| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09561802B2 |
Control apparatus for vehicle
If operation mode of an engine is transitioned from natural aspiration lean-burn operation mode to supercharged lean-burn operation mode, an engine control portion temporarily changes an air-fuel ratio from a lean air-fuel ratio to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or a rich air-fuel ratio. When the air-fuel ratio is changed from the lean air-fuel ratio to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or the rich air-fuel ratio by the engine control portion, a transmission control portion switches a gear ratio of the automatic transmission to a gear ratio that provides an engine rotational speed at which the engine output becomes equal to an engine output before the air-fuel ratio is changed and also at which an intake pipe pressure becomes equal to or closest to an intake pipe pressure before the air-fuel ratio is changed. |
| US09561799B2 |
Vehicle including a control unit for controlling a coupled engine running mode
A controller is capable of controlling a coupled engine running mode, in which an engine is coupled to wheels and an engine brake is activated by driven rotation of the engine, and a coasting mode, in which an engine brake force is reduced with respect to that in the coupled engine running mode with mode with the engine brake on, and starts the coasting mode on the basis of the steering angle of a steering member. The controller starts the execution of a first coasting mode when the steering angle is equal to or less than a preset upper limit value and starts the execution of a second coasting mode when the steering angle is greater than the upper limit value. In the first coasting mode, the engine rotation is stopped, and in the second coasting mode, the engine remains rotating. |
| US09561796B2 |
Speed assistant for a motor vehicle
A method for controlling a motor vehicle includes steps of controlling a longitudinal speed of the motor vehicle to a predetermined value and scanning an upcoming driving route with the aid of a sensor on board the motor vehicle. One end of a section of the driving route which is visible with the aid of the sensor is determined. Assuming that there is an obstacle on the driving route beyond the visible section, it is determined that a deceleration which would be required to maintain a predetermined minimum distance from the assumed obstacle exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and a signal is output to a driver of the motor vehicle. |
| US09561793B2 |
Driving apparatus for hybrid vehicle and control method thereof
An ECU executes control processing including a step of executing engagement control on a K0 clutch when a D→N operation is performed, a step of keeping the K0 clutch engaged until an N→D operation is performed, a step of executing engagement control on a C1 clutch when the N→D operation is performed, a step of keeping the K0 clutch engaged when a request to operate an engine is issued following the elapse of a predetermined time α, and a step of executing disengagement control on the K0 clutch when a request to operate the engine has not been issued. |
| US09561792B2 |
Control system for a plug-in hybrid vehicle
A control system for a plug-in hybrid vehicle includes a drive system including a starter motor, a transverse engine, and a motor/generator, and a power supply system including a high voltage battery, a capacitor, and a hybrid control module that controls charging and discharging of the capacitor. In the control system for an FF plug-in hybrid vehicle in which an external charging of the high-power battery is available, the hybrid control module starts the starter, performs mode selection control and charge/discharge control, maintains a capacitor voltage at or below a deterioration free voltage when the CS mode is selected during ignition on, and recharges the capacitor to a starter start-up permission voltage that allows the starter to start when a pre-forecast of the reverse transition from the CS mode to the CD mode is established. |
| US09561791B2 |
System and method for optimizing power consumption in a hybrid electric vehicle
A system and method for optimizing the consumption of fuel in a hybrid electric vehicle is disclosed. A Hybrid Efficiency Index (HEI) is used to quantify a relative efficiency advantage achievable with the expenditure of electrical energy at a given power level. Also disclosed is a minimum efficiency threshold useful for determining which HEI values will result in the optimum use of electrical energy throughout the operation of the vehicle. Methods for adjusting the minimum efficiency threshold with respect to regenerative braking events, storage capacity in the energy storage system, along with other aspects are disclosed as well. |
| US09561789B2 |
Hybrid work vehicle
A hybrid work vehicle is provided with an internal combustion engine for supplying driving force to a running device and a work implement via a transmission shaft, a motor generator for assisting the internal combustion engine by outputting power to the transmission shaft, and a battery for receiving charging electricity from the motor generator and giving driving electricity to the motor generator. A load information generation unit generates load information indicating a rotational load received by the internal combustion engine when in a constant-speed control mode for maintaining a constant number of revolutions of the internal combustion engine, based on an input parameter, and an assistance calculation unit calculates an amount of assistance for internal combustion engine by the motor generator, based on the load information when in the constant-speed control mode. |
| US09561785B2 |
Vehicle rear wheel lift tendency judgment device
A vehicle rear wheel lift tendency judgment device: includes a first deceleration obtaining device for obtaining a first deceleration along a first straight line, being a component in a first direction of an acceleration on a center of gravity, and a second deceleration obtaining device for obtaining a second deceleration along a second straight line, being a component in a second direction of the acceleration; judges that a rear wheel tends to be lifted, when the first deceleration is greater in the first direction than a first threshold, or when the second deceleration is greater in the second direction than a second threshold; and performs at least one of setting for shifting the first threshold in a direction opposite to the first direction and setting for shifting the second threshold in a direction opposite to the second direction, when a second-deceleration change rate being a change amount in the second deceleration per unit time becomes greater in the second direction than a change-rate threshold, enabling a quick judgment of a rear wheel lift tendency. |
| US09561784B2 |
Control apparatus for controlling a brake of a unit hauled by a vehicle
A control apparatus is configured to control a brake of a unit hauled by a vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of brakes for braking the wheels of the vehicle, a trailer brake for braking the hauled unit, and a parking brake for keeping the vehicle braked while it is stationary. The control apparatus includes a line for sending a fluid to the trailer brake through a control valve in order to brake the hauled unit in certain working conditions, a further line for sending a further fluid to the trailer brake in order to activate the trailer brake in other working conditions, and a valve device for controlling flow of the further fluid in the further line, the valve device being responsive to a signal indicative of the status of the parking brake. |
| US09561778B2 |
Method of selecting and stopping a vehicle using vehicle-to-vehicle communication
Method of selecting and stopping a vehicle using vehicle-to-vehicle communication includes selecting and suppressing a local vehicle including vehicle-to-vehicle communication comprising transmitting a vehicle-to-vehicle locating signal from a host vehicle to local vehicles to obtain a location and a direction of movement for local vehicles within a local area, selecting a local vehicle as a selected vehicle to be suppressed, and suppressing the selected vehicle using vehicle-to-vehicle communication from the host vehicle to the selected vehicle. The suppressing of the selected vehicle by the host vehicle includes providing a warning to the operator of the selected vehicle, limiting speed, along with decelerating and halting of the selected vehicle. |
| US09561775B2 |
Airbag with multi-state vent
An air bag having a tri-state vent, in an initial state the vent is configured to be closed, the vent in a medial state configured to be at least partially open or fully open as the air bag is starting to inflate permitting some inflator gas to exit through the vent and the vent in a final state configured to be at least partially closed or fully closed as the air bag continues to inflate. |
| US09561771B2 |
Seat belt device
A seatbelt device comprises a webbing, a bag body and an anchor member. The webbing is applied to the body of a vehicle occupant sitting on a seat. The bag body is provided along a length direction of the webbing, and the bag body is disposed at one side of the webbing and can be inflated by pressure of a fluid supplied from a length direction one side of the bag body. A deployment portion through which the fluid can pass is provided in the bag body, being disposed at width direction outer sides and a thickness direction another side of the webbing. An insertion hole is formed in the anchor member, through which the webbing and the bag body are inserted. The webbing is folded at the thickness direction one side when applied to the body of the sitting vehicle occupant, and the deployment portion of the bag body is disposed in the insertion hole. |
| US09561769B2 |
Apparatus for controlling an airbag module
An apparatus for controlling an airbag module in a vehicle cabin is provided that includes a control apparatus for triggering the airbag module, a plenoptic camera configured as a camera module that generates image data having depth information within a prespecifiable region in the vehicle cabin with the prespecifiable region comprising at least a first and a second partial region of a trigger region of the airbag module, and an evaluation device which determines on the basis of the image data whether an object, in particular a vehicle occupant, is located in the first or the second partial region and the control apparatus controls the airbag module in dependence on the position of the object. |
| US09561766B2 |
Bumper assembly
A bumper assembly includes a bumper beam for absorbing an impact of a vehicle and a crash box attached to the bumper beam and extending along an axis A. A mounting plate is attached to the crash box and defines at least one lateral slot extending laterally along the mounting plate in spaced and perpendicular relationship to the axis A. A fastener extends through the lateral slot for mating with a mounting surface of the vehicle frame to establish a secured position of the bumper assembly. The fastener includes a shoulder disposed in abutting relationship with the mounting surface in the secured position to dispose the mounting plate and the mounting surface in spaced relationship to one another for allowing the fastener to slide laterally along the lateral slot during a vehicle impact to reduce the transfer of lateral impact forces from the bumper assembly to the vehicle frame. |
| US09561765B1 |
Fuel tank assembly including inflatable member
A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank, and an airbag assembly connected to a fuel tank. The fuel tank includes a first portion facing in a first direction, a second portion facing a second direction which is opposite the first direction. The fuel tank includes a rear portion extending between the first portion and the second portion and facing in a rear direction transverse to the first and second directions. The airbag assembly is connected to the first portion, the second portion, and the rear portion of the fuel tank. During a vehicle impact, an inflatable member of the airbag assembly in an inflatable position may deflect impact debris away from the fuel tank and/or may prevent underbody components from coming contacting the fuel tank. |
| US09561763B2 |
Control system for a dual redundant motor/generator and engine
An exemplary electrical system may include a power plant operable to provide motive power, and a first and a second motor/generator operatively coupled to a common gear shaft, and to the power plant via a gearbox and drive shaft. The exemplary electrical system may further include a system controller configured to selectively operate at least one of the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator in one of a motor operating mode and a generator operating mode based on at least one parameter. The at least one parameter may be, but is not limited to, vibration and torque. In the motor operating mode, the first and/or second motor/generator provides power to the power plant. In the generator operating mode, the first and/or the second motor/generator extracts power from the power plant. |
| US09561762B2 |
Electric unit
An electric unit is attached to a power unit including a motor-generator, the power unit being disposed in a power unit mounting chamber that is formed at a front of a vehicle and separated from a vehicle cabin by a partition wall. The electric unit includes: a high-voltage component including an electric power conversion device of a relatively high voltage, the electric power conversion device converting an electric power between a DC electric power and an AC electric power for the motor-generator; and a low-voltage component including a control device of a relatively low voltage, the control device controlling the electric power conversion device. The high-voltage component and the low-voltage component are accommodated in an accommodation case. Inside the accommodation case, the high-voltage component is arranged toward the front of the vehicle, and the low-voltage component is arranged toward a rear of the vehicle. |
| US09561760B2 |
Modular equipment center distributed equipment packaging truss
A modular truss assembly configured to be placed in small or narrow spaces such as within the floor, sidewall, or crown of a vehicle for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, all or part of the modular truss assembly can be removed from the vehicle for repair or replacement. |
| US09561755B2 |
Vehicle garment hook assembly
A vehicle garment hook assembly for use on a vehicle includes a housing mounted to a trim component on a vehicle, and a garment hook pivotally mounted to the housing and pivotal away from the housing to a use position. The garment hook assembly also includes an access aperture formed in the housing, and a cover movably coupled to the housing to cover the garment hook and access aperture in a closed position and to expose the garment hook and access aperture in an open position. |
| US09561754B2 |
Utility vehicle
In a utility vehicle, a storage space is formed by a first extension part of a front floor board and a second extension part of a rear floor board and by a sitting part of a seat. |
| US09561750B1 |
Communicating an alert notification to a particular vehicle
Communicating a notification to a particular vehicle is provided. A processor: identifies, one or more vehicles within a particular radius to a first vehicle based on one of: WiFi network visibility, a geo-fenced radius with known geo-tags of the one or more vehicles, or scanning for visible Bluetooth devices; receives a selection for a particular vehicle of the one or more vehicles identified based on descriptive wireless tags or line-of-sight selection from a first device in the first vehicle; establishes a connection between the first device in the first vehicle and a second device in the particular vehicle; receives a selection for a predetermined message; receives an image of a problem associated with the particular vehicle; and sends the predetermined message and the image from the first device to the second device. |
| US09561742B2 |
Movable head restraints for vehicle seats
A vehicle head restraint assembly has a guide member mounted proximate to a vehicle seat back. A head restraint is mounted to another guide member. A button actuator is mounted to an outboard side of the head restraint for movement of the button actuator in a direction perpendicular to a lateral direction of the head restraint. A locking mechanism cooperates with the first guide member and the second guide member for locking the second guide member relative to the first guide member. The locking mechanism is connected to the button actuator so that actuation of the button actuator disengages the locking mechanism and permits adjustment of the position of the head restraint relative to the vehicle seat back. |
| US09561737B2 |
Mobile aluminum-air battery power system
A power system is provided for a mobile machine. The power system may have a traction motor configured to propel the mobile machine during a driving operation and to generate electricity during a braking operation. The power system may also have an aluminum-air battery connected to the traction motor. The power system may further have a circuit fluidly connected to the aluminum-air battery and configured to circulate electrolyte and aluminum hydroxide particles produced by the aluminum-air battery. The power system may also have a crystallizer connected to the circuit and configured to crystallize and separate the aluminum hydroxide particles from the electrolyte. The power system may also have a heating chamber configured to heat the aluminum hydroxide particles and produce aluminum oxide separated from the electrolyte, wherein the heating chamber is powered by electricity generated by the traction motor during the braking operation. |
| US09561736B2 |
Vehicle component comprising sandwich structure
A vehicle component may include a sandwich structure having a first supporting sheet, a second supporting sheet, and an essentially planar electro-chemical battery. The essentially planar electro-chemical battery may be arranged between, and abutting against, the first and the second supporting sheets. |
| US09561731B2 |
Structural bollard assembly for electric vehicle infrastructure
The invention disclosed herein is directed to electric vehicle (“EV”) infrastructure, which includes a customizable charging station that comprises a modular bollard assembly having a structural tubular form that is secured to an electrical vehicle supply equipment to provide fuel to an EV. The modular bollard assembly is optionally fashioned with expansion elements, such as a solar canopy, which accommodate EV infrastructure requirements. The invention also includes methods of determining and manufacturing EV infrastructure based upon data pertaining to demographic, energy, EV, financial and geographic metrics. |
| US09561723B2 |
Remaining fuel level displaying method for fuel cell system and fuel cell equipped vehicle
If a main stop valve of a fuel gas tank is not opened, it becomes possible to display a remaining level of fuel gas. A remaining fuel level displaying method for the fuel cell system comprises: if the main stop valve is opened, then calculating a remaining level of fuel gas in the fuel gas tank using a pressure value acquired from the pressure sensor, and displaying the calculated remaining level of the fuel gas on a display device, and if the main stop valve is closed, then displaying on the display device a remaining level of the fuel gas that was stored into a memory at a time when the main stop valve was shut off. |
| US09561720B2 |
Driving force distribution control apparatus
A driving force distribution control apparatus includes: a driving force transmission device including a clutch which can change distribution of a driving force to front wheels and rear wheels of a four-wheel drive vehicle; and a controller which controls an engagement force of the clutch in accordance with a traveling state. The controller includes a different-diameter tire detector which detects an attachment of a different-diameter tire to one of the front wheels and the rear wheels when a rotation speed ratio between the front wheels and the rear wheels continues to be equal to or larger than a reference rotation speed ratio for a predetermined time. The different-diameter tire detector performs detection of the attachment of the different-diameter tire when it is determined that the wheels are unlikely to slip based on an outside condition. |
| US09561715B2 |
Wheel hub with electric motor
The present disclosure provides a final drive assembly for powering a wheel of a machine. The final drive assembly includes a hub adapted to support the wheel, a spindle casting coupled to the hub and a bearing disposed within the hub. The spindle casting at least partially defines a steering axis about which the wheel pivots. The final drive assembly also includes an electric motor disposed within the bearing, the electric motor positioned between the spindle casting and hub. |
| US09561714B2 |
Hybrid electric vehicle drive apparatus
A hybrid electric vehicle drive apparatus has a setting portion for setting a limit value of a driving torque that a motor outputs when driving a hybrid electric vehicle by the power of the motor only, based on a maximum torque that the motor enables to output and a starting torque used to start an internal combustion engine by the motor. The setting portion sets the limit value to a first value and sets the limit value to a second value which is greater than the first value when a vehicle speed of the vehicle does not increase even though an accelerator pedal position degree increases while the vehicle is being driven only by the motor. |
| US09561712B2 |
Motor vehicle protection system
A motor vehicle protection system suitable for large-size cars such as sport utility vehicles (SUV), is disclosed. The protection system includes a cover sheet adapted to be anchored on a motor vehicle so as to cover the motor vehicle body which has a roof and two opposite sides, on each of which at least one window is present. The motor vehicle protection system cover sheet has at least one supplementary traction appendage having a first end constrained to the sheet and a second end adapted to be fixed through coupling means on the body so as to put in traction the portion of the sheet intended to cover the roof of the motor vehicle downwards. The supplementary traction appendage extends starting from the sheet so as to be interposed between the body and the sheet. |
| US09561706B2 |
Vehicle window assembly
A vehicle window assembly includes a body structure, a hinge structure, and a covering panel. The hinge structure includes a hinge base and a hinge cover, the hinge base including an attachment portion attached to an upper portion of the body structure, a cover mounting portion, and a loop support portion extending from the attachment portion to the cover mounting portion, the hinge cover being attached to the cover mounting portion. The covering panel includes a hanging loop with a hanging section disposed between the loop support portion of the hinge base and the hinge cover, and is movable between a secured position in which the hanging section of the hanging loop is positioned adjacent the attachment portion of the hinge base, and an unsecured position in which the hanging section of the hanging loop is disposed adjacent the cover mounting portion of the hinge base. |
| US09561701B2 |
Active electromechanical suspension and power generation system using an acceleration controller
The invention disclosed herein consists of an active electromechanical suspension and power generation system using an accelerometer connected to a controller. The electromechanical suspension consists of a geared motor and spring, which are used to isolate the vehicle chassis from the wheel, with the motor also functioning as a generator. The controller uses a 3-axis accelerometer's data to determine which direction to turn the motor and when to turn it. |
| US09561695B2 |
Tire internal pressure warning system
The present invention provides a tire internal pressure warning system, comprising: an internal pressure data acquisition apparatus for obtaining data of internal pressure of each tire 5 of a vehicle 6 (a TPMS sensor transmitter 1 and a TPMS receiver 2); and an information terminal device 3 for determining whether there is a puncture-based failure or a failure resulting from a natural pressure drop, based on a change in the internal pressure of each tire received from the TPMS receiver 2, and displaying a warning in accordance with the failure condition. |
| US09561694B2 |
Failure tolerant tire inflation system
A failure tolerant tire inflation system for supplying pressurized air from an onboard source to the vehicle tires in the event of a pressure drop in one or more of the tires below a predetermined level. The system includes a tire inflation valve communicable with the source of pressurized air, a tire selector valve assembly for selectively communicating air from the tire inflation valve with the vehicle tires, a plurality of valve assemblies each communicating with at least one tire and selectively communicating with the tire selector valve assembly. A controller selectively activates and deactivates the tire inflation valve and valve assemblies to sequentially check the pressure in the tires and direct air to any underinflated tire. A transducer is provided for detecting the tire pressure levels upon the opening of the valve assembly communicating with that tire and communicating the underinflated condition to the controller. |
| US09561693B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having circumferential grooves
High wet braking performance is obtained without causing deterioration to other aspects of performance.Circumferential direction grooves 14 are configured with first groove portions 16 of zigzag shape formed at the road surface side and second groove portions 18 of straight line shape formed at the groove bottom side. Accordingly, an effect (edge effect) is effectively exhibited by the edges of the first groove portions 16 catching on the road surface when running on a comparatively shallow water depth. High wet braking performance is accordingly obtained. Water in the grooves flows smoothly due to the presence of the second groove portions 18 at the groove bottom side when running on a comparatively deep water depth. Reliable ground contact performance of the tread surface of the tread 12 to the road surface and high wet braking performance is accordingly obtained. High wet braking performance can be secured irrespective of whether there is shallow or deep water due to the edge effect of the first groove portions 16 and due to the water expelling effect of the second groove portions 18. |
| US09561692B2 |
Anti-noise device for tire
Tread comprising at least one groove delimited by two walls facing one another, joined together by a groove bottom, this groove having a plurality of closure devices, each made up of at least one flexible blade (of thickness E suited to allowing flexing under the effect of a circulation of liquid in the groove, and secured to a wall delimiting the groove, each flexible blade bounded by a bottom wall facing the bottom of the groove, an end wall facing the other wall of the groove and a contact wall to come into contact with the roadway and lateral walls spaced apart from one another by a distance equal to the thickness E of the blade, the bottom wall of each flexible blade having a notch in the vicinity of the wall to which the blade is attached, wherein each flexible blade is connected to one of the walls delimiting the groove inside a housing (formed on the wall bearing the blade, each housing having a depth suited to containing in its entirety a notch. |
| US09561689B2 |
Kerf structure for snow tire
The present invention relates to a kerf structure for a snow tire, including a wave-shaped straight portion and an expansion portion formed expanding from the straight portion, wherein the expansion portion includes unit structures, on each of which central semi-sphere holes and polygonal forms around the semi-sphere holes form protrusions in opposite directions are formed continuously. According to the present invention, the kerf structure for a snow tire provides a symmetric shape, thereby securing uniform block rigidity regardless of the direction of the kerf, and the interlocking effect can be maximized through the combination of the protrusion shape of the polygonal shape and the embossing of the semi-sphere hole. In addition, according to the present invention, the tire performance on dry roads can be ensured by optimizing the collapse of the tire tread portion and the uniform performance of the traction can be maintained until the last stages of tread wear since the polygonal shape is maintained until the last stage of the wear even though the tire is worn. |
| US09561688B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire has a tread portion provided with two crown main groove and two shoulder main grooves and divided into a center land zone, two middle land zones and two shoulder land zones. The middle land zone is provided with middle auxiliary grooves. The shoulder land zone is provided with shoulder axial grooves. The width of the shoulder axial groove at the axially outer end is more than the width of the shoulder axial groove at the axially inner end. Through the shoulder main groove, the shoulder axial grooves are continued to the respective middle auxiliary grooves. |
| US09561685B2 |
Force-distributing apparatus for a bicycle wheel spoke
A force-distributing apparatus for a bicycle wheel spoke includes a force-distributing body having a free-end first surface and a second surface disposed at an opposite side of the first surface. The force-distributing body has a spoke-receiving opening that extends through the first surface. In one embodiment, the first surface substantially has the shape of a truncated sphere. In another embodiment, the force distributing body has a generally cylindrical shape. In another embodiment, the spoke-receiving opening is formed eccentrically in the force-distributing body. |
| US09561683B2 |
Compact convertible writing instrument with interchangeable multi-functional components
A convertible writing instrument can be put into either a compact capped configuration, 3 to 4 inches in length, or an extended writing configuration, 5 to 6 inches in length. A relatively elongated cap, which covers most of the relatively shortened pen member in the compact configuration, can be re-attached to the back of the pen, so as to lengthen the instrument in preparation for writing. Multiple interchangeable caps and rear modules can be coupled to the pen member to provide a variety of appearances and functions. |
| US09561682B2 |
Multi color-shifting devices comprising a layer having a microstructured surface and a dielectric non-conforming layer
A color shifting security device has a Fabry-Perot type structure wherein a dielectric layer is disposed between a reflector and an absorbing layer. The absorber and reflector layers may be conforming and the dielectric layer therebetween is non-conforming, filling the regions in the micro structured adjacent absorbing or reflecting layer, at least one of which has a microstructure therein or thereon. By having the dielectric layer not conform to the microstructure it is next to, its thickness varies in cross section, which allows for different colors to be seen where the thickness varies. |
| US09561681B2 |
Foldable greeting card and tissue box cover
A greeting card tissue box cover is provided. In one embodiment, the greeting card body is arranged in a single plane, having first, second, third, and fourth panels that are foldable along multiple fold lines to arrange the greeting card body into a plurality of folded positions. In a first, collapsed position, the greeting card is folded such that each of the multiple panels is parallel to a single plane, thereby enabling mailing of the folded greeting card. In a second, expanded position, the once-collapsed greeting card is configured such that the first, second, third, and fourth panels contour to the exterior of a tissue box, providing a cover thereto. At least two flaps of the greeting card body adjoin a top surface of the tissue box while permitting access to the contents of the tissue box. |
| US09561680B2 |
Screen printing
A method for screen printing using a screen, preferably a metal screen made by electroforming, having a pattern of openings separated by bridges and crossing points, and having a flat surface on the squeegee side, wherein on the printing side of the screen the screen has a 3-D structure comprising peaks (P) and valleys (V) formed by a difference in thickness between the bridges and crossing points. The use of the method in the production of RFID tags, solar panels, electronic printing boards. A 3-D printing screen, with an attached stencil with or without the negative of an image to be printed. A printing machine comprising: one or more 3-D printing screens, in combination with one or more reservoirs for ink and/or in combination with a roller or squeegee. |
| US09561677B2 |
Imaging member for offset printing applications
An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a fluoroelastomer-fluorosilicone composite. Methods of manufacturing the imaging member and processes for variable lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed. |
| US09561673B2 |
Printer
At a printer that feeds a continuous paper unwound from a paper sheet supply unit in a sheet-shape to a printing head portion side via a damper portion, and then prints on a label of the continuous paper, the damper portion is made of a transparent material. |
| US09561671B1 |
Ink jet coaxial drum system with inter-copy gap tracking
A media transport system provides full vacuum under media as the media traverses an entire print path of an ink jet printer while simultaneously providing for a no-vacuum inter-copy gap that moves along with the media past print heads of the ink jet printer. This is accomplished with a dual vacuum inner/outer vacuum drum system that includes a first drum that has a matrix of holes that allows for full coverage of vacuum with a second underlying drum that is shifted to align a second set of holes to match the sheet pitch. By shifting the second drum in relation to the first drum, a combination set of holes is aligned to provide full vacuum across the media while a column of holes is blocked to provide a non-vacuum inter-copy gap. |
| US09561670B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes a rotational tray including a supporting surface for supporting a recording medium and a retaining mechanism. The rotational tray is attached to the housing to be rotatable so that an angle between the rotational tray and a side surface of the housing is changeable. The retaining mechanism is able to retain the rotational tray in one of: an open state in which a second discharging slot formed in the side surface of the housing is opened and the recording medium discharged from the second discharging slot is supportable by the supporting surface; a closed state in which the second discharging slot is closed by the supporting surface; and an intermediate state between the open state and the closed state, in which the recording medium discharged from the second discharging slot can be guided in a direction along the supporting surface. |
| US09561669B2 |
Laser marking using scalable fonts
A system directs a laser beam to mark a material with an alphanumeric code. Character and quality information corresponding to a mark to apply to the material with the laser beam can be received, a font definition that specifies character segments can be obtained, a set of multiple spaced locations can be generated from the character segments in accordance with the character and quality information, and the material can be marked with the laser beam by directing the laser beam to dwell at the locations and move between the locations without deactivating the laser beam. |
| US09561667B2 |
Printer and computer-readable storage medium for executing partial multi-pass printing
A printer performs a partial multi-pass printing including an (a)-print process and a (b)-print process. The (a)-print process includes an (a1)-pass process and a (a2)-pass process executed between the (a1)-pass process and the (b)-print process. The (a2)-pass process is a last pass process executed in the (a)-print process. Active nozzles used in the (a1)-pass process and the (a2)-pass process include an upstream segment and a downstream segment, an intermediate segment between the upstream segment and the downstream segment. Dot recording rates of active nozzles included in the upstream segment used in the (a2)-pass process decreases toward the most-upstream nozzle of the active nozzles. The upstream segment of the (a2)-pass process has a length in a conveying direction smaller than a length of an upstream segment of active nozzles used in the (a1)-pass process. |
| US09561665B2 |
Liquid discharge device
A liquid discharge device includes: a head in which an ejection port to eject liquid as a droplet is formed; a buffer tank which is connected with the head through a supply channel and a collection channel and in which the liquid is housed; a deaeration module which is provided on the side of the supply channel; and a main tank in which the liquid supplied to the buffer tank through the supplement channel is stored, where: the supply channel is connected with a side surface of the buffer tank; the supplement channel penetrates the side surface of the buffer tank and has an exit of the supplement channel in the buffer tank; and the liquid supplied from the supplement channel has speed when the liquid collides with an inner wall surface of the buffer tank facing the exit of the supplement channel. |
| US09561664B2 |
Liquid storage container and liquid supply system
A liquid storage container is provided with a liquid storage part capable of storing a liquid, and a liquid supply part for supplying the liquid to the outside. The liquid supply part has a porous member containing holes for circulating the liquid, and a biasing member which is disposed between the porous member and the liquid storage part and which biases the porous member from the liquid storage part towards the outside. |
| US09561658B2 |
Printing apparatus and control method
The present invention provided a printing apparatus including: an ink storage section; a detection unit detecting an ink remaining amount of the section; a printhead; an air communication section communicating with the section and air; a suction unit; and a control unit. When a predetermined transport-preparation condition regarding transport of the printing apparatus is satisfied, the control unit saves information about the ink remaining amount detected by the detection unit and controls the suction unit to drain ink in the air communication section through the printhead. When a predetermined start-up condition is satisfied, the control unit controls, based on the information, the suction unit to suck ink from the printhead. |
| US09561653B2 |
Printhead arrangement on a printbar beam member
A printhead assembly includes a printbar beam member and a plurality of printheads disposed thereon. The printbar beam member includes a printbar longitudinal axis. Each one of the printheads includes a printhead longitudinal axis and a row of nozzles arranged parallel to the printhead longitudinal axis. The plurality of printheads are arranged on the printbar beam member in a manner in which each respective printhead longitudinal axis is traverse to the printbar longitudinal axis. |
| US09561646B2 |
High speed adaptive thermal printhead interface
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for providing a high speed adaptive thermal printhead interface. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program instructions, the computer program instructions being configured to, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine identifier information for a connected printhead; retrieve printhead interface configuration data for a configurable printhead interface based at least in part on the identifier information; configure printhead interface circuitry in accordance with the printhead interface configuration data; and enable communication with the printhead through the configurable printhead interface. |
| US09561643B2 |
Light irradiation apparatus and printing apparatus
A light irradiation apparatus which has excellent maintainability despite an increase in its length and size is provided. A light irradiation apparatus includes a plurality of light irradiation modules arranged; and a casing which houses at least part of the plurality of light irradiation modules. The plurality of light irradiation modules each includes a light irradiation device, a heat-dissipating member, a cooling piping for supply, a cooling piping for discharge which discharges a coolant from the flow channel, an electrical wiring, and a cover. The casing includes a side-cover and an under-cover. |
| US09561640B2 |
Label for wet applications
A label for a bottle where the label is comprised of a laminate where an outer layer (3) is a material susceptible to losing opaqueness when made wet, and an inner layer (5) behind this first layer which is a material that is opaque, and such that it will maintain such opaqueness when wet. |
| US09561636B2 |
Device for adjusting components of folding-box gluing machines for safe operation
A device for adjusting components of a printing material processing machine, in particular a folding-box gluing machine, includes at least one group of processing stations which have an associated operating element and a remote control as well as a safety-path computer and an operating-path computer. A first step for initiating an adjustment process of the components is carried out by a common signal transmitter both when operating a switch on the machine and when operating the remote control. |
| US09561633B2 |
Hot isostatic pressing device
Provided is a hot isostatic pressing device (HIP) (1) that enables prompt cooling in a processing chamber. The HIP device (1) is provided with the following: gas impermeable casings (3, 4); a heating unit (7); a high-pressure container (2); a heat accumulator (43) provided below a processing chamber; and a cooling promotion flow path (44). The casings (3, 4) are disposed so as to form the following: a first circulation flow (41) in which a pressure medium gas passes through an inner flow path (22) and an outer flow path (12) and then returns to the inner flow path (22); and a second circulation flow (42) in which the pressure medium gas which has branched off from the first circulation flow (41) performs heat exchange with an object-of-processing (W) in the processing chamber and then is fed back to the first circulation flow (41). In the cooling promotion flow path (44), the pressure medium gas that is in the second circulation flow (42) and that has performed heat exchange with the object-of-processing (W) is guided to the heat accumulator (43) and cooled by the heat accumulator (43) before the pressure medium gas merges with the first circulation flow (41). |
| US09561628B2 |
Flexible guide for tire repair
A method for preparing a portion of a tire for repair includes the steps of providing a template having a pair of guide edges, securing the template to an interior surface of the tire, providing a tool for forming a discontinuity in the interior surface of the tire, forming a discontinuity in the interior surface of the tire, with the tool, along the guide edges of the template, and removing the template from the tire. |
| US09561627B2 |
Method and device for compacting and consolidating a thick composite panel having a thermoplastic matrix
A device for compacting and consolidating a stack of fibrous plies pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic polymer, configured to be placed in an oven. The device comprises containment blocks, a flexible compacting plate and a vacuum pump. The containment blocks are supported by a board and demarcate the perimeter of the stack. The containment blocks comprise open grooves that open into the perimeter of the stack. The flexible compacting plate has an area equal to that of the stack but is capable of being inserted inside the perimeter demarcated by the containment blocks. The vacuum pump applies a vacuum to the wrapped volume of the stack comprising a plurality of holes in the board that open outside the perimeter of the stack. A method for implementing the device for manufacturing a thick composite panel having a thermoplastic matrix. |
| US09561625B2 |
Polyester powder compositions, methods and articles
Powder compositions and articles and methods of forming articles from powder compositions are provided. In one embodiment the powder compositions include at least one polyester polymer powder and an amount of reinforcing particles having an aspect ratio of preferably at least about 5:1. In another embodiment the powder compositions include at least one medium-high melting temperature, aromatic and crystalline polyester polymer powder. In a preferred embodiment, the powder composition is capable of being formed, via a laser sintering process, into a three-dimensional article that exhibits one or more desirable mechanical properties in an elevated temperature environment. |
| US09561619B2 |
Ultrasonic sealing device
Described is an ultrasonic device for sealing material (1) in strips, comprising: a generator (9) of electrical power signals; a converter (9a) for converting the electrical power signals into mechanical vibrations; a sonotrode (2) rotating about a first axis (X2); an anvil (4) rotating about a second axis (X4) parallel to the first axis (X2); the sonotrode (2) having a circular groove (6) and the anvil (4) having a protruding element (7) which is annular in shape; the protruding element (7) is configured to operate in conjunction with the groove (6) along directions parallel to the first axis (X2) and to the second axis (X4) in such a way as to seal the sheet or strip of material (1) moved along a direction (A) transversal to the first (X2) and second (X4) axis of rotation and passing between the sonotrode (2) and the anvil (4) engaging the groove (6) and the protruding element (7). |
| US09561618B2 |
Form-fill-seal machine
A form-fill-seal machine 100 has a pull-down belt mechanism 23, a vertical sealing mechanism 2, and a controller 29. The pull-down belt mechanism conveys a cylindrical film Fm. The vertical sealing mechanism applies pressure and ultrasonic oscillation to the cylindrical film which is conveyed by the pull-down belt mechanism, and seals the cylindrical film. The controller controls the pull-down belt mechanism, and the pressure and the amplitude of the ultrasonic oscillation applied to the cylindrical film by the vertical sealing mechanism. The controller applies pressure and ultrasonic oscillation to the cylindrical film immediately before reaching a first point in time when the cylindrical film begins to be conveyed. The controller changes at least one of the pressure and the amplitude of the ultrasonic oscillation applied to the film according to the speed of the film in a time period after reaching the first point in time. |
| US09561612B2 |
Method for manufacturing three-dimensional netted structure
A three-dimensional netted structure having an upper surface, a lower surface, two side surfaces a left end surface, and a right end surface, including at least a plurality of filaments helically and randomly entangled and thermally bonded together, wherein the filaments are formed out of a thermoplastic resin by extrusion molding followed by cooling with a liquid; and the netted structure is four-surface molded, the upper surface, the lower surface and the two side surfaces being molded. An apparatus and a method for manufacturing the three-dimensional netted structure. |
| US09561611B2 |
Multilayer bioabsorbable scaffolds and methods of fabricating
A bioabsorbable scaffold composed of a multilayer structure of alternating layers of different polymers is disclosed. The multilayer structure can have 20 to 1000 layers and the individual thickness of the layers can be 0.2 to 5 microns. A method of making the scaffold including a layer multiplying extrusion process is disclosed. |
| US09561607B2 |
Mold for vehicle bumper fascia and associated molding technique
A mold for producing a vehicle bumper fascia and methods for releasing the bumper fascia are provided. The mold includes a core mold half having a primary mold core. A first movable mold core is slidingly engaged to the primary mold core. A second movable mold core is slidingly engaged to the first movable mold core. A third movable mold core is slidingly engaged to the second movable mold core. Portions of the primary mold core and the movable mold cores together define cavities for forming the mounting rib, a wing portion, and a wheel well flange of the bumper fascia. Methods of releasing the bumper fascia include the steps of providing the mold, disengaging the movable mold cores from each other and from the primary mold core. |
| US09561605B2 |
Structural element for the building trade, machine and method to make it
A construction block or suchlike comprises at least one part made of conglomerate material, to which an insert made of filling material is constrained, to define a connection face for connection to another structural element. The connection face has visible a first surface of the insert and at least a connected second surface of the part made of conglomerate material. On the connection face other structural element(s) are combined, along a support plane (R, R1, R2) provided in correspondence with the connection face, to be stably connected by a layer of binder material. The second surface has a seating made longitudinally and lowered with respect to the support plane (R, R1, R2), on which seating the layer of binder material is located. The seating has a determinate depth (D), with respect to the support plane (R, R1, R2) correlated to the predefined thickness of the binder material to be laid. |
| US09561602B2 |
Forming highly contoured composite parts
A method of forming a flat composite charge into a contoured composite part reduces wrinkles in the part as the charge is being formed. Dies are used to form a portion of charge to the steepest contour of the part, while tension is maintained on the charge as the remaining portions of the charge are formed. |
| US09561598B2 |
Pre-cut infeed system
Embodiments provide a pre-cut infeed system for a machine center, such as an edger. A pre-cut infeed system may include an infeed, one or more saws arranged along the infeed, and a scanner optimizer system. The scanner optimizer system may scan a workpiece and determine whether greater value can be obtained from the workpiece by cutting the workpiece transversely into two or more pieces upstream of the machine center. If so, the workpiece may be cut transversely by the saw(s) positioned along the infeed, and the cut pieces may be fed sequentially into the machine center. |
| US09561592B1 |
Ground plane compensation for legged robots
An example implementation includes (i) receiving sensor data that indicates topographical features of an environment in which a robotic device is operating, (ii) determining, for a particular topographical feature of the environment in a direction of travel of the robotic device, a height of the particular topographical feature and a distance between the robotic device and the particular topographical feature, (iii) estimating a ground plane extending from the robotic device in the direction of travel toward the particular topographical feature, the ground plane fitting to the determined distance and height, (iv) determining a grade of the estimated ground plane, and (v) directing the robotic device to adjust pitch in proportion to the determined grade. |
| US09561591B2 |
Robot motion data processing system using motion data reduction/restoration compatible to hardware limits
A robot motion data processing system has a data extraction module for intermittently extracting restoration motion data from a successive input motion trajectory formed for controlling a motion of a robot, and a data restoration module for restoring an output motion trajectory approximate to the input motion trajectory by using restoration motion data extracted from the data extraction module. The output motion trajectory is restored to satisfy a condition that the robot operating according to the output motion trajectory does not exceed a hardware operation limit of the robot. |
| US09561590B1 |
Distributed system for management and analytics of robotics devices
A system is provided, including one or more servers in communication with a robotic system. The one or more servers may be configured to receive operational data from the robotic system, and determine one or more operational performance metrics based on the received operational data. The system may also include a first computing device in communication with the robotic system including a workstation authoring software application configured to program the given task to be completed by the robotic system, and determine one or more subtasks required for the robotic system to perform the given task. The system may also include a second computing device in communication with the robotic system including an operational dashboard software application configured to control various operations of the robotic system, and provide for display a visual representation of the operational data and the operational performance metrics on an interface of the second computing device. |
| US09561586B2 |
Articulated robot, and conveying device
An articulated robot and a conveying device capable of increasing conveying speed are provided. An articulated robot conveys a workpiece from a first processing part to a second processing part linearly disposed with respect to the first processing part. The articulated robot includes: an extensible arm; and a grip part (3) provided on a lower side of a distal end of the arm and for gripping the workpiece, in which the grip part is advanced from its one end into the first processing part, and also the grip part is advanced from its another end opposite to the one end into the second processing part. |
| US09561582B2 |
Connector
A connector includes a rod body, at least one detent, an abutting assembly, a first elastic member and a connecting rod. An insertion groove of the rod body has at least one restraining section, at least one radially-enlarged section and a receiving section, and the rod body has at least one through hole communicating with the receiving section. The detent is received in the through hole and partially protrudes into the insertion groove. The abutting assembly is sleeved outside the rod body, and the detent is sandwiched between the abutting assembly and rod body. The first elastic member abuts against the rod body and abutting assembly to bias the abutting assembly toward an abutting position. The connecting rod further includes at least one abutting section protruding radially and an annular groove, and is axially movable relative to the rod body to comoving or idling position. |
| US09561580B2 |
Grinding-disc device for power tools
A grinding-disc device for power tools has an outer cover, a grinding tray and a grinding element. The outer cover has a casing and a mounting tube. The casing has a chamber, a connecting tube, at least one engaging hole and at least one engaging arm. The mounting tube is connected to the connecting tube. The grinding tray is detachably connected to the outer cover and has a body and at least one engaging element. The body is mounted below the casing and has a tube seat and a connecting board. The at least one engaging element is formed on the body, engages the at least one engaging arm to hold the grinding tray with the outer cover, and each one of the at least one engaging element has an engaging hook. The grinding element is detachably connected to the grinding tray below the outer cover. |
| US09561579B1 |
Flexible solid electrolyte, all-solid-state lithium battery including the flexible solid electrolyte, and method of preparing the flexible solid electrolyte
A flexible solid electrolyte includes a first inorganic protective layer, an inorganic-organic composite electrolyte layer including an inorganic component and an organic component, and a second inorganic protective layer, where the inorganic-organic composite electrolyte layer is disposed between the first inorganic protective layer and the second inorganic protective layer, and the inorganic component and the organic component collectively form a continuous ion conducting path. |
| US09561577B2 |
Polishing method and polishing apparatus
A polishing method capable of obtaining an accurate thickness of a silicon layer during polishing of a substrate and determining an accurate polishing end point of the substrate based on the thickness of the silicon layer obtained. The method includes: calculating relative reflectance by dividing the measured intensity of the infrared ray by predetermined reference intensity; producing spectral waveform representing relationship between the relative reflectance and wavelength of the infrared ray; performing a Fourier transform process on the spectral waveform to determine a thickness of the silicon layer and a corresponding strength of frequency component; and determining a polishing end point of the substrate based on a point of time when the determined thickness of the silicon layer has reached a predetermined target value. |
| US09561573B2 |
Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus is used for polishing a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. The polishing apparatus includes a substrate holder to hold a substrate and to rotate the substrate, a pressing member configured to press a polishing tool against the substrate and to polish the substrate, a pressing force control mechanism configured to control a pressing force of the pressing member, and a polishing position limiting mechanism configured to limit a polishing position of the pressing member. A polishing tape or a fixed abrasive is used as the polishing tool. |
| US09561572B2 |
Eyeglass lens processing apparatus and processing control data generating program
An eyeglass lens processing apparatus configured to form, on a peripheral edge of a lens, a bevel or a groove for fitting the lens to a frame of an eyeglass, includes: a data calculating unit for calculating data of the bevel or the groove to be formed on the peripheral edge of the lens based on frame shape data of the frame or demonstration lens shape data which is shape data of a demonstration lens having the bevel or the groove fitted to the shape of the frame; and a correction unit for approximating a front-side foot width, which is a width between a position of the bevel or the groove to be formed on the lens and a position of a front edge of the lens, to a target value by correcting the data of the bevel or the groove calculated by the data calculating unit. |
| US09561568B2 |
Magnetic drill press with alternate power source
A magnetic drill is provided with an alternate power source. The drill is comprises of: an electric motor for driving a tool; a controller configured to receive an AC input signal and operable to control a drive signal to the electric motor; an electromagnet arranged in a base of the drill housing and operable, in response to a DC voltage, to magnetically couple the base to a surface proximate to the base; an AC/DC converter configured to receive the AC input signal and operates, independent from the controller and in the presence of the AC input signal, to output a DC voltage to the electromagnet; and an alternate power source circuit that monitors the DC voltage output by the converter and, in the absence thereof, provides an alternate DC voltage to the electromagnet. |
| US09561567B2 |
Workpiece holding device
A workpiece holding device includes a main body having a groove and a bearing plate configured to receive a workpiece; an elastic member mounted in the groove at an angle relative to the bearing plate, and having an engaging portion protruding beyond the groove; and a resisting member having an inclined surface received in the groove. The inclined surface can abut the elastic member. When the resisting member rises it forces the engaging portion of the elastic member to move toward the bearing plate, thus securing the workpiece when present. When the resisting member lowers the elasticity of the engaging portion causes it to move away from the bearing plate, thus releasing the workpiece when present. |
| US09561565B2 |
Apparatus for automatic placement of gaskets on a housing
An apparatus for automatic placement of gaskets on a housing includes a base, the second feeding mechanism, a first detecting member, a bearing mechanism, an assembly mechanism, and a controller. The first detecting member can detect the position of the gaskets relative to the preset position. The detected results are transmitted to the controller by the first detecting member. The controller controls the second feeding mechanism to accurately adjust the position of the gaskets to preset position. Therefore, a projection of the gasket is accurately engaged in a mounting hole of the housing by the assembly mechanism. |
| US09561560B2 |
Backstrike detection system for laser drilling thin materials
In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a drill and detection system is disclosed. The system may include a drill and a thermal detector spaced apart from the drill. The drill may be directed in a first direction and the thermal detector may be directed in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US09561559B2 |
Method and machine for forge welding of tubular articles and exothermic flux mixture and method of manufacturing an exothermic flux mixture
A method of forge welding includes placing at least two components for welding together, adjacent each other and with an exothermic flux mixture placed between the components. The exothermic flux mixture is heated to initiate an exothermic reaction and the faying surfaces of the two components are pressed together. The components being welded may be tubular, in particular pipes. Apparatus for the method of forge welding and exothermic flux mixtures for the method of forge welding are also provided. |
| US09561557B2 |
Method and system for the production of reinforcing dowel baskets for contracting-expanding joints
Systems and methods for producing dowel baskets from dowel side frames and transverse dowel rods. The dowel side frames are introduced at a top location of the production system, where there is initially introduced a first dowel rod and subsequently, with successive stepwise advancements, the remaining dowel rods are introduced. The dowel side frames with the dowel rods advance on guides that may rotate the dowel side frames relative to the axes of the longitudinal wires so as to impart a desired inclination angle φ relative to the rods. In following, with continuous stepwise advancements, the dowel rods are alternately welded, each to one of the opposed dowel side frames. Transverse wires are welded on the longitudinal wires to impart rigidity to the dowel basket. Subsequently, mass-produced dowel baskets may be stacked in groups. |
| US09561554B2 |
Saw device and method for sawing a workpiece
In order to improve a saw device with a feed axis for a workpiece to be sawed, with a first saw unit to saw the workpiece in a first sawing plane extending transversely to the feed axis and with a second saw unit to saw the workpiece in a second sawing plane extending transversely to the feed axis, with a central device region arranged between the sawing planes, with a front device region arranged in front of the first sawing plane, viewed in a feed direction, and with a rear device region arranged behind the second sawing plane, viewed in the feed direction, in such a way that as high a cutting efficiency as possible can be achieved, it is proposed that the saw device comprises at least two transport mechanisms arranged in different device regions to transport different workpiece portions along the feed axis. |
| US09561551B2 |
Tool, toolholder and tool-toolholder unit for milling cutters and/or shredders
A tool, a toolholder and a tool-toolholder unit obtained by coupling tool and toolholder is adapted to be fixed to a rotor of a shredder. The tool and the toolholder have a coupling mechanism that permit a quick and easy assembly or disassembly of the two elements and ensure, at the same time, a stable and safe fixing during use of the tool. |
| US09561547B1 |
Deep hole machining on-line deviating correction device based on laser detection
The disclosure relates to a technical field of deep hole machining, particularly to a deep hole machining on-line deviating correction device based on laser detection, which solves the prior art problem of difficulty in the real-time, on-line detection and deviating correction in the process of deep hole machining. The device comprises a deep hole cutter and a cutter bar, and arranged on the cutter bar are a laser orientating block, a pyramid prism seat, the deep hole cutter and a metallic block with a heating device arranged therein. A beam emitted by a laser transmitter is orientated by the laser orientating block so as to be incident in parallel with the axis of the cutter bar, and then through a pyramid prism to form a return beam which reaches the photosensitive sensor. The advantages of the disclosure lie in that skewing of the deep hole cutter can be detected in time and skewing correction of the deep hole tool is achieved based on the heat expansion and cold contraction mechanism, and therefore the straightness and position accuracy during deep hole machining are improved. |
| US09561546B1 |
Drill attachment
A drill assembly attachment having a handle, a drill mount, and a throttle. The throttle may have a first portion and a second portion rotationally engaged with the first portion such that the second portion is rotationally actuated in response to linear actuation of the first portion of the throttle. The throttle is positioned with respect to the drill mount and the handle such that the first portion may be linearly actuated by a user with a hand grasping the handle. The drill assembly attachment receives a drill assembly such that the throttle adjustably engages a trigger of the drill assembly. The drill assembly attachment or the drill assembly receives an auger or other tool and the drill assembly attachment with the drill assembly and auger or other tool is used in a method of rotating the auger or other tool. |
| US09561541B2 |
Support and compression assemblies for curvilinear molten metal transfer device
A curvilinear metal transfer device with support and compression assemblies that help maintain a constant force on the transfer device's metal outer casing and refractory as the outer casing and refractory expand and contract due to temperature fluctuations. In one embodiment, the support assemblies are configured to apply force to the refractory to keep the refractory in tension with the outer casing to suspend the refractory relative the outer casing. Also disclosed are clamp plates that help hold the refractory in place, and nested lids that cover the curvilinear metal transfer device. |
| US09561540B2 |
Die casting nozzle and method for operating a die casting nozzle
Die cast nozzle for use in a die casting hot chamber system for molten metal with at least melting channel (4) in a channel carrier (3) that can be connected to a melt distributor (21), wherein the melting channel (4) passes over into a heating zone (6) and a nozzle tip (8), to which a sprue area (10) is attached, in which a plug of solidified melting can be formed that interrupts the melting flow, wherein the heating zone (6) comprises a heating cartridge (2) and/or a heatable nozzle shaft (33′) and/or the nozzle tip (8) is comprised as heatable nozzle tip (8′) and comprises at least one heating cartridge (2), the heatable nozzle shaft (33), or the heatable nozzle tip (8′) as heating element with electric heating, which comprises high power density in at least one section and low thermal inertia, comprised in a way that a temperature change gradient of 20 to 250 K/s, preferably 150 K/s, can be achieved on the surface of the heating element. A method for operating the die cast nozzle is also the subject matter of the invention. |
| US09561538B2 |
Method for production of performance enhanced metallic materials
A method for production of a metallic material from a semifinished metallic billet, the semifinished metallic billet including a nanocrystalline microstructure and/or an ultrafine-grained microstructure, the method including the steps of (1) subjecting the semifinished metallic billet to a rotary incremental forming process to form an intermediate wrought metallic billet, and (2) subjecting the intermediate wrought metallic billet to a high rate forming process to form a metallic product. |
| US09561536B2 |
Apparatus and method for production of adjustable duct member
An apparatus for forming and sealing an adjustable duct member for use in an air handling system. At least one work station accommodates a tapered work piece. A repositionable die is positioned relative to the work piece, and a cutting and forming assembly cooperates with the repositionable die to cut the work piece and form a coupling bead to reconnect the members together. A sealing assembly cooperates with the first repositioning die to seal the coupling bead in the first and second members. The work station includes an insertion channel having predetermined dimensions to accommodate at least a portion of the work piece. A clamping assembly is associated with the insertion channel to securely hold the tapered work piece at the predetermined position during the cutting and forming and sealing operations. |
| US09561532B2 |
Roll forming device
A first roll (20) and a second roll (40) of a roll forming device are provided with a plurality of stacked cutting blades (22, 122) and retainers (21, 121). The retainers (21, 121) pass through the stacked cutting blades (22, 122) and receive a first rotating shaft (16) and a second rotating shaft (18). Projections (21a, 121a) are formed on end portions of the retainers (21, 121). When the cutting blades (22, 122) are stacked, the projections (21a, 121a) control positioning operation of the cutting blades (22, 122). With this constitution, when the cutting blades (22, 122) are joined in a stacked state to the retainers (21, 121), the cutting blades (22, 122) in the stacking direction is controlled with the retainers (21, 121). |
| US09561529B2 |
Cryogenic cleaning methods for reclaiming and reprocessing oilfield tools
The disclosure relates to the cleaning of oilfield tools made of metal, particularly to the method of reclamation oilfield tools, already used in the mechanical deep-pumping extraction of oil, as well as to the product made with the help of the mentioned method. The method of remanufacturing of standard length rods includes cleaning the rod with at least one cryogen to eliminate environmental contamination and to assist in workplace safety. |
| US09561527B2 |
Ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic examination device
An ultrasonic transducer includes a substrate, a supporting film disposed on the substrate, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the supporting film. The substrate includes an opening. The piezoelectric element is disposed on an area that overlaps the opening in a plan view in a thickness direction of the substrate. A thickness of the supporting film at an area that overlaps the piezoelectric element in a plan view of the supporting film is smaller than a thickness of the supporting film at a different area different from the area that overlaps the piezoelectric element. |
| US09561523B2 |
Controlled radical assisted polymerization
The present invention is directed to a method of forming a polymer coating on a substrate. The method comprising the steps of providing in an evacuated reaction chamber a substrate having a surface to be coated; and providing a first source of polymer forming material and a second source of radicals. According to the invention the first source and the second source are separated from each other and from the reaction chamber, and the polymer forming material as well as the radicals are, at least temporarily, conducted contemporaneously but spatially separated to the substrate's surface, so that a reaction of the polymer forming material with the radicals is avoided before they reach the substrate's surface. Further, the present invention is directed to a device for carrying out the method according to the invention. |
| US09561522B2 |
Ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device for thickness and/or grammage measurement
An ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device is provided for measuring the transmission and/or reflection of ultrasonic waves on a thin material sheet, or a coating applied thereto. The device may include a plurality of ultrasonic transmitters, a plurality of ultrasonic receivers, wherein the number of the ultrasonic transmitters corresponds to the number of the ultrasonic receivers, and one receiver electronics respectively for each of the ultrasonic receivers or a group receiver electronics respectively for a predetermined number of ultrasonic receivers. A method is provided for ultrasonic absorption and/or transmission measurement, in which signals are emitted by multiple ultrasonic transmitters at the same time or nearly at the same time which are received by ultrasonic receivers and in which the received signals are evaluated in parallel. |
| US09561521B2 |
Coating apparatus including nozzle cleaning mechanism and method of forming coating layer using the same
A coating apparatus includes: a nozzle having a nozzle front end configured to spray a coating solution and a head configured to store the coating solution; a movement axis configured to cause the nozzle to move back and forth in a straight line; a rotating connection member configured to connect the movement axis with the nozzle and allow the nozzle to rotate; a stage disposed under the movement axis; and a cleaning means disposed at an end of the movement axis, and having a nozzle front end insertion unit in a concave shape of the nozzle front end and a base fixing the insertion unit, wherein the nozzle is fixed in a normal direction of a surface of the stage by the movement axis, moves back and forth in an extension direction of the movement axis, and rotates with respect to the movement axis. |
| US09561518B1 |
Liquid pump dispenser
A liquid dispenser having a pumping mechanism for consistent and measured dispensing of an alcoholic liquid into a standard “shot” glass. Specifically, in one aspect of the invention, a liquid dispenser is provided having a central body member, a liquid reservoir within the central body member, and a draw tube associated with the liquid reservoir. The liquid dispenser further includes a pump shaft and a pump top connected to an upper end of the pump shaft. In addition, the dispenser is configured to couple to a vessel having a liquid in order to dispense the liquid in a measured and consistent manner in a “shot” glass, wherein the liquid can be an alcoholic beverage. |
| US09561514B2 |
Spraying system and methods of use thereof
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for spraying systems, methods of disposing a layer of matrix onto a sample, and the like. |
| US09561510B2 |
Sifting apparatus
A sifting apparatus for stratifying raw material includes a material feed-in device, a material support unit, a gas plenum, and a discharge control device. The material support unit receives material from the material feed-in device and has a surface having a plurality of openings for a gaseous medium introduced from underneath the material support unit, thereby effecting loosening and stratification of the material into a layer of relatively heavier material, and a layer of relatively lighter material atop the heavier material. The introduced gaseous medium originates in a pump, is collected in a pressurized reservoir and is controlled by a metered valve prior to introduction to the material support unit. |
| US09561509B2 |
Anti-jamming assembly for shredders of sheet like material
An anti-jam assembly for an article destroying appliance includes a fixed core mount assembly including a first support member spaced apart from a second support member with at least one moveable cutter shaft rotatably mounted and disposed there between. A third elongate member extends in parallel relationship to the at least one cutter shaft. This third support member is moveable from a first position to at least a second position. The first and the at least second position correspond to a variable width of a feed path directing an article toward the at least one cutter. An arm is affixed to the elongate member and pivotal at a mounting surface when the elongate member moves toward the second position. A sensor activates when it detects movement of the arm. The arm and the sensor are removed from a proximity of the at least one cutter or the feed path. |
| US09561507B2 |
Disposable thermal in-vitro diagnostic apparatus
A portable, disposable in-vitro diagnostic apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a body configured to be hand held. The body has a reaction medium supply chamber configured in selective fluid communication with a reaction chamber via a fluid conveying channel. The reaction chamber is located beneath a sample reaction chamber. The reaction medium supply chamber contains a reaction fluid therein and the reaction chamber contains a thermal reaction medium therein. The reaction fluid is selectively reactive with the thermal reaction medium to produce one of an endothermic or exothermic reaction beneath the sample reaction chamber. |
| US09561501B2 |
Process of reactivating a metal contaminated biomass conversion catalyst
A metal contaminated spent catalyst or regenerated catalyst from a biomass conversion unit may be subjected to an ammonium wash in order to remove potassium. The ammonium wash may include ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium hydroxide, ammonium acetate, ammonium phosphates, and mixtures thereof. Acidity and catalytic activity of the biomass conversion catalyst is restored by the removal of potassium contaminants. |
| US09561499B2 |
Process for regenerating ionic compound
The present disclosure provides a process for regenerating the deactivated ionic compound. The process involves mixing a deactivated ionic compound with at least one solvent such as ethyl acetate and neutralizing with at least one base such as triethylamine and tert-butyl amine to obtain a precipitate. The obtained precipitate is filtered to obtain a residue which is then washed with a solvent such as dichloromethane to obtain the ionic compound. |
| US09561498B2 |
Process for the direct synthesis of Cu-SAPO-34
A process for the direct synthesis of Cu-SAPO-34 comprising at least the steps: preparation of a mixture of water, at least one silicon source, at least one Al source, at least one P source, at least one Cu source, at least one 0SDA1 (any polyamine), and at least one OSDA2 source (where OSDA2 is any organic molecule capable of directing the synthesis of SAPO 34); and where the final synthesis mixture has the molar composition: a Si:0.5 Al:c Cu:d OSDA1:e OSDA2:f H2O wherein a is in the range from 0.01 to 0.3; b is in the range from 0.2 to 0.49; c is in the range from 0.001 to 0.6; d is in the range from 0.001 to 0.6; e is in the range from 0.001 to 2; f is in the range 1 to 200; hydrothermal treatment of the mixture at 80−200° C. until formation of the crystalline material, and recovery of the crystalline material. |
| US09561495B2 |
Porous catalyst washcoats
Catalyst washcoats with improved porosity and methods for making the washcoats are provided. The process comprises incorporation of an oil-in-water macroemulsion into the catalyst slurry prior to washcoating the carrier substrate, and calcining the washcoated carrier substrate to remove the oil-in-water macroemulsion. Also provided are catalyst articles comprising the washcoat and methods for abatement of exhaust gas emissions. |
| US09561490B2 |
Method for manufacturing titania coated alumina fiber aggregate
Provided is a method for manufacturing a titania coated alumina fiber aggregate which includes the steps of: forming an aluminum fiber aggregate where aluminum fibers are aggregated with density per unit volume of 0.5 g/cm3 to 3 g/cm3; forming an alumina fiber aggregate where an oxide film having a film thickness of 50 nm or more is formed on alumina fibers; and forming a titania coated alumina fiber aggregate where a titania thin film is formed on alumina fibers. |
| US09561488B2 |
Process for producing a regenerable oxide-based adsorbent
A zinc titanate reactive adsorbent comprising multiphase, polycrystalline nanofibers comprising ZnTiO3, ZnO, TiO2, and Zn2TiO4. |
| US09561486B2 |
System for generating fuel materials using Fischer-Tropsch catalysts and plasma sources
In a first processing chamber, a feedstock may be combined with plasma from, for example, three plasma torches to form a first fluid mixture. Each torch may have a working gas including water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The first fluid mixture may be cooled and may contact a first heat exchange device. The output fluid from the first heat exchange device may be separated into one or more components. A syngas may be derived from the one or more components and have a ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen of about 1:2. The syngas may be transferred to a catalyst bed to be converted into one or more fluid fuels. |
| US09561485B2 |
Sustained release silica microcapsules
The present invention relates to a microcapsule exhibiting desirable sustained-release properties, which microcapsule comprises a core material comprising an active ingredient encapsulated within a silica shell, characterized in that the outer surface of such silica shell has a layer of a metal selected from Group 2a, Group 8, Group 2b or Group 3a of the Periodic Table bound thereto. In other aspects this invention relates to a method of making such a microcapsule; a pesticidal composition comprising microcapsules comprising a pesticidal active ingredient and a suitable carrier; and to a method of controlling pests comprising applying an effective amount of such a pesticidal composition to a locus where pests are or are expected to be present. |
| US09561483B2 |
Process and reactor for producing synthesis gas
For producing synthesis gas by autothermal reformation of gaseous, liquid and/or solid fuels, the fuel is reacted with an oxidizing agent in a reaction space at a pressure of 10 to 120 bar and a reaction space temperature of 800 to 2,000° C. to obtain synthesis gas, wherein the oxidizing agent is introduced centrally in the upper region of the reaction space and wherein a flame is formed in the reaction space. The oxidizing agent is introduced into the reaction space separate from the fuel. |
| US09561481B2 |
Multi-chemical dispensing device
A multi-chemical dispensing device comprising a concentrate supply of at least one chemical concentrate, a flow selector valve in fluid communication with said concentrate supply, and at least two proportioners, each proportioner in fluid communication with the flow selector valve. The flow selector valve may include a dilution member comprising one or more aligned orifice pairs, each orifice pair including an first orifice and a second orifice in fluid communication with the concentrate supply. Each orifice has an opening area to provide a known dilution ratio at a known flow rate therethrough. Each proportioner is connected to a supply of motive fluid. The concentrate dispensing device includes a plurality of check valves that close off the system when one of the water supplies is turned on. The plurality of check valves are also configured to allow the chemical concentrate to drain out of the multi-chemical dispensing device using gravity. |
| US09561478B2 |
Separation membrane, method of producing the same and separation membrane module using the separation membrane
A separation membrane includes a membrane comprising a polymer, characterized in that a functional layer is formed on the surface in one side of the membrane, the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface of the preceding functional layer is 0.1% (by atomic number) or more but not more than 10 (% by atomic number), and the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface opposite to the functional layer is not more than 10 (% by atomic number). A separation membrane module suffering from little sticking of organic matters, proteins, platelets and so on is provided with the separation membrane as a built-in membrane. |
| US09561477B2 |
Methods for synthesizing microporous crystals and microporous crystal membranes
A method of making a microporous crystal material, comprising: a. forming a mixture comprising NaOH, water, and one or more of an aluminum source, a silicon source, and a phosphate source, whereupon the mixture forms a gel; b. heating the gel for a first time period, whereupon a first volume of water is removed from the gel and micoroporous crystal nuclei form, the nuclei having a framework; and c.(if a membrane is to be formed) applying the gel to a solid support seeded with microporous crystals having a framework that is the same as the framework of the nuclei; d. heating the gel for a second time period. during which a second volume of water is added to the gel; wherein the rate of addition of the second volume of water is between about 0.5 and about 2.0 fold the rate of removal of the first volume of water. |
| US09561463B2 |
Porous silica aerogel composite membrane and method for making the same and carbon dioxide sorption device
The present invention provides a porous silica aerogel composite membrane and method for making the same and a carbon dioxide sorption device. The porous silicon oxide aerogel composite membrane includes a porous aluminum oxide membrane having a plurality of macro pores with an average diameter larger than 50 nm and a porous silica aerogel membrane formed on at least one side of the porous aluminum oxide membrane and the macro pores of surface layers of the porous aluminum oxide membrane where the porous silica aerogel membrane has a plurality of meso pores with an average diameter of 2˜50 nm and is derived from methyltrimethoxysilane precursor by a sol-gel synthetic method. |
| US09561461B2 |
Filter element
A filter element for at least one of a fresh air system and a ventilation and/or air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle may include a filter body including a folded filter material that laterally surrounds an internal space. A first end plate and a second end plate may be sealingly attached to the filter body at sides that are facing away from one another. A front plate may be arranged in a lateral region of the filter body. The front plate may include a first end plate joining region and a second end plate joining region facing the first end plate and the second end plate. The first and second end plate joining regions may be fused with a front-side end of the first and second end plates. |
| US09561459B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning a filter
A filter cleaning device includes a cleaning chamber operable to receive a gas filter to be cleaned, the cleaning chamber having an inlet through which a gas flow can be admitted and an outlet for gas flow leaving the cleaning chamber, the inlet and outlet being arranged such that the airflow is forced to pass through at least a part of the filter when inserted, the filter cleaning device further comprising a mechanical agitation arrangement operable, in one mode of operation, to generate a linear oscillation along an axis of the filter when inserted and, in another mode of operation, to rotate the filter about an axis of rotation. |
| US09561458B2 |
Antibacterial filter comprising copper-based sulfur compound
Provided is an antibacterial filter including a copper-based compound that is relatively inexpensive, easy to process, non-toxic and excellent in antibacterial and deodorizing activities. The filter comprises: a porous medium containing minute pores available for a fluid to pass through; and copper sulfide applied on the surface of the porous medium by coating or dispersed in the porous medium, the sulfur compound having a chemical structure of CuxMy (where M is any one selected from Group 15 to 17 elements of the periodic table; and x/y=0.8 to 1.5). |
| US09561456B2 |
Assembly, kit and method for securing a covering to an air intake face
A fastening system for applying, over an opening and surrounding fascia of a structure, a covering material including either of a flexible or rigid outer reinforced extending perimeter within which is configured a plurality of receiving apertures. At least one elongated rail adapted to being secured to the fascia in extending fashion proximate the opening, each of the rails exhibiting a three dimensional cross sectional shape with a forwardly projecting support surface within which is configured an outwardly facing narrowed slot. A plurality of fasteners each include a planar shaped base installable through an accessible end location of each of the rails so as to be traversable along an interior channel defined in the rail. A further rotatable portion of each fastener projects from the insertable base through the outwardly facing slot and in order to be rotated from a first position aligning with and seating over perimeter defined receiving apertures of the covering material to a second position in order to affix the material. |
| US09561453B2 |
Contaminated water treatment system, method and apparatus
In one aspect the invention provides a fluid treatment apparatus for treating contaminated fluid. The apparatus comprises a container having base member and a peripheral containment wall and defining a total interior volume. The apparatus further comprises at least one container inlet to receive said contaminated fluid, at least one container outlet to discharge water separated from said contaminated fluid, a separation region suitable to receive said contaminated fluid, to allow separation of said contaminated fluids into less dense contaminants, water and denser contaminants, and to store said denser contaminants as a sediment layer on the base member. The apparatus further comprises a water collection region suitable to receive water from the separation region and direct said water to said at least one container outlet, and an oil collection region, suitable to receive less dense contaminants from the separation region. |
| US09561451B2 |
Atmospheric water generator system and method
Atmospheric water generators, systems and methods are presented involve user authentication, recording and tracking of water volumes dispensed by respective users over periods of various lengths, controlling component noise level and timing, and cleaning, heating and cooling the collected water more efficiently. The generators may be placed in network communication with other such generators to exchange water availability information therewith, or may communicate with a central server element by way of LAN, Internet, cell tower, peer-to-peer mesh or satellite. Information is conveyed to the user regarding the amount of water they consume from the water generators, and their resulting positive impact on the environment. Water dispensing data may be shared on the users' social media accounts, or used as inputs for competitions or games in order to further engage the user. User authentication may be accomplished by way of biometrics or an RFID/NFC tag embedded in the user's water vessel. |
| US09561443B2 |
Computer-readable storage medium, information processing system, and information processing method
A movement direction of an object arranged in a virtual world is set based on attitude data. Further, the object is moved in the movement direction in the virtual world in accordance with data based on a load applied to a load detection device. An image showing the virtual world including at least the object or an image showing the virtual world viewed from the object is displayed as a first image on a portable display device. |
| US09561442B2 |
Storage medium having image processing program stored thereon and image processing apparatus
An operation target object in a virtual game space as seen from a virtual camera is displayed on a display device. A moving direction of the operation target object in a virtual space in accordance with a direction represented by direction data based on a direction input by the user is determined based on an exactly upward vector representing a direction of a virtual gravity acting on the position of the operation target object in the virtual space and a direction of the normal in the virtual field at the position. The operation target object is moved in the determined moving direction. |
| US09561438B2 |
Method for realizing multi-party interactive communication and system thereof
The present disclosure makes a method for realizing multi-party interactive communication public, the method includes: a wireless direct connection between a first mobile terminal and at least one second mobile terminal is established; a connection of multi-party interactive communication between the first mobile terminal and the at least one second mobile terminal is established, wherein the wireless direct connection is an underlying link, the first mobile terminal is a server of the multi-party interactive communication, and the at least one second mobile terminal is a client of the multi-party interactive communication; multi-party interactive communication between the first mobile terminal and the at least one second mobile terminal is performed via the connection of multi-party interactive communication. By the method mentioned above, the present disclosure can use wireless communication to realize the multi-party interactive communication among mobile terminals even the network is in a poor situation. |
| US09561437B2 |
Method for implementing a computer game
A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which a computing device displays computer game graphics showing a gameboard with multiple game elements that are removed when matched or switched, such as in a match-3, clicker or switcher game; and in which, one or more of the processors are programmed such that: (a) to pass a level, the player has to remove a defined number of game elements of several specific collectable types which are present on the gameboard in a limited number of moves, and (b) the gameboard also displays removable elements of one or more other types that the player does not have to remove, and receives no score or points if he does remove. |
| US09561435B2 |
Video game with helper role or obstructer role for second player having separate display
A main player operates a controller while viewing a monitor game image displayed on a monitor. A sub player operates a terminal device while viewing a terminal game image displayed on an LCD of the terminal device. A game image that is substantially identical to the monitor game image viewed by the main player is displayed on the LCD. By touching a touch panel provided on a screen of the LCD of the terminal device, the sub player can generate various events at a position in a game world corresponding to a touched position. |
| US09561429B2 |
Electromagnet for an amusement game device
A front cabinet panel piece, a back panel cabinet piece, a first side cabinet panel piece, and second side cabinet panel piece, each having a plurality of pre-formed openings, are arranged relative to one another to form an amusement game cabinet. The plurality of pre-formed openings are used to accept a corresponding plurality of knock-down hardware pieces each including a fastener locking component and a fastener. The fastener locking components are held within respective first ones of the pre-formed openings and the fastener is inserted into second ones of the pre-formed openings that are aligned with the first ones of the plurality of pre-formed openings. Each fastener is mated to its corresponding fastener locking component to complete assembly of the amusement game cabinet. The assembled amusement game cabinet is used to support a playfield and the playfield, in turn, is used to provide additional structural support to the amusement game cabinet. |
| US09561427B2 |
Control algorithms and methods for a game board arrangement
A method and device for controlling a user interface displaying a game board, comprising, via at least one processor, displaying a game board arrangement having a plurality of game objects each having one or more characteristics, information on said game board arrangement and the game objects being stored in memory, determining an initial selection of a first game object based on user input and the stored information, determining a subsequent input selection of a second game object based on user input and the stored information determining the validity of the subsequent selection as being valid defined by said first and second game objects based on a first direction of the sequence with respect to the game board arrangement, the length of the sequence and if the first and second game object have at least one same characteristic, updating said game board arrangement information. |
| US09561423B2 |
Scorecard
A scorecard (1) and a method of recording the number of strokes in a game of golf by means of movable indicator devices (2) are described, the scorecard (1) being provided with at least one further movable indicator device (3) to enable the indication of a marker of a player, and a player indicator (4), and both the movable marker indicator (3) and the player indicator (4) being designed for mechanical, optical reading. |
| US09561422B1 |
Golf swing training apparatus
A training aid for the game of golf capable of indicating golf club path through a swing and the club's point of contact at impact to a user. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a golf swing practice apparatus comprising a plurality of ball pins defining a movable golf ball hitting surface, each ball pin of the plurality of ball pins being comprised of a spherical ball joint, a ball tee portion running through a center portion of the spherical ball joint, and an artificial turf portion extending from an upper surface of the ball tee; a ball pin plate having a planar surface and a plurality of apertures disposed upon the planar surface in horizontal rows, the plurality of ball pins being movably coupled to the ball pin plate; and, a ball pin reset plate, the ball pin reset plate having a plurality of apertures being rectangular in shape and being slidably coupled to the ball pin plate. |
| US09561419B2 |
Bicycle trainer with a bicycle wheel holding fixture
A bicycle trainer includes a body having two spaced positioning portions for supporting the wheel axle of a bicycle wheel, a damper unit for giving a damping resistance to the bicycle wheel, and a holding fixture mounted at the two positioning portions of the body for securing the bicycle wheel in a non-coaxial manner relative to the axial direction of the wheel axle. Thus, the invention can conveniently, rapidly and steadily secure the bicycle wheel in position. |
| US09561417B2 |
Sliding handle training bat
A training bat has a central rod extending through the longitudinal length of the bat. A knob may be located at a proximal end of the bat. A handle located immediately distal to the knob may slide along the length of the rod. A cone section may be located distal to the handle. The knob and cone section may limit the longitudinal sliding of the handle. A barrel section may be located distal to the cone section. If the barrel section includes an interior chamber, the distal end of the barrel section may include a removable cap. Weights, springs, pins and other objects may be located inside the barrel section. Electrical components or other devices may also be included in the cone section, barrel section or cap. The handle may include an acoustic chamber and an amplifying chamber to provide for emission of a sound when the bat is swung. The acoustic chamber and amplifying chamber may also incorporate safety features. |
| US09561416B1 |
Net boundary indicator
A net boundary indicator can comprise a strap comprising an inside surface and an outside surface opposite the inside surface. A reinforcing member can comprise a top end and a bottom end, the reinforcing member being attached along a length of the inside surface of the strap. A top clip can be coupled to the strap adjacent the top end of the reinforcing member. A bottom clip can be coupled to the strap adjacent the bottom end of the reinforcing member. A first sleeve can be attached along a length of a surface of the strap. An aligning device can be coupled to the surface of the strap below the first sleeve and in-line with the first sleeve, and a bubble level can be coupled to the strap. |
| US09561413B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head comprises a body having a face, a crown and a sole together defining an interior cavity. The body having a channel located on the sole and extending generally from a heel end of the body to a toe end of the body. A weight member movably positioned within the channel such that a position of the weight member within the channel is able to be adjusted, thereby adjusting a location of a center of gravity of the body. Additionally, adjustment of the weight member provides a maximum x-axis adjustment range of the position of the center of gravity (Max ΔCGx) that is greater than 2 mm and a maximum z-axis adjustment range of the center of gravity (Max ΔCGz) that is less than 2 mm. |
| US09561412B2 |
Iron-type golf club head
An iron-type golf club head comprises a head main body and a face plate attached thereto. The face plate has an annular outer edge portion fixed to the head main body, and a noncontact portion not contacting with the head main body. The noncontact portion includes a first thin part and a second thin part having a thickness less than that of the outer edge portion. The first thin part extends in a peripheral side along the upper edge, the toe-side edge and the lower edge of the face plate. The second thin part is formed to have a thickness less than that of the first thin part. The area of the first thin part is 10% to 35% of the area of the noncontact portion. The area of the second thin part is 65% to 90% of the area of the noncontact portion. |
| US09561407B2 |
Grooves of golf club heads and methods to manufacture grooves of golf club heads
A golf club head including a club face defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail and a sole. The golf club head including a plurality of grooves disposed on the club face between the top rail and the sole. Each groove extends between the toe end and the heel end. Depths of the grooves vary in a direction extending between the top rail and the sole and in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end. Widths of each of the plurality of grooves vary in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end. |
| US09561406B2 |
Golf club with polymeric insert and removeable weight
A golf club head includes a face, a crown, a sole, and defines a bore that is configured to receive and to selectively retain an elongate weight. The bore is aligned on a longitudinal axis that intersects the face. An elongate weight is insertable into the bore in either a first orientation or a second orientation, with a first end of the weight making initial entry into the bore when inserted in the first orientation, and a second end of the weight making initial entry into the bore when inserted in the second orientation. |
| US09561405B2 |
Golf club head
An exemplary golf club head having an increased amount of discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing improved drop angles, an improved average crown height, and/or articulation points. The discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. A preferred break length may also be utilized to further improve the depth of the center of gravity. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head. |
| US09561403B2 |
Apparatus and system for automatic collection and delivery of spherical game elements
A collection apparatus including an autonomous power supply means and an image acquisition means for acquiring image sequences of at least one area of surveillance is disclosed. The collection apparatus may further include control means connected to the image acquisition means for receiving and processing the acquired sequences of images, to detect the presence and position of said game elements, and to send a control command to move the collection apparatus to collect a detected spherical game element. The collection apparatus also includes interaction means for interacting with a player to deliver a previously collected spherical game element to the player and a delivery device controlled by the control means to perform the delivery. An automatic collection system is also disclosed that uses two collection apparatuses, operating in a complementary and/or synchronized way to collect and deliver a spherical element to a player, on request by the player. |
| US09561400B2 |
Sensor unit for quantification of physical training with rubber band
A sensor unit (18) adapted for mounting on a rubber band (17) for physical training. The sensor unit comprises attachment means such as a clamp (4, 5), means (10) for measuring the tension of the rubber band, a power source (1), a processor (11) and optionally a signal transmitter (12) for cable or wireless data transfer. In one embodiment, the means for measuring the tension is an integral part of the attachment means. In another embodiment, the means for measuring the tension is adapted to measure the mechanical resonance frequency of the rubber band. |
| US09561399B2 |
Lung instrument training device and method
A lung instrument training device including at least one weighted insert, a hollow cylinder having a bottom and a top, wherein the weighted insert is positioned within the hollow cylinder, and a tube, wherein the distal end of the tube is connected to the bottom of the hollow cylinder, and a user breathes into the proximal end of the tube. A method for exercising lung capacity, strength and control including exhaling air from a user's lung in a tube connected to a cylinder, moving at least one weighted insert positioned inside the cylinder; and regulating the position of the weighted inserts within the cylinder. |
| US09561395B2 |
Ankle strengthening exercise device
An ankle strengthening exercise device is disclosed. The device is intuitive and simple to use by a patient even without professional medical supervision since the device indicates a specific movement of a foot by pivoting an ankle of the patient. In particular, the device may have an extension member that can be positioned on a frame of the device. The foot of the patient may engage the device. An elastic member may be secured to the extension member and the foot. The direction of the elastic member indicates the direction the foot of the patient should move by pivoting his or her ankle to specifically work or strengthen and exercise a particular ankle muscle of the patient. |
| US09561393B2 |
Fluid hose apparatus with integrated nozzle and related systems and methods
A fluid hose apparatus with integrated nozzle includes a hose having at least one sidewall hole formed within a sidewall thereof. At least one patch is affixed to the sidewall of the hose, the at least one patch positioned over the at least one sidewall hole. A chamber is formed between the at least one patch and the sidewall of the hose, wherein the chamber is in fluid communication with the at least one sidewall hole. At least one nozzle is formed in an exterior wall of the at least one patch, wherein the at least one nozzle is in fluid communication with the chamber. A related supply line system for conveying and spraying a fluid and method of protecting an elongated hose from a heat source is also disclosed. |
| US09561389B2 |
System and methods of photon-based radiotherapy and radiosurgery delivery
Photon-based radiosurgery is widely used for treating local and regional tumors. The key to improving the quality of radiosurgery is to increase the dose falloff rate from high dose regions inside the tumor to low dose regions of nearby healthy tissues and structures. Dynamic photon painting (DPP) further increases dose falloff rate by treating a target by moving a beam source along a dynamic trajectory, where the speed, direction and even dose rate of the beam source change constantly during irradiation. DPP creates dose gradient that rivals proton Bragg Peak and outperforms Gamma Knife® radiosurgery. |
| US09561388B2 |
System and method for radiation beam measurement normalization
A radiotherapy system includes a radiotherapy device, such as a LINAC, operable to direct a radiation beam from a head thereof during operation, a field detector positioned to be within the radiation beam during operation of the radiotherapy device and operable to generate a beam measurement signal, a reference detector positioned to be outside of the radiation beam during operation of the radiotherapy device and operable to generate a reference signal, and at least one computer in signal communication with the field detector and the reference detector and configured with software to normalize the beam measurement signal based on the reference signal and to output a normalized beam measurement. |
| US09561384B1 |
Transcranial magnetic stimulation device for the treatment of migraine headaches
A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (TMS) is used by a patient to treat a variety of human disorders including migraine headaches. The device has an electronic device to charge a capacitor to a high voltage which creates a high current in a magnetic coil which produces an intense magnetic pulse applied to the patient's head for treatment of migraine headaches or to other patient body parts to treat other disorders. The TMS has a geometric shape where each one of the patient's thumbs passes through a hole formed into the cover of the TMS and as many as the four fingers of each hand may be placed into a groove in the cover to accommodate the patients fingers and provide a secure holding mechanism. |
| US09561382B2 |
System and method for low power communication between implantable devices
In accordance with an embodiment, apparatuses and methods are provided for coordinating operation between leadless pacemakers (LPs) located in different chambers of the heart. A method includes configuring a local LP to receive communications from a remote LP through conductive communication over first and second channels, maintaining the first channel active for at least a portion of a time when the second channel is inactive to listen for event messages from the remote LP, detecting an incoming signal at the local LP over the first channel, determining whether the incoming signal received over the first channel corresponds to an LP wakeup notice, when the incoming signal corresponds to the LP wakeup notice, activating the second channel at the local LP, and receiving an event message over the second channel from the remote LP. |
| US09561380B2 |
Point-and-click programming for deep brain stimulation using real-time monopolar review trendlines
A system and method for selecting leadwire stimulation parameters includes a processor iteratively performing, for each of a plurality of values for a particular stimulation parameter, each value corresponding to a respective current field: (a) shifting the current field longitudinally and/or rotationally to a respective plurality of locations about the leadwire; and (b) for each of the respective plurality of locations, obtaining clinical effect information regarding a respective stimulation of the patient tissue produced by the respective current field at the respective location; and displaying a graph plotting the clinical effect information against values for the particular stimulation parameter and locations about the leadwire, and/or based on the obtained clinical effect information, identifying an optimal combination of a selected value for the particular stimulation parameter and selected location about the leadwire at which to perform a stimulation using the selected value. |
| US09561377B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying lead-related conditions using prediction and detection criteria
A method for delivering therapy in a medical device includes a two-tiered approach of determining the presence of a lead-related condition, and determining, in response to a lead-related condition being present, the presence of oversensing. Delivery of therapy by the medical device is controlled in response to determining that both the lead-related condition and oversensing are present. |
| US09561376B2 |
Systems and methods for estimating intracardiac distance using sensed electrical pulses
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for estimating a change in an intracardiac distance between systole and diastole. A system includes a pacing electrode configured to generate a pacing pulse, a sensing electrode configured to measure an electrical artifact corresponding to the pacing pulse, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the pacing electrode and the sensing electrode, the computing device configured to determine a first amplitude of a first electrical artifact measured at the sensing electrode during systole, determine a second amplitude of a second electrical artifact measured at the sensing electrode during diastole, and calculate a mechanical index based on the first amplitude and the second amplitude, wherein the mechanical index is representative of the change in the intracardiac distance. |
| US09561375B2 |
Synchronization control system
The various embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for controlling the operation of a pulsatile heart assist device in a patient. The systems and methods include utilizing sounds and electrical signals produced by the heart to control the operation of the heart assist device. |
| US09561374B2 |
Systems, devices and methods for modulating autonomic tone
Various embodiments intermittently deliver a sympathetic stimulus, including deliver a sequence of stress-inducing pacing pulses adapted to increase sympathetic tone during the stress-inducing pacing. The stress-inducing pacing results in a parasympathetic reflex after the sequence of stress-inducing pacing. The embodiment further delivers neural stimulation to elicit a parasympathetic response or a sympathetic response in a coordinated manner with respect to the sequence of stress-inducing pacing pulses. The neural stimulation is timed to elicit the parasympathetic response after the sequence of stress-inducing pacing pulses and concurrent with at least a portion of the parasympathetic reflex to the sequence of stress-inducing pacing to enhance a parasympathetic effect of the parasympathetic reflex, or to elicit the sympathetic response during the sequence of stress-inducing pulses to provide a larger sympathetic stimulus, resulting in an enhanced parasympathetic reflex in response to the large sympathetic stimulus. |
| US09561372B2 |
Electromyographic lead positioning and stimulation titration in a nerve stimulation system for treatment of overactive bladder
The present invention provides improved methods for positioning of an implantable lead in a patient with an integrated EMG and stimulation clinician programmer. The integrated clinician programmer is coupled to the implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes, and to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The method comprises delivering a test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead. Test stimulations are delivered at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead. A stimulation-induced EMG motor response is recorded with the integrated clinician programmer for each test stimulation on each electrode of the implantable lead via the at least one pair of EMG sensing electrodes so as to facilitate initial positioning of the implantable lead at a target stimulation region. |
| US09561369B2 |
Techniques for placing medical leads for electrical stimulation of nerve tissue
This disclosure is directed to extra, intra, and transvascular medical lead placement techniques for arranging medical leads and electrical stimulation and/or sensing electrodes proximate nerve tissue within a patient. |
| US09561366B2 |
Conditional electrical stimulation
In general, the disclosure describes techniques for providing conditional electrical stimulation to a patient for pelvic health. An implantable medical device (IMD) may adjust the delivery cycle of the electrical stimulation applied to a patient in response to receiving a delivery cycle parameter associated with one or more of the following: a time in a time schedule, a control device output from a control device, and physiological information from a physiological information sensing device. As an example, the IMD may monitor a status of one or more inputs of the IMD and adjust the delivery cycle of the electrical stimulation applied to the patient based on the status of the input(s). |
| US09561364B2 |
Strain relief loop holders for medical leads and systems
Strain relief loop holders maintaining strain relief loop formed in a lead while also addressing excessive heating at the point in the loop where the medical lead intersects itself. The strain relief loop includes a body section that the medical lead passes through where the intersection occurs. The body section may be a thermal non-conductor and isolate from excessive heating at the intersection point or may be a thermal conductor and distribute the excessive heating. The strain relief loop may include features such as arms or a coil extending from the body segment with arm segments at the ends of the arms defining lead passageways that assist in maintaining the strain relief loop. The body segment may have a single lead passageway where the intersection point occurs or may have multiple lead passageways. The body itself may house the loop by forming a loop or a capsule. |
| US09561362B2 |
Systems and methods for making and using improved contact arrays for electrical stimulation systems
A segmented-contact set of a lead includes segmented contacts extending around less than an entire circumference of the lead and not in electrical contact with one another. The segmented-contact set includes first and second segmented contacts that each include a stimulation portion and a retention member. The stimulation portion has a stimulation surface exposed along an outer surface of the lead. The retention member is coupled to the stimulation portion. The stimulation portion and the retention member collectively form a loop of material that extends around a center transverse axis of the lead beneath the outer surface. A first insulating member is disposed between the stimulation portion of the first segmented contact and the retention member of the second segmented contact. A second insulating member is disposed between the stimulation portion of the second segmented contact and the retention member of the first segmented contact. |
| US09561361B2 |
Atraumatic electrode lead
A cochlear implant includes a processor, an array of electrodes disposed along a flexible body and a lead body connecting the processor to the array of electrodes. The lead body includes a first tube having a first outside diameter, a second tube having a second outside diameter smaller than the first diameter, a portion of the second tube being disposed within the first tube, and wires passing through the first tube and the second tube, the wires comprising a helically coiled portion. A method for forming a lead body is also provided. |
| US09561358B2 |
Venous access port assembly with push surfaces
A venous access port assembly (10) having a housing (12), a septum (14), a discharge stem (16) at a distal end thereof for connection to a catheter (50), and an interior chamber (18). The housing includes a pair of recesses (28) along both sides thereof between the distal end and a proximal port end (24), where the recesses facilitate pushing the assembly by the practitioner into a subcutaneous pocket (104) of a patient (100) for implantation into the pocket. |
| US09561352B2 |
Implantable device for long-term delivery of drugs
A device for sustained delivery of a poorly water soluble drug is described. A drug reservoir within the device, when in operation, contains an aqueous suspension of the drug mixed with a suspension of an excipient that, in one embodiment, generates acidic groups for a sustained period of time to maintain a desired pH in the aqueous suspension that in turn provides a constant concentration of a soluble form of the drug. |
| US09561350B2 |
Paranasal sinus access implant devices and related tools, methods and kits
A paranasal sinus access implant device to provide an artificial fluid path in fluid communication with the lacrimal apparatus may be implanted through a fistula opening into the lacrimal apparatus. The implant device may have a conduit with a first longitudinal portion having a larger minimum wall thickness than a minimum wall thickness of a second a second longitudinal portion of the conduit located distal of the first longitudinal portion. Various kits may include a paranasal sinus access implant device and one of more other components for a procedure involving implantation. A method involves use of a cutting tool to cut away tissue to prepare a fistula sized for implantation. |
| US09561344B2 |
Fluid delivery systems, devices, and methods for delivery of hazardous fluids
A catheter including an outer conduit and an inner conduit positioned within the outer conduit, the inner conduit having a smaller diameter that that of the outer conduit. A volume between the outer conduit and the inner conduit define a first lumen which may deliver a first fluid to a patient, and an inside diameter of the inner conduit defines a second lumen which may deliver a second fluid to the patient such that the fluid flow of the first fluid and the second fluid exiting the catheter has a flow profile where the first fluid surrounds the second fluid and the second fluid is prevented from contact with inner walls of a blood vessel of the patient in a vicinity of a tip of the catheter. |
| US09561342B2 |
Nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation (NIMV) control system in a ventilator
A ventilator including an inspiration flow control unit and an expiration flow control unit coupled to the inspiration flow control unit. The ventilator also includes a nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation (NIMV) control system coupled to the inspiration flow control unit and the expiration flow control unit. The NIMV control system is configured to automatically and simultaneously adjust an inspiration flow and an expiration flow. A pressure of the inspiration flow is increased from a baseline pressure to a control pressure. A pressure of the expiration flow is returned to the baseline pressure. |
| US09561340B2 |
Headgear connection assembly for a respiratory mask assembly
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. The main body provides an orifice therethrough for the introduction of breathable gas into a nasal breathing cavity and a collar that substantially surrounds the orifice. At least one of the side frame members includes an integrally formed locking clip receiver assembly. The frame is formed by molding such that mold components of a mold can be withdrawn along a single plane to separate the mold from the collar and the locking clip receiver assembly. |
| US09561338B2 |
Breathing assistance apparatus
A mask assembly for use as part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a mask body having an inlet through which said flow of respiratory gases are provided to the interior of said mask body. A mask seal assembly comprising a seal of flexible material and a clip of rigid material is attached to the body. The seal has a first side and a second side. The first side of the seal is shaped to approximately match the contours of a user's face and in use substantially seal against a user's face. The second side is attached to the clip. The clip provides an interface extending substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the mask seal assembly for releasably attaching the mask seal assembly to the mask body. The clip comprises a bridging portion spanning outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body to space at least a portion of the second side of the seal outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body. |
| US09561337B2 |
Active system for in-situ clearing of secretions and occlusions in tubes
A device for removing secretions from an artificial tube is provided. The device may include a clearing catheter and a driving mechanism that may apply repetitive motion to the clearing catheter. In another version of the device, the clearing catheter may dispense irrigation fluid and aspirate the irrigation fluid. The clearing catheter may have an irrigation and an aspiration lumen that may both reciprocate with the clearing catheter. In another version a compliant member into which irrigation fluid is located may be present. |
| US09561336B2 |
Dose unit, pack of dose units and inhaler for inhalation of combination of drugs
Various embodiments relate to a dose unit for a dry powder inhaler including: a dose carrier including a plurality of pockets each adapted to contain a dose of medication powder suitable for inhalation, the pockets being sequentially arranged such that the content of the pockets can be sequentially exposed to a flow of air for successive inhalations and a plurality of medication powder doses arranged in the pockets of the dose carrier. The doses are regularly distributed in the pockets according to a sequence of identical groups, each group including at least one blank pocket and one pocket containing a dose of medication powder. Various embodiments also relate to a pack including one such dose unit and one further dose unit with all pockets containing a medication powder. Various embodiments further relate to a dry powder inhaler including such a pack of dose units. |
| US09561332B2 |
Decoding system
A decoding system for use with a drug delivery device having a drug dose dialing mode and a drug dose delivery mode is presented where the decoding system comprising has a first sensor configured to read encoded information from a first rotatable component of a drug delivery device, a second sensor configured to read encoded information from a second rotatable component of a drug delivery device, wherein the second sensor comprises an optical sensor configured to be directed at the second rotatable component, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive signals from the first and second sensors, and to determine from the received signals whether the drug delivery device is in a drug dose dialing mode or a drug dose delivery mode. |
| US09561329B2 |
Piston for syringe having very small capacity, and plunger having the piston mounted thereto
Disclosed are a piston for a micro-volume syringe and a plunger. The micro-volume syringe has a syringe barrel with a space defined in it. The piston is slidable on and along a wall of the space. A leading member to be arranged on a side where the piston comes into contact with a solution filled in the space and a trailing member to be arranged on a side where a plunger rod is to be connected, the latter side being opposite to a solution side of the leading member, have been integrated with each other. The trailing member has a higher hardness than the leading member. With the micro-volume syringe in which a drug solution can be filled in a very small quantity, the piston makes it possible to perform smooth drawing and ejection of the drug solution without leakage. Even if the small piston connected to a tip of the plunger rod is operated in a direction that the piston is to be pulled out of the syringe, the plunger rod does not slip off from the piston accidentally. The piston and plunger are optimal for the micro-volume syringe. |
| US09561327B2 |
Lockable syringe assemblies and related devices and methods
The embodiments disclosed herein relate to lockable syringe assemblies and related devices and methods. The syringe assembly may include a barrel, a plunger, and a locking mechanism. In some arrangements, the locking mechanism is an elastomeric locking ring or a rigid partial ring. The plunger may include a plurality of ribs and is longitudinally moveable within the barrel. Once the plunger is disposed at a desired longitudinal location, the plunger can be axially rotated and locked in such a way that further longitudinal movement is restricted. |
| US09561320B2 |
Device for promoting fistula patency and method
A device for promoting patency of a fistula includes an annular body and a plurality of vanes formed integrally with the annular body, and projecting inwardly from an inner radial surface thereof. The vanes are oriented so as to impart circumferential velocity components to blood passed through a lumen of the device, and such that an unobstructed line of sight parallel to a central axis of the annular body extends between adjacent ones of the vanes. |
| US09561319B2 |
Device and method for fixing a segment of tubing, for an arrangement for monitoring an access to a patient
A device for fixing a segment of tubing in the form of a loop, for an apparatus by which a fluid is fed to or out from a patient via tubing, in particular for monitoring vascular access in extra-corporeal blood treatment, and a tubing and an arrangement for monitoring, each having the device for fixing the segment, are also described. The fixing of the segment includes a guiding piece and a securing piece. The guiding piece fixes intersecting portions of the segment which forms an eye, thereby forming a loop which contracts under a tractive stress. The securing piece fixes a portion of the segment forming the eye such that when the loop tightens, that portion of the segment does not slip through the guiding piece. Alternatively, intersecting portions of the segment are fixed in a loop only by a guiding piece formed as an annular body. |
| US09561313B2 |
Impeller for axial flow pump
A rotor for an axial-flow blood pump has blades projecting outwardly from a hub and channels between the blades. The blades incorporate hydrodynamic bearing surfaces capable of suspending the rotor during operation. The rotor has a configuration which provides superior pumping action and reduced shear of blood passing through the pump. The forwardly facing pressure surfaces of the blades may include outflow corner surface at their downstream ends. The outflow corner surfaces desirably slope rearwardly and intersect the rearwardly-facing suction surfaces of the blades at outflow ends of the blades. |
| US09561310B2 |
Polymeric materials for medical devices
The present invention includes biocompatible polymeric coatings, membranes, matrices, and films to be used with implantable medical devices. Medical devices containing such materials applied to a surface thereof contain a film-forming fluorous homo-polymer or copolymer containing the polymerized residue of a fluorous moiety, wherein the relative amounts of the polymerized residues of one or more moieties are effective to provide the coating and films with properties effective for use in coating implantable med devices. |
| US09561307B2 |
Particulate tissue graft with components of differing density and methods of making and using the same
Disclosed are tissue graft compositions made of particles having different densities, methods of making these compositions, and methods of using these compositions for promoting tissue restoration in a patient. |
| US09561306B2 |
Methods for making oxidation resistant polymeric material
The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion, post-doping annealing, and materials used therein. |
| US09561302B2 |
Ultraviolet light absorbing materials for intraocular lens and uses thereof
A method for reducing the transmittance of ultraviolet radiation through an intraocular lens to 10% or less at 370 mm Additionally, a method for preventing the transmittance of at least 90% of ultraviolet radiation at 370 nm through a foldable intraocular lens comprising: (a) incorporating a monomer comprising a 4-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-3-hydroxyphenoxy moiety into at least one polymer and (b) forming the polymer into a material suitable for use as an intraocular lens, wherein the monomer comprising a 4-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-3-hydroxyphenoxy moiety comprises 0.10 to 0.15 weight percent of the overall dry polymer. |
| US09561301B2 |
Lung volume reduction therapy using crosslinked non-natural polymers
One aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant nucleophilic groups and a crosslinker comprising at least two pendant electrophilic groups. Another aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant electrophilic groups and a crosslinker comprising at least two pendant nucleophilic groups. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing lung volume in a patient comprising the step of administering a hydrogel composition as described herein. Further, hydrogels of the invention may be used to achieve pleurodesis, seal brochopleural fistulas, seal an air leak in a lung, achieve hemostasis, tissue sealing (e.g., blood vessels, internal organs), or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein are intended for use in the treatment of patients with emphysema. |
| US09561290B2 |
Functionalized thieno-indole derivatives for the treatment of cancer
The invention relates to new functionalized thieno-indole derivatives of formula (I) or (II) which have cytotoxic activity and are useful in treating diseases such as cancer and cellular proliferation disorders. The invention also relates to the use of these functionalized thieno-indole derivatives in the preparation of conjugates. Formula (I) or (II) wherein R1 and R2 taken together form a group (D) or (G): wherein R5 is hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl; n is 0, 1 or 2; each of X is independently —O—, —S— or —NR4—; each of Y is independently —CH═ or —N═; R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, C1-C4 alkoxy, cyano, —NHCOOR3, —C(NH)NH2 or —NR3R4; A is —O—, —NH— or —CO—; L is null or a conditionally-cleavable moiety; W is null or a self-immolative moiety comprising one or more self-immolative groups; Z is null or a peptidic, non peptidic or hybrid peptidic and non peptidic linker; RM is null or a reactive moiety; R6 is a leaving group; A1 is null or A; L1 is hydrogen or L. |
| US09561288B2 |
Combinations and modes of administration of therapeutic agents and combination therapy
The present invention provides combination therapy methods of treating proliferative diseases (such as cancer) comprising a first therapy comprising administering to an individual an effective amount of a taxane in a nanoparticle composition, and a second therapy which may include, for example, radiation, surgery, administration of chemotherapeutic agents (such as an anti-VEGF antibody), or combinations thereof. Also provided are methods of administering to an individual a drug taxane in a nanoparticle composition based on a metronomic dosing regime. |
| US09561284B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition containing a block copolymer bound to a boronic acid compound
A pharmaceutical composition includes a block copolymer having a hydrophilic segment, a hydrophobic segment, and a boronic acid compound bound to a side chain of the hydrophobic segment via a linker moiety that includes a heterocyclic structure. The heterocyclic structure contains a cyclic skeleton that includes a boron atom of the boronic acid compound, one or two atom(s) X bound to the boron atom and selected from an oxygen atom and a nitrogen atom, and one or two carbon atom(s) (respectively) bound to the atom(s) X. The block copolymer further includes at least one organic group bound to the carbon atom(s). The organic group(s) contain(s) an aromatic group or cyclic alkyl group that sterically protects a boronic acid ester bond and/or a boron amide bond resulting from bonding between the boron atom and the atom(s) X. |
| US09561279B2 |
Antifungal composition
There is provided a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of fungal infection of the nail comprising a antifungal allylamine compound present in an amount of about 10%, an organic acid or an ester thereof, a diol and a sequestering agent where the pharmacological composition is essentially water-free. |
| US09561275B2 |
Compositions and methods for rendering tumor cells susceptible to CD8+ T cell-mediated killing
The present invention provides an immunoconjugate having the formula: T-c-En-c-Fcn or T-c-Fcn-c-En; wherein, T is a single chain variable portion fragment of a monoclonal antibody (scFv) directed to a target protein, polypeptide, or fragment thereof, which is highly expressed on cancer cells; E is two or more foreign immunogenic CD8+ T cell antigenic epitopes; c is a peptide or polypeptide fragment thereof, capable of being cleaved by a specific protease; and Fc is two or more Fc portions of an IgG antibody. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the same and vectors containing said nucleic acid sequences are also provided. Methods of making the immunoconjugate, along with methods of making target cells susceptible to CTL mediated cell killing, and methods for treatment of cancers are also provided. |
| US09561273B2 |
Methods of treating multiple sclerosis
The present invention relates to combination pharmaceutical composition comprising an activated-potentiated from of an antibody to gamma interferon, and an activated-potentiated form of an antibody to S-100 protein and method of treating multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the diseases and conditions associated with neuroinfections. |
| US09561265B2 |
KIF20A epitope peptides for TH1 cells and vaccines containing the same
Isolated KIF20A-derived epitope peptides having Th1 cell inducibility are disclosed herein. Such peptides can be recognized by MHC class II molecules and induce Th1 cells. In preferred embodiments, such a peptide of the present invention can promiscuously bind to MHC class II molecules and induce KIF20A-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in addition to Th1 cells. Such peptides are thus suitable for use in enhancing immune response in a subject, and accordingly find use in cancer immunotherapy, in particular, as cancer vaccines. Also disclosed herein are polynucleotides that encode any of the aforementioned peptides, APCs and Th1 cells induced by such peptides and methods of induction associated therewith. Pharmaceutical compositions that comprise any of the aforementioned components as active ingredients find use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancers or tumors. |
| US09561256B2 |
LLP2A-bisphosphonate conjugates for osteoporosis treatment
The present invention provides compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of a peptidomimetic ligand, e.g. LLP2A, conjugated with a bisphosphonate drug, e.g. Alendronate. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are useful in the treatment of osteoporosis and for the promotion of bone growth due to their specificity for the α4β1 integrin on mesenchymal stem cells and for the surface of bone. |
| US09561255B2 |
Cosmetic, external skin preparation, and medical instrument
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic or external skin preparation that has an improved feel in use, e.g., excellent stretching on the skin surface, excellent permeation into the skin, and no stickiness, or crinkles. A cosmetic or an external skin preparation, and a medical instrument, comprising at least one lipid peptide-based gelator that contains a low-molecular lipid peptide of Formula (1): (where R1 to R3 are independently an organic group) or a pharmaceutically usable salt thereof. |
| US09561252B2 |
Material for separation of a biomolecule
A Product is described and which contains at least one type of ligand bound to a separation material and which allows selective binding or cleavage of a biomolecule for example in human blood. |
| US09561250B2 |
Scaffold for tissue regeneration in mammals
A three-dimensional scaffold with interconnected pores for repair of tissue comprising a scaffold body for structural support of the tissue scaffold, where the scaffold body comprises scaffold body components bonded to each other and made from component materials comprising about 40 to about 90 wt % B2O3, and two or more other oxides, wherein the scaffold body has a porosity between about 15 and about 90 vol %. |
| US09561248B2 |
Method for rehydrating polysaccharide particles
Tissue and other body structures may be protected using a hydrated composition made from free-flowing substantially collagen-free rehydratable polysaccharide particles and rehydratable polysaccharide sponges. Rehydration of the particles without clumping may be carried out be dispersing the particles in a biocompatible water-miscible polar dispersant such as ethanol and combining the dispersion with sufficient aqueous solvent for the particles to convert them to a cohesive hydrogel. The hydrated composition may assist in returning an injured, inflamed or surgically repaired surface to a normal state, e.g., through one or more healing mechanisms such as modulation of an inflammatory response, phagocytosis, mucosal remodeling, reciliation or other full or partial restoration of normal function. |
| US09561246B2 |
Use of Odiparcil in the treatment of a mucopolysaccharidosis
The present invention relates to a method of treatment of a mucopolysaccharidosis with 4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl-5-thio-β-D-xylopyranoside. |
| US09561245B2 |
Combination treatments for melanoma
The present invention relates to combination therapies for melanoma, and in particular, metastatic melanoma. Drugs for use in such therapies in include BRAF inhibitors such as PLX 4720 and PLX 4734 in combination with RO 31-8220, bafetinib or cardiac glycosides. |
| US09561240B2 |
Foamable otic pharmaceutical compositions
The present invention relates to foamable otic pharmaceutical compositions comprising oil-in-water emulsions which comprise an antibiotic agent and a propellant gas. The pharmaceutical compositions are administered to the ear as foam for treating ear disorders. |
| US09561234B2 |
Methods for treating diseases of the retina
Disclosed herein is a method of treating disorders of the retina comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a compound selected from the group consisting of olanzapine, certain of its metabolites, clozapine, and n-desmethyl clozapine. |
| US09561232B2 |
Low dose noribogaine for treating nicotine addiction and preventing relapse of nicotine use
This invention provides methods and compositions for treating nicotine addiction or treating or preventing nicotine cravings in a subject. The method comprises administering to the patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of noribogaine, noribogaine derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09561226B2 |
Method of using diketopiperazines and composition containing them
The invention provides a method of inhibiting the effects of platelet activating factor (PAF). For instance, a disease or condition mediated by PAF (particularly inflammation) can be treated or platelet aggregation can be inhibited. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting the production and/or release of interleukin 8 (IL-8) by cells. The effects of PAF and the production and/or release of IL-8 are inhibited according to the invention by a compound of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are defined in the application, or a physiologically-acceptable salt thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. |
| US09561225B2 |
Pharmaceutical formulation containing opioid agonist, opioid antagonist and gelling agent
Disclosed in certain embodiments is an oral dosage form comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an opioid analgesic, an opioid antagonist and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; the dosage form further including a gelling agent in an effective amount to impart a viscosity unsuitable for administration selected from the group consisting of parenteral and nasal administration to a solubilized mixture formed when the dosage form is crushed and mixed with from about 0.5 to about 10 ml of an aqueous liquid. |
| US09561223B2 |
Group of alkaloids, the novel autophagic enhancers for treatment of cancers and neurodegenerative conditions thereof
The present invention discloses a method of treating cancer comprising administering an effective amount of an alkaloid, in which the alkaloid is liensinine, isoliensinine, dauricine, cepharanthine, hernandezine or thalidezine and isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. The use of the alkaloid in treating neurodegenerative disorder is also disclosed. |
| US09561217B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition containing as an active ingredient 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone
A tablet characterized by comprising 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone as the main ingredient and, based on the main ingredient, 10 to 50 wt. % excipient, 5 to 40 wt. % disintegrator, 1 to 10 wt. % binder, 0.5 to 5 wt. % lubricant, 2 to 6 wt. % coating basis, and 0.05 to 3 wt. % light-shielding agent, wherein the odor or bitterness of the 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone is masked and the light stability is improved. |
| US09561215B2 |
BAX-activating cancer therapeutics
The pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein Bax initiates apoptosis in almost all apoptotic paradigms. Agents facilitating disruptive Bax insertion into mitochondrial membranes have potential as cancer therapeutics. Small molecule compounds associating with the hydrophobic groove of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein Bax have been identified and found to promote Bax-dependent, but not Bak-dependent, apoptosis. The compounds alter Bax protein stability in vitro and promote Bax insertion into mitochondria, leading to Bax-dependent mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and apoptosis. The compounds activating the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein Bax inhibit the growth of tumors by inducing apoptosis. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds that activate Bax and induce Bax-dependent apoptosis are useful as anti-cancer therapeutic agents alone or with other anti-cancer agents. Methods for inducing apoptosis and for treating cancer involve administering the compounds to a patient in need thereof. |
| US09561201B2 |
Therapeutic compounds
Substituted cinnamoyl anthranilate compounds exhibiting anti-fibrotic activity; or derivatives thereof, analogs thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and metabolites thereof, with the proviso that the compound is no Tranilast. |
| US09561200B2 |
Method of treating post-surgical acute pain
A method is provided for treating pain in patients recovering from post-surgical trauma by administering between about 13 to about 30 mg of diclofenac potassium in a liquid dispersible formulation over a period of at least 24 hours, wherein the daily total amount of diclofenac potassium administered is less than or equal to about 100 mg. The method is particularly useful in treating acute pain in bunionectomy patients. |
| US09561199B2 |
Activation of AMP-protein activated kinase by oxaloacetate compounds
The present invention relates to oxaloacetate compounds that activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), including the preparation of the compounds, compositions containing the compounds, preserving said compounds and the use of the compounds in the prevention or treatment of disorders such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. |
| US09561192B2 |
Compositions and methods for diagnosing or treating neutrophil-mediated inflammatory disease
Disclosed are nanoparticle compositions comprising nanoparticles prepared from denatured, cross-linked albumin and a therapeutic agent for treating a neutrophil-mediated inflammation, and methods of treating neutrophil-mediated inflammation using the compositions. |
| US09561191B2 |
Method and system for forming a pharmaceutical product directly onto a packaging surface
The present invention relates to a method for forming a pharmaceutical product, such as a dissolvable film dosage form, onto a surface. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method of forming a pharmaceutical product directly onto the surface of a substrate. |
| US09561190B2 |
Nonwoven membrane as a drug delivery system
The invention defines a nonwoven membrane for the controlled and sustained release of a therapeutic or cosmetic active agent in the area of the body to be treated. This nonwoven membrane comprises one single type of biocompatible electrospun nanofibers and microparticles of at least one therapeutic or cosmetic active agent which are entangled between the nanofibers, the active agent having a low water solubility. |
| US09561187B1 |
Sustained release metoprolol formulations
The present invention relates to modified release pharmaceutical composition comprising metoprolol succinate, one or more release modifying agent(s) and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s). More specifically, the invention relates to modified release pharmaceutical compositions comprising metoprolol succinate and a process for preparation thereof. |
| US09561180B2 |
Intra-articularly supplementation method for treating joint diseases and injuries
A hydrogel bead for intra-articular supplement made by: providing a solution of alginate, providing a solution with chitosan having a Mw between lower than 60 kD, mixing the solution of alginate and the solution of chitosan, wherein the mixed solution comprises between 0.5 and 0.7% (w/v) of chitosan and between 1 and 1.4% alginate (w/v), introducing droplets of the mixed solution into a solution with Ca2+ or Sr2+ cations and isolating polymerised beads from the solution with cations. |
| US09561177B2 |
Nasal drug products and methods of their use
Drug products adapted for nasal delivery, comprising a pre-primed device filled with a pharmaceutical composition comprising an opioid receptor antagonist, are provided. Methods of treating opioid overdose or its symptoms with the inventive drug products are also provided. |
| US09561168B2 |
Oral care compositions
Described herein are oral care compositions comprising (i) an orally acceptable gallium salt and (ii) a basic amino acid polymer, in amounts effective to disrupt biofilm; and methods of making and using the same. |
| US09561163B2 |
Cosmetic composition containing novel fractal particle-based gels
A method of instantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections while smoothing the skin, which comprises applying a cosmetic composition comprising a fractal particle based gel. |
| US09561162B1 |
Combined dental whitening, polishing, and re-mineralizing system
A combined dental whitening, polishing, and re-mineralizing liquid formula includes an oxidizer; an abrasive; mineral salt; and a catalyst. |
| US09561160B2 |
Oral care composition and processes for preparing same
Described herein are processes for preparing an alcohol-free aqueous liquid toothpaste composition which is usable as a mouthwash, the liquid toothpaste being an oil-in-water emulsion with a clear appearance. |
| US09561159B2 |
Foamable sunscreen formulation
The present application relates to sunscreen formulations, including foamable sunscreen formulations, that comprise zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles, suitably in the size range of about 1-100 nm. The compositions suitably produce a minimal residual whitening effect when applied to a skin surface. |
| US09561157B2 |
Teat for a feeding bottle
The present invention relates to a teat for a feeding bottle. The teat has an outer wall (18) and a plurality of recesses (25) formed in an outer wall (18). The plurality of recesses (25) extend in a circumferential arrangement around a longitudinal axis of the teat. The present invention also relates to a teat with an outer wall (5, 46, 66). The outer wall has a region of reduced wall thickness (7, 47, 67, 84) extending in a circumferential band around a longitudinal axis of the teat. |
| US09561155B2 |
Method of reducing cholesterol levels using a human anti-PCSK9 antibody
The present invention relates to methods for treating diseases or conditions in which proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) expression or activity causes an impact by administration of PCSK9-specific antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof and preferably by additional administration of an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase). The present invention further relates to PCSK9-specific antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof for use in the treatment of diseases or conditions in which PCSK9 expression or activity causes an impact.The present invention also relates to articles of manufacture comprising packaging material, PCSK9-specific antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof, and a label or packaging insert indicating which groups of patients can be treated with said antibodies or fragments, which groups of patients must not be treated with said antibodies or fragments, and which dosage regimen should be used.The present invention further relates to methods of testing the efficacy of PCSK9-specific antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof for the treatment of certain diseases or conditions and for the treatment of specific sub-groups of patients. |
| US09561153B2 |
Spa ledge with spill sill
A ledge that incorporates a spill sill as a portion of the ledge is disclosed. The ledge includes one or more ports and the spill sill is shaped in a manner that catches liquid as it overflows and directs the water to the port(s). The port(s) are utilized to drain the liquid from the ledge so that the liquid can be routed away for disposal. In addition to being functional, the ledge includes dimensions and/or configurations that make the ledge aesthetically pleasing. |
| US09561152B2 |
Leg massage apparatus
A leg massage apparatus is provided which enables the user to easily and comfortable engage the various muscles of the leg, providing the leg muscles with a therapeutic massage which helps to loosen and relieve sore or damages muscles. The apparatus may also be used to assist in the removal of cellulite from areas of the leg. The apparatus is basically comprised of a name structure means, a user engagement means, a coupling means, and an optional resistance means. The frame structure means has at least two main support members coupled together in such a manner that the leg of the user may be placed within, with the main support members surrounding a significant portion of the leg. The main support members are adjustably coupled together by the coupling means such that they may alternatively move away and towards one another, as the various leg muscles of the user are being engaged by the user engagement means. The optional resistance means may be used to provide motion resistance. |
| US09561150B2 |
Tubular crutch with a cantilever handle and key
A tubular crutch including a tubular crutch body, a cantilever handle and a ground engaging extension is described. The cantilever handle includes a curved base plate, a plurality of bolts, a tubular member, a plurality of locking nuts, a key, and a contoured component. The tubular crutch also includes a ground engaging extension with a spring loaded button that is received at the bottom of the tubular elongated member. The tubular crutch body includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element, a first concave curve adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element, a second convex curve proximate to the first concave curve, a third concave curve proximate to the second convex curve and a tubular elongated portion adjacent to the third concave curve. |
| US09561148B2 |
Pelvic support, base support having such a pelvic support and method to distract at least one lower extremity
A pelvic support configured to support a pelvis and configured to take up at least one tensile stress, wherein the tensile stress is initiated in at least one lower extremity connected to the pelvis, comprising at least one support, wherein the at least one support comprises at least one supporting surface, wherein the at least one supporting surface is arranged near at least one of a ischial tuberosity of the pelvis and is configured to take up the tensile stress at the at least one ischial tuberosity. |
| US09561143B2 |
Power driven vehicle having a take-apart frame
An exemplary power driven vehicle has a take-apart frame comprising a front frame and a rear frame that are detachably and pivotally connected together. The front frame includes means for receiving at least one steerable wheel and a steering mechanism and means for receiving a seat, and the rear frame includes means for receiving at least two drive wheels. The vehicle also has at least one steerable wheel, a steering mechanism, and a seat connected to said front frame. At least two drive wheels are pivotally connected to said rear frame via a single axle. An electric motor is mounted on the rear frame and adapted to drive at least one of the drive wheels. A shroud partially covers the front frame and is fixedly connected thereto. At least one battery box is detachably mounted on the shroud and is in electrical communication with the electric motor. A locking and unlocking means of the vehicle is adapted to prevent, or alternatively allow, the disconnection of the rear frame from the front frame. The locking and unlocking means comprises a locking lever pivotally connected to the front frame. At least one groove or recess in the locking means engages the rear frame when the vehicle is in its normal position, thus preventing the rear frame from pivoting relative to the front frame. In an unlocking position the rear frame is allowed to pivot relative to the front frame, thereby allowing the rear from to be disconnected from the front frame. |
| US09561140B2 |
Disposable diaper
The disposable diaper according to the present invention includes a base sheet (12) made of nonwoven fabric and a hook sheet (110) provided with a plurality of engagement hooks. A KES bending stiffness value in a fastening tape existent region (SHS) is equal to or less than 1.64 gf·cm2/cm, the height of the engagement hook is between 60 and 200 μm; and the color difference (ΔE) between the hook sheet existent region (SHS) on the inner side of a fastening tape (100) and side flaps (50) adjacent to the fastening tape (100) is 6.5 or more, when the color difference of L* is ΔL*, the color difference of a* is Δa*, and the color difference of b* is Δb* according to the L*a*b* color coordinate system. |
| US09561138B2 |
Absorbent article
In the disclosed absorbent article, in a first region, a first elastic member extends linearly in the widthwise direction, in a second region, a second elastic member extends linearly in the widthwise direction, the elongational stress of the first elastic member is greater than the elongational stress of the second elastic member, and the length in the widthwise direction of the joining region that is of both the main body of an absorbent body and a chassis in the first region is configured in a manner so as to be shorter than the length in the widthwise direction of the joining region that is of both the main body of the absorbent body and the chassis in the second region. |
| US09561134B2 |
Positive pressure medical dressings with valve and kits containing same
Medical dressings and medical dressing kits that can be used to proved positive pressure wound therapy. The medical dressings include one or more normally-closed valves. The medical dressing kits may further include fittings. |
| US09561121B2 |
Devices and methods for assisting medical treatments
An intravascular device (100) includes an elongated shaft (3) extending in an axial direction and an expandable braided arrangement (110) of a plurality of filaments. The braided arrangement has a proximal end, a distal end (1), and an intermediate region therebetween. The intravascular device can include an endpiece (112-1) located proximate an intersection of the elongated shaft and the braided arrangement. The endpiece can be configured to orient the filaments in a substantially single file continuum. At a junction with the endpiece, the filaments can initially extend in a substantially parallel, non-crossing manner, and as the filaments extend toward the intermediate region, the initially extending non-crossing filaments can cross each other. |
| US09561120B2 |
Intravascular functional element and method of manufacture
The invention relates to a method of manufacture of an intravascular functional element that can be introduced into a hollow organ and that comprises at least one wire (10) of an alloy having nickel and titanium as alloying elements, with the following steps: preparation of a metal body of the wire (10) with a metallic surface, then formation of a first oxide layer on the metallic surface of the metal body, then performance of a heat treatment of the wire (10) in a nitrogen-containing salt bath for thermal formation of a second mixed oxide layer on the first oxide layer, wherein the total layer thickness is 15 nm to 100 nm and the mixed oxide layer contains TiO2 and at least one nitride, especially titanium oxynitride and/or titanium nitride. |
| US09561116B2 |
Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube. |
| US09561114B2 |
Disc-facet vertebral device
A prosthesis includes: two pairs of elongated joint elements forming disc joint surfaces and facet joint surfaces; one pair of elements able to be positioned relative to each other. Each disc joint surface is in the shape of a hemisphere portion; positioning surfaces including posterior positioning surfaces; the prosthesis is associated with at least one rigid transverse element comprising positioning surfaces designed to be placed against the posterior positioning surfaces. Such placement permits one pair of joint elements to be positioned relative to the other pair of joint elements such that the disc joint surfaces are situated in a same geometric hemisphere. |
| US09561113B2 |
Vertebral implants and methods for installation thereof
The present application is generally directed to vertebral implants and implant trials for use with vertebral implant assemblies. The vertebral implants and implant trials may be used in conjunction with corpectomy procedures. One type of vertebral implant is a corpectomy device having a polyaxial endplate assembly. The polyaxial endplate assembly includes an articulatable plate member that is capable of angulation. The articulatable plate member can be fixed in place by, for example, using a clamping assembly to fix the articulatable plate member. |
| US09561111B1 |
Shoulder joint implant
Captured element shoulder joint implant may be configured with a captured humeral ball; in a reverse shoulder configuration; to have a barrel- or disc-like humeral head to recessed glenoid articulation; and so forth. Multi-point fixation glenoid component may be provided. A humeral implant may have a universal joint connection, which can be mounted to or in a humeral bone and provide for a center of movement generally within a volume defined by an upper head of a normal humerus. |
| US09561110B2 |
Elbow prosthesis
An elbow prosthesis constructed in accordance to one example of the present teachings can include a capitellar implant having an articulating head and a stem. The articulating head can have a first articulating surface positioned generally between a lateral side and a medial side. A passage can extend through the articulating head from the lateral side to the medial side. The articulating head can define a counterbore formed at the lateral side and that is concentric with the passage. According to other features, the elbow prosthesis can include a coronoid implant that has a body and a stem. The body can have a superior articulating surface that includes a central ridge and an anterior buttress. The central ridge can be configured to accommodate articulation with a trochlea in an implanted position. |
| US09561101B2 |
Two-part prosthetic valve system
A prosthetic valve system for replacing a native aortic valve exhibiting regurgitation may include a support structure and a transcatheter heart valve (THV) that is separate from the support structure. The support structure may be radially collapsible and expandable, and deployable on an outflow side of the native aortic valve, circumscribing the native leaflets of the aortic valve. The THV may be radially collapsible and expandable, and deployable in an annulus of the native aortic valve to frictionally engage the native leaflets between an interior surface of the support structure and the THV. |
| US09561100B2 |
Systems for quickly delivering a prosthetic heart valve
A heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve has a base stent that is deployed at a treatment site, and a valve component configured to quickly connect to the base stent. The base stent may take the form of a self- or balloon-expandable stent that expands outward against the native valve with or without leaflet excision. The valve component has a non-expandable prosthetic valve and a self- or balloon-expandable coupling stent for attachment to the base stent, thereby fixing the position of the valve component relative to the base stent. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available to valve with a sewing ring and the coupling stent attaches to the sewing ring. The system is particularly suited for rapid deployment of heart valves in a conventional open-heart surgical environment. A catheter-based system and method for deployment is provided. |
| US09561094B2 |
Devices and methods for treating venous diseases
The present invention relates generally to a medical device and method of use, and more specifically to a method and apparatus with coaxial components used to treat venous diseases. The apparatus according to various embodiments operates as an inferior vena cava filter, a clot puller, a clot shredder, and as a prosthetic venous valve. |
| US09561093B2 |
Elastically deformable and resorbable medical mesh implant
The invention relates to a polymeric mesh implant for use in reconstruction of tissue defects, which mesh implant comprises a first set of fibers arranged in a first pattern comprising apertures, wherein each aperture, or a subset thereof, comprises an elastic fiber arranged in a first direction of the mesh implant such that when the mesh implant is stretched in this first direction, the elastic fibers are elongated and also exert a restoring force on the first pattern. |
| US09561090B2 |
Method of producing a dental product
Methods of producing a dental product are disclosed. Certain methods include the steps of providing a pre-sintered blank made from a green body of ceramic material, performing a machining operation on the blank, and subsequently sintering the blank to its final density in a sintering operation performed at a temperature in the range of 1300° C. to 1650° C. The pre-sintered blank that is provided may have a strength in the range of 53-107 MPa. |
| US09561089B2 |
Reduced-friction buccal tube and method of use
An orthodontic appliance includes features for reducing friction between an interior of an archwire slot portion of the appliance and an archwire to be placed within the archwire slot. Other embodiments include a rounded exterior occlusal surface. Embodiments further include one or more receptacles for receiving an installation tool. |
| US09561087B2 |
Discharging device
A dispensing apparatus for a flowable component includes a storage container having a storage chamber for the reception of the component, a filling opening and a dispensing opening. A piston is displaceably arranged within the storage container in the direction of an expulsion direction. Moreover, dispensing apparatus includes an actuation element by which the piston can be displaced stepwise in the direction of the dispensing opening. After release of the actuation element actuation element is displaced from a final position into a starting position by a spring. |
| US09561085B2 |
Illuminated microsurgical instrument including optical fiber with beveled end face
An illuminated microsurgical instrument includes a microsurgical instrument having a distal tip and an optical fiber for delivering a beam of light to a surgical site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving a light beam from a light source, and a distal end proximate to the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument for emitting the light beam. The distal end includes a beveled end face either oriented toward or oriented opposite from the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument. |
| US09561084B2 |
Medical waste containers and lids therefore
Waste container lid assemblies configured for attachment to a base having a lid body and cap portion slidably connected by a tether. The lid body having an opening sized to accept medical waste and restrict access to prevent individuals from reaching into the waste container through the opening. A slot is in the lid body to permit slidable movement of the tether through the slot such the cap can be moved from a resting position in which the opening is configured for receiving waste to a closed position such that the cap portion covers the opening. |
| US09561083B2 |
Articulating flexible endoscopic tool with roll capabilities
Instrument device with an elongated, flexible shaft that is configured to both roll and articulate in a controllable manner. The claimed system and apparatus provides endoscopic rolling and articulating capabilities with minimal tradeoffs in control, allowing for greater ease of use and clinical efficacy. |
| US09561081B2 |
Control methods of single-port surgical robots
A control method of a single-port surgical robot, the single-port surgical robot comprising a slave device including a surgical instrument provided with an elbow and an end effector, and a master device to control motion of the slave device may comprise setting a virtual incision port to an arbitrary position; setting an operating position of the end effector; calculating a target position of the elbow using the set position of the virtual incision port and the set operating position of the end effector; calculating a movement angle of each joint used to move the elbow using the calculated target position of the elbow; and/or calculating a movement angle of each joint used to move the end effector using the calculated target position of the elbow and the set operating position of the end effector. |
| US09561079B2 |
No-contact cover for stethoscopes and other devices
Disposable covers for articles including stethoscopes are configured in such a way as to reduce the likelihood of the transmission of microbes among the patient; the stethoscope, medical device or other article; and the user/care-provider. |
| US09561078B2 |
Multi-cladding optical fiber scanner
A multi-cladding optical fiber includes a core that conveys visible light used by a scanner for imaging a site within a patient's body, and an inner cladding that conveys high-power light, such as infrared light, used for providing therapy to site. The distal end of multi-cladding optical fiber is driven to scan the site when imaging or rendering therapy using an actuator. High-power light is coupled into inner cladding at proximal end of optical fiber using several different techniques. Some techniques use an axicon to direct the high-power light into the inner cladding, while visible light is coupled directly into the core. Another technique uses a multimode optical fiber in a coupling relationship with the multi-cladding optical fiber, to transfer high-power light from a core of the multimode fiber into the inner cladding of the multi-cladding optical fiber. |
| US09561075B2 |
Irrigated catheter with improved fluid flow
An irrigated catheter with uniform cooling and/or uniform fluid distribution in longitudinally spaced apart elution holes by varying the diameter of a fluid delivery lumen. A number of elution holes are provided in a tip region of a catheter body, and these elution holes are in fluid communication with the lumen through ducts. The fluid delivery lumen may be provided with a flow constrictor to restrict flow of fluid towards the distal region. |
| US09561074B2 |
Catheter with omni-directional optical lesion evaluation
A catheter is adapted to ablate tissue and provide lesion qualitative information on a real time basis, having an ablation tip section with a generally omni-directional light diffusion chamber with one openings to allow light energy in the chamber to radiate the tissue and return to the chamber. The chamber is irrigated at a positive pressure differential to continuously flush the opening with fluid. The light energy returning to the chamber from the tissue conveys a tissue parameter, including without limitation, lesion formation, depth of penetration of lesion, cross-sectional area of lesion, formation of char during ablation, recognition of char during ablation, recognition of char from non-charred tissue, formation of coagulum around the ablation site, differentiation of coagulated from non-coagulated blood, differentiation of ablated from healthy tissue, tissue proximity, and recognition of steam formation in the tissue for prevention of steam pop. |
| US09561067B2 |
Method and apparatus for tissue ablation
Methods of ablating endometrial tissue are disclosed. The methods include providing an ablation device that has a catheter with a hollow shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element, and a second positioning element positioned on the catheter distal to the first positioning element. The second positioning element is a disc shaped wire mesh and has a diameter in a range of 0.1 mm to 10 cm. |
| US09561064B2 |
Bone plate system and method
A bone plate system for securing a plurality of bones is provided including a plate member, a locking device of the bone plate, and a surgical cable having a trailing end for being connected to the bone plate and a leading end for being advanced around the bones and into the locking device. The surgical cable may be tensioned to approximate the bones, urge the bones together, and seat the bone plate against the bones. The locking device may be reconfigured to a locked configuration to fix the bone plate to the surgical cable. The bone plate further includes a plurality of throughbores for receiving bone anchors that rigidly fix the bone plate to the bones. The bone plate system utilizes the tensile strength of the surgical cable and the rigid fixation between the bone anchors and the bone plate to resist relative movement of the bones. |
| US09561063B2 |
Systems and methods for the fixation or fusion of bone
A joint between two bone segments is fused by passing an elongated, rectilinear bone fusion device over a guide pin across the joint and into tight engagement within bores formed in the bone segments, to thereby restrict movement of the elongated bone fusion device across the joint. The elongated, rectilinear bone fusion device also provides bony in-growth within the bores along the exterior surface of the bone fusion device. |
| US09561062B2 |
Spondylolisthesis reduction system
A system for reducing deformities in the spine includes a first tower assembly and a second tower assembly. The first tower assembly includes a first tower that couples to a first screw in a first vertebral level, a load transfer ring rotatable coupled to the first tower, and a load transfer link rotatably coupled to the load transfer ring. The second tower assembly includes a second tower that couples to a second screw in a second vertebral level, a load applicator secured to the second tower, and a load transfer member rotatably coupled to the second tower and linked to the load transfer link. The load applicator applies force to the load transfer member to position the first tower assembly relative to the second tower assembly. |
| US09561060B2 |
Interspinous implants with adjustable height spacer
The present invention provides spinous process implants and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention, the implant includes at least one extension with a superior lobe pivotally connected to an inferior lobe, such as by a hinge, to allow unfolding of the at least one extension from a folded position to an unfolded position. In certain aspects, the folding extension may include fasteners to facilitate engagement with the spinous processes to provide both a flexion stop as well as an extension stop. The fasteners may have corresponding bores to allow the fasteners to reside in the bores to provide a compact profile for implantation. In another aspect of the invention, the implant is introduced to the surgical site using a lateral or paramedian approach and associated tools to facilitate the same. |
| US09561055B1 |
Spinal fixation method and apparatus
A spinal stabilization system having a pedicle screw which includes (i) a shaft with external threads and a head segment on one end of the shaft; (ii) a first drive socket positioned in the head segment; (iii) a second drive socket on a shaft end opposite the first drive socket; and (iv) wherein the shaft end opposite the first drive socket has a lesser diameter than the shaft end at the head segment. The system further includes an intervertebral stabilization structure having an elongated body with rotating ring segments attached to each end of the elongated body. |
| US09561054B2 |
Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installation thereof
Orthopedic fixation devices, assemblies, and methods. The orthopedic fixation devices may comprise coupling elements, hook components, and/or bone fasteners. The bone fastener may be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element. The orthopedic fixation devices may include modular locking clamp assemblies that can be fixed onto fasteners that are already implanted in bone. The modular locking clamp assemblies can include polyaxial locking clamp assemblies, as well as monoaxial locking clamp assemblies. The hook components may include a female hook component slidably coupled to a male hook component. |
| US09561048B2 |
Expandable endoscopic hoods and related methods of use
A medical device for tissue resection and related methods of use are disclosed. The device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongate member may include a distal portion defining an end face and a cavity extending distally therefrom. The distal portion may further include multiple sections configured to transition between a first position and a second position different from the first position. The medical device may further include a mechanism configured to adjust a volume of the cavity by moving at least one of the multiple sections from the first position to the second position. |
| US09561047B2 |
Surgical hand grip and a surgical tubular shaft instrument with a surgical hand grip
A surgical hand grip for a surgical tubular shaft instrument is provided. The hand grip includes a coupling device for coupling to a tubular shaft tool having a tubular shaft and a force transmission element movable back and forth relative thereto. The coupling device has a coupling element for coupling to the force transmission element and a connecting element for connecting to the tubular shaft. A gripping device is connected to the coupling element and is transferable from a non-actuating disposition into at least one actuating disposition and vice versa thereby changing the mutual relative spacing between the coupling element and the connecting element. The hand grip has a guiding device with a guiding body for guiding the coupling element during the transfer from the non-actuating position into the at least one actuating position along a grip axis independently of the disposition of the gripping device during the transfer. |
| US09561043B2 |
Ablation devices with sensors structures
A cardiac ablation device, including a steerable catheter (10) and an expandable ablation element (18) incorporating one or more balloons (20,22) at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway (28, 30) extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. A probe (72) carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop (82) which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the sensor probe. |
| US09561039B2 |
Customized patient-specific orthopaedic pin guides
Customized patient-specific orthopedic surgical instruments are disclosed. Methods for fabricating and using such instruments are also disclosed. |
| US09561036B2 |
Catheter lumen partitioner
A device and method for treating an aneurysm include a catheter capable of insertion into a body to be positioned adjacent the aneurysm, the catheter including a distal end and an operator end opposite the distal end. The catheter forms a circular pathway extending between the distal end and the operator end. A partitioner extends through the pathway of the catheter, the partitioner being rotatable within the catheter and including one or more lumens that provide an orifice from a first end of the partitioner to a second end of the partitioner. The device further includes a first coil extending through the partitioner from the first end to the second end in a first lumen and a second coil extending through the partitioner from the first end to the second end in a second lumen. The first and second lumens may be fully circumscribed by the partitioner and have first and second diameters, respectively. |
| US09561031B2 |
Surgical instrument including MEMS devices
Surgical instruments are disclosed that are couplable to or have an end effector or a disposable loading unit with an end effector, and at least one micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device operatively connected to the surgical instrument for at least one of sensing a condition, measuring a parameter and controlling the condition and/or parameter. |
| US09561023B2 |
Enhanced ultrasound visualization of intravascular devices
Methods and devices for providing improved ultrasound visibility of medical devices intended for intravascular use are described. The inclusion of gas/solid boundary regions within a medical devices improves the resolution of the device under ultrasound visualization. Gas/solid boundary regions may be provided through the use of embedded gas-filled microlumens, microwells, or enclosed pockets within the medical device. |
| US09561015B2 |
Method and apparatus for voice recording with ultrasound imaging
An ultrasound system comprises a probe for acquiring ultrasound data associated with a patient and a microphone detecting audio. The system further comprises a processor module and a memory. The processor module is configured to receive the ultrasound data from the probe and processes the ultrasound data to form an image file. The processor module is further configured to receive the audio from the microphone and forms a voice recording file based on the received audio. The memory stores the image file and the voice recording file, and the processor module automatically associates the image file and the voice recording file with each other. |
| US09561008B2 |
Method of displaying image
In one embodiment, a method of displaying image in an imaging system is provided. The method comprises steps obtaining an image from an radiation detector, receiving a selection for orientation from a user, mechanically rotating the radiation detector based on the selection for orientation and performing a digital image rotation on the image complementing the mechanical rotation of the radiation detector such that the image is rotated to the orientation selected by the user and displaying the image. |
| US09561002B2 |
Systems for monitoring infant oral motor kinetics during nutritive and non-nutritive feeding
The present invention relates to a system device and method for monitoring infant oral motor kinetics (OMK), which can be used to assess the functional significance of the different sucking components, i.e., the plasticity of infant sucking skills in relation to their oral feeding performance, at a particular time, during the developmental period and/or during preventive or therapeutic intervention programs. It is a unique system and apparatus that provides a means to study the nonnutritive and/or nutritive sucking skills, i.e., the Suction and/or Expression components of sucking, of infants in the natural setting, i.e., during a normal feeding session. OMK sensors, tracked in real-time by the monitoring system, include miniature pressure transducers, or pressure sensitive pads, attached to the nipple for measuring intraoral pressure pulses during Suction, and for measuring compression/stripping pressure pulses during Expression; and a miniature flow sensor for measuring fluid flow rate, which can be integrated over time to determine the volume of milk removed (bolus) per suck. Other signals, such as respiration, swallowing, thermal, optical, and acoustic signals can be recorded and compared along with the instrumented-nipple signals, in an OMK monitoring system. |
| US09561001B2 |
Fluid handling cassette system for body fluid analyzer
A fluid handling system for use in bodily fluid analysis. The system comprises a first fluid handling module configured to interface with a main instrument. The first fluid handling module has a first fluid handling network and the first fluid handling network includes an infusate passage and an infusion fluid pressure member suitable for moving fluid within the infusate passage. The fluid handling system also has a second fluid handling module separate from the first module which is configured to interface with the main instrument. The second fluid handling module has a second fluid handling network and at least one sample analysis cell which is accessible via the second fluid handling network. The first and second modules are configured to interconnect and provide fluid communication between the first and second fluid handling network and the sample cells. |
| US09560998B2 |
System and method for monitoring the life of a physiological sensor
Aspects of the present disclosure include a sensor configured to store in memory indications of sensor use information and formulas or indications of formulas for determining the useful life of a sensor from the indications of sensor use information. A monitor connected to the sensor monitors sensor use and stores indications of the use on sensor memory. The monitor and/or sensor compute the useful life of the sensor from the indications of use and the formulas. When the useful life of the sensor is reached, an indication is given to replace the sensor. |
| US09560988B2 |
System and method for rendering an image of an elongate medical device
A system for visually rendering an elongate medical device in a body is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to find a measured physical location for each of a plurality of position sensors on the elongate medical device. The electronic control unit is further configured to apply a spline function to each of the measured physical locations to determine a display location for each position sensor. The electronic control unit is further configured to interpolate between display locations of adjacent position sensors to identify display locations for portions of the elongate medical device between adjacent position sensors. The electronic control unit is further configured to generate image data for display of an image of the elongate medical device including the display locations of the position sensors and the display locations of the portions of the elongate medical device between adjacent position sensors. |
| US09560987B2 |
Localized physiologic status from luminosity around fingertip or toe
Spatial light response around a fingertip or toe of a subject in response to electrical stimulation can be associated to a specified remote particular body anatomy, location, component, or system such as for providing a particularized physiological status indicator or other particularized response indication that is particular to the specified particular body anatomy, location, component, or system. |
| US09560986B2 |
Magnetometer for medical use
A medical magnetometer 10 comprising one or more induction coils 2 for detecting a time varying magnetic field of a region of a subject's body, such as the heart. Each coil has a maximum outer diameter of 4 to 7 cm, and a configuration such that the ratio of the coil's length to its outer diameter is at least 0.5, and the ratio of the coil's inner diameter to its outer diameter is 0.5 or less.Each induction coil 2 is coupled to a respective detection circuit comprising a low impedance pre-amplifier 3, a low pass filter 5, a notch filter 6 to remove line noise, and an averaging element 7. Each detection circuit produces an output signal 9 for use to analyze the time varying magnetic field of the region of the subject's body. |
| US09560979B2 |
Microlead for detection/stimulation, implantable in venous, arterial or lymphatic networks
A sensing/pacing lead including a microcable having a diameter of at most 2 French (0.66 mm). The microcable includes an electrically conductive core cable including a plurality of strands and a composite structure formed from at least a structuring material and a radiopaque material, the radiopaque material constituting at least about 0.008 mm2 of the core cable cross section. The plurality of strands of the core cable comprises a first set of individual strands formed from the structuring material and a second set of individual strands formed from the radiopaque material, or a plurality of strands each comprising a first and second layer, one of which is the structuring material and the other the radiopaque material. The microcable further includes a polymer insulation layer at least partially surrounding the core cable and at least one electrode. |
| US09560976B2 |
Medical instrument with remaining visits indicator
A medical instrument includes a remaining visits indicator. The remaining visits indicator visually identifies a number of patient visits that can be completed before recharging the medical instrument. |
| US09560975B2 |
Three dimensional electronic patch
A three-dimensional electronic patch includes a flat flexible circuit substrate that includes an elastic layer including a first portion and a second portion. The second portion includes at least side connected to the elastic layer and one or more sides defined by one or more cuts in the elastic layer. The three-dimensional electronic patch further includes a first sensor on the first portion of the elastic layer, a first conductive sensing pad under the first portion of the elastic layer and in electrical connection with the first sensor, and a conductive layer under the second portion of the elastic layer and in electrical connection with the first sensor. The second portion is folded to position the conductive layer away from the first portion. |
| US09560973B2 |
Subject information acquiring device and subject information acquiring method
A subject information acquiring device which has: an light absorbing member provided outside a subject; a light source radiating pulsed light on the subject and the light absorbing member; a detector detecting an acoustic wave produced from the subject and the light absorbing member by means of the pulsed light; and a signal processing unit acquiring subject information using a detection signal, and the signal processing unit calculates a second detection signal by specifying a signal resulting from an acoustic wave produced from the light absorbing member in a first detection signal, acquiring impulse response data using the specified signal, and deconvoluting the first detection signal using the impulse response data, and acquires the subject information using the second detection signal, can reduce image deterioration due to probe characteristics even when an impulse response of a probe is not measured in advance in a photoacoustic tomography. |
| US09560967B2 |
Systems and apparatus for measuring a bioactive agent effect
Apparatus and systems are described that include physical media related to accepting at least one attribute associated with an individual from a licensed health care provider and/or presenting an output of an artificial sensory experience associated with a request to measure at least one effect of a bioactive agent on the attribute associated with individual. |
| US09560963B2 |
Procedural optical coherence tomography (OCT) for surgery and related methods
Methods for performing a surgical procedure using optical coherence tomography (OCT) are provided. The method includes extracting lenticular material from within a capsular bag of an eye of a patient; acquiring at least one OCT image of an interior region of the capsular bag after extraction of substantially all of the lenticular material from within the capsular bag; determining from the at least one OCT image the presence of cellular debris remaining within the interior of the capsular bag; and extracting at least a portion of the remaining cellular debris from the interior of the capsular bag. |
| US09560962B2 |
Optical tomographic image photographing apparatus and optical tomographic image photographing program
An optical tomographic image photographing apparatus for acquiring information on a tissue inside a specimen, the apparatus includes: a synthesis unit configured to generate a interference beam by synthesizing a measuring beam reflected from the tissue and a reference beam; and a detector configured to detect the generated first interference beam as a first interference signal, the first interference beam being detected for each scanning position of the measuring beam. The optical tomographic image photographing apparatus acquires tomographic information for each scanning position of the specimen by using the detected first interference signal and acquiring tomographic image data of the specimen expressed by polar coordinates by using the tomographic information; and converts the tomographic image data of the specimen expressed by the acquired polar coordinates into image data expressed by rectangular coordinates. |
| US09560961B2 |
Optical coherence tomography apparatus, control method for optical coherence tomography apparatus, and non-transitory tangible medium
Provided is an optical coherence tomography apparatus expected to facilitate observation of reliable analyzed image data to improve inspection efficiency. The tomography apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomographic image of an object to be inspected; an identifying unit configured to identify an image display area corresponding to a part to be inspected of the object to be inspected in the tomographic image; a determination unit configured to determine a significant area and a non-significant area based on a positional relationship between a periphery of the image display area and the tomographic image; and a display control unit configured to control a display unit to display image data based on the tomographic image and data concerning the non-significant area together in a designated display form. |
| US09560960B2 |
Amblyometer for balancing bridging rivalrous binocular vision
A machine and method for balancing across the brain's fusion bridge rivalrous stimuli of image pairs having diametrically opposed brightness and means of adjusting the rivalrous balance to measure the depth of a vision defect. |
| US09560958B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting an intraocular lens (IOL) and/or surgical parameters within the framework of IOL implantations
Selection of an appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) and/or the applicable surgical parameters for optimizing the results of refractive procedures on the eye. Features of the IOL are crucial for the selection and/or adjustment of the optimal IOL, but so is the IOL selection method (and parameters) from a surgical perspective. For the method, corresponding output parameters are determined from predetermined, estimated, or measured input parameters and/or their mean values, wherein at least two input parameters are varied with one another and which have at least one input parameter as a distribution function. The resulting function is optimized by means of corresponding target values and the determined distribution function of one or more output parameters is used as a decision aid. The present solution is used for selecting an appropriate IOL and/or the applicable surgical parameters and is applicable in the field of eye surgery for implanting IOLs. |
| US09560954B2 |
Connector for use with endoscope
The present specification discloses a disposable tubing joint connector system which connects a tubing set and an endoscope. The connector embodiments disclosed herein include dual o-ring seals, in two separate channels, that enable an efficient and leak proof connection between two ports of an endoscope and corresponding flexible tubing. |
| US09560953B2 |
Operational interface in a multi-viewing element endoscope
The present specification describes an endoscopy display system including an endoscope with a distal tip having at least three image capturing components, and a handle with an actuator that, when activated, generates a video processing command; a controller including a video processing system adapted to transmit commands to the three image capturing components and receive an image feed from each of said three image capturing components; and a display system, including at least one monitor that concurrently receives and concurrently visually displays each of said processed image feeds, where the video processing system is adapted to process each of said image feeds in accordance with the video processing command to cause at least one of changing a position of, zooming into or out of; recording; freezing; highlighting; or superimposing a navigation indicator upon the at least one of the processed image feeds. |
| US09560951B2 |
Mop wringer machine
Mop wringer machine that incorporates the classic wringer basket (2), mounted as a floating basket on its frame or base (1), by means of springs, therefore when a pair of flaps (4) in the shape of U puts pressure on the mop, after this is entered into the wringer basket (2), this basket is capable of being moved downward in a springing motion, in order to absorb different pressures caused by mops (5) of different shapes and/or sizes. |
| US09560947B2 |
Robot cleaner
A robot cleaner capable of moving in diverse directions and enhancing cleaning efficiency by increasing frictional force between a pad and a floor includes two or more driving units. Each of the driving units includes plural motors, a first subframe connected to at least any one of the motors and configured to rotate by receiving rotational force from the motor, a rotating plate assembly mounted to the first subframe and configured to be slanted with respect to a floor by rotation of the first subframe and to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise by receiving rotational force from another motor, and a pad provided at the rotating plate assembly and configured to contact the floor. When the rotating plate assembly is slanted with respect to the floor, nonuniform frictional force is generated between the pad and the floor, through which the robot cleaner travels. |
| US09560946B2 |
Motor driving apparatus
A motor driving apparatus for a cleaning appliance includes a battery source and a power controller. The battery source supplies the power controller with an output having a first voltage which decreases as the battery source is discharged. The power controller modulates the output to produce a drive signal for driving a motor that has a second voltage and a variable duty cycle. The power controller increases the duty cycle of the drive signal as the first voltage decreases in order to maintain the second voltage at a substantially constant average value per unit time. By providing the above arrangement, the motor can be supplied with a constant voltage throughout the available run time of the battery. When forming part of a cleaning appliance having a motor, the above arrangement allows the motor to operate at a substantially constant speed throughout the run time of the battery. |
| US09560944B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner (10), and in particular a vacuum cleaner (10) having a rotatable brush (24). The vacuum cleaner (10) has a travelling head (12) adapted to be moved across a surface to be cleaned, the travelling head (12) having a leading end (28) and a trailing end. The travelling head (12) has a rotatable brush (24), the rotatable brush (34) being located in a brush chamber (23) at the leading end of the travelling head (12), the brush chamber (34) having an opening (26) through which a part of the rotatable brush (24) projects, the opening (26) and the rotatable brush (24) spanning substantially the full width of the travelling head (12). The travelling head (12) also has an impeller (46), and a motor (34) for driving the rotatable brush (34) and the impeller (46). The travelling head (12) has a removable dirt-collection chamber (42) spanning substantially the full width of the travelling head, and a filter means (52) located between the dirt-collection chamber (42) and the impeller (46), the filter means (52) also spanning substantially the full width of the travelling head. |
| US09560940B1 |
Embedded softened loofah
Ways to generate softened loofah embedded products are described. Such softened loofah is softened using a softening solution that includes papaya extract, liquid detergent, and water. The softening solution is heated during treatment of the loofah. The softened loofah is pre-rinsed with a solution of bleach and water and/or rinsed with water. The softened loofah is able to be embedded into a cleaning agent such as soap. |
| US09560939B2 |
Shower door jamb seal installation method
A method for installing a wall jamb for a shower door panel of a showering enclosure includes placing a wall jamb on a shower door panel, the wall jamb having a plurality of legs configured to receive the shower door panel therebetween, a base connecting the plurality of legs such that the wall jamb is generally U-shaped, and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed at an exterior surface of the base, removing at least a portion of adhesive backing material of the pressure sensitive adhesive, and pushing the shower door panel toward a wall of the showering enclosure such that the pressure sensitive adhesive adheres to the wall of the showering enclosure. |
| US09560936B2 |
Blade assembly for food processor and food processor incorporating same
A blade assembly for a food processing appliance includes a shaft and a base member in which one end of the shaft is journalled for rotation about its axis. First and second blade members are mounted to the shaft at respective axial locations and extend radially and in opposite directions from their respective locations on the shaft, with the blade member nearer the free end of the shaft being angled back along the shaft towards the base member and the other blade member angled forwardly along the shaft, towards the free end. The first blade member further has associated therewith a relatively short and blunt stub-like blade portion angled forwardly from the support location for the first blade member and extending beyond the free end of the shaft. |
| US09560935B2 |
Pivotal multi-functional grill tool
A pivotal multi-functional grill tool of the present invention includes first and second elongated arm members that are pivotally attached. The elongated arm members have each have first and second end members. Handle members are disposed at the respective second ends of the elongated arm members. Further, opposing jaw members are rigidly attached so as to be carried by the respective first ends of the elongated arm members. The opposing jaw members are adapted to engage at least a portion of the cooking grate and are further adapted for grasping charcoal briquettes, lump charcoal, or hardwood chunks used in grilling. |
| US09560932B2 |
Method, medium, and system for a beverage preparation machine with virtual shopping functionality
The present invention relates to beverage preparation machine (1) with a virtual shopping functionality. The machine comprises a touch screen (10) and a control unit (21). The touch screen (10) is adapted to display an image (80) of the interior of a shop offering goods (81) related to the machine (1) on the touch screen (10), to display an image of a container (82) on said touch screen (10), and to submit information on a touch operation to the control unit (21). The displayed interior corresponds to the interior of a physical shop offering said goods (81), in particular to the interior of a shop of a chain of physical shops having a standardized presentation of said goods (81). The control unit (21) is adapted to accept selection of a good (81) for purchase upon detecting a touch operation on a good (81) on the touch screen (10) and on the container (82) on the touch screen (10). |
| US09560925B2 |
Universal eating utensil having survival accessories
A multi-function tool includes a utensil, a handle pivotally attached to the utensil, and a compass magnet mounted on the handle or utensil. The multi-function tool has a center of gravity, in at least one configuration, aligned with a convex side of the utensil to balance the multi-function tool. A sundial may be mounted on the multi-function tool. Geographical direction is determined by configuring the multi-function into a folded configuration in which the handle and utensil extend in generally the same direction from a hinge, balancing the multi-function tool upon the convex side of the eating utensil thereby permitting the compass magnet to cause a rotational orientation of the multi-function tool; and determining a geographical direction from the rotational orientation of the multi-function tool. |
| US09560922B2 |
Shelf-mountable video display unit
The present invention is directed to video display units that are specifically configured for mounting to a retail shelf, such as to display product information, brand information, retailor information or combinations thereof. The shelf-mountable video display unit is configured to be manufactured in few pieces and using low-cost components and materials, thereby providing a product has significant economic advantages over conventional digital signage. The shelf-mountable video display unit is also configured such that it is easily reusable and repurposable. For instance, the present shelf-mountable video display unit may be easily adapted and customized to provide for the marketing of various products and brands throughout its lifetime. The shelf-mountable video display unit is also specifically configured to withstand the stresses of the retail environment. |
| US09560920B2 |
Forward advancing cutlery dispenser
The present application provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing a number of cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing, a front cover enclosing the housing, a dispensing wedge, and a dispensing trough positioned on the front cover. The dispensing wedge angles a leading cutlery utensil into the dispensing trough for dispensing therethrough. |
| US09560912B1 |
Box stand
A box stand has an upper chamber with an upper chamber hollow. The upper chamber is hollow having a first upper chamber face and a second upper chamber face as well as an upper chamber front face and a pair of upper chamber side faces. A lower chamber has a lower chamber hollow. The lower chamber has a closed position and an open position. The lower chamber is at least partially detached from the upper chamber in the open position. The lower chamber is rigidly attached to the upper chamber in the closed position. The lower chamber hollow has a pair of lower chamber side faces as well as a lower chamber front face. A first side interface is formed between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. |
| US09560910B2 |
Device for connecting a belt of a height adjustable furniture piece
A height adjustable furniture piece includes a device for connecting a belt to the furniture piece. The device includes two support elements, each including a first extension member and a second extension member that is telescopically arranged with respect to the first extension member. The belt is fixed to the first extension member and a spring element connects the belt and the first extension member. The belt is deflected by pulleys such that a relative displacement between the first extension member and the second extension member of the first support element results in a synchronous relative displacement between the first extension member and the second extension member of the second support element. The spring element includes a spring force that assists lifting of the second extension member against the force of gravity. |
| US09560909B2 |
Garment strap clip
A garment strap clip has a closed upper loop and an open lower loop. The lower loop is formed by a hinged or unhinged arm extending from a first end of the upper loop that terminates in a first connector. The first connector engages with a second connector extending from a point near the second end of the upper loop to close the lower loop. The upper and lower loops are generally co-planar and are in immediate connection with one another. A tube can be attached to the upper loop to retrofit the clip. Alternatively, the upper loop is replaced by a tube for retrofitting the clip. |
| US09560908B2 |
Camera carrying case
A carrying case comprises a housing having a bottom and a plurality of walls extending from the bottom thereof. A drawer is received by the housing when the carrying case is in a closed configuration. To move the carrying case from the closed configuration to an open configuration, the drawer is removed from the housing and rotated substantially ninety degrees relative to the housing such that the drawer extends substantially perpendicular to the housing when the carrying case is in the open configuration. |
| US09560906B2 |
Nail file case with integrated features
A fingernail file case includes a hole through which filing can take place while the case remains otherwise fully closed. The case may optionally include a projection adapted to scrape under a fingernail and/or a blade adapted to push a cuticle. |
| US09560901B2 |
Luggage comprising a vacuum device
The present invention discloses a container comprising a pump to vacuum the air contained in the container. The pump is combined with the telescopic handle of the container. A check valve in communication with the interior chamber of the container is connected to the vacuum pump for withdrawing air from the container to decrease the volume occupied by the items contained in the container. |
| US09560900B2 |
Adjustable watch strap
An adjustable watch strap having a micro-adjustment system for providing micro adjustments to the circumferential length of the watch strap, in addition to existing standard adjustments. The micro adjustment system is integrated into a buckle (e.g., deployment buckle) and is configured to provide a plurality of microadjustments between standard adjustments or beyond a last or first standard adjustment. |
| US09560898B2 |
Buckle parts of a belt buckle
A buckle part (2) of a belt buckle (1), wherein the buckle part (2) comprises at least one connecting part (4) for releasably connecting the buckle part (2) to another buckle part (3) of the belt buckle (1) and at least one bar (5) for fastening a belt (26) on the bar (5) of the buckle part (2), wherein the buckle part (2) also comprises at least one clevis type eyelet (6) for hooking a karabiner into the clevis type eyelet (6). |
| US09560896B1 |
Insole for footwear
The present disclosures concerns embodiments of a footwear insole that can be used with various types of footwear, including, without limitation, shoes (including open and closed toe shoes), boots, sandals, etc. The insole includes an upper fabric layer that comes in contact with the foot and a cushioning base layer that contacts the footbed of the footwear. The base layer desirably is formed from a self-adhering material that can be applied to in liquid form to the fabric and bonds directly to the fibers of the fabric when cured, so as to eliminate the need for a separate intermediate adhesive layer for securing the fabric to the base layer. The base layer is also configured to substantially prevent shrinkage of the insole when subjected to multiple wash and dry cycles. |
| US09560895B2 |
Weighted shoe insole and method for making the same
A weighted insole assembly, comprising a top thermoformable material layer, a bottom thermoformable material layer, and a weighted unit encapsulated between the top and bottom thermoformable material layers, the weighted unit including a heavy filler material and having a specific gravity between about 2.0 and about 4.0 |
| US09560891B2 |
Polyester-based fiber for artificial hair and hair ornament product including the same, and method for producing the same
The present invention relates to a polyester-based fiber for artificial hair obtained by melt spinning a polyester resin composition. The polyester resin composition includes 100 parts by weight of a polyester resin, 5 to 40 parts by weight of a brominated epoxy flame retardant, and 1.5 parts by weight or more and less than 7 parts by weight of an antimony oxide. The polyester resin is at least one kind of resin selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene terephthalate and a copolymerized polyester containing polyalkylene terephthalate as a main component. The polyester-based fiber for artificial hair has aggregates of the brominated epoxy flame retardant that are dispersed in the polyester resin in the form of islands, as viewed in the cross section of the fiber parallel to the fiber axis direction. The present invention also relates to hair ornament products including the polyester-based fiber for artificial hair and a method for producing the polyester-based fiber for artificial hair. Thus, the present invention provides a polyester-based fiber for artificial hair having a gloss and a texture that are similar to those of human hair, and hair ornament products including the polyester-based fiber for artificial hair. |
| US09560890B2 |
Multilayered perspiration controlling garments
Described herein are multi-layered fabrics that can be used to absorb perspiration. In certain aspects, these fabrics can be used to control, reduce, or prevent perspiration from bleeding through and being shown on the outer surface of a garment. For example, these garments can include, but are not limited to, a multilayered fabric having at least a first fabric layer configured to wick moisture away from a person's body, at least a second fabric layer configured to absorb the moisture, and at least a third fabric layer that does not absorb moisture. For example, the multi-layered fabric described herein can be included in the underarm regions of shirts (e.g., tee shirts) to absorb perspiration. |
| US09560889B1 |
Swimwear veil
A veil for a swimsuit bottom includes a body composed of a fabric material and configured to cover a portion of a bottom of the swimsuit; and a fastener secured to a top of the body and configured to engage with a top edge of the bottom of the swimsuit. The fastener being configured to removably secure the body to the bottom. |
| US09560881B2 |
Smokeless cigarette and method for the production thereof
Disclosed is a smokeless cigarette system comprising a reusable cigarette tube and a nicotine stick which can be discarded after use. The nicotine stick comprises a depot filter charged with a nanobead solution and nicotine and flavor substances attached thereto or incorporated therein, and a mouthpiece filter, which are joined together and produced at the factory stage. The disclosed smokeless cigarette is particularly suited for use in non-smoking areas to prevent stress caused by nicotine withdrawal and as a cigarette substitute, but can also be used in different types of cigarettes with varied dosage strengths to ensure gentle nicotine withdrawal and smoke disintoxication. Neither the environment nor other persons are harmed of put at risk by this system by either passive smoking or the generation of odour. The system can be handled in a simple and unproblematic manner since no heat source or heating systems are required. |
| US09560880B2 |
Container with removable adhesively held packets
The present invention provides a container comprising portion packets of a tobacco or non-tobacco snuff, wherein the portion packets are held in place on an interior surface of the container by an adhesive, a method for packing portion packets of a tobacco or non-tobacco snuff in a container, as well as use of an adhesive in such container for removable adhesion of said portion packets. |
| US09560877B2 |
Cereal-based product with improved eating quality fortified with dietary fiber and/or calcium
Inhibition of expansion of a cereal product, such as a ready-to-eat cereal, by a particulate insoluble component such as fiber and/or calcium is avoided by pelletizing the particulate insoluble component. A binder component, such as gelatinized starch, is used to bind particles of the particulate insoluble component into a coherent mass which is formed into non-expanded pellets for fortification of the cereal product. The expanded cereal products, such as extruded puffed RTE cereals which contain the pellets, exhibit a crisp, uniform texture and cell structure, improved, prolonged bowl life, a non-gritty mouthfeel, and a smooth, uniform surface appearance even though they are fortified with high amounts of the solid or particulate insoluble nutritional components. |
| US09560874B2 |
Treatment of animal carcasses
Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid. |
| US09560872B2 |
Flavoring composition concentrates
Rapidly dissolving flavoring composition concentrates are provided. The flavoring concentrate compositions have a flavor, a salt system, an acid, a sweetener, and a solvent present in an amount about 5 to about 30% by weight of the flavoring composition, wherein the flavoring composition is optimized to provide rapid and complete dispersion in water. |
| US09560869B2 |
Food composition comprising desferrichrysin
The present invention relates to a food composition. In particular the invention relates to a non-beverage food composition comprising desferrichrysin, iron, phenolic chromophore compounds and culinary fruit. Further aspects of the invention are the use of desferrichrysin to prevent color change in an iron fortified food product and a process for fortifying a food product with iron. |
| US09560867B2 |
Method for removal of metal ions from rice hull
A method for removal of metal ions from rice hulls. The method includes: 1) providing a water storage reactor, and disposing a gas dispersion device at the bottom of the water storage reactor; 2) bagging rice hulls, placing it in the water storage reactor, and pressing down on the bagged rice hulls to be lower than a water surface in the water storage reactor; 3) spraying industrial flue gas into the water storage reactor; controlling the amount of the industrial flue gas such that about 1 g of carbon dioxide is dissolved per 100 g of water, thus generating a carbonic acid solution; 4) allowing the carbonic acid solution to react with metal ions in the rice hulls to yield a precipitate; and 5) washing the rice hulls collected in step 4), washing again with desalinated water, and then squeezing the rice hulls. |
| US09560865B2 |
Piston operated dispenser unit for liquid or semi-liquid food products
A piston-operated dispenser unit for confectionery food products, comprising (I) a door (4) mountable on a dispensing mouth (5) of a machine (2) for making and instantaneously dispensing confectionery products; (II) at least one dispensing tap (9), in turn comprising a main body (10), extending frontally from the door (4) and forming, inside the door (4), an outflow duct (11) for the product to be dispensed, and a piston (13), slidably mounted inside the duct (11) and mobile between an open position and a closed position of the duct (11); (III) a manually operated lever (17), connected to the piston (13) for moving the piston (13) between the open position and the closed position of the duct (11), and vice versa; and (IV) a spring (24) operating on the piston (13) to apply an action for keeping the piston (13) in the closed position. |
| US09560860B2 |
Apparatus and method for decontaminating grain
Disclosed is an apparatus for decontaminating grain with ozone, where the apparatus includes a grain inlet, a decontamination chamber that includes a plurality of baffles and a plurality of ozone ports; and a grain outlet. Also disclosed is a method for decontaminating grain that includes contacting a gravity assisted or gravity driven flow of grain with ozone. |
| US09560855B1 |
Big game field dressing device
A big game field dressing device for expediting the gutting and cleaning of big game. The big game field dressing device includes an elongate base member; support members in communication with the elongate base member; an extension assembly including extension members in communication with the support members; and brace members in communication with the elongate base member. |
| US09560854B2 |
Mixture of lactic bacteria for the preparation of gluten free baked products
The present invention concerns a mixture of lactic bacteria for yeasting of gluten-free baked products. Particularly, the invention concerns the use of “natural yeast” based on selected lactic bacteria as yeasting agent for the production of gluten-free bread, with improved sensory and nutritional property, designed for celiac patients feeding. |
| US09560850B2 |
Tetrazolinone compound and use thereof
Disclosed is a tetrazolinone compound having a high pest control effect and represented by the formula (1): wherein R1, R2, R3, and R11 each represent a halogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or the like; R4 and R5 each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C3 alkyl group, or the like; R6 represents a C1-C3 alkyl group which may have a halogen atom(s) or the like; R7, R8, and R9 each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or the like; R10 represents a C1-C3 alkyl group or the like; R12 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C3-C6 cycloalkyl group, or the like, and R13 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C2-C6 alkenyl group, or the like. |
| US09560849B2 |
Antibacterial surfactant/microgel formulations, methods of making and methods of using the same
In a first broad aspect, described herein is an antimicrobial formulation comprised of: at least one nonionic surfactant capable of providing colloidal stability to the formulation, and at least one quaternized polymeric microgel capable of being dispersed in the nonionic surfactant. The quaternized polymeric microgel is comprised of one or more of: chitosan oligomers or chitosan polymers. Further, the antimicrobial formulation is essentially free of cationic surfactants. |
| US09560848B2 |
Method and compositions for biofouling deterrence
A method of deterring biofouling of a surface comprising attaching an adduct having formula (I) or noradrenalin to the surface. Formula (I) being defined as compounds that have the formula A-L-R wherein A is i) a C6 or C10 substituted aryl ring, or ii) a C1-C9 substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl ring: L is a linking group, and R is a primary amino moiety comprising unit. |
| US09560846B2 |
System for hypothermic transport of biological samples
A system for the hypothermic (2-8° C.) transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes a first transport container to suspend the sample in preservation fluid and provides an ability to monitor the temperature of the sample. The first transport container, holding the sample, is placed in an insulated second transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature. |
| US09560844B2 |
Magnetically attachable spray apparatus
The present invention provides an improved magnetically attachable spray apparatus with a spray body extending between an angled mounting surface and a spray means, the angled mounting surface being generally secured to and supported by a magnetically attachable base which is moveable between a horizontal and a vertical configuration. |
| US09560840B2 |
Fishing line reel with rapid line payout
A reel for fishing line or the like provides for extremely rapid payout by releasing the line to unwind by sliding rapidly around a guide surrounding the line spool and by rotation of the line spool itself. A lever controls a line guide preventing sliding of the fishing line around the guide and providing controllable friction and locking of rotation of the line spool only when actuated by the user to permit retraction of the line or controlled tensioning of the line. |
| US09560839B2 |
Physico-chemical process for removal of nitrogen species from recirculated aquaculture systems
The present invention provides processes for removing nitrogen species from fresh water or high salinity water recirculated aquaculture systems. The processes are based on physico-chemical treatments which are performed at ambient temperatures and at low p H values thus keeping the total ammonia nitrogen concentrations below a value which is considered detrimental for the growth or survival rate of cultured fish/shrimp. |
| US09560838B1 |
Artificial structure for attracting fish
A structure for attracting fish in lakes and ponds is presented that includes a central mast with one or more angled shafts for the fish to rest upon and congregate near. |
| US09560836B2 |
Retractable animal tether
An apparatus for tethering an animal is disclosed. The apparatus has a leash housing, a retractor assembly contained within the leash housing, a tether with a first end connected to the retractor assembly and a second end extensible through a leash connector cavity opening disposed in the leash housing and connected to a leash connector, and at least one leash connector release that is capable of being depressed by a leash connector cavity wall when the leash connector is retracted into the leash connector cavity. |
| US09560830B2 |
Tobacco inbred and hybrid plants and uses thereof
The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants TN90 SRC, CMS TN90 SRC, KY14 SRC, CMS KY14 SRC, L8 SRC, NC775 SRC, CMS NC775 SRC, NC645 SRC, NC638 SRC, CMS NC638 SRC, TN86 SRC, and CMS TN86 SRC, and hybrids KY14×L8 SRC, NC7 SRC, and NCBH129 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids. |
| US09560829B1 |
Soybean variety XR47AG15X
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XR47AG15X. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XR47AG15X. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XR47AG15X and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XR47AG15X with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09560827B1 |
Soybean variety XR45C15X
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XR45C15X. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XR45C15X. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XR45C15X and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XR45C15X with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09560822B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH100298
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH100298. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH100298, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH100298 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 CH100298. |
| US09560821B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH029616
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH029616. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH029616, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH029616 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 CH029616. |
| US09560816B2 |
Soybean cultivar S130079
A soybean cultivar designated S130079 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S130079, to the plants of soybean cultivar S130079, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S130079, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S130079. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S130079. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S130079, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S130079 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09560814B2 |
Brilliant white cauliflower
The present invention includes cauliflowers with enhanced whiteness and methods for obtaining such cauliflowers. The present invention also provides reagents that can be used in methods for obtaining such cauliflowers. |
| US09560813B2 |
Building with integrated greenhouse
A high-rise building (1) is described, which comprises a building structure (2) with floor structures (3), a double-skin façade comprising a first skin (5) and a second skin (6). The high-rise building also comprises at least one conveying system (7, 7′, 7″) arranged between the skins (5, 6) of the double-skin façade and arranged for moving trays (8) vertically between the skins (5, 6) between a starting position (9, 9′, 9″) and an end position (10, 10′, 10″). The conveying system (7, 7′, 7″) comprises essentially horizontal track portions (14) each having a length axis (15), track connecting means (18) which connect the track portions (14), and conveying means for movement of the trays (8) along the length axis (15) of the track portions (14) and along the track connecting means (19). |
| US09560810B2 |
Debris blower
A debris blower includes an engine mounted to an engine mount and connected to a turbine. The engine mount and housing of the turbine are respectively mounted between a second side of a frame and first and second longitudinal supports connected to and between first and second sides of the frame. A screen guard is secured utilizing bolts extending in a non-rotatable manner from a top plate connected between the second longitudinal support and the second side. Due to the frame and engine mount having a parallelism and flatness tolerance, the engine and turbine can be aligned without shimming. A sensor senses first and second trip devices positioned at circumferential locations on the exit nozzle to rotate the exit nozzle to preset angles. Remote and hard wire controls each include direction and speed switches. A resume switch throttles the engine between idle and operating speeds. |
| US09560807B2 |
Wrapping device and method for wrapping an object
The invention relates to a wrapping device to wrap an object, such as a bale, in foil material, including at least one clamping and cutting device to clamp the foil material after wrapping of the object, and to cut the clamped foil material, wherein the clamping and cutting device includes a catch element having a curved guiding element which is guided in a bearing, wherein the catch element is translatable between a catch position to catch the foil material and a clamp position in which the foil material can be clamped in order to facilitate cutting of the foil material. |
| US09560805B2 |
Backwater valve assembly and method
The present disclosure is directed to a backwater valve assembly comprising a main valve body, a flapper sub-assembly, and a cap. The main valve body has an inner wall that can define a recess into which the flapper sub-assembly can be removably secured. The flapper sub-assembly includes at least one flapper element that can pivot between an open position, in which the flapper element allows fluid to flow through the backwater valve assembly, and a closed position, in which the flapper element prevents fluid from flowing in the opposite direction. The flapper sub-assembly can be removably coupled to the cap to allow the flapper sub-assembly and cap to be installed in or removed from the main valve body together as a unitary assembly. |
| US09560802B1 |
Tailings plug reduction
A sensor signal is received, and is indicative of a sensed parameter. A metric is generated that indicates a likelihood of a tailings elevator plug, based upon the sensed parameter. A controller determines whether adjustments to controllable mechanisms are to be made, based upon the metric, in order to avoid a tailings elevator plug and, if so, automatically makes the adjustments. |
| US09565794B2 |
Wireless power transmission system, power transmitting device, and power receiving device
This wireless power transmission system includes: a power transmitting antenna and a power receiving antenna arranged to face each other and not to be in contact with each other; and an electromagnetic shield structure that includes a first shield and a second shield to house, in its inner space, the power transmitting and power receiving antennas facing each other. The first and second shields are configured to make first and second spaces to house the power transmitting and power receiving antennas, respectively. At least one of the first and second shields includes a protruding portion that is parallel to at least one of the power transmitting and power receiving antennas and that protrudes out of the shield sidewalls. Power is transmitted by a non-contact method through a radio frequency magnetic field from the power transmitting antenna to the power receiving antenna. |
| US09565785B2 |
Fan securing device and fan assembly having the same
A fan securing device includes first and second holders. The first holder includes a first holding frame that has two holding slots located in opposite sides of the first holding frame, and two first locking units respectively formed adjacent to the holding slots. The second holder includes a second holding frame that has two connecting arms located on opposite sides of the second holding frame and extending respectively into the holding slots. Each connecting arm has a plurality of second locking units. Each first locking unit engages a selected one of the second locking units of a respective one of the connecting arms so as to clamp at least one cooling fan between the first and second surfaces. |
| US09565769B2 |
LED linear lighting kit
An LED lighting kit comprises an extrusion (300), an LED strip (100), a tapered wedge (1500), and a mounting clip (1200). The extrusion itself may have a recessed linear groove of sufficient width and depth to seat the LED strip. The clip is sized and shaped to springably engage ledges (320) in a first channel (310) of the extrusion when the strip is mounted. In one aspect, two extrusions are butted end-to-end and are aligned by inserting the tapered wedge into the first channel of each extrusion prior to butting them together. The extrusion contains a second channel (315) that houses the LED strip. A translucent diffuser (900) is springably inserted into the second channel, thereby diffusing light that is emitted by the LED strip. |
| US09565764B2 |
Inductor and MMIC
An inductor includes a first coil, an input terminal electrically connected to an outermost portion of the first coil, a first insulating film on the first coil, a second coil on the first insulating film, a second insulating film on the second coil, a third coil on the second insulating film, connection conductors that connect the first coil to the second coil at locations so that a signal propagates through outside portions of the first coil and the second coil before propagating through other portions of the first coil and the second coil, a central portion connection conductor that connects a central portion of the first coil or a central portion of the second coil to a central portion of the third coil, and an output terminal electrically connected to an outermost portion of the third coil. |
| US09565760B2 |
Wiring board and method of manufacturing the same
In a wiring board, on an insulating layer of an outermost layer, there are provided a plurality of strip-shaped wiring conductors which are partially provided with semiconductor element connection pads to which electrode terminals of a semiconductor element are connected, at positions which prevent the semiconductor element connection pads adjacent to each other from being laterally arranged, and a solder resist layer having openings for individually exposing the semiconductor element connection pads is adhered on the insulating board as the outermost layer and on the strip-shaped wiring conductors, wherein the solder resist layer internally contains an insulating filler, and the insulating filler is sunk below the upper surfaces of the strip-shaped wiring conductors. |
| US09565759B2 |
Axiocentric scrubbing land grid array contacts and methods for fabrication
A contact structure and assembly for a microelectronics device includes first and second electrically conductive contacts being helically shaped. A carrier element is attached to and positioned between the first and second contacts. The first and second contacts are in electrical communication with each other, and the first and second contacts are in a mirror image relationship with each other. A pair of insulating substrates each include electrically conductive members. A contact point on each of the first and second contacts is attached and electrically communicating to respective electrically conductive members such that the first and second electrically conductive contacts between the pair of insulating substrates form an electrically conductive package. A metal layer on the carrier element provides electrical conductivity through a first opening defined by the carrier element between the first and second portions of the helix shaped contact. |
| US09565758B2 |
Alkali silicate glass based coating and method for applying
A coating for reducing interaction between a surface and the environment around the surface includes an alkali silicate glass material configured to protect the surface from environmental corrosion due to water or moisture. The alkali silicate glass material is doped with a first element to affect various forms of radiation passing through the coating. The electromagnetic radiation is at least one of ultraviolet, x-ray, atomic (gamma, alpha, beta), and electromagnetic or radio wave radiation. The coating may also be used to protect a solar cell from the environment and UV rays while retransmitting received light as usable light for conversion into electrical energy. The coating may also be used to prevent whisker formation in metal finishes of tin, cadmium, zinc, etc. |
| US09565757B2 |
Electronic component and manufacturing method therefor
The electronic component of this invention includes a multilayer ceramic substrate 14 composed of a plurality of ceramic layers 12. A wiring electrode 16 and a planar electrode 18 are formed on a ceramic layer 12, which is an insulating layer. The planar electrode 18 is formed so as to be spaced apart from the wiring electrode 16 at the certain interval. An edge portion 22 is formed in a region of the planar electrode 18 adjacent to and spaced apart from the wiring electrode 16 at a certain interval. A central portion 20 is formed in a region of the planar electrode 18 other than the edge portion 22. At least the composition of the central portion 20 is different from the composition of the wiring electrode 16, and the composition of the edge portion 22 is the same as the composition of the wiring electrode 16. |
| US09565756B2 |
Wiring board and method for manufacturing the same
A wiring board includes a first insulation layer, first conductive patterns formed on the first insulation layer, a second insulation layer formed on the first insulation layer and the first conductive patterns and having an opening portion, a wiring structure accommodated in the opening portion of the second insulation layer and including an insulation layer and conductive patterns on the insulation layer, second conductive patterns formed on the second insulation layer; and a via conductor formed in the second insulation layer and connecting one of the first conductive patterns and one of the second conductive patterns. |
| US09565755B2 |
Electronic component
A semiconductor device includes: a wiring board including a first electrode pad on a surface thereof; a circuit board disposed to stand on the wiring board, and including an interconnection connected to the first electrode pad; and a semiconductor package disposed to face the wiring board with the circuit board interposed therebetween, and including a second electrode pad on a surface thereof, the second electrode pad being connected to the interconnection. |
| US09565754B2 |
Solder-mounted board, production method therefor, and semiconductor device
The present invention provides a solder-mounted board which realizes reliable mounting of a component thereon; a method for producing the board; and a semiconductor device. The solder-mounted board includes a substrate; a wiring layer; a solder pad for mounting a component by the mediation of the solder; and an insulating layer which covers the wiring layer such that at least the solder pad is exposed, the wiring layer, the solder pad, and the insulating layer being provided on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the insulating layer is formed of a first insulating layer provided on the substrate and the wiring layer, and a second insulating layer provided on at least a portion of the first insulating layer. |
| US09565747B2 |
Asymmetric induction devices and systems and methods using them
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices, systems and methods that comprise asymmetric induction devices. In some instances, the device can include a plurality of plate electrodes which can be spaced asymmetrically or a plurality of coils which can be spaced asymmetrically. |
| US09565743B2 |
Load control unit
In a load control unit, three R, G, and B LED chips that constitute each light source (33a-33d) of reading lamps (25-31) and a connector (35) with a built-in controller are mounted on a circuit board (37) to thereby eliminate the connection of a controller (35b) built into the connector (35) with the built-in controller and the respective light sources (33a-33d) by signal lines. In addition, the controller (35b) and a lighting ECU (43) are connected by a multiplex communication line (39), and the multiplex communication line (39) is routed in pillars (15, 17) of a vehicle (1). Consequently, the number of wires can be reduced compared with when individual wires connected to the respective light sources (33a-33d) are passed through the pillars (15, 17), and thereby making it possible to effectively use limited spaces within the pillars (15, 17) through which many other wires are passed. |
| US09565742B2 |
Battery-powered retrofit remote control device
A remote control device may be configured to be mounted over the toggle actuator of a light switch and to control a load control device via wireless communication. The remote control device may include a base portion and a rotating portion supported by the base portion so as to be rotatable about the base portion. The remote control device may include a control circuit and a wireless communication circuit. The control circuit may be operably coupled to the rotating portion and to the wireless communication circuit. The control circuit may be configured to translate a force applied to the rotating portion of the remote control device into a control signal and to cause the communication circuit to transmit the control signal to the load control device. |
| US09565741B2 |
Occupancy sensor with integral emergency interface
A system and method provide fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method provides daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area. |
| US09565738B2 |
Flexible display panel and display apparatus including the same
A flexible display panel and a display apparatus including the flexible display panel are disclosed. The flexible display panel includes an encapsulated panel, a first protective film on one side of the encapsulated panel, and a second protective film on another side of the encapsulated panel. The encapsulated panel includes a flexible panel and a flexible encapsulation member on the flexible panel. The flexible panel includes a first region on a first plane and that includes a display region, and a second region on a second plane that is bent with respect to the first plane and that includes a non-display region. The flexible encapsulation member encapsulates the display region. The display apparatus also includes a support unit for maintaining a shape of the flexible panel. |
| US09565732B2 |
Lighting nodes having a core node and sensor pods
A method and a system of lighting nodes having a core node and sensor pods is described. A core node, representing a master device, is positioned within a luminaire housing to enable lighting control for the luminaire. At least one peripheral device representing an integrated sensor pod, an external sensor pod, or a video node. Each of the peripheral devices representing a slave device and includes one or more sensors for detecting conditions. A pod bus, representing a master-slave bus, enables power signals to be transmitted to each of the peripheral devices. The pod bus also enables the core node to query each of the peripheral devices and each of the peripheral devices to respond to a query from the core node. |
| US09565729B2 |
Dimming drive circuit and illumination apparatus including the dimming drive circuit
Various embodiments may relate to a dimming drive circuit for an illumination apparatus and an illumination apparatus including the dimming drive circuit, wherein the dimming drive circuit includes a filter circuit unit and a bleeder circuit unit, a main control module connected to the filter circuit unit and the bleeder circuit unit, respectively, and an auxiliary control module configured to reduce the current of the bleeder circuit unit and/or to switch off the bleeder circuit unit according to a characteristic input current of the dimming drive circuit prior to switch-off of the bleeder circuit unit by the main control module in a first operation state of the dimming drive circuit, and to prevent the filter circuit unit from releasing electrical energy via the bleeder circuit unit in a second operation state of the dimming drive circuit. |
| US09565718B2 |
System and method for detecting and transmitting medical device alarm with a smartphone application
A system and method provide for relaying a medical device alarm to a remote location without having a device electrically interconnected with the medical device. The system includes a relay device having software that can store specific alarm patterns or sequences for one or more alarms for a medical device. The relay device can then detect one or more of an audible, visual or tactile alarm from the medical device through corresponding devices or sensors in the relay device. Upon detection of an alarm, the relay device can transmit information pertaining to the alarm to a remote device to notify a user of the remote device of the medical device alarm. |
| US09565712B1 |
Methods and apparatus to improve a network connection via a connected vehicle
Methods are apparatus are disclosed to improve a network connection of a cellular-enabled device via a connected vehicle. An example method disclosed herein includes establishing a first connection between the cellular-enabled vehicle and the first cellular-enabled device using a short distance radio frequency protocol. The first connection is based on a first connection relationship. The example method also includes establishing a second connection between the cellular-enabled vehicle and a cellular network using a first subscriber identifier stored in the first cellular-enabled device. The example method disclosed herein also includes sending a request to the first cellular-enabled device to end a third connection between the first cellular-enabled device and the cellular network while the first connection exists. The example method also includes routing first cellular data associated with the first cellular-enable device between the cellular network and the first cellular-enable device via the first connection. |
| US09565709B2 |
Wireless communication device and method capable of peer-to-peer interconnection
The present invention discloses a wireless communication device capable of establishing peer-to-peer connection passively or actively. The device conforms to an IEEE 802.11 standard, and comprises: a control block, a transmission circuit and a reception circuit. When the device intends to passively establish peer-to-peer connection, said control block generates a local-end peer-to-peer connection message which includes a local-end group owner intent but isn't generated in response to any known/detected device; said transmission circuit broadcasts a local-end peer-to-peer connection packet according to the message; and said reception circuit receives a connection-end peer-to-peer connection request from a connection-end for the first time after broadcasting the message, wherein the request includes a connection-end group owner decision related to the local-end group owner intent. Accordingly, after receiving the request, the wireless communication device functions as a master or a slave according to the decision, and then establishes the peer-to-peer connection with the first connection-end. |
| US09565705B2 |
Apparatus and method for avoiding message collision between V2V communication
An apparatus for avoiding a message collision between vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communications may include a channel busy percentage (CBP) determiner configured to determine a CBP and a controller configured to establish a data rate based on the determined CBP. When the CBP exceeds a preset reference value, the controller may adapt the data rate to an upper data rate. A method, system, and computer readable medium are further disclosed for performing the same. |
| US09565703B2 |
Method of handling time alignment command during a random access procedure
Disclosed is the radio (wireless) communication system providing a radio communication service and the terminal, and more particularly, a method of handling time alignment command during a random access procedure in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) evolved from the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system is provided. |
| US09565699B2 |
Method of performing polling procedure in a wireless communication system
A method of generating a data block for performing a polling procedure in a wireless communication system, a method of transmitting data and a method of performing a polling procedure are disclosed. A protocol layer performs the polling procedure for requesting a receiving side to transmit status report if there are no data to be transmitted to the receiving side in both a transmission buffer and a retransmission buffer. When determining whether there are no data to be transmitted to the receiving side in the retransmission buffer, it is preferable that a data block for which retransmission request information is not received from the receiving side is excluded. |
| US09565698B2 |
Base station and terminal for a cellular communications system
The invention relates to a base station (10) for a cellular communications system, wherein said cellular communications system preferably operates according to the long term evolution, LTE, standard, wherein said base station (10) is configured to transmit random access information, which comprises information on random access procedures associated with said base station (10), and/or scheduling information. |
| US09565697B2 |
Method and a system for scheduling the downlink in long term evolution (LTE) networks based on quality of service (QoS)
The method includes: performing a packet scheduling for a plurality of user terminals (UEs) based on information regarding QoS classes, the information regarding QoS classes is included in QoS class identifiers received from an Evolved Packet Core providing communication services to the user terminals. The method further includes receiving channel quality indicators from the plurality of user terminals and performing the scheduling also on the basis of the received channel quality indicators. The system of the invention is arranged to implement the method of the invention. |
| US09565690B2 |
Medium access control method enhancement
The exemplary embodiments provide at least a method of receiving, by a node of a wireless communication network, more than one indication of data required to be sent from devices in the network, determining that provisioning resources to send the data in response to each of the more than one indication exceeds at least one threshold, and based on the determining, sending a probe message including a priority constraint to the devices. Further, receiving, at a device of a wireless communication network, a probe message from a network node of the network, the probe message identifying a priority constraint, sending, by the device, an acknowledgement to the probe message, the acknowledgment indicating that the device has data to send which meets or exceeds the priority constraint identified in the probe message, and in response to the acknowledgment, receiving from the network node a resource allocation to send the data. |
| US09565676B1 |
Methods and systems for serving a mobility-limited user equipment device using carrier aggregation
Methods and systems for providing a mobility-limited user equipment device (UE) are disclosed. While a first base station serves a UE in a first coverage area on a first carrier, either the first base station or the UE makes a first determination that the UE is substantially stationary. Responsive to at least making the first determination, the first base station causes the UE to receive service on a second carrier concurrently with the first base station continuing to serve the UE in the first coverage area on the first carrier. By way of example, the first base station may provide the second carrier in the first coverage area, or a second base station may provide the second carrier in a second coverage area. |
| US09565674B2 |
Almost blank subframe configuration in wireless networks
A base station broadcasts first parameters identifying a first set of subframes on a first carrier as almost blank subframes. The base station transmits to a wireless device at least one unicast message comprising second parameters identifying a second set of subframes on a second carrier as almost blank subframes. |
| US09565671B2 |
Method and apparatus of bearer grouping for data transmission in a broadband wireless network
A method for grouping bearers for data transmission by a Base Station (BS) in a wireless communication network are provided. The method includes sending a bearer request to a data gateway, and receiving a bearer response from the data gateway with parameters associated with grouping of the bearers. |
| US09565669B2 |
Base station, terminal, transmission method, and reception method
Disclosed is a base station capable of appropriately configuring a resource on which EPDCCH is located when soft combining is applied. The base station includes configuration section (102) that configures an EPDCCH set in a plurality of subframes, the EPDCCH set being formed of ECCEs to which control information (assignment information) transmitted over the plurality of subframes is assigned; and an assignment section (105) that assigns the control information to any of the ECCEs in each of the plurality of subframes. |
| US09565662B2 |
Method for carrier management in a carrier aggregation environment of a mobile communication system
Disclosed is a carrier management method for use in a carrier aggregation environment of a mobile communication system. In the method, a base station is configured to transmit a deactivation message for a secondary carrier to a terminal and change the secondary carrier to a deactivation state after a predetermined time from the transmission of the deactivation message. The terminal receives the deactivation message transmitted by the base station, and changes the secondary carrier to the deactivation state after a predetermined time from the transmission of the deactivation message. As the predetermined time, a predefined value may be used to prevent inconsistency of secondary-carrier state information that is managed by the base station and the terminal. If the carrier state management information is used, it is possible to prevent inconsistency of secondary-carrier states that are managed by the base station and the terminal and solve problems due to the inconsistency. |
| US09565657B2 |
IOT enabled wireless one-go/all-go platform sensor network solution for connected home security systems
A system is provided that includes a base station of a security system having a wireless transceiver, a processor of the base station that periodically transmits a beacon under a 6LowPan/Iot protocol defining an information transfer super frame having a plurality of time division multiple access (TDMA) slots, a plurality of remotely located devices, each with a sound transducer and a wireless transceiver that exchanges messages with the base station within the TDMA slots of the super frame, and a respective processor within each of the plurality of remotely located devices that determines a sound activation pattern and a location of a multicast slot within the super frame from the beacon, detects an activation message within the multicast slot, and activates the sound transducer based upon the location of the multicast slot in accordance with the sound activation pattern. |
| US09565655B2 |
Method and apparatus to detect the transmission bandwidth configuration of a channel in connection with reducing interference between channels in wireless communication systems
In a method of detecting a transmission bandwidth configuration, the method includes monitoring (610) a first set of control channel candidates in a subframe (424) using a first transmission bandwidth and includes monitoring (612) a second set of control channel candidates using a second transmission bandwidth. The method also includes detecting (614) a control channel (428) in one of the first set of control channel candidates and the second set of control channel candidates and includes determining (616) a transmission bandwidth (421, 423) configuration for the subframe based on the detected control channel of one of the first set of control candidates and the second set of control channel candidates. |
| US09565653B2 |
Apparatus and method for multiple pagings in broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for operating a paging control in a broadband wireless communication system are provided. The method includes receiving paging information used to determine a location of a paging listening interval in an idle mode, determining whether multiple pagings are applied, using a maximum paging number field contained in the paging information, determining locations of a plurality of paging listening intervals in a paging cycle using a paging spacing value and an initial paging offset contained in the paging information, and determining whether the terminal is paged in each of the paging listening intervals. |
| US09565652B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring a paging message in M2M communications
Provided are a method and an apparatus for monitoring a paging message in machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. An M2M device receives a paging setup for initiating an idle mode from a base station. The paging setup includes information indicating a paging cycle, a first paging offset, and a second paging offset. In the idle mode, the M2M device monitors the transmission of a paging message at the first paging offset of the paging cycle. If the paging message is not received at the first paging offset, the M2M device monitors the transmission of the paging message at the second paging offset of the paging cycle. |
| US09565648B2 |
Methods and apparatus to provide extended voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services
Methods and apparatus to provide extended voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services are disclosed. An example residential gateway comprises a radio frequency (RF) detector to detect a presence of a cellular communication device, a service controller to enable a VoIP communication device when the cellular communication device is present, wherein the VoIP communication device and the cellular communication device are different devices. |
| US09565647B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing a time-alignment guard timer
A method and apparatus may include receiving a time-alignment value for a time-alignment timer. The method may also include starting the time-alignment timer. The method may also include transmitting one or more uplink transmissions. The uplink transmission is transmitted while the time-alignment timer is running. The method may also include receiving an updated time-alignment while the time-alignment timer is running, if the timing of the uplink transmission is determined to be correct. The method may also include applying the updated time-alignment, if the updated time-alignment is received. The method may also include stopping uplink transmissions, if no updated time alignment is received. |
| US09565643B2 |
Power determining method, user equipment, and base station
Embodiments of the present invention provide a power determining method, a user equipment, and a base station. The method includes: determining an initial transmit power of each transmission object in a transmission object set; when a sum of initial transmit powers of all the transmission objects in the transmission object set is greater than a maximum transmit power, performing a power reduction operation based on a priority sequence of information corresponding to the transmission objects, so as to acquire an available transmit power of each transmission object in the transmission object set, where a sum of available transmit powers of all the transmission objects in the transmission object set is not greater than the maximum transmit power; and sending each transmission object in the transmission object set according to the available transmit power corresponding to each transmission object in the transmission object set. |
| US09565640B2 |
Power control method and apparatus in wireless access system
The present invention provides methods for transmitting a scheduling request (SR) in a wireless access system supporting a multiple connection mode, in which a terminal is connected to two or more small cells, and apparatuses supporting the same. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for transmitting an SR, by a terminal, in a wireless access system supporting a multiple connection mode comprises the steps of: receiving an upper layer signal including an SR parameter for SR transmission from a first small cell which is in a multiple connection mode state; generating an SR on the basis of the SR parameter; and transmitting the SR using a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signal. Herein, the SR parameter is pre-set by negotiation between the first small cell and a second small cell which is in a multiple connection mode. Furthermore, in the multiple connection mode, the terminal maintains multiple connections with two or more small cells including the first small cell and the second small cell, and the first small cell and the second small cell may be connected to each other via a non-ideal backhaul link. |
| US09565639B2 |
Battery charge reservation for emergency communications
A wireless communications device and method for establishing a voltage threshold at which to turn off electronics of a wireless communications device includes determining a power threshold level at which a device is to be shut off when a battery of the device reaches or drops below the power threshold level. The determined power threshold level may be offset. The amount of power remaining for the battery in the communications device may be measured. The communication device may be shut off based on the offset power threshold level so as to preserve enough power for an emergency message to be generated and sent in the case of an emergency. |
| US09565638B2 |
Mobile terminal device, and control method for mobile terminal device
A mobile telephone includes a communication module, and a control module configured to perform background communication with respect to an application via the communication module. The control module restricts background communication, based on an activation history of the application in foreground. The control module includes a determination module configured to determine whether background communication is unnecessary based on the activation history of the application in foreground with respect to each of the applications, and a setting switching module configured to switch communication setting of the application, of which background communication is determined to be unnecessary, from a first setting of permitting the background communication to a second setting of restricting the background communication. |
| US09565637B2 |
High power channel state notification for mobile applications
Systems and methods for providing high power channel state notification, management, and optimization are provided. In some embodiments, data transmissions from mobile devices to remote servers are managed. For example, the operating system, lower level apparatus, or software bundle, sequentially align, or otherwise coordinate the messages to be transmitted during each high power channel state. In addition, the impact to the application and user experience can be utilized in managing the transmissions. In some cases, various embodiments provide the application with the knowledge (e.g., the optimal moment, transmission schedule, etc.) for the transmission of its data. In addition, some embodiments allow the application to piggy back a data transmission that might otherwise be delayed on already open high speed channel to increase the devices performance data transfer. |
| US09565633B2 |
Opportunistic information forwarding using wireless terminals in the internet-of-things
A capability for opportunistic forwarding of information using a wireless terminal is presented. An energy limited node includes a wake-up circuit configured to detect a wake-up signal from a wireless terminal where the wake-up signal includes a modulated waveform signal, and a communication module configured to switch, based on a control signal generated by the wake-up circuit, from a sleep mode in which the communication module is not operable to communicate with the wireless terminal to an active mode in which the communication module is operable to communicate with the wireless terminal. A wireless terminal includes a first wireless communication interface configured for communication with a device using a wireless communication protocol, a second wireless communication interface configured for wireless communication with a wireless access node of a wireless network, and a processor configured to support opportunistic forwarding of information between the device and the wireless access node of the wireless network. |
| US09565632B2 |
Managing ultra low energy (ULE) devices using a base station capable of entering a no emission mode (NEMO)
A method that includes operating a base station at a first operational mode thereby preventing the base station from a periodically transmitting a beacon; detecting, by the base station, a transmission from a first wireless communication device; determining, by the base station and in response to the transmission from the first wireless communication device, whether to continue operating in the no emission mode or to enter a emission mode during which the base station is allowed to transmit the beacon; and entering the second operational mode, if it is determined to enter the second operational mode, and sending the beacon to the first wireless communication device. |
| US09565630B2 |
Energy saving method, user equipment and network-side network element
Disclosed are a power-saving method, a user equipment and a network-side network element which can reduce power consumption of UEs. The power saving method includes: a user equipment (UE) requesting to enter into a power-saving state or a network-side network element indicating the UE to enter into the power-saving state; and the UE entering into the power-saving state, wherein the power-saving state refers to a state in which the UE cannot respond to paging information sent by the network side, but can send a service request and perform periodic location update. A UE includes a sending module and a processing module. Another UE includes a receiving module and a processing module. The network-side network element includes a configuring module and a storing module. |
| US09565628B2 |
Energy saving functionality for small cells in E-UTRA and E-UTRAN
Apparatus and method are provided for small cell energy saving. In one novel aspect, switch-off-request is broadcasted by the small cell detecting the low-load condition. The small cells upon receiving the switch-off-request message enter the frozen state, which prevents the small cells from switching off. In another novel aspect, the small cell in the low-load condition request measurement reports from the UEs. The UEs replies with the measurement-reports message, which includes the detected neighboring IDs and the UE's traffic load. The low-load small cell includes the information derived from the measurement-reports in the switch-off-request message. In another novel aspect, the small cell broadcasts the switch-on-request message. Upon receiving switch-on-acknowledge messages from switched-off neighboring small cells, the small cell selects one or more target cells to send the cell-activation-request. The switched-off small cells, upon receiving the request to switch-on, uses a cost function to determine whether to switch on. |
| US09565624B2 |
Selective scanning for legacy radio coverage in idle mode
A mobile device may implement an idle mode process in order to selectively scan for legacy radio coverage using a timer-based scanning process. A mobile device may operate in idle mode and may establish a long term evolution (LTE) radio link with a nearby cell site. The idle mode process implemented by the mobile device may include evaluating one or more criteria that are indicative of whether the mobile device is capable of providing sufficient voice service capabilities using voice over LTE (VoLTE). Based on the criteria evaluation, a timer-based scanning process may be initiated. When the timer-based scanning process is initiated, the mobile device may scan for legacy radio coverage periodically. If no legacy radio coverage is available, the mobile device may indicate that voice services are unavailable. |
| US09565619B2 |
Wireless network
A wireless network is provided. The wireless network includes a predetermined wireless router and a plurality of wireless routers. The predetermined wireless router has gateway functionality for accessing an external network. Each wireless router of the wireless routers has a single transceiver, and the wireless routers include at least a wireless router which communicates with other wireless router(s) in the wireless network for forwarding network packets by using a single fixed channel and at least a wireless router which communicates with other wireless router(s) in the wireless network for forwarding network packets by using a plurality of channels. |
| US09565614B2 |
Method for controlling handoff of IEEE 802.22 network-based mobile terminal
The present invention relates to a method for controlling handoff of a mobile terminal, and more specifically, to a method for controlling handoff of a mobile terminal in an IEEE 802.22 wireless regional area network (WRAN) communication standard for defining communication of a fixed terminal which uses a frequency band that is not regionally used among television broadcasting frequency bands. |
| US09565613B2 |
Communication system and communication controlling method
A communication method in LIPA/SIPTO architecture is provided which, when a user equipment (UE) is to connect from a serving area to an external network, allows re-selection of an optimal gateway. The communication method allows selecting a gateway apparatus physically or topologically close to a site, where the user equipment is attached. |
| US09565611B2 |
Wireless device, network node and methods therein, computer programs and computer-readable mediums comprising the computer programs, for cell monitoring for cell reselection
A wireless device obtains information associated with N layers, which may be used for cell reselection. The information comprises which M layers out of the N layers are to be used for monitoring according to detection and measurement requirements for absolute priority reselection. The wireless device monitors layers, of any priority, only out of the M layers, when one or more first signal measurements on a serving cell are below or equal to a first threshold, or when one or more second signal measurements on the serving cell are below or equal to a second threshold. The wireless device monitors layers with a priority higher than a priority of the serving layer out of the N layers when the one or more first signal measurements are above the first threshold, and when the one or more second signal measurements are above the signal threshold. |
| US09565610B2 |
Pico cell wireless local area network (WLAN)
A pico cell wireless LAN and pre-emptive roaming algorithm is provided to allow mobile devices in the WLAN to hand-off to another different access point quickly and efficiently. Once associated with an access point (AP), the mobile device receives information about neighboring APs that may be available for hand-off during roaming (or insufficient signal strength). Signal strength of the associated AP is continuously monitored and if signal strength from the associated AP falls below a threshold, the mobile device measures signal strength of the neighboring APs in the list, ranks them, and selects an AP for hand-off. AP load and other information may be used to rank the neighboring APs. The mobile device hands-off to (or associates with) one of the neighboring APs, if appropriate. Hand-offs are attempted in order or rank. |
| US09565606B2 |
Controlling signal transmission in radio units
Described embodiments provide controlling signal transmission in a plurality of radio units. The plurality of radio units may be coupled to a digital unit. The digital unit may be spatially separated from the plurality of radio units. Signal quality measurements may be received from multiple radio units when a user equipment is located within an overlapping service area of the multiple radio units. Determination may be made as to whether to simultaneously use at least two of the multiple radio units to transmit a data signal to the user equipment based on the received signal quality measurements. At least two of the multiple radio units may be controlled to transmit a same data signal to the user equipment using a same channel based on the determination result. |
| US09565605B1 |
Small cell, macro cell and transmission assist method for small cell
A small cell, a macro cell and a transmission assist method are provided. The small cell includes a transceiver and a processor. The processor generates a radio link failure (RLF) indication message when determining that an RLF count in a licensed band between the small cell and a user equipment reaches a threshold. The transceiver transmits the RLF indication message to the macro cell, and receives a modification request message from the macro cell. The modification message includes resource configuration information, and the resource configuration information indicates an unlicensed band radio resource of an unlicensed band. After confirming via the transceiver that the unlicensed band radio resource is available for data transmission with the user equipment, the processor generates a modification request acknowledge message, and transmits the modification request acknowledge message to the macro cell via the transceiver. |
| US09565601B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling cell reselections and transitions to and from an enhanced cell—FACH state
A method and apparatus for handling cell reselections and transitions includes executing a cell reselection. A medium access control (MAC)-ehs reset is performed. |
| US09565600B2 |
Radio communication system, radio terminal, radio station, evolved packet core, and information gathering method
The present invention is a radio communication system in which a radio terminal obtains measurement information designated by a network in an idle state and reports the obtained measurement information in an active state, the radio communication system comprising: a radio station con to operate a first cell of a first Radio Access Technology, wherein, in the first cell, the radio station comprises; notifying means configured to notify the radio terminal of first configuration information related to obtainment of the measurement information in the first cell; and a request means configured to request the radio terminal to obtain, after the radio terminal moves to a second cell of a second Radio Access Technology different from the first Radio Access Technology, the measurement information in the second cell. |
| US09565597B2 |
Radio communication method, relay station and mobile station
In a mobile communication system, a mobile station receives intermittently a channel transmitted by a first or second base station through a relay station. Herein, the relay station, before execution of a handover for switching a connection destination of its own station from the first base station to the second base station, transmits information on the second base station. The mobile station, based on the information on the second base station received from the relay station before the handover, controls a timing for receiving the channel from the relay station after the handover. |
| US09565594B2 |
Link aggregation in wireless local area networks
Methods, systems, and devices are described for establishing a virtual communication link including at least a first and second physical link between two devices. A single virtual packet queue of a device may receive one or more data packets to be transmitted via the virtual communication link. The single virtual packet queue may attach a virtual sequence number to each of the one or more data packets and send the one or more data packets to one or more of the first or the second physical link according to the assigned virtual sequence numbers. The one or more packets may then be communicated via the first and/or second physical links according to link specific sequence numbers, such as medium access control (MAC) sequence numbers, assigned to the one or more data packets by the first and/or second physical links. |
| US09565590B2 |
Systems and methods for modem control based on feedback
Systems and methods for modem control based on feedback are disclosed. In one embodiment, a modem observer module is associated with software within a computing device. The modem observer receives information from the modem relating to uplink bandwidth availability and/or network conditions that may impact uplink bandwidth. Based on the uplink bandwidth availability at the modem, the modem observer may throttle or limit the number of connections that are active by the applications. |
| US09565587B2 |
Flow mobility filter rule verification
A method and system for flow mobility filter rule verification is provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a network node of a telecommunications packet network is configured to receive filter rules provided by a user entity (UE) relating to a requested IP-CAN session. The filter rules are applied by a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) network architecture for the session. The network node is also configured to compare received filter rules with Inter-Mobility Policies (IMPs) of the user in order to determine if the filter rules match with the user's IMPs, and to send a filter rule verification response indicating whether or not the filter rules match the user's IMPs. |
| US09565583B2 |
Monitoring device and monitoring system
A monitoring device includes a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, and a determining unit. The transmitting unit transmits, to a plurality of base stations, instructions on mutual monitoring among the base stations. The receiving unit receives, from a base station that has detected abnormality of a base station serving as a monitoring target in accordance with the instruction among the base stations, information indicating a base station determined as having abnormality. The determining unit determines a level of a fault that has occurred in the base station indicated by the information received by the receiving unit. |
| US09565582B2 |
In-device coexistence of wireless communication technologies
A communication device includes a first network interface configured to communicate in a first network according to a first communication protocol, and a second network interface configured to communicate in a second network according to a second communication protocol. The first communication protocol defines a periodically repeating frame. The communication device predicts one or more subframes in the frame in which a serving base station in the first network will not transmit to the communication device because of poor channel conditions using at least one of i) measured channel quality in the one or more subframes, and ii) instructions sent to the communication device regarding channel quality measurements that are to be reported. In response to predicting the one or more subframes, operation of the first network interface is suspended during those subframes, and operation of the second network interface is enabled during at least one of those subframes. |
| US09565574B2 |
Communication control apparatus, radio base station apparatus, radio terminal apparatus, and communication control method
A communication control apparatus, in a wireless communication system having an area in which coverage areas of a macro cell base station and a small cell base station using different frequency bands overlap, includes a storage unit and a control unit. The storage unit stores small cell base station information indicating whether the small cell base station is present within a coverage area of a macro cell base station. The control unit instructs a radio terminal apparatus present within the coverage area of the macro cell base station to perform quality measurement in a frequency band of the small cell base station when the small cell base station is present within the coverage area of the macro cell base station based on the small cell base station information. |
| US09565569B2 |
Coexistent working mode establishment method, user equipment, base station and system
The present invention discloses a user equipment and a communication system. The user equipment configured in a first communication system comprises: a receiver for receiving pre-configured information for co-existence working mode from a base station in the first communication system; a processor for generating a mode establishing request for indicating a co-existence problem experienced by the user equipment and providing assistance information for co-existence working mode in which the user equipment performs a first communication with the base station of the first communication system and performs a second communication with an apparatus in a second communication system which is different from the first communication system; and a transmitter for transmitting the mode establishing request to the base station in the first communication system. |
| US09565567B2 |
Method and apparatus to coordinate simultaneous transmission in overlapping wireless networks
In one aspect the embodiments of the invention provide a method that includes transmitting a first frame comprising a first type of message from a first node for reception by a second node. The first node is associated with a first wireless communication system and the second node is associated with a second wireless communication system. The first type of message includes a first information element for identifying the second node and a second information element for specifying that the first frame is transmitted to initiate a request for simultaneous transmission by the first node and by the second node. The first frame is also received by a third node that is part of the first wireless communication system. The method further includes receiving from the third node a second frame that includes a second type of message. The second type of message identifies the second node and specifies, based on a measurement performed by the third node on the first frame and a measurement performed by the third node on a third frame transmitted by the second node, whether the request for simultaneous transmission is accepted or is not accepted by the third node. The method further includes transmitting a fourth frame that includes the second type of message from the first node for reception by the second node. The second type of message identifies the second node and specifies that the request for simultaneous transmission was accepted by the third node. |
| US09565566B1 |
5 GHz sub-band operations
A method and apparatus for operating multiple transceivers concurrently in a 5 GHz wireless frequency band. A wireless device includes at least a first transceiver and a second transceiver, and operates the first transceiver in a first sub-band of the 5 GHz wireless frequency band. The wireless device selects a second sub-band of the 5 GHz wireless frequency band based at least in part on the first sub-band, and operates the second transceiver in the second sub-band while concurrently operating the first transceiver in the first sub-band. For example, the second sub-band may be frequency separated from the first sub-band by at least a threshold frequency gap. |
| US09565558B2 |
Securing communications of a wireless access point and a mobile device
In one or more embodiments, a network provider can receive a request to access a public network via a wireless network implemented via one or more wireless access points. The network provider can receive, via an unsecured wireless communication from a mobile device utilizing the wireless network and via a hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS), an encryption key usable to secure wireless communications from the mobile device utilizing the wireless network. The encryption key can be encrypted via a public encryption key, received from the network provider or previously stored by the mobile device, associated with the network provider. The network provider can decrypt the encryption key and can provide the encryption key to a wireless access point implementing the wireless network and communicating with the mobile device. The wireless access point and the mobile device can communicate in a secure fashion based on the encryption key. |
| US09565551B2 |
Systems, methods, circuits and associated software for augmenting contact details stored on a communication device with data relating to the contact contained on social networking sites
Disclosed are methods, circuits, systems and applications for providing messaging services which may provide for download, synchronization, voicemail-message to text-message translation, direct access and handling of selected voicemail messages through a user's user interface. Further disclosed are systems, methods, circuits and associated software for retrieving data associated with contacts stored on a communication device from social networking sites and integrating the retrieved data into the operation of the communication device. |
| US09565540B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling a missed group call in a public safety communication session
A communication system is provided that alerts a public safety officer to missed Push-to-Talk (PTT) group calls. The communication system allows a public safety officer's radio to record a last stop working time. A public safety network then can search a missed call list associated with the public safety officer and automatically push a notification of missed PTT group calls to the public safety officer's radio when the radio re-joins the public safety network. Based on the notification, the public safety officer can choose to review or replay any missed calls to avoid missing important information. |
| US09565533B1 |
Crowd congestion detection
An approach for crowd congestion detection, the approach determines one or more selected locations. The approach determines a frequency spectrum history of one or more users within the one or more selected locations. The approach determines a location of the one or more users within the one or more selected locations. The approach determines a frequency spectrum of the one or more users within the one or more selected locations. The approach determines a crowding measure for the one or more selected locations based, at least in part, on the frequency spectrum history and the frequency spectrum of the one or more users within the one or more selected locations. The approach ranks the one or more selected locations based, at least in part, on the crowding measure. |
| US09565530B2 |
Methods and apparatus for identifying and authorizing location servers and location services
Techniques are provided which may be implemented in various methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture to allow a mobile device to obtain certain location service(s) and/or the like from one or more computing devices that have been authorized for use. For example, in certain implementations, an authorizing location server may obtain a first message from a mobile device indicating a first set of location servers, determine a second set of location servers based, at least in part, on the first set of location servers, and transmit a second message to the mobile device indicating that the second set of location servers are authorized for location service related access by the mobile device. |
| US09565523B1 |
Active geo-fence management
In one embodiment, techniques approximate concurrent monitoring of a large number of geo-fences, potentially beyond a number supported by a mobile device, The mobile device may activate a subset of geo-fences to be monitored, the subset of geo-fences selected from the set of geo-fences based on proximity to a current location of the mobile device. The mobile device may also establish and monitor an envelope geo-fence that encompasses the subset of geo-fences. In response to detecting that the mobile device has moved to a new location proximate to the envelope geo-fence, a new subset of geo-fences is activated to be monitored. Geo-fences of the subset of geo-fences that are not part of the new subset of geo-fences are deactivated. |
| US09565521B1 |
Automatic semantic labeling based on activity recognition
A method and device for automatic semantic labeling of unlabeled places using activity recognition. A method includes determining at least one activity based on analyzing electronic device sensor data. Localization for the electronic device is performed to determine location for an unknown semantic place. An observed mapping between the at least one activity and the location for the unknown semantic place is determined. A typical mapping between the at least one activity and at least one semantic place is determined. Using the observed mapping and the typical mapping from one or more other electronic devices, the unknown semantic place is assigned with a semantic place label representing the at least one semantic place for identifying the unknown semantic place. A semantic place map is updated to include the semantic place label. |
| US09565520B1 |
System and method for location-based targeted notifications using wireless communication devices
A system, method and computer readable medium for targeting messages delivered by wireless communication comprising determining at least one target space within at least one wireless communications network, determining a notification list comprising at least one recipient in said at least one target space, determining at least one notification message, and transmitting said at least one notification message through said at least one wireless communications network to at least one recipient on said notification list. |
| US09565519B2 |
Framework and method for tracking lost or stolen electronic device
A framework for tracking an electronic device includes at least one electronic device, a server in wireless communication with the at least one electronic device, and a tracking system implemented in the server and the at least one electronic device. The server stores personal identification information of the at least one electronic device, and a database. The tracking system is used to track the at least one electronic device after the at least one electronic device is lost or stolen. The server controls the at least one electronic device to obtain tracking information for tracking the at least one electronic device, and the at least one electronic device sends the tracking information to the server. The server tracks the at least one electronic device by searching for information in the database most closely matching the tracking information. |
| US09565511B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving low-cost MTC (machine-type communication) devices in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving low-cost MTC (Machine-Type Communication) devices in a wireless communication system. The method includes broadcasting, in a system information, a first information used for cell re-selection. The method further includes providing a second information, for a neighboring cell or a frequency, that is used for cell re-selection. |
| US09565508B1 |
Loudness level and range processing
Loudness signal processors and methods for processing an input audio signal in order to control a resulting integrated loudness level and a resulting loudness range of an output audio signal by a predetermined target loudness level and by a predetermined target loudness range, the processors and methods comprising level detection and level distribution analysis; transfer function generation based on the level distribution, the predetermined target loudness level and the predetermined target loudness range; and calculation of a gain to apply to said input audio signal, resulting in said output audio signal. |
| US09565505B2 |
Loudspeaker cone excursion estimation using reference signal
The excursion of a loudspeaker cone is estimated using a reference signal in one example, a primary signal, produced by a cone of a loudspeaker, is received and a reference signal produced simultaneously with the primary signal by the loudspeaker cone is received. The reference signal causes an excursion of the loudspeaker cone that is amplitude modulated by the excursion caused by the primary signal. An amplitude modulation of the reference signal is determined and an excursion of the loudspeaker cone is determined using the determined amplitude modulation. |
| US09565500B2 |
Apparatus and method for canceling feedback in hearing aid
A method of operating an electronic device is provided. The method includes transmitting, by the electronic device, a control signal for controlling a microphone sensitivity of a hearing aid, to the hearing aid, and transmitting a reception signal from a counterpart electronic device to the hearing aid. |
| US09565499B2 |
Binaural hearing aid system for compensation of microphone deviations based on the wearer's own voice
A hearing aid system is enabled for binaural microphone adjustment by way of the wearer's own voice. The hearing aid system has a first and a second hearing aid having a first and a second acousto-electric converter. The converters have a signal link with a signal processing unit which determines and compensates for signal deviations caused by the first and second acousto-electric converters on the basis of signals from the wearer's own voice. The wearer's own voice is recognized by a special facility. |
| US09565494B2 |
Acoustic processing device
The present invention provides an acoustic processing device capable of providing a high-quality sound even in a standby through mode. A controller is characterized by supplying power from an auxiliary power supply to a sound signal processing unit in the standby through mode. In the standby through mode, the controller extracts a sound signal included in an input HDMI signal, outputs a high-frequency sound component from an input/output unit to, for example, a television, and outputs a low-frequency sound component from a sound output terminal to a speaker (for example, a subwoofer) with an amplification function. As a result, the user can listen to content with powerful bass on the television, without operating an amplifying circuit, which consumes most of the power consumed by the acoustic processing device, using a main power supply, that is, while suppressing the power consumption of the acoustic processing device. |
| US09565488B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical system devices
In various embodiments, a micro-electro-mechanical system device is provided. The micro-electro-mechanical system device may include a carrier, a particle filter structure coupled to the carrier, the particle filter structure comprising a grid, wherein the grid comprises a plurality of grid elements, each grid element comprising at least one through hole, and a micro-electro-mechanical system structure disposed on a side of the particle filter structure opposite the carrier. A height of the plurality of grid elements is greater than a width of the corresponding grid elements. |
| US09565487B2 |
Network with a fast-switching optical core providing widely varying flow-rate allocations
Multiple switch planes, each having meshed bufferless switch units, connect source nodes to sink nodes to form a communications network. Each directed pair of source and sink nodes has a first-order path traversing a single switch unit in a corresponding switch plane and multiple second-order paths each traversing two switch units in one of the remaining switch planes. To reduce processing effort and minimize requisite switching hardware, connectivity patterns of source nodes and sink nodes to the switch planes are selected so that each pair of source node and sink node connects only once to a common switch unit. Widely-varying flow rates may be allocated from each source node to the sink nodes. To handle frequent changes of flow-rate allocations, in order to follow variations of traffic distribution, a high-throughput scheduling system employing coordinated multiple scheduler units is provided in each switch plane. |
| US09565484B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing marketing
A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, the steps of transmitting media content to a group of set top boxes for presentation with an overlay superimposed onto the media content, receiving a first comment from a first set top box of the group of set top boxes where the first comment is presentable with the overlay and the media content by the group of set top boxes, determining a first advertisement based on the first comment, and transmitting the first advertisement to the first set top box for presentation with the overlay and the media content. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09565480B2 |
Systems and methods for showing media asset consumption history
Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application that facilitates showing a user's media asset consumption and interaction history by collecting and storing the user's interactions with media assets for later presentation to the user. Specifically, the media guidance application may monitor content that the user is consuming, purchasing, or otherwise interacting with and may store the monitored information. At a later time, the media guidance application may detect that the user wishes to navigate to a past time interval. As a result, the media guidance application may generate for display media asset identifiers corresponding to media assets transmitted to a plurality of users during that time interval and indicate to the user which media asset identifiers correspond to media assets that the user interacted with and also indicate the different types of previously monitored user interactions corresponding to respective media assets. |
| US09565479B2 |
Methods and apparatus for seeking within a media stream using scene detection
A system uses generated scene transition frames to allow fast seeking within a media stream. A set of scene transition frames associated with the media stream are generated, then transmitted along with the media stream from a remotely located media source over a network. A subset of the scene transition frames are displayed, allowing a desired scene transition frame to be selected from a subset of the scene transition frames based on user input. The media source can then be displayed (e.g., played) starting from a frame corresponding to the desired scene transition frame. |
| US09565474B2 |
Media content crowdsource
The provisioning of media content to computing devices that might not normally have access thereto. Example types of media or media content may include advertising media, broadcast media, social media, news media, and others. |
| US09565471B2 |
Method and system for PVR on internet enabled televisions (TVs)
A media playback device may be operable to determine whether replacement media content corresponding to at least a portion of a received broadcast media stream is available during reception of the broadcast media stream from one or more broadcast sources. At least some of the replacement media content may then be retrieved when personal video recording (PVR) operations are requested during play of the received broadcast media stream, to enable seamless performance of the requested PVR operations using at least a portion of the retrieved replacement media content. Exemplary PVR operations may comprise pausing, fast forwarding, and/or rewinding. The replacement media content may be retrieved from a plurality of local and/or remote replacement servers. Availability of replacement media content, from remote replacement servers, may be determined based on programming data in said broadcast media stream, routing information provided by a broadcast source, and/or by inquiry via one or more cataloguing servers. |
| US09565470B2 |
Set-top-box having a built-in master node that provides an external interface for communication and control in a power-line-based residential communication system
A set-top-box (STB) provides capability for monitoring and control of power usage and the ability to establish communications. A smart residential service system (SRSS) is provided that uses power line communication (PLC) technology to provide secure in-home LAN communication and also to monitor and provide remote control of connected appliances in the home. An embodiment combines the STB with a master unit (MST) that is used with PLC to meet the requirements of the central device in the SRSS. |
| US09565469B2 |
Broadband local area network
A BCN network with BCN modems that enable network wired devices to communicate over a typical home coaxial network that may include passive splitters and different types of coaxial cable. |
| US09565468B2 |
Moving content between set top box and end devices in home
A content moving device which enables providing content stored on a first user device, such as a DVR, in a first format and resolution to be provided to a second user device, such as a portable media player (PMP) in a second format and resolution. The content moving device identifies content on the first user device as candidate content which may be desired by the PMP and receives the candidate content from the DVR. The content moving device transcodes the candidate content at times independent of a request from the PMP for the content. The content moving device may provide a list of available transcoded content to the PMP for selection, and provide selected content to the PMP. The content moving device may also provide information relating to any protection schemes of the content provided to the PMP, such as DRM rights and decryption keys. The content moving device performs the often computationally intense and time consuming transcoding of user content to enable the user to move content between different user devices in a convenient manner. |
| US09565466B2 |
Video processing method and video processing system
A video processing system is provided. A video signal processor receives a video signal, processes the video signal to obtain video images and program information and stores the program information in a program information buffer. A microprocessor issues an on screen display (OSD) paint command and accesses the program information buffer to obtain the program information. An OSD control module receives the OSD paint command and acquires the program information from the microprocessor, and converts the program information and initial attributes to form an OSD image in response to the OSD paint command. |
| US09565463B2 |
Method for distance based content mirroring and mirroring transfer
A method of mirroring primary media content from a portable computing device to a network of audiovisual (AV) units and handing over the mirroring among the network of AV units is provided with a predetermined value index and an operational visual range for the network of AV units. The signal strength between the portable computing device and an arbitrary unit of the network of AV units and the geospatial location of the portable computing device is measured when calculating a value index. The value index and the predetermined value index are used in generating a client identification (ID) for the portable computing device. The client ID is used to minor the primary media content on the arbitrary unit. Moreover, the client ID is also used to handover mirroring among the network of AV units. |
| US09565460B1 |
Dynamic video content contextualization
A method includes identifying, by a communication device, an audience including one or more viewers, generating a preference profile for the audience, correlating the generated preference profile to one or more social profiles, determining, based on the generated preference profile, the one or more social profiles, and a database of social influencers, a contextual influence, the contextual influence identifies and quantifies a possible reaction of the audience to a video content, computing a plurality of potential video advertisements from a plurality of video templates, the computing is based on the determination of the contextual influence, and ranking the computed plurality of potential video advertisements according to the contextual influence. |
| US09565457B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for providing access to product data
VISUAL IMAGE MARKETING (VIM) is a system whereby the visual image on a film or television program is utilized to market that specific product. In VIM, film.backslash.television is combined with computer technology to provide real-time or delayed access to product data. Viewers identify a product or object displayed in a video, television show or movie and by merely pointing and clicking on the object to obtain marketing and other data. |
| US09565454B2 |
Picture referencing control for video decoding using a graphics processor
A video decoder obtains a first set of picture buffering parameters associated with a current picture of an encoded video bitstream. The first set of picture buffering parameters identifies a set of one or more reference pictures for use in decoding the current picture by a graphics processor. The video decoder revises the first set of picture buffering parameters into a second (different) set of picture buffering parameters for use in decoding the current picture by the graphics processor. The second set of picture buffering parameters is transferred to the graphics processor for decoding the current picture. |
| US09565450B2 |
Method and device for processing video signal
The present invention encodes a warp map by using a video codec such as a multi-view texture image by a warp converter, and decodes a warp map by using a video codec such as a multi-view texture image by using a warp inverter. The present invention may incur less additional costs because it does not use a dedicated warp map coder. In addition, the present invention may convert a warp map by using a warp map converter and send the converted map to an encoder and invert decoded warp map information by using a warp map inverter so that the warp map is encoded and decoded by using a video codec such as a multi-view texture image. In addition, it is possible to increase compatibility by enabling various kinds of supplementary data to be used. In addition, it is possible to increase technique compatibility by simply applying a warp map scheme to a 3D video coding technique using a depth map. |
| US09565447B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding motion vector based on reduced motion vector predictor candidates
A method and apparatus for encoding and decoding a motion vector of a current block. The method of encoding including: generating information about the motion vector based on a motion vector of a current block and a motion vector predictor of the current block by estimating the motion vector and determining a first motion vector predictor candidate from among a plurality of motion vector predictor candidates as the motion vector predictor based on a result of the estimating; and generating a virtual motion vector by using a second motion vector predictor candidate and the information about the motion vector, generating vector differences between the virtual motion vector and the plurality of motion vector predictor candidates, comparing the vector differences with the information about the motion vector, and selectively excluding the second motion vector predictor candidate according to the comparing. |
| US09565445B2 |
Method, medium, and apparatus encoding and/or decoding an image using the same coding mode across components
A method, medium, and apparatus encoding and/or decoding an image in order to increase encoding and decoding efficiency by performing binary-arithmetic coding/decoding on a binary value of a syntax element using a probability model having the same syntax element probability value for respective context index information of each of at least two image components. |
| US09565444B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding image using variable-size macroblocks
A video decoding apparatus using a tree structure, includes: a decoder to decode, from a bitstream, a partition flag indicating whether each block, starting from a block corresponding to an uppermost layer of the tree structure, is divided into four blocks of a lower layer, and thereby identify a block which is not further divided, and decode prediction type information on the identified block from the bitstream; and a reconstructor to reconstruct the identified block by using a prediction mode indicated by the prediction type information, wherein, when a block of a first layer is divided into four blocks of a second layer which is a lower layer of the first layer, the decoder is configured to decode the partition flag for each of the four blocks of the second layer in a predetermined order. |
| US09565440B2 |
Quantization parameter adjustment based on sum of variance and estimated picture encoding cost
A video processing device includes a rate control module to determine more accurate initial quantization parameters at each scene switching point and to adjust the QP parameters in response to scene changes using a sum of variances metric and an estimated picture encoding cost metric from a coding complex estimation block. To determine a first quantization parameter set, a sum of variances metric and an estimated picture encoding cost metric for an initial set pictures of a video stream are used. A bit allocation module is to set a target bit allocation for infra-encoded pictures as substantially proportional to the sum of variances metric and substantially inversely proportional to the estimated picture encoding cost metric, and set a target bit allocation for forward predictive and bi-predictive pictures as substantially proportional to the estimated picture encoding cost metric and substantially inversely proportional to the sum of variances metric. |
| US09565434B2 |
Reference picture list handling
At least one mode signaling syntax element is provided based on an encoded representation of a picture in a video sequence. The at least one mode signaling syntax element is employed to determine whether at least one final reference picture list is the same for all slices of a same slice type in the picture. The at least one mode signaling syntax element thereby signals to a decoder that it does not necessarily have to repeat computationally complex reference picture list construction functions for each slice in the picture. |
| US09565431B2 |
Low-delay video buffering in video coding
As one example, a method of coding video data includes storing one or more decoding units of video data in a coded picture buffer (CPB). The method further includes obtaining a respective buffer removal time for the one or more decoding units. The method further includes removing the decoding units from the CPB in accordance with the obtained buffer removal time for each of the decoding units. The method further includes determining whether the CPB operates at access unit level or sub-picture level. The method further includes coding video data corresponding to the removed decoding units. If the CPB operates at access unit level, coding the video data comprises coding access units comprised in the decoding units. If the CPB operates at sub-picture level, coding the video data comprises coding subsets of access units comprised in the decoding units. |
| US09565428B2 |
Method and apparatus of chroma intra prediction with reduced line memory
A method and apparatus for chroma intra prediction for a current chroma block with reduced line memory requirement are disclosed. The chroma intra predictor is derived from reconstructed luma pixels of a current luma block using a model with parameters. In various embodiments according to the present invention, the derivation of the parameters relies on a reconstructed luma pixel set corresponding to neighboring reconstructed luma pixels from causal luma neighboring areas of the current luma block, wherein said causal luma neighboring areas include a first area corresponding to reconstructed luma pixels above a horizontal luma block boundary on a top side of the current luma block, and wherein the reconstructed luma pixels from the first area that are included in the reconstructed luma pixel set are from a luma pixel line immediately above the horizontal luma block boundary. |
| US09565426B2 |
Lip sync error detection and correction
A method of managing lip synchronization error in a multimedia content delivery network includes identifying a video packet and an audio packet associated with the video packet and determining a synchronization offset between the audio and video packets at a first monitoring point in the network. The audio and video packets are then detected at a second monitoring point in the network and a second synchronization offset is determined. When a delta between the first synchronization offset and the second synchronization offset exceeds a threshold, lip synchronization error information may be automatically recorded and/or reported to a service provider and corrective action may be taken if potential sources of the lip synchronization error are within the domain of the service provider. The video packet may be identified by a timestamp within the packet and the audio packet may be identified by audio data within the audio packet. |
| US09565422B2 |
Three-dimensional display panel and driving method thereof
A three-dimensional (3D) display panel has a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and each of the rows has at least one sub-row. The 3D display panel includes at least one first group and at least one second group arranged on the first row. The first group and the second group respectively have a first color region, a second color region and a third color region. The first color region and the second color region of the first group as well as the third color region and the first color region of the second group are arranged on one sub-row, while the third color region of the first group and the second color region of the second group are arranged on another sub-row. |
| US09565421B2 |
Device for creating and enhancing three-dimensional image effects
A device for creating more natural three-dimensional image effects which may be recorded, for example, by video cameras. The device has an intermittent image pathway occluder for receiving at least two image pathways which alternately and intermittently occludes the two image pathways, a horizontal imaging-shifting component for shifting at least one of the image pathways leftward or rightward, a vertical imaging-shifting component for shifting the image pathways upward and downward, and an image pathway compositing component which forms a coincident superimposed composite three-dimensional image after the image pathways have been shifted by the horizontal and vertical imaging-shifting components, and after passing through the intermittent image pathway occluder. Also, a device for enhancing the more natural three-dimensional effect of such images which are created and which may be recorded and/or displayed. |
| US09565417B2 |
Image processing method, image processing device, and electronic device
There is provided an image processing method including acquiring a degree of attention of a viewer to a stereoscopic input image, acquiring a relation between the degree of attention and a disparity value for stereovision from each pixel of the input image, and weighting a disparity value of a pixel having the high degree of attention on the basis of the relation between the degree of attention and the disparity value, and increasing the disparity value of the pixel having the high degree of attention. |
| US09565413B2 |
Picture interaction method, apparatus, system and mobile terminal
Disclosed is a picture interaction method, which includes: setting a corresponding relation between a picture material moving speed and a user heartbeat frequency; presenting a picture material; shooting a user body image group, analyzing the user body image group so as to monitor a blood color difference, and calculating a user heartbeat frequency according to the blood color difference; and determining a picture material moving speed corresponding to the user heartbeat frequency according to the calculated user heartbeat frequency, and controlling moving of the picture material based on the determined picture material moving speed. |
| US09565411B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for recording image processing program
An image processing device provided with: a white balance correcting section multiplying image data by a white balance gain for each color component; a color difference calculating section calculating color difference components of the image data after the white balance correction, for each pixel; and a color difference correcting section setting a color difference correction range wider as the white balance gain is larger, and, when all the color difference components of a processing target pixel are within the set color difference correction range, performing color difference correction processing for reducing the color difference components of the processing target pixel. |
| US09565408B2 |
Projection apparatus, geometric correction adjustment method, and storage medium storing codes for geometric correction adjustment
A projection apparatus includes a projection optical system, an output display element, an operation unit acquiring an adjustment instruction, a geometric correction adjustment unit, and a geometric correction unit. The output display element having an element region including pixels that modulate projection light by a quadrangular effective element region in the element region. The geometric correction adjustment unit transforms the effective element region to shift a vertex of the effective element region along a side, according to the adjustment instruction. The geometric correction unit performs an operation of projecting an input image on the effective element region. |
| US09565405B2 |
Image sensor with enhanced quantum efficiency
A back side illuminated image sensor includes a pixel array including semiconductor material, and image sensor circuitry disposed on a front side of the semiconductor material to control operation of the pixel array. A first pixel includes a first doped region disposed proximate to a back side of the semiconductor material and extends into the semiconductor material a first depth to reach the image sensor circuitry. A second pixel with a second doped region is disposed proximate to the back side of the semiconductor material and extends into the semiconductor material a second depth which is less than the first depth. A third doped region is disposed between the second doped region and the image sensor circuitry on the front side of the semiconductor material. The third doped region is electrically isolated from the first doped region and the second doped region. |
| US09565403B1 |
Video processing system
A method and apparatus for processing images. A sequence of images is received from a sensor system. A number of objects is present in the sequence of images. Information about the number of objects is identified using the sequence of images and a selection of a level of reduction of data from different levels of reduction of data. A set of images from the sequence of images is identified using the selection of the level of reduction of data. The set of images and the information about the number of objects are represented in data. An amount of the data for the sequence of images is based on the selection of the level of reduction of data. |
| US09565402B2 |
Video camera device and method to monitor a child in a vehicle
The present invention is directed to a system and methods of monitoring a child seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in a child's car seat employing a video camera which transmits a video signal to a video display receiver placed in the driver's frame of vision. The video camera as envisioned herein is placed within a child's stuffed toy, the camera signal being transmitted remotely to a separate video display monitor screen device, viewable to the parent driving the vehicle. The camera is adjustable in the number of positions in which it is placed in the vehicle compartment as well as the direction in which the camera is directed. To adjust the direction in which the camera is pointed, the invention includes a bendable, flexible and sturdy neck that interconnects the camera to a transmission unit, which provides the driver with a view of the child. |
| US09565400B1 |
Automatic imaging device selection for video analytics
A suitable imaging device for capturing images of an object or an area of interest may be automatically selected based on information regarding the locations and/or other operational properties of a plurality of imaging devices, and a location of the object or the area of interest. One or more geometric models of the fields of view of the imaging devices may be generated, and whether the object or the area of interest falls within one or more of the fields of view may be determined using such models. Where multiple imaging devices may include the object or the area of interest, within a field of view, the imaging device having the most suitable image, e.g., the largest or highest resolution image of the object or the area of interest, may be selected. |
| US09565399B2 |
Endoscope system, processor device thereof, and image processing method
In an oxygen saturation level measurement mode, a color image sensor images an internal body portion alternately irradiated with measurement light and normal light. A normal image is produced from image data obtained under irradiation with the normal light. An oxygen saturation level is calculated from image data obtained under irradiation with the measurement light. Based on the oxygen saturation level, a hyperoxic region and a hypoxic region are determined in the normal image. A color balance process and a color enhancement process are applied to the hyperoxic region to improve visibility of depressions and projections of internal body tissue and a blood vessel pattern. A gain process is applied to the hypoxic region to make distinct color variations according to the degree of the oxygen saturation level. |
| US09565394B2 |
System for displaying an image
A system and a method for displaying an image are disclosed herein. The system includes a surface on which the image is displayed and a display rendering device to display the image on the surface. The system also includes a capture device to detect the surface, a processor, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions that cause the processor to: determine dimensions of the surface, determine a first orientation of the surface, convert the image to display on the surface based on the determined dimensions of the surface and the determined first orientation of the surface, detect repositioning of the surface to a second orientation, determine the second orientation of the surface, and convert the image to display on the surface based on the determined dimensions of the surface and the determined second orientation of the surface relative to the capture device. |
| US09565392B2 |
Systems and methods for enhancing teleconferencing collaboration
An advanced video teleconferencing system facilitates an engaging and realistic video conferencing experience. Key design elements and video, audio, and control capabilities are provided for a video conferencing experience that cannot be attained with conventional methods, which elements and capabilities include careful design of the table and room at each site, supplementary displays showing imagery in a mirrored manner, networked environmental control, an AutoDirector with keyword and gesture recognition, and audio reflection from a display or beam splitter. |
| US09565389B2 |
Systems and methods for recording overlapping media content during scheduling conflicts
In many aspects, systems and methods for recording overlapping media content using interactive media guidance applications are provided. The systems and methods for recording overlapping media content generally relate to cropping overlapping portions of the media content thereby allowing a user to enjoy most of the recording wile only forgoing a portion of the beginning or the end of a program. |
| US09565385B1 |
Image sensor having sub-diffraction-limit pixels
An imaging system has an imager comprising a plurality of jots. A readout circuit is in electrical communication with the imager. The readout circuit can be configured to facilitate the formation of an image by defining neighborhoods of the jots, wherein a local density of exposed jots within a neighborhood is used to generate a digital value for a pixel of the image. |
| US09565381B2 |
Solid-state image sensor and image-capturing device
A ranging pixel located in a peripheral region of a solid-state image sensor includes a microlens having a center axis that is shifted relative to a center axis of the ranging pixel, a first waveguide, and a second waveguide. The first waveguide is disposed on a side of the center axis of the ranging pixel that is in a direction opposite to a direction (projection shift direction) obtained by projecting a shift direction of the microlens onto a straight line connecting a center of the first waveguide and a center of the second waveguide, and the second waveguide is disposed on another side of the center axis of the ranging pixel that is in a direction identical to the projection shift direction of the microlens. In addition, at least one of the difference between the refractive indices of the core and the clad and the cross-sectional area of the core is greater in the first waveguide than in the second waveguide. |
| US09565376B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium for at least one of correcting and reducing at least one component of a color blur of an image
At least one image processing apparatus is provided for preventing inadequate correction of, and to properly correct, a blur component in an image from occurring. The at least one image processing apparatus generates an image recovery filter for correcting chromatic aberration from an optical transmission function (OTF), and corrects the chromatic aberration of a captured image using the image recovery filter. Further, the at least one image processing apparatus calculates characteristics of a color blur of each area in a case where the image recovery filter has been used. Furthermore, the at least one image processing apparatus detects the remaining color blur in an edge of the image on which the chromatic aberration has been corrected using the image recovery filter from a result of calculating the characteristics of the color blur, and removes the color blur. |
| US09565370B2 |
System and method for assisting in computer interpretation of surfaces carrying symbols or characters
The present disclosure relates to image processing and analysis and in particular automatic segmentation of identifiable items in an image, for example the segmentation and identification of characters or symbols in an image. Upon user indication, multiple images of a subject are captured and variations between the images are created using lighting, spectral content, angles and other factors. The images are processed together so that characters and symbols may be recognized from the surface of the image subject. |
| US09565367B2 |
Imaging apparatus having framing assist control
In an imaging apparatus having framing assist control, a controller controls a change speed of the display angle of view changed by a second or a third instruction member faster than the change speed of the display angle of view changed by a first instruction member. The first instruction member is configured to issue an instruction regarding a change of a display angle of view and a change direction of the display angle of view. The second instruction member is configured to issue an instruction to change the display angle of view displayed on the monitor to a wide-angle side by a predetermined amount. The third instruction member is configured to issue an instruction to change the display angle of view displayed on the monitor to the display angle of view before the display angle of view is changed by the second instruction member. |
| US09565363B1 |
Stabilization of captured images for teleoperated walking biped robots
An example method for stabilizing images involves obtaining an image of an environment from a perspective of the robot. The method also involves receiving one or more depth measurements. The depth measurements correspond to locations within the image. The method further involves determining first boundaries around a particular location within a section of the image. The particular location is approximately centered within the first boundaries. Additionally, the method involves determining an extent of deviation of a particular position of the image capture device from a reference position. The particular position is a position of the image capture device at a point in time at which the image was captured. Further, the method involves determining second boundaries by shifting the first boundaries by an amount proportional to the determined extent of deviation. The method additionally involves providing, to a display device, a portion of the image defined by the second boundaries. |
| US09565360B2 |
Image data recording apparatus capable of recording still and moving images simultaneously
A moving image data recording apparatus and method that records a moving image file and a still image file and associates them with each other in the same directory. |
| US09565357B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, and image correction method
To provide an image pickup apparatus which enables acquisition, by a simple configuration, of a natural image of a dark place or the like at the time of image pickup in a dark environment by eliminating an influence from the surrounding environmental light, an image pickup apparatus of the invention includes an image pickup section for picking up an image of an object and acquiring an image signal, an accumulation section for sequentially accumulating outputs from the image pickup section, a display section for visibly displaying an accumulated image signal of the accumulation section, a position identification section for identifying a position specified on an image displayed on the display section; and a correction section for performing an image correction process on the accumulated image signal of the accumulation section according to an identification result of the position identification section. |
| US09565356B2 |
Optimizing capture of focus stacks
Generating a focus stack, including receiving initial focus data that identifies a plurality of target depths, positioning a lens at a first position to capture a first image at a first target depth of the plurality of target depths, determining, in response to capturing the first image and prior to capturing additional images, a sharpness metric for the first image, capturing, in response to determining that the sharpness metric for the first image is an unacceptable value, a second image at a second position based on the sharpness metric, wherein the second position is not included in the plurality of target depths, determining that a sharpness metric for the second image is an acceptable value, and generating a focus stack using the second image. |
| US09565347B2 |
Imaging module and electronic apparatus
The invention provides an imaging module having second connecting portions capable of reliably performing probing and can maintain a small installation space, and an electronic apparatus including the imaging module. A lens unit includes at least one drive unit, a housing, a first connecting portion that is electrically connected to an imaging element unit, a first wiring portion that electrically connects the drive unit to the first connecting portion, a plurality of second connecting portions that are disposed outside the housing, and a second wiring portion that electrically connects the second connecting portions to the drive unit. The second wiring portion includes wires that are electrically connected to the drive unit to which the first wiring portion is connected, and at least a part of the second wiring portion extends to the outside of the housing in a direction in which an element wiring portion extends from the support portion. |
| US09565343B2 |
Camera shoe extension
A microphone assembly includes a microphone unit and an attachment unit. The attachment unit includes a camera shoe attachment section. A camera shoe extension includes a support arm and a camera shoe attachment section attached to a rear end of the support arm. The support arm is curved into a circular arc shape such that the front end thereof is located higher than the rear end thereof. The camera shoe attachment section of the attachment unit is mounted on a shoe formed on the front end of the support arm. The camera shoe attachment section of the camera shoe extension is mounted on a camera shoe of a digital camera. |
| US09565339B2 |
Determination of tone value increase from a printed image
Systems and methods for analyzing printed images are provided. One system includes a processing circuit configured to: determine a set of one or more locations on the printed image on the substrate to measure color values; determine a set of input tone values for the at least one ink; receive a set of measured color values corresponding to the set of locations on the printed image from a sensor; and determine a tone value increase error based on the set of measured color values and the set of input tone values. The at least one processing circuit is configured to determine the tone value increase error without requiring measured color values from an area having solid ink. |
| US09565336B2 |
Copying apparatus
A copying apparatus is configured to repeat a first operation to scan an image on an original sheet along a first direction with changing a position of the first operation along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and generate pixel data of pixels of the image on the original sheet. Compressed image data is generated by compressing the pixel data within each of multiple sections divided in the first direction having boundaries extend in the second direction. The compressed image data is decompressed. A 90-degree rotation processing is applied to the decompressed image data in the unit of a band, which has a particular number of pixels in the first direction and extends along the second direction, to generate decompressed image data, Then, with use of the decompressed image data after rotation processing has been executed, the image is recorded on a recording sheet. |
| US09565335B2 |
Full color visibility model using CSF which varies spatially with local luminance
The present disclosure relate generally to image signal processing, color science and signal encoding. One claim recites an apparatus including: an input for obtaining color image data; memory for storing a luminance contrast sensitivity function (CSF1) and a chrominance contrast sensitivity function (CSF2); means for degrading data representing color image data with the CSF1 and the CSF2 to predict visibility changes attributable to encoding plural-bit information in the obtained color image data, in which the CSF1 varies depending on luminance values associated with local regions of the color image data, in which said means for degrading data representing color image data yields results for different image areas within the color image data, and in which the CSF1 is used for degrading luminance data and the CSF2 is used for degrading chrominance data; and means for altering the color image data by encoding plural-bit information therein, in which signal embedding strength of the encoding within the different image areas varies based on the results. Of course, other features, combinations and claims are disclosed as well. |
| US09565334B2 |
Photo survey using smart device with camera
Disclosed is an image capturing device for use in photo surveys, wherein said image capturing device comprises: a camera unit for capturing images; a processing unit for controlling said camera unit; a first shutter release button for activating said camera unit to capture an image of a motive; and a second shutter release button for activating said camera unit to capture an image of a motive. The processing unit, when either said first shutter release button or said second shutter release button is activated, is configured to control said camera unit to capture an image of a motive, and generate an opinion variable associated with said captured image, wherein said opinion variable is for indicating the opinion of a user towards said motive, and wherein said opinion variable is generated dependent on the used shutter release button. |
| US09565326B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method
An image forming apparatus includes a detector that detects a user near the image forming apparatus, an authentication device controller that controls an authentication device that the user owns, an authentication unit that authenticates the user, and a power supply controller that controls supplying electric power to component devices of the image forming apparatus, and the power supply controller supplies electric power to component devices of the image forming apparatus in stages upon detecting the user, determining the validity of the authentication device, and authenticating the user. |
| US09565323B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus which makes it possible to realize easy accessing of registered information of any function and provide a user interface having high operability. The image processing apparatus stores setting information configured via an operating section and access information for use in accessing the setting information in association with each other. Further, the image processing apparatus stores the setting information and button information in association with each other. The button information is displayed on a touch panel in a user selectable form. When an item of the button information displayed on the touch panel is selected by a user, a portal application detects the access information associated with the selected button information item. The setting information is acquired based on the detected access information. The image processing apparatus performs image processing based on the acquired setting information. |
| US09565320B2 |
Communication apparatus, terminal apparatus, control methods thereof, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
According to the present invention, when a terminal apparatus is brought close to a printing apparatus serving as a processing apparatus, the terminal apparatus uses its own NFC unit to acquire, from the printing apparatus, information for communicating with each of one or more network connection units provided in the printing apparatus. Then, using a communication unit, the terminal apparatus then searches for the printing apparatus on a network in accordance with the acquired information. In the case where the terminal apparatus has successfully identified the printing apparatus as being present on the network, the terminal apparatus transmits a processing request to the printing apparatus successfully identified on the network via the communication unit. |
| US09565313B1 |
Mutual assistance routing system for improved utilization of customer service resources
The invention disclosed is a new system and method for providing the mutual sharing of resources devoted to customer service. The system utilizes a telecommunications switching apparatus to rout incoming customer contacts to one or more pools of customer service agents. The system provides for a universal customer service interface that allows customer service agents to assist customers of other related companies. The automated system for sharing customer service resources includes a mutual assistance routing system in communication with requesting users of customer service agents, responding providers of customer service agents, databases containing customer information, thereby allowing customers who contact the requesting user to be served by shared agents. |
| US09565310B2 |
System and method for message-based call communication
A system and method for message-based call communication is provided. Speech utterances are obtained from a caller during a call with an agent. Each of the speech utterances are transcribed into a text message and the text messages are provided to the agent. One or more written responses, in reply to each speech utterance from the caller, are received from the agent. The written responses are converted to synthesized speech for providing to the caller. The speech utterances from the caller and the synthesized speech from the agent are processed and one or more characteristics of the caller and the agent are identified. A role for each of the caller and the agent is determined based on the identified characteristics. |
| US09565301B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing call log
An apparatus for providing a call log includes a call detail information generator configured to generate call detail information of a call; a call recorder configured to record a call content of the call; a call content summarizer configured to convert the recorded call content into a transcribed text, and generate call content summary information based on the transcribed text; a call log generator configured to generate a call log including the call detail information and the call content summary information; and a call log provider configured to output the call log. |
| US09565300B2 |
Prioritizing multiple callers with a suggested time for a caller to call back
A computing device includes a memory; and a processing circuit coupled to the memory and configured to receive call data regarding a plurality of telephone calls placed to the computing device, each of the plurality of telephone calls being placed by a caller; prioritize each caller based on the call data and prioritization data stored in the memory, the prioritization data providing an indication of a relationship between each caller and a receiver associated with the computing device and including at least one of electronic contact data, electronic calendar data, and social media data; determine a future time for each caller to speak with the receiver based on the prioritization of each caller; and transmit a message to each caller providing an indication of the future time. |
| US09565298B1 |
Method and device for appending information in a conversation in a voice based networking website
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relates to a computer implemented method for executing application code to connect with a voice based networking website, the method includes connecting at least a user in a conference through the voice based networking website. The information provided by at least the user is appended in a conversation after the conference is over. The appended information is displayed in the voice based networking website as per a timestamp. |
| US09565295B2 |
System and method for cellular call monitoring using downlink channel correlation
Methods and systems for monitoring communication of mobile communication terminals, such as cellular phones. An off-air monitoring system reconstructs both directions of a call conducted between two mobile terminals by receiving only downlink channels. The off-air monitoring system receives multiple downlink transmissions transmitted by base stations in a wireless communication network. The system uses the received downlink transmissions to reconstruct the bidirectional call content of calls conducted between wireless terminals. In order to reconstruct the bidirectional content of a given call, the system identifies and correlates the two downlink transmissions of that call from among the multiple received downlink transmissions. |
| US09565294B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for optimizing DSL line configurations and parameters in a DSL system
In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided apparatus, systems and methods for optimizing DSL line configurations and parameters in a DSL system. For example, such a system may include means for: interfacing to a currently operating Digital Subscriber Line (“DSL line”) operating within a DSL system having a plurality of DSL lines operating therein; evaluating an active configuration of the currently operating DSL line by collecting operational data for the DSL line during operation of the DSL line; determining a plurality of candidate configurations for the currently operating DSL line, the plurality of candidate configurations being operationally compatible with the currently operating DSL line; selecting one of the sub-set of the plurality of candidate configurations as the selected configuration for the DSL line based on a preferred operational characteristic; and transitioning the currently operating DSL line from operating using the active configuration for the DSL line to operating using the selected configuration for the DSL line. Other related embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09565290B2 |
Method for performing function in call mode and portable electronic device for implementing the method
A method and electronic device are disclosed for performing a particular function in a call mode in response to inputs received from a rotating part of a camera. The electronic device includes a wireless communication unit for a call, and a camera having a rotating part. A rotation of the rotating part is recognized while the electronic device operates in a call mode, and, in response to the rotation, a predefined particular function is executed. |
| US09565287B2 |
Remote control method and remote control system
A notification to prompt a user granted a remote control right to remote control a device is transmitted to the user. In such a case, if the user has not performed any operation on the device for a predetermined period of time, another user is temporarily granted the remote control right to the device. A notification to prompt the other user temporarily granted the remote control right is also transmitted to the other user. |
| US09565284B2 |
Systems and methods for automatically connecting a user of a hands-free intercommunication system
A hands-free intercom may include a user-tracking sensor, a directional microphone, a directional sound emitter, and a communication interface. The user-tracking sensor may determine a location of a user so the directional microphone can measure vocal emissions by the user and the directional sound emitter can deliver audio to the user. The hands-free intercom may determine whether the user is communicatively coupled via a mobile device to a remote entity. The hands-free intercom may be configured to receive a handoff of the communicative coupling, for example, by acting as a peripheral of the mobile device, by requesting the handoff, and/or the like. The hands-free intercom may be configured to deliver communications from the user to an appliance and vice versa. The hands-free intercom may manage access rights of the various entities to prevent unauthorized communications. |
| US09565282B2 |
Communication device and quick dialing method
A quick dialing method executable on a communication device includes detecting an action by a user on a touch screen of the communication device; dialing a selected quick contact when the detected action is a preselected triggering action. |
| US09565281B2 |
Waterproof packing for mobile terminal and mobile terminal having the same
Disclosed are a waterproof packing for a mobile terminal and the mobile terminal having the same. According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the mobile terminal includes: a terminal main body which includes a plurality of internal components such as a terminal; a terminal rear cover module which is detachably coupled to a rear of the terminal main body and which forms the rear of the terminal main body; and a waterproof packing for the mobile terminal, which is arranged in between the terminal main body and the terminal rear cover module and includes at least one first waterproof wing to prevent water from infiltrating into the terminal main body through a gap between the terminal main body and the terminal rear cover module. |
| US09565280B2 |
Antifungal cover and electronic device including the same
An electronic device for rendering a display unit antifungal. The electronic device includes a body including a display unit; and an antifungal cover that is removeably attached to the body, the antifungal cover including an antifungal module on one surface thereof. If the antifungal cover covers the display unit, the display unit projects a wavelength of light that activates an antifungal property of the antifungal module. |
| US09565277B2 |
Dual-homed external network access in a distributed internet protocol (IP) router
Dual-homed forwarding techniques ensure that packets destined for a private network location are forwarded directly to the private network. Host devices adapted for dual-homed forwarding techniques may first search a forwarding table to identify an outgoing interface associated with a packet's destination address, and then search an egress table to identify an entry associated with the outgoing interface. The identified entry in the egress table indicates whether the outgoing interface is a remote interface, and if so, a dual-homing identifier associated with the outgoing interface. If so, the host device searches the forwarding table a second time to determine whether any local interfaces are associated with the dual-homing identifier. The packet is then forwarded either over the local outgoing interface associated with the dual-homing identifier or the originally identified outgoing interface. |
| US09565273B2 |
Systems, methods and devices for trip management functions
A network based computerized system for managing a trip. The network based computerized system includes a network, which includes one or more of the Internet and a wide area network. The network based computerized system includes a server coupled to the network running a network based application for allowing a user of a client computer coupled with the network to store, on the server, data relating to the trip. The network based computerized system includes a cellular telephone system coupled to the network for allowing a user of a portable electronic device disposed for wirelessly communicating with the cellular telephone system to access the server and download the data relating to the trip. The portable electronic device performs a geo-locating function for determining a geographic location of the portable electronic device and accesses a signal relating to the geographic location generated by a system for determining the geographic location. |
| US09565267B2 |
Efficient proxy table management in communication networks
The present invention relates to several techniques for managing the contents of proxy tables in ways that optimize performance, latency, and reliability for communication networks, while ensuring a certain number of early-acting proxies per restricted device. An entity is allowed to keep a required number of proxies per resource-restricted device by removing or adding proxy table entries. Furthermore, the entity is allowed to keep track of early-acting proxies based on forwarding strategies, reporting strategies and/or polling strategies. Thereby, proxy table entries can be controlled to optimize overall system performance and reliability characteristics. |
| US09565266B2 |
Broker facilitated peer-to-peer publisher collaboration in a publish-subscription environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for broker facilitated, publisher peer-to-peer (P2P) collaboration in a publish-subscription (pub/sub) environment. Specifically, in a typical embodiment, a broker system acts as an intermediary between publisher systems and subscriber systems in the pub/sub environment. Along these lines, the broker creates an administrative communication channel between known publisher systems and the broker system. Using this administrative communication channel, the broker system informs individual publisher systems about other publisher systems such that peer-to-peer communication channels between two or more publisher systems can be established. This can be accomplished using the broker system's knowledge of data being published by the individual publisher systems. Regardless, the publisher systems can then use information received from the broker system to: establish a P2P communication channel with one or more other publishers; identify a set of data that has commonality to the peers (and thus has a potential to be cached); and negotiate a caching schema/approach to store the data in a cache. The broker system may generate a set of cache key/unique identifiers and communicate the unique identifiers to at least one of the publisher peers, which will then share the unique identifiers among the peers. The set of data will then be cached (e.g., by a publisher system, a broker system and/or a subscriber system) using the unique identifiers. |
| US09565260B2 |
Account state simulation service for cloud computing environments
Methods and apparatus for an account state simulation service for cloud computing environments are disclosed. A system includes a plurality of service managers coordinating respective distributed network-accessible services, and a metadata manager. The metadata manager receives an account state change simulation request, indicating (a) an initial account state of a client account and (b) a collection of operations to be simulated. The metadata manager generates a response to the account change state simulation request, comprising at least one of (a) a representation of an expected end state of the client account reachable as a result of performing the collection of operations (b) an indication of an expected failure of a particular operation of the collection of operations or (c) an estimate of an expected billing amount associated with an implementation of the collection of operations. |
| US09565259B2 |
Method and apparatus for outputting recognizable identifier
A method of generating a recognizable identifier for a network address includes at a portable computer device having one or more processors and memory storing programs executed by the one or more processors, touching an image icon on an application interface displayed on a screen of the portable computer device; acquiring a network address of the application interface; generating a recognizable identifier that represents the network address; generating a mask layer of the application interface; and displaying the recognizable identifier on the mask layer, wherein the mask layer of the application interface is configured to cover the application interface. |
| US09565253B2 |
Scalable approach to manage storage volumes across heterogenous cloud systems
There are provided a system and a computer program product for managing heterogeneous cloud data storage systems. A computing system defines rules that govern a plurality of heterogeneous cloud data storage systems. The computing system receives complete data from a user's computer. The computing system splits the complete data. The computing system stores the split data according to the defined rules into the plurality of heterogeneous cloud data storage systems. |
| US09565250B2 |
Data transfer service
In various embodiments, methods and systems for transferring data using a storage medium are provided. A storage medium may be shipped by a customer to a datacenter such that the data on the storage medium is copied to a storage associated with the datacenter or data in the storage is copied to the storage medium. The datacenter may support a cloud computing infrastructure that provides a storage account to the customer that is associated with the data copied from or copied to the storage medium. The storage medium further corresponds to a data transfer manifest that includes at least in part data mapping between storage service infrastructure and data in the storage medium. It is contemplated that embodiments of the present invention may further be implemented with data transfer service components that support a client component, storage service component, and a data transfer management component. |
| US09565248B2 |
Assigning user workloads to application servers
A technique for assigning a user workload to an application server includes receiving a user request to initiate execution of a workload assigned to a user. An application server is selected, from among multiple application servers, to execute the workload based on compatibility between respective current states of the application servers and the workload. |
| US09565242B2 |
System and method for file transfer in universal plug and play telephony service
A method and system for transferring a file from a home network to Wide Area Network (WAN) user device using the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) telephony service are provided. A request is received from a Telephony Control Point (TCP) to start a file transfer session. The request can include information associated with the file. The file transfer session is established using a messaging service based on the request and file information received in the request from the TCP. The file is fetched from the TCP and stored in the TS. An invite is sent to the WAN user device for initiating the file transfer session from the home network to the WAN user device. The file is transferred to the WAN user device when an acknowledgment of the invite is received from the WAN user device. |