| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09585882B2 |
Neprilysin inhibitors
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula I: where R1, R2a, R2b, and R3-R6 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds; methods of using these compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing these compounds. |
| US09585881B2 |
Substituted pyrrolidines as factor XIa inhibitors for the treatment thromboembolic diseases
The present invention provides compounds of the general formula (I), their salts and N-oxides, and solvates and prodrugs thereof (wherein the substituents are as defined in the description). The compounds of the general formula (I) are inhibitors of factor XIa, and are useful in the prevention of and/or therapy for thromboembolic diseases. |
| US09585879B2 |
Heterocyclic GSK-3 allosteric modulators
The present invention relates to heterocyclic substituted quinoline derivatives as allosteric inhibitors of the glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) enzyme. Therefore, these compounds are useful for the manufacturing of a medicament designed for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases wherein GSK-3 is involved, such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancer, diabetes, and to promote various regenerative processes. |
| US09585878B2 |
Treatment of BDNF-related disorders using laquinimod
This application provides for a method of increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum level in a human subject comprising periodically administering to the subject an amount of laquinimod or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective to increase BDNF serum level in the human subject. The method can further comprise periodically administering to the subject an amount of a second BDNF-increasing agent. This application also provides for a method for treating a human subject suffering from a BDNF-related disease comprising periodically administering laquinimod or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount effective to treat the human subject. This application additionally provides for use of laquinimod in the manufacture of a medicament for increasing BDNF serum level in a human subject. This application further provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of laquinimod effective for use in increasing BDNF serum level in a human subject. This application also provides for a pharmaceutical preparation comprising an amount of laquinimod and an amount of a second BDNF-increasing agent effective for use in increasing BDNF serum level in a human subject. |
| US09585869B2 |
Substituted 2-[2-(phenyl) ethylamino] alkaneamide derivatives and their use as sodium and/or calcium channel modulators
Substituted 2-[2-(phenyl)ethylamino]alkaneamide derivatives of formula (I) wherein X, Y, Z, R, R1, R2, R3, R′3 R4, R5, R6, R7 have the meanings defined in the specification and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing them as active ingredient and their use as sodium and/or calcium channel modulators useful in preventing, alleviating and curing a wide range of pathologies, including, but not limited to, neurological, cognitive, psychiatric, inflammatory, urogenital and gastrointestinal diseases, where the above mechanisms have been described as playing a pathological role. |
| US09585867B2 |
Cannabinod formulation for the sedation of a human or animal
A method of humanely incapacitating or immobilizing a human or animal by providing a formulation including a cannabinoid rendering a recipient incapacitated or immobilized within a short period of time, and a delivery system which doses the recipient with the formulation resulting in a tetrahydrocannabinol blood level of above at least approximately 1-250 milligrams per milliliter of whole blood for incapacitation, or at least approximately 250-500 milligrams per milliliter of whole blood for immobilization, and below a dosage which causes irreparable harm to or the death of the recipient. Providing a delivery system to induce an incapacitating or immobilizing dose of the formulation at a distance. Providing a formulation including an antipsychotic to prevent or mitigate any violent psychosis of the recipient. Providing the formulation which induces a lethal cannabinoid blood level in the recipient which causes the death of the recipient within a humane period of time after formulation administration. |
| US09585866B2 |
Personal care compositions with improved hyposensitivity
The present invention provides personal care compositions comprising a carrier and a mixture of essential oil components having specific levels of eucalyptol, terpene materials and auxiliary fragrance materials. The compositions herein gentle to skin and have a fragrance and activity similar if the composition were made using the pure extracted essential oil. |
| US09585862B2 |
Patch containing rivastigmine
The present invention relates to a rivastigmine-containing patch having improved storage stability and proper release property. |
| US09585860B2 |
Method for treating eczema
A method for treating eczema including the steps of applying an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to an area affected by eczema, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises at least one isothiocyanate functional group associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant. |
| US09585857B2 |
Methods of treating diseases associated with high-fat diet and vitamin A deficiency using retinoic acid receptor agonists
This invention relates to pharmaceutical composition and methods of using vitamin A and/or RARB agonist for the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions associated with high fat diet and/or vitamin deficiency. After smoking, high fat diet is said to be the second most lethal habit, causing 300,000 deaths each year in the U.S. alone. High fat diet leads to many health problems, including obesity, stroke, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and diseases in other organs such as liver and kidney. |
| US09585851B2 |
Treatment of conditions through pharmacological modulation of the autonomic nervous system
Methods are provided for treating a subject for a condition caused by an abnormality in the subject's autonomic nervous system. In accordance with the subject methods, at least a portion of a subject's autonomic nervous system is pharmacologically modulated with at least one beta-blocker in a manner that is effective to treat the subject for the condition. The subject methods find use in the treatment of a variety of different conditions, where such conditions include various disease conditions. Also provided are systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods. |
| US09585848B2 |
Small molecule xanthine oxidase inhibitors and methods of use
Small molecule xanthine oxidase inhibitors are provided, as well as methods for their use in treating gout or hyperuricemia. |
| US09585847B2 |
Small molecule xanthine oxidase inhibitors and methods of use
Small molecule xanthine oxidase inhibitors are provided, as well as methods for their use in treating gout or hyperuricemia. |
| US09585846B2 |
Anti-microbial composition
The present invention relates to an anti-microbial composition and method of use thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to an anti-microbial composition comprising farnesol and cetrimide. |
| US09585843B2 |
Controlled release dosage form
The present invention provides a simple and improved dose form that is capable of providing a controlled release of GABAB receptor agonist contained in the core thereof. The invention also provides methods of administering the dosage form and of treating conditions that are therapeutically responsive to GABAB receptor agonist. |
| US09585842B2 |
Sustained release guanfacine HCL formulation
The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising guanfacine or a salt thereof in nanoparticle form and at least one non-pH dependent sustained release agent. The present invention further is directed to a method of producing said nanoparticles and to nanoparticles obtained by this method. |
| US09585840B1 |
Redox active cerium oxide nanoparticles and associated methods
Nanoparticles disclosed in the invention comprise a dextran-coated crystalline structure of cerium oxide wherein tetravalent Ce4+ predominates over trivalent Ce3+ and wherein said nanoparticles have a diameter of approximately from 3 to 5 nm. The nanoparticles exhibit both superoxide dismutase activity and catalase activity in an environment having a substantially neutral or acidic pH. The nanoparticles may be used to make and may be contained in a medication. The subject nanoparticles are useful in a method of promoting a cytotoxic anti-invasive effect on squamous tumor cells and inhibit tumor invasiveness. |
| US09585838B2 |
Production of multivesicular liposomes
Multivesicular liposomes are prepared at commercial scales by combining a first w/o emulsion with a second aqueous solution to form a w/o/w emulsion using a static mixer. Solvent is removed from the resulting emulsion to form multivesicular liposome-containing compositions. Further optional process steps include primary filtration and secondary cross-flow filtration. The products produced according to the processes of the invention can be produced through a series of aseptic steps. |
| US09585836B2 |
Palatable liquid dilution vehicles for oral contrast agents
The invention relates to liquid vehicles that can be used to create dilute solutions of water-soluble pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles are formulated to provide desired osmolalities, viscosities, pH, and taste masking capabilities to match the particular intentions of the user and to complement the inherent differences in the various oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles comprise an aqueous medium, an osmotic agent to adjust osmolality, a buffering agent, a viscosity agent, and sweeteners and flavoring agents to improve palatability. |
| US09585835B1 |
Inhalable nicotine formulations and methods of making and using the same
The present invention provides dry powder formulations comprising nicotine, methods of using the same, and methods for making the same. The dry powder formulations may further comprise excipients, therapeutic agents, and flavor components. The dry powder formulations may be manufactured by dry processes and wet processes. |
| US09585829B2 |
Treatment of skin, including aging skin, to improve appearance
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, treatment of skin, and improving the appearance of skin, e.g., medically or cosmetically. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like. |
| US09585827B2 |
Kits comprising a beverage composition and information for use
The present invention is directed to a method of treating dental erosion comprising orally administering to a mammal (preferably, a human) a beverage composition having a pH of less than about 5; wherein the beverage composition comprises a compound having the structure: wherein n is an integer averaging from about 7 to about 100 and M, M′, and M″ are each, independently, selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium. The present invention is further directed to kits comprising the foregoing beverage composition and information that use of the beverage composition provides treatment against dental erosion. |
| US09585825B2 |
Method of making an anhydrous liquid antiperspirant composition
A method of producing an anhydrous antiperspirant composition comprising (a) providing a mixture of at least one antiperspirant active including a metal salt, and an anhydrous carrier for the at least one antiperspirant active in which the at least one antiperspirant active is dissolved, the carrier comprising a eutectic mixture of at least one basic compound selected from a basic amide and a basic amine and at least one member chosen from a cation and zwitterion; and (b) heating the mixture to form a stabilized eutectic system of the at least one antiperspirant active and the anhydrous carrier, and wherein the at least one antiperspirant active, the at least one basic compound and the at least one member chosen from a cation and zwitterion form a ternary eutectic system. |
| US09585822B2 |
Methods of preparing and using botanical antioxidant compositions
A method of improving the appearance of skin, involves topically administering to a subject in need thereof a botanical antioxidant composition having a botanical antioxidant extract blend with: (a) at least one hydroxycinnamic acid, and (b) a camellia sinesis, vitis vinifera, euterpe oleracea, curcuma longa, and/or theobroma cacao extract, wherein the composition is in cream, lotion, solution, serum, anhydrous preparation, emulsion, microemulsion, multiple emulsion, gel, solid stick, ointment, dry powder, spray, or aerosol form. |
| US09585817B2 |
Treatment of skin, including aging skin, to improve appearance
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for transdermal delivery, treatment of skin, and improving the appearance of skin. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like. |
| US09585815B2 |
Pacifier for use with premature newborns and infants
A pacifier for use with premature newborns and infants. The pacifier has a shield and a hollow bulb projecting from one side of the shield, the bulb defining a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile or internal shape along at least a portion of its length from the shield to its distal free end. |
| US09585814B2 |
Enteral feeding extension set connector
A connector for coupling to a base of an indwelling device equipped with a circular hub having a radius, a top surface, a side surface, and a circumferential recess defined in the side surface. The connector has a resilient assembly including a plurality of release buttons extending from the resilient assembly and may include a conduit defining a fluid pathway through the connector. Each release button has a finger contact zone and a catch. The catch is configured to releasably engage the circumferential recess. The connector is coupled by positioning the connector on the circular hub and depressing the connector until the catches engage the circumferential recess such that the connector is configured to rotate completely about the circular hub. The connector is decoupled from the hub by pressing the release buttons to reversibly displace the respective catches radially to disengage from the circumferential recess. |
| US09585812B2 |
Transfer device with fluid filter
A vial access device is described comprising an upper housing having a fluid connecter in fluid communication with the upper housing; a vial access spike projecting from the upper housing; a fluid filter body within the upper housing or connectable thereto, the fluid filter body in fluid communication with the vial access spike and the fluid connector. Methods of reducing or eliminating particulate matter from medicament solutions are also provided. |
| US09585811B2 |
Method for producing a crimp cap, crimp cap and container
The invention relates firstly to a method for producing a crimp cap for a container for receiving a pharmaceutical substance, in particular an ampoule, wherein the crimp cap has a metal foil layer, which is covered over at least on the outside with a layer of plastic forming a covering of the foil layer. In order to provide an advantageous method for producing a crimp cap from a metal foil layer with a layer of plastic forming a covering of the foil layer, while avoiding the risk of particle formation as much as possible, it is proposed that a material strip M having an already plastic-covered foil layer is formed into the crimp cap by punching out and deep drawing. The invention also relates to a crimp cap for a container for receiving a pharmaceutical substance, and also to a container with a pharmaceutical substance. |
| US09585800B2 |
Mobility securement system
A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may articulate to apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper. |
| US09585799B2 |
Disposable belt having detachable hook and loop fastener
A disposable belt for use with an absorbent product and a belt system is provided. The disposable belt includes a length of belt material and a hook material patch connected to a first surface portion. The length of belt material has a first major surface and an opposite second major surface, and includes a loop surface structure. The hook material patch is flat and has a first side facing away from the first surface portion, and a second side abutting against the first surface portion. The first side is provided with a first hook surface structure. The second side of the hook material patch is provided with a second hook surface structure, and the second hook surface structure engages with the loop surface structure. The belt system includes the disposable belt and a second length of belt material. |
| US09585798B2 |
Water absorbent storage layers
The present invention relates to improved water-absorbing storage layers for use in hygiene articles, the water-absorbing storage layers being essentially free of cellulose fibers. |
| US09585797B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for transferring absorbent articles and rejecting defective absorbent articles
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for rejecting defective absorbent articles from a converting line. At a downstream portion of a converting process, a continuous length of absorbent articles may be subjected to a final knife and cut to create discrete absorbent articles advancing on a first carrier. From the first carrier, the discrete absorbent articles may be transferred to a transfer apparatus, which in turn, transfers the discrete absorbent articles to a second carrier. The transfer apparatus may include carrier members that orbit around an axis of rotation and may be adapted to receive the absorbent articles from the first carrier and transfer the absorbent articles to the second carrier. Defective absorbent articles may be detected by an inspection system, which may be operably connected with the transfer apparatus and/or the first carrier to remove the defective absorbent articles from the converting process. |
| US09585795B2 |
Method for detecting a liquid discharge to an absorbent article
A method for detecting a liquid discharge event in an absorbent article including a sensor adapted to generate an electrical output signal representative of a degree of wetness of the absorbent article, wherein the electrical output signal is received by a processing unit. The method including the steps of providing reference data over time representative of a liquid discharge; acquiring liquid discharge data over time in form of the electrical output signal; analyzing the liquid discharge data over time in relation to the reference data over time by the processing unit; and detecting a liquid discharge event based on the analysis. Also disclosed is a system for detecting liquid discharge event in an absorbent article including an absorbent article including a sensor being arranged to generate an output signal representative of an electrical property, and a processing unit adapted to process the output signal generated by the sensor of the absorbent article. |
| US09585792B2 |
Sound muffling headwear
A headband, cap, hat, or the like worn by a child, particularly an infant, includes an embedded sound-attenuation system to protect hearing against loud sounds that might startle, awaken, or injure a wearer. Shells formed of a comparatively soft and flexible elastomeric material are secured against the head of a user, each enclosing an ear in an air tight chamber, to close down the transmission paths available to sound waves. The shells are impervious to air, and flexible to conform to the head when secured by the headgear in which the shells are embedded. Each shell is provided with a rim, sufficiently flexible to deform and deflect into complete, sealed contact with the head. |
| US09585789B2 |
Ocular implant with hydrogel expansion capabilities
An ocular implant includes an elongate member having an internal lumen forming a flow pathway that provides a fluid pathway between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space of the eye. The implant includes a hydrogel member attached to the elongate member, wherein the hydrogel member is adapted to expand upon implantation of the elongate member in the eye. An attachment attaches the hydrogel member to the elongate member. |
| US09585785B2 |
Occlusion splint arrangement
An occlusal splint arrangement, in particular for sleep apnea therapy includes a maxillary miniplast splint that can be arranged on the maxillary row of teeth and a mandibular miniplast splint that can be arranged on the mandibular row of teeth. The maxillary miniplast splint can be brought to bear against the mandibular miniplast splint. The arrangement includes at least one maxillary positioning guide and at least one mandibular positioning guide, wherein the relative position of the miniplast splints toward each other can be defined in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction by a form fit between the maxillary and the mandibular positioning guides. The maxillary and/or mandibular miniplast splint include at least one mounting device, and at least two different positioning guides can be secured as mutual replacements on the same mounting device, whereby at least two different relative positions can be defined between the miniplast splints. |
| US09585781B2 |
Stent delivery catheter with balloon control bands
A stent delivery catheter including a catheter tubing defining a lumen therethrough, a balloon disposed near a distal end of the catheter tubing and moving between deflated and inflated states, and proximal and distal balloon control bands concentrically arranged around respective proximal and distal end portions of the balloon. The proximal balloon control band has a proximal end located proximally of a proximal end of the balloon and a distal end located adjacent a proximal end of a received unexpanded stent. The distal balloon control band has a proximal end located adjacent a distal end of the received unexpanded stent and a distal end located distally of a distal end of the balloon. The balloon control bands each have a diametric cross-section larger than the balloon in an uninflated state and the unexpanded stent received over the balloon to impede axial movement of the unexpanded stent off of the balloon. |
| US09585777B2 |
Implantable prosthesis with radiopaque particles and method of making same
An implantable prosthesis can comprise a strut having a lumen, radiopaque particles within the lumen, and a polymer binder. The polymer binder retains the radiopaque particles within the lumen. The strut may have side holes through which a therapeutic agent may pass and through which the radiopaque particles are incapable of passing. The polymer binder may be absent or optional. The radiopaque particles can have sizes that prevent them from escaping out of the lumen through the side holes. The radiopaque particles placed within the lumen can improve visualization of the prosthesis during an implantation procedure. |
| US09585772B2 |
Stent for medical use
A stent for medical use includes: a main body which includes a first rigid portion formed in a tubular shape along a longitudinal axis and having a predetermined rigidity with respect to a compression force exerted in a radial direction and a second rigid portion having a rigidity less than that of the first rigid portion, the second rigid portion which is substantially coaxial with and continues to a proximal end of the first rigid portion, and the second rigid portion which formed in a tubular shape along the longitudinal axis; and a gripping target region which is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the second rigid portion and is gripped by a gripping tool when the main body is led into a channel of an endoscope. |
| US09585771B2 |
Electrically driven artificial hand
Finger parts flex and extend about joint sections. A wire is arranged along each finger part through the joint sections. A motor winds the wires to pull the wires in the flexing direction and cause the finger parts to flex. A polymer actuator arranged to correspond to a part of each wire is formed in an elongated shape of a polymer material and elastically deforms in response to an application of voltage and performs extension and contraction in the axial direction by being restored to the original shape in response to stoppage of the voltage application. A lock mechanism restricts relative movement between the wire and the motor after the wire has been wound up by the motor. The polymer actuator performs extension and contraction while relative movement is restricted by the lock mechanism, thereby pulling the wire in the flexing direction. |
| US09585770B2 |
Orthotic device for assisting limb movement
An orthotic device is disclosed. The orthotic device may be adapted to be attached to a limb to enable the limb to replicate normal motion so that the user regains substantially normal operation of the limb. The orthotic device may have a frame system formed of a lightweight supportive material and configured to receive the user's limb, and an electronically actuated muscle operatively connected to the frame system for expanding and contracting at predetermined levels to mimic movement of the limb, when functioning normally. The orthotic device may also have a controller operatively connected to the muscle for transmitting signals corresponding to the predetermined levels to the muscle, and a sensor controlled by the user for actuating the muscle. |
| US09585768B2 |
Acetabular cup prosthesis alignment system and method
Technologies for aligning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically prepared acetabulum include a reference sensor module securable to the patient's bony anatomy, an inserter sensor module securable to an acetabular prosthetic component inserter, and a display module. Each sensor module generates sensor data indicative of the orientation of the sensor module and/or structures to which the sensor module is coupled. The display module receives the sensor data from the sensor modules, determines the orientation of the acetabular prosthetic component relative to the patient's bony anatomy, and displays indicia of the determined orientation on a display. |
| US09585766B2 |
Expandable intervertebral cage assemblies and methods
An expandable assembly for insertion into an intervertebral space is presented. The assembly, in particular aspects, includes an elongate body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the elongate body defines an internal longitudinal channel extending from a proximal opening to a distal cavity. The assembly may include an expander that is sized and shaped for insertion into the distal cavity, thereby selectively expanding the upper portion away from the lower portion. The elongate body may also include one or more bone graft windows a cap that is sized and shaped for insertion into the proximal opening. |
| US09585764B2 |
Bone implant device
An osteoimplant device is provided. The osteoimplant device includes a body of nondemineralized cortical bone and an outer surface having at least one region including demineralized bone. The osteoimplant device is formable into a shape and size configured for implantation at a surgical site. A disc shaped osteoimplant can be used for a facet joint fusion. A method of treating a patient having a bone defect in a host bone is also provided, the method including inserting the osteoimplant into the bone defect, for example, one associated with a facet joint. |
| US09585761B2 |
Angulated rings and bonded foils for use with balloons for fusion and dynamic stabilization
An inflatable and implantable balloon for treatment of degenerative disc disease, bones, lesions, spinal deformities and spinal motion segment instabilities. The balloon is comprised of adjustable and expandable volumes. Further disclosed are methods of forming, inserting, expanding, and implanting the multi-volume balloon for proper placement and stabilization of the spinal lesion or disease. Still further disclosed are kits for aligning and stabilizing elements of the spine. |
| US09585759B2 |
ACL accommodating tibial design
Surgical methods and tibial implants for accommodating the anterior cruciate ligament during unicompartmental or bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty procedures. |
| US09585758B2 |
Knee prosthesis systems and methods
A knee prosthesis system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure can include a femoral component, a tibial component, a first femoral component insert, a second femoral component insert, a first tibial bearing, and a second tibial bearing. The knee prosthesis system may be configured in one of a non-hinged configuration and a second hinged configuration. In the first non-hinged configuration, the first femoral component insert is positioned relative to the femoral component and the first tibial bearing is positioned onto the tibial component. In the second hinged configuration, the second femoral component insert is positioned relative to the femoral component and the second tibial bearing is positioned onto the tibial component. |
| US09585757B2 |
Orthopaedic joints providing enhanced lubricity
The present disclosure provides, among other things, prosthetic joint components having textured surface(s) for improving lubrication and increasing the useful life of the prosthetic joint components. The textured surface includes solid features configured to stably contain a biological fluid or a synthetic biological fluid therebetween or therewithin for a non-zero residence time. |
| US09585755B2 |
Fracture fixation systems having intramedullary support
Orthopedic fracture repair implants, systems and methods are disclosed. Implants include one or more of biocompatible sleeves and struts. The implants, systems and methods are applied to bone fractures, such as segmentation fractures. |
| US09585750B2 |
Methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve
Apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment. |
| US09585749B2 |
Replacement heart valve assembly
A replacement heart valve assembly. An expandable anchor is disclosed that has a skirt region, a lip region, and a plurality of posts attached to the skirt region. A replacement heart valve is attached to the posts. The lip region has interlocking elements that are secured to the posts where the interlocking elements have eyelets. Tabs extend into the eyelets to mate with holes in the posts. |
| US09585744B2 |
Systems and methods for mastopexy
A mastopexy implant for maintaining the breast in an elevated and aesthetically pleasing position includes a lower pole support comprising end portions which may be affixed to the chest wall or to a previously installed upper suspension strut. The implant is loaded in an insertion device. The insertion device is inserted through a small incision and into a subcutaneous pocket created in an inferior half of the breast. The lower pole support may have various constructs and in one embodiment includes a unitary conformable mesh having a plurality of arm or band members which are attached across the breast parenchyma and to the chest wall. |
| US09585729B2 |
Drill guide device for dental implant
A drill guide device for dental implant has a positioning unit and a guiding unit. The positioning unit has a rod, a twist knob and a base. The twist knob has a first indexing table and at least two graduated markings of elevation angle. The base has a second indexing table matching the first indexing table. The twist knob is mounted in the base. The guiding unit has an inner guider and a middle guider. The inner guider has a first bending portion and two first abutting panels, and an inner diameter of the first bending portion corresponds to an outer diameter of the rod. The middle guider has a second bending portion and two second abutting panels respectively attached to the first abutting panels, and an inner diameter of the second bending portion corresponds to an outer diameter of the first bending portion. |
| US09585728B2 |
Method and system for identification of a center of a patient's body part
An apparatus for locating a central axis of a spinal column and method of using the same is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes one or more members capable of spanning a center line which may then be identified by at least one additional member positioned therebetween. Furthermore, the device may contain or be capable of accommodating various additional tools for marking the location of the central axis of a spinal column. |
| US09585727B2 |
Package for an object and an assembly including such a package
A package for an object such as a preferably-sterile medical component, includes: a support element provided with elements for coupling the object; a stopper that can be coupled to the support element in such a manner as to define a first chamber for containing the object, and such that a grip portion of the support element projects from the stopper; and a cover that can be coupled to the stopper in such a manner as to define a second chamber inside which the grip portion of the support element extends, and such that a portion of the stopper coupled to the support element projects from the cover. |
| US09585726B2 |
Phantom degrees of freedom in joint estimation and control
Methods, apparatus, and systems for operating a surgical system. In accordance with a method, a position of a surgical instrument is measured, the surgical instrument being included in a mechanical assembly having a plurality of joints and a first number of degrees of freedom, the position of the surgical instrument being measured for each of a second number of degrees of freedom of the surgical instrument. The method further includes estimating a position of each of the joints, where estimating the position of each joint includes applying the position measurements to at least one kinematic model of the mechanical assembly, the kinematic model having a third number of degrees of freedom greater than the first number of degrees of freedom. The method further includes controlling the mechanical assembly based on the estimated position of the joints. |
| US09585723B2 |
Method and system for image processing to determine patient-specific blood flow characteristics
Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model. |
| US09585720B2 |
Medical manipulator and treatment tool replacement method
A medical manipulator includes: an operation member configured to drive so as to operate a treatment tool; a treatment tool side drive shaft configured to rotate about an axis thereof so as to drive the operation member; an operation amount detection member connected to the treatment tool; a treatment tool side detection shaft configured to rotate about an axis thereof in accordance with displacement of the operation amount detection member; a drive unit side drive shaft engaged with the treatment tool side drive shaft; a drive unit side detection shaft engaged with the treatment tool side detection shaft; a shape regulation section configured to regulate a shape of the treatment tool to a predetermined operation state; and a phase setting section configured to set phases in rotational directions of the treatment tool side drive shaft and the treatment tool side detection shaft. |
| US09585716B2 |
Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism
An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces which each have an insulator disposed therebetween, the conductive surfaces are connected to an electrosurgical energy source. The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator which extends towards the second tissue contacting surface to create a gap therebetween. The cutting element is inactive during the sealing process while the two pairs of electrically conductive surfaces are activated to seal tissue. During the cutting process, the cutting element is energized to a first potential and at least one electrically conductive tissue contacting surface is energized to a different potential to effect a tissue cut through the tissue held between the jaw members along the already formed tissue seal. |
| US09585715B2 |
Electrosurgical sealing and transecting devices and methods with improved application of compressive force
Devices and methods for sealing and cutting tissue are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device includes a pair of opposed, pivoting jaws, a cutting blade assembly slidably coupled to the jaws, and a biasing member disposed in a portion of the cutting blade assembly and configured to be received by a track formed between proximal ends of the jaws. The cutting blade assembly can be operative to open and close the jaws, and the biasing member can be configured to be disposed at a location in the track that applies a spring bias to a proximal end of at least one of the jaws. The spring bias in turn increases a compressive force applied by distal ends of the jaws, which in turn can maintain or increase a force applied to tissue disposed between the jaws. Other devices and methods for sealing and cutting tissue are also provided. |
| US09585712B2 |
Systems and methods for endometrial ablation
A system for treating uterine tissue having a seal assembly configured for positioning in a patient's cervical canal and uterine cavity; an expandable distal balloon portion; an expandable elongate medial balloon portion configured for movement between a first transversely expanded shape for engaging a cervical canal and a second transversely non-expanded shape for trans-cervical insertion; and a fluid source in communication with distal balloon portion and medial balloon portion for expansion of said balloon portions. |
| US09585711B2 |
Electrosurgical system and method having enhanced temperature measurement
Electrosurgical systems and methods are described herein in which the temperature of a fluid within a body or joint space is determined and/or monitored despite the energy generated during treatment by an ablation probe. One or more temperature sensors are positioned along the probe proximally of the electrode assembly and measure the temperature of an electrically conductive fluid without being overly influenced by the surgical effect occurring proximate the electrode assembly. A controller automatically suspends energy delivery for one or more periods of time while the temperature is monitored. |
| US09585708B2 |
Controlling coagulum formation
Some embodiments of a medical instrument can be configured to reduce the formation of coagulum by delivering a negative charge bias to conductive surfaces that interface with blood or bodily tissue during a medical procedure. The application of the negative charge at the instrument-blood interface can reduce the fibrinogen deposition and the formation of coagulum because fibrinogen molecules in general are negatively charged at neutral pH levels. In addition, some embodiments of the instrument may be configured to irrigate the instrument-blood interface with RGD/ClfA peptides, a bicarbonate solution (or other high pH solution), or both to further repel the fibrinogen and thereby inhibit the formation of coagulum. Accordingly, some embodiments of the medical instrument can substantially reduce the risks of thromboembolism during particular medical procedures. |
| US09585707B2 |
Flanged interbody fusion device with fastener insert and retaining ring
Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated. |
| US09585705B2 |
Bone fixation member systems and methods of use
A bone fixation member can be configured to secure first and second bone segments of a target bone together in a compressed approximated position. The bone fixation member can include a strap made of a first material, a locking head extending from a proximal end of the strap, and a leader portion extending from a distal end of the strap. The locking head can have a housing and a strap receiving slot that extends through the housing, slot is configured to receive a distal end of the strap. The housing can be tapered such that a distal end of the housing has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of a proximal end of the housing. The leader portion can be configured to be more flexible than the strap. The leader portion can be made of a second material that is different than the first material. |
| US09585699B2 |
Spinous process fixation apparatus
An implantable device and method for fixation of spinous processes is presented. The device has first and second spaced plates configured for attachment to portions of adjacent spinous processes. The device can also have an implant configured for insertion between two adjacent spinous processes, but need not necessarily. The method has the steps of assembling the components of the implantable device and otherwise inserting them into position onto, between, and/or adjacent two desired spinous processes. |
| US09585698B2 |
Polyaxial bone anchoring device
A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft and a head; a receiving part having a channel for receiving a rod therein, a coaxial bore and a seat portion for receiving the head; a pressure element having a head contacting surface portion; wherein the head is pivotable with respect to the receiving part and can be fixed at an angle by exerting pressure via the pressure element onto the head, and wherein the head has an oversize with respect to the head contacting surface portion such that an interference fit is achieved that clamps the head by the friction between the head and the head contacting surface portion. The curved outer surface portion has a largest diameter and the head contacting surface contacts the head at least in a region including the largest diameter. |
| US09585694B2 |
Method and apparatus for artificial insemination
The object of the invention is to provide a device and means for artificial insemination. The present invention provides two methods of sperm delivery that aim to increase the success of intracervical artificial insemination. The shape and design of the present invention also allows artificial insemination to be a pleasurable experience. |
| US09585691B2 |
Sheath
The present application includes a sheath that is suitable for use in a variety of medical procedures. In one or more implementations, the sheath includes a shunt member, and a curvable portion. The curvable portion may be configured in various orientations to facilitate an intervention, such as a hemodialysis intervention, or the like, by an operator. The curvable portion may be configured to bend between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration. In implementations, the sheath may be configured to have detachable and/or interchangeable components (e.g., shunt member, curvable portion, etc.). |
| US09585690B2 |
Surgical access device including universal seal mechanism associated with bellows
A surgical access instrument for permitting access to body tissue is presented including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, and a cannula member connected to the housing, the cannula member defining a longitudinal axis and permitting passage of a surgical object therethrough. The surgical access instrument also includes a sealing member disposed within the housing and including at least one opening therethrough, the sealing member configured to be connected to a plurality of bellows members extending in a vertical plane within the housing. The sealing member is also enabled to be displaced in a horizontal plane with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the cannula member. Displacement of the sealing member in the horizontal plane is enabled by a roller assembly circumferentially arranged at the proximal end of the housing. |
| US09585688B2 |
Tissue expander
Provided herein is a tissue stretching device including a tissue clamping member defining an area in a Z plane, wherein the tissue clamping member is configured to hold tissue parallel to the Z plane. Methods of use of the tissue stretching device to stretch a tissue as well as for culturing organized tissues are also provided. Stretched and/or cultured tissues produced by these processes are also provided, as well as methods of treatment making use of the same. |
| US09585687B2 |
Method and apparatus for cosmetic skin care
The present method and apparatus seek to provide cosmetic skin care including application in concert or consecutively of various types of energy to bring about a welcomed combination of skin cleansing and skin rejuvenation and enhancing. There is thus provided, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current method and apparatus an apparatus for cosmetic skin care including a brush-like head having a multiplicity of bristles attached to one or more carriers at least a portion of which is operative to apply forms of energy to the skin. At least one of the forms of energy is RF energy while other forms include light energy, mechanical energy, ultrasound energy and any suitable combination thereof. |
| US09585686B2 |
Infusion flow guidewire system
An infusion flow guidewire and a system including an infusion flow guidewire. The minimal cross section flexible infusion flow guidewire includes a nitinol hypotube, a flexible tip having a closed distal end, a coil, a core wire and at least one distally located rearwardly directed jet orifice for infusion of fibrinolytics and for introduction of high pressure fluids for maceration and rearwardly directed flow of thrombus debris located in tortuous small sized vessels. Apparatus, some of which is removably attachable, is provided in the system for grasping members of the invention for rotational torqueing and for longitudinal actuation along and within the vasculature. |
| US09585678B2 |
Implanting facet joint screws percutaneously
A facet joint is exposed at one side of the spine during surgery. An inclinometer is mounted on an elongated probe, and a pin is fixed on a spinous process near the exposed joint. The probe is swivelled about the pin so that a distal end of the probe contacts the joint and the inclinometer indicates a corresponding first trajectory. A second trajectory from the pin to an unexposed facet joint on the opposite side of the spine is defined as being symmetrical with the first trajectory about the spine axis. The inclinometer is mounted on a guide sleeve, and the sleeve is swivelled about the pin into the second trajectory. A wire is inserted through the sleeve until a tip of the wire penetrates the unexposed joint percutaneously. A facet screw is advanced over the wire and threaded percutaneously into the unexposed facet joint after the sleeve is withdrawn. |
| US09585675B1 |
Arthroscopic devices and methods
A medical device includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting member extends distally from the distal end of the elongated sleeve, and has sharp cutting edges. The cutting head is formed from a wear-resistant ceramic material, and a motor coupled to the proximal end of elongated sleeve rotate the cutting member. The cutter is engaged against bone and rotated to cut bone tissue without leaving any foreign particles in the site. |
| US09585674B2 |
Clip unit, ligation device using the same, and method for fabricating the clip unit
A clip unit includes: a clip body having a pair of arm parts; and a fastening ring arranged in the outside of the clip body and configured to maintain the arm parts in the closed state, in which the clip body includes a connection base section connecting the base end side of the pair of arm parts, and a connection tail section provided on the connection base section to extend opposite to the arm parts and connected to the front end of a transmission member, and the connection base section has a flat part perpendicular to the axial direction of the fastening ring, and the arm parts and the connection tail section are connected on a side of the flat part. |
| US09585670B2 |
Exclusion device and system for delivery
A medical flow restrictor that may be used to exclude a saccular aneurysm from the circulatory system. The device, a thin walled, foil-like shell, is compacted for delivery. The invention includes the device, electroforming fabrication methods, delivery assemblies, and methods of placing, and using, the device. A device with an aneurysm lobe and an artery lobe self-aligns its waist at the neck of an aneurysm as the device shell is pressure expanded. Negative pressure is used to collapse both the aneurysm lobe and the artery lobe, captivating the neck of the aneurysm and securing the device. The device works for aneurysms at bifurcations and aneurysms near side-branch arteries. The device, unlike endovascular coiling, excludes the weak neck of the aneurysm from circulation, while leaving the aneurysm relatively empty. Unlike stent-based exclusion, the device does not block perforator arteries. This exclusion device can also limit flow through body lumens or orifices. |
| US09585664B2 |
Powered surgical stapling device platform
The present disclosure provides for a surgical instrument which includes a housing and an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing and defining a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is pivotally coupled to the cartridge assembly to be movable from a first actuation position to at least one other second actuation position. The surgical instrument further includes a firing rod having a shaft defining a second longitudinal axis, the shaft having a cam member which is in mechanical cooperation with the anvil assembly and is configured to move the anvil assembly from the first actuation position to the at least one other second actuation position upon rotation of the firing rod about the second longitudinal axis. |
| US09585662B2 |
Fastener cartridge comprising an extendable firing member
A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The fastener cartridge and/or surgical instrument can include an anvil. The fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body including a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities. The fastener cartridge can comprise fasteners at least partially stored within the fastener cavities, and a firing member configured to move the fasteners toward the anvil. The firing member can comprise a first ramp and a second ramp configured to lift the fasteners toward the anvil. In various instances, the first ramp and/or the second ramp can directly lift the fasteners. In certain instances, the fastener cartridge can include fastener drivers which are directly lifted by the first ramp and/or the second ramp. |
| US09585660B2 |
Method for testing a surgical tool
In various embodiments, a method is provided. The method comprises obtaining a surgical tool configured to perform a surgical function, wherein the surgical tool comprises a firing member and a lockout, wherein an actuation movement of the firing member is configured to generate the surgical function, and wherein the lockout is configured to prevent the actuation movement of the firing member, engaging a test device with the surgical tool, permanently disabling the lockout while the test device is engaged with the surgical tool, and permanently preventing the surgical function while the test device is engaged with the surgical tool. |
| US09585658B2 |
Stapling systems
A stapling system is disclosed. The stapling system comprises a housing comprising a rotary drive member, an elongate shaft extending from the housing, wherein the elongate shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and an end effector comprising a jaw configured to support a staple cartridge and an anvil rotatable relative to the jaw between an open position and a fully-closed position, wherein the anvil comprises a cam surface. The stapling system further comprises a closure cam operably coupled with the rotary drive member, wherein the closure cam is configured to move longitudinally to engage the cam surface and transmit a closing motion to the anvil to move the the into the fully-closed position and an opening member configured to move longitudinally to apply an opening force to the anvil at a location other than the cam surface to move the anvil into the open position. |
| US09585656B2 |
Method and apparatus for loading and implanting a shape memory implant
An implant insertion system includes a shape memory implant movable between a first shape a second shape and an implant insertion device movable between an implant disengagement position and an implant engagement position. The implant insertion device receives the shape memory implant in its first shape while in its implant disengagement position. Movement of the implant insertion device from its implant disengagement position to its implant engagement position manipulates the shape memory implant from its first shape to its second shape. The implant insertion device maintains the shape memory implant in its second shape until delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone. |
| US09585653B2 |
Tissue fixation devices and methods
In one embodiment, a medical device includes a tissue anchor, and elongate member, a first needle, and a second needle. The tissue anchor has a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a base portion extending between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The first needle extends from the elongate member. The first needle defines a lumen configured to receive the anchor member of the first arm portion of the tissue anchor. The second needle extends from the elongate member. The second needle defines a lumen configured to receive the anchor member of the second arm portion of the tissue anchor. |
| US09585651B2 |
Methods and apparatus for securing and deploying tissue anchors
Methods and apparatus for securing and deploying tissue anchors are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the tissue manipulation assembly, which may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly. A deployment assembly is provided for securing engaged tissue via one or more tissue anchors, the deployment assembly also being configured to disengage the anchors endoluminally or laparoscopically. |
| US09585650B2 |
Surgical spacer instrument and method
A surgical instrument comprises a first member defining a longitudinal axis. A second member is connected with a pivot. A third member defines a first axis disposed at an angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis and is connected with the pivot. The second member is translatable relative to the first member to rotate the pivot to move the third member between a first orientation and a second orientation to space vertebral tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US09585649B2 |
Retractor
A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis. The retractor further comprises a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In operation, the blade assemblies are closed to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, thereby stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.) The retractor thus forms an aperture for passage of surgical instruments and viewing of the surgical field by surgical personnel. In some embodiments, the retractor features a pair of removable handles that may be removed from the arms during surgery in order to afford the surgeon improved space management about the incision. In specific embodiments, the invention provides a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor. |
| US09585636B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, medical image processing apparatus, and medical image processing method
According to one embodiment, a first calculation unit calculates a first feature amount concerning an edge direction in a specific region. A second calculation unit calculates a second feature amount concerning an edge intensity or a brightness value in the specific region. A storage unit stores filter characteristics. The each filter characteristic is associated with a first feature amounts range and a second feature amounts range which ultrasonic images suitable for the each filter characteristic may have. A selection unit selects a filter characteristic corresponding to both the calculated first feature amount and the calculated second feature amount. An image filter unit applies an image filter having the selected filter characteristic. |
| US09585625B2 |
Radiographic apparatus
In the radiographic apparatus of this invention, a composite image generating device generates a composite high-voltage/low-voltage image for every time of the same high voltage/low voltage based on a plurality of high-voltage/low-voltage images successively acquired by a high-voltage/low-voltage image acquiring device. Based on the composite high-voltage/low-voltage image generated by the composite image generating device, a subtraction processing device carries out a subtraction process concerning high-voltage images and low-voltage images, to acquire subtraction images. Thus, a mistake by arithmetic processing is made inconspicuous without causing a dose shortage. |
| US09585623B2 |
Systems and methods for numerically evaluating vasculature
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a cardiovascular score for a patient. A method includes receiving, using at least one computer system, patient-specific data regarding a geometry of multiple coronary arteries of the patient; and creating, using at least one computer system, a three-dimensional model representing at least portions of the multiple coronary arteries based on the patient-specific data. The method also includes evaluating, using at least one computer system, multiple characteristics of at least some of the coronary arteries represented by the model; and generating, using at least one computer system, the cardiovascular score based on the evaluation of the multiple characteristics. Another method includes generating the cardiovascular score based on evaluated multiple characteristics for portions of the coronary arteries having fractional flow reserve values of at least a predetermined threshold value. |
| US09585621B2 |
Technique for real-time removal of power line interference in ECG
A technique for real-time removal of power line interference (PLI) in electrocardiograms (ECG) with sampling rate a relevant integer multiple of the nominal power line frequency (NPLF), comprising band-pass PLI filtering of the ECG, determining expedient weights and weighted Least-Squares parabolic approximating downsampled to the NPLF series of band-pass PLI filtered values. The disclosed technique utilizes only integer arithmetic, includes pre-adjusting for the routine ECG sampling rates, causes negligible ringing and is still accurate in the common occurrences of PLI with deviating from the nominal 60 or 50 Hz frequency and varying amplitude. |
| US09585618B2 |
Nerve location detection
Technologies are generally provided for identifying and marking the location of the laryngeal nerve prior to tissue dissection. A frame may include two multi-electrode stimulating probes, a slider with a guide movable between the two probes, and a marker probe including an anchor. The two probes supported on the frame may be inserted into tissue in a vicinity of the nerve, and a controller may sequentially stimulate the electrodes on each probe and measure electromyography (EMG) responses from each stimulated electrode. The controller may determine the nerve's location relative to the probes based on the measured EMG responses, where the location may include a lateral position between the probes and an estimated depth. The slider may be moved to the lateral position and the marker probe may be inserted through the slider to the determined depth. The anchor may be deployed next to the nerve to indicate the nerve location. |
| US09585616B2 |
Determining treatment compliance using speech patterns passively captured from a patient environment
Methods and systems are described for monitoring patient speech to determine compliance of the patient with a prescribed regimen for treating for a brain-related disorder. Patient speech is detected with an audio sensor at the patient location, and speech data is transmitted to a monitoring location. The audio sensor and other components at the patient location may be incorporated into, or associated with, a cell phone, computing system, or stand-alone microprocessor-based device, for example. Patient speech is processed at the patient location and/or monitoring location to identify speech parameters and/or patterns that indicate whether the patient has complied with the prescribed treatment regimen. Patient identity may be determined through biometric identification or other authentication techniques. The system may provide a report to an interested party, for example a medical care provider, based on whether (and/or the extent to which) the patient has complied with the prescribed treatment regimen. |
| US09585612B2 |
Multifunctional fluorescence diagnosis system
A fluorescence diagnosis system has a viewing system at least one light source and a camera system. The at least one light source can be operated in three modes, a first generating white light, a second with a first fluorescence excitation light of a first excitation wavelength and a third in which a second fluorescence excitation light of a second excitation wavelength is generated producing a fluorescence image in the NIR range. The camera system is sensitive at least in the visible and the NIR range. The system further comprises an image processing system for converting the fluorescence image in the NIR range into a visible image. |
| US09585610B2 |
Medical needle
A medical needle includes a needle body including a needle tip on a front end of the needle body; a shaft provided on a base end of the needle body; a housing pipe including a first tube, and a second tube; and a lock member that includes at least one engaging unit that is releasably engaged with the shaft, and at least one engagement release unit. The shaft is slidable from a first position at which the front end of the needle body protrudes from the housing pipe by a predetermined length, to a second position at which the front end of the needle body is located in the housing pipe. Engagement of the at least one engaging unit with the shaft is releasable by pressing the at least one engagement release unit inward. |
| US09585605B2 |
Fluid management and patient monitoring system
A lactate sensor arrangement includes a catheter for withdrawing a test fluid sample, a sensor module for measuring an analyte such as lactate in the sample, and a pumping mechanism. A single uninterrupted flow path extends between the pumping mechanism and the catheter and within the flow path resides a sensor module containing a test chamber. The sensor arrangement also includes a control unit or controller that interfaces with a pumping mechanism driver. The sensor arrangement also includes a source of sensor calibration and anticoagulant solution, such as a reservoir. |
| US09585604B2 |
Multiplexed pathlength resolved noninvasive analyzer apparatus with dynamic optical paths and method of use thereof
A noninvasive analyzer apparatus and method of use thereof is described comprising a near-infrared source, a detector, and a photon transport system configured to direct photons from the source to the detector via an analyzer-sample optical interface. The photon transport system includes a dynamically position light directing unit used to, within a measurement time period for a single analyte concentration determination, change any of: radius, energy, intensity, position, incident angle, solid angle, and/or depth of penetration of a beam of photons entering skin of a subject. |
| US09585599B2 |
Catheter locator apparatus and method of use
This invention relates to a method of catheter and radiating coil location in a human body and in particular to the determination over time of the location of the tip of a catheter as it is inserted and during its use in the body. In particular when a radiating coil is used in conjunction with a catheter, a coil locating device can be used to determine the distance the coil is from the device and hence its depth in the body of a patient. To assist a clinician using the coil-locating device, a display is provided that shows both a reference image of a part or portion of a body (non-subject body) and an image of the coil located on the display with reference to the reference image. This is achieved by locating the coil-locating device on or over a predetermined landmark on the patient's body. The coil and its associated signal wires can be incorporated into a stylet, guide wire or a catheter. The coil locating device has a preferable triangular shape in plan view that allows its uppermost apex to be orientated towards the head of the patient and for an axis of the device to be aligned with the mid sagittal plane of the patient. Preferable landmarks on a human body include the xiphoid sternal junction and the caudal/mid sagittal aspect of the jugular sternal notch. |
| US09585597B2 |
Patient specific instrumentation with MEMS in surgery
An assembly of a patient specific instrument and tracking system comprises a patient specific instrument having a body with a patient specific contact surface negatively shaped relative to a corresponding surface of a bone for complementary contact therewith. An inertial sensor unit with a preset orientation is connected to the body in a planned connection configuration, such that a geometrical relation between the contact surface and the inertial sensor unit is known. A tracking system has a tracking processor connected to the inertial sensor unit, a user interface, and bone orientation data related to the patient specific contact surface, the tracking processor producing orientation tracking data for the bone using the geometrical relation and the bone orientation data when the preset orientation of the inertial sensor unit is initialized, to output the orientation tracking data on the user interface. |
| US09585596B2 |
Apparatus for capturing medical image and method of adjusting table thereof
A wireless device communicates with a medical image capturing apparatus to adjust a position of a table supporting an object to be imaged. An operator adjusts a position of the wireless device, the apparatus measures the wireless device's position, and adjusts the table based on the measured position. A method may include measuring distances between the wireless device and each of a plurality of respective detection units arranged along an axis. An axial distance may be measured between a reference point and the wireless device using measured distances and locations of the detection units relative to the reference point. The table is moved with respect to a gantry aperture of the apparatus based on the calculated axial distance. Controlled table movement may be movement into the gantry aperture and/or table height adjustment. |
| US09585595B2 |
Multiple channel nuclear magnetic resonance coil
A multi-channel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) coil operating at a resonance frequency includes a plurality of unit loops disposed upon a cylindrical surface of a coil body and surrounding the coil body as a closed NMR coil; and a plurality of inter-loop capacitors configured to connect adjacent unit loops respectively, wherein each unit loop comprises a signal channel and further comprises a pair of vertical conducting parts parallel to a cylindrical axis of the coil body, each vertical conducting part comprising an inductor and a first capacitor connected in serial; and a pair of horizontal conducting parts perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of the coil body, at least one horizontal conducting part comprising a second capacitor; and the inter-loop capacitor connects two respective horizontal conducting parts of adjacent unit loops disposed on a same side to eliminate coupling between signal channels of adjacent unit loops. |
| US09585590B2 |
Computerized systems and methods for stability-theoretic prediction and prevention of sudden cardiac death
Systems, methods and computer-readable media are provided for automatic identification of patients according to near-term risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Embodiments of the invention are directed to event prediction, risk stratification, and optimization of the assessment, communication, and decision-making to prevent SCD, and in one embodiment take the form of a platform for wearable, mobile, unteathered monitoring devices with embedded decision support. Thus embodiments relate to automatically identifying persons at risk for arrhythmias and SCD through the use of noninvasive, portable, wearable electronic device and sensors equipped with signal-processing software and statistical predictive algorithms that calculate stability-theoretic measures derived from the digital electrocardiogram timeseries acquired by the device. The measurements and predictive algorithms embedded within the device provide for unsupervised use in the home or in general acute-care and chronic-care venues and afford a degree of robustness against variations in individual anatomy and sensor placement. |
| US09585587B2 |
Fixed loop deflectable electrophysiology catheters having an extended braid primary shaft coupled to the periphery of the fixed loop and methods of manufacturing therefor
An EP catheter includes a tubular body having a proximal region, a neck region, and a distal portion predisposed into a single shallow helical fixed-diameter loop configuration and including a plurality of diagnostic electrodes. In deflectable catheter forms, at least one activation wire extends through at least a portion of the proximal region of the catheter body and is adapted to deflect the up to approximately 180 degrees relative to the proximal region. The catheter can be operated manually by a clinician or via a clinician-surrogate such as a computer processor-controlled surgical system. In addition, a variety of localization, visualization, and/or orientation-specific elements can be incorporated into the devices described, depicted, and claimed herein (e.g., metallic coil members, active impedance emitting or receiving electrodes, fluoroscopically opaque materials, and the like). |
| US09585580B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining information indicative of cardiac malfunctions and abnormalities
An apparatus for determining information indicative of cardiac malfunctions and abnormalities includes a processing device (402) configured to extract, from a signal indicative of electromagnetic phenomena related to cardiac activity, a first wave pattern repeating on a heart-beat rate and, from a signal indicative of cardiovascular motion, a second wave pattern repeating on the heart-beat rate. The processing device is configured to form timing data such that each timing value of the timing data is indicative of a time period from a reference point of the first wave pattern belonging to one heart-beat period to a reference point of the second wave pattern belonging to the same heart-beat period. The processing device is configured to determine, at least partly on the basis of the timing data, an indicator of cardiac malfunction and abnormality. |
| US09585579B2 |
Systems and methods for noninvasive spectral-spatiotemporal imaging of cardiac electrical activity
A system and method for non-invasively generating a report of cardiac electrical activities of a subject includes determining, using cardiac electrical activation information, equivalent current densities (ECDs). The ECDs are assembled into time-course ECD information and a spectrum of the time-course ECD information is analyzed to determine peaks for spectral characteristics of atrial fibrillation (AF). The spectral characteristics of AF are correlated with potential electrical sources of the AF and a report is generated indicating the potential electrical sources of the AF spatially registered with the medical imaging data. |
| US09585577B2 |
Body-worn system for continuous, noninvasive measurement of cardiac output, stroke volume, cardiac power, and blood pressure
The invention provides methods for measuring stroke volume from a patient using a transbrachial electro-velocimetry waveform measured using an impedance sensor together with a motion waveform measured using a motion sensor. |
| US09585576B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method
An MRI apparatus includes an imaging data acquiring unit and a blood flow information generating unit. The imaging data acquiring unit acquires imaging data from an imaging region including myocardium, without using a contrast medium, by applying a spatial selective excitation pulse to a region including at least a part of an ascending aorta for distinguishably displaying inflowing blood flowing into the imaging region. The blood flow information generating unit generates blood flow image data based on the imaging data. |
| US09585575B2 |
Non-contrast MRI with differentiation of ischemic, infarct and normal tissue
Elicited MRI signals are processed into MR image data in conjunction (a) with use of an initial spatially-selective RF tag pulse (tag-on) and (b) without use of an initial spatially-selective NMR RF tag pulse (tag-off) in respectively corresponding data acquisition subsequences. Multi-dimensional tag-on and tag-off data acquisition subsequences are used for each of plural time-to-inversion (TI) intervals without using an injected contrast agent. Acquired image data sets are subtracted for each TI interval to produce difference values as a function of time representing blood perfusion for the ROI that differentiates between normal, ischemic and infarct tissues. |
| US09585570B2 |
Object information acquiring apparatus and laser apparatus
An object information acquiring apparatus is used which includes: a laser medium; a temperature controlling unit for controlling a temperature of the laser medium; an excitation unit for exciting the laser medium; a control unit for controlling the temperature controlling unit and the excitation unit; a probe for receiving acoustic waves that are generated when an object is irradiated with a laser beam from the laser medium; and a processing unit for acquiring characteristic information relating to the object from the acoustic waves, wherein the control unit does not operate the excitation unit until the temperature of the laser medium falls within a predetermined range. |
| US09585566B2 |
Transceiver unit in a measurement system
A measurement system may comprise a sensor wire and a transceiver unit. The sensor wire may comprise an insertable portion configured to be inserted in a blood vessel of a patient's body and a sensor disposed within the insertable portion at a distal end of the sensor wire. The sensor is configured to measure a parameter when inserted inside the patient. The transceiver unit may comprise: a housing adapted to be connected to a proximal end of the sensor wire; and a first communication module within the housing adapted to wirelessly communicate by a communication signal with an external second communication module in order to transfer information to the external second communication module. |
| US09585565B2 |
System, method, and software for automating physiologic displays and alerts with trending heuristics
A method for automating physiologic alerts and derived parameters with trending heuristics includes receiving at a mobile patient monitor interface, a first input expression indicative of a first parameter source for first patient parameters from a first medical device from a user. The method further includes receiving, at the mobile patient monitor interface, a second input expression indicative of a second parameter source for second patient parameters from a second medical device from a user. The method further includes applying, at the mobile patient monitor interface, a smoothing operator to the first input expression and the second input expression. The method further includes evaluating, at the mobile patient monitor interface, a complex expression of the first patient parameters and the second patient parameters based on the smoothing operator to initiate display of at least one parameter, derived parameter, trend, or alert on a remote device. |
| US09585564B2 |
Wireless skin temperature measurements in diving
A dive computer system that utilizes a direct skin temperature measurement is provided. The dive computer system includes a measurement device that includes a temperature sensor and is attached to a strap. The strap is placed around a diver's chest and configured to measure the diver's skin temperature. The skin temperature is wirelessly transmitted to a dive computer that utilizes a dive algorithm to determine compartment inert gas saturation and desaturation. The dive algorithm determines an updated skin perfusion factor that is in turn utilized to determine an updated half time for the skin compartment for inert gas desaturation and a pressure tolerance for the skin compartment for inert gas saturation. |
| US09585561B2 |
Ophthalmic surgical microscope with adaptive optics for optical wavefront compensation
An ophthalmic surgical microscope can include a first light source configured to project a first light beam at an observer's eye. The microscope can include a first wavefront sensor. The first wavefront sensor can be configured to determine aberrations in the first reflection wavefront of a reflection of the first light beam. The microscope can include adaptive optical element(s). The adaptive optical element(s) can be controlled to modify the phase of incident light. The microscope can include a computing device in communication with the first wavefront sensor and the adaptive optical element(s). The computing device can be configured to generate the control signal to compensate for the aberrations and to provide the control signal to the adaptive optical element(s). A second light source and second wavefront sensor can be provided to compensate for aberrations of a subject's eye. |
| US09585557B1 |
Spectral flying spot eye-tracker and heads-up display
A tracking and display system for an eye of a person is incorporated into eyewear having at least one lens and being positionable in front of the eye or eyes with attachment hardware. A circuit with a power source is fixed with the eyewear and includes at least one multispectral LED adapted to project light towards the eye and at least one multispectral light detector adapted to receive light reflected from the eye. As such, movement, anatomy and physiology of the eye are determined according to an organized pattern of projected light reflected and received by the at least one detector. To display an image, light from the at least one multispectral LED is conveyed by at least one optical fiber to an eye-facing surface of a lens of the eyewear and then onto the retina of the person's eye to form a visible heads-up display image. |
| US09585555B2 |
OCT apparatus and method of controlling the same
In an OCT apparatus for obtaining a tomogram using optical interference between signal light and reference light, a first distance between a specific image and a coherence gate is obtained from a first tomogram obtained by imaging. The coherence gate is moved by a set moving distance along a predetermined moving direction. The positional relationship between the specific image and the coherence gate is determined based on the position of the specific image in a second tomogram obtained by imaging after movement of the coherence gate and the position of the specific image in the first tomogram. |
| US09585553B2 |
Apparatus and method for operating a real time large diopter range sequential wavefront sensor
A wavefront sensor includes a light source configured to illuminate a subject eye, a detector, a first beam deflecting element configured to intercept a wavefront beam returned from a subject eye when the subject eye is illuminated by the light source and configured to direct a portion of the wavefront from the subject eye through an aperture toward the detector and a controller, coupled to the light source and the beam deflecting element, configured to control the beam deflecting element to deflect and project different portions of an annular ring portion of the wavefront from the subject eye through the aperture and further configured to pulse the light source at a firing rate to sample selected portions of the annular ring at the detector. |
| US09585552B2 |
Device and method for measuring at least one objective ocular refraction characteristic of a patient for a plurality of visual ranges
A device for measuring the objective ocular refraction of a patient for a plurality of visual ranges, which includes a variable proximity optical sight system capable of selectively generating a first target and a second target and an image-capturing device having an optical measurement axis intended for being aligned with a line of sight of the patient, the image-capturing device being capable of capturing a first ocular refraction image when the first target is activated and a second ocular refraction image when the second target is activated. The image-capturing device and the optical sight system are arranged such that the optical measurement axis and the optical sight axis are arranged such that the optical measurement axis and the optical sight axis are contained in a single plane and the optical measurement axis is tilted at an angle alpha between +5 degrees and +85 degrees relative to the horizontal. |
| US09585547B2 |
Adjustable endoscope sheath
An endoscope sheath is provided comprising a sheath tube extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath tube is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope; a hub connected to the proximal end of the sheath tube; and a hub adapter engaging the hub and configured to engage the endoscope, wherein the sheath tube can rotate about the longitudinal axis without rotation of the hub adapter, and wherein the sheath tube is restricted from moving axially along the longitudinal axis relative to the hub adapter. |
| US09585543B2 |
Device and system for checking the status of an in-vivo imaging device
A device and system for monitoring the status of a battery in an in-vivo imaging device, prior to use of the in-vivo imaging device. The device may include a frame counter for counting the number of frames captured and may include monitoring the voltage of the battery. A warning signal is generated if it is determined that the battery is faulty prior to use. The warning signal can be generated by the device and/or by a receiver which receives data from the in-vivo imaging device and/or a by workstation which receives the data from the receiver. |
| US09585541B1 |
Stabilizer for glassware for use in automatic dishwasher
A stabilizer for glassware in an automatic dishwasher has an inside to contact the item of glassware and an outside opposite the inside. A resilient mesh is selectably mountable on an item of glassware to at least partially encircle an outer circumference of the item of glassware to removably retain the item of glassware in the automatic dishwasher. The mesh includes a longitudinal axis defined by the mesh, and channels open on the inside to channel water from between the stabilizer and the item of glassware under an influence of gravity to prevent an accumulation of water in the stabilizer or between the stabilizer and the item of glassware. At least one permanent magnet is affixed to the resilient mesh to selectively magnetically attach the stabilizer and the item of glassware to an adjacent magnetically responsive object disposed in the dishwasher to thereby stabilize the item of glassware in the dishwasher and to cushion the item of glassware from impact. |
| US09585534B2 |
Cleaning machine for cleaning surfaces
A cleaning machine for cleaning surfaces, including a support frame holding a rotary cleaning organ to clean the desired surface, first rest for the support frame, auxiliary rest wheel of the support frame movable into assume first and second positions in which it is raised and lowered, respectively, the auxiliary wheel being positioned at a base of a stem slidable in a bushing associated to the support frame with the axis perpendicular to the support frame between a first raised position and a second lowered position. The stem includes a groove defined on a surface thereof and the bushing includes a pin projecting internally thereof and able to slide in the groove. The groove includes first and second upper cusps proximal to the end of the stem that is distal from the wheel, the first and second upper cusps being alternated with first and second lower cusps directed towards the end of the stem proximal to the wheel. |
| US09585532B2 |
Brush roller of a floor cleaning device
A rotating brush roller of a floor care device is a cylindrical rotational element including a hollow body as a central piece and end pieces to be supported via bearings in a brush housing of the floor care device. A spiral, outwardly open, receiving shaft or groove is provided in the outer circumferential surface of the hollow body for receiving and retaining therein a continuous spiral brush strip. The central piece is a self-supporting hollow body of plastic, into opposite ends of which the end pieces engage with a form-fitting connection. The receiving shaft for receiving the brush strip continues at least partially in the end pieces. |
| US09585531B2 |
Nozzle assembly having subsidiary brush unit
A nozzle assembly usable with an upright vacuum cleaner, comprising: a nozzle assembly body; a drum brush unit disposed in the nozzle assembly body, the drum brush unit having a drum brush disposed to move dirt or dust adhered to a surface to be cleaned while coming in rotational contact therewith; a subsidiary brush unit disposed in front of the drum brush unit, and the subsidiary brush unit having a subsidiary brush to preliminarily move the dust or dirt adhered to the surface to be cleaned before the drum brush moves the dirt or dust adhered to the surface to be cleaned; and a locking unit disposed to the drum brush unit to selectively fix the subsidiary brush unit to the drum brush unit, wherein the subsidiary brush unit is rotatably connected to the drum brush unit to selectively maintain a contact state or a non-contact state to the surface to be cleaned, and, when the subsidiary brush unit maintains the contact state to the surface to be cleaned, the locking unit fixes the subsidiary brush unit to the drum brush unit. |
| US09585530B2 |
Portable surface cleaning apparatus
A hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a main body housing a suction motor, and a cyclone bin assembly. The cyclone bin assembly comprises a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may extend under at least a portion of the suction motor. The suction motor may be oriented at an angle to a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. |
| US09585528B2 |
Anti-ligature dispenser
A dispenser includes a backplate mountable to a surface. The backplate has a cover associated with it. An anti-ligature fixture is associated with either the backplate or the cover. The anti-ligature fixture is positioned to cut any ligature positioned between the dispenser and the surface as an anchor point. |
| US09585527B2 |
Foamer dispenser
A foamer dispenser includes a hollow stem, an air piston configured to pressurize and pump air, and a tubular guide that is coupled integrally to the air piston, that defines an airway for air supply between the hollow stem and the tubular guide, that holds the hollow stem slidably, and that is configured to come out of abutment with the flange in response to sliding of the hollow stem, thereby opening the airway is provided. The flange is provided with: an outer annular wall protruding upward from an outer edge of the flange; and a guide rib located on an outer side of the tubular guide in the radial direction and configured to be guided by the tubular guide during sliding of the hollow stem. |
| US09585526B2 |
Pilot valve switch mechanism and a shower system applied with the pilot valve switch mechanism
A pilot valve switch mechanism of a shower system includes a fixed portion and a valve spool. The fixed portion is has an inlet waterway, a first and second outlet waterway and a control hole that can connect to the outlet waterways. The first outlet waterway has a first outlet and the second outlet waterway has a second outlet. The valve spool is slidably assembled inside the fixed portion vertically to the inlet waterway, and has a slim hole connected to the inlet waterway. The valve spool and the fixed portion form a pressure cavity. The control hole and the slim hole are connected to the pressure cavity. The pressure cavity is controlled by the control hole to drive the valve spool to move along the inlet waterway to close the first or second outlet, switching the inlet waterway to connect to the first or second outlet waterway. |
| US09585524B2 |
Wall-entry bathtub
A wall-entry bathtub includes a basin, a shell defining an entryway to allow access into the basin, and an entry wall movable between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein the entry wall is substantially clear of the entryway in the lowered position and at least partially blocks the entryway in the raised position. The bathtub also includes first and second entry wall position sensors configured to sense the position of the entry wall and a controller in electronic communication with the first and second entry wall position sensors, wherein the controller is configured to control components of the bathtub based at least in part on the position of the entry wall. |
| US09585522B1 |
Portable hand washing station
A portable hand washing station including a wheeled cart for traversing a variety of terrain, a hinged lid, a reservoir for storing fluid therein, and a spigot on a front side of the cart for dispensing liquid, such as water or sanitizing fluid, from the reservoir. At least one solar panel with at least one rechargeable battery is provided along with at least one universal serial bus (USB) port for charging items such as a cell phone. At least one wireless speaker is disposed on the cart. A handle having a cross-member, which doubles as a paper towel holder, is disposed on the outer wall of the lid. A telescopic dowel, which slidingly engages the cross-member, serves as a light holder. Outer storage pouches are disposed on the cart. |
| US09585518B1 |
Outdoor cooker with a heat management plate
A cooker includes a cooking chamber having a first end and a second opposite end. A firepot is located at the bottom of the cooking chamber near the first end. The firepot receives and burns fuel to heat the cooking chamber. An exhaust stack is mounted near the second end of the cooking chamber. A heat management plate divides the cooking chamber into a lower fire pit portion and an upper cooking portion. The heat plate has an array of hot gas convection openings that extend between a first location which is spaced away from the firewall and a second location that is adjacent to the stack wall. The open area presented by the openings increases between the first location and the second location. An optional adjustable gate may also be present in the heat management plate between the firewall and the first location. |
| US09585516B2 |
Cooking pot lid with automated stirring elements, lid for cooking vessel, and cooking vessel system including same
The invention is directed to a self-stirring cooking pot lid, featuring a plurality of electric stirring elements. |
| US09585512B2 |
Drink preparation machine, particularly espresso machine, comprising a height adjustable drink outflow unit
In a drink preparation machine, particularly espresso machine, with a height adjustable drink outflow unit (6) disposed on the front side of a machine housing front wall (3), a machine housing front wall (3) having an opening (4) extending in height adjustment direction (5) through which opening (4) a drink supply pipe (22, 36) extends. In the machine housing (2) at least one masking band (8) is disposed behind the opening (4). The masking band (8) is connected to the drink outflow unit (6) and masks on the inside of the machine housing front wall (3) one section (41, 42) each of the opening (4) not covered on the outside. At least one deflection section (25′, 28) of the masking band (8) is deflected away from the inner side of the machine housing front wall (3). |
| US09585509B2 |
Cooking appliance
A cooking appliance has a pivotable pot having a pot pivot axle and a pivotable lid having a lid pivot axle, and includes a common drive for pivoting the pot and the lid. |
| US09585508B2 |
Systems and methods for deployment of curtains
A curtain system is described which includes a curtain having a plurality of rod engaging members attached thereto, a plurality of rods each having a first end, and a curtain release mechanism attached to each rod at the first end thereof. The rod engaging members each include a stem having a first end and a second end, the first end of the stem configured for engagement with the curtain release mechanism, and a keyway formed in the stem and proximate the first end of the stem. |
| US09585501B1 |
Beverage cup insulating seal member and associated insulated beverage cup assembly
An insulating seal member adapted for use in association with a pair of beverage cups including an annular body, wherein the annular body includes: an upper region having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a top surface; a lower region having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a bottom surface; and an intermediate region positioned between the upper and lower regions; wherein the top surface of the upper region is adapted to sealingly engage a bottom surface of an annular rim of a first beverage cup; and wherein at least one of a lower surface of the intermediate region and the bottom surface of the lower region is adapted to sealingly engage a top surface of an annular rim of a second beverage cup positioned below the first beverage cup. |
| US09585497B2 |
Modular display system
A modular product display system comprising a first horizontal shelf having opposing ends; two or more display panels disposed on a top surface of said first horizontal shelf; one or more side walls, each having a height and supporting each opposing end of said shelf; wherein said display panels are modular and each comprise a rear panel perpendicularly disposed to a bottom panel suitable for product placement. |
| US09585495B2 |
Built-in mobile arm for a crib
A built-in mobile arm for a crib for storing and using a mobile arm secured to a crib. The built-in mobile arm includes a crib having base, one or more sidewalls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume. The device further includes a mobile arm having a first end, a second end, and one or more members, wherein a first member is pivotally secured to a second member so as to allow the arm to fold into a stored configuration. The second end of the mobile arm is adjustably secured to the crib, whereas the first end is able to support a mobile thereon. The crib further includes a recessed area disposed on a sidewall that receives the arm therein for storing. In an alternate embodiment, the recessed area is disposed in a leg of the crib, wherein the mobile arm can retract therein or extend upwards therefrom. |
| US09585488B1 |
Child seat for a swimming pool
A child seat apparatus for use in a swimming pool includes a frame assembly including an opposed and parallel pair of side frames, a vertical adjusting assembly movably connected to the pair of side frames, a floatable seat assembly connected to the vertical adjusting assembly between the pair of side frames, and a weighted base connected to the frame assembly. |
| US09585485B2 |
Seating device having a tilt mechanism
A seating device can include a seat and a base connected to the seat to support the seat. A tilt mechanism can be connected to at least one of the base and the seat. The tilt mechanism can include at least one of (a) at least one seat connecting member connecting the seat to an upper portion of the base, (b) a plurality of resilient fingers that are attached to the base to engage a floor and flex in response to a user providing a force while sitting or leaning on the seat, and (c) an elastomeric floor engagement member that is attached to the base and has a bottom peripheral portion that contacts a floor and is flexible in response to a user providing the force. In some embodiments, the tilt mechanism may include all of elements (a)-(c). |
| US09585483B2 |
Adjustable head support apparatus
An adjustable head support apparatus includes a head support and an adjusting assembly disposed within the seat back of a chair. The adjusting assembly includes a positioning base, a rotating block, a moving base and a latch base. The positioning base is disposed at a rear end of the seat back and the rotating block is pivoted within the positioning base. The moving base is installed at the rear end of the positioning base to move the head support. The latch base is installed at the front end of the head support and engaged with the latch. When the head support is pulled up enough to move the moving base upward, the moving base will rotate the latch of the rotating block. Therefore, the height of the head support can be adjusted to satisfy different people and the support of the head can be provided properly. |
| US09585478B1 |
Adjustable seating
Among other things, a seat includes a base; a back-supporting surface coupled to the base; and a seating surface movable relative to the base in a direction of motion toward and away from the back-supporting surface. The back-supporting surface has a lower portion nearer the seating surface that is movable, relative to an upper portion of the back-supporting surface that is farther from the seating surface, in the direction of motion as the seating surface moves in the direction of motion. |
| US09585476B2 |
Multifunction workstation
A linear actuator to provide the moving force for adjustable furniture, such as beds, chairs or tables. The linear actuator includes a drive assembly, rigid arm, and linkage assembly. The rigid arm includes a pusher block with one or more attachment means where the linkage assembly is attached. |
| US09585474B2 |
Traveling harness system
A traveling harness system is provided for an appliance to maintain electrical connections between the appliance and a drawer, while allowing the drawer to move. Wiring harness guides formed in the drawer force the wiring harness to maintain a predictable and desirable loop radius to reduce stress on the wiring harness, which prevents the wiring harness from prematurely wearing. |
| US09585469B2 |
Combination multi-level rack
A combination multi-level rack includes two side racks, at least an object holding member, and a fastener. Two sides of each of the side racks are provided with a longitudinal part, respectively, and a transverse part combined with the longitudinal parts. Four corners of the holding member are provided with a combining member, respectively. Each of the combining members has an engaging groove and a combining part disposed on a lateral side of the engaging groove, and the engaging groove engages the transverse part. The fastener removably engages the combining part with the longitudinal part. Therefore, the object holding member is stably combined to the two side racks. |
| US09585466B2 |
Wall mountable table and nested hanging apparatus
A wall mountable table and nesting apparatus for providing wall art which may be additionally deployed as a freestanding table. The wall mounted table and nesting apparatus includes a wall mount defining a first French cleat style mount, a nesting member which is adapted to hang on the wall mount and provide a first display surface as well as a second French cleat style mount, and a table member which includes a plurality of selectably deployable legs and is adapted to hang on the nesting member and provide a second display surface or, in the alternative, to stand on a floor as a freestanding table. The first display surface and second display surface may include the same aesthetic design or distinct designs to provide either the same or an alternate experience depending on whether the table member is on the wall or the floor. |
| US09585463B2 |
Shoulder carry assist
A shoulder carry assist is a device that allows the user to carry loads without having his or her movement restricted and without losing the use of his or her hands. The device features a left shoulder pad and a right shoulder pad that are connected via a left linkage rod, a right linkage rod, and a width-adjustable cross-bar. Loads may be attached to a left load-bearing hanger and a right load-bearing hanger that are attached to the left shoulder pad and the right shoulder pad by a left cord and a right cord, respectively. The left cord and the right cord are guided via a plurality of left offset guides and a plurality of right offset guides as well as a stabilizing guide located on both the left shoulder pad and the right shoulder pad. |
| US09585462B2 |
Device for carrying an object
A device for carrying an object, comprising first and second shoulder straps, first and second chest straps to be fitted around the lower chest of a person, and a back portion connecting a first end of the shoulder straps with a first end of the chest straps. Second ends of the shoulder straps are connected to the chest straps, and second ends of the chest straps are detachably connectable to each other by means of a buckle. Lengths of the chest straps are adjustable. Each of the chest straps comprises at least an elastic section, said elastic section being elastically extendable in a longitudinal direction of the chest straps. Disclosed is also a backpack comprising such a device. |
| US09585461B2 |
Method of producing an adhesive sheet for skin, cosmetic method and adhesive sheet for skin
A method of producing an adhesive sheet for skin includes attaching a water-absorptive support to a water-permeable biocompatible film to prepare a stack including the biocompatible film and the support, applying an aqueous ink including water and a functional material to the biocompatible film side of the stack thereby to fix the functional material to the biocompatible film, and separating the biocompatible film having the functional material fixed thereto from the support. An adhesive sheet for skin comprises a water-permeable biocompatible film to which an aqueous ink including water and a functional material has been applied and fixed and a water-absorptive support detachably attached to the biocompatible film. |
| US09585457B2 |
Functional dynamic cosmetic package
Packages for cosmetics are provided including an applicator that engages with a wiper component of a container in a manner such that the applicator and wiper are capable of moving together in one or more directions within the container, including without limitation, vertically, horizontally, diagonally, rotationally, and any combination of such movements. This increased range of mobility permits the applicator element to access more of the cosmetic material within the container than heretofore possible. |
| US09585452B2 |
Hand luggage of the pull-along type equipped with a damped telescopic hand grip
Luggage of the pull-along type comprises a container, a sleeve fixed to the container, and a telescopic tube mounted in a sliding fashion in the sleeve between a retracted position, and a deployed position. The luggage further includes a resilient element interposed between the tube and the sleeve, designed to allow the tube to be pushed into the sleeve beyond the retracted position against a restoring force exerted on the tube by the resilient member. |
| US09585450B2 |
Contact lens packages
A package having a roughened surface that does not adhere to a medical device enclosed therein. |
| US09585449B2 |
Mobile phone enclosures
The present invention includes a mobile phone enclosure which provides a user access to the features of the mobile device within a protective enclosure further providing at least one appearance enhancing device. Such an enclosure may comprise a brush and/or comb and may provide at least one storage area for the appearance enhancing device. Such a protective enclosure may be for an electronic device having interactive controls and may comprise a protective shell substantially surrounding said electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in said shell, the electronic device being insertable in and removable from said shell by hand and having at least one opening in the shell substantially aligned with the interactive controls when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell, and having at least one appearance enhancement device removably disposed within the bounds of the shell. |
| US09585447B1 |
Reversible umbrella
A reversible umbrella has a pole, a first handle affixed to a first end of the pole, a second handle affixed to a second end of the pole, and a plurality of ribs extending outwardly of the pole. A canopy is affixed to the ribs. The canopy has a first side facing one direction and a second side facing an opposite direction. The ribs are movable from a first position, wherein the first side of the canopy is in a generally concave configuration with respect to the first handle, to a second position, wherein the first side of the canopy is in a generally convex position with respect to the first handle. The opposing sides of the canopy preferably have different appearances or textures, such that the user can select between two designs to be exposed on the exterior of the umbrella. |
| US09585443B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing reclosable bag material with audible closure
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a reclosure for a reclosable package or container, such as a plastic bag, wherein opening or closing the zipper causes an audible sound and a tactile feel. The apparatus includes a cutting wheel which is opposed to a pressure wheel. The cutting wheel includes cutting teeth spaced about its periphery. Interlocked zipper material is engaged between the cutting wheel and the pressure wheel to form indentations in the interlocked zipper, thereby resulting in audible and tactile feedback when the zipper is operated. |
| US09585442B1 |
Zip-locker system and apparatus
Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a system comprising a zip-locker and a zip-locker receiver. The zip-locker comprises a first portion and a second portion configured to fasten to an interconnect, at least one of the first portion and the second portion having ratchet teeth formed and extending longitudinally on an outer surface thereof. The zip-locker receiver is configured to ratchetably receive the zip-locker and comprises an aperture and a pawl disposed within the aperture configured to complement and cooperate with the ratchet teeth of the zip-locker to prevent removal of the zip-locker from the aperture of the zip-locker receiver at times the pawl of the zip-locker receiver is engaged with the ratchet teeth of the zip-locker. |
| US09585440B2 |
Buckle device
A buckle device includes a securing member, a frame, and at least one resilient member. The securing member is adapted to be fixedly mounted on a base. The frame includes a pivoting portion pivotally connected to the securing member to enable the frame to rotate relative to the securing member, a pair of side arms respectively connected to two opposite ends of the pivoting portion, and a forearm disposed oppositely to the pivoting portion and having opposite ends that are respectively connected to the side arms. The resilient member has a secured end portion that is secured at the securing member, and an abutting end portion in abutment with the frame for biasing the frame to rotate toward the base. |
| US09585435B2 |
Waterproof, breathable shoe and method for manufacturing a shoe
A Waterproof, breathable shoe according to the present invention comprises an upper assembly (8) with an upper portion (10) including a breathable outer material (11) and with a bottom portion (20), said upper assembly (8) comprising a waterproof, breathable functional layer arrangement (18; 13, 21) extending over said upper portion (10) and said bottom portion (20). The shoe further comprises a ventilating sole element having a structure or material allowing for air flow through it, said ventilating sole element being attached to said upper assembly (8), wherein at least one lateral passage (50) extends from said structure or material through a side wall (702) of said ventilating sole element, said lateral passage (50) allowing for communication of air between said structure or material of said ventilating sole element and an outside of said ventilating sole element. |
| US09585434B2 |
Upper with sensory feedback
An article of footwear includes projection members providing sensory feedback. The projection members are disposed on a base layer which is attached to an upper of an article of footwear. When the upper encounters a surface of an object, the projection members and base layer may be displaced in a direction towards wearer's foot. The projection members may be configured so that they are inserted into apertures located on the upper, and extend above the outer surface of the upper. |
| US09585428B1 |
Weavable wig for sewing into a user's hair
A weaveable wig comprising a cap comprising front and back edges, the cap comprising a reinforced fabric portion having a first edge forming a portion of a perimeter of the front edge of the cap, a plurality of longitudinal weft-securing members coupled to the second edge of the reinforced fabric portion and extending to the back edge of the cap, and at least one hair-part inlay extending from the perimeter of the cap at the front edge toward a crown of the cap within the reinforced fabric portion, the hair-part inlay comprising a reinforced border surrounding the hair-part inlay except along the front edge. The weaveable wig further comprises a plurality of hair wefts coupled laterally across at a least a portion of the plurality of longitudinal weft-securing members and a weaving band comprising an elastic mesh material extending outward from a majority of the perimeter of the cap. |
| US09585427B2 |
Sweat diverter
Described herein are sweat-diverting devices which can be adhered to a wearer by an adhesive. The sweat-diverting devices described here may be adhered over a portion of the face without circumscribing the head. Such sweat-diverting devices may comprise a first leg and a second leg that are joined at a base of the device to form a channel therebetween, where at least a portion of the base is more rigid than the first and second legs such that an acute angle between the first and second legs is maintained when the sweat-diverting device is applied on a wearer's forehead. In some variations, the thickness of the base is greater than the thickness of either of the legs, which may help to maintain a separation between the tips of the legs even when the sweat-diverting device is applied to a wearer's forehead. |
| US09585426B2 |
Glove having foam lining for sweat management
Gloves having a foamed polymeric, elastomeric, or latex foam layer disposed on a non-foamed polymeric, elastomeric, or latex structural or liquid resistant layer are disclosed. |
| US09585425B2 |
Portable airbag for people
The present invention relates to a portable airbag system for people, comprising a support intended to be worn by a user, and an airbag device comprising at least one inflatable bag having at least one central part (2a) designed to be disposed behind the head of a user after triggering. The airbag device is assembled in a cover or bag part forming a unit configured to be disposed entirely on the back of a user before deploying, the airbag device being fixed by means of a fixing device such as to be removable and separable from the support. |
| US09585423B2 |
Textile thigh protector
A garment is configured to be worn over a thigh of an individual for protecting the thigh from irritation due to facing surfaces of the thighs of the individual bearing or rubbing against each other. The garment includes an elastic tubular member having a dimension smaller than a length of the thigh of the individual, having a circumference smaller than the circumference of at least a portion of the thigh of the individual, having a top and a bottom, and having an elastic characteristic. The garment also includes gripping member(s) along an inner circumference of the elastic tubular member. Methods of making the garment are also provided. |
| US09585421B2 |
Pepper de-stemming methods and apparatus
A way of dealing with challenges to the pepper processing industry and pepper growers is to mechanize pepper processing, including the de-stemming of whole peppers. The present example provides a method for mechanically de-stemming whole peppers. The method provides for the recognition of a pepper's shoulder and or interior regions and stem in order to generate a control signal to initiate a process to de-stem the pepper. In particular, several implementations of the method are provided that may include a mechanical system, a laser system, a machine vision system, a combination of a machine vision system and the laser system, and other equivalent implementations. Additionally disclosed, are methods of processing whole peppers utilizing automated de-stemming. |
| US09585420B2 |
Glucosylated steviol glycoside as a flavor modifier
A taste and flavor profile modifying composition is described. The composition includes a blend of glucosylated steviol glycosides and residual steviol glycosides which can modify the intensity of a taste and/or flavor in a food or beverage product. |
| US09585418B2 |
Method of producing Rebaudioside D sweetened diet carbonated soft drinks
A method of producing a diet carbonated soft drink comprising combining water and a sweetening amount of Rebaudioside D (Reb D) to produce Reb D sweetened water; injecting carbon dioxide into the Reb D sweetened water to produce carbonated Reb D sweetened water; combining the carbonated Reb D sweetened water with unsweetened syrup to form the diet carbonated soft drink. Alternatively, the method comprises combining water and a sweetening amount of Rebaudioside D (Reb D) to produce Reb D sweetened water; combining the Reb D sweetened water with syrup; injecting carbon dioxide into the combined Reb D sweetened water and syrup to produce the diet carbonated soft drink. |
| US09585414B2 |
Crumb coating for food products
A crumb is manufactured by a process including adding an aqueous flour mixture into an extruder, partially extruding the aqueous mixture through the extruder, adding an aqueous gelling agent to the extruder at a point downstream of the start of the extrusion of the aqueous mixture through the extruder to form a resultant mixture of the aqueous mixture and the aqueous gelling agent in the extruder, and extruding the resultant mixture at a temperature greater than 100° C. to form an extrudate. The extrudate is allowed to expand, dried and milled to form the crumb, which has moisture-resistant properties particularly well-suited for use on frozen, microwavable food products. |
| US09585411B2 |
Marbled surface chocolate product
The present invention is directed to a panned confectionery product comprising a chocolate piece having a color adherent coating on a surface of the chocolate piece, wherein the coating comprises a color adherent coating solution selected from the group consisting of a chocolate polish and a confectionery glaze and at least one edible colorant adhered to the coating solution. |
| US09585407B1 |
Fish cleaning station
Disclosed is a fish cleaning station. The cleaning station features a support frame with ample storage and workspace, a convenient waste holder, a supply of running water, electrical connections, and an overall design that is easy to clean and maintain. |
| US09585405B2 |
Portable device and method for improved meat tenderization
Systems, computer instructions stored in non-transitory machine readable mediums, and methods are disclosed herein. A portable system for electrically stimulating meat is provided. The system includes a portable housing configured to house a battery power supply. The system further includes a first end connector configured to attach to a target of tenderization, and a second end connector configured to attach to the target of tenderization. The system additionally includes a circuitry electrically coupling the battery power supply to the first and the second end connectors, the circuitry disposed in the portable housing, wherein the circuitry comprises a microprocessor programmed to derive a first electrical condition and to electrically stimulate the target through the first and the second end connectors only when the first electrical condition is not met. |
| US09585402B2 |
Biscuit comprising guar gum
The present invention relates to a biscuit comprising guar gum characterized in that said guar gum is a native guar gum with a length between 0.25 and 8 mm, a width between 0.18 and 2 mm and an average length to width ratio between 1.8 and 6. The invention also relates to the use of said biscuit to help control the blood glucose level in healthy subjects or in subjects suffering from insulino-resistance or diabetes and especially type-2 diabetes and/or to actively lower blood LDL-cholesterol concentration or to maintain normal blood cholesterol concentrations for healthy subjects or subjects at risk of cardiovascular disease. The invention also relates to the use of said biscuit to increase the feelings of satiety, and/or to decrease the food intake and/or to contribute to weight management. |
| US09585400B2 |
Conveyor oven apparatus and method
An oven with a sensor positioned to detect an event that will cause a decrease in the internal temperature of a tunnel. The oven includes a controller configured to increase the thermal output of a heating element in anticipation of the upcoming decrease in the internal temperature. In some embodiments, the oven is a conveyor over and the sensor is positioned to detect a food item approach the tunnel on a conveyor. In some embodiments, the amount of current provided to an electric heating element is increased by increasing the target temperature. In some embodiments, the amount of current provided to the electric heating element is increased by a predetermined offset. |
| US09585398B2 |
Disinfectant
A disinfectant comprising the following (a), (b), (c) and (d), but no other microbicidal disinfecting agents intended for microbicidal disinfection: (a) 40 to 90% (w/w) of ethanol, isopropyl alcohol or a mixture thereof; (b) 0.1 to 2% (w/w) of lactic acid; (c) 0.01 to 2% (w/w) of citric acid; and (d) 0.001 to 0.1% (w/w) of a zinc-containing compound which releases zinc ion in solution, relative to the whole disinfectant. |
| US09585397B2 |
Peroxycarboxylic acid compositions suitable for inline optical or conductivity monitoring
Peracid stable fluorescent active compounds in highly acidic, equilibrium peroxycarboxylic acid sanitizing compositions are disclosed as having improved fluorescent stability allowing for monitoring of peroxycarboxylic acid concentration by conductivity and/or optical sensors. Beneficially, the compositions are also low odor and low/no VOC dual functioning acid wash and sanitizing compositions. |
| US09585396B2 |
Volatile applications against pathogens
This invention is related to the use of a volatile antimicrobial compound against pathogens affecting humans comprising contacting infected areas with an atmosphere containing an effective amount of a volatile antimicrobial compound in gaseous form. The volatile antimicrobial compounds provided include certain oxaborole compounds, for example benzoxaboroles. Delivery systems are provided to take advantage of the volatile nature of these antimicrobial compounds. The method and use disclosed can be combined with other volatile compounds. |
| US09585395B2 |
Liquid termiticide compositions of pyrethroids and neonicitinoids
The present invention relates to liquid termiticide compositions comprising a pyrethroid and a neonicotinoid selected from the group consisting of imidacloprid, nithiazine, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, thiacloprid and clothianadin, these compositions result in an increase in termite mortality at low application rates and a continuous chemical bather of a termiticide in soil surrounding and beneath a structure in a locus where termites are suspected or known to exist. |
| US09585394B2 |
Ophthalmic contact lens solutions containing forms of vitamin B
The present invention relates to improved ophthalmic solutions that employ select B vitamins; pyridoxine and its salts; and thiamine and its salts in order to more effectively preserve solutions and to reduce the degree to which cationic preservatives will deposit on contact lenses. Ophthalmic solutions are here understood to include contact lens treatment solutions, such as cleaners, soaking solutions, conditioning solutions and lens storage solutions, as well as wetting solutions and in-eye solutions for treatment of eye conditions. |
| US09585392B2 |
3-phenylisoxazolin derivatives with herbicidal action
3-Phenylisoxazoline derivatives of the formula (I), and the use thereof as herbicides, are described. In this formula (I), X2 to X6 and R1 to R3 are radicals such as hydrogen, halogen, and organic radicals such as substituted alkyl. W* is carboxyl, cyano or CHO. |
| US09585391B2 |
Pesticidal mixtures
The present invention relates to an agrochemical mixture for increasing the health of a plant, comprising as active ingredients a herbicidal compound (I) selected from the group consisting of: Benzoic acids, Pyridine carboxylic acids, Quinoline carboxylic acids, and benazolin-ethyl; and a fungicidal compound (II) in synergistically effective amounts. The present invention further relates to a method for improving the health of a plant, wherein the plant, the locus where the plant is growing or is expected to grow or plant propagation material from which the plant grows is treated with an effective amount of a mixture as defined above. In addition, the invention relates to the use of a mixture as defined above for synergistically increasing the health of a plant. |
| US09585382B2 |
Composition comprising a pesticide and an acetal solvent
The present invention relates to an agrochemical composition comprising a pesticide and a solvent of the formula (B) as described hereinbelow. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of the composition by bringing the pesticide and the solvent into contact; a use of the solvent of the formula (B) as a solvent for pesticides; methods for controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesired vegetation and/or undesired insect or mite attack and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein the composition is allowed to act on the respective pests, their environment or on the plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and/or on undesired plants and/or on the crop plants and/or on their environment; and on seed comprising the composition. |
| US09585380B2 |
SSAT mRNA translation repression and activation
The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid having a sequence encoding a spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase (“SSAT”), wherein translation of an mRNA comprising the encoded SSAT has increased basal translation and increased stimulated translation, compared to a wild-type mRNA encoding SSAT. Methods of use for the nucleic acid are also provided. Methods and compositions are also provided for reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury in organs or tissue for transplantation. |
| US09585379B2 |
Adjustable hunter's tree stand assembly
A hunter's tree stand has a longitudinally adjustable main frame, a standing platform suspended from the main frame, a seat, and a collapsible canopy cover pivotally engaged with the main frame. The main frame has two parallel rails and a plurality of cross bars extending transversely between the rail. An archery bow holder and a pair of gun holders are detachably supported by the rails. The standing platform is attached to the rails using telescoping struts. |
| US09585378B2 |
Disposable single-use animal attractant dispensing device
A disposable single-use animal attractant dispensing device has a pouch formed by front and back panels joined along peripheral edges, which includes a pouch section for retaining an animal attractant and a single-use absorbent lure for absorbing the attractant. A first opening formed by un-joined portions of the panels is sealed together along with a portion of the lure to form a sealing section, forming a substantially impervious seal. A notch is provided to assist the user in rupturing the seal to separate the pouch and sealing sections and to expose the lure. A securement is provided for securing the pouch to a user, and may include a pouch connection member and a user connection member. An aperture disposed in the sealing section of the pouch receives a portion of the securement. A pocket on an outer surface of the pouch holds a portion of the securement. |
| US09585374B2 |
Ungulates with genetically modified immune systems
The present invention provides ungulate animals, tissue and organs as well as cells and cell lines derived from such animals, tissue and organs, which lack expression of functional endogenous immunoglobulin loci. The present invention also provides ungulate animals, tissue and organs as well as cells and cell lines derived from such animals, tissue and organs, which express xenogenous, such as human, immunoglobulin loci. The present invention further provides ungulate, such as porcine genomic DNA sequence of porcine heavy and light chain immunogobulins. Such animals, tissues, organs and cells can be used in research and medical therapy. In addition, methods are provided to prepare such animals, organs, tissues, and cells. |
| US09585373B2 |
Genetically modified major histocompatibility complex mice
The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express a humanized MHC II protein (humanized MHC II α and β polypeptides), as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the humanized MHC II protein. Also provided are constructs for and methods of making the genetically modified non-human animals. Methods of using the genetically modified non-human animals to study various aspects of the human immune system are provided. |
| US09585370B2 |
Harness for pet and methods of use
A animal restraint harness having a two part pivotable frame having a set of fingers or arms extended therefrom to encircle or saddle an animal body, a spring hinge to force the fingers together, tabs or opening handles to separate the fingers, one or more harness straps, and a leash clip positioned thereon the frame and, thus such harness enables a single person to quickly and/or efficiently place the harness assembly on the animal using one hand and such harness enables safe restraint of the animal without causing the animal to choke or wheeze. |
| US09585369B2 |
Collar/leash combination restraint and method of use
A collar/leash combination restraint system may include a hollow connector affixed to a collar. The leash is wrapped around a dog's tail and fed through the hollow connector. This forms a pulley configuration that utilizes the weight and momentum of the dog to leverage control of the animal when dog begins to pull its human walker. |
| US09585366B2 |
Housebreaking reward system
A housebreaking reward system. The housebreaking reward system includes a moisture sensitive pad, a moisture detector, a reward dispenser, and an optional handheld transmitter. The moisture sensitive pad is constructed to contain and hold fluids (e.g., urine) deposited by an animal and is laid down at location where it is acceptable for an animal to eliminate. The moisture detector is selectively connectable to sensing elements on the moisture sensitive pad to detect when fluid is deposited. If fluid is detected, the moisture sensitive detector signals the reward dispenser to reward the animal for appropriate elimination. At least a portion the moisture sensitive pad is disposable to facilitate easy cleanup of the appropriate elimination area. After one or more fluid deposits, the moisture detector is disconnected from the sensing elements, and the used moisture sensitive pad is discarded. |
| US09585365B1 |
Adjustable protective animal collar
The present disclosure relates to a protective animal collar having clear panels to increase a visibility of the wearer. When unassembled, the collar is roughly fan shaped. When assembled, the collar is roughly frustoconical in shape. The collar is lightweight and adjustable. The collar is easy to assemble and can be folded for storage. |
| US09585361B2 |
Lettuce variety 79-05 RZ
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-05 RZ, which may exhibit a combination of traits including resistance against downy mildew strains Bl:1 to Bl:31, CA-I to CA-VIII (Bremia lactucae), currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, and lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), as well as moderately glossy leaves with a medium to dark green leaf color. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-05 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-05 RZ. |
| US09585359B1 |
Maize inbred PH2D1R
A novel maize variety designated PH2D1R and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2D1R with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2D1R through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2D1R or a locus conversion of PH2D1R with another maize variety. |
| US09585356B1 |
Soybean cultivar 52232331
A soybean cultivar designated 52232331 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 52232331, to the plants of soybean cultivar 52232331, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 52232331, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 52232331. 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 52232331. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 52232331, 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 52232331 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09585352B1 |
Soybean variety XBP05006R
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP05006R is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP05006R, cells from soybean variety XBP05006R, plants of soybean XBP05006R, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP05006R. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP05006R with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP05006R, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP05006R, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP05006R. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP05006R are further provided. |
| US09585348B2 |
Cotton variety 14R1456B2R2
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 14R1456B2R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 14R1456B2R2. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 14R1456B2R2 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 14R1456B2R2 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods. |
| US09585339B2 |
Soybean variety 01050639
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01050639. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01050639. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01050639 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01050639 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09585331B2 |
Soybean variety 01059966
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01059966. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01059966. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01059966 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01059966 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09585322B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV024507
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV024507. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV024507, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV024507 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV024507 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV024507. |
| US09585320B2 |
Variety corn line HID3634
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated HID3634, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line HID3634 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line HID3634, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line HID3634, and plants produced according to these methods. |
| US09585315B2 |
System and method for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly composter and auto fish feeder
A system, method, and computer program product for an aquaponics, and greenhouse system, including a solar greenhouse insulated on north, east and west sides and with glazing on a south side at an angle to maximize winter sunlight, and housing a fish tank; and a plurality of grow beds coupled to the fish tank. The grow beds each including a geyzer pump powered by an air pump to pump water from the fish tank to the grow bed and aerate water of the fish tank, and a bell siphon to drain the water from the grow bed back into the fish tank. |
| US09585304B2 |
3-way seed flow splitter for planters
A row crop planter has a pneumatic system for conveying seeds to individual row units employing three-way splitters above certain master row units for supplying seed to each master row unit and a pair of associated slave row units. Each three-row splitter has an upper inlet chamber of annular shape with an offset inlet coupled to a conveying hose for receiving an air entrained seed flow, and an annular passageway extending downwardly from the inlet chamber to an outlet for delivering seeds to the master unit below. A pair of laterally extending slave outlet conduits extend obliquely upward and each has a jumper hose connecting with an adjacent slave unit. The flow circulating within the annular region allows seeds to fall downwardly and air to spiral upwardly into a supplemental air conduit. An air bypass passageway conveys air flow from the supplemental air conduit toward the slave outlet conduits. |
| US09585303B2 |
Map based seed vacuum control
A method including adjusting a changeable component of a seed planting machine when switching from a first variety of seed to a second variety of seed during planting, wherein the adjusting is based on a location of the planting machine. |
| US09585302B2 |
Closing assembly for an agricultural implement
A row unit for an agricultural implement includes a closing disc configured to move soil into a trench. The row unit includes a first arm having a first end coupled to a center portion of a coupling and a second end configured to rotatably couple to a support structure of the row unit. A second arm includes a first end coupled to an outer portion of the coupling and a second end configured to rotatably couple to the support structure. The outer portion of the coupling is rotatable relative to the center portion, and rotation of the outer portion relative to the center portion drives a rotational axis of the closing disc to revolve about a longitudinal axis of the center portion to enable the closing disc to maintain a desired toe angle relative or a desired camber angle as the row unit travels across a field. |
| US09591795B2 |
Sensor-based removal of a soldered device
An apparatus includes at least one grip mechanism of a rework nozzle configured to grip an electrical component that is soldered to a printed circuit board. The apparatus includes at least one spring coupled to at least one grip mechanism, where the spring is configured to move beyond a minimum threshold in response to an initiation of a melt of a solder that attaches the electrical component to the printed circuit board. The apparatus includes at least one sensor coupled to at least one spring, where the sensor is configured to detect the move of at least one spring beyond the minimum threshold. At least one sensor is configured to communicate at least one activate signal in response to detection of the move of one or more springs beyond the minimum threshold. |
| US09591790B2 |
Rack slide system
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a rack slide system comprising an elongated supporting structure and a plurality of mobile racks mounted on the elongated supporting structure in side-by-side relation for movement along a controlled path, where the length of the path exceeds by a predetermined amount the sum of the depths of the mobile racks to provide at least one gap between selected ones of the mobile racks. |
| US09591788B2 |
Coupling system between a waste-heat generator and a waste-heat receiver
A coupling system as a thermal interface between a waste-heat generator and a waste-heat receiver includes a first body having a first contact area, and a second body having a second contact area, with the first and second contact areas abutting one another for heat exchange. A tongue and groove connection having at least one tongue and at least one groove extends in a longitudinal direction for connecting and tensioning the first and second contact areas. |
| US09591784B2 |
Multiple-backplane implementations for modular platforms
A chassis for mounting sub-rack modular units is disclosed that includes a frame defining a forward opening through which modular units are inserted to attach to the frame, a first backplane attached to the frame and that operates to provide a first functionality to one or more attached modular units that are coupled to connectors of the first backplane, and a second backplane attached to the frame and that operates to provide a second functionality to one or more attached modular units that are coupled to connectors of the second backplane, wherein the second functionality is different than the first functionality. |
| US09591780B2 |
Compliable units and compliable network having the same
A compliable unit in an compliable network comprises a first layer including at least one device component at a first region of the first layer, and a second layer including at least one compliable element at a first region of the second layer to transfer the at least one device component to a desired location. The first layer and the second layer are arranged in a stack. |
| US09591778B1 |
Video display convertible handle and kickstand unit
A display device with a support member selectively converted between a support stand for supporting the display device for viewing, and a carrying handle for conveniently carrying the display device. A mounting apparatus may be mounted on a rear side of a display device that has a support member selectively convertable to be a support stand for supporting the display device for viewing, or a carrying handle for conveniently carrying the display device. The support member has an internal swivel assembly that guides the support member along a fixed path between a support stand mode and a carrying handle mode. |
| US09591775B2 |
Mezzanine-style structure with integrated wiring harness
In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a top plate, a bottom plate mechanically coupled to the top plate; a plurality of first connectors and a second connector. The plurality of first connectors may be located on an exterior surface of the top plate such that each of the plurality of first connectors is configured to electrically couple to a corresponding connector of an information handling resource as the information handling resource is mechanically supported by the top plate. The second connector may be electrically coupled to each of the plurality of first connectors and may be located on an exterior surface of the bottom plate such that the second connector is configured to electrically couple to a circuit board. |
| US09591769B2 |
Module and method for manufacturing the same
A module includes a wiring board; a plurality of mounting electrodes for component mounting, the mounting electrodes being disposed on one principal surface of the wiring board; a plurality of components mounted on the one principal surface of the wiring board and solder-connected to the mounting electrodes; a solder resist being a photosensitive resin configured to cover the one principal surface of the wiring board, with a plating electrode layer of each mounting electrode exposed; and a sealing resin layer disposed on the one principal surface of the wiring board, the sealing resin layer being configured to cover the photosensitive resin and the components connected to the mounting electrodes. A recess substantially wedge-shaped in cross section is provided at a boundary between the plating electrode layer of each mounting electrode and the solder resist, and the recess is filled with resin of the sealing resin layer. |
| US09591768B2 |
Adhesive agent having a polyimide and acid modified rosin
The present invention relates to an adhesive agent which can be used in the mounting of a semiconductor chip on a circuit board or the like. The present invention addresses the problem of providing an adhesive agent having both excellent storage stability and excellent connection reliability. A means for solving the problem is an adhesive agent comprising (a) a polyamide, (b) an epoxy compound and (c) an acid-modified rosin. |
| US09591766B2 |
Portable electronic device contact puck alignment
A device interconnection system uses an indexed carrier to locate an array of contacts on an array of solder pads on a printed circuit board. In an embodiment, the PCB is indexed to a device housing in the same manner that it is indexed to the carrier, allowing the array of contacts to match and protrude through an array of holes in the housing. In a further embodiment, the housing is substantially metallic, and the array of holes in the housing are located in an insulating plate formed in the housing. |
| US09591764B2 |
Touch pad with flexible substrate
A touch sensor device is provided that uses a flexible circuit substrate to provide an improved input device. Specifically, the present invention uses a touch sensor controller affixed to the flexible circuit substrate, which is coupled to a sensor component to provide a flexible, reliable and cost effective touch sensor suitable for a wide variety of applications. In one embodiment the touch sensor uses a flexible circuit substrate that provides relatively high temperature resistance. This allows the touch sensor controller to be affixed using reliable techniques, such as various types of soldering. The sensor component can comprise a relatively low-temperature-resistant substrate that can provide a cost effective solution. Taken together, this embodiment of the touch sensor provides reliability and flexibility at relatively low cost. |
| US09591754B2 |
Array substrate and method of mounting integrated circuit using the same
An array substrate including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The non-display area includes a pad portion including one or more first pads that each have a parallelogram shape. |
| US09591753B2 |
Circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
A circuit board includes a substrate, a patterned copper layer, a phosphorous-containing electroless plating palladium layer, an electroless plating palladium layer and an immersion plating gold layer. The patterned copper layer is disposed on the substrate. The phosphorous-containing electroless plating palladium layer is disposed on the patterned copper layer, wherein in the phosphorous-containing electroless plating palladium layer, a weight percentage of phosphorous is in a range from 4% to 6%, and a weight percentage of palladium is in a range from 94% to 96%. The electroless plating palladium layer is disposed on the phosphorous-containing electroless plating palladium layer, wherein in the electroless plating palladium layer, a weight percentage of palladium is 99% or more. The immersion plating gold layer is disposed on the electroless plating palladium layer. |
| US09591745B2 |
Display apparatus reducing dead space
A display device includes a display panel including a substrate having a display area and a non-display area outside the display area, a display unit being in the display area, and a plurality of pads in the non-display are, a sealing unit covering the display unit, and a circuit board including a plurality of terminals electrically coupled to the plurality of pads. The circuit board has a plurality of folding portions such that the circuit board is folded at least two times in directions different from each other. |
| US09591737B2 |
Induction devices and methods of using them
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to induction devices that can be used to sustain a plasma. In certain configurations, the induction device may comprise one or more radial fins electrically coupled to a base. The induction device may take numerous forms including, for example, coils and plate electrodes. |
| US09591736B2 |
Closed loop cooling of a plasma gun to improve hardware life
Water cooling system (1) for a plasma gun (2), method for cooling a plasma gun (2) and method for increasing a service life of a plasma gun (2). The system (1) includes a water cooler structured and arranged to remove heat from cooling water to be supplied to the plasma gun (2), a controller (7) structured and arranged to monitor a gun voltage of the plasma gun (2), and at least one flow valve (8) coupled to and under control of the controller (7) to adjust a flow of the cooling water. When the gun voltage drops below a predetermined value, the controller (7) controls the at least one flow valve (8) to increase the plasma gun temperature and the gun voltage. |
| US09591732B1 |
Method for lighting high-pressure discharge lamp
A method for lighting a high-pressure discharge lamp that is configured to change a power to be supplied to the high-pressure discharge lamp in accordance with a luminance parameter of an image content is disclosed. In the method, halogen is encapsulated in an internal space of an arc tube part of the high-pressure discharge lamp with an excessive volume with respect to a capacity of the internal space such that a halogen cycle is established when part of mercury deposits without vaporizing, and the internal space is configured to be kept at a higher temperature than a blackening temperature that is lower than a deposition temperature of the mercury and causes remarkable blackening on an inner wall of the arc tube part. |
| US09591730B2 |
Lighting apparatus and lighting system with a controller for calculating standby time
A lighting apparatus which is one of a plurality of lighting apparatuses each capable of performing wireless communication with a control device. The lighting apparatus includes: a light emitting unit; a controller which controls turn-on of the light emitting unit; and a communication unit configured to perform wireless communication with the control device to obtain correction time from the control device, the correction time being based on communication delay between the control device and each lighting apparatus. The communication unit further obtains a turn-on instruction for turning on the light emitting unit from the control device, and transmits a response to the turn-on instruction to the control device upon obtainment of the turn-on instruction. The controller turns on the light emitting unit after passage of a time period from when the response is transmitted to the device, the time period being calculated by subtracting communication latency from the correction time. |
| US09591729B2 |
Electric lighting devices that simulate a flickering flame
Various embodiments of electric lighting devices, and especially electric candles, are described. The devices include a projection screen onto which light can be emitted. Advantageously, the projection screen can move with respect to the device's housing to thereby create a flickering flame effect. The device can include one or more magnets disposed outside of the housing that can interact with an electromagnetic field generated by the device to thereby move the projection screen. |
| US09591722B2 |
Lighting system
A lighting system includes at least one lighting control console for controlling lighting devices, at least two redundant data networks, at least one conversion module, and at least one lighting device actuated by the DMX control data of the conversion module. The conversion module includes at least two redundant conversion devices. At least one switch-over device is interconnected between the two conversion devices on the one side and at least one lighting device actuated by the conversion devices on the other side. The two conversion devices on the one side and the switch-over device on the other side are connected to one another via at least one monitoring data line over which monitoring signals are transmitted. The switch-over device can be switched depending on the monitoring signals. |
| US09591721B2 |
Enhancing experience of consumable goods
An apparatus comprises a controller and an input for receiving a signal from a microphone. The controller processes the signal from the microphone to detect a sound associated with the use of a consumable by a user, and generates an output in response to detecting that sound. For example the consumable may be pre-packaged and the sound may be associated with the packaging. In embodiments the controller controls ambient lighting in response to the sound of a first action (e.g. opening the cap of a container), and controls task lighting in response to the sound of a second action (e.g. dispensing the product from the container). In another embodiment the controller detects a sound indicative of the consumable running out (e.g. the hollow sound of the container being put down on a surface), and in response generates a visible indicator or transmits a signal over a network. |
| US09591718B2 |
Illuminance configuring illumination system and method using the same
An illuminance configuring illumination system for performing light adjustment in accordance with a determined illuminance range includes: at least one light assembly; a control module, provided with a set of preset light distribution curve data; a distance measuring module, configured to correspondingly measure a light distance of the light assembly, thereby obtaining a light adjustment reference information; and an illuminance measuring module, configured to detect the illuminance environmental variation in the surrounding of the light assembly, thereby obtaining a compensation reference information. The control module performs illuminance adjustment on the light assembly by referring to the set of preset illuminance range according to the light adjustment reference information and the compensation reference information. |
| US09591717B2 |
User interface and method for control of light system
An interface device for controlling light sources includes a target region; and a controller that associates a preset with an illumination region, and controls a light source in the illumination region when an indicator associated with the preset and illumination region is moved into the target region. The controller associates the preset with the illumination region when the preset is moved to an area of the interface device associated with the illumination region. The controller is further configured to change light attributes of light emitted from the light source when the indicator is moved across the target region, such as providing maximum intensity when the indicator is at the center of the target region. The light attributes include intensity, color, hue, saturation, beam direction and/or beam width of the light. |
| US09591709B2 |
Illumination apparatus including semiconductor light emitting diodes
An illumination apparatus of a high efficiency light emitting element and a driving circuit of a light emitting element controlling a series and parallel connection relationship between light emitting groups according to a voltage level of a driving voltage and controlling a sequential driving of the light emitting groups at the same time. |
| US09591704B2 |
Current demand control of lighting modules
Various embodiments may relate to a lighting system including a Power Supply Unit and at least one Light Engine Module, with an interface between the Light Engine Modules and the Power Supply Unit. The Light Engine Modules send pulses representing their current demand to the Power Supply Unit adjusting the output current accordingly. The Light Engine Modules are connected in parallel, and the pulse sequences are sent at the same time. Measures are taken to cope with interfered pulses. |
| US09591703B2 |
LED system with two wire control circuit
An LED module can be powered by two conductors and the LED module includes a constant current driver. The constant current driver is configured to provide a predetermined current so long as the input voltage provided on the two conductors exceeds a predetermined level. The constant current driver powers an LED string supported by the LED module and can adjust the current to the LED string based on an input signal. A conversion circuit converts the input voltage to an input signal and provides that input signal to the constant current driver so that dimming can be provided while only using two conductors to provide power. |
| US09591683B2 |
System and method for adaptive cooperation mode selection strategies for wireless networks
Embodiments are provided for adaptive user equipment (UE) cooperation mode selection in wireless networks. An adaptive UE cooperation strategy is implemented, which adaptively switches between a Decode-and-Forward (D&F) mode and a soft UE combining mode that involves combining, at the TUE, signals from multiple cooperating UEs (CUEs). A method by a network component includes obtaining access link qualities for links between a base station and a plurality of CUEs for a target UE (TUE). A UE cooperation mode or a hybrid UE cooperation mode is then selected from a plurality of supported UE cooperation modes according to the access link qualities of the CUEs. At least one of the CUEs is then instructed to cooperate in forwarding the signals to the TUE using the selected UE cooperation mode. The CUEs can dynamically opt out of the UE cooperation according to the channel quality of the CUEs or TUE. |
| US09591680B2 |
Method for controlling system including electronic tag, mobile device, and display device, and mobile device and display device of the same
A system and method for processing a faster connection to at least two or more devices for sharing contents, by using an electronic tag, and enhancing data processing efficiency and minimizing unnecessary or excessive usage of memory during the connection process to the at least two or more devices for sharing contents. |
| US09591675B2 |
Method and apparatus for connecting short-range wireless communication in terminal
A method and an apparatus for connecting short-range wireless communication in a terminal are provided. The method includes connecting with an external device through a short-range wireless communication unit, and after connecting with the external device, providing information about at least one other connectable external device. |
| US09591671B2 |
Mobile communication system
A mobile communication system supports cellular communication in which data communication is performed between a network and a user terminal and D2D communication in which data communication is directly performed among two or more user terminals. The D2D communication is performed by using a part of the uplink radio resources of the cellular communication. The uplink radio resources include a specific radio resource that is used in the transmission of a predetermined uplink signal in the cellular communication. The use of the specific radio resource in the D2D communication is regulated. |
| US09591669B2 |
Methods and apparatus for signaling enhanced distributed channel access parameters for subsets of wireless devices
A method for configuring channel access parameters in a wireless communication system includes selecting an element identification (ID) from a plurality of element IDs. Each of the plurality of element IDs identifies an enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameter set element comprising at least one channel access parameter for at least one subset of wireless devices in a group of wireless devices. The selected element ID is identifiable by wireless devices of the group of wireless devices and not identifiable by other wireless devices. The method further includes generating the EDCA parameter set element for setting the at least one channel access parameter for each wireless device in the at least one subset. The EDCA parameter set element includes the selected element ID. The method further includes transmitting the EDCA parameter set element to at least one wireless device in the at least one subset of wireless devices. |
| US09591667B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving information for random access in wireless communication system
A method and a Base Station (BS) of transmitting information for Random Access (RA) by a base station in a wireless communication system are provided. The BS generates RA information for beam alignment between the base station and each of a plurality of mobile terminals based on a number of reception beam forming patterns of the base station used for each of one or more RA channels and broadcasts the RA information to the plurality of mobile terminals. The RA information comprises information related to the number of reception beam forming patterns of the base station used for each of the one or more RA channels. |
| US09591665B2 |
Method and apparatus for effectively providing TDD configuration information to user equipment and determining uplink transmission timing in mobile communication system supporting TDD
A method for configuring a time division duplex (TDD) of a user equipment in a communication system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: receiving from a base station a first TDD configuration; receiving from the base station a message including information related to a dynamic TDD configuration; receiving a second TDD configuration according to the received information related to the dynamic TDD configuration; receiving from the base station an uplink grant; and determining whether to apply the first TDD configuration or the second TDD configuration based on a method by which the unlink grant is received. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the advantages of configuring a shorter cycle of the TDD to the user equipment supporting the TDD in a wireless communication system, and rapidly configuring the TDD to the user equipment variably according to a communication situation are provided. |
| US09591664B2 |
Method for setting search space for relay node in wireless communication system and device therefor
Disclosed in the present invention is a method for a relay node to receive a control signal from a base station in a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving a downlink signal from the base station; and obtaining control information for the relay node by blind-decoding the downlink signal, wherein a search space for blind decoding is located in the data region of a subframe, and is divided into a search space for a downlink grant and a search space for an uplink grant. When the subframe corresponding to the control information for the relay node is a downlink (DL) standalone, the search area including only the search space for the downlink grant, or the search area for the uplink grant being set as an invalid search space would be desirable. |
| US09591659B2 |
Apparatus and method for automation of frequency resource management of IMS-based wireless video surveillance system
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for efficiently requesting and allocating a wireless resource. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for requesting a resource comprises: a step of receiving target criteria for video quality from a server; a first determination step of determining whether the video quality matches the target criteria based on a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) or a frame rate; and, if the video quality does not match, a step of requesting the server to allocate an additional resource. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the use of a video surveillance system resource can be minimized and video quality can be easily ensured. |
| US09591656B2 |
Method, apparatus and LTE terminal for determining channel quality indicator value
A method, an apparatus and an LTE terminal for determining a CQI value are provided and belongs to the field of mobile communications. The method for determining a CQI value includes that a terminal establishes a correspondence between an effective SNR threshold and a CQI value, the terminal acquires a mean effective SNR in a downlink subframe specified bandwidth, and the terminal determines, according to the acquired mean effective SNR and the correspondence, a CQI value to be sent to a base station. The technical scheme of the disclosure is applicable to various different frequency selective fading channels and different signal transmission modes and can be implemented in a low-complexity way. |
| US09591655B2 |
Method and arrangement in a wireless communication system
The invention relates to methods and arrangements in a transmitting node for enabling a receiving node to perform measurements on interference caused by transmissions from at least one transmission point controlled by the transmitting node on receptions at the receiving node. The transmitting and receiving nodes are comprised in a wireless communications system. The transmitting node determines an interference measurement resource, IMR, for the receiving node. The receiving node is expected to measure interference on the IMR. The transmitting node then transmits at least one interfering signal on the IMR. The at least one interfering signal is not expected to be decoded or coherently measured upon by any node served by the transmitting node. |
| US09591653B2 |
Dynamical time division duplex uplink and downlink configuration in a communications network
A technology is disclosed for a user equipment (UE) that is operable to dynamically change an uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration in a communications network. A radio resource control (RRC) connection can be requested with an enhanced node B (eNode B). A UE Capability Information information element (IE) can be communicated to the eNode B to indicate an enhanced interference mitigation and traffic adaptation (eIMTA) capability of the UE to support an eIMTA time duplex domain (TDD) UL/DL reconfiguration functionality. An eIMTA configuration information can be received at the UE information within a RRCConnectionSetup message or a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message. |
| US09591652B2 |
Communication control method, user terminal, and communication apparatus
A communication control method comprises: transmitting, by a communication apparatus, a Device to Device (D2D) resource notification to a user terminal. The D2D resource notification includes information indicating a predetermined D2D radio resource available in a D2D proximity service and information indicating a condition not allowing for use of the predetermined D2D radio resource. |
| US09591642B2 |
Allocating a control channel for carrier aggregation
Methods for allocating a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to reduce a number of PDCCH candidates in a search space for carrier aggregation on a user equipment (UE) are disclosed. The method comprises the step of selecting a control channel element (CCE) aggregation level for a PDCCH allocation for each of a plurality of user equipments (UEs) at an evolved NodeB (eNB). The operation of identifying a transmission mode for each of a plurality of component carriers (CCs) associated with the PDCCH at the eNB follows. The next operation of the method is assigning each CC's downlink control information (DCI) into CCEs in a PDCCH search space in the PDCCH starting at a CCE location based on the CC's transmission mode and the CCE aggregation level for the UE receiving the CC. |
| US09591641B2 |
Method and device for scheduling slot resources
This application relates to network management technologies, and disclosed are a method and device for scheduling slot resources. The method is: upon reception of each new data packet delivered by a high level, a first node maintaining corresponding sending remaining time according to a delay requirement of the new data packet; performing slot resource determination on each extracted data packet, starting from the new data packet, in ascending order of the sending remaining time; when it is determined that the number of data packets to be sent in the sending remaining time corresponding to any data packet is greater than the number of slots currently used by the first node, applying for new slot resources. Therefore, when learning that the slot resources cannot meet the delay requirement of the data packet to be sent, the first node can apply for new slot resources in time, so as to solve the slot resource scheduling problem under the time division resource allocation mechanism based on FI interaction, meet the low-delay requirement on message exchange in telematics, and ensure timely message transmission, thereby effectively ensuring the performance of the telematics. |
| US09591635B2 |
Systems and methods for UE-specific search space and ePDCCH scrambling
Encoded control information can be mapped to an enhanced physical downlink control channel (ePDCCH) search space of a user equipment (UE) in accordance with an offset and aggregation level. The ePDCCH search space may include a physical resource block (PRB) set located in a data region of a downlink subframe. The encoded control information may be mapped into one or more enhanced control channel elements (eCCEs) of the ePDCCH search space beginning from a starting location. The starting location is an eCCE location within the PRB set. The PRB set, as well as the starting/eCCE location within the PRB set, are identified in accordance with an offset associated with the UE. A number of eCCEs carrying encoded information corresponds to an aggregation level. |
| US09591634B2 |
Method and apparatus for component carrier aggregation in wireless
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) receives a downlink subframe having multiple component carriers, each component carrier having control information encoded in a physical data control channel (PDCCH). The WTRU performs a blind decoding of control information in a first PDCCH located within a first component carrier to obtain a location of a second PDCCH located within a second component carrier, where the location of the second PDCCH is relative to a location of the first PDCCH as control channel element offset. The WTRU decodes the second PDCCH at the obtained location. |
| US09591628B2 |
Base station apparatus and communication control method
In order to reduce radio resources allocated to PDCCHs and improve the data rate even when a plurality of component carriers are aggregated into a wide band, the present invention provides a base station apparatus having: a downlink control information generation section (306) configured to generate downlink control information (DCI) to demodulate PDSCHs that are sent independently in respective component carriers (CCs) allocated to a user terminal; and a transmitting section configured to transmit a PDCCH containing the downlink control information (DCI). The downlink control information (DCI) generated by the downlink control information generation section (306) is added with identification information (CIF) that is used to demodulate the PDSCHs assigned to the component carriers and is capable of identifying each of the component carriers. |
| US09591627B2 |
System and method for allocating transmission resources based on a transmission rank
A method for wirelessly transmitting data using a plurality of transmission layers includes estimating a number of data vector symbols to be allocated to one or more user data codewords during the subframe and determining a number of bits in the one or more user data codewords. The method also includes calculating a nominal number of control vector symbols to allocate to control information based, at least in part, on the estimated number of data vector symbols and the determined number of bits in the one or more user data codewords. Additionally, the method includes determining an offset value based, at least in part, on a number of layers over which the wireless terminal will be transmitting during the subframe and calculating a final number of control vector symbols by multiplying the nominal number of control vector symbols and the offset value. The method also includes mapping one or more control codewords to the final number of control vector symbols and transmitting vector symbols carrying the one or more user data codewords and the one or more control codewords over the plurality of transmission layers during the subframe. |
| US09591626B2 |
Mobile station for preventing interference in the uplink using time-switched uplink carrier aggregation
To prevent the occurrence of interference in the uplink when carrying out “Time-Switched UL CA”. A mobile station UE according to the present invention includes a UL transmission processing unit 11 configured to transmit uplink information at TTI# n+4 corresponding to TTI#n, using a CC allocated over a PDCCH to the mobile station UE at TTI# n by the radio base station eNB. The UL transmission processing unit 11 is configured to transmit the uplink information at each of TTIs using only one CC, and when TTI# n+4 is included in a “switching period” in which a CC used for the transmission of the uplink information is switched, the UL transmission processing unit 11 is configured not to transmit the uplink information at the TTI# n+4. |
| US09591620B2 |
P-CPICH scrambling code collision detection
A method permits a UE receiver to detect and report to the network a scrambling code collision (i.e., two neighbor cells transmitting with the same scrambling code while timing is aligned). The UE receiver decodes the PCCPCH's physical channel with all the associated broadcast information while a scrambling code collision at the UE is present. The UE reports SFN-SFN information to the network, to insure the UE mobility and then prepare the handover to a new detected cell. This process and a respective apparatus are usable in the presence of MIMO and further improve the detection of the scrambling code collision in the presence of MIMO. |
| US09591614B2 |
Apparatus and methods for optimizing scheduled operations in hybrid network environments
Methods and apparatus for intelligent scheduling of client device tasks based on one or more network scheduling constraints. During normal network operation, a client device performs an array of scheduled maintenance tasks to optimize network performance (e.g., signal strength measurements, etc.) However, during hybrid network operation, regularly scheduled maintenance tasks for a first network can interrupt higher priority tasks on other networks. Consequently, the present invention in one embodiment provides a method for a client device to properly prioritize and re-schedule maintenance tasks. For example, CDMA 1X cell selection (or cell re-selection) procedures have flexible time constraints, and can be postponed (or expedited) to minimize impact on LTE network traffic. |
| US09591613B2 |
Adaptive paging using user equipment localization method in a network
Methods and systems for improving paging efficiency of a user equipment method including obtaining a history of the user equipment, the history including one or more past locations of the user equipment, obtaining a mobility pattern of the user equipment, the mobility pattern including one or more of a plurality of mobility categories, determining a confidence level for an associated location of the user equipment based on at least one of the mobility pattern and the history, the confidence level indicating a level of confidence that the user equipment is at the associated location, and deriving a paging range based on the confidence level, the paging range including one of a plurality of paging scopes, each of the plurality of paging scopes including at least one of a geographic or location extent, a paging frequency, a single node, a plurality of nodes, a tracking area and a plurality of tracking areas. |
| US09591612B2 |
Systems and methods for low overhead paging
Systems and methods for low overhead paging in a wireless communications network are described herein. In some aspects, an apparatus for wireless communication includes a receiver and a processor. The receiver receives a request from a first device. The request indicates a first period of a plurality of periods corresponding to a periodicity for transmitting paging messages. The processor assigns the first device to a group scheduled to receive paging messages at most every first period based on the request and determines a start time for transmitting paging messages to the first device based on schedules for transmitting paging messages to a plurality of other devices. In other aspects, an apparatus for wireless communication includes a processor and memory. The processor derives an information sub-unit from an information unit associated with a paging message, compresses the information sub-unit, and generates a second information unit associated with the method of compression. |
| US09591610B1 |
Method and system for zone based paging based on congestion
Disclosed herein is a method for improved paging in a wireless communication system. In a scenario where base stations broadcast congestion indicators to prevent mobile stations from registering in coverage areas that are experiencing threshold congestion, the method provides for a new form of zone based paging that accounts for the possibility that a mobile station has entered into a new zone but has not yet registered due to a threshold congestion state. According to the method, a paging attempt will be directed to the mobile station's zone of last registration and to only those coverage areas in at least one adjacent paging zone that are deemed to be experiencing threshold congestion. |
| US09591609B1 |
Base station location derived from wireless terminal information
A technique for deriving the locations of one or more wireless base stations is disclosed. After initializing values for the base station location coordinates, a server acquires reference coordinates of a wireless terminal, which are provided from an independent source, and also acquires values for one or more time-of-occurrences of events associated with signals that travel between the wireless terminal and the base stations. The server generates predicted coordinates of the wireless terminal, based in part on the current base station coordinates, by using trilateration. The server then generates updated base station coordinate values, based on a method of least squares, in which each residual is a difference between the reference and predicted coordinates of each wireless terminal location, for one or more wireless terminals. The server modifies the base station coordinate values so as to minimize the least-squares function. |
| US09591607B2 |
Contextual based adaptive adjustment of node power level in a wireless node network
Improved methods and apparatus are described for adaptively adjusting a node power level in a wireless node network having a plurality of nodes and a server. In one method, the server is operative to fix an output power setting on a first node (such as an ID node or master node) to a first power level when the first node is located in a first area. The first power level corresponds to a density of the nodes operating within the first area. The server then detects if the first node has moved to a second area. When the first node is detected as being in the second area, the server adapts the output power setting on the first node to a second power level. The second power level corresponds and relates to a density of the nodes operating within the second area. |
| US09591603B2 |
Dynamic network configuration based on passive location analytics
Passive location estimation of mobile devices within a wireless network is provided. The passive location estimation is determined based on one or more measurements that are received from the mobile device and/or from one or more network elements. At least a portion of the passive information can be received in user plane data associated with an application executing on the mobile device. A measurement set for the mobile device can be defined and can be used to build fingerprints of geographical cellular measurements. |
| US09591599B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for physical broadcast channel (PBCH) assisted synchronization during a discontinuous reception (DRX) operation
A mobile communication device with a Radio Frequency (RF) unit and a processing unit is provided. The RF unit transmits and receives wireless signals to and from a service network. The processing unit configures the RF unit to communicate with the service network in a DRX operation, and uses a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) for synchronizing with the service network during the DRX operation. |
| US09591598B2 |
Method of generating code sequence and method of transmitting signal using the same
A method of generating a code sequence and method of adding additional information using the same are disclosed, by which a code sequence usable for a channel for synchronization is generated and by which a synchronization channel is established using the generated sequence. The present invention, in which the additional information is added to a cell common sequence for time synchronization and frequency synchronization, includes the steps of generating the sequence repeated in time domain as many as a specific count, masking the sequence using a code corresponding to the additional information to be added, and transmitting a signal including the masked sequence to a receiving end. |
| US09591596B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving signal in wireless communication system and apparatus for same
A method is provided for transmitting a signal from a transmitting end to a receiving end in a wireless communication system. A preamble and the signal are transmitted. A length of the preamble is determined based on a bandwidth of the wireless communication system. The preamble is used for an automatic gain control of the signal. The preamble is transmitted in either a first symbol or a last symbol included in at least one subframe having the signal transmitted therein. A prescribed sample of either the first symbol or the last symbol is nulled by the receiving end and wherein the prescribed sample is included in a guard interval. |
| US09591594B2 |
Signaling of power information for MIMO transmission in a wireless communication system
An apparatus includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to perform operations that include determining power information indicative of total power of a designated number of channelization codes. Determining the power information comprises scaling a power offset value based on a number of available channelization codes and the designated number of channelization codes. The operations also include sending the power information to user equipment (UE). The operations further include determining a particular number of transport blocks and determining a distinct channel quality indicator (CQI) index of each of the transport blocks based on a CQI value received from the UE. |
| US09591589B2 |
Method and terminal for transmitting uplink signal by reduced power in intraband non-contiguous uplink carrier aggregation
One embodiment of the present specification relates to a method for reducing transmission power. The method for reducing transmission power can comprise the steps of: determining whether set carrier aggregation (CA) corresponds to intra-band non-contiguous CA when the CA is set; determining transmission power by applying maximum power reduction (MPR) when the set CA corresponds to intra-band non-contiguous CA; and reducing power by applying additional MPR to the determined transmission power in order to protect adjacent bands when non-contiguous carriers belong to a specific band. |
| US09591587B2 |
Maximum pathloss measurement for broadcast communication
Methods, systems, and devices are described for determining pathloss. A transmitter may send a reference signal to receivers associated with broadcast transmissions. The receivers participating in the broadcast transmissions that receive the reference signal at a pathloss greater than a predetermined pathloss value may send a response to the reference signal. Receivers that receive the reference signal at a pathloss less than the predetermined pathloss value may not send a response. The pathloss may be determined based on whether a response is received. The transmitter may then transmit signals for the broadcast transmission at a power level determined based on the pathloss value. |
| US09591583B2 |
Method for controlling transmission power of sounding reference signal in wireless communication system and apparatus for same
In the present invention, disclosed is a method for a terminal, which receives a downlink signal from a first base station and transmits an uplink signal to a second base station, transmitting a sounding reference signal (SRS) in a wireless communication system. More specifically, the method comprises the steps of: receiving from the first base station downlink control information including a triggering message of a first SRS; determining transmission power of the first SRS on the basis of the downlink control information; and transmitting the first SRS to the first base station with the transmission power that is determined, wherein a transmission power control command field, which is included in the downlink control information, is applied to a closed loop parameter for determining the transmission power of the first SRS. |
| US09591580B2 |
Adjusting mobile device state based on user intentions and/or identity
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving data corresponding to a set of sensor values and one or more indicators that each correspond to one of a number of physical states of a client device. The client device includes a first and second set of sensors. The method also includes generating a number of functions that each determine a probability that the client device is in a respective one of the physical states. The determination includes correlating the set of sensor values with a corresponding physical state of the client device. A first function of the number of functions is based on sensor values of the first set of sensors. A second function of the number of functions is based on sensor values of the second set of sensors. The method also includes sending the number of functions to the client device. |
| US09591573B2 |
Power save with data fetch time period
A particular method includes receiving a power save polling frame from a station at an access point. The method also includes, in response to receiving the power save polling frame, transmitting a frame from the access point to the station indicating whether traffic associated with the station is buffered at the access point. Another particular method includes transmitting a frame from the station to the access point indicating that the station is to enter the power save mode and refraining from entering the power save mode until receipt of an end of data frame. Yet another particular method includes receiving a fetch trigger frame at an access point and refraining from transmitting one or more fetched data frames from the access point until a fetch time has elapsed or a delivery trigger frame is received. The access point is configured to communicate with other stations during the fetch time. |
| US09591568B2 |
Method for receiving signal at user equipment in a multi-tier wireless communication system
A method for receiving a signal at a User Equipment (UE) in a multi-tier wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes receiving antenna turn-on/turn-off interval information about a transmission point. The antenna turn-on/turn-off interval information is used for connection transition of a UE related to the transmission point. |
| US09591567B2 |
Method and apparatus for optimizing power consumption of a terminal in a mobile communication system
The present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for optimizing the power consumption of a terminal in a mobile communication system. The method for optimizing power consumption of a terminal in a mobile communication system comprises: a determination step of determining whether there is a need for changing a configuration for a discontinuous reception operation of the terminal; and a transmission step of transmitting, to a base station, a request message for a change in the discontinuous reception operation, if it is determined that the change is needed. |
| US09591562B2 |
Provisioning access point bandwidth based on predetermined events
The present disclosure discloses a method and network device for provisioning access point bandwidth based on predetermined events. The disclosed system identifies a pattern for one or more devices over a period of time, the pattern indicating that the one or more devices (a) connect to a particular access point at a particular time of day, or (b) are located near the particular access point at the particular time of day. Prior or approximately the particular time, the disclosed system facilitates at least one client device associated with the particular access point to associate with a second and different access point. The disclosed system then provides, by the particular access point to the one or more devices, access to network resources. |
| US09591560B2 |
Temporary credential assignment when connecting to roaming wireless networks
A network device may receive, from a first telecommunications network, one or more temporary credentials that allow access to the first telecommunications network; receive, from a user device, a request to access the first telecommunications network; provide, to a server device associated with a second telecommunications network associated with the user device, a service validation request; receive, from the server device, a service validation response indicating that the user device is permitted to access the first telecommunications network; provide, based on receiving the service validation response, a particular temporary credential, of the one or more temporary credentials, to the user device; and transmit data to or from the user device via the first telecommunications network when the particular temporary credential is used to access the telecommunications network. |
| US09591557B2 |
Reducing network service scan time by a wireless communication device
A method for reducing network service scan time by a wireless communication device is provided. The method can include the wireless communication device determining a location of the wireless communication device. The method can further include the wireless communication devices selecting a subset of RATs supported by the wireless communication device based at least in part on the location of the wireless communication device and on deployment mapping information. The selected subset can include only one or more RATs indicated by the deployment mapping information to be deployed in the location of the wireless communication device. The method can further include the wireless communication device performing a service scan for at least one RAT included in the selected subset. Any RAT of the RATs supported by the wireless communication device that is not included in the selected subset can be excluded from the service scan. |
| US09591553B1 |
Content access based on mobile device geographical location
Content access based on mobile device geographical location is described. A system receives, from a mobile device, a request to access content which is created independently of any geographical location. The system determines if the mobile device provides a corresponding geographical location that is within a specified distance of a specified geographical location. The system enables access, for the mobile device, to the content in response to a determination that the mobile device provides the corresponding geographical location that is within the specified distance of the specified geographical location. |
| US09591547B2 |
Handling of gaps in use of a radio transceiver
A method is disclosed of a wireless communication device comprising a radio transceiver and a first radio access control unit adapted to control operation of the wireless communication device in association with a first network node of a first cellular communication network. The method comprises (during use of the radio transceiver by the first radio access control unit) indicating a worse than actual channel condition to the first network node, monitoring a change in code rate of signals transmitted from the first network node in response to the worse than actual channel condition indication, determining a relation between the worse than actual channel condition indication and the code rate change, and determining an offset value based on the determined relation. The offset value is applicable to offset a channel condition indication value to be transmitted to the first network node in association with a gap in the use of the radio transceiver by the first radio access control unit. Corresponding computer program product, arrangement and wireless communication device are also disclosed, as well as using a server for storing the offset values. |
| US09591546B2 |
Method for handing over cluster UE, apparatus for handing over cluster UE, cluster UE, comprising apparatus for handing over cluster UE, and network side device comprising apparatus for handing over cluster UE
A method for handing over a cluster UE includes: measuring signal quality of a current cell and signal quality of a neighboring cell; determining whether both the signal quality of current cell and the signal quality of neighboring cell meet a preset decision rule, and obtaining a determination result; and when the determination result is that both the signal quality of current cell and the signal quality of neighboring cell meet the preset decision rule, controlling the current cell to hand over to the neighboring cell, to make a cluster UE continue, in the neighboring cell, a service performed in the current cell. By adopting the technical scheme of the present invention, the mobility management of a cluster UE in a cluster system based on a TD standard can be implemented, and when moving in a cell, the cluster UE can be handed over without interrupting a current service. |
| US09591545B2 |
Handover control method, wireless communication terminal, and wireless communication device
Under a handover control method, a wireless communication terminal receives a conditional handover command that is transmitted from a wireless communication device which provides an own cell connected to the wireless communication terminal and that gives a command to start handover to an adjacent cell when a predetermined condition is satisfied; determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied; and starts handover to the adjacent cell indicated by the conditional handover command when the predetermined condition is satisfied. |
| US09591542B2 |
Method, base station and system for reselection or handover to broadcast multicast cell
The present invention discloses a method and system for reselecting or handing over to a broadcast multicast cell. The method includes the following steps: broadcasting, by an MBMS cell, a service area identity list of a service area to which the MBMS cell belongs; determining, by a UE, whether the service area identity list includes a service area identity corresponding to a service; if the service area identity list includes service area identity corresponding to the service, setting, by the UE, a cell reselection priority of a frequency of an MBMS cell to the highest. According to the present invention, a UE can identify whether a cell capable of providing services that the UE is receiving or is interested in around the UE, so that the cell can learn which neighboring cells are MBMS cells and what services are being broadcast in MBMS cells if such MBMS cells are available. |
| US09591541B2 |
Migration method and apparatus
The present invention discloses a migration method and an apparatus, which relate to the field of communications technologies and are invented for implementation of proper configuration of different network resources. The method includes: sending, by a base station of a first network, information to a user equipment, where the information is used for: migrating, by the user equipment, from a second network to the first network, where the user equipment is in an idle state relative to the first network; or determining, by the user equipment, whether to migrate from the first network to the second network, where the first network is a 3GPP network, and the second network is a non-3GPP network. The present invention is mainly applied to a process of network migration of the user equipment. |
| US09591540B2 |
Data caching in a communication network
A communications network comprising: multiple base stations, each capable of communicating wirelessly with one or more wireless terminals; and a network core communicatively coupled to the base stations, the network core comprising: a data cache to which base stations can write data received from terminals, accessible from outside the network core in such a way that users external to the network core can write data to the data cache at times that are not scheduled by the network core; and a network controller capable of controlling the operation of the base stations, the network controller being configured to schedule the propagation to the terminals of data stored in the data cache by allocating base station transmission bandwidth for the transmission of the data to one or more of the terminals. |
| US09591539B2 |
Method and apparatus for interference control
Methods and apparatuses for interference control have been disclosed. A method for a source cell in a handover procedure is provided. The method comprises: determining restricted subframes in which signal transfer from the source cell to its served user equipments is restricted; and notifying information about the determined restricted subframes to a target cell, wherein the determined restricted subframes are used for scheduling user equipments which are taking handover from the source cell to the target cell. Thus, an improved approach has been provided to decrease the dropping rate in cell soft lock for PCI collision. |
| US09591537B1 |
Method and system for handoffs between public and private networks
A mobile station receives a neighbor list from a base station in an area of a public wireless network that borders a private wireless network. The neighbor list includes encrypted channel identifiers corresponding to private network channels transmitted by the private wireless network and unencrypted channel identifiers corresponding to public network channels transmitted by the public wireless network. If the mobile station does not subscribe to the private wireless network, the mobile station does not recognize the encrypted channel identifiers and simply ignores them. However, if the mobile station subscribes to the private wireless network, the mobile station decrypts the encrypted channel identifiers and determines whether it is able to initiate a handoff to any of the corresponding private network channels. |
| US09591532B2 |
Communication control method, radio communication system, radio base station, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A communication control method includes: transmitting, by a second radio base station (103) adjacent to a first radio base station (100), an attribute value relating to a second cell (102) under control of the second radio base station (103) to the first radio base station; receiving, by the first radio base station, the attribute value relating to the second cell; comparing, by the first radio base station, the attribute value relating to the second cell with an attribute value relating to a first cell under control of the first radio base station; and executing, by the first radio base station, processing for matching the attribute value relating to the second cell with the attribute value relating to the first cell in accordance with a predetermined criterion when the received attribute value relating to the second cell is different from the attribute value relating to the first cell. |
| US09591530B2 |
Mobile communication method
Even when handover processing to a radio base station T-eNB not supporting “extended PDCP-SN” is performed on a mobile station UE communicating with a radio base station S-eNB supporting “extended PDCP-SN,” the communications are continued. A mobile communication method according to the invention includes the steps of: causing a radio base station S-eNB to determine to perform handover processing of a mobile station UE to a radio base station T-eNB not supporting “extended PDCP-SN” in a state where a first bearer using “extended PDCP-SN” is established with the mobile station UE, and causing the radio base station S-eNB to create “RRC connection reconfiguration” which instructs deletion of the first bearer and addition of a second bearer using “conventional PDCP-SN” and to transmit “RRC connection reconfiguration” to the mobile station UE. |
| US09591525B2 |
Efficient device handover/migration in mesh networks
A new device is deployed to an area in which a network is provided. The new device may join the network using a single handshake via a neighboring device that is a member of the network and register with a network management system managing the network. If the network is overloaded or has limited bandwidth remaining, the network may refuse to admit the new device, or if the new device is isolated, may force some devices that are members of the network to leave or migrate from the network to allow the isolated device to join the network. |
| US09591516B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing bearers in a wireless communication system
A method and network element are provided that manage bearers in a wireless communication system. The method and network element receives a bearer request associated with a user equipment (UE) and a service data flow (SDF). In response to determining that a value of a first quality of service parameter associated with the SDF is the same as a value of the corresponding first quality of service parameter of a bearer currently allocated to the UE, and that a value of the second quality of service parameter associated with the SDF is different than a value of the corresponding second quality of service parameter of the bearer currently allocated to the UE, the method and network element modifies the value of the second quality of service parameter of the bearer currently allocated to the UE to produce a modified bearer and maps the SDF to the modified bearer. |
| US09591511B1 |
Control channel selection based on quality of service
An example embodiment may involve determining a quality of service level for network traffic associated with a WCD. The WCD may be served by an air interface of a RAN. The air interface may include a primary signaling channel and a secondary signaling channel, where the primary signaling channel simultaneously spans all of a plurality of contiguous subcarrier frequencies and the secondary signaling channel does not simultaneously span all of the plurality of contiguous subcarrier frequencies. The example embodiment may further involve, possibly based on the quality of service level for the network traffic associated with the WCD, selecting the primary signaling channel or the secondary signaling channel for transmission of a signaling message to the WCD. The example embodiment may also involve transmitting the signaling message to the WCD via the selected signaling channel. |
| US09591507B2 |
Communication scheme for channel quality information
A periodic report of channel quality information is transmitted to a receiving entity within a communication system. A UE transmits first channel quality information reports reporting an average of channel qualities for resource blocks at a first reporting frequency and a second channel quality information report for a preferred subset of resource blocks. The second channel quality information report is transmitted between the first channel quality information reports. A plurality of second channel quality information reports for the preferred subset of resource blocks are transmitted at a second reporting frequency. The first reporting frequency is different from the second reporting frequency. |
| US09591497B2 |
Wireless link quality monitoring
Wi-Fi link health monitoring by a wireless device. Signal strength (e.g., RSSI) of a Wi-Fi link may be monitored. If the signal strength is low, further link quality metrics may be monitored. If it is determined that health of the Wi-Fi link is poor based on monitoring signal strength and other link quality metrics, roaming to a different Wi-Fi network may be performed, the Wi-Fi link may be disconnected, and/or an application processor of the wireless device may be woken. |
| US09591496B2 |
Integrated circuit design and operation using agents associated with processing cores to negotiate mutually compatible parameters to achieve an application-related objective
Integrated circuit design and operation techniques are disclosed. In some embodiments, a data store stores, for each of a plurality of cores, a core image data comprising metadata about or otherwise associated with the core. A processor receives an indication of an application-related objective and uses core image data stored in the data store to identify programmatically a set of two or more cores from among the plurality of cores to help achieve the objective and to configure the two or more cores to help achieve the objective. |
| US09591493B2 |
Wireless communication fine timing measurement PHY parameter control and negotiation
A wireless communication device (e.g., operative within a wireless local area network (WLAN)) coordinates with another wireless communication device to determine which communication parameter(s) to use in at least one FTM frame exchange. In an example of operation, the wireless communication device includes a communication interface and a processor such that the processor receives, via the communication interface, a fine timing measurement (FTM) request frame from the other wireless communication device. The FTM request frame specifies at least one preferred communication parameter for the at least one FTM frame exchange. The processor then determines, based on the FTM request frame, information related to the at least one preferred communication parameter. The wireless communication device generates and transmits a response to the FTM request frame to the other wireless communication device that confirms or overrides the at least one preferred communication parameter. |
| US09591490B2 |
Low bandwidth PHY transmission in a wider bandwidth
A method for generating signals to be transmitted within a BSS channel, where a set of component channels is collectively coextensive with the BSS channel, includes determining that a first duplicate, in frequency, of a low bandwidth mode data unit will be located at an edge of the BSS channel. Each duplicate includes OFDM tones and has a bandwidth less than the narrowest channel of the component channels. The OFDM tones in each duplicate include one or more data tones, one or more pilot tones, and one or more guard tones. The method also includes generating a transmission signal comprising the duplicates, at least in part by scaling down at least one data tone, and/or zeroing out at least one data tone, of the first duplicate in response to determining that the first duplicate will be located at an edge of the BSS channel. |
| US09591487B2 |
Mobile station, networking apparatus, and mobile communication method
A mobile station, a networking apparatus, and a mobile communication method with which access restriction according to SSAC can be achieved with greater reliability even when the mobile station is in an RRC CONNECTED state. A UE 100 acquires restriction information indicating a content of Service Specific Access Control, and cancels transmission of a call-origination request based on the acquired restriction information if the call-origination request is generated when the UE 100 is in an RRC CONNECTED state in which connection to an access network is established on a radio resource control layer, the transmission being cancelled in the RRC CONNECTED state. |
| US09591484B2 |
Secure environment for subscriber device
A secure operating environment for a telecommunication device is disclosed, where a trusted execution environment (TEE) can establish both first secure communication (SC) channel between the TEE and a security-enabled SIM card, and a second SC between a service provider entity and Trustlet application, which is a component of the TEE of the telecommunication device. The telecommunication device may include a processor(s), an identification module, and a memory including the TEE and a normal operating environment (NOE). The TEE can be operated by the one or more processors to establish the first SC channel, authenticate a service identifier of the identification module, and establish the second SC channel, prior to an execution of the NOE. |
| US09591483B2 |
Authentication mechanisms for wireless networks
Security techniques and security mechanisms for wireless networks that transmit content such as advertisements. According to exemplary techniques, control messages comprising unrequested content (e.g., advertisement data) may be transmitted in response to a request from a client device, while in other exemplary techniques the control messages may be transmitted without any request from a client device. In some exemplary implementations, security mechanisms such as public key cryptography algorithms may be used to secure transmissions. In some of these techniques which implement public key cryptography, a user may be required to retrieve a public key from a source other than the wireless access point transmitting encrypted advertisements (e.g., a sign or terminal in a commercial entity transmitting such advertisements, or from a web service), such that the user may confirm that the encrypted content is from a source matching the retrieved public key and thus confirm the authenticity of a wireless access point. |
| US09591478B2 |
Mobile personal security system
A mobile personal security device, system and method to accept an activation signal of the system on a mobile device. An input of a periodicity setting is also accepted to indicate one of a series of time periods during which the system expects a security code to be inputted into the device. If the code is inputted into the device during one or each interval, then the interval is reset to expect a further inputting of the code during a subsequent interval. If the code is not received, an alarm signal may be issued. |
| US09591476B2 |
Mobile using reconfigurable user identification module
A mobile data communications device includes: a reconfigurable user identification module operable to store at least a current primary mobile identity, the mobile device being operable to provide mobile data communication via a mobile network subject to the primary mobile identity being authorized with the mobile network; and a detector to detect the user identity of a current user of the mobile device; the mobile device being operable to access a mobile identity database which provides a mobile identity to the reconfigurable user identification module for use as the primary mobile identity, in response to the detected user identity of the current user of the mobile device. |
| US09591473B2 |
Bypassing routing stacks using mobile internet protocol
Methods, systems and computer program products for load balancing using Mobile Internet Protocol (IP) Version 6 are provided. A request for a connection is received from a client at a routing stack. A Mobile IP Version 6 Binding Update message is transmitted from the routing stack to the client responsive to the received request. The Binding Update message identifies a selected target stack so as to allow the client to communicate directly with the target stack bypassing the routing stack. |
| US09591472B2 |
Global mobility infrastructure for user devices
Real-time mobility data relating to a user and devices associated with the user are collected. The collected mobility data to a device being used in a respective environment is applied. The operation of the device based on the applied data is activated and controlled. The mobility database is updated with new data relating to the location of the user as the user enters a new operating environment. New data includes mobility and environmental data relating to a third-party. The third-party data is relevant to the user and to operation of a mobile device. |
| US09591470B2 |
System and method for enabling operations based on distance to and motion of remote device
Various operations may be performed based on a distance-related function associated with two or more devices. For example, an association procedure for two or more devices may be based on one or more determined distances. Similarly, presence management may be based on one or more determined distances. A distance-related function may take various form including, for example, a distance between devices, two or more distances between devices, a rate of change in a relative distance between devices, relative acceleration between devices, or some combination of two or more of the these distance-related functions. |
| US09591469B2 |
System and method for TDD configuration for D2D open discovery
Embodiments are provided to support device-to-device (D2D) communications in a time-division duplexing (TDD) communications system, and ensure that D2D discovery signals are transmitted by user devices on an uplink subframe when there is a TDD frame configuration change. In an embodiment, a user device receives form the network a TDD frame configuration selected from a set of available TDD frame configurations according to the TDD configuration. The device further receives a D2D discovery configuration for a discovery time interval. The user device then allocates a transmission resource a D2D discovery signal within the discovery time interval according to the D2D discovery configuration. The user device is also configured to receive from another device a second D2D discovery signal during the discovery time interval in accordance with the TDD configuration and the D2D discovery configuration. |
| US09591468B2 |
System and method for monitoring communications in a network
Methods and systems are described for monitoring communications in a packet-switched network. More specifically, the system initiates a communication between a network endpoint associated with a call mediator and at least a second network endpoint; records, at the call mediator, information associated with the communication; and upon termination of the communication, communicates, from the call mediator to an enterprise gatekeeper, the information associated with the communication. |
| US09591465B1 |
Automatic distribution of communication to user having common subject-matter interest and served by same or adjacent base station
Disclosed are methods and systems to facilitate automatic distribution of communications. In particular, a server may maintain data that indicates at least one registered subject-matter interest respectively for each of a plurality of users. Further, the server may receive a communication from a source user. The source user may be served by a particular base station. In response to receiving the communication, the server may identify one or more target users based on each target user (i) having at least one registered subject-matter interest that matches at least one subject-matter interest of the source user and (ii) being served either by the same particular base station that serves the source user or by a base station adjacent to the particular base station that serves the source user. The server may forward the communication to each identified target user. |
| US09591458B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive positioning
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for adaptively performing position determination in response to environmental profile determination. Aspects of the disclosure provide an apparatus including a sensor, an environmental profile determination module, and a profile based position provider. The sensor is configured to generate data indicative of motions of the apparatus. The environmental profile determination module is configured to receive the data indicative of the motions of the apparatus, and detect an environmental profile from a plurality of environmental profiles for the apparatus based on the data. The profile based position provider includes a plurality of configurations associated with the plurality of environmental profiles. The profile based position provider is configured in one of the configurations associated with the environmental profile, and is configured to select a positioning source to determine a location of the apparatus based on the configuration. |
| US09591455B2 |
Methods and apparatus to determine a base station location
Example methods and apparatus to determine a base station location are disclosed herein and include aggregating retrieved base-station signal records based on signal identifiers and geographic locations, and differentiating the aggregated signal records and prevent errors caused by base-station signal reuse by assigning a first reuse identifier to a first one of the base-station signal records and a second reuse identifier to a second one of the base-station signal records when (1) the first and second ones of the base-station signal records exhibit a same signal identifier and (2) a distance between a first location associated with the first one of the base-station signal records and a second location associated with the second one of the base-station signal records satisfies a threshold. |
| US09591454B2 |
Computational complexity reduction of training wireless strength-based probabilistic models from big data
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for providing outputs; e.g., location estimates, based on signal strength measurements. A computing device can receive a particular signal strength measurement, which can include a wireless-signal-emitter (WSE) identifier and a signal strength value and can be associated with a measurement location. The computing device can determine one or more bins; each bin including statistics for WSEs and associated with a bin location. The statistics can include mean and standard deviation values. The computing device can: determine a particular bin whose bin location is associated with the measurement location for the particular signal strength measurement, determine particular statistics of the particular bin associated with a wireless signal emitter identified by the WSE identifier of the particular signal strength measurement, and update the particular statistics based on the signal strength value. The computing device can provide an estimated location output based on the bins. |
| US09591453B1 |
Locating a nearby mobile device without using GPS
A method, system, and medium are provided for locating a lost mobile device utilizing a radio frequency signal associated with the lost mobile device. One embodiment of the method includes activating a signal on a lost mobile device. An identifier associated with the lost mobile device allows a locating mobile device to receive the signal from the lost mobile device and filter out interference. The strength of the signal is determined and a location of the lost mobile device is communicated to a user based on the strength of the signal. |
| US09591452B2 |
System and method for enabling mobile device applications and functional components
A computer-implemented method of enabling device use is provided. The method includes receiving from a first user an indication of at least one geographic area. Location information of a second user corresponding to a mobile device is received. The location information of the second user and the at least one geographic area are compared, and at least one of an application on the mobile device and a functional component of the mobile device are enabled based on the comparison of the location information of the second user and the at least one geographic area. A computing system for enabling device use is also provided. |
| US09591449B2 |
Location-based content aggregation and distribution
In one embodiment, a method includes storing one or more content postings that each include data representative of one or more content instances. Each content posting is associated with one or more first users. The method also includes storing one or more data records associating one or more geographic locations with accessing of the content instances. The method also includes selectively sending one or more of the content postings for display on an access device based on a past or present geographic location of the access device. |
| US09591448B2 |
Method for generating a track file that contains notification information, a computer program product, and a navigation method
A method for generating a track file that contains notification information includes obtaining a raw track file and a road network data, determining whether each of consecutive two of recorded locations of the track file is on or off road segments of the road network data, generating a notification of change in road status when the consecutive two of the recorded locations are determined to be respectively on and off the road segments, calculating an included angle between two line segments which connect in sequence consecutive three of the recorded locations, determining whether the included angle is greater than a threshold value, and generating a notification of turning when the included angle is determined to be greater than the threshold value. |
| US09591444B2 |
Geofence with kalman filter
A least squares geofence method that minimizes trigger misfires caused by data variability and location blunders and minimizes delayed/missed entry triggers generated under urban or indoor conditions. The least squares geofence method uses a weighted least squares (LS) model to compute a location estimate for a target device. A LS location estimate is used to determine if a target device is located inside or outside a predefined geofence. The present invention additionally comprises a Kalman filter geofence method that further improves the accuracy of entry/exit geofence triggers. A Kalman filter geofence method uses a Kalman filter to filter location data retrieved for a target device. Filtered location data is used to determine if a target device is located inside or outside a predefined geofence. A Kalman filter geofence method estimates velocity and heading information for a target device to generate accurate entry/exit geofence triggers for devices in fast moving mode. |
| US09591442B2 |
Method and system for implementing navigation using bounded geographic regions
A method and system for creating Bounded Geographic Regions (“BGRs”) in a navigation system using BGRs is presented. Various methods for creating BGRs are disclosed. Additionally, the implications of minimizing the area of a BGR is discussed and disclosed. The method and system allows for easier convergence for creation of BGRs. |
| US09591441B2 |
Long-life asset tracking
A method and system for long-life asset tracking is disclosed. One example utilizes an activation module to provide an activation signal to at least a portion of the long-life asset tracker. A position determiner receives the activation signal and determines a location of the long-life asset tracker with a first level of accuracy or a second level of accuracy, wherein the second level of accuracy is more accurate than the first level of accuracy and wherein a default mode of operation is to utilize a radio locator for position determination instead of a navigation satellite system module to extend the life of a power source of the long-life asset tracker. An information provider module to broadcast the location of the long-life asset tracker is also disclosed. |
| US09591440B2 |
System for quickly finding the whereabouts of friends
A method and/or system is disclosed allowing a user to quickly and easily obtain information on the location of another user or group of users. Such location information, may for example, be provided for quickly finding the whereabouts of friends, volunteers, employees, event attendees, etc. The system is comprised of a user application and a user connection server which utilizes push notification services. Accordingly, embodiments allow a user to ask, for example with a single button press/user selection, for the location of other users. In response to the request, the user can, for example with a single button press/user selection, choose to respond to the user. The requesting user then sees the location of the other user. |
| US09591437B2 |
Computational systems and methods for locating a mobile device
Systems and methods are described relating to determining a specified time period of non-movement in a mobile device and presenting an indication of location of the mobile device at least partially based on the specified time period of non-movement. Additionally, systems and methods are described relating to means for determining a specified time period of non-movement in a mobile device and means for presenting an indication of location of the mobile device at least partially based on the specified time period of non-movement. |
| US09591434B1 |
Virtual private network (VPN) tunneling in a user equipment (UE) brokered by a radio frequency identity (RFID) chip communicatively coupled to the user equipment
A user equipment (UE). The UE comprises a motherboard comprising a communication bus, a cellular radio frequency transceiver, a processor, a radio frequency identity (RFID) chip, and a memory storing an application. The RFID chip is connected to the communication bus and comprises an RFID near field communication (NFC) transceiver, an RFID internal processor, an RFID internal memory, and an RFID application. When executed by the processor, the application receives a request from the RFID chip to establish a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel via the cellular radio frequency transceiver based on information encapsulated in the request. The RFID application, when executed by the RFID internal processor, receives a message from an NFC device comprising a command to open the VPN tunnel and sends the request to establish the VPN tunnel to the application executed on the processor. |
| US09591431B2 |
Short-range wireless communication node device and method for alarming on the node device assembling state
A wireless communication node device is provided. The node device includes a network adaptor configured to perform short-range wireless communication, a channel manager configured to receive channel setting information comprising information about channel member nodes through the network adaptor, and to store the received channel setting information, a channel state manager configured to update a channel state table which indicates that the node device is connected to another node device, in response to the node device being connected to the other node device through the network adaptor, and to propagate the updated connection state table via the network adaptor, and an alarm controller configured to verify a connection state between the channel member nodes by analyzing the connection state table, and to generate an alarm control signal based on the verified connection state. |
| US09591428B2 |
Method, software and apparatus for performing actions on a wireless device using action lists and versioning
A system and method for performing actions on a wireless device using action lists and versioning. The system includes receiving, over a network, a remote action list version number, the remote action list version number associated with a remote action list containing an instruction for the wireless device. The system further includes determining whether the remote action list version number is different from a local action list version number. The system also includes sending, over a network, a request for the remote action list in response to determining the remote action list version number is different from the local action list version number. Also, the system includes receiving, over a network, the remote action list. |
| US09591427B1 |
Capturing audio impulse responses of a person with a smartphone
A method captures audio impulse responses of a person wearing electronic microphones in a left ear and a right ear. A smartphone generates a sound while it is away from but proximate to the person. The microphones capture the audio impulse responses that are used to convolve sound so it localizes away from but proximate to the person. |
| US09591426B2 |
Method and apparatus for an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit
Methods and systems are provided for ultrasonic emitter based floor audio units. An example floor audio unit may comprise one or more ultrasonic emitters and may be placed on or near a floor. The floor audio unit may generate audio output that comprises ultrasonic signals, and may emit the ultrasonic signals using the one or more ultrasonic emitters, where the one or more ultrasonic emitters may be configured to emit the ultrasonic signals upward. Further, directionality of emission of the ultrasonic signals is based on a position of a listener and/or a location of the listener's head relative to the enclosure of the floor audio unit. The ultrasonic signals and/or the positioning of the one or more ultrasonic emitters may be adjusted based on the position of the listener and/or the location of the listener's head to optimize the directionality of emission of the ultrasonic signals. The position of the listener and/or the location of the listener's head may be determined in real-time, such as using sensory information. |
| US09591422B2 |
Method and apparatus for audio interference estimation
An apparatus comprises a receiver (203) which receives a microphone signal from a microphone (201) where the microphone signal comprises a test signal component corresponding to an audio test signal. A divider (215) divides the microphone signal into a plurality of test interval signal components, each of which corresponds to the microphone signal in a time interval. A set processor (217) generates sets of test interval signal components and a similarity processor (219) generates a similarity value for each set. An interference estimator (221) determines an interference measure for individual test interval signal components in response to the similarity values. The interference measure may be used to select signal segments that can be used to adapt an audio processing algorithm which is applied to the microphone signal, such as e.g. speech enhancement or echo cancellation. The approach may allow for a reliable interference estimate to be generated while maintaining low complexity. |
| US09591419B2 |
Headphone listening apparatus
In at least one embodiment, a headphone listening apparatus including an audio listening device is provided. The audio listening device is programmed to receive an incoming ambient audio signal indicative of an external ambient sound and to store a plurality of desired audio triggers. The audio listening device is further programmed to compare the external ambient sound to the plurality of desired audio triggers and to transmit a notification signal to headphones in response to the ambient sound being generally similar to a first desired audio trigger of the plurality of desired audio triggers. The headphones are programmed to provide an audio alert to a user to indicate the presence of the external ambient sound. |
| US09591417B2 |
Extreme low frequency acoustic measurement system
The present invention is an extremely low frequency (ELF) microphone and acoustic measurement system capable of infrasound detection in a portable and easily deployable form factor. In one embodiment of the invention, an extremely low frequency electret microphone comprises a membrane, a backplate, and a backchamber. The backchamber is sealed to allow substantially no air exchange between the backchamber and outside the microphone. Compliance of the membrane may be less than ambient air compliance. The backplate may define a plurality of holes and a slot may be defined between an outer diameter of the backplate and an inner wall of the microphone. The locations and sizes of the holes, the size of the slot, and the volume of the backchamber may be selected such that membrane motion is substantially critically damped. |
| US09591416B2 |
Passive vibration cancellation system for microphone assembly
A passive vibration cancellation system manufactured of a plurality of waterproof diaphragms and a more rigid support structure is sized to cover a microphone of an auditory prosthesis. The system includes multiple flexible diaphragms that deform in opposite directions when acted upon by sound, but deform in the same direction when acted upon by vibrations. The system can further include a collar or other compliant element to help secure a microphone assembly into the auditory prosthesis housing, while further reducing vibration transmission between the housing and the microphone. |
| US09591414B2 |
Acoustic device
There is provided an acoustic device that can reduce muffled sound. The disclosed acoustic device includes a holder 103 that has one end abutting the inside of an inferior antihelix crus and other end abutting a depression between a tragus and an antitragus of a user's ear, and a human body vibration sound generator 10 that is held by the holder 103 and allows sound to be heard by the user in response to an audio signal as well. |
| US09591406B1 |
Multi-track stereo sound earphone
A multi-track stereo sound earphone includes an earphone main body, which includes a loudspeaker inside, a resonance cavity connected thereto, a sound hole plate, and a solid plate. The earphone main body further includes: at least a low sound hole, disposed in middle position of a lower encircling perimeter of the resonance cavity; at least a high sound hole, disposed in a middle position of an upper encircling perimeter of the resonance cavity; and a plurality of medium sound holes, disposed surrounding a sound hole plate in front of the loudspeaker. The solid plate is disposed in center of the sound hole plate, opposite to center of a vibration membrane of loudspeaker. The diameters of the plurality of medium sound holes decrease from bottom to top, and the plurality of medium sound holes are distributed around outer perimeter of the solid plate. |
| US09591403B2 |
Instability detection and correction in sinusoidal active noise reduction systems
A method for operating an active noise reduction system that is designed to reduce sinusoidal noise, where there is an active noise reduction system input signal that is related to the frequency of the noise to be reduced, and where the active noise reduction system comprises one or more adaptive filters that output a generally sinusoidal noise reduction signal that is used to drive one or more transducers with their outputs directed to reduce the noise. Distortions of the noise reduction signal are detected. A distortion is based at least in part on differences between the frequency of the noise reduction signal and the frequency of the sinusoidal noise. The noise reduction signal is altered based on the detected distortion. |
| US09591402B2 |
Transmit audio in a target space
Implementations disclosed herein relate to transmitting audio in a target space relative to an electronic device (100, 200) using a directional speaker (103, 106) and non-directional speaker (104, 207). In one implementation, a directional speaker (103, 106) or non-directional speaker (104, 207) is selected to transmit audio based on a target space for the audio. The audio may then be transmitted from the selected speaker. |
| US09591400B2 |
Installation structure for acoustic transducer
An installation structure for an acoustic transducer that operates in accordance with an audio signal to thereby vibrating a vibrated body in a first direction for permitting the vibrated body to generate sounds, including: a magnetic-path forming portion fixedly disposed relative to a fixedly supporting portion; a movable unit having an electromagnetic coupling portion electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic-path forming portion and configured to vibrate in the first direction when the electromagnetic coupling portion is driven by the magnetic-path forming portion in response to a drive signal based on the audio signal; a connector fixed to the vibrated body and connecting the movable unit to the vibrated body for transmitting vibration of the movable unit to the vibrated body; and at least two restricting mechanisms fixedly disposed relative to the fixedly supporting portion for restricting a movement of the movable unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction. |
| US09591398B1 |
Headphone
A headphone has a main bass reflex chamber formed inside a housing sidewall. A transducer is mounted in the main bass reflex chamber at a transducer enclosure portion of the main bass reflex chamber. An earbud insert is mounted to the main bass reflex chamber and receives sound from the transducer. The earbud insert has an earbud opening formed at an earbud tip of the earbud insert. The earbud opening connects to an earbud channel. A stem extends from the main bass reflex chamber. The stem has a reflex connector channel. A reflex module is attached to the stem selected from either: a first reflex module removably secured to the stem of the main bass reflex chamber; or a second reflex module removably secured to the stem of the main bass reflex chamber when the first reflex module is removed from the stem of the main bass reflex member. |
| US09591395B2 |
Earphones and earbuds with physiologic sensors
An earphone with a physiologic sensor includes a housing; a speaker in the housing; an enhancer comprising a body mounted on the housing and adapted to be secured in the ear to acoustically couple the speaker to the user's ear; and an optical physiologic sensor disposed inside the enhancer, the enhancer having an aperture or window aligned with the optical physiologic sensor, so that the sensor can optically couple with the user's ear when the enhancer is secured in the user's ear. |
| US09591393B2 |
BTE/CIC auditory device and modular connector system therefor
An earpiece auditory device is described which includes a behind-the-ear component shaped to fit behind the ear of a user. The behind-the-ear component can also have at least one microphone and processing circuitry, where the processing circuitry is used to processes audio signal from the microphone. The device also includes a speaker sized to fit in the ear canal of a user, and an ear mold holding the speaker in place. The ear mold can also be position to touch the bony portion of the ear canal and provide sound attenuation in the ear canal. A connector physically and electrically connects the behind-the-ear component to the speaker. The connector is capable of being used to insert and remove the speaker and ear mold from the ear canal of the user. |
| US09591392B2 |
Headset-derived real-time presence and communication systems and methods
A method for real time digital instant messaging includes monitoring a condition of a wireless headset, estimating a potential for the user to receive and immediately respond to a real time digital message, such as an instant communications or a VoIP message, and then selectively directing a real time digital message, when received, to the user via the headset when the estimated potential indicates that the user is reasonably likely to immediately respond to the real time digital message. A sensor in the headset may be used to determine if a recent action of the user was don the headset by putting it on, doff the headset by taking it off, dock the headset by placing it in a charging station, move while wearing the headset, leave the headset on a desktop or other surface or carry the headset. |
| US09591384B2 |
Method and apparatus forwarding television channel video image snapshots to an auxiliary display device
A method of processing television content metadata in a communications system. The system includes a consumer device (e.g., a set-top box and/or television) in communication with an auxiliary display device (e.g., webpad). A broadcast television channel video image signal and the metadata are received by the consumer device. A single video image frame of the broadcast television channel video image signal is captured when a predefined indicator is detected in the metadata. The metadata is modified by changing the predefined indicator to an image identifier associated with the single video image frame. The single video image frame is converted to a well-known format, and the consumer device sends the modified metadata and the converted single video image frame to the auxiliary display device for display thereon. |
| US09591379B2 |
Systems and methods for providing an advertisement calling proxy server
Described herein are techniques for requesting advertisement content on behalf a client device from a first server. The first server receives a request from the client device to receive advertisement content, wherein the request includes client information. The first server retrieves break data based on the request, wherein the break data includes one or more links to a second server. The first server replaces any dynamic parameters contained in the one or more links with at least one value based on the client information. The first server requests, from the second server, at least one advertisement segment based on the one or more links. The first server receives, from the second server, a first response to the request. The first server then provides a second response to the client device, wherein the second response is based on the first response. |
| US09591375B2 |
On demand mobile wireless broadcast video delivery mechanism
A mobile broadcast service center and a mobile wireless network to deliver broadcast video to mobile wireless devices is described. When the mobile broadcast service center receives a request to deliver a broadcast video channel to a target mobile wireless device, it designates as target an intermediate node in the network that serves the target mobile wireless device. The mobile broadcast service center first determines if an existing channel bundle is routed to the target intermediate node. If this first determination is negative, the mobile broadcast service center routes a new channel bundle to the target intermediate node, including the requested broadcast video channel. If the first determination is positive, the mobile broadcast service center then determines if the requested broadcast video channel is in the existing channel bundle. If this second determination is negative, then it adds the requested broadcast video channel to the existing channel bundle. |
| US09591374B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating encoded content using dynamically optimized conversion for 3D movies
The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for adding a graphic element, such as a subtitle to selected locations of the frames in a 3D movie. The authoring tool receives a depth map indicating the position of various objects in the frames of 3D content along a Z-axis. The authoring device then designates a position for at least one additional graphic element in at least some of the frames, these positions being determined in relation either to the positions of the objects or the position of the screen along said Z-axis. An encoder uses parameters from the authoring tool to reauthor the 3D movie by adding the graphic content to the positions designated by the parameters. |
| US09591371B1 |
Moving color test pattern
Test patterns and associated techniques for testing the fidelity of color processing are disclosed. One set of embodiments provide a test pattern that exhibits a large number of spatial interactions (e.g., edges) between colors corresponding to triples of constant value RGB primaries that incorporate a specific primary. Another set of embodiments provide an animated sequence of test patterns that exhibit temporal interactions between the colors identified above. Yet another set of embodiments provide a test pattern comprising a plurality of zones, where distinct subsets of the zones are configured to exhibit independent visual changes in response to adjustments of specific color processing controls. Using these test patterns, users may more easily test the fidelity of color processing (such as color dematrixing), and may more easily calibrate color processing controls accordingly. |
| US09591369B2 |
System and method for providing recommendation icons on an electronic programming guide
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that receives, from a particular user, identification of selected users from which recommendations are sought. Those users that have made recommendations are determined, and a recommendation graphical user interface is provided to equipment of the particular user. The graphical user interface item is associated with a recommending user and a television program. A selection of the recommendation graphical user interface item is received, and information is provided for presentation, responsive to a determination that viewing of the information has been authorized. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09591368B2 |
Display apparatus and control method thereof
A display apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a signal receiver configured to receive a broadcasting signal that includes content of a channel and information about content overlapped channels, a signal processor configured to extract the content and the information about the content overlapped channels from the received broadcasting signal, a display configured to display an image of an extracted content, and a controller configured to perform a control operation based on the extracted information about the content overlapped channels. |
| US09591364B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus may include a control device. The control device may generate display data including a main image for display in a first area of a display area and a list of candidate images for display in a second area of the display area at a same time the main image is displayed in the first area, wherein the candidate images are extracted from and represent respective objects in the main image. Also, the control device may receive an input from a user to select one candidate image from the list, wherein the display data is generated based on selection of the one candidate image. |
| US09591363B2 |
System and method for optimizing storage and transcoding costs in network DVR
A method includes: storing, via a network storage device, information related to the playback history of a content playing device; receiving, via a network digital video recorder scheduler, a request to record requested content; receiving, via a network digital video recorder, the requested content in a first format and the requested content in a second format; and storing, via the network digital video recorder, only one of the requested content in the first format or the requested content in a second format based on the information related to the playback history. |
| US09591355B2 |
Decoding video streams using decoders supporting a different encoding profile
In various embodiments, video streams are decoded using decoders that support a different decoding profile. First processing circuitry is configured to receive a video stream encoded using a first encoding profile, transcode the video stream from the first encoding profile to a second encoding profile, and store the transcoded video stream in an output buffer. Second processing circuitry is configured to receive the transcoded video stream from the output buffer and decode the transcoded video stream according to the second encoding profile. The second processing circuitry may be unable to decode the video stream encoded using the first encoding profile. |
| US09591353B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations
Methods and apparatus to detect commercial advertisements associated with media presentations are disclosed. An example method includes determining an amount of audio randomness an inter-segment audio frame. The example method also includes indicating the inter-segment audio frame as occurring at a commercial transition based on the amount of audio randomness of the at least one inter-segment audio frame. |
| US09591351B2 |
Receiver, display controlling method, broadcast system, and computer program
To compound broadcast content and network content and suitably reproduce the two pieces of content concurrently using a data broadcast service.A broadcaster and an application provider, for example, upload AV content related to broadcast content to a server, and deliver a data broadcast application containing a URL link to AV content. Each of selection buttons of a mosaic-type menu contains a URL link to AV content. The broadcaster and the application provider can control what should be a streaming moving picture that a user reproduces concurrently with viewing a program. |
| US09591350B2 |
Sharing web application program guide content items over home networks
Digital living network alliance (DLNA) hypertext markup language 5 (HTML5) remote user interface (RUI) or VidiPath™ technologies are extended such that a W3C-defined |