low fill threshold, the receiver restarts the downloading and updates the fill level as media data is consumed by the presentation element. The fill level might be measured in units of memory storage capacity and/or units of presentation time. |
| US09503489B2 |
Streaming data on data processes
A method, system and computer program product for servicing media content. In one embodiment, the media content is processed by having each of a group of services process increments of the media content, one increment at a time; and the order in which the services process these increments is orchestrated to process all of the media content in accordance with a defined procedure. In one embodiment, the increments of the media content are passed, one increment after another, to at least a plurality of the services in a defined order. In an embodiment, each time one of the plurality of services passes one of the increments of the media content to a subsequent one of the services in the defined order, the one of the plurality of services requests another increment of the media content from a preceding one of the services in the defined order. |
| US09503487B2 |
Call coupling
A method for establishing for a first smartphone a phone connection with a second smartphone, each smartphone comprising a phone and running a software application (“app”), the method comprising: exchanging, by operating the app, at least one permission message between the first and second smartphones; transmitting a first identifier from the first smartphone and a second identifier from the second smartphone to a call connector, responsive to a successful exchanging of the at least one permission message; and connecting a first phone call and a second phone call to establish a phone connection between the first and second smartphones, if the first phone call matches the first identifier and the second phone call matches the second identifier. |
| US09503486B2 |
Configuring, networking, and controlling a plurality of unique network-capable devices
Configuring a control session comprises receiving a request to execute an input/output application from a content control application executing on a mobile control device and receiving a request from at least one other mobile control device to participate in the control session. Configuring the control session also includes aggregating a plurality of real-world connectable processing nodes into an application session set of processing nodes by allocating at least one function required by the input/output application for execution on each processing node in the set of processing nodes, wherein the set of processing nodes is determined based on processing requirements of the input/output application. |
| US09503484B2 |
Voice transmission technology selection
The present invention relates to a method of transmitting a signal by an MME (Mobility Management Entity) in a wireless network, the method comprising: receiving a tracking area update message from an UE (User Equipment); transmitting, on reception the tracking area update message, an Update Location message comprising an IMS voice over PS (Packet Switched) session supported indication to an HSS (Home Subscriber Server), wherein the IMS voice over PS session supported indication indicates whether or not an IMS Voice over PS Session is supported homogeneously in all tracking areas in the serving MME. |
| US09503482B1 |
Providing a common security policy for a heterogeneous computer architecture environment
A common security policy for a heterogeneous computer architecture environment is provided. A configuration of a security policy of a heterogeneous computer architecture is received from a management console. The security policy is stored on a policy server that is communicatively connected, by a management network, to a plurality of hardware platforms of the of the heterogeneous computer architecture. The security policy is distributed to a plurality of policy agents of the heterogeneous computer architecture over the management network. The security policy includes a security policy administrator role that permits management of (i) one or more subjects in a plurality of security zones and (ii) one or more objects in the plurality of security zones. The security policy also includes security zone administrator roles, wherein each security zone administrator role (i) is associated with a respective security zone and (ii) permits management of object(s) in the respective security zone. |
| US09503481B2 |
System and method for a security asset manager
Implementations of the present disclosure involve a system and/or method of performing security asset management. The system and/or method may schedule vulnerability scanners to scan the various portions of one or more networks and obtain the results of the vulnerability scans. IP addresses may be assigned to each of vulnerability scanners to scan. The system obtains the results of the vulnerability scans and may adjust the results of the scans according to configuration of the one or more networks that an IP address is associated with. The system and/or method may also assign and reassign IP addresses amongst the scanners to optimize scanning speed. |
| US09503480B2 |
Deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates
Deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates is disclosed. In some embodiments, deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates for configuring a plurality of security devices includes receiving at a first security device a hierarchy of templates from a central management server, in which the hierarchy of templates includes configuration information for a group of security devices, and in which the first security device is included in the group of security devices; and reconciling on the first security device's configuration information included in the hierarchy of templates and device specific configuration based on local configuration information, in which the first security device performs an object level reconciliation to maintain device configuration consistency. |
| US09503477B2 |
Network policy assignment based on user reputation score
A network controller device, systems, and methods thereof are described herein for enabling a mechanism of assigning network policies to one or more users based on their respective client reputation (CR) scores. CR scores indicate a measure of the level and kind of network activity that an internal resource does with external resources. Based on the evaluation of the CR score for a given user, system of the present invention can be configured to implement an appropriate policy on the user that controls the manner in which the user interacts within and outside the network. Proposed system includes multiple virtual local area networks (VLANs), wherein each VLAN is configured with a defined policy such that once the CR score for a given user has been evaluated, the user can be put on an appropriate VLAN based on the evaluation and the intended policy that the system wants the user to follow. |
| US09503472B2 |
Profiling cyber threats detected in a target environment and automatically generating one or more rule bases for an expert system usable to profile cyber threats detected in a target environment
A computer implemented method of profiling cyber threats detected in a target environment, comprising: receiving, from a Security Information and Event Manager (SIEM) monitoring the target environment, alerts triggered by a detected potential cyber threat, and, for each alert: retrieving captured packet data related to the alert; extracting data pertaining to a set of attributes from captured packet data triggering the alert; applying fuzzy logic to data pertaining to one or more of the attributes to determine values for one or more output variables indicative of a level of an aspect of risk attributable to the cyber threat. |
| US09503470B2 |
Distributed agent based model for security monitoring and response
An architecture is provided for a widely distributed security system (SDI-SCAM) that protects computers at individual client locations, but which constantly pools and analyzes information gathered from machines across a network in order to quickly detect patterns consistent with intrusion or attack, singular or coordinated. When a novel method of attack has been detected, the system distributes warnings and potential countermeasures to each individual machine on the network. Such a warning may potentially include a probability distribution of the likelihood of an intrusion or attack as well as the relative probabilistic likelihood that such potential intrusion possesses certain characteristics or typologies or even strategic objectives in order to best recommend and/or distribute to each machine the most befitting countermeasure(s) given all presently known particular data and associated predicted probabilistic information regarding the prospective intrusion or attack. If any systems are adversely affected, methods for repairing the damage are shared and redistributed throughout the network. |
| US09503469B2 |
Anomaly detection system for enterprise network security
Anomaly detection is disclosed, including: determining a set of anomalous events associated with an enterprise network; and determining a path of interest based at least in part on at least a subset of the set of anomalous events. |
| US09503464B2 |
Providing alerts based on unstructured information methods and apparatus
A system, method, and apparatus for providing alerts based on unstructured information are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an interface configured to receive unstructured information and a processor configured to determine labels for Common Alerting Protocol fields of a Common Alerting Protocol file using at least some content within the unstructured information. The processor determines, for example, a first label for an urgency field, a second label for a severity field, a third label for a category field, and a fourth label for a certainty field of the Common Alerting Protocol file. The example processor is configured to create the Common Alerting Protocol file that includes the determined labels and transmit the Common Alerting Protocol file to a decision system to determine a security risk or a safety risk for one or more subscribing clients. |
| US09503462B2 |
Authenticating security parameters
A method for authenticating communicating parties is disclosed. In the method biometric information associated with a first party is generated based on a recording of the first party presenting a predefined input parameter. Said biometric information may then be transmitted to a second party. Authenticity of a security parameter associated with the first party can then be verified based on said biometric information. |
| US09503457B2 |
Administration of access lists for femtocell service
A subscriber account associated with a femtocell can be managed and access can be provided thereto. The account service management can be accessed through a broadband network and comprises two operational layers deployed within respective demarcation zones. A first layer includes a web tier that provides landing webpage and a legacy account manager that enables account management for mobility subscribers. A second layer includes an application layer associated with femtocell service, an application layer for legacy accounts, and a middleware component that provides functional connectivity application layers and backend service component. Account management service allows secure login to femtocell account and redirection amongst femtocell and legacy service components, and enables manipulation of access list(s) that regulate access to femto service. A femtocell database retains account profile(s) that include access list(s). Access list(s) and updates thereof can be supplied to macrocell network. |
| US09503453B2 |
OTP-based authentication system and method
Disclosed is an authentication system and method. The authentication system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a transceiver for receiving an authentication request including a client-side OTP and encoded account information from a client, and transmitting the result of the authentication performed in accordance with the authentication request to the client; a decoder for decoding the encoded account information so as to compute the account information of the client and an authentication request time; a server-side OTP generator for generating a server-side OTP using the computed account information of the client and authentication request time; and an authenticator for comparing the client-side OTP included the authentication request and the server-side OTP in order to authenticate the client. |
| US09503452B1 |
System and method for identity recognition and affiliation of a user in a service transaction
The method integrates the dynamic and authoritative posture of an authenticated user, a registered device, and a registered service provider as a conclusive proof of identity recognition for affiliation of associated contextual attribution and referential integrity. In addition to relieving the user of the burden of remembering multiple passwords for a plurality of services, the method provides a means to facilitate an affiliation oriented architecture for a broad spectrum of web and cloud based services with affiliation aware content streaming, leveraging the affiliation score as a key trust metric. The method provides protection from user-agnostic delegation and impersonation of identity, social engineering, and compromised passwords, which are exploited by numerous strains of landed malware to launch multi-stage coordinated cyber-attacks on consumer accounts and enterprise systems. The method of affiliation based on identity recognition provides authoritative, contextual, and consensual user information, of relevance in a live transaction, to the service provider. |
| US09503451B1 |
Compromised authentication information clearing house
Techniques for maintaining potentially compromised authentication information for a plurality of accounts may be provided. An individual piece of authentication information may be associated with one or more tags that indicate access rights with respect to requestors that also provide and maintain other potentially compromised authentication information. A subset of the potentially compromised authentication information may be determined based on the one or more tags in response to a request from a requestor for the potentially compromised authentication information. In an embodiment, the subset of the potentially compromised authentication information may be provided to the requestor. |
| US09503449B1 |
Application centric centralized certificate management system for managing certificates across data centers
A system for managing one or more certificates on granular object level in one or more datacenters is provided. The system includes a discover module, an inventory module, a work order module, and a policy module. The discover module is configured to discover the one or more certificates. The inventory module is configured to provide details of the one or more certificates. The work order module is configured to store details of (i) a work order id of the one or more certificates, (ii) device information of the one or more certificates, (iii) a time stamp of implementation of the one or more certificates, and (iv) a status the one or more certificates. The policy module is configured to create a policy that specifies (i) usage of the one or more certificates, and (ii) practices that a certificate authority (CA) employs to manage the one or more certificates. |
| US09503447B2 |
Secure communication between processes in cloud
Secure communication between processes in cloud platform may be performed by receiving a request from a client application process hosted in an application virtual machine at a load balancer. A first secure communication channel is established between the client application process and the load balancer. The first secure communication channel is encrypted with the client certificate. The first secure communication channel is terminated at the load balancer. A service process in a service virtual machine is identified based on the request received from the client application process. A new request is sent to the service virtual machine to establish a second secure communication channel between the load balancer and the service virtual machine. The load balancer certificate signed by the internal certificate authority is validated at the service virtual machine. Upon successful validation of the load balancer certificate, the second secure communication channel is accepted at the service virtual machine. |
| US09503446B2 |
Authentication within openflow network
An OpenFlow network controller controls an OpenFlow network. A networking connection is established between the OpenFlow network controller and an OpenFlow network device attempting to become part of the OpenFlow network. After establishing the networking connection with the OpenFlow network device, the OpenFlow network controller attempts to authenticate the OpenFlow network device. Where authentication of the OpenFlow network device is successful, the OpenFlow network controller sends a message to the OpenFlow network device to indicate that the authentication was successful and permits the OpenFlow network device to join and perform OpenFlow messaging. |
| US09503444B2 |
System and method for sharing access to a service within a home network
A home network router and method of operation are provided for seamlessly sharing access to a network service by multiple devices in a home network by configuring the home network router to receive and store authenticated user credentials for the network service at the home network router after associating the user credentials with the network service so that, upon reception of a second user request from a second client device to access the network service, the user credentials are retrieved from the home network router for direct delivery to and authentication by the network service without requiring re-entry of the one or more user credentials from the second client device. |
| US09503443B2 |
Secure access systems and methods to network elements operating in a network
A network element, configured to operate in a network to provide various network functions therein, includes a main processor communicatively coupled to a main memory, wherein the main processor is configured to perform Operations, Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning (OAM&P) associated with the network element, wherein the main processor is accessible through one or more access techniques; and a supervisory plane comprising a secure processor and a secure memory communicatively coupled thereto, wherein the supervisory plane is separate from and communicatively coupled to the main processor and the main memory, the supervisory plane is configured to allow secure, direct access to the main processor and the main memory. |
| US09503441B2 |
Content customization portal for media content distribution systems and methods
An exemplary system includes a content delivery subsystem configured to receive media content from a content provider and transmit the media content over a network to a content processing subsystem configured to process and provide the media content for presentation to an end user. The content delivery subsystem is further configured to maintain resource data associated with at least one of the media content and the content provider, make at least a subset of the resource data available to the content processing subsystem for inclusion in an end user interface, provide a content customization portal for access by the content provider, authenticate the content provider accessing the content customization portal, receive custom content from the authenticated content provider via the content customization portal, and provide the custom content to the content processing subsystem for inclusion in the end user interface. |
| US09503439B2 |
Communication system and communication method
A communication system includes a transmission terminal and a management device, and when having received contact list information about a second user from the management device while displaying a contact list about a first user or the transmission terminal, the transmission terminal creates the contact list about the second user based on the contact list information about the second user, and displays the contact list of the second user. |
| US09503438B2 |
Characteristics of security associations
Authentication of a user or a wireless transmit/receive unit may be based on an obtained measure of authentication strength, which may referred to as an assurance level. For example, a user, via a WTRU, may request access to a service controlled by an access control entity (ACE). The user may be authenticated with a user authenticator and assertion function (UAAF), producing a result. A user assertion may be provided that includes the user authentication result, a user assurance level, and/or a user freshness level. The WTRU may be authenticated with a device authenticator and assertion function (DAAF), producing an associated result. A device assertion may be provided that may include the device authentication result, a device assurance level, and/or a device freshness level. The assertions may be bound together to receive access to a service or resource. |
| US09503435B2 |
Load balancing hash computation for network switches
Techniques to load balance traffic in a network device or switch include a network device or switch having a first interface to receive a data unit or packet, a second interface to transmit the packet, and a mapper to map between virtual ports and physical ports. The network device includes hash value generator configured to generate a hash value based on information included in the packet and based on at least one virtual port. The hash value may be optionally modified to load balance egress traffic of the network device. The network device selects a particular virtual port for egress of the packet, such as by determining an index into an egress table based on the (modified) hash value. The packet is transmitted from the network device using a physical port mapped to the particular virtual port. |
| US09503433B2 |
Method and apparatus for cloud-assisted cryptography
In an embodiment, a system includes a processor that includes private key decryption logic to decrypt an encrypted private key received from a consuming device to produce a private key, and symmetric key decryption logic to receive the private key from the private key decryption logic and to decrypt an encrypted symmetric key received from the consuming device using the private key. The system also includes a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) coupled to the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09503432B2 |
Secure linkage of databases
A secure linkage between databases allows records of an individual in a first database to be linked to records of the same individual in a second database without disclosing or providing personal information outside of either database or system responsible for controlling access to the respective databases. As such, records of individuals may be securely linked together without compromising privacy or security of the databases. |
| US09503431B2 |
Simple protocol for tangible security
The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that effectuate a simple protocol for tangible security on mobile devices. The system can include devices that generate sets of keys and associated secret identifiers, employs the one or more keys to encrypt a secret and utilizes the identifiers and encryptions of the secret to populate a table associated with a security token device that is used in conjunction with a mobile device to release sensitive information persisted on the mobile device for user selected purposes. |
| US09503428B2 |
Secure device and proxy for secure operation of a host data processing system
Secure device and proxy operation include generating, using a processor, a first proxy and a first proxy companion paired with the first proxy and providing the first proxy to a host data processing system for installation therein. The first proxy in the host data processing system and the first proxy companion communicate. A proxy change event for the host data processing system is detected. Responsive to the detecting, a second proxy and a second proxy companion paired with the second proxy are generated. The second proxy is provided to the host data processing system for installation therein. |
| US09503426B2 |
Collaborative firewall for a distributed virtual environment
A virtual environment firewall receives a message having a request from a virtual environment entity intended for a virtual environment controller. The virtual environment firewall determines whether the request complies with one or more governance rules of the virtual environment controller. If the request does not comply with the one or more governance rules, the virtual environment firewall processes the message to prevent the request from being processed by the virtual environment controller. |
| US09503425B2 |
Method to enable deep packet inspection (DPI) in openflow-based software defined network (SDN)
The present invention relates to a method and system for performing deep packet inspection of messages transmitted through a network switch in a Software Defined Network (SDN). Embodiments of the invention include a network switch, a controller, and a firewall in a software defined networking environment. In the present invention, the network switch is a simple network switch that is physically separate from the controller and the firewall. The invention may include a plurality of physically distinct network switches communicating with one or more controllers and firewalls. In certain instances, communications between the network switch, the controller, and the firewall are performed using the Open Flow standard communication protocol. |
| US09503422B2 |
Apparatus, systems, platforms, and methods for securing communication data exchanges between multiple networks for industrial and non-industrial applications
Apparatus, systems, network platforms, and methods of providing secure communication between multiple networks, and program product for managing heat exchanger energy efficiency and retrofit for an industrial facility, are provided. According to an exemplary apparatus, the apparatus can include provisions for preventing uninterrupted application-to-application layer communications between the one or more secured networked members and the one or more networked enterprise members to thereby eliminate active files from being communicated, preventing communication of active files or other vulnerable files, and preventing establishment of active links or sessions, between the one or more secured networked members and the one or more networked enterprise members. |
| US09503419B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing high speed connectivity to a hotel environment
One or more processors are configured to associate a first local IP address with a computer while the computer is connected to a first network access node thereby providing the computer with access to a network. The first local IP address is one of a plurality of local IP addresses used on the network. The one or more processors monitor transmissions received from the first network access node to determine when the computer requests an Internet transaction. When the computer requests an Internet transaction, a first one of the globally unique IP addresses is associated with the first local IP address thereby allowing the computer to conduct the Internet transaction. The first globally unique IP address is disassociated from the first local IP address after termination of the Internet transaction and is then available for association with any of the local IP addresses used on the network. |
| US09503416B2 |
Communication system to provide selective access to a wireless communication device
A communication system provides selective access to target wireless communication devices. A naming server system receives naming system registration messages from target wireless communication devices and address requests from user devices. The naming server system determines if the current time is within the access schedule for the target wireless communication device. If the current time is within the access schedule for the target wireless communication device, then the naming server system returns the address for the target wireless communication device. If the current time is not within the access schedule for the target wireless communication device, then the naming server system will respond with a timeframe when the target wireless communication device will be available for access. |
| US09503415B2 |
Unified notification platform
Notifications are managed in a unified notification platform that receives messages from disparate services, formats, and protocols, and with disparate attributes and meta-attributes. The unified notification platform provides for user defined meta-attributes to allow rapid classification of incoming messages accordingly to user relationships to message senders, including family, friends and co-workers. Incoming messages are received by a message queue component, serialized and prioritized according to a rules engine. Various user interfaces provide views and reports on the serialized messages. In particular a non-modal notification pop-up is disclosed. The unified notification platform exposes an application programming interface provides automatable and remotable programmatic access for application developers. |
| US09503414B1 |
Apparatus and method for coordinating live computer network events
A method performed by a server in a computer network includes supplying tools to specify a live event. Messages associated with the live event are collected. Messages are collected from a social network server. The messages are processed to form ordered messages. Replies to the ordered messages are formatted. The replies include individual messages distributed to the social network server and aggregated replies available on a single page for viewing by client devices. |
| US09503413B2 |
Techniques for exchanging contact information and establishing a connection via a social networking service
A method of making it easier for users to interact with each other via a social networking system is disclosed. It is detected that a first user of a social networking system performed an action with respect to a second user of the social networking system. It is interpreted that the action of the first user corresponds to a command that the first user intends to issue to a social networking system, the command pertaining to the second user. The command is processed by the social networking system on behalf of the first user. |
| US09503410B2 |
Sharing of activity metadata via messaging systems
Systems and methods are provided for sharing activity information of devices engaged in a messaging session. In operation, the devices provide activity and sharing preference information to a data service. Thereafter, the data service generates notifications for the devices based on the activity, sharing preference, and device information, wherein the notifications include a payload with instructions for messaging clients at the devices to present user interface elements that allow users to access content and applications associated with other users in the messaging session. |
| US09503406B2 |
Active e-mail filter with challenge-response
When a user receives potential junk e-mail from an unknown sender address, an active filter installed in or cooperating with the user's e-mail system sends a challenge e-mail back to the sender address. Unless the user receives a correct response e-mail from the sender address and/or a response that meets formal criteria, the active filter rejects the original e-mail and blocks future e-mail from that sender address. The challenge preferably includes a question that the sender must correctly answer in his response. The question is such that only humans can interpret and respond to it correctly. For example, the question may relate to and/or be incorporated in an image in the challenge. Lists of approved and blocked sender addresses are compiled. The user may directly enter addresses in the address lists. Addresses to which the user has sent e-mail may also be included directly in the approved list. |
| US09503403B2 |
Systems, apparatus and methods for facilitating display and management of information for communication devices
Information management and display is enabled. A method can include displaying, via a user interface of a communication device, a dynamically updatable wallpaper comprising a personalized theme personalized to a user of the communication device. The method can also include updating the dynamically updatable wallpaper to display one or more animated icons. Displaying the animated icons can be based, at least, on detected activity of respective contacts associated with the one or more animated icons. An apparatus can comprise a user interface component configured to display images indicative of contacts, wherein the plurality of contacts are predefined by a user of the apparatus. The apparatus can also include a messaging component configured to: integrate different types of text messages for one of the contacts; and provide concurrent display of the text messages and social media information for one of the contacts. |
| US09503402B2 |
Managing drafts of electronic documents across client devices
Techniques are described for managing drafts of an electronic document (e.g., an electronic note, an electronic message, an electronic calendar invitation, and/or other types of electronic documents) between client devices. Such an electronic document can be composed using different clients, such that composing the document can be continued using different clients. A draft of an electronic document can be stored by clients and/or the message management service as a metadata. A message management service can be implemented as an intermediary computing system to manage a current version of a draft in local storage when a draft is composed using a client device. The message management service can manage version information of a draft that is exists, if any, on each of the client devices. The message management service can synchronize a draft of the message with client devices when a draft is composed using a client device. |
| US09503398B1 |
Sysplex signal service protocol converter
Implementing a signaling service protocol to permit signaling service messages between members for a message group of a sysplex coupled together using a signaling service includes executing a data transfer application that communicates with a respective partner data transfer application on each member of the message group, the data transfer application comprised of a plurality of interworking modules including a converter module. The converter module receives a request related to performing a communication-related function from one of the other interworking modules, and wherein the converter module comprises a plurality of sub-modules with each sub-module corresponding to a respective communications-related function. Based on the request the converter module determines what particular communication-related function is being requested and then identifies a corresponding sub-module within the converter module. The corresponding sub-module is executed to invoke a routine, in the data transfer application, to generate a signaling service message related to the communications-related function. |
| US09503395B1 |
Multi-stage switching topology
The present technology considers multi-stage network topologies where it is not possible to evenly stripe uplinks from a lower stage of the network topology to switching units in an upper stage of the topology. This technology proposes techniques to both improve overall throughput and to deliver uniform performance to all end hosts with uneven connectivity among the different stages while delivering uniform performance to all hosts. To achieve improved network performance in case of asymmetric connectivity, more flows may be sent to some egress ports than to others, thus weighting some ports more than others, resulting in Weighted Cost Multi Path (WCMP) flow distribution. |
| US09503388B2 |
Provisioning available network resources
Systems and methods are provided that allow network resources to be shared across geographical distances. This can be achieved by changing the resources available for establishing and handling call or data session processing in an area. A mobility management device can alone or in combination with a DNS server change the size or the resource pool available in some embodiments. The change in resources can be dynamic according to certain predefined conditions or can be setup beforehand to account for daily demand. This sharing of resources can allow more efficient usage of resources available across a geographic region, rather than needed to over-provision each region to account for peak demands. |
| US09503382B2 |
Scalable flow and cogestion control with openflow
A method of performing congestion management in a network is provided. The method includes monitoring a congestion status at a switch in the network. It is determined at the switch that the congestion status indicates that there is congestion at the switch. Based on the congestion being related to data received at the switch from a source at a first rate, a first message is transmitted from the switch to the source requesting the source to send the data at a second rate that is slower than the first rate. Based on the congestion being related to data requests received at the switch from a destination at third rate, a second message is transmitted from the switch to the destination requesting the destination to request the data at a fourth rate slower than the third rate. |
| US09503381B2 |
System and method for carrying control data in a preamble
A system and method for carrying control data in a preamble. A control-data bearing preamble is defined to facilitate end-to-end labeling and control-data transport. This control-data bearing preamble provides a unified labeling scheme with minimal overhead, which facilitates greater ease in parsing. The control-data bearing preamble can be converted to/from other control/labeling schemes at the edge of the control-data bearing preamble aware portion of the network. |
| US09503377B2 |
System and method for a TCP mapper
A system for congestion control of traffic in a network that uses Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) includes a plurality of TCP congestion control programs having one or more parameters, a plurality of TCP congestion control units running the TCP congestion control programs, and a TCP mapper adapted to map incoming TCP traffic flow from a plurality of incoming TCP traffic flows to the TCP congestion control units based on at least one of (a) the type of application program from which the incoming TCP traffic flow originated (b) the type of network for which the incoming TCP traffic flow is destined, (c) parameters related to network performance (d) network constraints (e) source of the incoming TCP traffic flow, and (f) destination of the incoming TCP traffic flow. |
| US09503373B2 |
Control method by receiving device, receiving device, and communication system
A receiving device associates a first one-way function value determined by an operation using a one-way function with a first destination. Next, the receiving device determines a second one-way function value by the operation using the one-way function from identification information stored in the receiving device and element information received from a transmitting device. When the second one-way function value is different from the first one-way function value, the receiving device associates the second one-way function value with a second destination, and returns the identification information to the transmitting device. |
| US09503369B2 |
Nickname and transparent interconnection of lots of links (TRILL) packet processing method and apparatus
Provided are a nickname and a transparent interconnection of lots of links (TRILL) packet processing method and apparatus. The method includes: a routing bridge (RB) in a TRILL network allocating a nickname to a terminal attached to the RB, the nickname being used for forwarding a packet in the TRILL network; and the RB sending the allocated nickname to the terminal, the terminal encapsulating, according to the nickname, a TRILL packet which uses a fine grained label to distinguish a multi-tenant service. By means of the solution, the problems of cumbersome design and low processing efficiency for implementing multi-tenancy in the related art caused by additional format conversion and label mapping processes required for implementing fine grained distinguishing of multiple tenants are solved, thereby achieving an effect that fine grained distinguishing of multi-tenant services is implemented by TRILL nickname based peer-to-peer forwarding, saving the additional processes and improving the processing efficiency. |
| US09503367B2 |
Risk mitigation in data center networks using virtual machine sharing
A method employing resource orchestration algorithms may find a fewest number of working data centers (DCs) to guarantee K-connect survivability and a fewest number of virtual machines (VMs) among the DCs using an overlay network representing a physical optical network. The overlay network may exclude certain topological features of the physical optical network. An intra-request VM sharing method may share VMs among DCs allocated for an aggregation request. An intra-request VM sharing method may share VMs among DCs represented in the overlay network and among multiple aggregation requests. |
| US09503363B2 |
Segment routing label switch paths in network functions virtualization communications networks
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a request to create a path through a network, wherein the path originates on a first network device and terminates on the second network device; identifying a first controller associated with the first network device, wherein the first controller proxies control plane functions for the first network device; identifying a second controller associated with the second network device, wherein the second controller proxies control plane functions for the second network device; and computing the path using the first controller as a source and the second controller as a destination. The first controller installs the computed path on the first network device and the second controller installs the computed path on the second network device. |
| US09503362B2 |
Reverse path maximum transmission unit (PMTU) discovery
An example method is provided for a first device to perform reverse path maximum transmission unit (PMTU) discovery in a communications network. The method may comprise receiving multiple fragments of a packet sent by a second device via a path from the second device to the first device in the communications network. Based on the received fragments, a reverse PMTU that represents an estimate of a PMTU of the path from the second device to the first device may be determined. The method may further comprise configuring a message that includes data relating to the reverse PMTU and sending, to the second device, the message to inform the second device to size packets for transmission from the second device to the first device based on the data relating to the reverse PMTU. |
| US09503361B2 |
Active/static path redundancy
Delivering every packet of a stream simultaneously along two different paths gives a high assurance that the destination will receive at least one of them, even if a single failure occurs. The present idea uses the topology protocols to know when to regenerate a dual stream after one failure occurs, so that the dual delivery, and thus assurance against further failures, is maintained. |
| US09503359B2 |
Reducing floating DAGs and stabilizing topology in LLNs using learning machines
In one embodiment, a device determines a topological profile of individual nodes in a shared-media communication network, and also determines a respective likelihood of the nodes in the network to become a root of a floating topology based on the topological profiles. Accordingly, the device may provide instructions to particular nodes in the network based on the respective likelihoods. |
| US09503358B2 |
Distance-based routing in an information-centric network
One embodiment of the present invention provides a computing system. The computing system includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform a method. The method comprises identifying an identifier of an anchor node associated with a name in an update message received from a neighbor node. The anchor node stores a content object identifiable based on the name independent of the anchor node. The method also comprises determining a valid next-hop neighbor in the ICN for the name based on a sequence number of the update message generated by the anchor node and lexicographic order of an identifier of the neighbor node; and determining whether the anchor node is a designated anchor node based on the validity of the next-hop neighbor and a routing metric for the anchor node. |
| US09503352B1 |
Accounting for network traffic
Tracking distribution of content is disclosed. A path of a data transfer event associated with content distribution is discovered. The transfer path is predetermined at least in part by a third party and includes a plurality of network components. Information related to the data transfer event is associated with each of the plurality of network components. The information associated with each network component is recorded. |
| US09503347B2 |
Techniques associated with server transaction latency information
Examples are disclosed for determining or using server transaction latency information. In some examples, a network input/output device coupled to a server may be capable of time stamping information related to ingress request and egress response packets for a transaction. For these examples, elements of the server may be capable of determining transaction latency values based on the time stamped information. The determined transaction latency values may be used to monitor or manage operating characteristics of the server to include an amount of power provided to the server or an ability of the server to support one or more virtual servers. Other examples are described and claimed. |
| US09503346B2 |
System and method for tracking unique vistors to a website
A system and method for analyzing traffic to a website is provided that is based on log files and that uses both server-side and client-side information channeled through one source to create a more complete picture of activity to a website. In one preferred embodiment, a sensor code is embedded in a requested web page, and sends information back to the web server where the website resides. This additional information is logged along with normal requests. |
| US09503344B2 |
Data path performance measurement using network traffic in a software defined network
A method in a network controller of a control plane in a software defined network (SDN) coupled to a plurality of network elements (NEs) of a data plane in the SDN is described. The method includes sending a first control message having content including a first set of one or more classification rules to an ingress NE of the plurality of NEs; sending a second control message having content including a second set of one or more classification rules to an egress NE of the plurality of NEs; receiving the second notification message from the egress NE responsive to the selected data packet having been received by the ingress NE from an upstream NE and forwarded through the SDN from the ingress NE toward the egress NE; and calculating an indication of a delay of the selected data packet between the ingress NE and the egress NE. |
| US09503343B2 |
Method and system for detecting network topology change
A method for detecting a topology change in a communication network. The method includes measuring a minimum latency value of a communication between two devices in the communication network for each of a plurality of time cycles, identifying an increase in the minimum latency values among the plurality of time cycles, and detecting a topology change in response to a determination that the increase in minimum latency values is maintained for more than a predetermined number of time cycles. |
| US09503341B2 |
Dynamic discovery of applications, external dependencies, and relationships
A monitoring system is arranged for automatically and dynamically discovering local applications running on servers in an enterprise-scale service environment as well as discovering external resources (both partitioned and non-partitioned resources) that the local applications use. The discovered objects and their dependencies are instantiated into a health map and the map is dynamically updated as applications and resources are added to and deleted from the enterprise-scale service environment. Health indicators such as events, performance counters, synthetic transactions, and SysLog and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) service events for the mapped objects are monitored. The monitored health indicators are attributed to either the health of a local application or that of an external resource. Upon detection of a fault, the health map enables performance of root cause analyses and determination of the impact of the fault on the objects in the environment so that appropriate alerts can be raised. |
| US09503339B2 |
Enhanced carrier sensing for multi-channel operation
In various embodiments, a multi-channel request-to-send and a multi-channel clear-to-send may be used in a wireless communications network to assure that a subsequent multi-channel communications exchange between two devices takes place only over channels that are sensed by both devices as being free. |
| US09503338B2 |
Systems and methods to detect and propagate UNI operational speed mismatch in ethernet services
A method, a network element, and a network operating an Ethernet service include transmitting information related to an operational speed of a first connection to the second switch, wherein the first switch is connected to a first Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) device through the first connection and the second switch is connected to a second CPE device through a second connection; receiving information related to an operational speed of the second connection; and triggering a modification to the Ethernet service, responsive to a mismatch between the operational speed of the first connection and the operational speed of the second connection. |
| US09503337B2 |
Analyzing reading metrics to generate action information
Data reports are received from a plurality of clients including action reports and timing reports. Action reports describe actions performed by users of the clients at location within an eBook. Timing reports describe reading speeds of users of the clients. The data reports are analyzed to identify an action that is performed by the users of the clients at a location within the eBook frequently relative to other actions. Action information is generated for automatically performing the identified action at the location within the eBook. The action information is transmitted to a client. The client is configured to automatically perform the action at the location within the eBook. The reading location of a user of the client is determined based on the timing reports. |
| US09503336B2 |
Method and apparatus for obtaining channel state information
This invention discloses method and apparatus for obtaining channel state information, and relates to the field of communication techniques, capable of reducing signaling and feedback overheads and lowering UE operation complexity. According to the solutions provided in embodiments of this invention, a RS predetermined transmission time and a RS predetermined frequency are transmitted to a UE by any one cell of at least two cells; each cell or cell group out of the at least two cells, according to the RS predetermined transmission time and the RS predetermined frequency, transmits a RS to the UE on different RS resources; the measurement result transmitted by the UE is received, which comprises CSI between any one cell or cell group out of at least two cells and the UE. The solutions provided in embodiments of this invention are applicable when it is required to obtain CSI between multiple cells and a UE. |
| US09503333B2 |
Content delivery methods and systems
Aspects of the present disclosure involve provisioning customers of an aggregator, such as a reseller, of a content delivery network (CDN). In one aspect, content requests to the CDN are processed in accordance with the virtual IP (VIP) address at which the request was received, according to a property template bound to the VIP where the template is selected by the customer and only involves discrete parameters for the reseller. In another aspect, cache fills of the network are processed without direct knowledge of the customer origin through a combination of some request attribute, e.g., alias host of the customer, and an attribute of the reseller to make a DNS request to a name server outside the CDN. Another aspect involves receiving a property template selection, an origin and an alias from a customer of the reseller, and providing appropriate DNS entries to validate the customer and provide origin information to the CDN. |
| US09503332B2 |
Distributed network communication system which selectively provides data to different network destinations
A method comprising storing identification information in a memory medium of a portable computing device, communicating with a network access point to gain access to a network, sending the identification information from the portable computing device to the network access point, and receiving at the portable computing device access to the network through the network access point based on the identification information. |
| US09503328B2 |
Systems and methods of discovering and controlling devices without explicit addressing
A method of discovering a device in a communication network having multiple interconnected nodes includes continuously monitoring, by a device to be discovered, any IP packets sent by a discoverer. The method further includes transmitting, by the discoverer, an IP packet destined for a downstream device and receiving, by the device to be discovered, the IP packet. The method further includes determining, by the device to be discovered, whether the IP packet is intended for the device to be discovered. If the IP packet is not intended for the device to be discovered, retransmitting, by the device to be discovered, the IP packet to the downstream device via an egress port of the device to be discovered. |
| US09503327B2 |
Filtering setting support device, filtering setting support method, and medium
In a filtering setting support device, a logical/physical mapping section generates mapping information that represents a path on the layout of a network by a combination of start nodes and end nodes, the path being, for each flow identifier, from a transmission source node to a destination node, based on node physical layout information and access policy information. The access policy information manages flow information including a combination of transmission source node and destination node, by attaching a flow identifier. A filtering point analysis section specifies as a filtering point a node where a plurality of flows are co-present. A common formal rule generating section generates common formal rules that are to be set at the filtering point. A common formal rule output section presents common formal rules to a network administrator. |
| US09503325B2 |
Dynamic virtual port instantiation for scalable multitenant network
A leaf switch of a switch fabric includes multiple ports to connect with respective ones of multiple servers. Virtual local area networks (VLANs) are configured on the leaf switch. Dynamic creation of virtual ports is enabled on the leaf switch for at least one of the VLANs on an as needed basis. The leaf switch receives from a particular server connected to a corresponding one of the ports a notification message that a virtual machine is hosted on the particular server. Responsive to the notification message, the leaf switch dynamically creates a virtual port that associates the corresponding one of the ports with the at least one of the VLANs. |
| US09503321B2 |
Dynamic routing for logical routers
Some embodiments provide a method for a network controller that manages a first logical router of a logical network that is implemented across several managed network elements. The method receives input data specifying a first route for a second logical router. Based on a connection between the first logical router and a second logical router in the logical network, the method dynamically generates a second route for the first logical router based on the first route. The method distributes data to implement the first logical router, including the second route, to a set of the managed network elements. |
| US09503320B2 |
Operation image manager
An example method for managing an operation image in an embedded computer in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes prompting input related to the operation image associated with the embedded computer. If the input is detected within a predetermined period of time, the method includes customizing the operation image based on the input from the user, and if the input is not detected within the predetermined period of time, the method includes proceeding with a predetermined selection. |
| US09503313B2 |
Network interface card having overlay gateway functionality
In one embodiment, a server includes a virtualization platform providing one or more virtual machines (VMs), the virtualization platform including: logic configured to provide support for the one or more VMs, and logic configured to provide a virtual switch, the virtual switch being configured to provide switching functionality across a network to network traffic received from and/or sent to the one or more VMs, a network interface card (NIC) including a plurality of network ports including multiple Peripheral Component Interconnect express (PCIe) ports, a multi-lane PCIe interface configured to communicate with the server, an Ethernet controller configured to communicate with the network, logic configured to provide overlay network gateway functionality to network traffic received from and/or sent to the network, and logic configured to provide overlay network functionality to network traffic received from and/or sent to the one or more VMs, and a NIC driver configured to interface/support the NIC. |
| US09503310B1 |
Methods and systems of dynamic management of resources in a virtualized environment
The methods and systems described herein centralize simulation resources and effectively delivering training and simulation services to a broad set of distributed users at both the enterprise and operational levels. The cloud-based delivery of simulation applications described herein enables on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. In exemplary systems, users may provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed, automatically without requiring human interaction. |
| US09503309B2 |
Ethernet communication system and method based on MMC/SD interface
The present invention is directed to an Ethernet communication method and system which are based on the MMC/SD interface. In the invention, the communication system includes at least one master device and at least one slave device, the at least one master device and the at least one slave device are connected via MMC/SD interface and communicate with each other on the Ethernet. The Ethernet communication method and system disclosed herein enables the device with the MMC/SD interface to act as a node in the network, and thus greatly expanding the application domain of such devices. |
| US09503307B2 |
Split channel authenticity queries in multi-party dialog
Authenticity of a proposed future or current participant in a multi-party dialog is checked by splitting an authenticity challenge query into at least two portions wherein none of the portions individually contains sufficient information to fully define the challenge query. These separated portions are then sent to another dialog participant over at least two different communication channels thus enhancing the probability that a successive challenge response is authentic. The authenticity challenge query and splitting thereof into plural portions may include formation of a logical combination (e.g., exclusive-OR) of first and second data strings (one of which may be a challenge question) to produce a resultant third data string where the separated and separately communicated portions include the first and third data strings as separate portions as being sent over respectively different communication channels. |
| US09503306B2 |
Transfer of a domain name through mobile devices
A domain name may be transferred from a donor account to a recipient account at a registrar using a donor mobile device and a recipient mobile device that may be in close proximity to each other. An application on the donor mobile device may send a donor request to an application on the recipient mobile device identifying the domain name. The application on the recipient mobile device may send either an accept or a reject of the donor request to the application on the donor mobile device. If accepted by the application on the recipient mobile device, the application on the donor mobile device may send a request to the registrar to move the domain name from the donor account to the recipient account. The registrar, after verifying or confirming the domain name transfer request, may transfer the domain name from the donor account to the recipient account. |
| US09503304B2 |
Packet mode auto-detection in multi-mode wireless communication system, signal field transmission for the packet mode auto-detection, and gain control based on the packet mode
A method for automatically detecting a packet mode in a wireless communication system supporting a multiple transmission mode includes: acquiring at least one of data rate information, packet length information and channel bandwidth information from a transmitted frame; and determining the packet mode on the basis of the phase rotation check result of a symbol transmitted after a signal field signal and at least one of the data rate information, the packet length information and the channel bandwidth information acquired from the transmitted frame. |
| US09503299B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting aperiodic sounding reference signal in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting an aperiodic sounding reference signal (SRS) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method include receiving a power offset parameter for an aperiodic SRS set by a base station (BS) through an higher layer, setting transmission power of the aperiodic SRS based on the power offset parameter, and transmitting the aperiodic SRS to the BS based on the set transmission power of the aperiodic SRS. |
| US09503293B2 |
Coefficient error robust feed forward equalizer
The present invention relates to a coefficient error robust feed forward equalizer and, more specifically, to a feed forward equalizing transmitter for baseband wired communication for preventing the influence of a coefficient error generated by the variation of nano-elements. The coefficient error robust feed forward equalizer according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a receiving terminal (130) for receiving input data (x) according to an integer time index (n), N number of delay units (D) connected with the input terminal (130) in series, a first calculator (110) for summing up tap signals outputted respectively from the N number of delay units (D); and a data change detection filter (120) for outputting a data transition value (b) on the basis of the change in the input data (x). |
| US09503288B2 |
Display driver capable of driving multiple display interfaces
A semiconductor chip is described. The semiconductor chip includes a display controller having a driver. The display controller is configurable to select a first, a second, a third and a fourth different display interface. The driver is designed to drive respective signals for each of the first, second, third and fourth interfaces through a single output. |
| US09503286B2 |
Method of transmitting and receiving channel information in multi-hop network and terminals therefor
Provided is a method and a terminal for a multi-hop network. The method includes determining whether channel information is necessary to transmit data processed based on a transmission scheme used in the multi-hop network and outputting a result indicative thereof. The method includes configuring channel information based on the transmission scheme, based on the result. The method further includes transmitting the configured channel information and the data processed using the configured channel information. |
| US09503285B2 |
Channel estimation for reference signal interference cancelation
Various aspects disclosed are directed to improvements to channel estimation through more efficient cancelation of neighboring common reference signals (CRS). Cancelation of CRS from other cells allows the user equipment (UE) a better opportunity for accurately detecting the reference signal of the current cell. Alternative aspects have a recursive element that uses previous estimates as the basis for the current channel estimate. The various aspects of the present disclosure generally have two alternative embodiments: (1) initializing the channel estimation for all cells with a previous channel estimate and cancellation of reference signals of non-target cells to accurately update channel estimate of the target cell; and (2) initializing the channel estimate for all cells with a previous channel estimate and cancelation of reference signals of all cells to accurately estimate residual channel estimate of the target cell and update its channel estimate. |
| US09503279B2 |
Network device with service and client routing elements configured to support any-source multicast extranets
A first network device comprises a service routing element and a client routing element. The service routing element is configured with a first anycast rendezvous point address so as be an anycast rendezvous point peer with at least a second network device in a service routing domain. The client routing element is configured with a second anycast rendezvous point address so as to be an anycast rendezvous point peer with at least a third network device in a client routing domain. The first network device receives in its service routing element from a service routing element of the second network device a register message identifying a multicast source, and provides at least a portion of the register message from its service routing element to its client routing element in a manner that allows the third network device to learn the identity of the multicast source from the client routing element. |
| US09503273B2 |
Control device, control method, and program
A control device, which handles a network system in which electronic devices installed in each of multiple rooms are connected via a communication network and each electronic device can perform communication via the communication network, includes: a control unit to selectively set a first control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed as to a particular single electronic device, a second control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed in common as to electronic devices installed in the same room, and a third control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed in common as to electronic devices connected to the communication network, as an operation control mode according to predetermined operation input, and to generate a control command; and a transmission unit to transmit a control command that the control unit has generated according to the control mode. |
| US09503270B2 |
Communication device and power saving method thereof in data transmission system
A communication device and a power saving method in a data transmission system are provided that can achieve the prevention of element deterioration occurring when a check signal is transmitted during sleep, as well as reductions of transmission noise and power consumption. The communication device, which is connected to another communication device through transmission/reception links corresponding to multiple channels, respectively, includes communication sections corresponding to the multiple channels, respectively, and a control section that interrupts transmission outputs of the communication element when there is no data for transmission, and sequentially changes, among the multiple channels, a channel that transmits a check signal for checking a link state during a period in which the transmission outputs are kept interrupted. |
| US09503265B2 |
Scheduler and context cache controller and storage for security context
An electronic circuit (200) includes one or more programmable control-plane engines (410, 460) operable to process packet header information and form at least one command, one or more programmable data-plane engines (310, 320, 370) selectively operable for at least one of a plurality of cryptographic processes selectable in response to the at least one command, and a programmable host processor (100) coupled to such a data-plane engine (310) and such a control-plane engine (410). Other processors, circuits, devices and systems and processes for their operation and manufacture are disclosed. |
| US09503263B2 |
Method and apparatus for storing encrypted data files across distributed storage media
A method for distributing data to a plurality of storage locations in a computing network is provided. The method includes receiving, at a processor in the computing network, input data and an input random cryptovariable, transforming, at the processor, the input data and the input random cryptovariable into encrypted output using Da Yen processing, and distributing the encrypted output to the plurality of storage locations. The present design further includes a method for decrypting encrypted blocks of data distributed over a plurality of storage locations in a computing network. The method includes receiving, at a processor in the computing network, a plurality of cipher/key word pairs, and transforming, at the processor, the plurality of cipher/key word pairs and a salt key word into plaintext using Da Yen processing. |
| US09503256B2 |
SMS4 acceleration hardware
Embodiments of an invention for SMS4 acceleration hardware are disclosed. In an embodiment, an apparatus includes SMS4 hardware and key transformation hardware. The SMS4 hardware is to execute a round of encryption and a round of key expansion. The key transformation hardware is to transform a key to provide for the SMS4 hardware to execute a round of decryption. |
| US09503255B2 |
Cryptographic sequencing system and method
A method is disclosed for intermixing a first stream of data and a second stream of data. An associated first secret key is expanded to form a first associated expanded secret key. An associated second secret key is expanded to form a second associated expanded secret key. The first stream of data and the second stream of data are intermixed to form a combined stream of data, which is ciphered. The combined stream of data is de-multiplexed after ciphering thereof and provided at an output port. |
| US09503254B2 |
Phase locked loop with modified loop filter
A loop filter in a modified phase locked loop has a proportional path generating first output signal that is proportional to an input signal and an integral path for generating a second output signal that is an integral of the input signal. An additional functional path generates a third output signal that is a predetermined function of the input signal. The predetermined function is of the form f(s)/g(s), where f and g are polynomial functions. An adder combines the first, second, and third output signals into a common output signal. |
| US09503252B2 |
Phase interpolator with linear phase change
Some embodiments relate to a phase interpolator. The phase interpolator includes a control block to provide a plurality of phase interpolation control signals which are collectively indicative of a phase difference between a first clock and a second clock. The phase interpolation control signals define different phase step sizes by which the first clock is to be phase shifted to limit the phase difference. A plurality of Gilbert cells provide a plurality of current levels, respectively, based on the plurality of phase interpolation control signals. A plurality of current control elements adjust the plurality of current levels from the plurality of Gilbert cells. The plurality of current levels are adjusted by different amounts for the different phase step sizes. |
| US09503250B2 |
Data communication with interventional instruments
The invention relates to a data communication system (100) and a method that can particularly be applied for communicating data from a medical instrument like a catheter or a guide-wire via a high-speedlink (101). The system (100) comprises (in-vivo) a slave component (150) with a controllable slave clock (153) and a transmitter (151) for transmitting a data signal (ds) that is clocked by the slave clock signal (clk). Moreover, it comprises (ex-vivo) a master component (110) with a clock controller (114,115,116) that receives a master clock signal (ref_clk) and the data signal (ds) and that generates a clock control signal (ccs) for adjusting the slave clock (153) to the master clock (113). The slave clock (153) may thus be realized with low space and energy requirements, e.g. by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). Moreover, the link (101) via which the data signal (ds) and the clock control signal (ccs) are exchanged may be realized by just two signal wires. |
| US09503249B2 |
Full duplex wireless communications on devices with limited echo cancellation capabilities
Disclosed in some examples are methods, systems, and machine readable mediums which allow for wireless devices with limited echo cancellation capabilities to participate in full-duplex communications. In some examples, by carefully controlling transmission powers and the modulation and coding schemes (MCS) used in the transmissions, both devices can engage in full-duplex communication. |
| US09503248B2 |
User equipment and base station using dynamic TDD configuration mechanism
The present disclosure is directed to a user equipment and a base station which use a dynamic time division duplex (TDD) configuration mechanism. The present disclosure proposes implementing the dynamic TDD mechanism by imposing a restriction to the dynamic TDD configurations to adhere to a set of allowable dynamic TDD configurations. The uplink and downlink HARQ timing reference configurations could be derived from the set of allowable dynamic TDD configurations. The set of allowable TDD configurations, the uplink HARQ timing reference configuration and the downlink HARQ timing reference configuration could be derived based on specific rules. The maximum number of downlink HARQ processes for TDD would follow the downlink HARQ timing reference configuration. |
| US09503245B1 |
Method and system for mitigating interference between different radio access technologies utilized by a communication device
Various methods and apparatus are disclosed for mitigating interference between communications between different radio access technologies in a communication device. Methods and apparatus include communicating between a first communication device and a second communication device according to a first communication protocol, and communicating between the first communication device and a third communication device according to a second communication protocol. The methods and apparatus further include determining a first time interval associated with when data is to be transmitted between the first communication device and the second communication device according to the first communications protocol. The methods and apparatus also include sending to the third communication device, an indication of a second time interval to prompt the third communication device not transmit to the first communication device during the second time interval, wherein the second time interval corresponds to the first time interval. |
| US09503244B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting channel quality indicator and acknowledgement signals in SC-FDMA communication systems
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving information symbols in a communication system are provided. A method includes determining a channel quality indicator (CQI) and two acknowledgements; generating a first symbol based on the CQI; generating a second symbol based on the two acknowledgements, if both the CQI and the two acknowledgements are to be transmitted on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); and transmitting the first symbol and the second symbol on the PUCCH. 1 is applied for generating the second symbol if the two acknowledgements have a first value, −1 is applied for generating the second symbol if the two acknowledgements have a second value, j is applied for generating the second symbol if the two acknowledgements have a third value, and −j is applied for generating the second symbol if the two acknowledgements have a fourth value, wherein the j is an imaginary unit. |
| US09503240B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing data service using broadcasting signal
A method and apparatus for providing a data service by using a broadcasting signal are provided. To transmit the broadcasting signal by an Access Point (AP) located within a coverage area of a base station (eNB), the AP transmits configuration information, used for transmission of the broadcasting signal on the same frequency band as that of the eNB, to the eNB, receives broadcasting signal transmission information, based on the configuration information, from the eNB, and transmits the broadcasting signal according to the broadcasting signal transmission information. |
| US09503239B2 |
Radio network node, user equipment and methods therein
Embodiments herein relate to a method in a user equipment for handling control information in a radio communications network. The user equipment is served in a cell controlled by a radio network node and is of a second type of user equipments. The user equipment monitors a search space for control information of a physical data control channel, PDCCH, which search space is associated with the second type of user equipments. The PDCCH comprises at least one control channel element that comprises resource elements at least partly comprised in a second region of resource elements. The resource elements of the second region are only allowed to be scheduled for control information to user equipments of the second type. The at least one CCE is defined in relation to a CCE of a first region of resource elements, which resource elements of the first region are allowed to be scheduled for control information to user equipments of a first type. The user equipment detects control information within the monitored search space, and uses the detected control information for communicating with the radio network node. |
| US09503238B2 |
Control channel transmission method and apparatus for transmitting dedicated reference signal in wireless communication system
Methods and apparatus for receiving a first control channel and a second control channel in a wireless communication system are provided. Control information for receiving the second control channel from a base station is received through higher layer signaling. A second control channel resource is determined from an entire control channel resource based on the control information. A first control channel resource is determined from the entire control channel resource according to the second control channel resource. |
| US09503235B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting channel state information-reference signals in wireless communication system
A method of transmitting channel state information (CSI)-reference signals (RS) at a base station in a wireless communication system includes generating a reference signal sequence, and mapping the reference signal sequence to resource elements (REs) included in one or more patterns for 8-port CSI-RS transmission among five patterns for 8-port CSI-RS transmission located in a first region of a PRB pair and three patterns for 8-port CSI-RS transmission located in a second region of the PRB pair. A maximum of two OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) symbols is used for a physical downlink control channel in a subframe including the PRB pair. |
| US09503231B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving uplink transmission mode configuration
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided in which a first message to reconfigure an uplink transmission mode of a user equipment (UE) from a first uplink transmission mode to a second uplink transmission mode is transmitted. Further, a reconfiguration scheme to assure at least one of two or more second messages are recognizable by the UE during a transition period after transmission of the first message is implemented. In another example, a UE and eNB may be equipped to respectively transmit and receive a first message to reconfigure a SRS mode used by a UE. In such an aspect the first message may respectively indicate and be used to determine an SRS transmission port specified in a field capable of indicating a number of SRS transmission ports that is greater than a number of physical UE antenna ports. |
| US09503230B2 |
Method and system for implementing synchronous parallel transmission over multiple channels
Disclosed are a method and a system for implementing synchronous parallel transmission over multiple channels. The method comprises: a sending end and a receiving end accessing an NoC through a sending port and a receiving port on the NoC, the sending port and the receiving port having a capability of simultaneously and parallelly transmitting data; the sending end sending data to the sending port of the NoC, and the sending port encoding the received data into a bipolar data symbol and modulating the bipolar data symbol by using a Walsh code; then the NoC synchronously adding and combining modulated symbols of all sending ports, and sending a signal after the combination to each receiving port through an NoC bus synchronously and parallelly; and the receiving port demodulating the received combined data according to the Walsh code thereof to obtain the bipolar data symbol, and then decoding the bipolar data symbol and sending the decoded bipolar data symbol to the receiving end. The present invention implements the synchronous parallel transmission over multiple channels, and one or more channels can be dynamically allocated to each NoC port so as to adapt to different communication bandwidth requirements. |
| US09503227B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving the hybrid-ARQ ACK/NACK signal in mobile communication system
An apparatus and method are provided for a mobile communication system. The method includes receiving a signal; determining location information of at least one symbol group; and acquiring the at least one symbol group, to which an orthogonal sequence is applied, from the signal, based on the location information. The at least one symbol group is mapped to one of a first antenna set and a second antenna set based on the a symbol group index and a physical hybrid automatic repeat request indicator channel (PHICH) group index. |
| US09503226B2 |
Management method of retransmission traffic burst
Disclosed is a method for efficiently managing base station retransmission traffic of a portable Internet system, and more particularly, a management method of traffic burst retransmission that can minimize a time required to retransmit a traffic burst by enhancing a hash node connection structure of a hash table. |
| US09503224B2 |
Method and wireless equipment for performing HARQ
A method and wireless equipment for performing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) in a wireless communication system are provided. The wireless equipment receives TB from a base station, and determines whether it is possible to completely perform decoding on the TB within a timing at which HARQ ACK/NACK for the TB is transmitted. If it is determined that it is difficult to completely perform the decoding on the TB, the wireless equipment transmits a discontinuous transmission (DTX) signal indicating the decoding on the TB was skipped to the base station. |
| US09503220B2 |
Method for redelivering a subset of messages in a packet to a receiver application
A process, a computer program product, and a computer system for redelivering a subset of messages in a packet to a receiver application are provided. The present invention enables the partially received packet to be delivered to the application layer (LLM) and allow LLM to decide whether it has to request for full packet retransmission or partial retransmission of the packet. The present invention allows the LLM of the receiver to generate a PNACK (partial negative-acknowledgement) based on the subset of the messages consumed from within the partial packet. The present invention allows the LLM of the transmitter to process the PNACK, to regenerate a new packet from the original packet to contain only a subset of the messages, and to send this new packet to the receiver who has generated the PNACK. |
| US09503217B1 |
System and method for releasing media streams from a communication server
A first call leg is established between a first communication device and a communication server having a telephony controller for controlling a hardware media processor. A second call leg is established between a second communication device and the communication server. The first and second call legs carry a media stream between the first and second communication devices, and the media stream is initially intended for processing by the hardware media processor. A suitable condition is needed to transfer the media stream to a release server. When the suitable condition is not detected, the media stream is processed with the hardware media processor. When the suitable condition is detected, the media stream is transferred to the release server. The release server lacks a hardware media processor. |
| US09503214B2 |
Management frame map directed operational parameters within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications
Management frame map directed operational parameters within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. A management frame map may be generated within and transmitted from a first wireless communication device to a group of other wireless communication devices. Thereafter, certain subsequently transmitted packets may be analyzed and processed by the receiving wireless communication devices based on that earlier received management frame map. One or more operational parameters are determined for a subsequently transmitted packet based on the previously received management frame map. The operational parameters govern the manner in which at least a portion of the subsequently transmitted packet is processed. |
| US09503212B2 |
Station-side apparatus and communication method
Provided is a station-side apparatus configured to conduct optical communication with a plurality of subscriber apparatuses via a plurality of wavelengths. The station-side apparatus includes a storage apparatus, management information stored in the storage apparatus and configured to indicate whether or not a subscriber apparatus is a first apparatus whose wavelength used for communication is changed to another wavelength, and a transmission unit configured to transmit downlink frames addressed to the plurality of subscriber apparatuses in an order of transmission determined based on the management information. |
| US09503207B1 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for calibrating phase hardware-induced distortion in a long term evolution communications system
Methods and systems are described for calibrating phase hardware-induced distortion in a long term evolution (LTE) communications system. In one aspect, an estimate of a phase difference at a user equipment (UE) between downlink channels including signals sent over two or more BS transmitter chains is received from the UE in an LTE communications system. A phase difference between uplink channels including signals received over two or more BS receiver chains is determined at a BS. A relative phase distortion induced by two or more BS transceiver chains is determined based on the received estimate of phase difference between downlink channels and the determined phase difference between uplink channels. |
| US09503205B1 |
Measuring device for measuring signal strength of a radio frequency signal received by an antenna
A measuring device for measuring signal strength of an RF signal received by an antenna includes a measurement unit, a processing unit and a display unit. The measurement unit includes a band-pass filter for filtering an antenna signal received from the antenna, an amplifier for amplifying the filtered signal according to a gain value, and an RF log detector for outputting a voltage signal according to power level of the amplified signal based on a logarithmic slope. The processing unit obtains a strength signal according to the voltage signal, the gain value and the logarithmic slope. The display unit displays an indication of the signal strength of the RF signal according to the strength signal. |
| US09503201B2 |
Acoustic-electric channel construction and operation using adaptive transducer arrays
A method for transmitting power, data, and instructions using acoustic-electric channels having one or more transducer arrays, and to compensate for imperfect alignment of transducer arrays. Transducer arrays each include multiple transducer elements coupled to a channel barrier. Each element can be independently controlled, and misaligned transducers are selectively deactivated to improve overall channel performance. Arrays are optimized by testing different combinations of elements, and the combinations which are the most effective or efficient are used for transmissions. The system and the optimization features can be used to communicate between surfaces which have relative movement, such as between water craft hulls. Optimization can be periodic or constant to compensate for movement within the channel. The arrays can be used with curved substrates. Methods of designing adaptable arrays are also provided. |
| US09503199B2 |
Modulated echo underwater communications and energy harvesting
A system is provided that includes a gateway node and terminal node. The gateway node may be configured to produce a continuous acoustic wave for propagation through a fluid such as water, and detect an echo thereof. The terminal node may be configured to control a piezoelectric layer to switchably reflect or transmit the acoustic wave incident thereon to produce and modulate the echo with a data stream to thereby convey the data stream within the echo, which the sensor of the gateway node may detect. The terminal node may be further configured to capture and store energy produced by the piezoelectric layer while the piezoelectric layer is controlled to transmit the incident acoustic wave. And at least a portion of the terminal node may be powerable from the stored energy. |
| US09503197B2 |
Spatial division multiplexing in limited power optical communication systems
This spatial division multiplexing (SDM) in power-limited optical communication systems. In general, an SDM optical transmission system may be configured to increase data capacity over the data capacity of a non-SDM optical transmission system while maintaining power consumption at or below that of the existing non-SDM optical transmission system. To realize such an improvement in performance without increasing power consumption, an example SDM optical transmission may be constructed by reducing system bandwidth, reducing and/or altering equipment for filtering, reducing optical amplifier spacing, reducing operational amplifier power consumption, etc. In this manner, increased data transmission performance may be realized even where available power may be strictly limited. |
| US09503190B2 |
Client-side dynamic multi-routing power distribution system of FTTx optical terminal equipment
A client-side dynamic multi-routing power distribution system of an optical terminal equipment integrates the Power over Ethernet, dynamic multi-routing power distribution and power management technologies to dispatch power to the optical terminal equipment from a home gateway to meet power demands of the off-premise optical terminal equipment and to greatly reduce the cost for laying power lines for the off-premise FTTx optical terminal equipment, thereby expanding the coverage of optical fiber broadband service. The client-side dynamic multi-routing power distribution system includes (1) a network signal processing and DC power supply module of the home gateway for dispatching power to the remote FTTx optical terminal equipment through a telecom line at a network interface; (2) a network signal processing and DC powered module of the FTTx optical terminal equipment for handling multi-routing power distribution and dynamic load balancing from a plurality of home gateways. |
| US09503183B2 |
Free space optical transceiver
A free-space optical (FSO) transceiver can include a link predictor configured to estimate conditions for an FSO link over a window of time in the future. The FSO transceiver can also include a scheduler configured to assign outgoing packets to blocks of time in the window of time based on quality of service (QoS) parameters of each of the outgoing packets and on conditions in each block of time in the window of time. |
| US09503182B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing signal fading due to atmospheric turbulence
A method and system for reducing optical signal fading in an optical communication system include: dynamically obtaining turbulence-induced divergence and deviations of pointing direction for the atmosphere where an optical signal to be transmitted through; generating a single-transverse-mode laser beam of a predetermined diameter as the optical signal; dynamically varying the diameter of the laser beam to match the obtained turbulence-induced divergence of the atmosphere with a backtrack pointing direction; and transmitting the laser beam with varying diameter to a remote transceiver, as the optical signal. |
| US09503180B2 |
Interference detection and avoidance in a telecommunication network
Presented herein are techniques for detection and avoidance of interference in a telecommunications network. In one example, a cable modem termination system (CMTS) is configured to receive upstream traffic from a plurality of cable modems. The CMTS detects collision characteristics resulting from substantially simultaneous transmissions from different combinations of the cable modems. Based on the detected collision characteristics, the CMTS designates/identifies collision groups for each of a plurality of the cable modems. After designation of the collision groups, the CMTS schedules upstream transmissions by the plurality of cable modems such that cable modems within the same collision group do not transmit within a same time frame and such that two or more cable modems that are not within the same collision group may transmit within a same time frame. |
| US09503178B2 |
Two-way communication using wireless power signal
The present description relates to an apparatus for transmitting wireless power and a method for same, comprising: a power transmission control portion for generating a packet comprising data for at least one electronic device; a modulation/demodulation portion for modulating a carrier signal so as to comprise the packet that is generated; and a power conversion portion for forming the wireless power signal for transmitting power, based on the carrier signal that is modulated, wherein the power transmission control portion transmits the packet to the at least one electronic device through the wireless power signal. Also, the present description relates to the electronic device and a method for receiving power by same, comprising: a power reception portion for receiving the wireless power signal from the apparatus for transmitting wireless power; a modulation/demodulation portion for demodulating the packet which is comprised in the wireless power signal; and a power reception control portion for obtaining data based on the packet that is demodulated. |
| US09503176B2 |
Global communication network
A communication system allows communication between two users separated by a long distance includes a source ground station, a constellation, one or more linking-gateways, and a destination ground station. The constellation includes groups of communication devices orbiting or traveling around the earth. A first communication device of a first group of communication devices is in communication with the source ground station and receives a communication from the source ground station. The linking-gateway is in communication with at least the first and a second group of communication devices. The linking-gateway receives the communication from the first group of communication devices and sends the communication to a second communication device of the second group of communication devices. The destination ground station is in communication with the second group of communication devices, the destination ground station receiving the communication from a communication device of the second group of communication devices. |
| US09503174B2 |
Divide-and-conquer approach to mitigating relay-to-relay interference
An apparatus and a method are described, by which interference related detection results of a plurality of relay nodes are obtained, wherein each relay node to the radio access network, wherein a connection between the relay node and its serving access node is an access node—relay node connection. The relay nodes are grouped according to the obtained detection results such that the access node—relay node connection can be configured for each group in order to mitigate interference to mitigate interference between transmissions to and from different relay nodes in each group. |
| US09503173B2 |
WLAN and cellular shared antennas
A system and method for sharing antennas of a wireless communication device is provided. The wireless communication device leverages cellular antennas to improve data throughput by creating a multiple-in, multiple out (MIMO) operation for a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection. Antenna resources are dynamically allocated between the cellular antennas and the wireless antenna to provide improved throughput. |
| US09503169B1 |
Method for generating codebook in multiple input multiple output wireless communication system
A method for transmitting a signal to a receiver by a transmitter in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless communication system is disclosed. A method for transmitting a signal to a receiver by a transmitter in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless communication system includes: generating at least one bit stream by channel-coding data; allocating a first bit stream having a specific size from among the bit streams to an antenna sequence codeword according to an antenna sequence codebook; and transmitting the remaining second bit stream from among the bit streams to the receiver according to the order of antenna pairs indicated by the allocated antenna sequence codeword, wherein the antenna sequence codebook indicates a mapping relationship between the first bit stream and the antenna sequence codeword, and the antenna sequence codeword is defined by two timeslots and two antenna indexes. |
| US09503166B2 |
System and method for coordinated MIMO switching (CMS) in TDD/FDD-LTE
An eNB is configured to perform a method for coordinating downlink power per layer at an eNB in a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) network. The method includes receiving feedback from at least one UE; calculating a plurality of MIMO gradients based on the received feedback; changing a power per layer according to the calculated MIMO gradients; and exchanging gradient power information between the eNB and at least one neighboring eNB. |
| US09503163B2 |
Methods and apparatus for overlapping MIMO physical sectors
A system for communicating with wireless devices. The systems includes radio groups whose MIMO physical sectors overlap. The MIMO physical sectors communicate using different channels. The MIMO physical sectors overlap to form an area of overlap. Each radio group includes directional antennas and radios. Radios are selectively coupled to the antennas. The antennas that are oriented so that the physical sectors of the antennas overlap to operate as MIMO antennas and form the MIMO physical sector for the radio group. The antennas operate as a MIMO antenna. |
| US09503160B1 |
Low-noise amplifier mixer with coupled inductors
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader configured to perform self-jammer cancellation (SJC) may include an SJC module coupled to a low-noise amplifier (LNA), which in turn may be coupled to a mixer via an LNA-mixer interface. The interface may be implemented with a horizontal matching circuit that includes four inductors magnetically and direct-current (DC) coupled to each other. In some embodiments, the inductors may each be implemented using a different segment of a single inductor. |
| US09503157B2 |
Digital signal processing for PLC communications having communication frequencies
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward receiver devices and methods of using receiver devices. One such method can include converting, using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and an analog input signal from power distribution lines that carry power using alternating current (AC) to a digital form. This input digital signal can be an oversampled digital signal, where the digital signal is oversampled relative to downstream processing (e.g., FFT-based processing). A processing circuit(s) can then be used to decimate the input digital signal according to a decimation rate. A reference signal can be generated by the processing circuit that is responsive to the decimation rate. The processing circuit can also be used to detect a change in a phase difference between the AC and reference signal and to modify, in response to detecting a change in the phase difference, the decimation rate to counteract the detected change in the phase difference. |
| US09503155B2 |
Tuning asymmetry of a differential digital interface to cancel magnetic coupling
An integrated circuit including: an RF input/output; an on-chip digital interface including a plurality of IC pin connections wherein an output current from the on-chip digital interface is split into first and second parallel paths among the plurality of IC pin connections; first and second current sources; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to determine a plurality of mutual inductances between the plurality of IC pin connections and the RF input/output; calculate a current ratio n based upon the plurality of mutual inductances between a first current driven on the first parallel path and a second current driven on the second parallel path; drive the first current source to produce the first current and the second current source to produce the second current wherein the first and second current have the determined ratio n; and measure a voltage at the RF input/output. |
| US09503153B2 |
Spread spectrum GMSK signals
A method for generating a spread spectrum Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) signal includes obtaining a sequence of data symbols for a data channel, obtaining at least one first spread spectrum code comprising a first sequence of spread spectrum chips for the data channel, obtaining at least one second spread spectrum code comprising a second sequence of spread spectrum chips for a pilot channel, and generating a sequence of pre-modulation chips by combining the sequence of data symbols for the data channel with the spread spectrum chips of the first sequence of the at least one first spread spectrum code and data symbols for the pilot channel with the spread spectrum chips of the second sequence of the at least one second spread spectrum code to a combined sequence of chips. The method further includes assigning the chips of the combined sequence of chips to the transmission channels In-Phase I and Quadrature Q of the spread spectrum GMSK signal so that not more than two consecutive pre-modulation chips generated with the same spread spectrum code are transmitted in the same transmission channel I or Q, and performing GMSK modulation using the sequence of pre-modulation chips to generate a spread spectrum GMSK signal. |
| US09503152B2 |
Methods and apparatus for generating composite code sequences
Methods and apparatus for generating composite code sequences are disclosed. An example method includes determining, via a determiner, a first number of samples to be contributed into a first unit duration of a composite code sequence from respective first, second, and third component code sequences; based on the first number of samples determined, randomly selecting, via a randomizer, the first number of samples from the respective ones of the first, second, and third component code sequences to enable the selected samples to more accurately represent the respective ones of the first, second, and third component code sequences; and compiling, via a compiler, the selected samples into the first unit duration of the composite code sequence by interspersing a sample from the first component code sequence between samples from the second component code sequence or between samples from the third component code sequence. |
| US09503151B2 |
Implicit switch for switching between receive and transmit modes of antennas
A millimeter-wave radio frequency front-end circuit is provided. The front-end circuit comprises a millimeter-wave antenna configured to receive and transmit millimeter-wave signals; a matching network including at least a first inductor and a second inductor connected in parallel, wherein the matching network ensures impedance matching with the antenna when transmitting and receiving the millimeter wave signals; a power amplifier coupled to the antenna through the matching network; a low noise amplifier coupled to the antenna through the matching network, wherein the power amplifier is on and the low noise amplifier is off when transmitting the millimeter-wave signals, and the power amplifier is off and the low noise amplifier is on when receiving the millimeter-wave signals. |