| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09550091B2 |
System and method for capturing exercise data
The system and method for capturing exercise data may include offsetting an imaginary longitudinal axis of a center beam of a workout bar and an imaginary longitudinal axis of an outer beam of the workout bar. The system and method may include disposing an interface disk between the center beam and the outer beam and may include securing the center beam to an inner disk of the interface disk; securing the outer beam to an outer disk of the interface disk; and moving the inner disk, the outer disk, or a combination thereof, to offset the imaginary longitudinal axis of the center beam and the imaginary longitudinal axis of the outer beam. The system and method may include sensing, dynamically by a sensor, an amount of weight disposed on the outer beam. The system and method may include communicating the amount of weight wirelessly to a computing device. |
| US09550090B2 |
Portable fitness monitoring systems with displays and applications thereof
Portable fitness monitoring systems with displays, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of providing performance feedback to an individual using a portable fitness monitoring device is provided. The method may include sensing performance parameter information during the physical activity, generating a first visual output that includes an indication of the intensity level that the individual should be performing at, and generating a second visual output that includes an indication of the intensity level that the individual is currently performing at. |
| US09550089B2 |
Exercise machine with power supplier
An exercise machine comprises a resistance device and a power supplier. The resistance device provides a resistance and comprises an axle. The power supplier comprises one or more conducting rings arranged at a side or respectively arranged at a side of the resistance device. The conducting rings are coaxially coupled with the axle and are capable of rotating about the axle. |
| US09550085B2 |
Swingset suspension
A trampoline swingset suspension includes a trampoline frame having at least three legs. A trampoline bed is suspended from the trampoline frame. Springs connect between the trampoline bed and the trampoline frame to provide resilient restoring force for a user. The trampoline enclosure frame includes a plurality of vertical trampoline enclosure frame members. An enclosure net is mounted to the trampoline enclosure frame. A swingset frame is mounted to at least two of the at least three legs of the trampoline frame. A swing seat is suspended from the swingset frame. A spring suspension connects the swingset frame to the trampoline frame. The spring is a coil spring having an upper end bounded by an upper pin and the coil spring has a lower end bounded by a lower pin. |
| US09550079B2 |
Multilevel railcar safety catch system
The multilevel railcar safety catch system of the present disclosure comprises at least two multilevel railcars (or at least one multilevel railcar and a vehicle loading ramp), at least two bridge plates, and a safety catch assembly. In the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, two or more multilevel railcars are coupled together by a coupler. Two bridge plates are laid across the gap between corresponding multilevel railcar decks for the purpose of walking or moving vehicles across from one multilevel railcar to another. A safety catch assembly is removably attached underneath the bridge plates via a securement means on the safety catch assembly and barrel rings or bridge plate hinge pins in such a way as to prevent persons or items from falling through the gap between the multilevel railcar decks when loading or unloading vehicles. |
| US09550078B2 |
EDAR ligand derived peptides and use thereof
The present invention relates to novel peptides derived from an EDAR (EDAR receptor) ligand which belongs to TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α family and to uses of the same. The present peptides of EDA3 derived from EDA and EDphD1 derived from EDAR ligand possess identical or similar activities to naturally occurring EDA and have much higher stability and skin penetration potency than naturally occurring EDA. Therefore, the composition containing the present peptide not only shows excellent effects on improvement in hair loss and promotion of hair growth, but also has superior efficacies on treatment of an EDA signal transduction pathway-related disorder. In addition, the outstanding activity and stability of the present peptide described above may be greatly advantageous in application to pharmaceutical compositions, quasi-drugs and cosmetics. |
| US09550077B2 |
Multi turn beam extraction from synchrotron
This disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for the extraction of particle beams while maintaining the energy levels and precision of the particles and the particle beam. Apparatuses and methods for extracting a charged particle beam from a central orbit in a synchrotron are provided, in which a particle beam is deflected from the central orbit. Parts of the deflected particle beam passes through a stripping foil placed in at least parts of the deflected path such that the particles that pass through the foil are stripped of at least one electron. The electron stripped particles and the non-stripped particles may be separated magnetically. |
| US09550072B2 |
Diagnostic device, therapeutic device, and uses thereof
Apparatus, method, computing devices, and computer programs related to photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy, methods of use thereof, and a method for detecting abnormal tissue, are provided. |
| US09550071B2 |
Use of nanoparticles in the photodynamic treatment of tumors and non-destructive testing
A method for generating light intensity inside a tumor to aid in the treatment of diseases such as cancer is disclosed. The light is generated inside the body to perform a modified photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT) that allows treatment of body regions that are inaccessible by normal PDT procedures. In addition, the use of two spatially and temporally coincident treatment modalities, i.e. radiation and PDT, have the potential for significant biological synergy in the tumor. |
| US09550065B2 |
Selection of spinal cord stimulation electrodes for use in cardiac therapy
Methods, systems, and/or devices for selecting spinal cord stimulation (SCS) electrode array configurations to provide effective cardiac therapy. Physiological parameters related to the heart may be monitored and analyzed during the delivery of SCS using various SCS electrode array configurations to determine an effect SCS electrode array configuration. |
| US09550058B2 |
Compound-shaped stylet for torque transmission
A medical stylet for guiding a lead includes a first elongate member for attachment of the lead to the target tissue, a second elongate member to reshape the lead. The first elongate member of the medical stylet includes a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion wherein the distal end portion of the first elongate member includes a tip feature configured to engage the lead on application of torque externally. The second elongate member defines a lumen along its length. The lumen of the second elongate member can be configured to enclose at least a portion of the first elongate member. The second elongate member can have a pre defined shape. The pre defined shape of the second elongate member allows the lead to be reshaped when inserted into the lead, this reshaped lead now can be guided to an anatomical pass way. |
| US09550057B2 |
Surgical guide and method for guiding a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa
A surgical guide to facilitate delivery of a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa of a subject includes a curvilinear body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The proximal end portion is defined by oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The proximal end portion and the intermediate portion define a longitudinal plane that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has an arcuate configuration relative to the longitudinal plane and is defined by oppositely disposed third and fourth surfaces. |
| US09550055B2 |
Receiver with valves
An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as an anesthetic, from the outlet port of a reservoir to a machine while effectively and conveniently minimizing the release of anesthetic. In one embodiment, the apparatus and system can include a first valve movable between a first position and a second position; a first housing surrounding the first valve; a second valve slidably connected to the first valve and movable between a third position and a fourth position; and a second housing which surrounds the second valve; wherein the apparatus defines a first opening, a second opening, and a receiver passage between the first and second openings. In another embodiment, a movable plunger can be slidably connected to the second valve. |
| US09550054B2 |
Safety luer connection
A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector. |
| US09550051B2 |
Implantable fluid delivery apparatus and implantable electrode
An implantable drug delivery system includes a middle ear section with a proximal end fixed to a tympanic membrane of a patient, and a distal end that penetrates through a fluid-tight sealed opening into the inner ear. An inner ear section has a proximal end that is connected to the distal end of the middle ear guide member at the sealed opening, and a closed distal end terminating the inner ear holding member some predetermined distance within the cochlea. A hollow interior of the inner ear section is configured for containing a replaceable pharmaceutical agent, and an outer surface is configured to release the pharmaceutical agent from the hollow interior into the inner ear of the patient. The middle ear section and the inner ear section are configured to cooperate for replacing the pharmaceutical agent through the proximal end of the middle ear section to the inner ear section. |
| US09550049B2 |
Method and articles for treating the sinus system
A method of treating a sinus cavity of a subject includes advancing a distal portion of a light source through a drainage pathway of a sinus cavity and into the sinus cavity and visually observing a transdermal light emitted from the light source. A distal portion of a substantially rigid inner guide member of a balloon dilation catheter is advanced into the drainage pathway, the balloon dilation catheter including a movable shaft including a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. The movable shaft and balloon are advanced distally over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place a portion of the balloon in the drainage pathway whereby the balloon is inflated. |
| US09550046B1 |
Balloon catheter and methods of fabrication and use
A balloon catheter assembly is provided with an outer catheter, an inner catheter, an outer adapter, a balloon and a support sheath, and is configured such that the balloon resides entirely within a predetermined volume having an outer diameter substantially equal to or less than the outside diameter of the distal end of the outer catheter when the balloon is in a deflated configuration. Methods of using and steering the catheter assemblies are also provided. |
| US09550045B2 |
Repositionable therapy delivery element anchor
This disclosure includes an anchor configured to maintain a portion of a therapy delivery element within a desired location of a patient. The anchor comprises a body forming a lumen configured to compressibly engage the outer surface of the therapy delivery element to hold the anchor in place about the therapy delivery element. The anchor may be stretched such that the lumen becomes larger than the cross-section of the therapy delivery element to facilitate positioning the anchor about the therapy delivery element. The body forms two or more channels that facilitate radial stretching of the anchor using a pronged tool. Radially stretching the body via the channels using the pronged tool reduces a holding force of the anchor on the therapy delivery element to facilitate adjusting a position of the anchor relative to the therapy delivery element. |
| US09550042B2 |
Catheter
A catheter which exhibits excellent anti-kinking properties while avoiding interference with respect to an object moving inside the lumen of the catheter includes: an elongated catheter main body having a longitudinally extending lumen; a tubular-shaped guide wire insertion portion on the distal end of the catheter main body through which a guide wire is insertable, and which includes a distal opening portion and a proximal opening portion; and a reinforcement portion having a coil portion in which at least a portion of the reinforcement portion is arranged proximally of the proximal opening portion and is formed by a wound wire element, and an extension portion extending from the wire element of the coil portion in the distal direction away from the proximal opening portion, and wherein the reinforcement portion is positioned between the inner surface and the outer surface of the lumen of the catheter main body. |
| US09550041B2 |
Continuous single wire steerable catheter
A steerable catheter includes a body portion, a flexible catheter body with a proximal end and a distal tip and a continuous steering wire passing through the flexible body from the proximal end to the distal tip and turning back through the flexible body from the distal tip to the proximal end. |
| US09550040B2 |
Breathing apparatus detection and purging
Described are methods for safer nitric oxide delivery, as well as apparatuses for performing these methods. The methods may include detecting the presence or absence of a nasal cannula, and stopping the delivery of nitric oxide or providing an alert if the cannula is disconnected. The methods may also include purging the nasal cannula if it is reconnected after a disconnection or if it is replaced by a new cannula. Other methods pertain to automatic purging of the delivery conduit if the elapsed time between successive deliveries of therapeutic gas exceeds a predetermined period of time. |
| US09550035B2 |
Method to deliver medication
A method to deliver medication. The apparatus has an acoustic volume sensor that acoustically excites a reference volume and variable-volume chamber with an acoustic source and measures the acoustic response with microphones acoustically coupled to the reference and the variable-volume chamber. A disposable drug cassette is coupled to the acoustic volume sensor and includes a drug reservoir and valve. The method includes receiving a volume signal and inputs from a user input or a second sensor and controlling the valve based on these inputs. |
| US09550030B2 |
Dual chamber syringe with retractable needle
Embodiments of a retractable syringe assembly are provided that include a dual syringe barrel configuration. One or more embodiments include reuse prevention features and features that prevent premature activation of the retraction mechanism. Methods for aspirating and expelling liquid from medical devices are also provided. |
| US09550029B2 |
Systems and methods for guiding injections
Systems and methods are described herein for guided injection, which include: one or more controllable light-emitting elements configured to emit non-destructive light and a computing device operably connected to the one or more controllable light-emitting elements configured to emit non-destructive light, the computing device including a processor operable to receive at least one digital representation of a body region of an individual, the body region of the individual including one or more physical registration landmarks, the at least one digital representation including one or more digitally registered injection sites and one or more digital registration landmarks corresponding to the one or more physical registration landmarks on the body region; and control the one or more controllable light-emitting elements to illuminate a location of a surface of the body region of the individual corresponding in location to at least one of the one or more digitally registered injection sites. |
| US09550022B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for treating hypertension
Provided is a method of treating arterial hypertension in a patient. The method comprises selecting a patient suffering from arterial hypertension and creating a flow pathway between a first vascular location and a second vascular location. The first vascular location comprises a source of arterial blood and the second vascular location comprises a source of venous blood. The method causes a reduction in diastolic pressure and a reduction in systolic pressure; and the reduction in diastolic pressure is to an extent at least approximating the reduction in systolic pressure. Systems and devices for creating a flow pathway are also provided. |
| US09550020B2 |
Dialysis system with a varying rate ultrafiltration profile
A dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid cassette-based membrane blood pump; a dialyzer in fluid communication with the blood pump; first and second dialysis fluid cassette-based balance chambers each having (i) a fresh dialysis fluid compartment in fluid communication with the dialyzer and (ii) a spent dialysis fluid compartment; a dialysis fluid cassette-based fresh dialysis fluid membrane pump in fluid communication with the fresh dialysis fluid compartments of the first and second balance chambers; a dialysis fluid cassette-based spent dialysis fluid membrane pump in fluid communication with the dialyzer and the spent dialysis fluid compartments of the first and second balance chambers; and arterial and venous lines in fluid communication with the dialyzer for patient connection, the arterial and venous lines each including a contact used for electrically detecting a patient access disconnection. |
| US09550014B2 |
Postpartum uterine contractile apparatus and method
A uterine contractile device includes a series of perforated tubes, a sealing balloon, and an additional connecting tube to deliver a vacuum force inside the lumen of a postpartum uterus. The uterine contractile device may be used after child birth to facilitate contraction of a woman's uterus. By facilitating contraction of the uterus, a medical professional may achieve immediate and sustained hemostasis of the mother. |
| US09550013B2 |
Medical guide wire
A medical guide wire which has a core wire having a distal end-side small-diameter portion and a proximal end-side large-diameter portion having a larger outside diameter than the outside diameter of the distal end-side small-diameter portion, and a coil spring installed on an outer periphery of the distal end-side small-diameter portion of the core wire along an axial direction and fixed to the core wire at at least the front end portion and rear end portion thereof. The outside diameter of the proximal end-side large-diameter portion of the core wire and the outside diameter of coil of the coil spring are each at most 0.012 inch. The front end portion of the coil spring is fixed to the core wire by gold-containing solder. The length of a distal end portion stiffened by the gold-containing solder is 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The medical guide wire is high in fixing strength of the coil spring to the core wire and can shorten a shaping length compared with a conventional medical guide wire. |
| US09550010B2 |
Methods of treating degenerative bone conditions
Methods and articles of manufacture for treating patients with degenerative bone are provided. The methods are useful to improve bone quality in a localized area of a degenerative bone (e.g., osteopenic or osteoporotic bone), such as by improving BMD to be substantially similar to BMD in an average, healthy individual at the age of peak BMD. The methods can comprise forming a void in a localized area of the degenerative bone and filling the void with a bone regenerative material that causes generation of new, healthy, natural bone material. The articles of manufacture can comprise kits formed of various materials useful in the inventive methods for improving bone quality. |
| US09550006B2 |
Systems and methods for treatment of cabin surfaces and air
Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for treating passenger transportation vehicle cabin surfaces and surrounding air. The methods may use organic LEDs to produce ultraviolet light. Systems may be provided to ensure safety and operation of the air treatment only when passengers and personnel are not present in the cabin. |
| US09550005B2 |
Systems and methods for sterilization using UV light
Embodiments of this disclosure include systems, methods, and kits for sterilizing in vivo catheters using an optical fiber to deliver UV light. In an embodiment, a method for sterilizing a catheter with at least a first lumen, includes inserting a distal end of a fiber optic cable into a fiber insertion port of a catheter connector attached to a hub of the first lumen, flushing the first lumen with fluid from a fluid source, inserting the fiber optic cable into the first lumen until a stopper of the fiber optic cable is adjacent to the fiber insertion port, providing light to the fiber optic cable from a light source after the fiber optic cable is inserted into the first lumen, withdrawing the fiber optic cable from the first lumen while the light is provided, and ceasing to provide light to the fiber optic cable after the fiber optic cable is withdrawn from the first lumen. The disclosure is also applicable to catheters with multiple lumens and to catheters accessed through subcutaneous ports. |
| US09550004B2 |
Ultraviolet diffusive illumination
A solution for generating ultraviolet diffusive radiation is provided. A diffusive ultraviolet radiation illuminator includes at least one ultraviolet radiation source located within a reflective cavity that includes a plurality of surfaces. At least one of the plurality of surfaces can be configured to diffusively reflect at least 70% of the ultraviolet radiation and at least one of the plurality of surfaces can be configured to transmit at least 30% of the ultraviolet radiation and reflect at least 10% of the ultraviolet radiation. |
| US09550003B2 |
Installation for processing articles by electron bombardment
An installation for treating articles by radiation, the installation comprising a structure (1) having an article transport device (10) mounted thereon with a portion housed in a shielded enclosure (2) in the vicinity of at least one radiation emitter (3), the enclosure including a tunnel (40) having internal transverse partitions (51, 52, 53, 54) defining a baffle passage (50) through which there extends a segment of the transport device. The partitions are arranged in such a manner that the baffle passage extends in a plane that is substantially vertical.A packaging installation including such a processing installation. |
| US09550001B2 |
Compositions, methods of synthesis and use of carbohydrate targeted agents
The invention provides D02S derivatives conjugated to monosaccharide ligands directly or through a linker and optionally chelated to a metal, wherein the D02S derivatives having the following structure: wherein R1′, R2′ are each independently —OH or —O-alkyl; R1 is a hydrogen, a linker, or a ligand; R3 is a linker and/or a ligand; and n is an integer from 1 to 10; the linker is an amino acid, a peptide, an amino alcohol, a polyethylylene glycol, an alkyl, an alkenyl, an alkynyl, an azide, an aromatic compound, a carboxylic acid, or an ester, the alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl is optionally substituted with an alkyl, a halogen, a nitro group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, or a carboxyl group; the ligand is a GLUT1 targeting moiety. |
| US09549999B2 |
Radiopharmaceutical composition
The present invention provides a 99mTc-tetrofosmin radiopharmaceutical composition comprising tetrofosmin and a radioprotectant at a particular range of molar ratios. A kit and a multi-dose kit for the preparation of the radiopharmaceutical composition of the invention are also provided, as well as a process for the preparation of multiple unit patient doses of the radiopharmaceutical composition and a unit dose of the radiopharmaceutical composition. |
| US09549995B2 |
Efficient synthesis of ethylenedicysteine-sugar conjugates for imaging and therapy
Novel methods of synthesis of ethylenedicysteine-sugar conjugates and therapeutic and diagnostic applications of such conjugates are disclosed. Methods of synthesizing these conjugates in high purity are also presented as using starting materials such as thiazolidine carboxylic acid. Also disclosed are methods of imaging, treating and diagnosing disease in a subject using these conjugates prepared herein, such as methods of imaging a tumor within a subject and methods of diagnosing myocardial ischemia. |
| US09549993B2 |
Specific delivery of toxins conjugated with antibodies to activate matripase
Disclosed are antibody drug conjugates (ADC) that include highly potent toxic agents with specific antibodies to target tumors. Also disclosed are related antibodies, polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, compositions, and uses. |
| US09549992B2 |
Folate receptor binding conjugates of antifolates
Conjugates of antifolates, releasable linkers, and drugs, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are described. The conjugates are useful for treating diseases arising from pathogenic cell populations. Methods for treating such diseases are also described. |
| US09549990B2 |
Derivatisation of erythropoietin (EPO)
The present invention relates to a compound which is a polysaccharide derivative of EPO, or of an EPO like protein, wherein the polysaccharide is anionic and comprises between 2 and 200 saccharide units. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds, and methods for making the novel compounds. |
| US09549987B2 |
Glucose responsive hydrogel comprising PBA-grafted hyaluronic acid (HA)
Polymer composition comprising a mixture of PBA modified HA polymer grafted on at least a hydroxyl with a group comprising phenylboronic acid and Cis-diol modified HA polymer grafted on at least a hydroxyl with a group comprising a cis-diol. Injectable or implantable glucose-sensitive hydrogels comprising a this polymer composition. |
| US09549985B2 |
Compositions comprising polymers prepared from 2-hydroxyalkyl acids
Described herein are compositions comprising polymers prepared by melt polycondensation of 2-hydroxyalkyl acids. Methods of making and using the compositions are also disclosed. |
| US09549982B2 |
Ultra low dose nutraceutical compositions for enhancing sleep quality and treating sleep disorders
The present technology relates to a dietary supplement, composition, nutraceutical, and/or system for inducing or treating biological responses or conditions (namely sleep or sleep disorders) which utilize ultra-low dosage amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, co-enzymes, stimulants, and/or similar ingredients in a highly bio-active delivery system which bypasses first pass metabolism. In particular, the present technology relates to a nutraceutical composition/formulation which substantially bypasses first pass metabolism and such as, but not limited to, sleep apnea. Methods of using the composition/formulation to elicit enhanced sleep quality, induce short duration sleep and/or treat sleep disorders are also provided. |
| US09549979B2 |
Arabinogalactan for enhancing the adaptive immune response
The present invention discloses a composition containing Arabinogalactan for enhancing the adaptive immune response in subjects to foreign antigen(s) by administering said composition prior, during and after the phase of exposure to said foreign antigen(s). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vaccination kit comprising a composition comprising Arabinogalactan and a vaccine. |
| US09549976B1 |
Affinity selection of Nipah and Hendra virus-related vaccine candidates from a complex random peptide library displayed on bacteriophage virus-like particles
The invention relates to virus-like particles of bacteriophage MS2 (MS2 VLPs) displaying peptide epitopes or peptide mimics of epitopes of Nipah Virus envelope glycoprotein that elicit an immune response against Nipah Virus upon vaccination of humans or animals. Affinity selection on Nipah Virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies using random sequence peptide libraries on MS2 VLPs selected peptides with sequence similarity to peptide sequences found within the envelope glycoprotein of Nipah itself, thus identifying the epitopes the antibodies recognize. The selected peptide sequences themselves are not necessarily identical in all respects to a sequence within Nipah Virus glycoprotein, and therefore may be referred to as epitope mimics VLPs displaying these epitope mimics can serve as vaccine. On the other hand, display of the corresponding wild-type sequence derived from Nipah Virus and corresponding to the epitope mapped by affinity selection, may also be used as a vaccine. |
| US09549975B2 |
Genetically engineered swine influenza virus and uses thereof
The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated swine influenza viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated swine influenza viruses having modifications to a swine NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. These viruses replicate in vivo, but demonstrate decreased replication, virulence and increased attenuation, and therefore are well suited for use in live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations. |
| US09549974B2 |
Method for selecting and producing vaccine components and vaccines based thereon
The invention relates to the field of vaccines against microbial infections and especially bacterial vaccines, in particular to pneumococcal vaccines. More in particular, the invention relates to means and methods to identify, select and isolate a vaccine component for passive and/or active immunization against a microorganism that can be killed by opsonophagocytic cells. The invention relates to a method to identify an opsonophagocytosis inducing antigen as a vaccine component for immunization against a microorganism. The invention describes three pneumococcal proteins SlrA, IgA1 proteinase, and PsaA, and their use as a vaccine component with or without PpmA. The invention also discloses the use of antibodies against said proteins for passive immunization and diagnosis. |
| US09549970B2 |
Methods for producing yeast-based vaccines
The invention provides methods for culturing yeast at a neutral pH level. Yeast cultured under neutral pH conditions exhibit desirable characteristics useful for biological purposes, such as the development of vaccines, prophylactics and therapeutics. The invention also provides for compositions and kits comprising yeast grown using the methodologies disclosed herein. |
| US09549969B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods
Pharmaceutical compositions and kits including a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor; melanin, a melanin promoter, or a combination thereof; a p450 3A4 promoter; and a leucine aminopeptidase inhibitor are provided. Also provided are methods of treating cancer in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, a melanin promoter, a p450 3A4 promoter, and a leucine aminopeptidase inhibitor to the subject in need thereof. Also provided are methods of reducing cell proliferation in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, a melanin promoter, a p450 3A4 promoter, and a leucine aminopeptidase inhibitor to the subject in need thereof. |
| US09549967B2 |
Regulation of sodium channels by PLUNC proteins
The present invention relates to the ability of PLUNC proteins, such as SPLUNC1 and SPLUNC2, to bind to sodium channels and inhibit activation of the sodium channels. The invention further relates to methods for regulating of sodium absorption and fluid volume and treating disorders responsive to modulating sodium absorption by modulating the binding of PLUNC proteins to sodium channels. |
| US09549964B2 |
Diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of kidney disease
The present invention relates to the discovery that an increased fraction of albumin is carbamylated in patients suffering from kidney disease (e.g., end-stage renal disease) and that the fraction of carbamylated albumin is also correlated with increased disease severity, particularly risk of mortality. The present invention also relates to the discovery that free amino acids can reduce carbamylation of albumin. Based on these discoveries the present invention provides diagnostic and prognostic methods for patients suffering from, or suspected of suffering from kidney disease. The invention also provides methods for treating kidney disease by administration of a compound or composition that reduced protein carbamylation, such as free amino acids or dipeptides. |
| US09549963B2 |
Methods and compositions for preventing or treating ophthalmic conditions
The disclosure generally describes methods of preventing or treating ophthalmic diseases or conditions in a mammalian subject, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, retinal degeneration, and oxygen-induced retinopathy. The methods comprise administering an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to subjects in need thereof. |
| US09549962B2 |
Radiopaque injectable nucleus hydrogel compositions
A composition suitable for use as replacement material for all or part of a disc nucleus during percutaneous injection, the composition comprising: an injectable, curable, cross-linkable, non-immunogenic non-toxic protein hydrogel that (i) the protein component of the protein hydrogel contains at least one crosslinkable amino acid (ii) has a static compressive modulus of at least about 10 kPa, and (iii) has a dynamic compressive modulus of at least about 10 kPa; an iodinated contrast solution comprising an amount of an iodine compound sufficient to increase radiopacity to a discernable level, wherein the solution causes a decrease in the static and/or dynamic compressive modulus; and an amount of a crosslinker sufficient to restore at least about 100% of the decrease in static and/or dynamic compressive modulus caused by addition of the iodinated contrast solution. |
| US09549961B2 |
Composition for preventing or treating liver toxicity comprising Galgeuntang or lactic acid bacteria fermented Galgeuntang
The present invention relates to lactic acid fermented Galgeuntang, and a composition comprising the said lactic acid bacteria fermented Galgeuntang or Galgeuntang as an active ingredient, more particularly, to lactic acid fermented Galgeuntang prepared by the steps of inoculating lactic acid bacteria to Galgeuntang, culturing thereof, and fermenting thereof, and a composition for preventing or treating liver toxicity comprising the said fermented Galgeuntang or Galgeuntang. The composition of the present invention has treatment effect on liver toxicity, so that it can be effectively used as a liver function recovering agent or health food for liver function recovery. |
| US09549949B2 |
Antiviral agent
An antiviral agent that contains as an active ingredient a particle of at least one kind of iodide composed of iodine and an element shown in Period 4 to Period 6 and Group 8 to Group 15 of a periodic table or at least one kind of monovalent copper compound. The antiviral agent can be incorporated into a variety of products. The antiviral agent can inactivate a wide range of viruses. The antiviral agent can be designed at a higher degree of freedom in terms of its constituents as compared to conventional antiviral agents. In addition, the antiviral agent can readily exhibit and maintain its antiviral activity because it does not require any pretreatments or special washing processes. |
| US09549948B2 |
Pure nano calcium powder and method
The invention relates to acid neutralizer technology, specifically involving a pure nano calcium powder and its preparation method, the nano calcium powder purity include the weight of the raw material: 3-7 parts pearl, 8-12 parts mother of pearl, 2-3 parts red coral, 20-30 parts oyster shell, clam shell 35-55 parts, Giant Clam 5-10 parts, pangolin shell 1-3 and 1-7 parts “ore” defined as limestone, cold water stone, and goose pipe rock. The preparation methods include cleaning, primary grinding, heat decomposition, rules grinding, nano grinding and mixing. Nano calcium pure powder of the present invention relates to the specific natural raw materials, and strict control of the nano calcium powder purity can provide human body absorption rates over 99%. The preparation method of the invention process is simple, convenient operation and control, stable quality, high yield, can be large-scale industrial production. |
| US09549947B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions for treating hyperkalemia
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods of removing potassium or treating hyperkalemia by administering pharmaceutical compositions of cation exchange polymers with low crosslinking for improved potassium excretion and for beneficial physical properties to increase patient compliance. |
| US09549943B2 |
A3 adenosine receptor ligands for use in treatment of a sexual dysfunction
The present disclosure provides an A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) ligand for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. In some embodiments the A3AR ligand is selected from an A3AR agonist and A3AR allosteric enhancer. The present disclosure also provides a method a method and pharmaceutical composition for treating a sexual dysfunction, the method comprises administering to a subject having the sexual dysfunction an amount of an A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) ligand. In some embodiments, the A3AR ligand is an A3AR agonist and more specifically, IB-MECA. |
| US09549941B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating hepatitis C virus
Disclosed herein are a composition and unit dosage form for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection comprising GS-7977 and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, as well as methods for making said composition and unit dosage form. Also disclosed herein is a method of treating a subject, preferably a human, infected with hepatitis C virus, said method comprising administering to the subject for a time period an effective amount of GS-7977 and an effective amount of ribavirin. In one aspect, the method comprises administering to the subject an interferon-free treatment regimen comprising an effective amount of GS-7977 and an effective amount of ribavirin. In a particular aspect, the method is sufficient to produce an undetectable amount of HCV RNA in the subject for at least 12 weeks after the end of the time period. |
| US09549938B2 |
Boron-containing small molecules
This invention relates to compounds useful for treating fungal infections, more specifically topical treatment of onychomycosis and/or cutaneous fungal infections. This invention is directed to compounds that are active against fungi and have properties that allow the compound, when placed in contact with a patient, to reach the particular part of the skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof infected by the fungus. In particular the present compounds have physiochemical properties that facilitate penetration of the nail plate. |
| US09549929B2 |
Pyrrolo[2,3-D]pyrimidine derivatives
Described herein are pyrrolo{2,3-d}pyrimidine derivatives, their use as Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. |
| US09549928B2 |
Muscarinic agonists as enhancers of cognitive flexibility
Methods and compositions for treating a mental condition in a subject in need thereof, includes administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a CDD-102A compound [5-(3-ethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine], or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof. |
| US09549925B2 |
Lipid-based compositions of antiinfectives for treating pulmonary infections and methods of use thereof
A system for treating or providing prophylaxus against a pulmonary infection is disclosed comprising: a) a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a mixture of free antiinfective and antiinfective encapsulated in a lipid-based composition, and b) an inhalation delivery device. A method for providing prophylaxis against a pulmonary infection in a patient and a method of reducing the loss of antiinfective encapsulated in a lipid-based composition upon nebulization comprising administering an aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation comprising a mixture of free antiinfective and antiinfective encapsulated in a lipid-based composition is also disclosed. |
| US09549924B2 |
Use of buprenorphine dimer in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain
The present invention provides method and compositions for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain by administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a buprenorphine dimer compound, wherein the two buprenorphine portions are linked via an ethylene spacer, and wherein the spacer is bonded to the two opioid molecules via an ether bond. Preferably, the active agent is provided in the form of an injectable depot. |
| US09549923B2 |
Benzoic acid, benzoic acid derivatives and heteroaryl carboxylic acid conjugates of hydrocodone, prodrugs, methods of making and uses thereof
The presently described technology provides compositions comprising aryl carboxylic acids chemically conjugated to hydrocodone (morphinan-6-one, 4,5-alpha-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl) to form novel prodrugs/compositions of hydrocodone, including benzoates and heteroaryl carboxylic acids, which have a decreased potential for abuse of hydrocodone. The present technology also provides methods of treating patients, pharmaceutical kits and methods of synthesizing conjugates of the present technology. |
| US09549922B2 |
Use of eribulin and lenvatinib as combination therapy for treatment of cancer
The invention provides methods and compositions for use in treating diseases associated with excessive cellular proliferation, such as cancer. |
| US09549913B2 |
Treatment of circadian rhythm disorders
Embodiments of the invention relate to the use of a melatonin agonist in the treatment of free running circadian rhythms in patients, including light perception impaired patients, e.g., blind patients, and to methods of measuring circadian rhythm. |
| US09549912B2 |
Methods for treating atrial fibrillation
The subject invention provides methods for reducing stroke rate, methods for preventing atrial remodeling, and methods for reversing atrial remodeling by administering budiodarone to reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) episode duration and an anticoagulant (AC). According to some methods of the invention, the average AF episode duration can be reduced to less than about 24, 5, 3 or 1 hour(s), and the maximum AF episode duration may be reduced to less than about 20, 10 or 5 hours. According to some methods of the invention, the reduced stroke rate upon administration of budiodarone and AC is less than the age-adjusted overall stroke rate. Further, some methods provide that patients who were refractory to one or more anti-arrhythmic drugs prior to administration of budiodarone may also be treated. Some methods provide for prevention of atrial remodeling and others provide for the reversal of atrial remodeling, including methods to quantify the reversal of atrial remodeling. In some methods of the invention, budiodarone is administered 400 mg BID or more preferably 600 mg BID. |
| US09549899B2 |
Abuse deterrent pharmaceutical compositions for controlled release
The present disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions that are abuse resistant and may also provide controlled release. The present disclosure also relates to the use of pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment of pain. |
| US09549898B2 |
Oil and liquid silicone foamable carriers and formulations
A waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition suitable for external administration is disclosed. The composition includes a foamable carrier least one liquefied or compressed gas propellant. The foamable carrier includes at least one liquid oil; at least one silicone and at least one least one stabilizing agent; wherein the stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of about 0.01% to about 25% by weight of at least one surface-active agent alone or on combination with a foam adjuvant; and about 0% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric agent alone or on combination with a foam adjuvant; and mixtures thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising active agents, methods for their preparation, propellants suitable for use with the carriers and uses thereof are further described. |
| US09549896B2 |
Bioerodible patch comprising a polyaphron dispersion
A bioerodible patch comprising at least one bioadhesive layer and at least one non-bioadhesive layer, wherein the bioadhesive layer comprises at least one polyaphron dispersion and at least one bioadhesive polymer, and wherein the polyaphron dispersion comprises at least one pharmaceutically active agent. |
| US09549887B2 |
Oral compositions containing polyorganosilsesquioxane particles
Oral compositions containing a polyorganosilsesquioxane particle, preferably polymethylsilsesquioxane particles, a fluoride ion source, and an orally-acceptable carrier. Method of using such compositions for the cleaning and polishing of dental enamel, such methods including the step of applying such oral care compositions to the teeth of a user. |
| US09549885B2 |
Scalp care composition
A scalp care composition directed to a scalp care composition comprising from about 0.05% to about 5% of an anti-dandruff active, from about 0.1% to about 25% of one or more organic solvents, from about 1% to about 99% of a volatile carrier wherein the anti-dandruff active is soluble in the scalp care composition. |
| US09549884B2 |
Retinoid derivatives and process for their preparation
Novel retinoic acid derivatives and a process for their preparation are described. |
| US09549881B2 |
Stabilized dental impression composition, kit of parts and use thereof
The invention is related to a dental impression composition which is curable at a temperature below about 50 C, the composition comprising: (A) a curable organopolysiloxane polymer as component (A), (B) a crosslinker compound capable of cross-linking said organopolysiloxane polymer as component (B), (C) a catalyst as component (C) capable of catalyzing a crosslinking reaction of component (A) and component (B), (D) a hydrophilizing agent as component (D), (E) a filler as component (E), (F1) a stabilizer as component (F1) selected from compounds comprising a phosphite moiety and mixtures thereof, (F2) a stabilizer as component (F2) selected from antioxidants and mixtures thereof, the composition being present in the form of a base paste and a catalyst paste physically separated from another, the base paste comprising components (A), (B), (D), (E), (F1), (F2), the catalyst paste comprising components (A), (C), (E). |
| US09549879B2 |
Powder-liquid dental curable material kit
A powder-liquid dental curable material kit composed of (A) a liquid material and (B) a powder material, wherein the liquid material (A) contains (a1) a radically polymerizable (meth)acrylic monomer, (a2) an organic halogen compound and (a3) a radical chain transfer agent; the powder material (B) contains (b1) non-crosslinked resin particles, (b2) a pyrimidinetrione compound and (b3) an organic metal compound; and (Z) a peroxide is blended in at least one of the liquid material (A) and the powder material (B). This curable material kit is capable of reducing the heat generation during the curing of a curable material which is a mixture of the liquid material (A) and the powder material (B) and is not susceptible to the excessive prolongation of the curing time even when the curable material is cured by a brush-on technique, thereby ensuring an appropriate curing time for both of a brush-on technique and a kneading technique. |
| US09549878B2 |
Nanoparticle-containing irrigation solution for endodontics
A set of a first and a second preparation are intended to be mixed before or during an endodontic treatment to form an endodontic irrigation solution. The first preparation includes an oxidizing agent. The second preparation includes antibacterial nanoparticles treated to slow their oxidation by the oxidizing agent. The antibacterial nanoparticles are, for example, encapsulated in shells in a hybrid core-shell structure. In one variation, the antibacterial nanoparticles are made from an alloy of at least two elements, one of the elements being more resistant to oxidation than the other. |
| US09549873B2 |
Adaptor for coupling to a medical container
An adaptor for coupling with a medical container, including: a tubular body receiving a pierceable elastomeric piece, defining an inner cavity of the adaptor, the pierceable elastomeric piece being movable within the tubular body between a first position, in which a distal part of the pierceable elastomeric piece forms a seal of the cavity, and a second position, proximally spaced from the first position, in which the distal part opens the seal of the cavity, an air inlet, a filtering system for filling the inner cavity with decontaminated air, and a gripping member for securing the adaptor to the medical container. Also, an assembly comprising such an adaptor and a medical container. |
| US09549872B2 |
Chronic electroaccupuncture using implanted electrodes
Certain embodiments are directed to methods of treating a metabolic disease in a subject using a fully implantable electrical stimulation system to provide or administer a therapy. In certain aspects a stimulation lead is implanted proximally to a stomach acupoint, the stimulation lead being coupled to an implantable signal generator; and stimulating the acupoints using the signal generator to treat the metabolic disease. |
| US09549869B2 |
Wearable thorax percussion device
A wearable thorax percussion device for dislodging mucous buildup in the airways of a human patient, the device comprising frame elements and electromechanical actuators retained by the frame elements to intermittently percuss the thorax, and an electronic controller and power source for generating and modulating an electrical signal to energize the actuator. The frame elements may be interconnected by a garment, or fasteners and elastic or adjustable strapping. |
| US09549867B1 |
Sequential compression device for treatment and prophylaxis of deep vein thromboses
The sequential compression device for treatment and prophylaxis of deep vein thromboses includes a compression sock having a plurality of electromechanical units positioned along the calf muscle of a user's leg. Each of the electromechanical units includes a front housing component and a back housing component. The front housing component of the unit includes a compressor piston positioned in communicating relation with the user's calf muscle and the back housing component of the unit includes a magnet and a copper coil. The magnet is positioned in communicating relation with the compressor piston of the front housing component. Upon activation, the compressor piston selectively compresses the small saphenous vein to simulate the effect of the calf muscle during walking and promote the flow of blood back to the user's heart. |
| US09549866B2 |
Rehabilitative training devices for use by stroke patients
According to one embodiment, a rehabilitative training device for use with a stroke patient includes a first component that is operatively coupled to a first body part (unaffected body part) of the patient and a second component that is operatively coupled to a second body part (affected body part) of the patient. The first component and second component are operatively coupled to one another such that motion of the first component as a result of movement of the first body part by the user causes the second component and second body part to move in a symmetrical motion. |
| US09549863B2 |
Surgical table with pivoting and translating hinge
A surgical table including a patient support structure and a base assembly including a first and a second support column supporting respective ends of the patient support structure. The patient support structure including a head end section and a foot end section, the head end section coupled at a pair of outer ends to the first support column, the foot end section coupled at a pair of outer ends to the second support column, the head and foot end sections each comprising a pair of inner ends that are pivotally and slidingly coupled together at an inward articulation, each of the inner ends of the head end section comprise a slot at the inward articulation, each of the inner ends of the foot end section are coupled with the respective slot via a hinge pin that engages the slot, the hinge pin configured to pivot and slide within the slot. |
| US09549860B2 |
Dental isolator
A dental isolator in the form of a U-shaped absorbent member having a first portion and a second portion disposed on either side of a third central portion and a retainment member, which retainment member transversely engages both the first portion and the second portion of the absorbent member, the retainment member being adapted to fit between adjacent teeth of a dental patient, the first portion of the U-shaped absorbent member being adapted to be disposed on the internal side of the teeth of a dental patient between the teeth and the tongue of the patient, the second portion of the U-shaped absorbent member to be disposed between the cheek and the mucobuccal fold of the patient with the central portion of the U-shaped absorbent member surrounding a rear tooth of the patient, the distal end of the second portion of the U-shaped absorbent member being tapered. |
| US09549859B2 |
Method of incorporating leg elastics in a pant-like disposable absorbent garment, and garment made thereby
A pant-like garment having an elastomeric film laminate front panel and back panel. A front leg elastic member disposed adjacent the front panel leg edge. A back leg elastic member disposed adjacent the back panel leg edge. The absorbent garment having a leg elastic covering panel which extends between and interconnects the front panel to the back panel such that the front leg elastic member is sandwiched between the leg elastic covering panel and the front panel and such that the back leg elastic member is sandwiched between the leg elastic covering panel and the back panel. The length of the leg elastic covering panel is less than the garment length. An absorbent composite is attached to the leg elastic covering panel and a pair of side seams connects the front region to the back region to define a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. |
| US09549856B2 |
Modular, reduced-pressure, wound-closure systems and methods
A modular, reduced-pressure, wound-closure system for providing a closing force on a surface would includes a flexible strap operable to be formed into a closed loop inbound and around the surface wound and a plurality of modular closing members coupled to the flexible strap. A reduced-pressure source is fluidly coupled to the plurality of modular closing members. The modular closing members are operable to generate a closing force on the surface wound. A portion of the modular closing members are releasably attached to the patient's epidermis proximate the surface wound and another portion are attached to the flexible strap. A reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source is delivered to each modular closing member to generate the closing force on the surface wound. Methods and other systems are presented. |
| US09549851B2 |
Surgical hand piece with integrated pressure sensor
A surgical hand piece comprises a shell, a channel having an irrigation conduit, and a sensor housing. The channel is coupled to the shell such that the proximal end of the channel is located at the proximal end of the shell and the distal end of the channel is located near the distal end of the shell. The sensor housing has an irrigation path extending through it. The sensor housing has a seal interface on one end. The seal interface end of the sensor housing is coupled to the proximal end of the channel such that the irrigation conduit of the channel is fluidly coupled to the irrigation path of the sensor housing. |
| US09549849B2 |
Systems and methods for reinjection of processed vitreous humor
A system for the removal of vitreous humor and other fluids from an eye and the reinjection of filtered vitreous humor into the eye is provided. The system comprises a hollow removal device, a filter, and an infusion device. The removal device includes an element configured to cut the vitreous humor and is configured to aspirate the vitreous humor from the eye. The filter is configured to create a filtered form of vitreous humor by separating the vitreous humor from undesired components in the vitreous humor. The infusion device is fluidly coupled to the filter and is configured to return the filtered form of vitreous humor into the eye. |
| US09549846B2 |
Drug delivery devices and methods
This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in treating eye conditions with implantable drug delivery devices. One method includes introducing an implant into the suprachoroidal space, wherein the interior volume of the implant is plugged with a drug-release material comprising at least one active agent that elutes through at least one opening in the implant, wherein the drug-release material degrades from the interior volume of the implant over a period time. |
| US09549845B2 |
Ocular implant applier and methods of use
Described herein is a delivery device and methods for delivering an ocular implant into an eye. The delivery device includes a proximal handle portion; a distal delivery portion coupled to a distal end of the handle portion and configured to releasably hold an ocular implant and includes a sheath positioned axially over a guidewire; and a metering system configured to provide visual guidance regarding depth of advancement of an implant positioned on the guidewire into an anatomic region of the eye. Also disclosed is a device and method for loading an implant onto the delivery device. |
| US09549843B2 |
Production of well-mixed surgical slush
Creation of surgical slush having desirable mechanical properties by chilling a closed slush container with liquid saline and an air gap. The closed slush container having interior surfaces that are smooth and hydrophobic to resist adherence of ice crystals. Moving the closed slush container so the contents move in a complex set of motions rather than constant rotation around a longitudinal centerline of the slush container as the liquid saline is converted into surgical slush with a mixture of liquid saline and ice crystals. Interior surfaces of the closed slush container move into and out of an air gap to help shed any ice crystals forming on the interior surfaces. In some instances, as the orientation of the closed slush container relative to gravity changes over time, different interior surfaces shed the ice crystals. An optional method for delivering surgical slush to the sterile field is included. The full range of the disclosure exceeds the scope of this brief abstract. |
| US09549840B2 |
Ostomy appliance with a release liner having a predefined folding line
An ostomy appliance for attachment to the stoma body comprising an adhesive wafer and a collecting pouch attachable to an adhesive wafer, the wafer comprises a backing layer and a skin-facing adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive skin-facing surface of the wafer is provided with a release liner covering the skin-facing surface of the adhesive layer, the release liner comprising at least a first part and a second part, the first and the second part being interconnected along a predefined folding line and wherein both the first and the second part of the release liner is in contact with the adhesive. The construction facilitates stepwise application. |
| US09549839B2 |
Ostomy bag with a filter construction
An ostomy appliance comprising a pouch and a filter construction is provided. The filter construction has a first and second foil layer to provide an enclosure for the elements in the filter construction. The filter construction is attached inside the pouch so that the filter construction is free-hanging inside the pouch. The two foil layers may be generally parallel with the walls of the ostomy bag. The foil layers are provided with numerous holes functioning as gas-inlets for the filter construction. The filter construction includes a pre-filter element and a deodorizing filter. A method for collecting discharge as well as an ostomy appliance is provided. A method for reducing the number of balloonings and an ostomy appliance for reducing the number of balloonings is also provided. A method of increasing the time to ballooning as well as an ostomy appliance for increasing the time to ballooning is also provided. |
| US09549832B2 |
Apparatus and methods for filling a drug eluting medical device via capillary action
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling a therapeutic substance or drug within a hollow wire that forms a stent. The stent is placed within a chamber housing a fluid drug formulation. During filling, the chamber is maintained at or near the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the solvent of the fluid drug formulation. To fill the stent, a portion of the stent is placed into contact with the fluid drug formulation until a lumenal space defined by the hollow wire is filled with the fluid drug formulation via capillary action. After filling is complete, the stent is retracted such that the stent is no longer in contact with the fluid drug formulation. The solvent vapor pressure within the chamber is reduced to evaporate a solvent of the fluid drug formulation. A wicking means may control transfer of the fluid drug formulation into the stent. |
| US09549829B2 |
PTFE layers and methods of manufacturing
Single, continuous PTFE layers having lateral zones of varied characteristics are described. Some of the lateral zone embodiments may include PTFE material having little or no nodal and fibril microstructure. Methods of manufacturing PTFE layers allow for controllable permeability and porosity of the layers, in addition to other characteristics. The characteristics may vary from one lateral zone of a PTFE layer to a second lateral zone of a PTFE layer. In some embodiments, the PTFE layers may act as a barrier layer in an endovascular graft or other medical device. |
| US09549827B2 |
Ankle-foot prosthesis for automatic adaptation to sloped walking surfaces
An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings. |
| US09549818B2 |
Pneumatically power-assisted tavi delivery system
A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve may include an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The handle may include a housing, a piston cylinder, a piston longitudinally slidable within the piston cylinder, the piston and the piston cylinder together defining at least one pressure chamber, a deployment actuator coupled to the housing and rotatable relative thereto, and a pneumatic switch adapted to provide a pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber to apply a longitudinal force to the piston. The catheter assembly may include a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being operatively connected to the housing, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the piston, the distal sheath being moveable between a closed condition covering the compartment and an open condition uncovering the compartment. Longitudinal movement of the piston may move the distal sheath between the closed and open conditions. |
| US09549814B2 |
Valve component, frame component and prosthetic valve device including the same for implantation in a body lumen
Described herein is a prosthetic valve device having an optimized valve component for durability and functionality of the collapsible leaflets. Specially designed commissures contribute to the optimization along with identified parameters. In other embodiments, the invention is a frame formed from a unique cutting pattern. |
| US09549812B2 |
Breast prostheses, methods of manufacturing breast prostheses, and methods of treatment using breast prostheses
Improved breast prostheses, methods of making breast prostheses, and methods of treatment using such breast prostheses are described. |
| US09549811B2 |
Double bundle ACL repair
A system for single tunnel, double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction includes implant constructs and instruments. The implant constructs provide a combination of cortical fixation and bone tunnel aperture fixation. The implant constructs separate a graft into distinct bundles. The instruments are used to prepare shaped bone tunnels to receive the implant constructs and graft bundles. Methods for reconstructing the antero-medial and postero-lateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament may rely on single femoral and tibial tunnels and a single strand of graft. |
| US09549802B2 |
Female urinary incontinence device
A device is provided for applying pressure on a vaginal wall of a female subject, said device being configured for insertion into a vaginal cavity of said female subject. The device includes a first deformable element, a second deformable element and a transmission element. The first deformable element has a resting-state and at least one deformed state and is configured for undergoing deformation in response to an inner body pressure. When in the resting state, the first deformable element is configured to anchor the device inside the vaginal cavity. The second deformable element has a resting-state and at least one deformed state, and is configured for undergoing deformation to apply a second pressure on the vaginal wall, such second pressure being operable to narrow a urethral portion the female subject. The transmission element has a first end connected to the first deformable element and a second end connected to the second deformable element, and is configured for converting the deformation of the first deformable element to a deformation of the second deformable element, and for returning the first and second deformable elements to their respective resting states. |
| US09549800B2 |
Implantable devices for the treatment of incontinence and methods of using same
An implantable device includes a body member having a bottom side that is parallel to a top side; a pair of legs extending from the bottom side of the body member; and a pair of arms extending from the body member perpendicular to the pair of legs and a second arm extending from the body member perpendicular to the pair of legs. |
| US09549796B2 |
Dental aspiration device and method of use
A dental aspiration device including an inside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; an outside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; at least one of the interior surfaces of the inside housing and the outside housing including vacuum channels; a hinge connection mechanism hingeably connecting the proximal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing; and a locking mechanism for removably attaching the distal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing to each other. |
| US09549795B2 |
Saliva management system with continuous flow through oral device
Systems for maintaining a vacuum in a patient's oral cavity comprises an oral device, a vacuum control system, and an assembly including first and second tubes for connecting the vacuum control system to the oral device. The oral device has an internal plenum, and a vacuum is drawn in the plenum by a vacuum pump connected by a first tube of the tubular assembly. The vacuum is maintained by an air source which is connected to the plenum by the second tube of the tubular assembly. By maintaining a constant circulating air bleed through the oral device and the connecting tubes, saliva may be removed from the system and collected in a saliva trap located before the vacuum pump. |
| US09549792B2 |
Dental implant
The present invention relates to a connection between a post part provided for being screwed into the jawbone and an associated superstructure part to which a dental prosthesis can be fastened. The connection between the post part and the superstructure part has a rotational self-centering action, wherein at least one of the surfaces provided for this purpose has a friction-minimizing modification and/or coating. |
| US09549791B2 |
Implant body, method of manufacture of same, and dental implant
To obtain improved bio-affinity and high bone attachment in an implant body, a method of manufacture for the implant body, and a dental implant. The implant body is fixed in a contact configuration to bone, and includes the base material formed from zirconia, and a surface layer formed on the surface of the base material and having a lower hardness than the base material. Therefore, in addition to having superior mechanical strength due to the zirconia base material, the soft and flexible surface layer functions as a buffer layer to mitigate the difference in the degree of hardness between the bone and the base material, and therefore the soft surface further improves the bone adhesion characteristics. |
| US09549788B2 |
Occlusion mapping using elastic foam modeling
A method for generating a mapping of dental occlusion generates a three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth (1a, 1b) according to acquired image data. The maxillary and mandibular arches are positioned in opposition in the generated model of the patient's teeth and a meal model (50) generated having characteristics of a foam material. A pressure field distribution for the generated meal model is calculated for one or more pairs of opposed teeth (1a, 1b) from the generated three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth. The calculated pressure field distribution (54) can be displayed. |
| US09549787B2 |
Mixing and application capsule for producing a dental preparation
A mixing and application capsule for producing a dental preparation is described. The mixing and application capsule can have a capsule body with a mixing space for receiving a mixture component and for mixing the dental preparation from the mixture component and a fluid and with an outlet orifice for expelling the dental preparation, a cavity for receiving the fluid, a piston body that is movable in the capsule body, and delimits the mixing space in the capsule body and has a channel for conveying the fluid from the cavity into the mixing space. The piston body includes wholly or partly of two or a plurality of dissimilar materials, comprising at least one soft component and at least one hard component. |
| US09549785B2 |
Method of manufacturing guide stent of dental implant
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a guide stent of a dental implant. The method includes a first step of obtaining a three-dimensional image of periodontal tissue in a mouth of a patient through an CT scan and a three-dimensional exterior image corresponding to the three-dimensional image through an oral scan; a second step of matching the three-dimensional image and the three-dimensional exterior image through a difference amp which overlaps the three-dimensional image and the three-dimensional exterior image and outputs a matching degree between the images, and obtaining a three-dimensional procedure guide image; and a third step of manufacturing a stent body having a through hole corresponding to a preset implant implantation position according to the obtained three-dimensional procedure guide image. |
| US09549782B2 |
Preoperatively planning an arthroplasty procedure and generating a corresponding patient specific arthroplasty resection guide
A method of manufacturing an arthroplasty jig is disclosed herein. The method may include the following: generate two dimensional image data of a patient joint to undergo arthroplasty, identify in the two dimensional image data a first point corresponding to an articular surface of a bone forming the joint, identify a second point corresponding to an articular surface of an implant, identify a location of a resection plane when the first point is correlated with the second point, and create the arthroplasty jig with a resection guide located according to the identified location of the resection plane. |
| US09549780B2 |
Steerable laser probe
A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation lever of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of the actuation lever may gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation lever may gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. |
| US09549778B2 |
Adjustable tuning of a dielectrically loaded loop antenna
A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends. The antenna assembly also includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor each disposed within the elongated member and extending along the longitudinal axis. A portion of the inner conductor is deployable relative to the outer conductor such that the antenna assembly may transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. The antenna assembly also includes an expandable sheath at least partially disposed about a distal portion of the inner conductor and defining at one or more lumens configured to couple to a supply of dielectric material used to regulate the expansion of the expandable sheath. |
| US09549777B2 |
Irrigated ablation electrode assembly and method for control of temperature
Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface. The distal member includes an electrode. The external surface of the proximal member and the external surface of the distal member meet at an intersection. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet toward a region adjacent the intersection. |
| US09549775B2 |
In-line vessel sealer and divider
An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft including a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly disposed in the housing which moves the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A pair of handles is operatively connected to the drive assembly and the handles are movable relative to the housing to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy for treating tissue. The forceps also includes a first switch disposed on the housing which is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to at least one jaw member for treating tissue in a monopolar fashion. A second switch is disposed on the housing and is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to one jaw member and selectively deliver energy of a second electrical potential to the other jaw member for treating tissue in a bipolar fashion. |
| US09549774B2 |
System and method of controlling power delivery to a surgical instrument
A thermal surgical instrument having a system to control the delivery of power from an energy source to active element located on a tip. The system for controlling delivery to the tip may include a control algorithm which uses one or more measurements, such as tip current, SWR, and rapid changes in reflected power, to manage power without affecting cutting efficacy, and in a manner that may be imperceptible by a surgeon. The system may utilize a state machine to determine the current environment in which the tip may be in. Power delivered to the tip may be selectively managed according to a fixed power index or a repeatedly executed power profile. |
| US09549771B1 |
Fingerstall-cannulated guide for fast and accurate guide wire positioning
The present invention provides a fingerstall-cannulated guide device for accurate and efficient guide wire placement for antegrade femoral nailing systems. The said device comprises a fingerstall with a cannulated guide connected with or without a threaded guide wire. Using this device, surgeons can determine the entry point for the guide wire fast and accurately by tactile hand-eye coordination. After correct entry point is obtained, the guide wire is advanced and the fingerstall-cannulated guide can be easily detached. The device and method can accomplish the following: (1) reduction of the surgery time; (2) reduction of the radiation exposure times, and (3) reduction of the soft tissue damage during surgery. The device is also beneficial for use in fastening together any or all portions of bone surrounding a fracture site. |
| US09549769B2 |
Flexible depth probe
An instrument includes a flexible shaft portion and a hook portion. The flexible shaft portion has a proximal end and a distal end and includes markings along an outer surface of the shaft portion. The hook portion is located at the distal end of the shaft portion. The shaft portion and the hook portion define a lumen that terminates in an opening at the hook portion. |
| US09549762B2 |
Prevention of re-use of a medical device
A disposable medical device is especially an articulation for the relative positioning of fixation bars or of pins of an external fixator, having at least a clamping means to be introduced into the medical device, the clamping means comprises an element that alters its appearance when being heated over a threshold temperature, thus giving optical or mechanical information that the device should not be used a second time. |
| US09549753B2 |
Fluid jet cell harvester and cellular delivery system
An ultrasonically pulsating high-pressure fluid jet coupled with a suction system serve as a tissue harvesting device. The pulsated fluid jet disrupts tissue, permitting both harvesting of cells for therapeutic delivery, and as a surgical dissector and aspirator, for liposuction, soft tissue dissection, etc. The jet is delivered to the target tissue through a cannula, coupled to an aspiration system. An ultrasonically actuated rod vibrates within the cannula engaging a nozzle, disrupting the fluid jet into droplets, permitting tuning of the jet to the resonant frequencies and impact pressures necessary to dissociate the target tissue. A suction recovery system may be separated or integrally formed with the fluid jet cannula, and is linked by a closed tubing system appropriate for sterilization and subsequent delivery of the harvested cells/tissues with or without growth factor or matrix addition for human re-implantation or for in vitro expansion for later re-implantation. |
| US09549752B2 |
Ultrasonic surgical instrument
The invention relates to an ultrasonic surgical instrument with a support structure (20), and with an ultrasonic transducer (17) suspended on the support structure (20). A sonotrode (16) is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (17). The support structure (20) comprises a jacket portion (24) that extends around an inner space. According to the invention, the ultrasonic transducer (17) is suspended on a retaining ring (21), which is arranged in a continuation of the jacket portion (24) and which is connected to the jacket portion (24) via a connecting section (23). The connecting portion (24) has a plurality of apertures (26, 27) which in total cover the whole circumference of the connecting portion (24). The invention has the advantage that the instrument is uncoupled from the oscillations of the ultrasonic transducer. |
| US09549744B2 |
Spinal probe with tactile force feedback and pedicle breach prediction
A spinal probe comprises a handle, a shaft coupled to the handle and a force sensor to detect forces applied to a tip of the shaft. A controller that executes a predictive algorithm to predict whether or not the tip of the shaft is going to breach a cortex of a pedicle based on the detected forces. The controller may be embedded within the spinal probe or external within a computer or other device coupled to the probe by a data acquisition component. |
| US09549743B2 |
Bone graft harvesting device and method of use
A device is provided to harvest bone grafts. The device generally consists of two pieces: an auger-type drill bit and a guide. The guide may have arms, etc., to keep the guide in place along a bone, and also may have a pivotable drill guide for the drill bit to be inserted. The auger drill bit may include a shoulder that acts as a depth guide to prevent the drill from extending too deep into bone. The device may be used to make multiple passes through a bone using only one drill hole. A method for harvesting bone graft is also provided. |
| US09549739B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and other conditions
Devices, systems and methods for compressing, cutting, incising, reconfiguring, remodeling, attaching, repositioning, supporting, dislocating or altering the composition of tissues or anatomical structures to alter their positional or force relationship to other tissues or anatomical structures. In some applications, the invention may be used to improve patency or fluid flow through a body lumen or cavity (e.g., to limit constriction of the urethra by an enlarged prostate gland). |
| US09549736B2 |
Sutureless wound closure
The present invention resides in a sutureless wound closure device for external use. The device comprises a base layer for fixing the device to skin and an upper layer. The base layer includes an aperture therein. The upper layer has a first end anchored to the base layer and a second, opposite end that includes fixing means to attach the end to the base layer and close the aperture in the base layer. |
| US09549734B2 |
Endoscopic stapling device, related staples, and methods for use
A material-fastening device and related fastener and methods for use, and more particularly, a device with segments of the fastener capable of being independently attached to different sides of a gap in the material. |
| US09549732B2 |
Motor-driven surgical cutting instrument
In various embodiments, a surgical stapler is disclosed. The stapler comprises a handle, a shaft, and a surgical end effector extending from the shaft. The stapler further comprises a firing member configured to move through a plurality of positions during a firing stroke, an electric motor configured to drive the firing member during the firing stroke, and a control system for controlling the electric motor. The control system comprises a battery and a pulse frequency modulation circuit configured to control the frequency of pulses supplied from the battery to the electric motor, wherein the pulse frequency modulation circuit is configured to optimize the speed applied to the firing member. |
| US09549728B2 |
Placing multiple sutures
A suturing instrument for placing multiple sutures include an elongate body engaged to a handle. A suturing head extends from a distal end of the elongate body, and the suturing head is articulable relative to the elongate body. Both a first needle carrier and a second needle carrier are movable into and out of the suturing head. A first actuator allows controlled movement of the first needle carrier, and this first actuator extends from a proximal end of the handle. A second actuator allows controlled movement of the second needle carrier, and this second actuator also extends from the proximal end of the handle. The suturing head can be articulated within a range of about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees, as measured from a longitudinal axis running along the length of the elongate body, and this variable articulation angle of the head allows deployment of the first needle carrier and the second needle carrier at various orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis. |
| US09549726B2 |
Suture anchor with insert-molded rigid member
A threaded suture anchor with an eyelet shield transversely molded at a distal end of the anchor body, over which one or more strands of suture is looped. The anchor body is threaded and has a tapered distal portion. The proximal end portion of the suture anchor body has a polygonally shaped opening to accept a polygonal drive head, preferably hexagonal or square. The peripheral surface defining polygonally shaped opening is rounded and smooth to prevent abrading sutures placed in contact therewith. In another embodiment, a push-in anchor is provided with an eyelet shield at the proximal end of the anchor. |
| US09549723B2 |
Surgical instrumentation and method
A surgical instrument includes a first member having an inner surface and an outer surface. A second member has an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one of the inner surfaces defines at least one mating element and the outer surfaces are engageable with tissue. The members are relatively movable between a first configuration and a second configuration to space the tissue and define an opening between the members. At least one third member defines at least one mating element engageable with the at least one mating element of the inner surface such that the at least one third member is disposed within the opening. Systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US09549722B2 |
Thoracic access port including foldable anchor
A surgical access device includes a body having a first member and a second member relatively movable between open and closed configurations. Each member is positionable within an opening in tissue to provide access to an interior space of a patient. Each member includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a leading end, and a trailing end. The top surfaces are positioned in close cooperative alignment when the first and second members are in the closed configuration. The trailing ends are positioned in close cooperative alignment when the first and second members are in the open configuration. In the open position, the first and second members define a passage therethrough to permit access to the interior space for passage of a surgical instrument therethrough. |
| US09549718B2 |
Tissue-removing catheter for body lumen
A catheter for removing tissue from a body lumen includes a rotatable cutter. The cutter includes an annular cutting tip at the distal end portion of the cutter for removing tissue from the body lumen. An axial cavity is defined by an interior surface of the cutter and extends proximally from the annular cutting tip toward the proximal end portion of the cutter. An eccentric opening extends from the central cavity through the cutter to allow tissue removed from the body lumen by the annular cutting tip to pass proximally through the eccentric opening toward an interior passage of the catheter body. The offset opening is offset from the longitudinal axis of the cutter. |
| US09549713B2 |
Methods, systems, and devices for tissue characterization and quantification using intravascular ultrasound signals
A method of evaluating at least one tissue type includes providing a tissue classifier comprising multiple detector arrays for each of multiple tissue types. Each detector array comprises multiple detectors and each detector comprises multiple tissue type-assigned intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) spectra. For each of the detector arrays, an input IVUS spectrum of the tissue region is compared to the tissue type-assigned IVUS spectra of each of the detectors in the detector array and it is determined whether the input spectrum corresponds to the tissue type of the detector. The results for the detector. The results for the detector arrays are combined to provide a tissue characterization of the tissue region from the multiple tissue types. One or more IVUS images can be displayed with the tissue characterization and an indication of the size of at least one of the tissue types in a selected portion of the image that is displayed. |
| US09549712B2 |
Method and apparatus for correcting focus of CT device
A method and apparatus for correcting a focus of a CT device are provided. The method includes: calculating a total focus shift according to scanning data; and correcting, when the CT device is running, a deflection of an electron beam emitted from a ray source of the CT device, based on the total focus shift. The device includes: a shift calculation module, configured to calculate a total focus shift according to scanning data; and a shift correction module, configured to correct, when the CT device is running, a deflection of an electron beam emitted from a ray source of the CT device, based on the total focus shift. |
| US09549708B2 |
Device for interacting with neurological tissue and methods of making and using the same
Described herein are microelectrode array devices, and methods of fabrication, assembly and use of the same, to provide highly localized neural recording and/or neural stimulation to a neurological target. The device includes multiple microelectrode elements arranged protruding shafts. The protruding shafts are enclosed within an elongated probe shaft, and can be expanded from their enclosure. The microelectrode elements, and elongated probe shafts, are dimensioned in order to target small volumes of neurons located within the nervous system, such as in the deep brain region. Beneficially, the probe can be used to quickly identify the location of a neurological target, and remain implanted for long-term monitoring and/or stimulation. |
| US09549703B2 |
Devices and methods for sampling and profiling microbiota of skin
Devices and methods for profiling microbiota of skin are described which include a hand-held microbe profiling device including a housing defining an opening, the housing including at least one rotatable component at least partially disposed in the opening defined by the housing, an elongated flexible strip disposed on an outer surface of the at least one rotatable component, the outer surface of the elongated flexible strip positioned to contact one or more regions of a skin surface of an individual through the opening defined by the housing, a location-capture component to detect a location of one or more regions of the skin surface as the elongated flexible strip contacts said one or more regions, at least one sensor component to detect one or more signals emitted or reflected from the elongated flexible strip, and a computing component to associate the location of said one or more regions of the skin surface and the detected one or more signals. |
| US09549702B1 |
System including integrated optical sensors for determination of impairment of motorized system operators
A system includes one or more optical sensors for the measuring and monitoring of physiological information of a motorized system operator. The system is configured to determine an incapacitation state of the motorized system operator based upon the measured physiological information. When the measured physiological information indicates an incapacitation state (intoxication level, stress level, and so forth), the system is configured to provide a response thereto including, but not limited to: lock out operation of the motorized system, provide a warning on a display, transmit a message from the motorized system, assume automatic control of the motorized system, and so forth. The system includes a plurality of light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)), one or more photodetectors, and control circuitry coupled to the plurality of light sources and/or photodetectors to non-invasively measure physiological information (e.g., blood alcohol concentration, stress levels, and so forth). |
| US09549700B2 |
Biological fluid sampling transfer device and biological fluid separation and testing system
A blood separation and testing system for a blood sample is disclosed. The blood separation and testing system includes a blood sampling transfer device adapted to receive a blood sample, a blood separation device, and a blood testing device. The blood separation device is adapted to receive a portion of the blood sampling transfer device such that with the blood sampling transfer device received within the blood separation device and a rotational force applied to the blood sampling transfer device, a plasma portion of the blood sample is separated from a cellular portion of the blood sample. The blood testing device is adapted to receive a portion of the blood sampling transfer device to analyze the plasma portion of the blood sample and obtain test results. |
| US09549695B2 |
Optical determination of blood perfusion and similar parameters
A parameter affecting the absorptivity or the concentration of blood in tissue is measured using a semiconductor light source (7) and a light detector (8). The semiconductor light source (7) is operated at several operating conditions, at which it has different temperatures and therefore different emission spectra. In particular, the operating conditions correspond to different time intervals after switching the light source (7) on, while the light source (7) has not yet reached thermal equilibrium. This allows to perform a spectroscopic measurement using one light source only, which increases accuracy and reduces device cost. |
| US09549693B2 |
Silicone based membranes for use in implantable glucose sensors
Membrane systems incorporating silicone polymers are described for use in implantable analyte sensors. Some layers of the membrane system may comprise a blend of a silicone polymer with a hydrophilic polymer, for example, a triblock poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) polymer. Such polymeric blends provide for both high oxygen solubility and aqueous analyte solubility. |
| US09549692B2 |
Polymer membranes for continuous analyte sensors
Devices and methods are described for providing continuous measurement of an analyte concentration. In some embodiments, the devices include a membrane that has an interference domain designed to reduce the permeation of one or more interferents. |
| US09549690B2 |
System and method for determining dead space fraction in an ongoing manner from intermittent blood gas samples
A system is configured to monitor the dead space fraction of a subject in a substantially ongoing manner, rather than only updating the dead space fraction of the subject if one or more blood gas parameters of the subject are measured. This may facilitate enhanced control over respiratory therapy being provided to the subject, may inform decisions about care of the subject, and/or may provide other enhancements. |
| US09549688B2 |
Implantable medical device detection
A detection unit and a method for detecting an implanted medical device in an MRI environment employ a telemetry transmission from the implanted medical device. |
| US09549686B2 |
Method, apparatus, and program for evaluating drivability of a vehicle
A time series myoelectric potential signal is acquired, which is representative of time series activity amount of a muscle of a driver when the driver is performing a driving operation on the vehicle, the muscle being involved in the driving operation. Based on the acquired time series myoelectric potential signal, a parameter value indicative of a fluctuation amount of the time-series myoelectric potential signal and an average value of the myoelectric potential signal are obtained. Drivability of the vehicle is evaluated based on the obtained parameter value and the obtained average value. |
| US09549684B2 |
System and method for reconstructing cardiac signals associated with a complex rhythm disorder
Reconstruction of cardiac information representing a complex rhythm disorder is facilitated by assigning activation onsets to non-discernible beats in low confidence signals based upon time associations relative to activation onsets in adjacent high confidence signals. |
| US09549682B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring vital signs based on sensed changes in a target
Methods and systems for monitoring the well-being of a target are disclosed. In a method embodiment, data representing a signal is received by a computer system. The signal may be generated at least in part by one or more sensors in response to the detection of a change in an electrical field, electric potential, capacitance, and/or dielectric constant of a target spaced apart from the one or more sensors. The method may further include identifying, using the computer system and based at least in part on the data electronically received by the computer system, a recurring pattern in the received data. The method may also include determining, using the computer system and based at least in part on the received data, whether a deviation from the recurring pattern transgresses a threshold. The deviation may comprise a subset of the data electronically received by the computer system. |
| US09549673B2 |
Scanning laser ophthalmoscope
A scanning laser ophthalmoscope includes: an irradiation optical system including a laser light source and an optical scanner; a light receiving optical system including first to third photo detectors; and a processor. The light receiving optical system includes a wavelength separator causing the light of a first wavelength range to be received by the first photo detector, the light of a second wavelength range to be received by the second photo detector, and the light of a third wavelength range to be received by the third photo detector. The processor generates a first fundus image on the basis of the light reception signal from the first photo detector, a second fundus image on the basis of the light reception signal from the second photo detector, and a third fundus image on the basis of the light reception signal from the third photo detector. |
| US09549672B2 |
Device and method for imaging an ocular fundus
An appliance for recording an image of an ocular fundus includes an irradiating device with a radiation source and optical components for generating an illumination strip. A scanning device is set up to cause a scanning movement of the illumination strip for the purpose of scanning the ocular fundus. An optoelectronic sensor senses detection light issuing from the ocular fundus. The optoelectronic sensor has a plurality of sensor rows and is set up such that charges contained in one sensor row are each shifted, with a time delay, into a further sensor row. A control means is connected to the scanning device and/or to the optoelectronic sensor and is set up to control the scanning movement and/or the time delay. |
| US09549668B2 |
Method for determining at least one relevant single image of a dental subject
The invention relates to a method for determining at least one relevant single image, wherein a plurality of single optical images are generated during a continuous optical measurement (3) of a dental subject (1) to be recorded. During the optical measurement (3) an audio recording is generated by means of a microphone (4) and at least one speech sequence (12; 15; 28) spoken by a user (6) is recorded. The relevant single image (7; 8; 24) is then selected within a specified sequence duration between a start time (17, 18) and an end time of the speech sequence (12; 15; 28). |
| US09549667B2 |
Endoscope and system and method of operation thereof
An endoscope including a rigid section having opposed first and second ends and an opening situated between the first and second ends, the rigid section defining a longitudinal axis; a handle portion coupled to a first end of the rigid section and having first and second scissor-type handles suitable for grasping by a user; and a base part situated at the second end of the rigid section and coupled to the first handle of the scissor-type handles such that displacement of the first handle causes a rotation of the base part. |
| US09549666B2 |
Coaxial micro-endoscope
A deflectable endoscope including an imaging structure, an outer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an elongated column member extending distally from the outer member and an inner member positioned coaxial with the outer member and attached to the column member. The inner member extends distally of the outer member and has a distal tip portion. A reinforcement member is positioned over the column member to restrict axial movement of the column member such that when one of the inner member or outer member is moved with respect to the other, axial compression of the column member is restricted by the reinforcement member causing the distal tip portion of the inner member to deflect laterally. |
| US09549665B2 |
Endoscope
There is provided an endoscope that prevents occurrence of buckling of a flexible body built in an insertion part of the endoscope without damaging other built-in components, and is easy to manufacture without impairing the curving manipulability. The endoscope includes a curvable portion, and an elongated insertion part being inserted into a subject. The endoscope has an elongated flexible body built in the insertion part, and a flexible protective tube that covers an outer periphery of the flexible body. The protective tube has a first region that covers the range of the flexible body, and a second region that covers the range of the soft portion. The elastic constant of the first region is smaller than the elastic constant of the second region, and the external diameter of the protective tube in the first region is larger than the external diameter of the protective tube of the second region. |
| US09549661B2 |
Medical device actuation systems and related methods of use
A medical system including an endoscope having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween is disclosed. The endoscope includes a port configured to provide access to the lumen. In addition, the system may include an actuation member slidably disposed through the lumen such that a proximal end of the actuation member extends through the port, and a distal end of the actuation member is operably coupled to an end-effector. The system may further include an actuation handle removably secured to the actuation member. In one embodiment, a portion of the end-effector has dimensions larger than a maximum dimension of the lumen. |
| US09549659B2 |
Dish rack for oversized containers
The invention is a dish rack for accommodating oversized containers in an automated dish machine. The rack includes a generally porous base surrounded by upstanding sidewalls and at least a pair of notches in one sidewall or opposing sidewalls configured for receiving an edge of the an oversized container. One form of the invention includes a wire framework having a base and one or more stanchions that extend generally upwardly from the base. The notches and wire framework are configured for supporting an oversized container at an angled position within an automated dish machine to inhibit spray from being directed out of the dish machine. |
| US09549658B2 |
Household appliance having a signal relay
A household appliance for performing a useful cycle of operation on a physical article may have a treating chamber for holding the physical article during performance of the useful cycle of operation. The household appliance may include a temporary controllable device located within the treating chamber where the temporary controllable device may be communicated with via a signal relay. |
| US09549656B2 |
Hot cleaning system for surfaces
An apparatus for horizontal surface cleaning includes a cleaning head for engaging horizontal surfaces to be cleaned, a handle pivotally engaging the cleaning head for grasping during horizontal surface cleaning, and a tank affixed to the handle and pivotal therewith relative to the cleaning head. The tank is adapted to contain a surface cleaning liquid. The handle and tank have together an upright orientation during storage and a tilted orientation during horizontal surface cleaning. The tank includes a valve that closes during the upright orientation to prevent the liquid from exiting the tank, and opens during the tilted orientation to allow the liquid to exit the tank. The tilted orientation is caused during horizontal surface cleaning. |
| US09549651B2 |
Steam cleaning device and accessory
A steam cleaning accessory for use with a steam generator comprises a flexible sheath having a first side wall, a second side wall and a base there between. At least one steam conduit has at least one steam outlet. The at least one steam conduit is arranged to be in fluid communication with the steam generator. At least one flexible thermal insulation layer is mounted between the first and second side walls. The steam conduit is mounted on a first side of the base and the flexible thermal insulation layer is mounted on a second side of the base. A restraint is coupled to the flexible sheath and arranged to receive a user's hand. |
| US09549648B2 |
Lift off deep cleaner
An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a portable extractor and a base adapted to be moved to perform a cleaning operation on the floor surface when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base. The portable extractor includes a suction hose for manually suctioning fluid from the floor surface, a recovery tank interconnected to the suction hose for receiving recovered fluid from the floor surface, and a fluid delivery system for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto the floor surface. One or more connections are made between the base and components of the portable extractor when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base. |
| US09549646B2 |
Wipes dispenser
Wipe dispensers are provided wherein particular wipe-gripping and wipe-ripping structures are provided to overcome problems encountered with the prior art. Particularly, gripping and ripping structures are provided to prevent the removal of more than one wipe at a time from a dispenser and to prevent a following wipe from falling back into the interior of a container when separated from a lead wipe being removed from the container. In particular embodiments, structures are provided to avoid pinching an individual's finger when feeding a wipe up through the gripping and ripping structures. In yet other particular embodiments, a boss is provided to prevent wipes from bunching up during the dispensing thereof. |
| US09549644B2 |
Adjustable shower curtain
The present invention provides an adjustable shower curtain. In one embodiment, the apparatus for modifying a substantially planar profile of a bathtub curtain in a bathing enclosure space comprises a shower curtain, wherein the shower curtain comprises a top side, a bottom side, a left lateral side, a right lateral side, a length, and a width, wherein a surface defined by the top side, the bottom side, the left lateral side, and the right lateral side is positionable in a substantially planar profile; an adjustable portion operatively coupled to the shower curtain enabling a user to modify the substantially planar profile of the shower curtain surface, wherein the shower curtain surface is configured to substantially conform to the contour of the adjustable portion. |
| US09549642B2 |
Bidet for infants and children
A bidet for infants and children includes a main body that is shaped as a chair, has an inner surface and an outer surface and comprises a backrest part with a predetermined length, a cradling part forming a predetermined angle with the backrest part, and a buttock-cradling part between the backrest part and the cradling part and connecting the backrest part and the cradling part and concavely recessed in the inner surface of the main body, a plurality of hang protrusions formed at an outer surface of the backrest part and arranged with predetermined intervals for fixing the main body at different angles, and a supporting member having a predetermined length and formed at a bottom surface of the buttock-cradling part, and a discharge port is formed lengthwise through a center portion of the buttock-cradling part concavely recessed in the inner surface of the main body. |
| US09549632B2 |
Mail box shield
Apparatus for a protecting a roadside mail box from snow thrown by snowplow by which includes first and second generally planar members each having at least one rectilinear edge and a top and a bottom. Bracing members are fixed to the first and second generally planar members with the members forming a wedge shape with a vertical edge to divert the thrown by the snowplow. |
| US09549628B2 |
Container or utensil support structure
A container support apparatus can include a base body having a first portion, a second portion, and a boundary region between the first and second portions. The apparatus can include a first straight lateral connector member and a second straight lateral connector member, each formed at least in part from the first portion of the base body. The apparatus can include a bottom support member disposed in a coplanar position with the first portion of the base body in an undeployed state. The first and second lateral connector members can undergo downward angular pitching in conjunction with the bottom support member undergoing simultaneous vertical translation and planar rotation relative to the second portion of the base body during transition from the undeployed state to a deployed state, and the bottom support member can maintain a parallel orientation relative to the second portion of the base body during this transition. |
| US09549626B2 |
Eating utensil assembly including support member and related methods
An eating utensil assembly may include a first eating utensil that may include a first handle having an opening therein, a support member coupled to the first handle across the opening, and an eating utensil head coupled to an end of the first handle and having a curved shape. The eating utensil assembly may also include a second eating utensil removably carried by the support member within the opening in the first handle. The second eating utensil may include a second handle and a cutting blade coupled to an end of the second handle. |
| US09549625B1 |
Bedding systems and methods
A bedding system may be installable on a mattress. The bedding system may have a bottom sheet, a top sheet, and a duvet. The bottom sheet may have a peripheral portion with bottom sheet mounting elements that secure the bottom sheet to the mattress, and top sheet fastening elements. The top sheet may have top sheet mounting elements that secure the top sheet to the bottom sheet. |
| US09549623B1 |
Expandable partitioning device
An expandable partitioning device includes a pair of slide bars. Each slide bar includes a pair of first cooperating surfaces for slideably connecting the other slide bar. The first slide bar has a plurality of recesses along its length. The second slide bar has a rotatable toggle switch with at least one locking member. When the toggle switch is engaged (rotated) the locking member(s) rotate into the recesses of the first slide bar, locking the relative positions of the two slide bars. |
| US09549614B2 |
Mechanism for an office chair
An office chair mechanism includes a base support for placement on a chair column, a seat support on the base support being movable relative to the base support and a backrest coupled to the seat support. Pivoting the backrest moves the seat support relative to the base support. A track element is movably connected at a base support connecting point to the base support and at a seat support connecting point to the seat support to adjust pivoting resistance of the backrest. Pivoting the backrest alters position and/or location of the track element. A spring element acting on the track element and on the seat support or on the backrest and/or a backrest support is acted upon with a movement of the seat support relative to the base support. An adjustment device alters the position of a point of action of the spring element on the track element. |
| US09549612B2 |
Table with nesting table top
A table may be sized and configured to nest with another table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a nesting portion formed in an upper surface and sidewall of the table top. The table may also include a frame with one or more engaging portions sized and configured to be disposed in the nesting portion of an adjacent table when the tables are nested together. In addition, the table top may include a compression edge sized and configured to be disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the tables are nested together. The compression edge and engaging portions may be sized and configured to be simultaneously disposed in the nesting portion of the adjacent table when the table is nested with the adjacent table. |
| US09549611B1 |
Shower caddy
A shower caddy includes horizontal shelves and a vertically sloped panel having a smooth surface. A bottom edge of the panel is positioned above and in registration with a hair screen carried within a lowermost shelf. Hair from one's head and body caught on one's hands and fingers during washing are transferred to the panel by touching the panel or land directly on the panel. Water overspray during showering or direct splashing causes the hair to slide down the panel and become trapped in the screen, which is easily removed from the shelf for disposal of the collected hair. |
| US09549609B2 |
Mobile mulimedia workstation
A mobile multimedia workstation comprises a base, a mobile component attached to the base bottom side, first and second upright members attached to the top side and spaced apart to define an opening, a clamp comprising first and second clamp faces connected by an adjustable member positioned within the opening and adjustable to urge first and second clamp faces toward each other and in contact with front and rear surfaces of the first and second upright members to fix a position of the clamp along the first and second upright members, a first arm having a first end connected to the first clamp face through a pivot junction and a second end defining a slot, a post within the slot and a device connected to the post, a threaded member disposed through the slot for adjusting a slot width to restrain the post within the slot. |
| US09549604B2 |
Multifunctional cosmetic applicator
A cosmetic applicator includes a hollow seat including a projecting axial sleeve, a threaded shank moveably disposed through the sleeve, a cup at an end of the threaded shank, and slits on the cup; a casing secured to the seat, the casing being configured to receive the threaded shank and including ribs on an inner surface, the ribs being inserted into the slits; a first activation assembly including an exterior case secured to the seat, an interior case, a sleeve member, a sleeve element, first external threads on an inner surface of the exterior case, a first flange at an end of the interior case, second external threads on an inner surface of the interior case, a hollow cylinder in the interior case, and a second flange at a first end of the hollow cylinder; and a hollow intermediate case secured onto the first and a second activation assemblies. |
| US09549591B2 |
Instep cover, and method for knitting instep cover
An instep cover knitted there-dimensionally in advance, and a method for knitting the same are provided.An instep cover 1, out of a shoe upper configuring a shoe, which is a seamless knitted fabric knitted using a flat knitting machine including at least a pair of a front and a back needle bed, the instep cover 1 covering a portion on an instep side of a wearer is provided. Assuming in the instep cover 1, a portion that covers a region from an Achilles tendon to a heel of the wearer is a heel cover section 10, and a portion excluding the heel cover section 10 is a body section 11, a stitch in a vicinity of an end in a knitting width direction of the heel cover section 10 and a stitch at an end in a wale direction of the body section 11 are connected at a position of boundary lines L1, L2 of the heel cover section 10 and the body section 11 to form the instep cover 1 three-dimensionally; and at least one part of the instep cover 1 is configured with a knitting structure knitted using the front and back needle beds. |
| US09549587B1 |
Heat molded footwear and method
A heat moldable footwear wherein the footwear is all one contiguous or uniform piece with no removable insoles or foot beds wherein only the top portion of the footwear is moldable. |
| US09549586B2 |
Battery for use with a heated insole
A battery for use with a heated insole has a cushion portion on top of the battery to provide comfort when the battery is disposed within the insole. |
| US09549585B2 |
Footwear having sensor system
An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may include an airflow system that includes one or more air chambers in communication with one or more air reservoirs through air passages extending therebetween. The insert may also have a multi-layered structure, with the airflow system provided between the layers. |
| US09549584B2 |
Expandable joint and universal fit headband
An expandable joint for use in, for example, a headband, includes elastic material, a low-friction sleeve, and a tube. The low-friction sleeve covers at least two opposing sides of a portion of the length of elastic material. The length of elastic material is affixed to the low-friction sleeve at a first end of the low-friction sleeve or a point adjacent to the first end of the low-friction sleeve. The length of elastic material extends beyond a second end of the low-friction sleeve opposite the first end of the low-friction sleeve. The tube substantially encloses the low-friction sleeve. The low-friction sleeve is affixed to the tube at the first end of the low-friction sleeve or a point adjacent to the first end of the low-friction sleeve, and the length of elastic material extends beyond a first end of the tube. |
| US09549583B2 |
Helmet with integrated electronic components
A helmet that can include a helmet body comprising an energy absorption layer and an outer shell. A first opening can be formed through the outer shell and extend into the energy absorbing layer, the first opening including a perimeter. A first sleeve can be disposed at least partially within the first opening, the first sleeve including a first end including a first flange coupled to the outer shell and extending beyond the perimeter of the first opening, and a second end opposite the first end including a base disposed over the energy absorption layer. A camera can be coupled to the first sleeve and exposed through the first opening. The helmet can further include the first sleeve including a depth greater than a width or a length. The first flange can be directly coupled to an outer surface or an inner of the outer shell. |
| US09549582B2 |
Protective helmet
A protective member such as a helmet includes an outer layer and an inner layer interconnected by multiple connectors, such as extension springs, under tension along their longitudinal axis. The connectors absorb energy from an impact force by resisting further tension along their longitudinal axis and allow the outer layer and inner layer to move relative to each other. In the helmet application, the head of a user experiences less impact force, reduced change in momentum or position of the head and neck, reduced head and neck loads and reduced amounts of linear and rotational acceleration. The protective member can be used in numerous applications and environments, including for participants in sports, in applications including bumpers, passenger cabins, car seats and beds. |
| US09549577B2 |
Adjustable shoulder pads
Shoulder pads for a player playing a contact sport, such as hockey, lacrosse or football, are provided. The shoulder pads comprise a front member, a back member, left and right shoulder arches, left and right shoulder protectors, and an adjustment system allowing the player to adjust a fit of the shoulder pads. The adjustment system may allow the player to adjust various components of the shoulder pads, including the front member, the back member, and the left and right shoulder protectors, in various directions. |
| US09549571B2 |
Treatment device for a smoking article and cartridge therefor
The present invention relates to a treatment device for a smoking article, comprising a smoking article receiving portion shaped and configured to receive at least a portion of a smoking article, and a needle storage portion with a needle holder and a needle connected to the needle holder. The needle is movable between an extended position in which the needle extends at least partially into the smoking article receiving portion and a retracted position in which the needle is fully retracted into the needle storage portion with respect to the extended position, to protect an operator from the needle. The invention further relates to a cartridge for such a treatment device, wherein the cartridge comprises a treatment substance for a smoking article. The cartridge comprises a plunger receiving means which is adapted to receive a plunger to force the treatment substance out of the cartridge. The cartridge has at least one side wall which is adapted to be perforated by a second end of the needle, such that the second end of the needle may protrude into the inside of the cartridge, wherein the treatment substance is stored. |
| US09549570B2 |
Roasting and glazing method
A method of producing roasted and glazed nuts includes the steps of providing a roaster apparatus having a roaster bowl, placing water and a mixture of nuts and sugar in the roaster bowl, mixing the water and the mixture, heating the roaster bowl while mixing to produce roasted and sugar coated nuts, adding water to the roaster bowl to produce roasted and glazed nuts, and lifting a cantilever arm coupled to the roaster's housing to raise the roaster bowl from a fully lowered position to a raised position. A first piston coupled to the bowl support is engaged during the raising of the roaster bowl to provide a counterforce to the bowl assembly's weight. The method further includes removing the roasted and glazed nuts from the roaster bowl when in the raised position, lowering the cantilever arm to lower the roaster bowl from the raised position to a partially lowered position, and then lowering the cantilever arm to lower the roaster bowl to the fully lowered position. A second piston is engaged during the lowering of the roaster bowl from the partially lowered position to the fully lowered position to provide an additional counterforce thus preventing injury during the final lowering of the roaster bowl. The second piston is not engaged during the lowering of the roaster bowl from the raised position to the partially lowered position. |
| US09549566B2 |
Processed cauliflower and cauliflower processing method
A cauliflower processing comprises pre-washing a cauliflower, including removing unwanted dust, residual, and debris from the cauliflower. Further, the method includes a step for washing the cauliflower with a wash solution containing at least one of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, organic acids, chlorine dioxide, silver ion, water treated with ozone, water treated with pulsed electric field, and water treated with ultraviolet radiation. Finally, the method includes a step for pulverizing the cauliflower, including at least one of the steps of sizing, grinding, sanding, cutting, dicing, chopping, and crushing the cauliflower. |
| US09549565B2 |
Methods and compositions for animal feed
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions that are useful in producing, feeding and growing animals. Compositions of the present invention comprise an extracted mineral element composition as disclosed herein. Animal lifespan and production is improved when provided with compositions comprising an extracted mineral element composition. |
| US09549563B2 |
Sweet tart energy tablet
An energy tablet and method of manufacturing the same that successfully masks the bitter taste of caffeine which has precluded popularity of chewable energy tablets in the past. |
| US09549559B2 |
Composition and method for controlling pests
The present invention provides a composition for controlling pests comprising a compound represented by the formula (1): wherein each of symbols are the same as defined in the Description, or N-oxide thereof; and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of neonicotinoid compound, synthetic pyrethroid compound, phenylpyrazole compound, macrolide compound, diamide compound, and insecticidal compound selected from the group consisting of pymetrozine, pyridalyl, pyriproxyfen, spirotetramat, sulfoxaflo and flupyradifurone, which has an excellent control efficacy on pests. |
| US09549557B2 |
Insecticidal synergistic combinations of phthaldiamide derivatives and fipronil or ethiprole
The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising at least one known compound of the formula (I) in which X, R1 to R4, A, n, Y, and m are as defined in the description, and at least one further known active compound from the class of the fiproles, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and unwanted acarids. |
| US09549556B2 |
Macrocyclic picolinamides as fungicides
The invention relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula I and their use as fungicides. |
| US09549555B2 |
Macrocyclic picolinamide compounds with fungicidal activity
The invention relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula I and their use as fungicides. |
| US09549549B2 |
Antimicrobial materials and methods
The invention provides methods and materials for decontamination of surfaces and fabrics, such as non-woven fabrics, that are contaminated with infestations of microorganisms such as bacteria. Biocidal oligomers having conjugated oligo-(aryl/heteroaryl ethynyl) structures and comprising at least one cationic group can be used to decontaminate infested surfaces in the presence of oxygen and, optionally, illumination. Fibers incorporating biocidal oligomers having conjugated oligo-(aryl/heteroaryl ethynyl) structures and comprising at least one cationic group, wherein the oligomer is physically associated with or covalently bonded to, or both, the fiber-forming polymer can be used to form non-woven mats. Biocidal non-woven mats prepared by methods of the invention, incorporating the biocidal oligomers, can be used to suppress bacterial growth in wound and surgical dressings and personal hygiene products. |
| US09549548B2 |
Method for providing a teat dip composition
An aqueous teat dip composition includes significant amounts of glycerin and preferably ethanol and has a pH of at least 8.5. The aqueous teat dip composition can be provided by a method that involves delivering a basic concentrate to a site where dairy animals are located where the concentrate is mixed with water before the pH of the resulting solution is upwardly adjusted. The basic concentrate can be a byproduct of a biofuel refining process. |
| US09549542B2 |
Insect monitoring device and method of detection
The invention relates to a bed bug detection device (10) comprising a refuge (16) which elicits a taxis response from bed bugs and a non-trapping indicator surface (18), on which the bed bugs may leave indicators of their presence, such as faecal matter or cast skins. The refuge is positioned in close proximity to said non-trapping indicator surface such that the bed bugs can leave an indicator of their presence as they travel across the indicator surface on their way to or from the refuge. Preferably the non-trapping indicator surface takes the form of a skirt which surrounds a refuge made of corrugated paper. The invention also provides a passive method of detecting the presence of bed bugs without their capture by detecting the presence of indicators rather than the bed bugs per se. |
| US09549538B2 |
Transgenic animal for production of antibodies having minimal CDRs
A transgenic animal is provided. In certain embodiments, the transgenic animal comprises a genome comprising: an immunoglobulin light chain locus comprising: a) a functional immunoglobulin light chain gene comprising a transcribed variable region encoding: i. light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions that are composed of 2 to 5 different amino acids; and ii. a light chain framework; and, operably linked to the functional immunoglobulin light chain gene: b) a plurality of pseudogene light chain variable regions each encoding: i. light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions that are composed of the same 2 to 5 different amino acids as the CDRs of the functional gene; and ii. a light chain framework that is identical in amino acid sequence to the light chain framework of the transcribed variable region. |
| US09549535B1 |
Dog retention device
A device is configured so as to constrain the movements of a dog. The device has a tubular material which can be extended so that the device can function as a leash or which can be compressed so that the device can be secured around the neck of the dog. A cord may be located within the tubular material when it is extended, and removed from the tubular material and secured when the tubular material is compressed. |
| US09549534B2 |
Method for milking, computer program product, and milking system
A method for milking is provided in a milking system which includes a milking machine having a plurality of teat cups, which teat cups are attached to, and detached from, teats of animals as part of the milkings of the animals. The method determines whether an animal, which presents itself at the milking system, has a regular milking permission and when the animal has a regular milking permission the animal is milked in a regular milking procedure. When the animal does not have a regular milking permission, the method determine whether the animal has at least one udder compartment that was incompletely milked last time the animal was milked, and provided that the animal has at least one udder compartment that was incompletely milked last time the animal was milked, the animal is given a partial milking permission and the animal is milked in a partial milking procedure, wherein the regular and partial milking procedures differ from one another with respect to the procedure for the attachment of the teat cups to, and/or detachment of the teat cups from, the teats of the animal. |
| US09549532B2 |
Organically based animal litter and manufacturing process
The present disclosure provides a lightweight hybrid clumping animal litter made from organic core particles combined with small amounts of clumping agent, and methods for making the litter. |
| US09549526B2 |
Red spinach plant
The present invention relates to a spinach plant (Spinacia oleracea) which may comprise a genetic determinant that leads to the plant having a red coloration of the leaves, which genetic determinant may be obtainable from a spinach plant comprising said genetic determinant, representative seed of which was deposited with the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 41954, NCIMB 41955 and NCIMB 41956. |
| US09549524B1 |
Soybean variety XBP68001R
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP68001R is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP68001R, cells from soybean variety XBP68001R, plants of soybean XBP68001R, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP68001R. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP68001R with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP68001R, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP68001R, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP68001R. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP68001R are further provided. |
| US09549520B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH018234
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH018234. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH018234, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH018234 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH018234. |
| US09549517B1 |
Soybean variety XBP33010
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP33010 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP33010, cells from soybean variety XBP33010, plants of soybean XBP33010, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP33010. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP33010 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP33010, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP33010, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP33010. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP33010 are further provided. |
| US09549511B1 |
Soybean variety 10CR148128
Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated 10CR148128, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123073. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the 10CR148128 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program. |
| US09549509B2 |
GLK genes for improved fruit quality
The present invention provides methods for improving fruit quality in plants that have low or reduced levels of Golden2-like (GLK) activity in the green fruit (e.g., cultivated tomato). The methods involve introgressing genes encoding functional GLKs into the plant so that they are expressed in the green fruit of the plant and thereby increase chloroplast biogenesis in the fruit. The plants of the invention have improved fruit quality, such as increased levels of starch, soluble solids, and/or sugars. |
| US09549508B2 |
Offset stacked vertical planting containers
Stacked growing containers. The growing containers are stacked so that they are offset to each other in order to expose their corners to optimum light. Each growing container has a locking mechanism to ensure that the growing containers are locked into their correct offset position. Also each growing container has a drainage hole. A drainage container is positioned below the stack of growing containers and receives the excess water from the stack. Piping may be used to remove and redirect the excess water from the drainage container if required. In a preferred embodiment the growing containers are offset by 45 degrees. |
| US09549505B1 |
Agricultural vehicle conveyance linkage
In one example, a conveyance system comprises a conveyance mechanism and a linkage configured to movably couple the conveyance mechanism to a vehicle, wherein the conveyance mechanism is coupled to the linkage at a first connection mechanism and configured to pivot about a pivot point. The conveyance system comprises a vertical movement mechanism configured to move the first connection mechanism in a substantially vertical direction, and a tilt movement mechanism comprising a tilt actuator configured to pivot the conveyance mechanism about the pivot point. A second connection mechanism couples the tilt actuator to one of the conveyance mechanism or the linkage and allows a defined range of tilt movement of the conveyance mechanism that is independent of actuation of the tilt actuator. |
| US09549504B2 |
Transaxle system for vehicle
Transaxle systems for a vehicle are disclosed where each of right and left transaxle units includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor and a casing incorporating the hydraulic pump and motor. Each hydraulic pump has a pump displacement control means operatively connected to a pump control arm pivoted on the casing, and each hydraulic motor has a motor displacement control means operatively connected to a motor control arm pivoted on the casing. A single motor controlling manipulator is operatively connected to the motor control arms to simultaneously shift the motor displacement control means of the right and left transaxle units between large displacement positions and small displacement positions. |
| US09549502B2 |
Conversion method of harvester picking head
A method is provided for converting a bow rod harvester into a trunk shaker harvester. In the bow rod harvester, a plurality of bow rods are attached to an oscillating member that is configured to reciprocate about a first vertical axis of a first vertical shaft of the bow rod harvester. In the conversion, the plurality of bow rods are removed from the oscillating member and a shaker rail is coupled to the oscillating member. |
| US09549501B2 |
Trimmer head for a vegetation cutting machine
The invention relates to a trimmer head comprising: a body to be coupled to a driving shaft of a vegetation cutting machine for rotating about a rotation axis, at least one rod comprising at least one retaining portion for holding a cutting filament in a determined direction, wherein the body comprises a housing for receiving each end of the rod such that the rod axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the body and substantially tangential to the rotational path of the body, the housing and the rod ends having respective shapes allowing at least two relative orientations of the rod relative to the body: a first orientation wherein the determined direction is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the body, and a second orientation wherein the determined direction is substantially radial and substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the body. |
| US09549500B2 |
Electrical system for riding lawn care vehicle
A riding lawn mower is provided with an electrical system. The electrical system includes a control module, transceiver modules, and a wiring system. The control module allows for programmably controlling electrical operations of the riding lawn mower. The transceiver modules are operably connected with respective devices of the riding lawn mower so as to communicate data between the respective devices and the control module. The wiring system comprising wires that electrically connect the transceiver modules with the control module/The wiring system includes a power wire that provide electrical power to the transceiver modules from the battery; and a data bus comprising a data wire that transmits data between the control module and the transceiver modules. |
| US09549499B2 |
Solid carrier sprayer apparatus and methods of using same
A solid carrier sprayer apparatus, including a solid carrier container, a liquid container, a solid carrier spreading apparatus, and a liquid application apparatus is provided. The solid carrier spreading apparatus can be coupled to receive solid carrier from the solid carrier container, and is configured to drop the received solid carrier substantially evenly over an area of ground. The liquid application apparatus can be coupled to receive liquid from the liquid container, and is configured to spray received liquid substantially evenly over the received solid carrier, such that the liquid is sprayed substantially evenly over the received solid carrier before the solid carrier is dropped substantially evenly over the area of ground. Methods of using a solid carrier sprayer apparatus are also discussed. |
| US09549498B2 |
Supply line connecting device in a foldable agricultural machine
An agricultural machine comprises a first frame part and a second frame part pivotably arranged about a vertical shaft relative to the first frame part. At least one first supply line which extends along the first frame part and at least one second supply line which extends along the second frame part, wherein a connecting device connects the at least first supply line and the at least second supply line together. To prevent distortion of the supply lines when pivoting the frame parts relative to one another, the connecting device comprises a retainer on which at least one rigid pipe connection is arranged for connecting the first and second supply lines wherein the pipe connection comprises two connecting ends aligned axially relative to one another, between which a bearing disc is clamped, wherein the bearing disc is rotatably mounted on the retainer. |
| US09549497B2 |
Method for automatically leveling a farm implement
A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs. |
| US09554493B2 |
Holder and noise current absorber
A holder for a noise current absorber in one aspect of the invention comprises a pair of accommodating portions, and one or more pairs of an engaging portion and an engaged portion. The accommodating portion accommodates a magnetic body. The engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged with each other and maintain a state that a pair of the magnetic bodies exhibits a cylindrical shape or an annular shape. The engaging portion and the engaged portion form a through hole that penetrates in an insertion direction of the engaging portion. When at least one of the engaging portion and the engaged portion is elastically deformed by using a jig inserted in the through hole, engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion is released. |
| US09554488B2 |
Method to align surface mount packages for thermal enhancement
A surface mount device is disclosed. The surface mount device can include an electronic component operable in an electronic circuit. The surface mount device can also include a heat transfer component thermally coupled to the electronic component. The heat transfer component can have a heat transfer surface configured to interface with a heat sink. In addition, the surface mount device can include a resiliently flexible lead to electrically couple the electronic component to a circuit board. The resiliently flexible lead can be configured to resiliently deflect to facilitate a variable distance of the heat transfer surface from the circuit board, to enable the heat transfer surface and a planar heat transfer surface of another similarly configured surface mount device to be substantially aligned for interfacing with the heat sink. |
| US09554486B2 |
Heat dissipation system
An electronic component includes a component enclosure. At least one subcomponent is positioned within the component enclosure. The at least one subcomponent is configured to be thermally coupled to the component enclosure. |
| US09554478B2 |
Frame and display device using same
The present invention discloses a frame for holding a display panel. The frame includes a number of side frames and at least one rotating part. The side frames are connected end to end to form an enclosed frame for accommodating the display panel. The side frame defines at least one cutout extending along a longitudinal direction of the side frame. The rotating part is received in the cutout and is rotatably connected to the side frame via a rotating axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the side frame. The display panel is assembled in the enclosed frame via the rotating part. The present invention further provides a display device having the frame. |
| US09554476B2 |
Compliant staple pin for connecting multiple printed circuit boards
Circuit boards are mechanically connected to each other by a U-shaped pin, the legs of which are forcibly inserted into holes along edges of the circuit boards. The holes are conventional through-holes having metal linings that are electrically connected to circuit board traces that extend to components on the circuit boards. The U-shaped pin thus electrically connects components on the two circuit boards to each other. |
| US09554475B2 |
Method of manufacturing a flexible electronics module
A method of manufacturing a flexible electronics module includes mounting at least two functional components onto a flexible substrate, forming stretchable electrical interconnects configured to provide connection between the two functional components, and cutting shapes into the flexible substrate to increase an ability of the flexible substrate to stretch and flex, wherein the electrical interconnects to the functional components are placed to avoid the shapes. |
| US09554468B2 |
Panel with releasable core
Generally discussed herein are systems and apparatuses that can include a releasable core panel. The disclosure also includes techniques of making and using the systems and apparatuses. According to an example a technique of making a releasable core panel can include coupling an inner foil to a base, situating an adhesive layer on the inner foil, such that the inner foil is substantially flush with a periphery of the base, situating an outer conductive foil on the adhesive layer, or covering an interface between the adhesive layer, the inner foil and the outer conductive foil with a protective material. |
| US09554464B2 |
Metal-base printed circuit board
A highly thermally conductive printed circuit board prevents electrochemical migration by inhibiting elution of copper ions. The printed circuit board is a metal-base printed circuit board including a metal base plate having an insulating resin layer and a copper foil layer stacked thereon in this order. In the printed circuit board, the insulating resin layer contains a first inorganic filler made of inorganic particles having particle diameters of 0.1 nm to 600 nm with an average particle diameter (D50) of 1 nm to 300 nm, and a second inorganic filler made of inorganic particles having particle diameters of 100 nm to 100 μm with an average particle diameter (D50) of 500 nm to 20 μm, and the first inorganic filler and the second inorganic filler are uniformly dispersed in the insulating resin layer. |
| US09554462B2 |
Printed wiring board
A printed wiring board includes a multilayer core substrate, a first buildup layer formed on the multilayer core substrate and including an interlayer insulation layer and a conductive layer, a second buildup layer formed on the multilayer core substrate and including an interlayer resin insulation layer and a conductive layer, and an end-surface through hole conductor formed on side surfaces of the first and second buildup layers and core substrate such that the through hole conductor connects the conductive layers of the first and second buildup layers. The core substrate includes a first conductive layer, a middle conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a first insulation layer between the first and middle conductive layers and a second insulation layer between the second and middle conductive layers, and the middle conductive layer is connected to the through-hole conductor and has thickness greater than thicknesses of the first and second conductive layers. |
| US09554461B2 |
Flexible board and electronic device
A flexible board includes a first sheet section including a first principal surface, a second sheet section including a second principal surface and provided in a different position from the first principal surface in a normal direction to the first principal surface, at least one first bent sheet section configured to connect ends of the first and second sheet sections, the first bent sheet section including a third principal surface not parallel to the first and second principal surfaces, and at least two second bent sheet sections each including a fourth principal surface and provided in different positions from the third principal surface in a normal direction to the third principal surface. The second bent sheet sections are positioned so as to sandwich the first bent sheet section therebetween when viewed in a plan view in the normal direction to the third principal surface. |
| US09554457B2 |
Package for multiple light emitting diodes
Substrates and packages for LED-based light devices can significantly improve thermal performance and provide separate electrical and thermal paths through the substrate. One substrate includes multiple electrically insulating base layers. On a top one of these layers are disposed top-side electrical contacts, including light device pads to accommodate a plurality of light devices. External electrical contacts are disposed on an exterior surface of the substrate. Electrical paths connect the top-side electrical contacts to the external electrical contacts. At least portions of some of the electrical paths are disposed between the electrically insulating base layers. The electrical paths can be arranged such that different subsets of the light device pads are addressable independently of each other. A heat dissipation plate can be formed on the bottom surface of a bottom one of the base layers. |
| US09554455B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing far-end crosstalk in electrical connectors
Systems, methods and apparatuses involving a chip-to-chip communication channel, for reducing Far End Crosstalk (FEXT) through the novel concept of controlling FEXT magnitude and polarity of a component inside a channel, vias or within a connector by implementing broadside and edge couplings to offset cumulative FEXT in a channel, via-connector-via subsystem or a connector. The example implementations described herein can be applied to a chip-to-chip communication channel, mezzanine connectors, backplane connectors and any other connectors requiring via routing, and connector itself that can benefit from FEXT reduction. |
| US09554452B2 |
Charged particle induction from ionosphere to ground
A charged particle induction apparatus and method comprising a high power light emitting means, such as a laser array, in operable communication with a high energy output means to accomplish initiation of at least two concentric plasma channels in atmosphere extending from the Earth's surface to the charge-rich upper atmosphere, including the ionosphere, for the transmission of charged particles therethrough to ground using the surrounding atmosphere as an insulator. The transmitted energy is drawn down (due to an artificially created potential) through the conductive plasma channels to collection means. |
| US09554451B2 |
Wallmount dual beam sensing device
A wallmount dual beam sensing device has a microcontroller unit (MCU) mounted inside a housing and electrically connected to an ambient light detector, an infrared detector and a microwave sensing module. The MCU determines if the infrared detector and the microwave sensing module are activated according to detected luminance by the ambient light detector and outputs a control signal when the infrared detector and the microwave sensing module are activated and any one of the infrared detector and the microwave sensing module detects the presence of people in a monitored environment. Accordingly, the infrared detector and the microwave sensing module statically and dynamically sense the monitored environment in a 3D manner at the same time, thereby ensuring a stable and reliable sensing result. |
| US09554450B2 |
Systems and method for low level dimming
The present disclosure is directed to an inexpensive yet intelligent solution for dimming light devices to low level intensities in which the common lighting systems generally have difficulties maintaining stability and flicker-free operation. The systems and method described herein enable a lighting system to utilize a dimmer to dim one or more lighting devices to low level intensities without introducing flickering or inconsistent operation of the lights. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein enable a dimmer to dim lights to anywhere between 0% and 5% of maximum brightness, while ensuring that the lights operate at these levels consistently, smoothly and without any visible flickering. |
| US09554449B2 |
Compact low energy short range passive infrared (PIR) sensor with LEDs for bags
Novel tools and techniques are provided for illuminating a portable space, which, in some cases, is based on passive infrared (“PIR”) detection. In some embodiments, a first device might detect presence of at least a portion of a user's body (e.g., a hand or face of the user, etc.). Based at least in part on detection of the presence of the at least a portion of the user's body, a second device might illuminate an interior space of a bag or other portable enclosure. In some cases, the first and second devices might be the same device, while, in other cases, the first and second devices might be separate yet communicatively coupled to each other (such as via wireless or wired connection). In some embodiments, the first device might include a passive infrared sensor or the like, while the second device might include light emitting diodes or the like. |
| US09554448B2 |
Illumination control device, light source for illumination, and illumination system
An illumination control device (100) includes a motion detector (110) and a control unit (150) which perform control of illuminance, color, or distribution of light of an illumination light source (210) based on a result of detection by the motion detector (110). |
| US09554444B2 |
Device and method for retrofitting or converting or adapting series circuits
Method and device for adapting a series constant power system to operate constant voltage lighting. |
| US09554442B2 |
Organic metal complex, and organic light emitting device and display apparatus using the same
Provided is an organic metal complex having a structure represented by the following general formula (1): MLmL′n (1) where: M represents a metal atom selected from Ir, Pt, Rh, Os, and Zn; L and L′, which are different from each other, each represent a bidentate ligand; m represents an integer of 1 to 3 and n represents an integer of 0 to 2, provided that m+n is 3; a partial structure MLm represents a structure represented by the following general formula (2): and a partial structure ML′n represents a structure including a monovalent bidentate ligand. |
| US09554440B2 |
Dimmable LED lighting apparatus
A dimmable LED lighting apparatus including a power input unit generating drive voltage through rectification of received AC power and outputting the generated drive voltage to the drive controller, an insulation type signal transceiver receiving a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal output from a PWM dimmer and outputting the PWM signal to the drive controller, while electrically insulating the PWM dimmer from the drive controller, a first LED group to an nth LED group, n being a positive integer of 2 or greater, receiving the drive voltage and sequentially operating under control of the drive controller, and a drive controller controlling sequential operation of the first LED group to the nth LED group according to a voltage level of the drive voltage, determining a dimming level based on the received PWM dimming signal, and controlling dimming of the first LED group to the nth LED group based on the determined dimming level. |
| US09554436B2 |
Power supply for LED lighting system
Embodiments relate to a LED lighting system comprising a power supply circuit for supplying a power supply current to a LED strip (200). The power supply circuit (100) includes input terminals (K1, K2) for receiving a power voltage from a power supply voltage, output terminals (K3, K4) connected to the input terminals of the LED strip (200), a sensing module (106) coupled between the output terminals (K3, K4) for measuring an impedance of the LED strip (200). The sensing module is adapted to drive a switch (104) and to transmit a measured impedance value to a driver module (108). The driver module (108) is adapted to generate the power supply current depending on the length of the LED strip (200), as reflected by the measured impedance value. |
| US09554435B2 |
LED drive apparatus, systems and methods
Light flux levels sensed from a color LED array control both current availability to the array and disable/re-enable a current bypass switch to shunt stored-energy current to or away from a selected LED. In continuous mode, a single flux pulse is created for the duration of a pre-established period. Feedback from the flux sensor pulses current to an energy storage device to maintain the light flux at a predetermined set-point. A particular dimming level is achieved by establishing both the pulse period and the flux magnitude. In discontinuous mode, one or more short flux pulses are created. Both the turn-on and the turn-off time of each flux pulse is controlled by alternately removing and then re-establishing a current shunt from the energy storage device to ground. Flux pulse magnitude is controlled by recognizing when the flux pulse has reached a predetermined set-point and re-establishing the current shunt to abruptly turn off current to the selected LED. |
| US09554433B2 |
Driver system for driving a plurality of LED's
A driver system for driving a plurality of LED includes a control module having an input for receiving operating data, and at least one driver module for driving at least one of the LED. The driver module includes a hysteretical converter for generating a current to power the LED, and a controller electrically connected to the hysteretical converter for controlling the hysteretical converter. |
| US09554430B2 |
Lighting system with an interface having a power supply unit and at least one light source module
Various embodiments may relate to a power supply unit, including an output for outputting an operating current depending on an internal measurement signal, a communications line, and a current-measuring device, which is connected to the communications line. The current-measuring device is designed to generate a current on the communications line which is proportional to the conductance of a current-setting resistance. The current-measuring device has a current mirror, which is designed to mirror the generated current on the communications line. The current-measuring device is designed to convert the mirrored current into an internal measurement signal with a reference potential which is different than the communications line. At least one light source module is connectable to the output, wherein the at least one light source module has the current-setting resistance, which is connectable to the communications line. |
| US09554426B2 |
Induction heat cooking apparatus and method for controlling output level thereof
Provided is an induction heat cooking apparatus. The induction heat cooking apparatus includes a rectifying part rectifying an input voltage to output a DC voltage, an inverter switching the DC voltage outputted through the rectifying part to generate an AC voltage, a first heating part operated by the AC voltage applied from the inverter, a second heating part connected to the first heating part in parallel, the second heating part being operated by the AC voltage applied from the inverter, and a switching signal generation part controlling an operation state of each of the first and second heating parts from the inverter according to an operation mode inputted from the outside. The switching signal generation part includes a photo coupler. |
| US09554425B2 |
Induction heating device
An induction heating device includes: a rectifying circuit that rectifies an AC power supply; a smoothing capacitor that smooths the rectified output to obtain a DC power supply; a first and a second inverters each composed of a heating coil, a resonance capacitor, and a switching element, and connected to the smoothing capacitor in parallel; a first and a second oscillating circuits that supply drive signals to the switching elements; and a controller that controls drive of the first and second oscillating circuits. The controller alternately drives the first and second oscillating circuits, and controls a drive time ratio of the first and second oscillating circuits so that a power change amount generated every time the drive is switched between the first and second oscillating circuits is not more than a predetermined amount. |
| US09554420B2 |
Partial vacuum operation of arc discharge for controlled heating
An electrical discharge, suitable for heating optical fibers for processing, is made in a controlled partial vacuum, such that saturation of available ionizable gas molecules is reached. The workpiece temperature is thereby made to be a stably controlled function of the absolute air pressure and is insensitive to other conditions. A system and method accomplishing the foregoing are provided. |
| US09554419B2 |
Pairing method and apparatus for ad-hoc connection in wireless communication terminal
A pairing method and an apparatus thereof for an ad-hoc connection in a wireless communication terminal are provided. In the method, an event duration that occurs according to user manipulation is measured. A pairing key is generated using the measured duration. A pairing procedure is performed with a counterpart terminal using the pairing key. |
| US09554412B2 |
Electronic device and control device
A control device includes: an acquisition portion that acquires, from an information processing apparatus, pairing information corresponding to at least one of electronic devices among a plurality of pieces of pairing information corresponding to the respective electronic devices, the pairing information being used in order that the electronic devices connected to each other via a wireless network perform pairing; and an output portion that outputs the pairing information corresponding to the at least one of the electronic devices to the at least one of the electronic devices by using a non-contact system different from the wireless network. |
| US09554406B2 |
Method for device to device communication and control node using the same
The present disclosure proposes a method for device to device (D2D) communication. The method includes the step of receiving from the first device a first callee identification (ID) as the first device is handed over to the control node, searching for the second device having a second callee ID in response to receiving from the first device the first callee ID, determining that the second device has been found includes when the first callee ID is identical to the second callee ID, and arranging for the D2D communication between the first device and the second device in response to the second device is found when a first condition is fulfilled, wherein the first condition is fulfilled at least includes the second device has been found when the first callee ID is identical to the second callee ID. |
| US09554405B2 |
Wireless speaker for receiving from a mobile phone directions to receive and render a playlist from a content server on the internet
An apparatus for playing media includes a network transceiver for communicating with a remote control device and a server. The apparatus provides a device identifier to the remote control device, receives a playlist from the device, sends a media item identifier to a server, and receives a media item from the server. In some embodiments the apparatus is a standalone speaker device, the remote control is a touchscreen cellular phone, and the media item is an audio item. In other embodiments the apparatus is a television. In some embodiments the server comprises a playlist server and a content server. After joining a local network, the remote control is operable to control the apparatus without direct input at the device. In some embodiments the apparatus receives the media item from the content server. In other embodiments the media item flows through the remote control. |
| US09554400B2 |
Wireless communication device, system, method and program for transmitting data packets without specifying a transmission source device of a clear to send packet
A wireless communication device including: a transmitter unit configured to transmit an RTS (Request To Send) packet to a plurality of wireless communication devices; a receiver unit configured to receive a CTS (Clear To Send) packet responding to the RTS packet; and a data processing unit configured to transmit data packets from the transmitter unit to the plurality of wireless communication devices when the CTS packet is received by the receiver unit from at least some of the plurality of wireless communication devices. |
| US09554398B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing RLC for flexible RLC PDU size
Enhancements are provided for the radio link control (RLC) protocol in wireless communication systems where variable RLC packet data unit (PDU) size is allowed. When flexible RLC PDU sizes are configured by upper layers, radio network controller (RNC)/Node B flow control, RLC flow control, status reporting and polling mechanisms are configured to use byte count based metrics in order to prevent possible buffer underflows in the Node B and buffer overflows in the RNC. The enhancements proposed herein for the RLC apply to both uplink and downlink communications. |
| US09554395B2 |
Communication control device, communication control method, terminal device, program, and communication control system
Provided is a communication control device that controls radio communication conducted by a terminal device according to a time-division duplex (TDD) scheme on a radio communication network, the communication control device including a configuration section that configures, for each frame that includes a plurality of subframes, a link direction configuration expressing a link direction per subframe for the radio communication. The configuration section configures a timing of control signaling in a second link direction which is associated with data transmission in a first link direction in the radio communication, and which is opposite to the first link direction, independently of the configured link direction configuration. |
| US09554393B2 |
Method for transmitting control information for direct D2D communication in wireless communication systems, and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a method for performing direct D2D communication by means of a first device in a wireless communication system. In particular, the method includes the steps of: detecting a scheduling message from a plurality of first subframes in which the search region of the scheduling message for D2D direct communication is activated; and performing direct D2D communication with a second device in a second subframe on the basis of the scheduling message, wherein the scheduling message includes an instructor instructing the direct D2D communication. |
| US09554392B2 |
Machine to machine traffic management methods and systems
A method and system for managing M2M traffic in a network is provided. The M2M device sends a message that includes a machine identity for the M2M device. A query is submitted to a database that correlates the machine identity with a QoS parameter or a priority. The message is assigned to one of a plurality of input queues based on the assigned QoS parameter or priority. Each input queue is associated with a delay period so that the message is held in the queue for a period less than the delay period. |
| US09554385B2 |
Communications apparatus and communications system using multicarrier transmission mode
A base station accommodated in a communications system for communicating with a mobile station, the base station includes: a transmitter configured to generate frequency band information indicating which frequency band of frequency bands used in the communications system to communicate with a mobile station, to transmit the frequency band information by using a specific frequency band selected from a plurality of frequency bands available in the system, and to communicate with the mobile station using at least one of the plurality of frequency bands. |
| US09554384B2 |
Terminal configurable for use within an unknown regulatory domain
A terminal for use within an unknown regulatory domain, and a computer program product and method for configuring the terminal, are provided. The terminal can comprise first program instructions to actively scan one or more domain independent channels in a frequency band, second program instructions to configure the terminal for use in the unknown regulatory domain in response to the terminal receiving regulatory domain information as a result of actively scanning one or more of the domain independent channels, third program instructions to passively scan one or more domain dependent channels in the frequency band in response to the terminal not receiving the regulatory domain information as a result of actively scanning one or more of the domain independent channels, and fourth program instructions to configure the terminal for use in the unknown regulatory domain in response to passively scanning one or more domain dependent channels in the frequency band. |
| US09554382B2 |
Method and device for service time division multiplexing
A method and device for service time division multiplexing as well as a method and a device for transmitting service are disclosed. The method for service time division multiplexing includes selecting a part or all of radio frames in one time unit as specific radio frames; and selecting a part or all of subframes in the specific radio frames as specific subframes for sending a specific service. The specific service is a multimedia broadcast multicast service, or a unicast service, or one or more than one kind of services transmitted in broadcast or multicast mode. |
| US09554381B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting or receiving an additional demodulation reference signal based on a channel state information reference signal resource pattern
A method for transmitting a second demodulation reference signal added to support an additional antenna port (referred to as a “second antenna” hereinafter) in a downlink subframe having an extended cyclic prefix (CP), in which a resource (referred to as a “first resource pattern” hereinafter) to which a first demodulation reference signal will be mapped is configured, through a predetermined number of antenna ports (referred to as a “first antenna” hereinafter) in a wireless communication system includes: specifying positions of resources to which a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) is mapped in subframe(s) in which the CSI-RS is not transmitted and a subframe in which the CSI-RS is transmitted on the basis of CSI-RS configuration information; selecting a resource (referred to as a “second resource pattern” hereinafter) to which the second demodulation reference signal will be mapped from resources of the subframe(s) in which the CSI-RS is not transmitted, the resources corresponding to the positions of the resources to which the CSI-RS is mapped; and mapping the second demodulation reference signal to the second resource pattern. |
| US09554380B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
In a base station (100), a division number calculating unit (103) calculates the division number of a PRB pair on the basis of a first number of REs capable of mapping an allocation control signal, a second number of REs capable of mapping signals other than the allocation control signal, and a reference value, which is the number of REs satisfying the reception quality request in a terminal (200) for the allocation control signal, in each PRB pair. Then, a control signal mapping control unit (104) determines a search space by determining a control channel element group constituting a plurality of mapping unit resource region candidates within a CCE group obtained by separating each PRB pair contained in a first group into the same number as the division number. |
| US09554377B2 |
Apparatus and method of avoiding control channel blocking
The present application is directed to a wireless communication system and, more particularly, a method of processing a control channel at a user equipment in a wireless communication system using multiple carriers. The method comprises receiving a plurality of search spaces, wherein each search space comprises a plurality of control channel candidates and each search space is corresponding to respective carrier. The method also includes monitoring the control channel candidates for the control channel. |
| US09554372B2 |
Method and device for controlling transmission power for uplink control channel in carrier aggregation system
Provided are a method of controlling transmission power for an uplink control channel for a terminal to which a plurality of cells are assigned, and a device using the method. The method receives a first set of parameters and a second set of parameters that are used for determining transmission power for the uplink control channel and determines the transmission power for the uplink control channel by using the first set of parameters or the second set of parameters, wherein the first set of parameters or the second set of parameters is used according to one of the cells to which the uplink control channel is transmitted. |
| US09554371B2 |
Method and device for reporting channel state information in wireless communication system
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of reporting channel state information (CSI) of a terminal in which a plurality of CSI-reference resource (RS) configurations is set and includes: receiving information for quasi co-located assumption; measuring a channel state by using the CSI-RS; inducing a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) based on the measured result and the information for the QC assumption; and reporting the CSI including a CQI index associated with the MCS, wherein if there is a physical cell ID corresponding to the CSI-RS in the information for the QC assumption, the MSC is a value capable of receiving data below a certain error rate if the data, under the assumption of a cell-specific RS (CRS) transmitted from a cell of the physical cell ID and the QC, is received. |
| US09554368B2 |
Method and apparatus for transceiving control information in a wireless communication system
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method in which a terminal receives control information in a wireless communication system, said method comprising: a step of performing blind decoding in at least one portion of a resource region except the time unit indicated by a physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH) on a subframe, said at least one portion of the resource region is determined by whether a synchronizing signal or system information is transmitted or not. |
| US09554359B2 |
Dynamic antenna tuner setting for carrier aggregation scenarios
Apparatus and methods for dynamically adjusting radio frequency circuitry in a wireless communication device are disclosed. The wireless communication device can receive downlink communication using carrier aggregation through a primary component carrier and a secondary component carrier. When carrier aggregation is not enabled, the wireless communication device adjusts the radio frequency circuitry based on default values. When carrier aggregation is enabled, the wireless communication device evaluates radio frequency conditions for the primary and secondary component carriers and adjusts the radio frequency circuitry based on whether uplink and/or downlink communication is power constrained. When uplink communication is power constrained, the wireless communication device adjusts the radio frequency circuitry for optimal performance via the primary component carrier, and when uplink communication is not power constrained, the wireless communication device adjusts the radio frequency circuitry for optimal performance via the combination of the primary and secondary component carriers used for carrier aggregation. |
| US09554353B2 |
Location based use of the DSRC spectrum
Methods, systems, and devices are described for using location information to determine whether to use at least a portion of a dedicated short range communications (DSRC) spectrum. Current location information of a multi-mode device is determined. The multi-mode device is operating outside of the DSRC spectrum. The current location information is used to determine whether the multi-mode device is located outside of geographical region attributed to DSRC transmissions. Upon determining that the multi-mode device is located outside of the geographical region, at least a portion of the DSRC spectrum is used for transmissions by the multi-mode device. |
| US09554351B2 |
Method for handling radio activities of multiple SIM cards equipped in a communications apparatus and communications apparatus utilizing the same
A communications apparatus includes multiple SIM cards, a RF signal processing module including two or more RF signal processing units which including at least a first RF signal processing unit, and an arbiter configured for dynamically determining which SIM card to use which RF signal processing unit for handling a radio activity of the SIM card according to priority of radio activities of the SIM cards and RF signal processing capability of the RF signal processing units. A number of the SIM cards is equal to or greater than a number of the RF signal processing units included in the RF signal processing module. |
| US09554350B1 |
Systems and methods for wireless device attachment in a communication network
In systems and methods of establishing an attachment between a wireless device and a communication network, an attachment request is received from the wireless device, an access node, or both, and an update location request is transmitted to a subscriber database. A create session request is transmitted to a gateway node before an update location answer is received from the subscriber database. |
| US09554347B2 |
Automatic calibration of processing delay of radio equipment
A method and system for measuring end-to-end processing delay of the RE between an input interface and a transmit port in the downlink direction and a receive port and an output interface on the uplink direction is disclosed. The method and system if for use in a radio equipment node (RE) connected to a radio equipment control node (REC). Once the downlink and uplink radio channels are activated at a predetermined carrier frequency, a chirp sine wave is added at the input interface and the receive port such that the chirp sine wave becomes mixed with the carrier frequency. Sampling of a received downlink mixed signal is done at the transmit port and of the received uplink mixed signal at the output interface. The sampled mixed signals are then cross-correlated with a reference chirped sine wave to obtain a signal phase shift which is then converted to obtain a time delay associated with the end-to-end processing delay of the RE. |
| US09554345B2 |
Avoidance of network interference between thermostats in a plurality of proximate wireless mesh networks
An apparatus and/or method is described providing for expansion of the number of nodes in an HVAC thermostat control network utilizing a wireless mesh network beyond the limits of a single mesh network by utilizing a synchronization signal to offset periods of high wireless mesh network traffic. |
| US09554344B2 |
Bluetooth assisted NAN cluster discovery
Disclosed herein are techniques to enable discovery of a NAN cluster using low-power communication. According to such techniques, a NAN discovery beacon including information indicative of a schedule for communication using a first radio is transmitted using a second radio that utilizes a lower amount of power relative to the first radio. |
| US09554343B2 |
Radio communication method, radio base station, user terminal and radio communication system
The present invention is designed to report transmit power information of each subframe adequately when a plurality of transmit power are set in a plurality of subframes constituting radio frames. A radio base station performs the steps of setting at least three or more kinds of varying transmit power in a plurality of subframes constituting a radio frame, and also determining a power ratio between a reference signal and a shared data channel signal in each subframe, generating bitmap information that represents a type pattern of transmit power set in the plurality of subframes, reporting the bitmap information and the power ratio to a user terminal and/or another radio base station, and generating the bitmap information with reference to a table in which the power ratio of each subframe and identifiers are associated with each other. |
| US09554341B2 |
Method and device for allocating uplink power in multiple TA environments
The present specification relates to a method and device for allocating uplink power in multiple-TA environments. The method comprises: calculating transmission powers of a PUSCH for subframe m of a first component carrier and subframes k and (k+1) of a second component carrier by using required powers of the PUSCH for the first half and second half of subframe m, which temporally overlaps with the second half of subframe k and the first half of subframe (k+1), available powers of the PUSCH for the first and second components carriers, and required powers of the PUSCH for the second half of subframe K and the first half of subframe (k+1) in a user equipment to which multiple TAs are applied; and setting the transmission power of the PUSCH for subframe m according to the calculated transmission powers and performing uplink transmission to a base station through the subframe m. |
| US09554340B2 |
Closed loop power control commands for SRS
According to one aspect of the teachings herein, a set of rules for transmitting Downlink Control Information (DCI) messages containing Transmit Power Control (TPC) commands is known to a wireless communication network (10) and to any number of wireless devices (20) supported by network (10). A device (20) receiving a given TPC DCI message knows the uplink channel(s) to which the received TPC command(s) are to be applied based on interpreting the given TPC DCI message according to the known rules. The rules may be defined as internal within the DCI format, such as bits, states or code points. Additionally, or alternatively, the rules may be defined according to external attributes for DCI message transmission, such as whether the DCI message is transmitted on a Physical Downlink Control Channel, “PDCCH” or on an enhanced PDCCH, “ePDCCH”. |
| US09554339B2 |
Method for controlling uplink transmission power in wireless communication system and device therefor
The present invention relates to a method for controlling uplink transmission power of a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting an uplink signal according to a predetermined uplink-downlink configuration with respect to a serving cell, receiving first transmission power control information for a first set of uplink sub-frames and second transmission power control information for a second set of uplink sub-frames from the serving cell, and transmitting a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) on a particular sub-frame included in the second set of uplink sub-frames, according to the second transmission power control information, wherein the second set of uplink sub-frames is configured by at least one uplink sub-frame specified by a upper layer signaling among a plurality of uplink sub-frames according to the predetermined uplink-downlink configuration. |
| US09554338B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system for uplink control channel reception in a heterogeneous wireless communication network
A method and system for improving the reception of uplink transmissions in a heterogeneous wireless communication system includes a high-power node such as a macro-cell and a low-power node such as a femto-cell or pico-cell. To address an uplink imbalance where a nearby low-power node power controls a UE such that uplink transmissions of an HSDPA control channel are poorly received at the serving cell, an RNC can instruct the UE to boost its uplink transmit power, remove the UE from soft handover, or disable power control of the UE by the low-power node. To address inter-cell interference, the RNC can limit the UE transmit power and/or enable the victim cell to suppress the interference. Further, a common control channel can be used to power control UEs outside of the convention set of UEs available for power control. |
| US09554332B2 |
Method for reducing power consumption of a mobile device and mobile device
A method for reducing power consumption of a mobile device comprises determining a link quality of a link for a transmission of data between the mobile device and a receiver and transmitting the data the data in dependence of the determined link quality from the mobile device to the receiver when the determined link quality is sufficiently high to allow a data transmission with a predetermined transmit power by the mobile device. |
| US09554329B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting signal in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for transmitting control information in a small base station of a wireless communication system are provided. In the method, when the small base station operates in a Low Duty operation Mode (LDM) in a superframe, a control signal including LDM operation information is generated. Only a subframe via which a preamble, a control signal including the LDM operation information, and a SuperFrame Header (SFH) are transmitted is transmitted during the superframe. When the small base station operates in a normal operation mode in a superframe, at least one of the control information and data is transmitted via at least one subframe of the superframe. |
| US09554323B2 |
Generating sequenced instructions for connecting through captive portals
Embodiments produce a set of instructions for connecting to a network through a network access point based on data crowdsourced from mobile computing devices. The crowdsourced data describes interactions between the mobile computing devices and the network access point when establishing a connection to the network. A cloud service analyzes the crowdsourced data to identify a set of instructions for association with the network access point. The mobile computing devices replay the set of instructions when subsequently attempting to connect to the network access point. |
| US09554316B2 |
System and method to provide fast wide-area mobile IP handoffs
A system, device, and method for real-time handoff in a mobile IP network is provided. In an embodiment, an indication that a mobile device is in a new network is sent out more often in a beacon than in an IRDP message in order to provide an effective seamless connectivity between service areas for wireless communications. |
| US09554315B2 |
Method for accessing a service unavailable through a network cell
A method performed by user equipment (UE) includes receiving a request to access a service unavailable through a first network cell associated with the UE, and receiving a message from an access device associated with the first network cell, wherein the message identifies a plurality of second network cells providing the service. |
| US09554307B2 |
Communication apparatus and mobility method for mobile relay of backhaul links
The present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus with multiple antenna sets installed on the radio interface between the communication apparatus and on-land base station, and a mobility method for the communication apparatus. In some embodiments, a communication apparatus may include a first antenna and a second antenna separated with a distance; and a digital unit connected to the first and second antennas and configured to support at least one backhaul context with the first antenna and at least another backhaul context with the second antenna at the same time. |
| US09554305B2 |
User equipment, port control protocol server, and methods for signaling device and application feedback
Embodiments of User Equipment (UE) and methods to support reception of content for use by an application supported by a Port Control Protocol (PCP) client are disclosed herein. The UE may receive, from a PCP server, a first portion of video content for use by the application during a first time period. The UE may send a PCP update message that includes one or more mobility status parameters. The UE may receive a second portion of the video content for use by the application during a second time period. The first and second portions of the video content may be received from a first and a second mobility anchor, which may operate as relays for the PCP server. The second mobility anchor may be determined based on a referred IP prefix included in the PCP date update message. |
| US09554301B2 |
Shunting method and system for multi-network joint transmission, and access network element
A shunting method and system for multi-network joint transmission and an access network element are provided, and the method includes that a network element of a 3GPP access network transmits a shunting request message to a network element of a WLAN access network; upon reception of a success response from the network element of the WLAN access network, the network element of the 3GPP access network transmits to a UE a shunting command to indicate the UE to access a target WLAN access network corresponding to the network element of the WLAN access network; and after determining that the UE has successfully accessed the target WLAN access network, the network element of the 3GPP access network performs data shunting transmission through a shunting connection between the network element of the 3GPP access network and the network element of the WLAN access network. By means of the disclosure, it is possible to implement shunting control over multi-network joint transmission by a network side. |
| US09554297B2 |
Periodic channel state information (CSI) reporting using a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)
Technology for periodic channel state information (CSI) reporting using a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is disclosed. One method can include a user equipment (UE) generating a CSI report with a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) first reporting type and a CSI report with a PUCCH second reporting type; and dropping a CSI report with the PUCCH first reporting type of a serving cell when the CSI report with the PUCCH first reporting type has a collision with the CSI report with PUCCH second reporting type of the serving cell. The PUCCH first reporting type can have a lower priority level than the PUCCH second reporting type. |
| US09554295B2 |
System and method for controlling a report about link status monitoring result acquired by mobile station and transmitted to a base station
A radio measurement collection method in one embodiment is provided with: a step (S142) wherein, in an idle state, radio-environment measurement is performed on a target LTE frequency band in accordance with measurement parameters set by an LTE base station (eNB); a step (S143) wherein, in an idle state, radio-environment measurement is performed on a frequency band for a non-LTE radio access technology and/or an LTE frequency band other than the target frequency band; and a step (S146) wherein, if the result of the measurement in step S142 is less than a threshold, the result of the measurement in step S142 and the result of the measurement in step S143 are both logged together with location information. |
| US09554294B2 |
Augmenting spectrum sharing using network measurements
A method of operating a spectrum system includes issuing communicating transmitter commands to a spectrum operator system from the spectrum system. The spectrum operator system is in communication with a transmitter. The method also includes instructing, using a computing processor, the spectrum operator system to identify a set of wireless terminals associated with the transmitter, instruct the set of wireless terminals or a subset of the wireless terminals associated with the transmitter to return network measurements to the spectrum system, and instruct different subsets of wireless terminals associated with the transmitter over time to return network measurements to the spectrum system. |
| US09554293B2 |
Smooth transition between predictive and mobile-assisted spectral allocation
Technologies are generally described for providing a transition between predictive and mobile-assisted spectral allocation. In some examples, wireless devices may be enabled to determine adequacy of theft allocated spectral path to meet their communication needs by analyzing signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of their assigned sub-carriers. If a wireless device determines a current sub-carrier to be inadequate based on the analysis, it may send information associated with preferred sub-carriers to a base station. The base station may determine one or more nearby good clusters based on a comparison of a sequence of received preferred sub-carriers and the spectral paths represented by the nearby cluster centers, and select a re-allocated spectral path with shortest information distance to the sequence of preferred sub-carriers. |
| US09554291B2 |
Generation of RF stimulus signal using DC modulating signal
Systems and methods of generating an RF stimulus signal with different power levels for IC testing. A DC modulating signal is used to power modulate a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal and thereby generate an RF stimulus signal at varying power levels. The DC modulating signal includes a sequence of DC waveforms at different voltage levels. A DC voltage transition in the modulating signal instantaneously triggers the transition of an output power in the RF stimulus signal. Reference waveforms that can cause a known response pattern in a DUT may be added at the beginning of the modulating signal for data calibration purposes. |
| US09554285B2 |
Establishing wireless communication between a train and base stations
Methods and systems are provided for communication between moving objects (e.g., a train) and land-based systems (e.g., base stations of mobile wireless networks). For example, wireless communication may be established between a train and one or more base stations arranged along a track travelled by the train. In some instances, multiple-input and multiple-output arrays may be configured, comprising antennas of one or more communication relays arranged on the train, and the one or more base stations. Communications may be performed concurrently via multiple communication channels, such as channels of a MIMO arrays, using cooperative communication schemes for example. Channel state information (CSI) may be stored, remotely or locally, such as in a data storage system, and for communicating via the communication channel(s), channel state information may be determined, such as depending on information defining the current location of communication relays used in establishing the channels. |
| US09554283B2 |
Carrier aggregation using unlicensed frequency bands
Carrier aggregation using unlicensed frequency bands. A primary carrier for communication between a base station (BS) and a wireless user equipment (UE) device may be configured according to a first wireless communication technology. The primary carrier may be on a licensed frequency band. A secondary carrier for communication between the BS and the UE may also be configured according to a first wireless communication technology. The secondary carrier may be on an unlicensed frequency band. Channel conditions for each of multiple possible channels of the unlicensed frequency band may be assessed according to a second wireless communication technology as part of configuring the secondary carrier. |
| US09554281B2 |
Fractional frequency reuse schemes assigned to clusters of radio nodes in an LTE radio access network
Methods and systems are provided for allocating frequencies in a radio access network (RAN) that includes a plurality of radio nodes each associated with a cell and a services node operatively coupled to the radio nodes. In accordance with the method, the radio nodes (RNs) in the RAN are divided into a plurality of clusters of RNs. A fractional frequency reuse (FFR) pattern is generated for each cluster. Transmission resources are allocated to the radio nodes in each cluster in accordance with the respective FFR pattern that is generated for each cluster. |
| US09554277B2 |
Managing access rights using a passive tag
Methods, devices, and systems for managing access rights are described herein. One method includes receiving, by a mobile device, information from a passive tag located at an entrance to an area, wherein the information includes identification information for the entrance, sending, by the mobile device to a computing device of an access control system associated with the area, the information from the passive tag and a request to access the area, and granting, by the computing device of the access control system, access to the area based on the information from the passive tag and the request to access the area. |
| US09554276B2 |
System and method for on the fly protocol conversion in obtaining policy enforcement information
A system, machine readable medium and method for utilizing protocol conversions in policy changing enforcement is disclosed. A message, in a first protocol, is received from a network gateway device including identifying information unique to a client attempting to access a resource from a server. The message is processed using one or more portions of the client identifying information as a unique key identifier. A policy access request is generated, in a second protocol, and includes at least the unique key identifier. The policy access request is sent to a policy server, wherein the policy server is configured to provide policy enforcement information of the client associated with the policy access request. The policy enforcement information is received and one or more policies from the policy enforcement information are enforced to network traffic between the client and the server. |
| US09554274B1 |
System for authentication levels associated with a wearable device
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for authentication levels associated with a wearable device. The system is configured to receive an indication that a user is in possession of the wearable device; authenticate the wearable device; receive an indication from the user to execute a transaction; determine that the user continues to remain in possession of the wearable device; determine that the transaction requires an authentication level higher than the default authentication level; receive additional authentication credentials associated with the authentication level required to execute the transaction; authenticate the wearable device using the additional authentication credentials received from the user; and execute the transaction associated with the authentication level higher than the default authentication level. |
| US09554268B2 |
System and method for updating persistent data in a wireless communications device
A system and method are provided for updating persistent data in a wireless communications device. The wireless communications device receives patch manager run time instructions from an airlink interface. A run-time engine is launched. The run-time engine receives the patch manager run time instructions with dynamic instruction sets and new code sections, including updated persistent data. The run-time engine processes the dynamic instruction sets. In response to processing the dynamic instruction sets, the run-time engine selectively updates persistent data in the system software. The updated persistent data may, for example, be selected from the following: radio frequency (RF) calibration data, nonvolatile system and user configuration data, resource data, nonvolatile system and user application data, and arbitrary data. |
| US09554264B2 |
System and method for signaling network assigned radio resources for proximity discovery
An eNB is configured to perform different methods for assigning discovery resources. One method includes receiving a request for discovery resources from an announcing user equipment (UE); allocating a plurality of discovery resources in response to the request; and transmitting a message indicating the plurality of discovery resources, the transmitted message configured to be used by a monitoring UE to determine which discovery resources to monitor. In some embodiments, this may include updating a message to indicate which discovery resources have been allocated, and broadcasting the updated message to a plurality of UEs including the monitoring UE. |
| US09554262B2 |
Operator-assisted device-to-device (D2D) discovery
A method and system for operator-assisted device-to-device (D2D) discovery is disclosed, which method may be executed as instructions on a machine, where the instructions are included on at least one computer readable medium. The method can include a transmission station in an operator network receiving a request for data service from a requesting wireless device. The transmission station can identify a serving wireless device to provide the data service for the requesting wireless device. The transmission station can transmit a device discovery message to the requesting wireless device and the serving wireless device. The device discovery message provides a device discovery period for communication via an ad-hoc, D2D network between the requesting wireless device and the serving wireless device. The ad-hoc, D2D network provides for device-to-device communication. |
| US09554256B2 |
Method for communicating text messages in deferred mode or in real-time mode, corresponding generating device and computer program
A method and apparatus are provided for communicating text messages between a first terminal and at least one second terminal that are connected by a communications network. Initially, the terminals communicate according to a first mode in which all the characters of a validated message are transmitted at the validation of said message. Then, the terminals switch into a second communication mode in which each character of a message is transmitted following its introduction on a keypad. The switching from the first mode into the second mode takes place when a terminal, while it is introducing a message, receives at least one signal indicating the introduction of a character on the keyboard of the other terminal. |
| US09554249B2 |
Systems and methods for enhancing privacy in connection with location-based services
A system comprising a processor and comprising computer-executable instructions that cause a processor to perform operations comprising determining that user-system location data is needed by an application running at a user device. Operations of the system further include determining a first user-system location and determining a privacy parameter based on a location-accuracy requirement associated with the application. The operations further include generating, based on the privacy parameter and the first user-system location, privacy-adjusted location data indicating a second user-system location being less accurate than the first user-system location by an amount corresponding to a value of the privacy parameter. The operations also include providing the privacy-adjusted location data to a destination for use in providing a location-dependent service by way of the application at the user device. |
| US09554247B2 |
Techniques for computing location of a mobile device based on observed Wi-Fi access points
In one embodiment, scanning data is received for wireless access points whose wireless signals were observed by the one or more scanning devices in a target area. For each group of scanning data that shares a common identifier of a Wi-Fi access point, a centroid of the scanning data is determined, a set of scanning data of the group that exceeds a threshold distance from the centroid is designated as having potential error, and a location of the Wi-Fi access point is calculated. The calculated location of the Wi-Fi access point for each group of scanning data is stored in a reference database. Upon receiving a request for a location of a mobile device, an identity of one or more Wi-Fi access points in range of the mobile device is determined, and the location of the mobile device is computed using calculated locations from the reference database. |
| US09554246B2 |
Interactive weather advisory system
A method for providing information to a plurality of vendors located remotely from a broadcast network. A plurality of user-defined parameters are received by a user input database with at least one of the user-defined parameters including a user profile. Each of the user profiles includes a user identifier code identifying a communicator device associated with a particular user. Real-time data indicative of the spatial locations of the communicator devices is received by a communicator location database. Search information is received independently from a plurality of vendors and a data set is generated for each vendor. |
| US09554242B2 |
Device, method and computer readable medium for communication on a zigbee network
In a zigbee network, reliable communications are provided by maintaining messages transmitted from a device in a message queue in the device. If no successful acknowledgement is received for a transmitted message, the message is re-transmitted when the message queue executes. Messages are deleted from the queue when the message is successfully transmitted or when a maximum number of re-tries has been exhausted. |
| US09554241B2 |
Systems and methods for sharing location data within a vehicle
To determine the location of a portable device operating within a vehicle that is not in direct communication with the vehicle head unit, the portable device may detect an attached portable device which is directly connected to the head unit. Moreover, the portable device may send a request to the attached portable device for the current location of the vehicle. The attached portable device may then transmit the current location of the vehicle to the portable device, and the portable device may estimate its own location based on the current location of the vehicle. |
| US09554231B2 |
Enterprise femtocell signaling
A mobile device sends a request for a unique wireless network session identifier and receives, based on the request, the unique wireless network session identifier. The mobile device determines whether the unique wireless network session identifier includes a femtocell identifier. The mobile device applies one set of configuration settings when the unique wireless network session identifier includes the femtocell identifier, and applies a different set of configuration settings when the unique wireless network session identifier does not include the femtocell identifier. |
| US09554230B2 |
Audio signal correction and calibration for a room environment
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of processing an audio signal to optimize audio for a room environment. One example method of operation may include recording the audio signal generated within a particular room environment and processing the audio signal to create an original frequency response based on the audio signal. The method may also include creating at least two iterative filters based on at least two separate frequency ranges of the original frequency response, calculating an error difference between the frequency response modified by the at least two iterative filters and the original frequency response, and applying the error difference to the audio signal. |
| US09554228B2 |
Method for implementing surround sound using a plurality of vehicles
The present inventive concept relates to a method for implementing surround sound system using a plurality of vehicles, which implements the surround sound by outputting a sound source corresponding to a surround sound node of itself according to a synchronization signal after each vehicle located in a local area (AVN system: Audio, Video, Navigation system) identifies the surround sound node of itself based on its position. |
| US09554227B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing audio signal
An audio signal processing apparatus including an index estimation unit that receives three-dimensional image information as an input and generates index information for applying a three-dimensional effect to an audio object in at least one direction of right, left, up, down, front, and back directions, based on the three-dimensional image information; and a rendering unit for applying a three-dimensional effect to the audio object in at least one direction of right, left, up, down, front, and back directions, based on the index information. |
| US09554224B2 |
Holding unit for a vibration transmitter and a vibration transmission system using it
A holding unit and a vibration transmission system are disclosed. The holding unit comprising a holding plate is configured to be attached to the skin by means of magnetic attraction between a number of external magnets that are either: a) integrated within the holding plate; b) mechanically attached to the holding plate; or c) constituting the holding plate and a number of internal magnets implanted under the skin of a hearing impaired person. The holding unit comprises a transmission member or plate member configured to transfer mechanical vibrations from a vibrator through the skin to the bone of the person. The transmission member or plate member is interconnected by a mechanical flexible coupling to the magnet(s) of the holding plate. |
| US09554220B2 |
System and method for network based hearing aid compatible mode selection
A system and method for providing a hearing aid compatibility mode of communication service to hearing aid users is disclosed. The described system can store an indication at a communication network that a given account is used by a person who wears hearing aid equipment. Services provided to that account can then use communication parameters and network resources which tend to minimize interference with a hearing aid. The network can instruct the user equipment and the radio access network to communicate using hearing aid friendly parameters. In some cases, network resources beyond those allocated for accounts not indicated as hearing aid user accounts can be allocated. Parameters adjusted in hearing aid compatibility mode can include codec rates, operating power levels, and burst frame length, among others. In some described embodiments, the hearing aid compatibility mode can be selectively enabled as desired by an account user. |
| US09554219B2 |
BTE hearing aid having a balanced antenna
A behind the ear hearing aid includes: a transceiver for wireless data communication interconnected with an antenna for electromagnetic field emission and electromagnetic field reception, the antenna extending on a first side of a hearing aid and a second side of the hearing aid, a first segment of the antenna extending from proximate the first side of the hearing aid to proximate the second side of the hearing aid; and a feed system configured for exciting the antenna to induce a current in at least the first segment, the current having a first local maxima proximate the first side of the hearing aid and a second local maxima proximate the second side of the hearing aid. |
| US09554213B2 |
Hinged MEMS diaphragm
A micromechanical structure, comprising a substrate having a through hole; a residual portion of a sacrificial oxide layer peripheral to the hole; and a polysilicon layer overlying the hole, patterned to have a planar portion; a supporting portion connecting the planar portion to polysilicon on the residual portion; polysilicon stiffeners formed extending beneath the planar portion overlying the hole; and polysilicon ribs surrounding the supporting portion, attached near a periphery of the planar portion. The polysilicon ribs extend to a depth beyond the stiffeners, and extend laterally beyond an edge of the planar portion. The polysilicon ribs are released from the substrate during manufacturing after the planar region, and reduce stress on the supporting portion. |
| US09554212B2 |
Capacitive microphone with integrated cavity
A capacitive microphone and method of fabricating the same are provided. One or more holes can be formed in a first printed circuit board (PCB). A diaphragm can be surface micro-machined onto an interior surface of the first PCB at a region having the one or more holes. Interface electronics can also be interconnected to the interior surface of the PCB. One or more spacer PCBs can be attached to a second PCB to the first PCB, such that appropriate interconnections between interconnect vias are made. The second PCB and first PCB with spacers in between can be attached so as to create a cavity in which the diaphragm and interface electronics are located. |
| US09554209B2 |
Microphone preamplifier circuit
A microphone preamplifier circuit is adapted to be connected to a microphone circuit, the microphone circuit including a microphone and at least one output node. The microphone preamplifier circuit includes a preamplifier including: an operational amplifier having at least one input and at least one output; at least one input DC decoupling capacitor connected to the at least one input of the operational amplifier; at least one feedback capacitor connected between the input and the output of the operational amplifier in order to set together with the at least one input DC decoupling capacitor a gain value of the preamplifier circuit; and first and second feed nodes adapted to be fed by first and second bias voltages respectively. The preamplifier further includes at least one switched capacitor adapted to be selectively and alternatively connected in response to a clock signal: between the at least one input and the at least one output of the operational amplifier; and between the first and second feed nodes. The microphone preamplifier circuit further includes an anti-aliasing filter having: (i) at least one output terminal connected to the at least one input DC decoupling capacitor and (ii) at least one input terminal adapted to be connected to the at least one output node of the microphone circuit. |
| US09554206B2 |
Sound presentation device
A sound presentation device including: a casing; an electroacoustic transducer that is installed in such a way that a space inside the casing is divided into a first empty chamber and second empty chamber that are acoustically isolated, and that receives an electrical signal and vibrates; and a vibration plate that makes contact with a body surface of a human body when the sound presentation device is mounted on the body surface, and causes vibration of the electroacoustic transducer to be propagated to the human body via the first empty chamber, the second empty chamber suppressing sound waves produced by the vibration of the electroacoustic transducer from being emitted to outside of the sound presentation device via the second empty chamber. |
| US09554205B2 |
Fitting system for a headphone with physiological sensor
A headphone system comprising a physiological sensor and a method of fitting a headphone system comprising a physiological sensor to a user is provided. The headphone system comprises a headphone having a speaker, a physiological sensor configured to be positioned for measuring physiological data, and a processor connected to the physiological sensor to receive the measured physiological data and process the measured physiological data to output physiological information and a fitting parameter. An application program is associated with the headphone, and is configured to receive the physiological information and the fitting parameter. The application program may evaluate at least the fitting parameter to indicate to a user whether the headphone is properly positioned, and issue a first notification in dependence on the evaluation of the fitting parameter. |
| US09554203B1 |
Sound source characterization apparatuses, methods and systems
A processor-implemented method for sound characterization is described. In one implementation, time-frequency transform of each of a plurality of sound signals from one or more sources, the sound signals being detected by a plurality of sensing devices, is derived. One or more single-source constant-time analysis zones based at least on correlation between the time-frequency transform signals from a pair of sensing devices are detected. At least one direction of arrival for each source in the detected single source analysis zones are detected. A histogram of the estimated directions of arrival is created and an estimate of a number of the sound sources and corresponding directions of arrival are generated based at least on the histogram. |
| US09554202B1 |
Speaker mounting assembly
The present disclosure is directed to a speaker mounting assembly which includes a top mount having an opening configured for receiving there through at least a portion of a speaker, a speaker platform for resting the at least the portion of the speaker thereon, and a bottom mount configured for connecting to the top mount with the speaker platform positioned there between. |
| US09554201B2 |
Multiple-orientation audio device and related apparatus
An audio device includes a housing having first and second support surfaces for supporting the device at different orientations relative to the surface on which the device is placed, a driver to output sound in a radiating pattern associated with a first axis of the driver, and an orientation sensor to detect a direction of a force of gravity. A control circuit coupled to the driver and the orientation sensor determines the direction of the force of gravity relative to the first axis and whether the first axis is oriented to one of a first angle of elevation associated with physically supporting the device by the first surface and a second angle of elevation associated with physically supporting the device by the second surface. The circuit can alters the output by the driver based on the first axis being oriented to the first or second angles of elevation. |
| US09554200B2 |
Electronic shelf assembly incorporating spring loaded circuit pack latch rails
An electronic shelf assembly configured to selectively receive a circuit pack including a pivotable handle incorporating a retention hook, the electronic shelf assembly including: a shelf assembly housing configured to selectively receive the circuit pack; a support rail coupled to the shelf assembly housing; a latch rail member movably coupled to the support rail and defining a recess configured to selectively receive and retain the retention hook of the pivotable handle of the circuit pack, thereby selectively securing the circuit pack within the shelf assembly housing; and a spring mechanism coupled to the latch rail member and the support rail, wherein the spring mechanism allows for relative movement of the latch rail member with respect to the support rail while biasing the latch rail member towards the support rail, thereby selectively biasing the circuit pack into the shelf assembly housing. |
| US09554194B2 |
System and method for providing data communication services through a CATV tap-off device
A system for providing data communication services includes a cable television (CATV) tap-off device and a CATV gateway device. The tap-off device includes a signal splitter communicably coupled to a tap-off access point and a first signal transceiver and communicates a CATV signal with a CATV network through the splitter. The gateway device is communicably coupled to the signal splitter through a first coaxial cable to communicate the CATV signal with the tap-off device. The gateway device includes a second signal transceiver and is configured to split the CATV signal into a television signal and a baseband data signal. The second signal transceiver communicates the baseband data signal as a transceiver signal over the first coaxial cable to the first signal transceiver. The tap-off access point is configured to transmit a first wireless signal based on the transceiver signal. |
| US09554190B2 |
System and method for controlling communication device use
A computer implemented method is provided including establishing a value corresponding to a particular user of a device, receiving an indication of a triggering condition of the particular user of the device, the triggering condition being enabled by the device or measurable by the device, and determining the triggering condition has been met by the user via the device. The method further includes modifying the value responsive to determining the triggering condition has been met, determining when the value crosses a particular threshold, and disabling an application or a functional component of the device responsive to the value crossing the particular threshold. A system for implementing the method is also provided. |
| US09554189B2 |
Contextual remote control interface
Embodiments of the present invention provide a contextual remote control interface, which is a companion application that allows a user to use a companion device to control experiences generated by an application running on a primary device. Web browsers, games, and streaming media applications are examples of applications running on a primary device that may be controlled using the companion device. Interfaces associated with each of the media applications on the primary device may be displayed on a television or other device coupled to the primary device. A unique set of virtual controls are included in the remote control interface for each application and may be tailored to the current state of the application. |
| US09554188B2 |
Shock block
A system may include a media processor that categorizes at least one scene of a media stream into a category. The media processor may further provide an output media stream that alters the at least one scene of the media stream based on the category, where the category may be shocking or scary scenes. A method may include categorizing, using a computing device, at least one scene of a media stream into at least one category. The method may further include altering, using the computing device, the at least one scene of the media stream based on the category. |
| US09554184B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing user engagement with video advertisements and content by summarization
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for increasing user engagement with video ads and content. The invention is not limited to video advertisements, but is applicable to any other content. Embodiments of the invention provide engagement formats that use interesting frames in a video or objects within video frames to increase user engagement in the video, one or more frames of the video, or any object within the video. |
| US09554183B2 |
Caching of capabilities information of counterpart device for efficient handshaking operation
Embodiments related to storing and utilizing information of a sink device for establishing communication. A source device retrieves the information of a previously connected sink device stored in the source device to reduce data exchanged during a handshaking operation. Information of the sink device not stored in the source device may be stored in the source device for future usage. The source device receives identification information of the sink device via a medium. The source device also searches for capabilities information associated with the identification information in the source device. In addition, the source device encodes the content for transmission to the sink device via the medium in a format compliant with capabilities of the sink device according to the capabilities information. |
| US09554181B2 |
Content supply device, content supply method, program, terminal device and content supply system
The present disclosure relates to a content supply device, a content supply method, a program, a terminal device and a content supply system that are configured to be capable of realizing rapid zapping between channels in DASH.The content supply device of the present disclosure supplies a plurality of items of streaming data with differing attributes, which is content with identical detail, to the same channel, and is provided with a supply portion that divides the streaming data into minimum units when the reception of streaming data is switched according to a timing that is made uniform with other channels, and supplies the streaming data to a reception side through a network, and a metafile generation portion that generates metafiles for the reception side to receive the streaming data that is supplied in the minimum units, which show that the streaming data is for zapping.The present disclosure can be applied to a system that performs streaming distribution of content. |
| US09554174B2 |
System and methods for transmitting and distributing media content
A technique for post-processing media content on a network by a GPU cloud computing system is provided. The system includes a plurality of computer systems providing a content submission connection for uploading the media content. The system includes a processor configured to receive descriptive information related to the media content via the network, receive the media content via the content submission connection which has a quicker uploading bandwidth than the network, process the media content; and distribute processed media content via the network that is separated from the content submission connection. The system further includes a distributed GPU cloud computing platform to perform parallel post-processing of the media content, and an immersive 3D interface. |
| US09554173B1 |
News production system with dynamic media server allocation
An example method involves: (i) accessing data representing a news program schedule that specifies a sequence of events to be carried out using a news production system, wherein the schedule is divided into contiguous portions; (ii) for each portion: determining that m media servers are sufficient to execute any events of that portion and associated with a first device, allocating m media servers to the first device, thereby leaving one or more unallocated media servers, and allocating n media servers, from the unallocated media servers, to a second device; and (iii) for each of the contiguous portions, utilizing at least a portion of the allocated m media servers to carry out the events specified in that portion and associated with the first device and utilizing at least a portion of the allocated n media servers to carry out the events specified in that portion and associated with the second device. |
| US09554172B2 |
Rebroadcasting system
A rebroadcasting system for retransmitting a television broadcast, which was received from a satellite, in a segment broadcasting, such as one-segment broadcasting and three-segment broadcasting, comprises: charging a solar battery during the daytime; recording broadcasts during the retransmission halt time; retransmitting television broadcasts, which are received from the satellite, in real time by use of central (one or three) segments and the charged power during any time when the output of the solar battery is low, for example, during the night, before sunset, after sunrise, or a rainy day; reproducing the recorded broadcasts; and retransmitting the reproduced recorded programs by use of any remaining segments, for example, segments adjacent to the central segments. |
| US09554169B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for delivering content
Systems, methods, and apparatus for delivering content are provided. A request for desired content may be received by a content management server from a customer device associated with a customer. The content management server may include one or more computers. Additionally, the content management server may determine whether the customer device is in communication with one or more additional devices associated with the customer. Based at least in part upon the communication determination, the content management server may determine whether the customer device is located within a subscription area for the customer. Based at least in part upon the determination of whether the customer device is located within the subscription area, the content management server may determine access rights to the desired content. |
| US09554167B2 |
Network media program restart
A server for network media program restart receives a request from a client device to restart a media program that is configured as being enabled for network media program restart subject to a set of one or more restrictions. Responsive to determining that a currently airing restriction is configured that allows the media program to be played by the client device only when that media program is currently airing in a locale of the client device and will become unavailable for viewing after a predefined amount of time has elapsed after the currently airing media program ends, the server transmits the media program to the client device for playback only responsive to a determination that at the time of the request the media program is currently airing in the locale of the client device and only when the predefined amount of time has not elapsed. |
| US09554163B2 |
Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording
An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. |
| US09554161B2 |
Timepoint correlation system
A portable device includes solid-state memory, an Ethernet and/or wireless network connection, and an HDMI. The portable device receives content guide data from a first server and displays a content guide on a display. In response to a user's selection of a content item, the portable device requests the content item over the Internet from a second server. The portable device receives the content item, stores the content item in solid-state memory, generates display signals that represent the content item, and sends the display signals to a display. The second server may match the content item with relevant advertisements based on keywords associated with the content item and the advertisements. The second server may send selected advertisement URLs to the portable device. Using the URLs, the portable device may obtain the advertisements over the Internet and cause the display to display the advertisements in conjunction with the content item. |
| US09554157B2 |
Method and apparatus for coding video and method and apparatus for decoding video accompanied with arithmetic coding
A method of decoding a video through symbol decoding includes parsing symbols of image blocks from a received bitstream; classifying a current symbol into a prefix bit string and a suffix bit string based on a threshold value determined according to a size of a current block; performing arithmetic decoding of the prefix bit string and the suffix bit string by using respective arithmetic decoding methods determined for each of the prefix bit string and the suffix bit string; performing inverse binarization of the prefix bit string and the suffix bit string by using respective binarization methods determined for each of the prefix bit string and the suffix bit string; and restoring the image blocks by performing an inverse transformation operation and a prediction operation on the current block by using the current symbol restored through the arithmetic decoding and the inverse binarization. |
| US09554154B2 |
Image encoding apparatus adaptively determining a scan pattern according to an intra prediction mode
Provided is an image encoding apparatus that generates a prediction block according to an intra prediction mode, generates a residual block, transforms the residual block to generate a transform block, quantizes the transform block to generate a quantized transform block, scans the quantized transform block to generate one-dimensional (1D) quantized coefficients, and entropy-codes the 1D quantized coefficients. When a size of the transform block is 8×8, the quantized transform block is divided into a plurality of sub-blocks, the plurality of sub-blocks and coefficients of each sub-block are scanned using a same scan pattern determined according to the intra prediction mode. A scan pattern for scanning flags indicating non-zero coefficients of each sub-block is the same as the scan pattern for scanning non-zero coefficients of each sub-block. |
| US09554153B2 |
Data compression using spatial decorrelation
Methods and modules for spatial decorrelation and recorrelation are described. A block of data values can be spatially decorrelated in two dimensions efficiently by processing rows of the data values in a particular order such that if the results of spatially decorrelating a first row will be used for column-wise spatial decorrelation of a second row then the data values of the first row are processed in an earlier iteration to that in which the data values of the second row are processed. This allows for highly parallelised processing of the block of data values. Spatial recorrelation can be performed as an inverse process to the spatial decorrelation. |
| US09554150B2 |
Combined bi-predictive merging candidates for 3D video coding
A video coder generates a list of merging candidates for coding a video block of the 3D video. A maximum number of merging candidates in the list of merging candidates may be equal to 6. As part of generating the list of merging candidates, the video coder determines whether a number of merging candidates in the list of merging candidates is less than 5. If so, the video coder derives one or more combined bi-predictive merging candidates. The video coder includes the one or more combined bi-predictive merging candidates in the list of merging candidates. |
| US09554148B2 |
Picture coding method and picture coding apparatus for coding a current picture in direct mode
A picture coding apparatus includes a motion vector estimation unit and a motion compensation unit. The motion vector estimation unit selects one method for deriving a motion vector of a block to be motion-compensated, depending on a motion vector of a block located in a corner of a decoded macroblock from among a group of blocks that compose the decoded macroblock corresponding to the current macroblock to be coded and determines the motion vector derived by the selected method for derivation to be a candidate of the motion vector of the current macroblock to be coded. The motion compensation unit generates a predictive image of the block to be motion-compensated based on the estimated motion vector. |
| US09554143B2 |
System and method for efficient multi-bitrate and multi-spatial resolution media encoding
A system and method for multi-bitrate and multi-spatial resolution media encoding are disclosed. In an embodiment for encoding a sequence of pictures at a given spatial resolution to an encoding format at a plurality of output bitrates, the sequence of pictures and a picture type for each of the pictures are received. Further, best combinations of encoding parameters for each coding tree block (CTB) in each of the pictures are identified from a determined set of combinations of encoding parameters supported by the encoding format for the associated picture type. Furthermore, the sequence of pictures are encoded using the best of the identified combinations of encoding parameters for each CTB in each of the pictures to create media bit streams at the plurality of output bitrates. |
| US09554140B1 |
Method and apparatus for encoding image, and method and apparatus for decoding image
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for encoding and decoding video. A video decoding method comprises reconstructing a residual value by entropy-decoding received bitstream and dequantizing and inverse-transforming residual value information, generating a final prediction unit by performing inter prediction on a prediction unit which is partitioned from a coding unit into at least two prediction units by asymmetric motion partitioning (AMP), the two partitioned prediction units comprising a first partitioned prediction unit and a second partitioned prediction unit, and reconstructing a picture by adding the final prediction unit to the residual values. |
| US09554139B2 |
Encoding/decoding apparatus and method using flexible deblocking filtering
A video decoding method includes decoding a bitstream including generating a quantized frequency transform block from the bitstream, reconstructing a residual block by inversely quantizing and inversely transforming the quantized frequency transform block, generating a prediction block by predicting a current block to be reconstructed, reconstructing the current block by adding the generated prediction block to the reconstructed residual block and performing a deblocking filtering with respect to a boundary between subblocks within a frame including the reconstructed current block, by allowing numbers of filtered pixels in a first block of the subblocks and a second block of the subblocks that engage in the filtering to be different depending on one or more predetermined criterion. |
| US09554128B2 |
Method and apparatus for reduction of deblocking filter
A method and apparatus for deblocking of reconstructed video are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method divides a block boundary into two sub-boundaries and separates lines or column across the sub-boundaries into two groups. The deblocking filter decision for each group is determined based on the lines or columns in the respective group. In another embodiment, the method divides block edges of blocks in the LCUs into two edge groups, where the first edge group corresponds to horizontal block edges between two LCUs and the second edge group corresponds to remaining block edges not included in the first edge group. The number of lines processed by a vertical filter in the first edge group is less than the number of lines processed by a vertical filter in the second edge group. Accordingly, a system embodying the present invention has reduced storage requirement. |
| US09554120B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating depth image using transition of light source
An apparatus and method for generating a depth image using transition of light sources may include a surface information determination unit to determine surface information related to a surface of an object, using a plurality of intensity images generated according to position of light sources; and an output depth image generation unit to generate an output depth image, using an original depth image and the surface information. |
| US09554119B2 |
Image generation method, image display method, storage medium storing image generation program, image generation system, and image display device
A method for generating a stereoscopic panorama image may include acquiring panorama images respectively captured by three or more panorama cameras located in a real space. A left-eye image and a right-eye image for stereoscopic display may be generated by synthesizing parts of the acquired panorama images. The generated left-eye image and the generated right-eye image may be displayed stereoscopically on a display. |
| US09554115B2 |
Imaging pixels with depth sensing capabilities
An imager may include depth sensing pixels that receive and convert incident light into image signals. The imager may have an associated imaging lens that focuses the incident light onto the imager. Each of the depth sensing pixels may include a microlens that focuses incident light received from the imaging lens through a color filter onto first and second photosensitive regions of a substrate. The first and second photosensitive regions may provide different and asymmetrical angular responses to incident light. Depth information for each depth sensing pixel may be determined based on the difference between output signals of the first and second photosensitive regions of that depth sensing pixel. Color information for each depth sensing pixel may be determined from a summation of output signals of the first and second photosensitive regions. |
| US09554111B2 |
System and method for semi-automatic video editing
A non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions that cause a computerized system to: acquire at least one picture; analyze the at least one picture to provide analysis result; suggest to a user to acquire at least one other picture, if the analysis result indicates that there is a need to acquire at least one other picture; acquire the at least one other picture if instructed by the user; receive from the user metadata related to an acquired picture, the acquired picture is selected out of the at least one picture and the at least one other picture; and process the acquired picture in response to the metadata. |
| US09554108B2 |
Image processing device and storage medium storing image processing program
An image processing device includes an imaging unit generating RAW image data of a shot image and a gradation conversion unit. The imaging unit includes an imaging sensor which converts an image of a subject into an electrical signal. Then the gradation conversion unit performs gradation conversion according to a shooting condition for each of color signals based on a pixel array of the imaging sensor on the RAW image data of continuously shot images. Thus, it is possible to efficiently compress the RAW image data of continuously shot images. |
| US09554107B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing color fringing in composite images
A method and apparatus for recording a composite image from a lens array are disclosed. A first composite image is recorded using a first lens providing imaging data in a first color, a second lens providing imaging data in a second color, and a third lens providing imaging data in a third color, wherein the first, second, and third colors are different colors. A second composite image is recorded using the first lens, a fourth lens providing imaging data in the second color, and a fifth lens providing imaging data in the third color. The first and second composite images are compared to identify color fringed areas. Based on the relative size and location of the color fringed areas in the first and second composite images, a de-fringing algorithm is applied to at least one of the composite images to mitigate the color fringing in the color fringed areas. |
| US09554106B2 |
Projector and method for controlling projector
A projector in which a liquid crystal display panel modulates light emitted from a light source and the modulated image light is projected, the projector includes a temperature detector that detects a temperature in the projector and a controller that determines the amount of overdrive based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector in accordance with a driven state of the projector and performs overdrive control on the liquid crystal display panel based on the amount of overdrive. |
| US09554094B1 |
System and method for determining a displaced substrate with a vision system
A system and method for detecting and/or determining the existence of displacement of a substrate with respect to a surrounding object uses a laser line that is free of contact with the object and that is received by an image sensor. A processor reads the line information in a series of image frames, and generates a range image with height information. The height information is provided to a 2D map. Differences between adjacent height measurements, and averages, are computed. Vision system tools are used to accurately locate features in the image and these are aligned with the height information. The height differences are interpreted, with missing height data due, for example, to specularity in the image being approximated. The height differences are compared to predetermined height parameters relative to identified locations, for example, wells, in the object to determine whether a substrate is displaced. |
| US09554093B2 |
Automatically inserting advertisements into source video content playback streams
Systems and methods for automatically inserting advertisements into source video content playback streams are described. In one aspect, the systems and methods communicate a source video content playback stream to a video player to present source video to a user. During playback of the source video, and in response to receipt of a request from the user to navigate portions of the source video (e.g., a user command to fast forward the source video, rewind the source video, or other action), the systems and methods dynamically define a video advertisement clip insertion point (e.g., and insertion point based on a current playback position). The systems and methods then insert a contextually relevant and/or targeted video advertisement clip into the playback stream for presentation to the user. |
| US09554085B2 |
Method and device for dynamically controlling quality of a video
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and a device for dynamically controlling quality of a video displaying on a display associated to an electronic device is provided. The method comprises detecting current eye position of a user and identifying at least one region of interest (ROI) on a display screen of the display device based on the current eye position of the user. Then, the method comprises predicting next position of the eye based on at least one of the current eye position of the user or the at least one ROI. Also, the method comprises converting the SD video in to a high definition (HD) video displayed on the ROI on the display screen associated with the current and next position of the eye. Further, the method comprises displaying the HD video on the ROI of the display screen. |
| US09554083B2 |
Methods for selecting resolution with minimum distortion value and devices performing the methods
A method of operating an image processing according to an example embodiment includes generating a plurality of encoded bitstreams having different resolutions using an original image output from a video source, generating a plurality of restored images corresponding to the plurality of encoded bitstreams, respectively, the plurality of restored images having a same resolution as a first resolution of the original image, and outputting one of the plurality of encoded bitstreams, based on the plurality of restored images and the original image. |
| US09554081B2 |
Video access system and method based on action type detection
Descriptions of video segments for use to search or select video segments are generated by using a combination of video based action type detection and image based object detection. Action type detection results in detection of action types from a predetermined set of action types, with little or no information about actors involved in the action. Object detection results in detection of individual objects in the images, with little or no information actions. A set of rules is used that define one or more roles associated with action types and conditions on objects that can fill these roles. Detected action types are used to select rules and detected objects are assigned to roles defined the selected rule. Score values are computed for different assignments of detected objects to the role, as a function of the attribute values of the assigned objects. A combination of the detected action type and the detected objects is selected on the basis of the score values. A description of the video segment is generated from the selected combination. |
| US09554073B2 |
Integrated circuit and image sensor comprising same
An integrated circuit comprises a first signal transfer block comprising first through (M)-th aligning blocks that are cascade-coupled to produce first aligned control signals through (M)-th aligned control signals, respectively, by aligning first control signals with a clock signal, wherein M is an integer greater than one, and a functional block divided into first through (M)-th sub-functional blocks configured to perform a same function in parallel, each of the first through (M)-th sub-functional blocks operating according to corresponding ones of the first aligned control signals through (M)-th aligned control signals generated by the first through (M)-th aligning blocks. |
| US09554070B2 |
Imaging device for reducing pressure on data bus bandwidth
An imaging device includes a solid-state imaging device, a storage unit, an imaging-processing unit configured to process input image data output from the solid-state imaging device or image data stored in the storage unit, and a timing-generating unit configured to generate timings at which the solid-state imaging device and the imaging-processing unit operate. The timing-generating unit generates a first synchronization signal for driving the solid-state imaging device to output the first synchronization signal to the solid-state imaging device and output the first synchronization signal and a first clock signal input from the solid-state imaging device to the imaging-processing unit in a first operation based on the timing of the solid-state imaging device. The timing-generating unit outputs a generated second synchronization signal and second clock signal to the imaging-processing unit in a second operation based on an internal timing of the imaging-processing unit. |
| US09554068B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus and camera
A solid-state imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of pixels each including a first photoelectric conversion element and a second photoelectric conversion element, a processing circuit configured to perform a first process for generating a first signal corresponding to a charge generated by the first photoelectric conversion element, and a second process for generating a second signal corresponding to a sum of the charge generated by the first photoelectric conversion element and a charge generated by the second photoelectric conversion element, and a current source configured to supply a first driving current to the processing circuit when the processing circuit performs the first process, and supply a second driving current higher than the first driving current to the processing circuit when the processing circuit performs the second. |
| US09554066B2 |
Solid-state imaging device having reduced κTC noises and method of driving the same
A solid-state imaging device includes: pixels arrayed two-dimensionally; pixel common circuits arrayed in a matrix, each shared by adjacent pixels of a certain number among the pixels; column common circuits, each provided for one of columns of the pixel common circuits, and shared by pixel common circuits belonging to a same column; column signal lines each provided for one of the columns of the pixel common circuits; and reset signal lines each provided for one of the columns of the pixel common circuits, in which an electric signal from each of the pixels is detected by a corresponding one of the pixel common circuits and read by a corresponding one of the column common circuits, and the electric signal detected by the corresponding one of the pixel common circuits is reset by a feedback path including one column signal line, one column common circuit, and one reset signal lines. |
| US09554065B2 |
Image capture with addition of accumulation signals for adjacent photodetectors
An image capture instrument implements an addition of accumulation signals for photodetectors which are adjacent within a row of photodetectors. Segments are defined in the row with one and the same common length of segment, while being progressively offset by an offset length which is constant. The accumulation signals are added together for photodetectors which belong to one and the same segment. The offset length is less than the segment length, and greater than half said segment length. Artifacts in the image captured, which are due to spectrum aliasing, are thus decreased. The signal-to-noise ratio of the image is increased. |
| US09554061B1 |
Smart hub
An intelligent hub for interfacing with other devices and performing smart audio or video source selection. |
| US09554060B2 |
Zoom images with panoramic image capture
In one aspect, one or more computing devices may capture a panoramic image. Panoramic images may refer to images having a field of view which is greater than that of the human eye, e.g., 180 degrees or greater. Some panoramic images may provide a 360-degree view of a location. In response to capturing the panoramic image, the one or more computing devices may provide for display a request for a non-panoramic, for example, a zoomed-in image. A zoomed-in image may be captured. An area of the panoramic image that corresponds to the zoomed-in image is determined by the one or more computing devices. The zoomed-in image is associated with the area by the one or more computing devices. In this regard, the panoramic image and the zoomed-in image may be taken close in time such that the images have the same or similar lighting conditions, scenes, etc. |
| US09554055B2 |
Data processing method and electronic device
The present application provides a data processing method and an electronic device. The data processing method comprises: detecting a movement status of the electronic device by a sensor unit; generating a movement parameter of the electronic device based on the movement status; and generating an exposure parameter threshold for an image capture unit of the electronic device based on the movement parameter of the electronic device, such that the image capture unit captures an image with an exposure parameter higher than the exposure parameter threshold. |
| US09554054B2 |
Imaging apparatus and its control method and program
The imaging apparatus has: a first exposure mode in which an exposure condition is determined based on pixel data generated by photoelectrically converting, by a plurality of pixels, light rays entering through a pupil division unit, a state of vignetting of the photographing optical system is determined based on information about a construction of a photographing optical system, and an exposure condition is determined based on the pixel data selected from the pixel data generated in accordance with the vignetting state; and a second exposure mode in which an exposure condition is determined based on data obtained by adding the generated pixel data with respect to the exit pupil area of the photographing lens. |
| US09554052B2 |
Single action photo and video messaging
A computer-implemented method for single-action photo and video messaging includes simultaneously displaying both a live feed representing visual data captured by a video recording device and a plurality of contact icons, each contact icon associated with one or more destinations to which media data can be sent. A single action is received from a user selecting one of the plurality of the displayed contact icons. In response to the user's single action and not based on any subsequent input from the user, the following steps are carried out automatically: capturing visual data from the video recording device, and sending, to the one or more destinations associated with the selected contact icon, the captured visual data. |
| US09554050B2 |
Mobile device using images and location for reminders
Images can be used to improve setting reminders and the usefulness of reminders. For example, a mobile device can enable the user to request a reminder that uses one or more images obtained from a camera of the mobile device. The user can set a time period for when the image-based reminder is provided to the user. The image can provide information about the reminder as well as a visual depiction of the location the reminder is intended. A location can be detected in conjunction with capturing an image, and the location can be used to form a reminder message. The image can also be analyzed to provide the content of a message (e.g., text can be identified in the image and inserted into the message or used to access a database of corresponding messages). The derived message and/or the image can be provided for the reminder. |
| US09554048B2 |
In-stream rolling shutter compensation
In-stream rolling shutter compensation may be utilized to modify image data to compensate for detected camera motion. An image processor may perform motion matching on image data received from a camera sensor to determine whether and how the camera is moving. Strips of image data are analyzed to find matching locations between the current image and a previous image by generating graphical profiles for each image strip. The graphical profiles for the current strip are compared to corresponding profiles from the previous image to determine matching locations between the two frames. A motion vector for the strip may be computed based on spatial distances between the match locations of the current image and corresponding match locations of the previous frame. Image data for the current strip may be modified based on the motion vector to compensate for perceived camera motion as it is written out to memory. |
| US09554045B2 |
Systems and methods for digital video stabilization via constraint-based rotation smoothing
Systems and methods for digital video stabilization via constraint-based rotation smoothing are provided. Digital video data including a set of image frames having associated time stamps and a set of camera orientation data having associated time stamps may be provided. A smoothed set of camera orientation data may be generated by minimizing a rate of rotation between successive image frames while minimizing an amount of empty regions in a resulting set of smoothed image frames reoriented based on the smoothed set of camera orientation data. |
| US09554043B2 |
Methods and systems for processing a video for stabilization using dynamic crop
Methods and systems for processing a video for stabilization are described. A recorded video may be stabilized by removing at least a portion of shake introduced in the video. An original camera path for a camera used to record the video may be determined. A crop window size may be selected, a crop window transform may accordingly be determined, and the crop window transform may be applied to the original video to provide a modified video from a viewpoint of the modified motion camera path. |
| US09554040B2 |
Multi-viewpoint image capturing method and image display method
The present technique provides a method of capturing a multi-viewpoint image of an object with a rotation axis of the object optionally changed by a user and an image display method. The present technique is a multi-viewpoint image capturing method including shooting an object from a plurality of different viewpoints, and capturing a plurality of still images, wherein the object is placed at a center of a virtually set ICO sphere, and during the shooting of the object, the images of the object are captured from a vertex of the virtually set ICO sphere toward the center of the ICO sphere such that the plurality of still images are generated. |
| US09554038B1 |
Camera system transmission in bandwidth constrained environments
An image capture accelerator performs accelerated processing of image data. In one embodiment, the image capture accelerator includes accelerator circuitry including a pre-processing engine and a compression engine. The pre-processing engine is configured to perform accelerated processing on received image data, and the compression engine is configured to compress processed image data received from the pre-processing engine. In one embodiment, the image capture accelerator further includes a demultiplexer configured to receive image data captured by an image sensor array implemented within, for example, an image sensor chip. The demultiplexer may output the received image data to an image signal processor when the image data is captured by the image sensor array in a standard capture mode, and may output the received image data to the accelerator circuitry when the image data is captured by the image sensor array in an accelerated capture mode. |
| US09554028B2 |
Imaging device, imaging system, imaging method, and computer-readable recording medium associating image data with responsibility acceptance or abandonment information
An imaging device includes a first communication unit, an imaging control unit, and a recording determination unit that determines whether or not an image data is to be recorded according to an operation instruction. The first communication unit transmits recording permission information to an external communication device when a user operation is a recording permission operation, and transmits recording prohibition information to the communication device when the user operation is a recording prohibition operation. The imaging control unit associates image data with determination result determined by the recording determination unit and either one of the recording permission information and the recording prohibition information and controls a recording unit to record the image data. |
| US09554026B2 |
Image-capturing apparatus
An image-capturing apparatus is disclosed, including a lens driver module and a sensor module; wherein the lens driver module includes a lens housing chamber and a female engagement base, the lens housing chamber being for housing a lens, and the female engagement base being located inside the lens driver module; the sensor module includes a sensor and a male engagement base; the female engagement base being disposed on the male engagement base; and an optical calibration facility being used to adjust the lens driver module; when an optical axis of the lens driver module is parallel to a sensor optical axis of the sensor module, a glue is applied to fasten the lens driver module and the sensor module so that the female engagement base and the male engagement base do not move with respect to each other. |
| US09554023B2 |
Lens driving actuator for auto-focus function and handshake compensation function
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a camera module includes: a movable element having first magnets which are formed at uniform intervals on the outer circumferential surface of a bobbin fixing a lens and second magnets which are arranged between the first magnets on the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin; a stator having first coil blocks which respectively face the first magnets, second magnets which respectively face the second magnets, and a housing which fixes the first coil blocks and the second magnets; an elastic member elastically supporting the movable element with respect to the stator; a base supporting the stator; and a case covering the housing and coupled to the base. |
| US09554022B2 |
Camera module for use in automobile
Embodiments provide a camera module including a lens unit, a first board formed with an electromagnetic circuit, a second board spaced apart from the first board, the second board including a terminal for external electrical connection and being formed with an electromagnetic circuit, a first support member having one side coupled to the first board and the other side coming into contact with one surface of the second board, so as to maintain a constant distance between the first board and the second board, and an electromagnetic-field shield configured to receive the first board and the second board therein, the electromagnetic-field shield serving to inhibit outward leakage of an electromagnetic-field formed in each board. |
| US09554021B2 |
Method and apparatus for receiving video signal
An analog video signal received through a cable may be distorted due to the cable and noise during its transmission. Provided is a method and apparatus for determining a level of transmission distortion and compensating for an analog video signal. A video signal reception method and apparatus may determine a distortion level of an analog video signal using an equalizing pattern signal included in a video signal, and may compensate for the analog video signal based on the distortion level. |
| US09554019B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus reads an image on an original and generates lines of data by causing a carriage to perform scanning, then by referring to the data, detects chromatic color pixels that exist between two achromatic color pixels, being first and second achromatic color pixels, from among pixels in the image that has been read in the scanning direction of the carriage, and determines one of the detected chromatic color pixels as a pixel of interest and corrects the pixel of interest to an achromatic color pixel while shifting the position of the pixel of interest pixel-by-pixel N times from a pixel position adjacent to the first achromatic color pixel in a direction toward the second achromatic color pixel. |
| US09554017B2 |
Generating a username based on user name and domain name obtained from print data attribute information
There is provided an image processing apparatus which comprises: a receiving unit configured to receive a print job from an information processing apparatus; an obtaining unit configured to obtain at least owner information and domain information from a header of the print job; a generating unit configured to generate user identification information including the owner information and the domain information; a registering unit configured to register the user identification information; and a storage unit configured to store the print job in association with the user identification information. Thus, it is possible to register the appropriate user identification information according to environments of a network system. |
| US09554016B2 |
System, and method for controlling the system
An image forming apparatus, which forms an image on paper and is connected to be communicable with an image capturing apparatus that captures a person existing around the image forming apparatus, includes a receiving unit configured to receive a job, a generation unit configured to generate information representing a user who has input the job received by the receiving unit, and a transmission unit configured to transmit the information representing the user, which has been generated by the generation unit, to the image capturing apparatus. |
| US09554015B2 |
Image compression apparatus to perform compression of image data and dividing pixel value into an invalid and valid region to calculate valid bit width
Provided is an image compression apparatus including a dividing unit that divides a bit width pixel value set in advance that indicates compressed image information into an invalid bit region and a valid bit region other than the invalid bit region that are replaced with a fixed value determined in advance, an image information conversion unit that makes a value of the valid bit region be a value of a bit corresponding to the pixel value and makes a value of the invalid bit region be the fixed value determined in advance and converts the compressed image information to conversion image information, and a compression unit that compresses the conversion image information. |
| US09554011B2 |
Light irradiator, image reader and image forming apparatus
A light irradiator includes a light source and a light guide to guide a light flux from the light source to an illumination area. The light guide has an incident surface, an emission surface and two side surfaces. The emission surface is located apart from a reading optical axis with an inclination relative to the reading optical axis. The following relations are satisfied: S1(x)≧S2(x) S1(L)>S2(L) wherein S1 represents a divided cross-sectional area near the reading optical axis and S2 represents a divided cross-sectional area far from the reading optical axis when a virtual cross-sectional area S parallel to the incident surface of the light guide is divided by a plane passing the center of the incident surface, formed by a direction perpendicular thereto and the incident surface and the main scanning direction; S (x) represents a virtual cross-sectional area distant from the incident surface of the light guide by x; L is a distance from the incident surface to the emission surface; and 0≦x |
| US09554010B2 |
Image reading apparatus and reflecting mirror unit
The invention relates to an image reading apparatus and includes: scanning unit including a light source; a focusing mirror which reflects light from the light source on a reflecting surface portion; and a mirror holder which fixes the focusing mirror on fixing portions formed at both ends of the mirror holder, wherein, when the scanning unit is moved to read image information, the focusing mirror is formed such that the fixing portion is smaller than the reflecting surface portion in at least one of strength and rigidity. |
| US09554009B2 |
Image scanning apparatus configured with a DC voltage power source
An image scanning apparatus has a scanner configured to read an original sheet on a line basis at a constant line cycle and generate analog image data for each pixel of the line, and output the analog image data for each pixel at a pixel cycle, a power source including a DC/DC converter configured to convert a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage by applying a switching control to the first DC voltage at a switching cycle, the second DC voltage being supplied to the scanner, a convertor configured to sample the analog image data at the pixel cycle to convert the analog image data to digital image data, a sampling setting unit configured to set the pixel cycle, and a controller configured to cause the sampling setting unit to set the pixel cycle to be an integer multiple of the switching cycle of the DC/DC convertor. |
| US09554006B2 |
Information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and processing image selection method
Provided is an image forming apparatus with which, in selecting one of plural processing image areas in one image, even an inexpensive display unit will not lower the convenience. An information processing part of image forming apparatus includes a division number questioning part, answer receiving part, image dividing part, key highlighting part, processing image selection part, and reporting display part. Division number questioning part makes a question about a required image division number. Answer receiving part receives an answer. Image dividing part displays image, dividing it into plural processing image areas by the required image division number answered. Key highlighting part highlights keys corresponding to processing image areas. Processing image selection part selects processing image area corresponding to a key operated, as processing object. Upon a highlighted key being operated, reporting display part reports that processing image area corresponding to that key is selected as processing object. |
| US09554005B2 |
Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus includes a reception unit and a display controller. The reception unit receives an operation for selecting a destination from a transmission destination list containing a registered mail address of the destination to which an image is to be transmitted. The display controller displays an object image in a predetermined display region. The object image indicates a parameter of an image reading unit that reads the image. When the destination is selected by the operation, the display controller makes the display region display the mail address registered in the transmission destination list in place of the object image. When a preset time period elapses, the display controller sets the display back to the object image. |
| US09554004B2 |
Image processing system
In the case where state information has already been obtained from a service providing server on the Internet at the time when an MFP requests access to the service providing server, a mediation server gives a notification using the MFP based on the state information. In this case, the mediation server switches a notification method between a method of displaying a view on a display panel of the MFP and other methods in accordance with a function of the MFP. |
| US09554001B2 |
Information processing apparatus, output system, and output method
An information processing apparatus stores output data in a storage unit, in an output system in which an output device acquires and outputs the output data stored in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus includes a determining unit configured to determine whether a substitute output function should be valid for the output data, based on information read from the output data, by using a substitute output setting including the information that can be read from the output data for which the substitute output function should be valid; and a specifying unit configured to specify a substitute output person, based on information read from the output data, and reflect information of the specified person in output-data-related-information relating to the output data that is stored together with the output data in the storage unit, when it is determined that the substitute output function should be valid for the output data. |
| US09554000B2 |
Server and communication system including the same
A server includes a controller and an interface for communicating with image processing devices and an information processing device. The controller performs: obtaining, from a first image processing device, first identification information about the first image processing device and a first particular code input to the first image processing device; determining whether at least one code in a storage contains the obtained first particular code; transmitting first corresponding information corresponding to the first particular code to the first image processing device when the at least one code contains the obtained first particular code; receiving the first corresponding information provided from the first image processing device to the information processing device and first user account information input to the information processing device; and registering the received first user account information and the first identification information identified by the received first corresponding information, into the storage in association with each other. |
| US09553997B2 |
Toll-free telecommunications management platform
A Toll-Free Management Platform (TFMP) includes methods and systems for number administration, customer administration, call management services, texting services and text registry, and a smart services registry. The TFMP may allow users to search for, receive recommendations for, and make reservations of toll-free numbers. A user interface may allow activating a toll-free number, through a one-click activation function and users may access the TFMP to create and access existing templates of toll-free call routing templates, and utilize a routing tree engine to create customized call routing trees for the toll-free numbers of interest to the user. Predictive analytic services may be provided that allow a user through a customizable user interface, or dashboard, to access third party data sources and other information derived from toll-free telecommunications networks. |
| US09553990B2 |
Recommended roster based on customer relationship management data
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for facilitating collaboration in a contact center by providing a roster of recommended subject matter experts on a topic related to an ongoing customer contact session. For example, embodiments can use a modification of the skills matching algorithm of the CRM system used to initially select an agent to also evaluate the needs of the service incident, and match those needs with people who would be able to contribute to a conversation and help the agent. The system can then recommend these possible contributors in a ranked order based on how well each collaborator's skills match the requirements of the incident. When the agent requires assistance and creates a conversation, the system can recommend to the agent a list of users that can help, based on the strength of the match to the skill that would equate to the incident. |
| US09553989B1 |
Method and computer readable medium for geographic agent routing
A method and computer readable medium for routing a call to geographically dispersed agents based on agent skill-set, agent location and caller location that results in the call being delivered to the best available agent. The computer readable medium and method are utilized with a system comprised of a call center application module coupled to a database module with a communications network being used to couple incoming calls from customers with the best available agent. A database contains a ranking of available agents, based on a dataset including information regarding skill-set, previous interaction with the customer, proximity to the customer, language capability, current availability, and the like. The method chooses the best available agent to service a customer call based on the agent rankings. In the case where the customer has a preference for proximity of the agent to the customer, the system adjusts the agent rankings according to the agent's distance from the customer prior to making a selection. |
| US09553984B2 |
Systems and methods for remotely tuning hearing devices
A method of tuning a hearing device includes sending a test signal to a model of a hearing device that may be remote from the actual hearing device being tuned. The test signal is encoded by the model and sent to the hearing device being tuned. The user of that hearing device sends a response signal based at least in part on the encoded test signal. This response is received and compared to the original test signal. Thereafter, an operational parameter is sent to the hearing device based on the comparison. |
| US09553981B2 |
Devices and methods of providing response message in the devices
A device includes a communication unit configured to receive a call request from a calling user; and a control unit configured to control the communication unit to provide a response message including information about a current situation based on information about an application currently being executed to the calling user in response to a rejection regarding the call request. |
| US09553980B1 |
Providing caller identification to mobile devices
A caller information server provides caller identification (ID) information to a mobile device. The server receives caller ID information from local address books stored on multiple mobile devices. The caller information server aggregates the received caller ID information to generate a pooled address book. The caller information server may determine whether names within the caller ID information are legitimate and store or filter the information accordingly. When a mobile device receives a call from a telephone number for which it lacks caller ID information in its local address book, the mobile device sends a request for the caller ID information for the telephone number, to the caller information server. The server identifies caller ID information associated with the telephone number in the pooled address book, and sends this information to the mobile device. |
| US09553977B2 |
System and method for automated adaptation and improvement of speaker authentication in a voice biometric system environment
A system for automated adaptation and improvement of speaker authentication in a voice biometric system environment, comprising a speech sample collector, a target selector, a voice analyzer, a voice data modifier, and a call flow creator. The speech sample collector retrieves speech samples from a database of enrolled participants in a speaker authentication system. The target selector selects target users that will be used to test the speaker authentication system. The voice analyzer extracts a speech component data set from each of the speech samples. The call flow creator creates a plurality of call flows for testing the speaker authentication system, each call flow being either an impostor call flow or a legitimate call flow. The call flows created by the call flow creator are used to test the speaker authentication system. |
| US09553976B2 |
Mobile device management during synchronized audio playback in coordination with external video playback
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for mobile device management during synchronized audio playback in coordination with external video playback. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for mobile device management during synchronized audio playback in coordination with external video playback includes receiving in memory of a mobile device a request to synchronize playback of an audio file through the mobile device with a presentation of video externally to the mobile device and in response to the request, automatically dimming a display of the mobile device and synchronizing playback of the audio file with the external presentation of the video. |
| US09553975B2 |
Portable terminal and method for controlling portable terminal
Avoided is falsely detecting a hand of a usual user being in contact with a contact sensor, instead of detecting an object, such as water, having a high dielectric constant being in contact with the contact sensor. A smartphone (1) includes a contact determination section (101) which determines that (i) a hand is in contact with a contact sensor (11) in a case where an output value outputted by the contact sensor (11) is not lower than TH1 and lower than TH3 and (ii) an object, such as water, having a high dielectric constant is in contact with the contact sensor (11) in a case where the output value is not lower than TH3. |
| US09553970B2 |
Cell phone system for enabling and disabling a vehicle
A cell phone system (10) for enabling and disabling a vehicle (12) includes a cell phone (20) and a receiving receptacle (22) secured within the vehicle (12) that is configured so that the cell phone (20) cannot transmit signals whenever the cell phone (20) is secured within the receiving receptacle (22). A vehicle enabling mechanism (44) is secured within the receiving receptacle (22) and is also secured in communication with an engine (50) of the vehicle (12) so that placement of the cell phone (20) within the receiving receptacle (22) activates the vehicle enabling mechanism (44) to put the vehicle (12) in an enabled mode, and so that removal of the cell phone (20) from the receiving receptacle (22) deactivates the vehicle enabling mechanism (44) to put the vehicle (12) in a disabled mode. |
| US09553969B2 |
Password methods and systems for use on a mobile device
Systems and methods for operation upon a mobile device to handle a duress situation caused by another person. An input password is received from a user. The input password is decoded by the device. Responsive to the input password being a duress indication, a duress operation is performed to protect data on the mobile device. |
| US09553962B2 |
Window member and display apparatus having the same
A window member includes a base substrate that includes a display area transmitting a light and a non-display area disposed adjacent to the display area, a color pattern disposed on a surface of the base substrate in the non-display area, and a heat-discharge member that covers the color pattern and absorbs a heat to discharge the heat to an outside. |
| US09553961B2 |
Wireless multimedia communication device
A wireless multimedia communication device includes a shell module, a wireless module, and an energy storage module. The shell module has a waterproof function. The wireless module installed in the shell module has a mobile communication function. The energy storage module installed in the shell module for storing energy. When the wireless module is turned on, the wireless module utilizes the energy to operate. |
| US09553960B1 |
Loudspeaker with laminate panel for mobile computing platforms
Systems and methods enhancing loudspeaker audio performance in thin devices, such as mobile computing platforms and/or communication handsets. In some embodiments, a laminate panel including a dielectric membrane and one or more conductive traces forming an inductive loop suitable wireless charging and/or near field communication (NFC) element is employed as a loudspeaker driven at audio frequencies. In some embodiments, the laminate panel is driven with one or more piezoelectric element. In some embodiments, the laminate panel is of a stiffness and mass to provide a frequency response distinct from that of integrated micro-speakers for a 2.1 audio solution with wider bandwidth than is possible with micro-speakers employing back-side cavities. In some embodiments, the frequency spectrum spanned by the laminate panel loudspeaker enables a tweeter design lacking back-side cavities for smaller device form factor. In some ultra-small form factors, micro-speakers may be eliminated from the platform with the laminate panel providing the only loudspeaker diaphragm for the mobile platform. |
| US09553957B2 |
Transmitting apparatus, receiving apparatus and signal processing method thereof
A transmitting apparatus includes: a baseband packet generator configured to generate a baseband packet including a header and payload data corresponding to an input stream; a frame generator configured to generate a frame including the baseband packet; a signal processor configured to process the generated frame; and a transmitter configured to transmit the processed frame, wherein the header includes information about whether a number of null packets deleted when generating the baseband packet is more than a predetermined number, information about a number of packets within the baseband packet, and information about a number of the deleted null packets. |
| US09553956B2 |
Self-adaptive network control transmission method and system based on TCP
Embodiments of the invention relate to a self-adaptive network control transmission method and system based on TCP. By creating network coding layer between transmission layer and IP layer on both the sending and receiving nodes, we can add network-coding headers which contains specific variables in the coding packets and ACK packets, transmit and refresh those variables through network-coding packets and ACK packets, and adjust redundancy factor R according to the variables. This method can strengthen the resistance to burst loss and maintain the redundancy factor R at the optimum value, thus raise the network throughputs. |
| US09553953B2 |
Method and apparatus for extending capabilities of a virtualization domain to support features available in a normal desktop application
Examples of systems and methods are provided for communication and for establishing a remote session between a client device and a remote server using RDP. An RDP share option is enabled to notify the remote server of a request for a shared RDP session. Multiple client devices may connect to the single shared RDP session. One client device may be considered the presenter and given special permissions. Any other client devices may be considered attendees and given only restricted access. Multiple RDP sessions may be initiated for multiple client devices. |
| US09553952B2 |
Image processing system
An image processing system in which a client apparatus transmits RAW image data to a server apparatus, receives a result developed by the server apparatus, and displays onto a display area. The client apparatus reduces the RAW image data to a size suitable to display, transmits to the server apparatus, and requests a development processing. The client apparatus also starts a transmission processing of original RAW image data to the server apparatus. While making adjustment of the development processing to reduced RAW image data, the client apparatus and the server apparatus execute a transmission and reception processing of the original RAW image data in parallel therewith. After the development processing of the reduced RAW image data, if there is a request from the client apparatus, the server apparatus also executes the development processing of the original RAW image data. |
| US09553949B2 |
Method and system implemented by a collaborative distributed computational network, and related devices
Method and system implemented by a collaborative distributed computational network, and related devices, comprising a plurality of client devices supported by a computational network to cooperatively perform interactive operations in at least one community of practice organized in a hierarchical structure at strategic levels, wherein said method comprises the steps of registering at least one community of practice on the computational network, creating a network of practice; assigning a unique identification code for a device on the network of practice computational network, identifying a user through an unique identification user code; connecting the user to at least one community of network of practice; defining a practice; unfolding the practice in strategic levels of this community of practice; registering the practice on the computational network; locating the practice in organizational or geographical coordinates; registering the localization of practice on the computational network; selecting a template guide containing sequential instructions content (as a script) and components; configuring the guide that implements the practice at the strategic level of the community of practice; publishing the guide in a client device through computer applications; setting up the interfaces of guides of client device for groups of people in group interactions of the same strategic level or between community of practice strategic levels; setting up specific interfaces of guides for individual actions on the client devices for individual interaction; manipulating guides on the client device group for the group interaction or when there is interaction between community of practice strategic levels; manipulating the individual guides on personal client devices when there are individual actions; storing the guide manipulation data in a distributed and asynchronous way on the client devices; maintaining versioning of data from historical records; synchronize data between client devices themselves and with the servers when the there is connectivity between them; and process the distributed guide data organizing and sorting out the history of best practices. |
| US09553947B2 |
Embedded video playlists
A system, method and various user interfaces provide an embedded web-based video player for navigating video playlists and playing video content. A website publisher can create and store a video player with customized parameters (e.g., player type, appearance, advertising options, etc.) and can associate the player with a playlist of selected videos. The stored video player is associated with a player ID in a player database and can be embedded in a website using an embed code referencing the player ID. A user interface for the embedded player provides controls for controlling video playback and for controlling the selection of a video from the playlist. |
| US09553944B2 |
Application server platform for telecom-based applications using an actor container
In accordance with various embodiments, a set of features are described for enabling an application server platform for telecom based applications. A system for providing an application server for telecom-based applications can include a computer, including a computer readable medium and processor. The system can also include an application server, executing on the computer. The application server can include an actor container that manages and provides lifecycle and runtime properties for application classes that are executed as actors in the application server. The actor container can manages a set of event transactions, wherein all storage operations are performed as part of the event transaction that spans each event handler invocation. |
| US09553938B2 |
Evaluation of content based on user activities
Embodiments of the present invention provide an automated scheme for identifying high/low value content. Playback data from users in a social network may be periodically submitted by users of the social network. The playback data indicates segments of content, such as audio or video that the user has skipped over or tagged as low value. The playback data may also indicate segments of content that the user has repeated or tagged as high value. The playback data is then analyzed in aggregate and various clips are identified. In addition, the playback data may be compiled and organized among the users for future use. The playback data may be used to indicate segments of high/low interest to peers in the social network or to arbitrary users. |
| US09553935B2 |
Mechanism for configuring service endpoints in native client applications at runtime
A system and method for facilitating efficient interaction between a client device and a server. An example method includes receiving at a server, a request for server configuration information sent to the server by a client device, and then employing a first web service in communication with the server to convey configuration information about a server to a client device in response to the request message received therefrom by the server. The configuration information includes information pertaining to known capabilities that may be offered by the server to the client device. Generally, embodiments described herein provide various features for facilitating configuring service endpoints in native client applications at runtime, thereby enabling implementation of changes to server-side components that a client application invokes or communicates with, without needing to change the client application. |
| US09553931B2 |
Train-information managing apparatus
A train-information managing apparatus receives a series of control information attached to serial numbers, which are transmitted from a central apparatus, in order of the transmission and carries out control in the order, and even when the central apparatus is changed or the serial numbers are reset, prevents a blank period of control from occurring. Therefore, when a reception serial number n included in received data is a preferential serial number (n≦M) and an old number nprev, which is a serial number included in data received and stored last time, is a cyclic serial number (nprev≧M+1), the train-information managing apparatus stores the received data. |
| US09553929B2 |
Episodic coordination model for distributed applications
An episodic execution of program instances and a coordinated message exchange protocol are combined to achieve eventual consistency in the communication between nodes of a distributed system. Program instances run in episodic loops that are triggered by defined input events and that generate checkpoints. The checkpoints indicate when messages are to be sent from the one instance to another instance or other device. The coordinated message exchange protocol allows the instance to send a message to a receiver, to acknowledge that the message has been received, and to confirm the acknowledgement to the receiver. |
| US09553926B2 |
System and method for peer to peer social networking
System enables users to surf the web and engage in social networking interaction through a downloadable peer-to-peer client that stores all user's private information locally on the user's computer. System establishes communication between the computers of multiple users participating in social interaction without having to store users' personal information on central servers. All user data, including, without limitation, pictures, ideas, personal information and communications with friends is maintained locally on the user's own computer and the social communication takes place between two or more users' computers. This provides the users with greater control over the dissemination of their personal information. In addition, the system randomly selects peer-to-peer social networking clients that are online at any given time and enable such clients to randomly and automatically connect with one another. |
| US09553924B1 |
Load sharing among loosely coupled or independent video servers
Methods, systems, and apparatuses can provide a pooling architecture for video servers and network resources. The pooling architecture can be based upon allocating content object copies to two or more nodes, intelligently selecting a primary streaming resource and a failover streaming resource, and identifying and compensating for exception asymmetries in system resource demand. |
| US09553920B2 |
Narrowcast media content distribution and display system with content biasing engine
Media content distribution that includes a central server, a plurality of remote display devices in electronic communication therewith. The central server receives and stores a plurality of media content, where each of the media content has one or more attributes associated therewith that relate to characteristics of the media content. The plurality of remote display devices receive via the electronic network the media content from the central server. Each of the remote display devices has one or more target attributes associated with the remote display device for causing the electronic display to display only those of the media content having one or more of the attributes associated therewith that satisfy a predetermined matching criteria with respect to the one or more target attributes. |
| US09553918B1 |
Stateful and stateless cookie operations servers
A stateful or stateless cookie operations server machine can provide real-time, actionable, user-specific tracking abilities in the collection of impressions and user interactions with a company's digital properties. The client-side code (e.g., in a web browser) may request an element configured with parameters and a hyperlink (e.g., URL) that causes parameters to be sent to a remote server. The remote server may process the parameters and perform various operations based on the parameters. Mathematical and/or other operations may be performed using the parameters. The remote server may retrieve a configuration corresponding to the request. The remote server may generate or transform content, based on the configuration. The remote server may transmit the transformed content. |
| US09553917B2 |
Server, device and recording medium for HTTP file transfer during chatting session established by another protocol
A message server for transferring a file by using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) during a chatting session established by another protocol, includes: a server transceiver unit configured to transmit and receive data; and a server control unit configured to provide a chatting service by establishing the chatting session between a transmitting terminal device and a receiving terminal device through the server transceiver unit, and transmit file link information to the receiving terminal device through the server transceiver unit when the file link information is received from the transmitting terminal device through the server transceiver unit, wherein the file link information is associated with a file uploaded using HTTP to a content server by the transmitting terminal device. |
| US09553915B2 |
Method and system for implementing commands
A method for implementing commands includes storing data defining command operations in a memory. The data defining command operations include a hierarchy of Uniform Resource identifiers (URIs) and Extensible Markup Language (XML) document schema defining XML documents. The method also includes receiving a command request from a remote computer. The command request contains an URI and a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) method. Further, the method includes determining a command operation based on the data defining command operations stored in the memory and the command request received, and executing the command operation based on the command request. |
| US09553912B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting media content via a single port or multiple ports
Disclosed is a method for generating a substream ID usable in transmitting media content based on a plurality of scenarios, and allocating the substream ID for transmitting media. A method for allocating an ID for transmitting media content comprises: a step of generating a substream ID containing information required for transmitting the media content based on a certain scenario from among a plurality of scenarios; and a step of transmitting the substream ID to a client. According to the present invention, a header for the transmission of media may be simplified, media content may be transmitted regardless of the number of ports, number of servers, and presence/absence of additional information, an application to be introduced in the future may be used, and backward compatibility for an existing media content transmission system may be provided. |
| US09553910B2 |
Backfill of video stream
A data streaming method is performed at a computing device having one or more processors and memory. The memory stores one or more programs configured for execution by the one or more processors. The process records video from a camera in real-time. The recorded video is stored in the memory in a circular buffer in chronological order. The process sends data in chronological order from the circular buffer to a destination in real-time. In response to detecting that a portion of content from the circular buffer needs to be resent, the process concurrently resends to the destination in reverse chronological order data from the portion of content from the circular buffer. |
| US09553907B2 |
Methods circuits devices systems and associated computer executable code for conveying information between network elements over an open dataflow
Disclosed are methods, circuits, devices, systems and associated computer executable code for providing information exchange between two or more network elements of a communication network over an existing or open dataflow. According to embodiments, there may be provided two or more network elements adapted to perform deep packet inspection of an existing packet and to modify one or more fields of the packet header to include information to be conveyed to another network element further along the packet flow path. According to some embodiments, one or more of the network elements may reside within a tunneled area of the communication network. |
| US09553905B2 |
Devices and methods supporting content delivery with adaptation services
A device supporting content delivery is configured to run at least one content delivery (CD) service of a plurality of CD services. The plurality of CD services include adaptation services. |
| US09553903B2 |
Wide area aggregated communications
Methods, systems, and techniques for federating operations, in an optimized way using wide area networks are provided. Example systems provide an API for generating and handling federated requests as an aggregation. In one example Wide Area Network Aggregation System, WANAS provides an API, a connection manager, and connection iterators to manage inter-site connections and requests, and inter-pod requests and messaging. These components cooperate to distribute a task across multiple physically disparate sites using a representative connection to the site and fan out of requests to other pods within the site. |
| US09553902B1 |
Story development and sharing architecture: predictive data
A community of authors, readers and contributors interact with each other through a communication framework. The authors share creative works, such as fictional stories, for consumption by the readers and for commenting by the contributors. The readers may see successive drafts of the work as an author completes and revises the work. The contributors may provide comments or other contributions to assist the author. For example, the contributors may make suggestions about how to change the work or provide supplemental content, such as cover artwork, to the author. The author may recognize publicly contributors who provide helpful comments. The likelihood of an author completing a final draft of a work may be determined based on the author's activities regarding the work. The likelihood of a completed work being popular with readers may also be determined based on user interaction with a draft of the work. |
| US09553901B2 |
VOIP service with streamlined call transfer options
In at least some embodiments, a system includes at least one server to manage voice over internet protocol (VOIP) services. The managed VOIP services provided by the at least one server include a telephony service to establish a calling phase between an initiator device and a mobile target device in response to a call command received from the initiator device, and a streamline call transfer service to transfer a call from the mobile target device to a transfer target device in response to a one-touch transfer command received from the mobile target device during the calling phase. |
| US09553895B2 |
System and method for building intelligent and distributed L2-L7 unified threat management infrastructure for IPv4 and IPv6 environments
A security gateway appliance is configured to evaluate network traffic according to security rules that classify traffic flows according to specifically identified application programs responsible for producing and/or consuming the network traffic and to enforce policies in accordance with network traffic classifications. The appliance includes an on-box anti-virus/anti-malware engine, on-box data loss prevention engine and on-box authentication engine. One or more of these engines is informed by an on-box dynamic real tie rating system that allows for determined levels of scrutiny to be paid to the network traffic. Security gateways of this type can be clustered together to provide a set of resources for one or more networks, and in some instances as the backbone of a cloud-based service. |
| US09553894B2 |
System and method for transparently injecting policy in a platform as a service infrastructure
A system and method for enforcing policy in a computing environment with a plurality of hosts that includes establishing a policy update specified through a namespaced addressing syntax; publishing the policy update to a set of components associated with a referenced component namespace; at a host of the set of components, authenticating the policy update; at the host, locally verifying policy compliance of an operation request by the host directed towards at least a second component; applying results of verifying the policy compliance of the operation request within a communication channel flow, which comprises routing the operational request through the communication channel to the second component if the operational request is permitted and preventing the operational request if the operational request is not permitted. |
| US09553891B1 |
Device blocking tool
Automated locating and disconnection of undesired devices may include receiving both the addresses of the device and the switch coupled to the device and determining whether the switch can blackhole the traffic of the device. If it is determined that the switch cannot blackhole the traffic associated with the device, systems and methods of the present disclosure may further determine whether the switch can reroute the traffic of the device. If, however, the switch can blackhole traffic of the device, a blackhole command may be issued to transform a destination of the traffic associated with the device to a null destination. Alternatively, if it is determined that the switch can reroute traffic of the device, a reroute command may be issued to transform the destination of the traffic associated with the device to a safe zone. |
| US09553890B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for detecting proximity-based mobile malware propagation
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. An agent resides in a mobile communication device. The agent detects Proximity-based Mobile Malware Propagation. The agent injects one or more trigger network connections in the candidate connection list. These connections appear as legitimate networks and devices, but instead trigger connection to an agent server on a service provider's network. By attempting to connect through the trigger network connection, the malware reveals itself. The system helps collect the malware signature within a short period of time after the malware outbreak in local areas, though such attacks typically bypass network based security inspection in the network. |
| US09553878B2 |
People directory with social privacy and contact association features
In one embodiment, a social networking system provides people look up service and establish anonymous communication session between users; creates contact association for future communication between users; and configures one or more privacy settings for users. |
| US09553877B2 |
Installing virtual machines within different communication pathways to access protected resources
One or more processors fractionate a computer application into disparate components, and assign two or more of the disparate components to different communication pathways, where the different communication pathways lead to requisite resources needed to execute the disparate components. The processor(s) create a virtual machine that controls access to a particular requisite resource by a particular disparate component, and install the virtual machine within at least one of the different communication pathways to control access to the particular requisite resource by the particular disparate component. The processor(s) transmit a resource retrieval instruction to retrieve the particular requisite resource via the virtual machine and at least one of the different communication pathways, and adjust a quantity of virtual machines between the computer application and the particular requisite resource according to a threat level for the particular disparate component. |
| US09553874B2 |
Programmable display apparatus, control method, and program with facial authentication
Provided is a programmable display apparatus that can permit access to an application through facial authentication, and can display a screen corresponding to an authenticated user after the access is permitted. The programmable display apparatus stores feature data of faces of a plurality of users and screen data for displaying a plurality of screens. The programmable display apparatus performs facial authentication based on image data of a user obtained through image capture and on the feature data. The programmable display apparatus permits a user to access the application if the user has been authenticated. Upon permitting the access, the programmable display apparatus displays, on a display, a screen corresponding to the authenticated user from among the plurality of screens. |
| US09553868B2 |
Toggle between accounts
Techniques are described for enabling administrators of teams that use a particular service to specify which sign-on options, of multiple possible sign-on options, are assigned to the members of the teams to which the administrators belong. For example, an administrator may assign a first sign-on option, which only allows users to use native authentication, to one set of members of the team. At the same time, the administrator may assign a second sign-on option, which only allows users to use third-party single-sign-on authentication, to another set of members of the same team. |
| US09553863B2 |
Computer implemented method and system for an anonymous communication and computer program thereof
A communication service accessible on a web that authenticates user credential information of a first user to authorize a request in order to perform a communication with at least a second user; the first user requesting to the communication service to generate a hyperlink that is associated to its address and provides the generated hyperlink to at least a second user; the latter requesting to initiate said requested communication with said first user by directly clicking on said provided hyperlink, wherein the identity of said at least second user is maintained anonymous and the identity of said first user is done based on the information provided on said hyperlink; said communication between said at least second user and said first user being authorized by and a first server. |
| US09553860B2 |
Email effectivity facility in a networked secure collaborative exchange environment
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for managing access to a secure exchange environment managed by an intermediate business entity through a user email identity, the method comprising establishing a secure exchange server hosted by an intermediate business entity, wherein communications and access to a collection of files established by a first business entity are managed for a second business entity; and establishing an email effectivity facility that allows a user of the first business entity to specify a condition for email-based access to at least one resource in the collection of files, wherein the condition expresses (a) an effective period for using an email providing access to the resource and (b) a condition of email access to the resource by a designated individual of the second business entity, wherein the access permission was assigned using a specific email address of the designated individual. |
| US09553855B2 |
Storing a key to an encrypted file in kernel memory
Storing a key to an encrypted file in a kernel memory is disclosed. Authentication data may be received and authentication credentials of the authentication data may be stored in a file. The file may be encrypted and a key to the encrypted file may be generated. The encrypted file may be stored in a user space and the key may be stored in a kernel space. The key may be retrieved from the kernel space and applied to the encrypted file in the user space to decode the encrypted file and subsequently access the authentication credentials stored in the encrypted file. |
| US09553854B2 |
Data security service
A distributed computing environment utilizes a cryptography service. The cryptography service manages keys securely on behalf of one or more entities. The cryptography service is configured to receive and respond to requests to perform cryptographic operations, such as encryption and decryption. The requests may originate from entities using the distributed computing environment and/or subsystems of the distributed computing environment. |
| US09553850B2 |
Multi-tenant secure separation of data in a cloud-based application
Multi-tenant and single-tenant methodologies are blended into a single solution to provide cost savings of multi-tenancy along with data security and privacy of a single-tenant environment. The cloud infrastructure is partitioned to include a first set of servers, and a second set of servers. The first set of servers are dedicated to a first operation, such as data presentation, while the second set of servers are dedicated to a second operation, such as data processing. The first set is operated in a multi-tenant operating mode, while the second set is operated in a single-tenant operating mode. Thus, the first set is available for general use, presenting data from any of the server(s) in the second set. The second set, in contrast, is dedicated to individual tenants. Preferably, each tenant has dedicated server(s) in the second set, which functions like a traditional, single-tenant environment providing inherent security and privacy guarantees. |
| US09553849B1 |
Securing data based on network connectivity
A method includes identifying a trusted computer network. The method also includes monitoring a plurality of active network connections. The method further includes determining that the trusted computer network is unavailable by determining that the plurality of active network connections does not comprise the trusted computer network. The method additionally includes, in response to determining that the trusted computer network is unavailable, securing sensitive data documents. Securing the sensitive data documents includes, for each data document of a plurality of data documents, determining a respective classification of a plurality of classifications. The plurality of classifications includes a sensitive classification based on predetermined criteria. Securing the sensitive data documents also includes encrypting particular data documents having the sensitive classification. |
| US09553847B2 |
Virtual desktop accelerator with support for multiple cryptographic contexts
In particular embodiments, a method includes intercepting a remote desktop connection request and connecting to a network gateway based on the remote desktop connection request. A first connection with a server is initiated via the network gateway using a first communication protocol. A plurality of cryptographic contexts are exchanged with the server. A token encrypted using one of the plurality of cryptographic contexts is received from the server. The token is sent from a client device to the server or a proxy to authenticate the client device, and a second connection is initiated with the server, via the proxy, using a second communication protocol. |
| US09553846B2 |
Method and system for realizing virtual network
A virtual network (VN) realization method and system are provided. The method includes setting a VN-AP in a data center network and/or a broadband network. A service deployment and management function entity receives a VN service request from a user to generate feature information of the VN; a PC/VM automatically discovers the VN-AP, the automatically discovered VN-AP generates the VN forwarding table entry of the PC/VM after the PC/VM passes the identity authentication of the VN, and performs tunnel encapsulation according to the VN forwarding table entry to forward a packet from the PC/VM. By discovering a VN-AP for processing a VN automatically, the disclosure realizes the automatic and rapid deployment of the VN. |
| US09553841B1 |
Interactive content in a messaging platform
A messaging platform forms an interactive message with one or more components and broadcasts the interactive message to client devices associated with accounts. The interactive message has a plurality of states that update based on event data received from a content source. While the event is in progress, the messaging platform receives event data relating to the event and transitions to an updated state based on the received event data. When the interactive message transitions to the updated state, the messaging platform updates the interactive message broadcast to the client devices. The interactive message may include interactive components that accounts may use to perform various interactions with the event, the content source, or each other. |
| US09553838B1 |
Querying for devices based on location
Querying for devices based on location is disclosed. A request to send a push notification to a location is received. One or more bucket indexes to search for the presence of a device identifier are determined. The one or more bucket indexes are searched for the presence of the device identifier. One or more device identifiers are received in response to the search. The push notification is sent to one or more devices associated with the received one or more device identifiers. |
| US09553835B2 |
Active e-mails
A computer-implemented method can include accessing a micro-blog to retrieve a real-time copy of the micro-blog thread and delivering the real-time copy of the micro-blog thread for display in an e-mail message. |
| US09553833B2 |
Confidential messages in a group chat
A device is configured to receive a message associated with a group chat. The group chat may include a communication session among a set of user devices including a first user device and a second user device. The device is configured to receive an indication that the message is confidential and designate the message as a confidential messaged based on the indication. The device is configured to determine that the first user device is authorized to display the message and that the second user device is not authorized to display the message. The device is configured to provide the confidential message to the first user device for display as part of the group chat, and to provide a blocked version of the confidential message to the second user device for display as part of the group chat. |
| US09553831B2 |
Adaptive publish/subscribe system
A context-driven publication option is received over a network at an adaptive publish subscribe broker from a publishing network device. The context driven publication options are presented over the network to a subscribing network device. A selection of a context-driven subscription is received over the network at the adaptive publish/subscribe broker from the subscribing network device. A publication configured for network management and operations is received at the adaptive publish/subscribe broker. Publications are filtered at the adaptive publish/subscribe broker for the subscribing network device according to the selection of the context-driven subscription. |
| US09553830B2 |
Managing instant messaging sessions on multiple devices
Transferring instant messaging sessions includes receiving a selection, from a user within a user interface, of at least one instant messaging session from among multiple instant messaging sessions to transfer from a first instant messaging controller on a first device to at 5 least a second instant messaging controller on a second device, where the user is signed on concurrently to the first instant messaging controller on the first device and the second instant messaging controller on the second device. At least a portion of the selected instant messaging session is transferred from the first instant messaging controller on the first device to the second instant messaging controller on the second device and the transferred portion of 10 the instant messaging session is made perceivable on the second instant messaging controller on the second device. |
| US09553827B2 |
Automatic modeling of virtual resources with sizing recommendations
A method includes accessing a database comprising a respective non-linear scalability model for each of a plurality of physical resources and each of a plurality of virtual resources in a virtualization environment. The method also includes generating a respective capacity consumption model for each of the plurality of virtual resources based on the non-linear scalability models. The method further includes determining a deviation from a predetermined threshold range in the respective capacity consumption model for a first virtual resource in the plurality of virtual resources. The method additionally includes determining a slope of the respective capacity consumption model for the first virtual resource, and determining a sizing recommendation for components of the first virtual resource based on the slope and the deviation. The method also includes modifying at least one of the components of the first virtual resource based on the sizing recommendation. |
| US09553826B2 |
Real-time sharing method, apparatus and system
A real-time sharing method, apparatus and system, which relate to the online application field to solve the problem that a user cannot actively send a request to another terminal by using a terminal according to a personal requirement to implement real-time sharing of resources of an online application of another terminal. The real-time sharing method for sharing of an online application includes: receiving a browsing request message sent by a first terminal, where the browsing request message carries an identifier of a second terminal; acquiring, according to the identifier of the second terminal, virtual machine information of a virtual machine that provides an online application service for the second terminal; and sending, to the first terminal, resource information sent to the second terminal by the virtual machine corresponding to the virtual machine information. |
| US09553825B2 |
Electronic information caching
Electronic information is made available to access requestors based on anticipated demand. Electronic information stored on a first storage medium is identified for transport. A determination is made to store the electronic information on a second storage medium that is more accessible to the access requestors. The determination is based on an anticipated demand of the access requestors for the electronic information. The anticipated demand is determined based at least on information that is not particular to any single access requestor. The electronic information then is stored on the second storage medium and the access requestors are provided access to the electronic information from the second storage medium. |
| US09553821B2 |
Equitable distribution of excess shared-resource throughput capacity
Methods and apparatus for equitable distribution of excess shared-resource throughput capacity are disclosed. A first and a second work target are configured to access a shared resource to implement accepted work requests. Admission control is managed at the work targets using respective token buckets. A first metric indicative of the work request arrival rates at the work targets during a time interval, and a second metric associated with the provisioned capacities of the work targets are determined. A number of tokens determined based on a throughput limit of the shared resource is distributed among the work targets to be used for admission control during a subsequent time interval. The number of tokens distributed to each work target is based on the first metric and/or the second metric. |
| US09553811B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing flood traffic in train switches
An improved method and apparatus for making forwarding decisions in a switching device. The invention reduces the flooding of frames to particular network segments connected to the switch. To insure a device sees a frame addressed to it, if a switch does not know what segment a device address is connected to for a unicast frame, the switch typically floods the frame to all segments in the broadcast domain. This invention allows segments to be identified as having a predefined maximum number of device addresses that will be associated with it. When that number of addresses is already in the forwarding table the switch will not flood unicast frames to that segment since no more devices should be connected to that segment. |
| US09553810B2 |
Dynamic reconfiguration of network devices for outage prediction
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for dynamic reconfiguration of network devices for outage prediction is disclosed. The method includes: aggregating a plurality of network devices to form an input/output (I/O) link bundle; identifying a quality of service level of data throughput needed by at least one workload utilizing the I/O link bundle; monitoring a parameter of each of the network devices of the I/O link bundle; determining whether the monitored parameter indicates a predicted data throughout quality of service level decrease by a network device being utilized by the workload below the quality of service level for the workload; and responsive to determining that the monitored parameter indicates a predicted quality of service level decrease by the respective network device, dynamically reconfiguring the link bundle to maintain the quality of service level for the workload utilizing the I/O link bundle. |
| US09553809B2 |
Asymmetric packet flow in a distributed load balancer
A distributed load balancer in which a router receives packets from at least one client and routes packet flows to multiple ingress servers. For unknown packet flows, an ingress server cooperates with primary and secondary flow trackers to establish connections to server nodes. For known packet flows, the ingress server sends the packets to target server nodes. The server nodes randomly select egress servers for outgoing packets of the packet flows. The ingress servers, flow trackers, and egress servers are implemented by multiple load balancer nodes in a load balancer node layer. The ingress and egress servers for a given packet flow may be on different load balancer nodes. The load balancer nodes may use a consistent hash function to compute a consistent hash ring for the nodes according to packet flow client/public endpoint pairs so that nodes associated with given packet flows can be located. |
| US09553808B1 |
Protocol-independent packet routing
In one aspect, one or more processors may be coupled to a content-addressable memory, a first memory and a second memory. The one or more processors may be configured to receive a data packet, read a predetermined number of bytes from the data packet, and match the read bytes to patterns corresponding to rows of the content-addressable memory. Further, the one or more processors may determine a number associated with the matched row, and based on the number, determine an initial routing instruction. The one or more processors may then determine which bits of the read bytes to hash using hash information stored in the first memory, hash the bits to generate a hash value, determine whether the value corresponds to routing information in the second memory, and route the data packet based on the routing information. |
| US09553804B2 |
Method, device, and system for supporting content subscription in content network
A method is provided for content subscription in content network. A content requesting node in the content network receives a first interest packet comprising a content identifier through a first port from a first user device, creates a subscription entry comprising the content identifier and an identifier of the first port, sends the first interest packet to the content providing node, receives a second interest packet through a second port from a second user device; adds an identifier of the second port to the subscription entry, receives multiple data packets provided by the content providing node according to the first interest packet, and sends the multiple data packets through the first port and the second port respectively to the first user device and the second user device according to the subscription entry. |
| US09553803B2 |
Periodical generation of network measurement data
Some embodiments provide a method that generates different network measurements data (e.g., network topology, bandwidth estimation of different paths, etc.) for a pair of endpoints upon receiving a network administrative request (e.g., an application programming interface (API) request) or by other means (e.g., automatically and without intervention of a user). In some embodiments, the method is implemented by a network measurement agent operating on each endpoint and a centralized service component (e.g., web service layer) executing on a network manager machine (e.g., a controller) that responds to measurement requests. The network measurement agent probes the network periodically (i.e., in certain time intervals) or upon an API request that it receives through the network manager machine to gather the measurement data of a particular network topology between a pair of endpoints. |
| US09553798B2 |
Method and system of updating conversation allocation in link aggregation
A method of updating conversation allocation in link aggregation is disclosed. The method starts with verifying that an implementation of a conversation-sensitive link aggregation control protocol (LACP) is operational at a network device of a network for an aggregation port. Then it is determined that operations through enhanced link aggregation control protocol data units (LACPDUs) are possible. The enhanced LACPDUs can be used for updating conversation allocation information, and the determination is based at least partially on a compatibility check between a first set of operational parameters of the network device and a second set of operational parameters of a partner network device. Then a conversation allocation state of an aggregation port of the link aggregation group is updated based on a determination that the conversation allocation state is incorrect, where the conversation allocation state indicates a list of conversations transmitting through the aggregation port. |
| US09553794B1 |
Traffic engineering for network usage optimization
A traffic engineering process seeks to optimize network utilization and creating paths in the network such that the network is used efficiently. The exemplary embodiments seek to maintain fairness across allocation of flows while honoring constraints on the number of paths used per flow and the granularity of splits allowed. Exemplary embodiments provide a solution in a speedy manner and get close to optimal solutions for allocation of the network traffic. |
| US09553789B2 |
Inter-node communication scheme for sharing node operating status
A gossiping scheme for sharing node status in a cluster of nodes provides a robust mechanism for determining node status within the cluster. Nodes transmit gossip messages to each other nodes, the gossip messages listing other nodes in the cluster that are operational. When a node does not receive a gossip message from a particular node within a predetermined time period, then the node transmits messages to the other nodes indicating that the particular node is down. However, if another node has received a packet from the particular node within the predetermined time period and receives the node down message, then the other node responds with a node alive message. |
| US09553788B1 |
Monitoring an interconnection network
The following description is directed to monitoring an interconnection network. In one embodiment, a method of monitoring an internal link of an interconnection network can comprise creating a network packet. The network packet can comprise a data-link-layer destination address corresponding to a management interface of a first router of the interconnection network, and a network-layer destination address corresponding to a host computer. The network-layer destination address can be within a subnet associated with a management interface of a second different router of the interconnection network. The internal link can connect the first router and the second router. The method can further comprise transmitting the network packet from the host computer, and determining one or more performance metrics of the internal link based, at least in part, on whether the network packet is received at the host computer. |
| US09553787B1 |
Monitoring hosted service usage
Systems and methods are disclosed which facilitate monitoring of usage information associated with services implemented within a hosted computing environment. Providers of a service, or other authorized parties, may be enabled to associate one or more descriptors with a service. Thereafter, each service instances may be monitored for such descriptors. By correlating usage information of instances with specific descriptors, usage information for the descriptor may be generated. In some instances, usage information corresponding to a descriptor may be utilized to monitor license agreements associated with services including the descriptor. Further, use of descriptors may reduce or eliminate the need to associate services with physical attributes of hosting computing devices, such as media access control addresses. |
| US09553786B2 |
Storing data associated with packet related metrics
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for storing data associated with packet related metrics are disclosed. According to one method, the method includes generating a test packet including a port tuple sequence number (PTSN), wherein the PTSN indicates a number of packets across multiple flows associated with a same port tuple, wherein the port tuple indicates an ingress port and an egress port that the test packet traverses at a device under test (DUT), and storing the PTSN in an entry of a data structure, wherein the entry is indexed by the port tuple. |
| US09553782B2 |
Dynamically modifying quality of service levels for resources running in a networked computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for dynamically modifying Quality of Service (QoS) levels for resources (e.g., applications, processes, services, etc.) running in a networked computing environment. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention dynamically adjust transport level networking QoS parameters based on associated service level agreements (SLA) term. In a typical embodiment, a set of service level requirements associated with a resource running in the networked computing environment will first be identified (e.g., in a computer data structure). Then, the set of service level requirements will be mapped to a set of QoS parameters associated with a transport layer of the networked computing environment. A current performance of the resource within the transport layer will then be determined. Once the current performance has been determined, it will be further determined whether the current performance meets the set of service level requirements. Based on this determination/comparison, the set of QoS parameters can be adjusted accordingly. |
| US09553781B2 |
Service level agreement based storage access
A method and a system implementing a service level agreement based storage access system. A service level agreement based storage access system presents a single interface for data storage consumers and translates generic data operation requests to data operation request specific to a storage server. The SLA based storage access system also monitors storage server performance and may throttle processes to ensure service level agreements are not violated. |
| US09553779B2 |
Framework supporting content delivery with content delivery services
A framework supporting content delivery includes a plurality of devices, each device configured to run at least one content delivery (CD) service of a plurality of CD services. The plurality of CD services include services supporting content delivery. |
| US09553778B2 |
Layered request processing in a content delivery network (CDN)
In a content delivery network (CDN a method includes: receiving a request for a CDN service of a particular type, wherein a CDN service of said particular type defines a fixed number of configurable layers of request processing, sequentially from a first layer to a last layer; and processing said request, starting at said first layer, said processing being based on a modifiable runtime environment, said processing continuing conditionally through each of said layers in turn until either said request is terminated by one of said layers or said last layer processes said request. The CDN service may be selected from: delivery services, collector services, reducer services, rendezvous services, configuration services, and control services. |
| US09553777B2 |
Framework supporting content delivery with adaptation services
A framework supporting content delivery includes a plurality of devices, each device configured to run at least one content delivery (CD) service of a plurality of CD services. The plurality of CD services include adaptation services. |
| US09553772B2 |
Dynamically determining node locations to apply learning machine based network performance improvement
In one embodiment, techniques are shown and described relating to dynamically determining node locations to apply learning machine based network performance improvement. In particular, a degree of significance of nodes in a network, respectively, is calculated based on one or more significance factors. One or more significant nodes are then determined based on the calculated degree of significance. Additionally, a nodal region in the network of deteriorated network health is determined, and the nodal region of deteriorated network health is correlated with a significant node of the one or more significant nodes. |
| US09553769B2 |
Devices and methods for communication in ad-hoc networks
In a particular embodiment, a method includes determining, by a first device, a number of discovery messages received during at least one discovery interval. Based on the number of discovery messages, an estimated number of devices in an ad-hoc network is determined. The method further includes transmitting, during a second discovery interval that is subsequent to the at least one discovery interval, a discovery message. The discovery message indicates the estimated number of devices in the ad-hoc network. |
| US09553767B2 |
Host connectivity templates to configure host of virtual machines
A system and a method are disclosed for configuring hosts of virtual machines. The system and method include receiving, by a management server, a network configuration of a first host, wherein the first host is associated with a network identified by a network label, storing the network configuration of the first host in a template record, in response to a request to configure a second host, determining if the second host is to join the network identified by the network label, and configuring the second host using the template record. |
| US09553765B2 |
Geospatial based management of configuration profiles
A system, method and program product for managing profiles for devices in a network. A computer system is disclosed having a configuration management system for managing configuration profiles for a set of devices within a network, and includes: a boundary definition system that employs a computerized process for defining a plurality of geospatial boundaries; a device manager that employs a computerized process for interfacing with remote agents associated with respective devices to recognize when a device has migrated into a new geospatial boundary; and a profile management system that employs a computerized process for uploading an updated configuration profile to the remote agent in response to the device being migrated to the new geospatial boundary. |
| US09553762B1 |
Network-on-chip with fixed and configurable functions
Systems and methods are provided herein for providing an NoC including a configurable array of nodes, where a node of the configurable array of nodes operates in a default operating mode until a replacement operating mode is triggered. For example, when an NoC is unconfigured, a latch bank may be initialized to “clear,” such that no routing decisions are stored. This may enable a default operating mode where routing logic updates the latches' values as needed to implement required routing behavior in a dynamic fashion until configuration is performed. |
| US09553761B2 |
Dynamic server to server configuration and initialization
An apparatus includes a discovery component to identify a first application routine within a storage for execution, to identify execution of a remote application routine within a node device as a first requisite for execution of the first application routine from a first application requisites data, and to provide indications of storage of the first application routine and the first requisite to a control master; a start component to restart an earlier started execution of the first application routine in response to receipt of an indication that execution of the remote application routine within the node device has been restarted in accordance with a catalog received from the control master, the catalog including indications of the first and remote application routines and an indication of the first requisite; and a status component to provide an indication to the control master of the restart of execution of the first application routine. |
| US09553758B2 |
Sandboxing individual applications to specific user folders in a cloud-based service
An example system and method comprises receiving a request from the third-party application, wherein the request includes a user identifier; allocating an area that is specific for the third-party application and for the user; and granting access of the area to the third-party application. In one embodiments, the method further comprises providing to the third-party application a token which allows the third-party application to access a given area. Additional embodiments provided herein enable a third-party application to use a user identifier (e.g., an email address or other identifiers) of its user to access area specific of a cloud-based environment/platform/services (e.g., collaboration, file sharing, and/or storage services) without necessarily triggering user account authentication, thereby avoiding the process of requiring access codes from the user which can adversely impact user experience as well as compromise security and/or user's privacy. |
| US09553753B2 |
Generating synchronization signals for wireless communication systems
The present disclosure relates to a method for facilitating synchronization in a wireless communication system. A number sequence of length L is defined. The number sequence is mapped on a first set of discrete Fourier frequency coefficients. A second set of discrete Fourier frequency coefficients is generated by frequency shifting the first set of discrete Fourier frequency coefficients. The second set of discrete Fourier frequency coefficients is transformed into a time domain signal. |
| US09553746B2 |
System and method for multi-threaded OFDM channel equalizer with coprocessor
A system for an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) equalizer, said system comprising a program memory, a program sequencer and a processing unit connected to each other, wherein the processing unit comprises an input selection unit, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a coprocessor and an output selection unit; further wherein the program sequencer schedules the processing of one or more symbol-carrier pairs input to said OFDM equalizer using multiple threads; retrieves, for each of the one or more symbol-carrier pairs, multiple program instructions from said program memory; generates multiple expanded instructions corresponding to said retrieved multiple program instructions; and further wherein said ALU performs said processing of the one or more symbol-carrier pairs using the multiple threads across multiple pipeline stages, wherein said processing comprises said ALU executing arithmetic operations to process said expanded instructions using said multiple threads across the multiple pipeline stages. |
| US09553744B2 |
Two-dimensional (2D) burst marker (BM) to identify data start and stop
A communication device includes a communication interface and a processor configured to generate, transmit, receive, and process signals. The communication device generates orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) frame(s) that include a two-dimensional (2D) start burst marker (BM), a data payload, and a 2D stop BM, and transmits the OFDM frame(s) to another communication device. Alternatively, the communication device receives OFDM frame(s) that include a 2D start BM and a 2D stop BM, and then identifies a data payload within those OFDM frame(s) based on the 2D start burst marker and a 2D stop BM. The 2D start and stop BMs are based on predetermined sequences having particular formats based on corresponding 2D sub-carrier and OFDM/A frame based structure. A receiver communication device then detects the 2D start BM and 2D stop BM within the received OFDM frame(s) based on knowledge of these predetermined sequences and particular formats. |
| US09553740B2 |
Method and apparatus for equalizing signals
A system and apparatus are disclosed for a method and apparatus for equalizing signals. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an equalizer having a channel estimation calculator for calculating a time domain channel estimation from a baseband signal, a Fast Fourier Transform processor for translating the time domain channel estimation to a frequency domain channel estimation, a tap weight calculator for calculating a frequency domain tap weight according to the frequency domain channel estimation, an inverse Fast Fourier Transform processor for translating the frequency domain tap weight calculation to a time domain tap weight calculation, and a filter for equalizing the baseband signal according to the time domain tap weight calculation. |
| US09553735B1 |
Systems and methods for determining broadcast parameters for a transmission
Systems and methods are described for determining broadcast parameters for a transmission. A plurality of broadcast content that comprise a priority level may be received, where each of the plurality of broadcast content may also comprise a timing for broadcasting. For each of the plurality of broadcast content, a number of nodes for broadcasting may be determined based on the priority level and the timing for broadcasting. The plurality of broadcast content may also be ranked based on the timing for broadcasting and the number of nodes for broadcasting. At least one scheduler may be instructed to schedule the plurality of content for broadcasting based on the ranking and the priority level for each of the plurality of broadcast content. |
| US09553731B2 |
Transmission method and system for terminal unique information
A terminal unique information transmission method including: receiving, by a server, from a terminal, a terminal unique information acquisition request including a terminal unique public key certificate of the terminal; generating an encrypted terminal unique public key certificate by encrypting the terminal unique public key certificate of the terminal; checking, by the server, whether the generated encrypted terminal unique public key certificate is described in a discarded terminal information table; and transmitting, by the server, when the generated encrypted terminal unique public key certificate is not described in the discarded terminal information table, a terminal unique information of the terminal to the terminal. |
| US09553727B2 |
Secure and mobile biometric authentication for electronic health record management
A portable device receives an encrypted message from an electronic health record database server including a request to perform a biometric authentication to approve a transaction. The device prompts a user to speak a pass phrase. The device creates a set of variables including the pass phrase and at least one more variable characterizing the spoken voice. The authentication module transmits an encrypted message to the health record database server including a session identification information and the set of variables. In response, the device receives an encrypted message from the health record database server determining whether the biometric authentication is successful and the transaction is approved, wherein determination is made by the health record database server and is based on verifying the session identification information, the pass phrase, and the user identity. |
| US09553723B2 |
Multi-dimensional encryption
A method of encrypting data is provided. The method includes generating a key and encrypting data using the key. Generating the key includes determining a number of coefficients for a polynomial having a number of variables and selecting a polynomial level from the number of coefficients. Generating the key also includes selecting a first value based on the polynomial level, generating a vector (c) having coefficients based on the polynomial level, and generating a vector (t) based on the polynomial level. Furthermore, generating the key includes generating a vector (t′) based on a product of the vector (c) and the vector (t) and calculating a second value based on the first value, the vector (t), and the product. In addition, generating the key includes comparing the second value with the polynomial level and returning the coefficients of the vector (c) as the number of coefficients for the polynomial. |
| US09553715B2 |
Optical phase detector for an optical phase lock loop
An optical phase detector circuit is provided that is suitable for use in an optical phase lock loop. The optical phase detector includes a first optical flip-flop circuit configured to produce a first digital output based on ON/OFF state of a first digital optical input and a digital electrical control signal. A second optical flip-flop circuit is configured to produce a second digital output based on ON/OFF state of a second digital optical input and the digital electrical control signal. An AND gate is operably coupled to both the first and second optical flip-flops. The AND gate produces the digital electrical control signal for supply to the first and second optical flip-flop circuits according to an AND function of the first and second digital outputs produced by the first and second optical flip-flop circuits. |
| US09553713B2 |
Method and system for transmitting clock reference streams with timestamps directly to audio/video end nodes in an audio/video bridging network
An apparatus used to communicate with a plurality of audio/video (A/V) end nodes in an Audio Video Bridging (AVB) network. The apparatus may include a first A/V end node. The first A/V end node may be configured to transmit a clock reference stream including a plurality of timestamps to a plurality of A/V end nodes. The plurality of A/V end nodes may transmit a media stream including a plurality of video samples and a plurality of audio samples to one another. The media stream may be separate from the plurality of timestamps. The plurality of A/V end nodes may be arranged to syntonize or synchronize the plurality of video samples and the plurality of audio samples with one another for playback in response to the plurality of timestamps. |
| US09553709B2 |
Method and apparatus for wireless communication using a short-range base station with multiple radio interfaces of different technologies
A method and an apparatus is provided for conducting wireless data communications using whitespace and non-whitespace channels. A short-range base station with an interface for whitespace channels and another interface for non-whitespace channels communicates with user equipment outfitted with equivalent interfaces. The short-range base station has a preference for using the interface for the whitespace channels, where the whitespace channels are whitespace spectrum bands that are available during periods when a primary user is not actively utilizing the whitespace. A spectrum server analyzes spectrum occupancy database information and whitespace spectrum sensing measurements to determine lists of available whitespace spectrum bands for use by the short-range base station. |
| US09553708B2 |
Communication system, terminal, and base station
A terminal that performs a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a channel-state information reference signal, on the basis of a second measurement target configuration in a case where the second measurement target configuration is contained in a measurement object configuration, where the second measurement target configuration containing at least a first index. In addition, the terminal transmits a first measurement result with a second index, where the first measurement result includes a reference signal received power of a channel-state information reference signal based on the second measurement target configuration. |
| US09553702B2 |
Antenna time offset in multiple-input-multiple-output and coordinated multipoint transmissions
A method for wireless communication is provided which includes receiving first and second signals transmitted from first and second antennas, respectively, determining a time offset between the first and second antennas based on the first and second signals, and reporting information regarding the time offset, including information regarding the time offset as being above or below a predetermined threshold. Another method for wireless communication is provided which includes generating channel state information feedback based on an assumption that the time offset is being compensated at a transmitter side. Yet another method for wireless communication is provided which includes receiving information regarding a time offset between multiple transmit antennas, including information regarding the time offset as being above or below a predetermined threshold, and adapting downlink transmissions to account for the time offset. |
| US09553699B2 |
Frame transmitting method and frame receiving method
A method of transmitting a frame by a device in a wireless communication network is provided. The device generates a first symbol having a first subcarrier spacing where a symbol duration of the first symbol, excluding a guard interval, has a first length. The device generates a second symbol having a second subcarrier spacing narrower than the first subcarrier spacing wherein a symbol duration of the second symbol, excluding a guard interval, has a second length that is twice the first length. The device transmits a frame including the first symbol and the second symbol. |
| US09553698B2 |
Terminal device and retransmission method for dynamic TDD UL/DL configuration
A terminal capable of ensuring that when a UL-DL configuration is switched over, recognition of a UL HARQ process continued in the UL-DL configuration before and after the switchover is matched between a base station and the terminal. A terminal (200) can be switched to either one of configuration patterns including a downlink subframe used in downlink communication and an uplink subframe used in uplink communication. Mapping between an uplink subframe and a retransmission process is set for each of the configuration patterns. On the basis of mapping in a unique base frame determined by a pre-switchover configuration pattern and a post-switchover configuration pattern, a determination unit (206) determines a first retransmission process to be continued after switchover from among retransmission processes in the pre-switchover configuration pattern, and a second retransmission process to be continued from the first retransmission process from among retransmission processes in the post-switchover configuration pattern. |
| US09553696B2 |
Bit interleaver for low-density parity check codeword having length of 64800 and code rate of 3/15 and quadrature phase shift keying, and bit interleaving method using same
A bit interleaver, a bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) device and a bit interleaving method are disclosed herein. The bit interleaver includes a first memory, a processor, and a second memory. The first memory stores a low-density parity check (LDPC) codeword having a length of 64800 and a code rate of 3/15. The processor generates an interleaved codeword by interleaving the LDPC codeword on a bit group basis. The size of the bit group corresponds to a parallel factor of the LDPC codeword. The second memory provides the interleaved codeword to a modulator for quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation. |
| US09553694B1 |
RF jamming mitigation system and method
A jamming detection system for a vehicle may include an antenna configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) wave defining a series of RF pulse and quiet phase durations. The system may include a processor programmed to lock the vehicle in response to one but not both of the durations exceeding a predetermined threshold. The processor may also be programmed to arm an alarm of the vehicle in response to both of the durations exceeding respective predetermined thresholds. |
| US09553692B2 |
Method and system for determining and controlling power of optical transmitter of optical network unit for time and wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network
Disclosed are a method and system for determining and controlling power of an optical transmitter of an optical network unit (ONU) for a time and wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network (TWDM-PON). The system includes an RSSI collector configured to collect received signal strength indication (RSSI) information from upstream optical signals received from the ONUs connected to optical line terminal (OLT) ports, an ONU power level determiner configured to gather the pieces of RSSI information about the ONUs from the RSSI collector, and to determine power of optical transmitters of the ONUs based on the gathered information, and a power mode controller configured to receive power mode setting information of the optical transmitters of the ONUs from the ONU power level determiner, and to generate a physical layer operation and maintenance (PLOAM) message to control power modes of the ONUs based on the received power mode setting information. |
| US09553681B2 |
Source separation using nonnegative matrix factorization with an automatically determined number of bases
Methods and systems for source separation based on determining a number of bases for a nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) model are disclosed. A method includes receiving, at a computing device, a mixed signal including a combination of first signal data and second signal data. The method also includes generating, by the computing device, a time-frequency representation of the mixed signal. The method further includes determining, by applying a structured stochastic variational inference (SSVI) algorithm to the NMF model, a number of bases for a dictionary of signal-related components of the mixed signal. The method uses the number of bases and the time-frequency representation to construct the dictionary and an activation matrix of weights, the weights indicating how active each one of the signal-related components is at a given time. The method then uses the dictionary and the activation matrix to separate the first signal data from the second signal data. |
| US09553677B1 |
Self-referenced continuous-variable quantum key distribution
Various technologies for continuous-variable quantum key distribution without transmitting a transmitter's local oscillator are described herein. A receiver on an optical transmission channel uses an oscillator signal generated by a light source at the receiver's location to perform interferometric detection on received signals. An optical reference pulse is sent by the transmitter on the transmission channel and the receiver computes a phase offset of the transmission based on quadrature measurements of the reference pulse. The receiver can then compensate for the phase offset between the transmitter's reference and the receiver's reference when measuring quadratures of received data pulses. |
| US09553676B2 |
Method and system for split voltage domain receiver circuits
Methods and systems for split voltage domain receiver circuits are disclosed and may comprise amplifying received electrical signals in a plurality of partial voltage domains, and combining the amplified received signals, utilizing a stacked cascode amplifier for each partial voltage domain, into a single differential signal in a single voltage domain. The stacked cascode amplifiers may comprise a feedback loop having a comparator which controls a current source in each domain. The signals may be received from a photodiode, which may be integrated in the integrated circuit. The amplified signals may be combined via stacked common source or common emitter amplifiers. The received signals via may be amplified by stacked inverters. The amplified received signals may be AC or DC coupled prior to the combining. The received electrical signals may be amplified and combined via cascode amplifiers. The voltage domains may be stacked and may be controlled by feedback loops. |
| US09553675B2 |
Frequency domain coded modulation with polarization interleaving for fiber nonlinearity mitigation in digital sub-carrier coherent optical communication systems
An optical transmitter may receive and encode a first group of bits into first encoded data and second encoded data. The optical transmitter may supply a first sub-carrier carrying a first symbol and a second sub-carrier carrying a second symbol. The first symbol and the second symbol may be based on the first encoded data and the second encoded data, respectively, such that the first sub-carrier has a first polarization state comprising first and second polarization components, and the second sub-carrier has a second polarization state comprising first and second polarization components. The first polarization state may be substantially orthogonal to the second polarization state. An optical receiver may receive the first symbol via the first sub-carrier, may receive the second symbol via the second sub-carrier, may decode the first symbol and the second symbol into a second group of bits, and may output the second group of bits. |
| US09553672B1 |
Integrated control for silicon photonics
In an example, the present invention includes an integrated system on chip device. The device is configured on a single silicon substrate member. The device has a data input/output interface provided on the substrate member. The device has an input/output block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the data input/output interface. The device has a signal processing block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the input/output block. The device has a driver module provided on the substrate member and coupled to the signal processing block. In an example, the device has a driver interface provided on the substrate member and coupled to the driver module and configured to be coupled to a silicon photonics device. The device also has an interface configured to communicate between the silicon photonics device and the control block. |
| US09553671B1 |
Package structure for photonic transceiving device
A photonic transceiver apparatus in Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) package. The apparatus includes a case having a base member, two partial side members, and a lid member to provide a spatial volume with an opening at a back end of the base member. Additionally, the apparatus includes a printed circuit board (PCB), installed inside the spatial volume over the base member having a pluggable electrical connector at the back end. Further, the apparatus includes multiple optical transmitting devices in mini-transmit-optical-sub-assembly package, each being mounted on a common support structure and having a laser output port in reversed orientation toward the back end. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a silicon photonics chip, including a fiber-to-silicon attachment module, mounted on the PCB and coupled to a modulation driver module and a trans-impedance amplifier module. Moreover, the apparatus includes a pair of optical input/output ports being back connected to the fiber-to-silicon attachment module. |
| US09553663B1 |
System and method for calibration of an optical module
A system and method for calibrating an optical module. The optical module including a microprocessor with non-volatile memory is provided at a calibration station for measuring calibrated value of a device parameter against raw values starting from minimum value in each of multiple zones of a primary parameter with one or more secondary parameters at least being set to a basis calibration point to determine coefficients for generating a N-spline function for the multiple zones and multiple multipliers for each zone corresponding to multiple calibration points. The coefficients and multiple multipliers are stored in the non-volatile memory and reused respectively for calculating a basis calibrated value based on any current raw value of the primary parameter a N-spline function in particular zone and for determining a final multiplier by interpolation of the multiple multipliers associated with the one or more secondary parameters, leading to a calibrated value for any condition. |
| US09553662B2 |
Integrated driver redundancy for a silicon photonics device
In an example, the present invention includes an integrated system on chip device. At least a pair of laser devices are associated with a channel and coupled to a switch to select one of the pair of laser devices to be coupled to an optical multiplexer to provide for a redundant laser device. |
| US09553661B2 |
Adaptive preconfiguration in optical transport network
A network element operating in an Optical Transport Network (OTN) network and configured to adaptively preconfigure OTN connections includes one or more ports, each port including hardware supporting an Optical channel Transport Unit level k (OTUk) configured to transport an Optical channel Data Unit level k (ODUk) or one or more Optical channel Data Unit level j's (ODUj's), j |
| US09553657B2 |
Multiple antenna system and method for mobile platforms
A method and system facilitate communication between a constellation of satellites and a mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator. The method and system may include the use of a first antenna suited for operation using a first frequency band in a first geographic region and a second antenna suited for operation using either the first or a second frequency band in a second geographic region. The method and system may use a controller to determine which antenna to activate based on one or more of a geographic indicator or a signal indicator. The system used by the method to facilitate the communication may have one or more enclosures over the antennas and controller for mounting to a mobile platform. |
| US09553655B2 |
Data-receiving method and apparatus for relay station in wireless communication system
A method for receiving data by a relay station (RS) in a wireless communication system includes: receiving radio resource allocation information via an R-PDCCH (R-Physical Downlink Control Channel); and receiving data from a base station (BS) via an R-PDSCH (R-Physical Downlink Shared Channel) indicated by the radio resource allocation information, wherein the radio resource allocation information includes information regarding an allocation of resource blocks in a frequency domain and information regarding an allocation of OFDM symbols in a time domain. Since the radio resource allocation information providing information regarding a time relationship between a control channel transmitted by the BS to a UE and a control channel transmitted by the RS to a UE connected to the RS is provided, the RS can reliably receive a signal transmitted from the BS in a backhaul link between the BS and the RS in a wireless communication system including the RS. |
| US09553645B2 |
Data transmission device and method in a wireless communications system
The present invention provides a data transmission device and method in a wireless communication system. The device comprises a processor which is connected with the M antennas and which is formed so as to generate data to be transmitted through the M antennas, on the basis of a precoding matrix; the precoding matrix is generated based on a plurality of matrices; and a first matrix, which is one matrix among the plurality of matrices, is selected from within a codebook for N antennas (where N |
| US09553643B2 |
User equipment and methods for codebook subsampling for enhanced 4TX codebooks
Embodiments of user equipment (UE) and methods for codebook subsampling for enhanced 4TX codebooks in 3GPP LTE wireless networks are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is configured for transmission of channel state information (CSI) feedback including a rank indicator (RI) and a precoding matrix (W1). The rank indicator (RI) and a precoding matrix (W1) are jointly encoded and codebook subsampling is performed for the enhanced 4Tx codebook for at least one of: PUCCH report type 5 (RI/1st PMI) in PUCCH 1-1 submode 1; PUCCH report type 2c (CQI/1st PMI/2nd PMI) in PUCCH 1-1 submode 2; and PUCCH report type 1a (subband CQI/2nd PMI) in PUCCH 2-1. |
| US09553641B2 |
Device and method for HSPA WCDMA uplink pilots
A UE, for an HSPA WCDMA system, equipped with a first and a second transmit antenna, and arranged to use one or more sets of pre-coding weights for transmission. The UE is arranged to receive instructions from a NodeB on the set or sets of pre-coding weights to be used, and to transmit a first and a second pilot signal, and to use a first set of pre-coding weights for the first pilot signal and a second set of pre-coding weights for the second pilot signal, where the first set of pre-coding weights is the same as the UE uses for transmitting a first data stream, and to use different spreading codes for the first data stream and for the first pilot signal. |
| US09553640B1 |
Using multi-feed antennas
Methods and devices for use with a multi-feed antenna used in a MIMO communication system are described herein. A method can include obtaining an antenna feed characteristic indicator associated with each of the feeds of the multi-feed antenna, and controlling how power is distributed among the feeds based on the antenna feed characteristic indicator associated with each of the feeds. An antenna feed characteristic indicator can be, e.g., an indicator of impedance matching, in which case power can be distributed among the feeds of the multi-feed antenna based on the indicators of impedance matching associate with each of the feeds. Power can also be distributed based on an indicator of link quality. Additionally, or alternatively, coding rate and/or modulation type can also be controlled for each of the feeds of the multi-feed antenna, based on one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators and/or one or more indicators of link quality. |
| US09553637B2 |
Near field communications (NFC) and proximity sensor for portable devices
Described herein are techniques related to near field coupling and proximity sensing operations. For example, a proximity sensor uses a coil antenna that is utilized for near field communications (NFC) functions. The proximity sensor may be integrated into an NFC module to form a single module. |
| US09553636B2 |
Contactless electricity supply device with foreign object detector
This contactless electricity supply device, which contactlessly performs charging of the battery (28) of a vehicle, is provided with: an electricity transmission coil (12) disposed at a road surface; and an electricity reception coil (22) disposed in the vehicle. A foreign object detection coil (13) is provided to the upper surface of the electricity transmission coil (12), and on the basis of induced voltage arising at the foreign object detection coil (13) during a trial electricity supply, foreign objects between the electricity transmission coil (12) and the electricity reception coil (22) are detected. |