最新美国发明专利第2017-04-11期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US09616407B2	Isothermal CO2 adsorption column A new adsorbent CO2-ONE for removal of acidic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide was developed from hydrothermal reaction of natural limestone with natural kaolin via sodium hydroxide. Several synthesis conditions were employed such as initial concentration of NaOH, weight ratio of limestone to kaolin, reaction temperature and pressure. The produced Ca—Na—SiO2—Al2O3 samples were characterized using XRD and EDS and showed that a mixture of Gehlenite Ca2Al(Al1.22Si0.78O6.78)OH0.22 and Stilbite Na5.76Ca4.96(Al15.68Si56.32O144) with percentage of 43 and 57 was successfully produced, respectively. Another produced sample showed the presence of Gehlenite Ca2Al(Al1.22Si0.78O6.78)OH0.22, Stilbite Na5.76Ca4.96(Al15.68Si56.32O144) and Lawsonite CaAl2Si2O7OH2(H2O) with percentage of 4.1 and 7.4 and 88, respectively.
US09616402B2	Catalyst loading tool There is provided a loading tray for loading particulate material into a catalytic reactor comprising an upper tubesheet and an array of reaction tubes extending downward from the tubesheet; wherein the loading tray comprises: a loading template comprising one or more loading openings; one or more supports for spacing the loading template above the tube-sheet to form a volume between the loading template and the upper tube-sheet; and a vacuum outlet for application of suction to the volume between the loading template and the upper tubesheet.
US09616399B2	Method for feeding chemical into a liquid flow A method to feed a chemical into a liquid flow using a feed device including a nozzle casing having an isolated mixing space including: feeding the chemical to the isolated mixing space in the feed device; feeding a mixing liquid to the isolated mixing space; mixing the chemical and the mixing liquid in the isolated mixing space to form a mixture of chemical and mixing liquid, and feeding the mixture of chemical and mixing liquid to the liquid flow.
US09616395B2	Membrane comprising self-assembled block copolymer and process for producing the same by spray coating (Ic) Disclosed are membranes formed from self-assembling diblock copolymers of the formula (I): wherein R1-R4, n, and m are as described herein, which find use in preparing porous membranes. Embodiments of the membranes contain the diblock copolymer self-assembled into a cylindrical morphology. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such membrane which involves spray coating a polymer solution containing the diblock copolymer to obtain a thin film, followed by annealing the thin film in a solvent vapor and/or soaking in a solvent or mixture of solvents to form a nanoporous membrane.
US09616391B2	Black porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, method for producing same, gas-permeable membrane and ventilation member using same Provided is a black porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane including a porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane dyed black. A whiteness of a principal face of the black porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane as measured according to JIS L 1015 (Hunter method) is 18.0 to 23.0%, and the whiteness of the principal face falls within a range of 18.0 and 25.0% after heating at 350° C. for 1 minute. This black porous PTFE membrane is suitable as a gas-permeable membrane that blocks entry of water and/or dust and that allows permeation of gases; specifically, the black porous PTFE membrane is suitable, for example, as a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane, a waterproof gas-permeable membrane, and a dustproof gas-permeable membrane.
US09616389B2	Hydrogen generation assemblies and hydrogen purification devices Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices may include a permeate frame with a membrane support structure having first and second membrane support plates that are free from perforations and that include a plurality of microgrooves configured to provide flow channels for at least part of the permeate stream. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a return conduit fluidly connecting a buffer tank and a reformate conduit, a return valve assembly configured to manage flow in the return conduit, and a control assembly configured to operate a fuel processing assembly between run and standby modes based, at least in part, on detected pressure in the buffer tank and configured to direct the return valve assembly to allow product hydrogen stream to flow from the buffer tank to the reformate conduit when the fuel processing assembly is in the standby mode.
US09616387B2	Exhaust gas treatment apparatus functionality check An exhaust fluid treatment apparatus used to treat exhaust fluid emitted by a combustion engine includes a check of its functionality. A method of monitoring operation of an exhaust fluid treatment apparatus includes comparing a calculated temperature difference with an expected temperature difference associated with combustion of fuel. If the calculated temperature difference is within an acceptable margin of the expected temperature difference, further fuel injection may be permitted. If the calculated temperature difference is outside the acceptable margin of the expected temperature difference, a temperature of the exhaust gas upstream of the exhaust fluid treatment apparatus may be increased.
US09616385B1	System and method for regulating exhaust emissions An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas pathway configured to receive exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, an ammonia source, and a first ammonia injector in fluid communication with the ammonia source. The first ammonia injector is configured to inject ammonia into the exhaust gas pathway at a first rate. The exhaust gas treatment system also includes a first treatment element positioned downstream of the first ammonia injector and a second ammonia injector in fluid communication with the ammonia source and positioned downstream of the first treatment element. The second ammonia injector is configured to inject ammonia into the exhaust gas pathway at a second rate different from the first rate. The exhaust gas treatment system further includes a second treatment element positioned downstream of the second ammonia injector.
US09616366B2	Care-free pumped or gravity flow rotating drum screen with stationary stabilization pad assemblies A pumped or gravity flow rotating drum screen removes unwanted solids from a flowing fluid. The drum screen may comprise: a housing having a fluid inlet end, a solid discharge end and an area between the two ends, the fluid inlet permitting a flow of influent containing unwanted solids into a hollow portion of a drum screen positioned lengthwise in the area between the two ends of the housing, the screen comprising a filter medium that retains at least a portion of the unwanted solids within the hollow portion of the drum screen and which produces a liquid effluent that is discharged from an outer surface of the drum screen, the retained solids being removable via the solid discharge end; a drive assembly configured to rotate the drum screen about an axis running the length of the drum screen; and one or more stabilization pad assemblies in contact with one or more rings circumscribing the outer surface of the drum screen at one or more locations.
US09616361B2	Systems for separation of particulates and associated methods and devices A system is provided for separating particulates dispersed within a base fluid wherein at least one of the particulates and the base fluid is an organic liquid. The system relies on a microfluidic separation device comprising a microchannel in fluid communication across a microporous body with a collection chamber. Particulates and a portion of the base fluid traverse the microporous body under the influence of an external force field and are collected in the collection chamber. A first fluid flow having a first flow rate through the microchannel together with the microporous body operationally generate a second fluid flow within the collection chamber as base fluid and particulates traverse the microporous body and enter the collection chamber, and as base fluid re-traverses the microporous body and re-enters the microchannel, the second fluid flow having a flow rate which is a fraction of the first flow rate.
US09616358B2	Quaternary phosphinates with co-solvents for extracting C1 to C4 carboxylic acids from aqueous streams This invention relates to solvents for extracting C1 to C4 carboxylic acids from aqueous streams. More specifically, the extraction solvents include one or more salts composed of a tetraalkylphosphonium cation and a phosphinate anion. The extraction solvents may further include one or more co-solvents as an enhancer. The co-solvents may be selected from higher carboxylic acids, ethers, esters, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and nitriles. The extraction solvents are useful for extracting aqueous mixtures containing one or more lower carboxylic acids, such as monocarboxylic acids and organofluorine carboxylic acids.
US09616357B2	Drive unit for at least one traction means A drive unit for at least one traction means, especially in stage machinery, with a winding drum comprising at least one take-up region, on (each of) which a traction means is received which can be wound up or unwound, characterized in that axially adjacent to the take-up region there is a cylindrical drive region disposed on the winding drum, on which is received a belt-shaped drive means that can be wound up or unwound and which can be wound up onto a drivable drive drum, generating a drive torque acting on the winding drum, or can be unwound from the drive drum, releasing the winding drum.
US09616356B2	Blowout A blowout in which the required exhaling force of for stretching thereof may be precisely set to a suitable level. The blowout may include: a stretchable body having a generally tubular shape; a wire body having elasticity and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the stretchable body; and a mouthpiece connected to an end of the stretchable body. In use, the mouthpiece may be held in the mouth such that air is blown therethrough, whereby the stretchable body is stretched. The stretchable body remains curled into a spiral shape by the wire body when air is not blown thereinto. The elastic force of the wire body may be set to a predetermined value, the mouthpiece may include an air regulator for regulating the quantity of airflow, and the stretchable body may not stretch unless the force of air blown is equal to or more than a predetermined value.
US09616354B2	Railway modeling assembly system A model train railway assembly system having a plurality of foam boards cut to support at least one model train track on each board. Bus wires may be used to facilitate running of electricity along the track. The system comprising connecting a plurality of the assembled boards in a desired train track configuration.
US09616344B2	Two-dimensional database query A data structure includes a plurality of player entries that associates a player with a respective set of player activity data points having a first value and a second value. In response to a query defining ranges for the first value and second value, a response is generated using the data structure, the response indicating players matching the criteria of the ranges.
US09616340B2	Computer device, storage medium, and method of controlling computer device Provided are a computer device, a storage medium, and a method of controlling the computer device, which enable a player character to perform various actions according to the user's intention. A game program causes a CPU of a game device to function as a game space generating section and a PC control section. The PCU control section causes the CPU to function as a movement control section and a stance control section. The stance control section increases the variation in the player character's stance changed from a reference stance, with an increase in the operation amount of a second operation unit, and decreases the variation in the player character's stance changed from the reference stance, with a decrease in the operation amount of the second operation unit.
US09616337B2	Information processing program and information processing apparatus A computer of an information processing apparatus repeatedly accepts an operation to designate at least one of a plurality of command elements making up of a command, executes at least any one of a first memory writing processing to write a first command element having a specific attribute out of the command elements corresponding to the accepted operation in a first memory and a second memory writing processing to write a second command element having an attribute different from the attribute in a second memory, determines whether or not a command element array stored over the first memory and the second memory satisfies an execution allowable condition every execution of the writing processing, and processes information according to the command element array when the satisfaction is determined.
US09616331B1	Gaming machine tournament management system A system and method of managing a gaming machine tournament, such as a slot tournament, are described that include organizing a gaming machine tournament that takes place on a set of gaming machines where each gaming machine has an interface into a tournament management system. The tournament game play parameters are configured using the tournament management system. Perks are provided to players, where the perks can be redeemed during tournament play and provide the player an advantage in the tournament play.
US09616325B2	Play by play football game A game is provided that simulates American style football. Action cards include offensive plays and defensive outcomes. Skill is introduced by the offensive play chosen by an offensive player. Chance is introduced by the defensive outcome corresponding to the offensive play selected by the offensive player. The game lacks dice, spinners, or other random number generators. The game includes one set of action cards, which are selected consecutively by the offensive player. As preferably listing only offensive plays, only the defensive outcomes, thus the results of the offensive plays, vary from card to card. The game includes a field with markers that may be used to track the progress of the game.
US09616324B2	Shuffling devices including one or more sensors for detecting operational parameters and related methods An automatic card shuffling device for randomizing playing cards is disclosed. The device comprises a processor in informational connection with the shuffling device, and a detection system capable of detecting or predicting a deficiency in operation of at least one component of the shuffling device. The detection system is configured to transmit an indication of a deficiency to a distal location.
US09616317B2	Collapsible pole assembly A releasable lock assembly for use with a collapsible pole assembly having a first shaft section slidably secured to a second shaft section includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the first and second shaft sections in an extended position. The releasable lock assembly further includes a stop assembly having an elongated member having first and second ends, wherein the first end is secured to one of the first and second shaft sections and the second end secured to the other of the first and second shaft sections. The stop assembly further comprises a stop assembly biasing member configured to urge the first and second shaft sections into a collapsed position.
US09616315B2	Goal tender leg pad A goaltender leg pad providing profile adjustment, toe attachment and/or toe thickness adjustment. The leg pad can include an adjuster element that configures adjacent pads at a user selected angle or configuration to provide a desired front profile of the leg pad. The leg pad can include an optionally elastic toe attachment strap joined with a foot pad and/or boot, and a redirection element slidably engaging the strap. The strap can secure the foot pad to the user's skate, and generally centrally locate the foot pad over the user's skate when the user transitions to a standing position and/or a crouching position. The leg pad can include a foot pad configured to engage the top of a user's skate. The foot pad can define a cavity within which a secondary pad can be selectively installed or removed to alter the toe thickness of the foot pad and provide desired performance.
US09616314B2	Adaptive mouth guard and method of use A dental appliance is disclosed designed to protect a wearer's dentitions against injury from impacts suffered in sports or other activities that can cause chipping, fracturing, dislodging or evulsion of teeth. The appliance may be custom-fittable with at least one pocket having an energy absorbing fluid. The energy absorbing fluid be nanosuspensions of small particles in viscous fluids that can undergo shear thickening when the dental appliance is struck by an object. The appliance dampens and diffuses horizontal and axial forces and directs them away from dentitions thereby reducing the risk for dental injuries.
US09616309B2	Baseball and softball bat swing training device A swing training device for improving the batting mechanics of baseball players includes a device handle for gripping by a player in the manner of a baseball bat handle and a device barrel having a ball striking surface. The device barrel is interfaced at an angle from about 20° to about 40° to the device handle. At least the ball striking surface of the device barrel is formed in the size and circular shape of a baseball bat barrel. A joint maybe provided for interfacing the device barrel to the device handle at the desired angle of interface, in which case threaded bolts are utilized to attach the device handle and the device barrel to the joint. Longitudinally oriented threaded bores are provided on substantially planar faces of the device handle and the device barrel to matingly receive the bolts.
US09616306B2	Golf hole marker having a self-righting structure A golf hole marker, having a self-righting structure, includes a base, a weighting material received in the base, a telescopic pole and a flag. The base includes a top shell and a bottom shell. The bottom shell is substantially spherically curved and receives the weighting material therein. The top shell has a passage to receive a bottom portion of the pole and a protuberance to press down the weighting material for preventing the weighting material from moving within the bottom shell. The weighting material lowers a center of mass of the golf hole marker lower than a center of the spherically curved bottom shell. Preferably, the base is in the shape of a golf ball.
US09616301B2	Releasable threaded component for a golf club having a mechanism for preventing over rotation The invention includes a releasable component for use on a golf club head, wherein the component itself may serve as a portion of the club head face, crown, sole, or other portion of the club head body when attached to the club head. The component includes an anti-over rotation mechanism configured to prevent overtightening of the component to a corresponding counterbore on the golf club head. The anti-over rotation mechanism is embodied as a taper design defined on a flange of a threaded component and a corresponding taper design on a flange surface of a counterbore. The counterbore is configured to receive and retain the releasable component by way of a threaded engagement, wherein the interaction between the corresponding taper flange designs of the releasable component and counterbore prevents over rotation of the releasable component, particularly resisting rotation due to ball strike impacts.
US09616299B2	Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a face with a striking surface configured for striking a ball, and a channel extending across a portion of the sole. The channel extends across a portion of the sole in a heel to toe direction, wherein the channel is recessed from adjacent surfaces of the sole and has a depth of recession from the adjacent surfaces of the sole, wherein the channel comprises a center portion extending across a center of the sole, a heel portion extending from a heel end of the center portion toward the heel, and a toe portion extending from a toe end of the center portion toward the toe, wherein the width of the center portion of the channel is substantially constant, and the width of the channel at the heel and toe portions increases from the heel end of the center portion toward the heel and from the toe end of the center portion toward the toe.
US09616298B1	Golf club with improved weighting A golf club with improved weighting characteristic is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention discloses to a golf club wherein the improved weighting distribution stems from an increase in the mass of the golf club at a specific distance away from the butt end or proximal end of the golf club head to help increase the feel and minimize the dispersion of the golf shot by minimizing the pull and or draw tendencies of a golf shot.
US09616295B2	Climbing device with anchoring surface A fastening element for a climbing device configured for fastening to a tree, pole, mast, column, pillar, or like climbing surface includes an outer shell, a concave contact surface formed within the outer shell and a plurality of anchoring nubs. A lattice structure including a plurality of raised ribs may form the contact surface. Each of the plurality of anchoring nubs protrudes from the raised ribs, and one or more may be formed at least partially at an intersection of the lattice structure. The nubs may have a rounded profile and are preferably symmetrically aligned around a longitudinal axis of the fastening element. The plurality of anchoring nubs and the concave contact surface, e.g., a plurality of raised ribs, form an anchoring surface configured to contact a climbing surface, and to anchor the fastening element to the climbing surface, a tree, for example, without damage thereto.
US09616294B2	Modular activity board An apparatus for receiving one or more activity attachments including a deck having one or more openings along a long axis of the deck and between the top surface and the bottom surface of the deck. Each of the one or more openings having a circular aperture for receiving an accessory of a set of accessories. Each accessory of the set of accessories providing an activity for a user of the activity. Each accessory having an attachment platform configured to attach the accessory to the board. The attachment platform having a locking mechanism to engaging with a complementary locking mechanism of the board.
US09616292B2	Exercise tracker An exercise tracker includes a force sensor programmed to output a force signal representing a force applied to a cable associated with a piece of exercise equipment. The exercise tracker further includes a processing device programmed to receive the force signal and determine, from the force signal, exercise data including an amount of weight lifted.
US09616289B2	Wearable device assembly having athletic functionality and milestone tracking A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.
US09616285B2	Core exercise apparatus and methods A dual-mode exercise apparatus may include an articulating arm assembly coupled through a joint to a support assembly. In an illustrative embodiment, the arm assembly may include a seat centrally mounted above a ball-and-socket joint and a stabilizer member for the hands and/or feet of the user. In a first mode of operation a user sits on the seat and uses his or her core muscles to articulate the seat on the ball-and-socket joint against the resistance provided by, for instance, weights mounted on distal portions of the arm assembly. In certain embodiments the apparatus may further provide a second mode of operation which simulates rowing a kayak. In a corresponding illustrative embodiment a user sits in a second seat positioned rearward of the arm assembly and the arm assembly includes handle members. In operation the user articulates the handles in a manner akin to rowing a kayak.
US09616283B1	Therapeutic device A low stress therapeutic device is provided by utilizing foot plates and guide rails having operationally tracking surfaces of a low coefficient of friction supported by a platform. The device includes a rail stabilizer equipped with extending longitudinally recess or slot and a slideably mounted foot plate having upon its underside a longitudinal projection slideably retained within the rail recess. The therapeutic device may be designed to operate under relatively effortless strain at a low coefficient of friction. The therapeutic device is useful for knee replacement, stroke victims, ACL repair, and other therapeutic treatments requiring a nominal initiating effort of movement for rehabilitation. The device may be provided as a one or two footed device of a light weight particularly useful in a patient sitting or lying position. The foot plates may be appropriately equipped with longitudinally underside tracking guides reciprocating sliding within longitudinal slots provided by a tracking rail.
US09616278B2	Laterally tilting treadmill deck A treadmill includes a running deck. The running deck includes a front portion, a rear portion connected to the front portion by a first side and a second side, a tread belt surrounding the front portion and the rear portion, a motor to drive movement of the tread belt, and an actuator that cause the running deck to tilt laterally towards either the first side or the second side to form a lateral tilt angle in response to a tilt command.
US09616272B1	Adjustable weight exercise ball An adjustable weight exercise ball and particularly a soft exercise ball has one or more handles that are formed from a strap extending around the perimeter of the exercise ball. The exercise ball may have no rigid or hard materials, such as no more than 50 shore A hardness. The generally spherical exercise ball may have a substantially smooth outer surface with no significant protrusions from the surface. In addition, an adjustable weight exercise ball has a single aperture for the insertion of weights through an access slot to a pouch configured within the interior volume of the ball. The weights inserted into the exercise ball may be conformable weights that mold to the interior pouch area within the exercise ball. The interior material of the exercise ball may comprise an elastomeric material that compresses and seals the access slot closed after weights are inserted therein.
US09616271B2	Weight apparatus including weight adjustment arrangement A weight apparatus includes a bar including a handle, an anchorage rotatably mounted to an end of the handle, the handle and the anchorage having an axially extending opening, a pinion gear rotatably mounted in the axially extending opening, a rod slidably disposed inside the axially extending opening and having a rack arranged to be moved axially relative to the axially extending opening upon rotation of the pinion gear, and a gear drive arrangement for rotating the pinion gear upon rotation of the handle relative to the anchorage.
US09616265B2	Padded pole vault box with curved stop board A pole vault box with a base pan having opposite front and rear edges, a pole slide, and opposing sidewalls. The pole slide descends downwardly and the sidewalls extend upwardly from the pole slide at an angle from a horizontal axis. A lip extends inwardly towards the pole slide at an angle formed by an axis passing through the lip and by the pole slide in a downward direction. An end plate at the rear edge includes a rotational ledge and a stop board, the rotational ledge is in conjunction with the pole slide and the stop board is in conjunction with the opposing sidewalls and rear edge. The stop board includes lower and upper regions, the upper region curving away from the lower region and the lower region is at an angle outwardly from the rotational ledge. In embodiments, padding can cover one or more surfaces of the box.
US09616262B2	Dynamic deoxygenation of water for fire protection system A corrosion prevention treatment of wet Fire Protection System (FPS) includes purging the pipes of O2 with an inert gas such as N2, followed by filling the pipes with deoxygenated water generated “on the fly” as the water enters a building, using one or more Gas Transfer Membrane (GTM) devices and N2 gas. The GTM device eliminates the need for a water reuse tank and its associated pipes, valves, recirculation regimen, and the like. Water is pumped directly from the building water supply to a GTM device, where it is deoxygenated to very low O2 levels—such as below 300 ppb (parts per billion). The deoxygenated water then flows directly into the O2-purged pipes of the FPS. When the FPS is drained for testing or repair, the deoxygenated water may be discharged, and replaced, upon return to service of the FPS, with water freshly deoxygenated from the building supply as the FPS piping is filled.
US09616261B1	Fireman shield assembly A fireman shield assembly for inhibiting a fireman from being struck by falling, burning debris includes a frame that may be positioned around a fireman. A shield is positioned over the frame. The covers the fireman when the fireman stands in the frame. Thus, the shield inhibits falling debris from striking the fireman.
US09616257B2	Multi-layer chemical and biological protection fabric for mobile shelters A lightweight, low bulk, mobile CB shelter fabric includes a high tensile strength woven scrim laminated between two thin CB-impenetrable polymer films. Laminate adhesives can include isocyanate adhesion promotors. Coatings can provide camouflage, increased light opacity, increased CB protection, sun, fire, and weather resistance. Lamination heat and pressure can cause the films to conform and bond through the scrim, while a pre-applied coating does not flow and remains uniform in thickness. The resulting fabric weight can be approximately 50% of conventional CB fabrics. The films can be hard-drawn polymers. A coating of hammer milled kaolin clay can provide increased light opacity. The films can be 1 micron thick, and can be nylon, aliphatic nylon, urethane, or poly-ether. The scrim can be a 1500 denier Vectran® (liquid crystal polymer) with a 4.5 ends-per-inch warp and a 3.5 ends-per-inch fill. The scrim yarns can be flattened bundles of untwisted fiber.
US09616254B2	Aqueous dispersion comprising silicone elastomer particles, a silicone elastomer particle and a cosmetic One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide an aqueous dispersion of silicone elastomer particles to provide a stable emulsion and the silicone elastomer particle, wherein a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether which has an alkyl group having a large number of carbon atoms is used as a surfactant. Further, another purpose is to provide a cosmetic comprising said aqueous dispersion or said silicone elastomer particles and giving a good feeling in the use. The present invention provides an aqueous dispersion comprising (A) silicone elastomer particles having a 90% volume cumulative diameter (D90) of 0.3 to 20 μm in an amount of 5 to 80 mass %, based on a total mass of the aqueous dispersion, (B) at least one polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group having 18 carbon atoms in an amount of 0.01 to 15 mass %, based on a total mass of the aqueous dispersion, wherein a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is 12.8 to 15.1, and (C) water in an amount of 19 to 94 mass %, based on a total mass of the aqueous dispersion. Further, the present invention provides a material comprising the aforesaid components (A) and (B), a method for preparing the material and a cosmetic comprising the aqueous dispersion or the material.
US09616252B2	Multi-field cancer therapy apparatus and method of use thereof A multi-field cancer therapy apparatus and method of use thereof is described increasing dimensionality of incident tumor treatment angles while minimizing distance between a final beamline focusing magnet and the patient. Increased dimensionality of incident tumor treatment angles is achieved through coordinated use of one or more of: a rotatable targeting magnet; a first patient rotation platform rotating the patient around, without intersecting, a vertical axis; a second patient rotation platform rotating a body part through a movable vertical axis; and patient tilt. The increased charged particle incident angle dimensionality distributes Bragg peak tail energy about the tumor. Dynamic energy and/or intensity control of the charged particle beam as a function of efficiency of beam delivery based on tumor shape further reduces Bragg peak tail energy delivered to healthy tissue about the tumor.
US09616250B2	Treatment system, control device and treatment method According to an embodiment, a treatment system includes a plurality of first radiators, a plurality of detectors, a determiner, and a controller. Each of the first radiators irradiates a radioactive beam to a subject. Each of the detectors detects a radioactive beam transmitted through the subject and generates an image based on the detected radioactive beam. The determiner determines whether an object in the subject is included in a first region using a given image that is one of the images. The controller controls the first radiators so that, when the object is not included in the first region, a smaller amount of radioactive beams is irradiated per unit time than when the object is included in the first region.
US09616247B2	Treatment plan evaluation in radiotherapy by stochastic analysis of delineation uncertainty The present application is directed to the idea of using sampling techniques to propagate segmentation uncertainty in order to evaluate variability in radiation planning. A radiotherapy planning apparatus (10) creates diagnostic image data of a region of interest of a subject. Image data from other sources can also be used. The image data is segmented (44) and combined with previously imaged model data. Target measures such as dose volume histograms are produced for each of the segmentations of the image data. These measures are later combined into a statistical quantification of the target measure (FIG. 3). This information is presented (52) to the user to give the user possible outcomes of the radiotherapy plan, and, e.g., confidence levels in those outcomes.
US09616245B2	Method of treating cells with drug and radiation according to proton density This Invention relates to a method for achieving Focused Resonance Nanopermeabilization (FORN), which can be utilized in a novel anticancer therapy, and other selective permeabilization therapy and a machine to carryout the said method, where the transient permeabilization of cells by Focused Resonance pulses induces a significant increase of anti-tumor drug concentration in tumor or other interested cells. This invention can be successfully applied to the treatment of tumors in humans and Animals by using antimitotic drugs, chemotherapy. The invention is also useful in transpermeabilization of drug molecules for non cancer applications like vaccine and delivery of genetic materials for therapeutic purposes. Focused Resonance Nanopermeabilization (FORN), would enable a practical solution to a whole body application in its natural environment, without implanting electrodes or external probes, FORN is completely non-invasive. This invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the above method.
US09616242B2	Energy harvesting mechanism for medical devices Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for harvesting energy from bio-kinetic events to power various implanted medical devices. One embodiment provides an energy harvesting mechanism for a cardiac pacemaker comprising an energy converter and a signal path component. The energy converter is positionable inside a human body and configured to generate electric power signals in response to a bio-kinetic event of the human body such as a heart beat, respiration or arterial pulse. The converter can comprise a piezoelectric material which generates electricity in response to mechanical deformation of the converter. The converter can also have a power generation characteristic that is matched to the frequency of the bio-kinetic event. For heart beat powered applications, the power generation characteristic can be matched to the physiologic range of pulse rates.
US09616241B2	In-header perimeter RF antenna This document discusses, among other things, an implantable dielectric compartment including a channel in an outer surface of the implantable dielectric compartment, the channel configured to constrain a portion of an implantable antenna in a specific configuration along the length of the portion of the implantable antenna. In certain examples, the implantable antenna can be configured to wirelessly transfer information electromagnetically at a specified operating frequency provided using the specific configuration of the portion of the implantable antenna.
US09616240B2	Systems and methods for fast discharge in pacing circuits during RF interference The present disclosure provides a cardiac pacing system. The cardiac pacing system includes a right atrial ring electrode, a right atrial tip electrode, a right ventricle ring electrode, and a pacing integrated circuit (IC) including a first pace output node electrically coupled to the right atrial ring electrode, a pace return node electrically coupled to the right atrial tip electrode, and a second pace output node electrically coupled to the right ventricle ring electrode, wherein the pacing IC has a fast discharge configuration that facilitates reducing or eliminating a DC rectification current generated from RF interference during a fast discharge phase.
US09616234B2	System and method for neuro-stimulation A neuro-stimulation system employs a includes a stimulator which may include electrode devices and/or vibration elements. A controller may be employed to drive the stimulating elements with an electrical signal. In response to the electrical signal, the stimulating elements deliver electrical and/or mechanical stimulation to the body part. The stimulation may be an aperiodic stimulation and/or may be a subthreshold stimulation. In one embodiment, the stimulator is disposable and the processor determines usage of the stimulator and ensures that the stimulator is limited to a certain amount of use. Neuro-stimulation systems may be applied to sensory cells of body parts during movement of the body parts to induce neuroplastic changes. Such movement may involve a variety of therapeutic applications, e.g. in stroke patient therapy.
US09616233B2	Systems and method of adjusting the compliance voltage in a neuromodulation device A therapeutic neuromodulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient. The therapeutic neuromodulation system comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes implanted within tissue, analog output circuitry configured for delivering therapeutic electrical energy between the plurality of electrical terminals in accordance with a set of modulation parameters that includes a defined current value, a voltage regulator configured for supplying an adjustable compliance voltage to the analog output circuitry, and control/processing circuitry configured for automatically performing a compliance voltage calibration process at a compliance voltage adjustment interval by periodically computing an adjusted compliance voltage value as a function of a compliance voltage margin. The control/processing circuitry may also be configured for automatically adjusting at least one of the compliance voltage adjustment interval and the compliance voltage margin during the compliance voltage calibration process.
US09616228B2	Device and method for modulating renal function Renal function may be modulated by an implantable device having one or more leads or catheters disposed near the kidney via the lymphatic system. In one embodiment, lymphatic drainage from the kidney is modulated to increase or decrease tubular reabsorption of salt and water. The renal function modulation therapy may be delivered in an open-loop or closed-loop fashion, with the latter dependent upon a physiological variable such as blood pressure or cardiac output.
US09616227B2	Adaptive airway treatment of dorsal displacement disorders in horses A method of using an airway treatment system for treating a dorsal displacement disorder in a horse includes generating a treatment signal configured to treat the dorsal displacement disorder, using a pacemaker processor, in order to continuously stimulate one or more muscles involved in displacing a laryngeal anatomical structure relative to an airway of the horse, and using one or more stimulation electrodes, configured to interface with tissue of the horse, to deliver the treatment signal to the tissue of the horse a period of hours every day to maintain an unobstructed airway.
US09616225B2	Device and implantation system for electrical stimulation of biological systems The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow, have improved energy storage requirements, enable improved LES function while concurrently delivering additional health benefits, and enable improved LES function post stimulation termination.
US09616219B2	Paddle leads having asymmetric electrode configurations Various embodiments concern an implantable lead. The lead can comprise a lead body. At least two conductors can extend within the lead body, such as in respective lumens of the lead body. The lead can comprise at least two electrodes. Each electrode can be connected to a respective one of the at least two conductors. A paddle body can be connected to the lead body. The paddle body can comprise a longitudinal axis that divides the paddle body into left and right sides. The at least two electrodes can be partially embedded within the paddle body. The at least two electrodes can be arrayed along the longitudinal axis. Each electrode can be asymmetric about the longitudinal axis.
US09616216B2	Releasable blocking system of a catheter The invention relates to a releasable blocking system (1) of a catheter (4), comprising a base (2) adapted to receive a catheter (4), and a shell (3), mounted in rotation on the base (2) between an open position, in which the shell (3) is away from the base (2), and a closed position, in which the shell (3)is hooked on the base (2) and blocks the catheter (4) in position, in which:the system comprises an actuator (25) provided with a guide aperture (251), mobile in a housing (20) between a rest position and a blocking position, the actuator (25) comprising a first drive element (255),the shell (3)comprises a second drive element (33), adapted to cooperate with the first drive element (255) when the shell (3) is shifted from its open position to its closed position, and shift the actuator (25) to its blocking position.
US09616209B2	Dispensing applicator for fluids A single-piece, injection molded, hand-held liquid dispensing applicator. The single-piece applicator comprising a source of fluid and a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, the fluid flows from the source to an absorbent member attached to the applicator tip to spread the liquid on a surface. The frangible tip may comprise a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element, and a frangible region therebetween. The tongue element may comprise ribs for reinforcement. The frangible tip may comprise a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid. The dispensing applicator may be used in various medical applications.
US09616207B2	Treatment of the ear Presented herein are implantable systems and methods for long-term delivery of treatment substance to the ear of a recipient of an implantable auditory prosthesis.
US09616206B2	Electronic pill for delivery of powder medication The invention relates to an electronic pill (102) for delivery of a medication (104) inside a mammal. The electronic pill (102) comprises a reservoir (106) for releasing the medication (104) in response to a predefined level of pressure. Furthermore a primary elastic element (108) is comprised for applying said predefined level of pressure to the reservoir (106) via a piston (110) upon release from the piston (110) of its constrained position. The piston (110) in its turn, when in constrained position, induces a predefined level of stress in the primary elastic element (108) by accordingly deforming it. The electronic pill (102) comprises a mechanism (114) for changing, upon actuation, from a constraining configuration in which the piston (110) is maintained at its constrained position to a releasing configuration in which the piston (110) is released. The mechanism (112) limits the displacement of the piston (110) during changing between said configurations to a level which is substantially smaller than the deformation introduced in the primary elastic element (108).
US09616198B2	Catheter with stepped skived hypotube Catheter having a hypotube with a skive defined by a first angled cut, an axial cut, and a second angled cut. A midshaft member includes a guidewire lumen and an inflation lumen in fluid communication with an inflation lumen of the hypotube, the inflation lumen of the midshaft member configured to receive at least a portion of the hypotube. A distal tabular shaft member extends distally from the midshaft member. The distal tubular shaft member has a guidewire lumen and an inflation lumen defined therein, the guidewire lumen of the distal tubular shaft member in fluid communication with the guidewire lumen of the midshaft member. The inflation lumen of the distal tubular shaft member is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen of the midshaft member and a balloon is coupled to the distal tubular shaft member and in fluid communication with the inflation lumen.
US09616196B2	Catheter system with attachable catheter hub A hemodialysis catheter assembly adapted for use in a subcutaneous tunneling procedure incorporates a mechanism for securing the catheter hub member to the elongated catheter, and to provide the requisite fluid communication between fluid passages within the hub and the catheter lumens within the catheter. The catheter hub member may be connected to the elongated catheter after implantation of the catheter via a subcutaneous tunneling procedure.
US09616193B2	Therapeutic gas delivery device with pulsed and continuous flow control Described are methods and devices for therapeutic or medical gas delivery that utilize at least one proportional control valve and at least one binary control valve. The proportional control valve may be in series with the binary control valve to provide a valve combination capable of pulsing therapeutic gas at different flow rates, depending on the setting of the proportional control valve. Alternatively, the proportional control valve and binary control valve may be in parallel flow paths.
US09616191B2	Combi-valve for a blower driven ventilator A valve assembly for a blower driven ventilator has a first conduit (1), an inlet (2) for receiving fluid from the blower (209) and a first orifice (4). A second conduit (5) is provided with an outlet (6) for forwarding fluid to a patient (203). A membrane (8) includes a front side (9) and a back side (10), wherein at least part of the membrane (8) is movable between a closed position and an open position. A switching circuit (12) enables the selective opening and closing of a fluid connection between the cavity (11) and the blower (209) via the fluid inlet (2), a fluid connection between the cavity (11) and the patient (203) via the fluid outlet (6), and a fluid connection between the cavity (11) and ambient air (13). A control system (17) controls the switching circuit (12) during a ventilation operation of the blower (209).
US09616186B2	Powder inhaling device with two-part rotary receiving element for blister strip closure layer A powder inhaler having reservoirs containing a dose of powder and formed on a flexible blister strip having a base layer with cavities and a closure layer. The base layer containing empty blisters rolls up around a first rotary receiver element, and the closure layer peeled off the base layer rolls up around a second rotary receiver element that has a first portion forming a peeling wheel and a second portion forming a tensioner. The tensioner is capable of turning in a first direction of rotation and includes a fastener element for the leading end of the closure layer. The tensioner turns with the peeling wheel in the first direction to roll up the closure layer at each actuation of the device and turns relative to the peeling wheel in the first direction of rotation to tension the closure layer after the blister strip has been assembled in the body.
US09616185B2	System having multiple pneumatically sealed trocars A valve assembly and method are provided for selectively controlling a flow of pressurized fluid from a fluid source to trocar assemblies. The valve assembly includes a first coupling for a primary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid thereto, a second coupling for a secondary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid thereto, a third coupling for a source of pressurized fluid for directing pressurized fluid from the source to the first and second couplings; and at least one valve member to be operable in at least first and second operating positions, the first operating position directing pressurized fluid from the source to a coupled primary trocar assembly while preventing pressurized fluid from the source from flowing to at least a coupled secondary trocar assembly, and the second operating position directing pressurized fluid from the source to the coupled primary trocar assembly and to at least the coupled secondary trocar assembly.
US09616184B2	Syringe facilitating retraction of multiple needles A syringe for retracting and storing of the needles for transferring the fluids is provided. The syringe includes a hollow rotatable and retractable syringe plunger body, a hollow syringe barrel slidably disposed inside the hollow rotatable and retractable syringe plunger body a plunger slidably disposed in the hollow syringe barrel, a syringe adapter attached to the front end of the hollow syringe barrel, a syringe plunger adapter attached to the syringe adapter, a hollow retractable barrel body attached to the hollow rotatable and retractable syringe plunger body. The syringe further includes plurality of springs, a first needle and a second needle for injecting and ejecting fluid, on using the first needle, the first needle is retracted and then the second needle stored in the syringe barrel is pushed out the hollow retractable barrel.
US09616182B2	Injection devices The invention relates to an injection device. Exemplary embodiments of the invention comprise an application element, an injection needle, an injection needle housing, a drive system for the injection movement, and a retraction system. In exemplary embodiments, a substance is injected during the retraction movement of the injection needle.
US09616178B2	Dose setting mechanism and method of using the same The present invention relates to a dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device and a method of using same. The mechanism comprises a drug delivery device housing, a dose dial component positioned in the housing and rotatable during dose setting and dose delivery, a clutch rotatable during dose setting and non-rotatable during dose delivery having, preferably located at a distal end, clutch teeth, and a clutch ring engaged with the housing in a first rotatable configuration and in a second non-rotatable configuration.
US09616175B2	Frost protected injection device The invention relates to an injection device (100, 200, 300) which is capable of resisting proximal movements of a piston rod (107, 207, 307) relative to a housing (102, 202, 302), when the piston rod (107, 207, 307) is subjected to proximally directed forces below a threshold magnitude, and of allowing reversible proximal movements of the piston rod (107, 207, 307) relative to the housing (102, 202, 302), when the piston rod (107, 207, 307) is subjected to proximally directed forces of or above the threshold magnitude.
US09616173B2	System and method for an injection using a syringe needle An auto-injector for injecting a fluid medicament into a patient from a pre-filled syringe requires a disposable cassette that is selectively engageable with the reusable injector. The syringe is latched onto the cassette, and the cassette is then engaged with the injector. Activation of the injector causes a first motor to move the syringe so its needle is extended from a concealed position inside the cassette for injection of the medicament. A second motor on the injector is then activated to expel fluid medicament from the syringe. Then, the first motor is again activated to withdraw the syringe into the cassette for disposal of the cassette/syringe after an injection.
US09616170B2	Infusion pump An infusion pump comprises a tube attachment section configured such that an infusion tube is detachably attachable to the tube attachment section, an access cover configured to close the tube attachment section in an openable manner, and a tube clamp mechanism located within the tube attachment section and configured to clamp and block a portion of the infusion tube. The tube clamp mechanism comprises a base member, a clip clamp member rotatably mounted on the base member, a tube clamp release lever rotatably mounted on the base member, and a tube clamp member rotatably mounted on the base member.
US09616168B2	Medical device for delivering at least one fluid from a medical device The invention relates to a medical device and a method for delivering at least one fluid from a medical device. More particularly, the present patent application relates to medical devices for delivering at least one, in particular two drug agents from separate reservoirs. The technical problem of preventing after-dripping and at the same time improving the safety and the dose accuracy of a medical device is solved by a method for delivering at least one fluid from a medical device, wherein the fluid is ejected from a reservoir by an advancing movement of a bung, wherein an electromechanical device is instructed to move the bung via a piston over a predetermined distance and wherein, after a dwell time following the advancing movement of the piston, the piston is retracted by the electromechanical device.
US09616167B2	Anesthetic delivery device According to an example embodiment, a delivery device may include a needle and a pump operatively coupled to the needle, the pump having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the pump being biased to its expanded configuration such that fluid stored in the pump will exit the pump via the needle in response to pressure being applied to the pump, and in response to the pressure being released from the pump, the pump is configured to receive fluid from outside of the delivery device via the needle.
US09616166B2	Systems and methods of determining injection protocols for diagnostic imaging procedures A method and system for tailoring an injection protocol to an individual patient, wherein the injection protocol is administered in connection with a diagnostic imaging procedure. The method includes: administering a test injection of a fluid including a contrast enhancing fluid into the patient at an administration site; performing a test scan of one or more regions of interest of the patient as the fluid propagates through the patient to obtain scan data; determining from the scan data an enhancement output from each of the one or more regions of interest at a plurality of points in time as a result of the propagation of the fluid through the patient; and determining the injection protocol for the patient based at least in part upon the enhancement output from each of the one or more regions of interest at each of the plurality of points in time.
US09616164B2	Device and method for detecting the recirculation during an extracorporeal blood treatment A device and method for detecting recirculation for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus and an apparatus with a device for detecting recirculation are based on targeted haemodilution by administration of a substituate bolus, causing a pressure change in venous and arterial branches of the extracorporeal circuit due to a viscosity change of flowing fluid. Recirculation is detected based on detection of the pressure change. The device includes a control unit cooperating with a device for conveying blood and a device for supplying substituate. The control unit provides an operating mode for detecting recirculation, in which blood flow rate is reduced during administration of a substituate bolus. With simultaneous substituate bolus administration and reduction of blood flow rate, the composition of fluid flow is optimized for detection of recirculation, so that fairly large pressure changes result in venous and arterial branches, thereby improving sensitivity and reliability of the measurement method.
US09616161B2	Dialysis precursor composition The present invention concerns a dialysis acid precursor composition for use during preparation of a dialysis acid concentrate solution and for mixing with water and a bicarbonate containing concentrate into a ready-for-use dialysis solution. Said dialysis acid precursor composition consists of powder components comprising sodium chloride, at least one dry acid and at least one calcium salt, and optionally potassium salt, magnesium salt, and glucose. According to the invention said at least one calcium salt and said optional glucose, are present as anhydrous components in said dialysis acid precursor composition.
US09616148B2	Method and device for disinfecting a space The present invention relates to a method and device for disinfecting a space and the objects present therein, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps of: (a) determining a first value of the relative humidity of the air in the space; (b) vaporizing a disinfecting liquid in the space until a predetermined second value of the relative humidity of the air in the space is reached; and (c) maintaining the relative humidity of the air at the second value for a predetermined time by means of vaporizing the disinfecting liquid, wherein the vaporization of the disinfecting liquid takes place by means of ultrasonic sound waves. With the method and device according to the invention all kinds of spaces of differing dimensions can be disinfected in very effective manner.
US09616147B2	Systems, methods, and devices for ozone sanitization of continuous positive airway pressure devices The present invention is generally related to a device and method for sanitizing a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and a device for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The device has an ozone compartment, an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distribute ozone to a continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may further include a heater adapter unit to connect heating systems in CPAP devices while distributing ozone to sanitize the CPAP device in accordance with the present invention.
US09616143B2	Mobile apparatus and method for sterilizing one or more surgical trays with integrable transfer and storage system An improved mobile apparatus for sterilizing surgical trays serves as a self-contained autoclave, allowing sterilization of the interior of the apparatus and its contents. A method of sterilization using the apparatus is presented as well. By means of a dedicated transfer and storage system, the apparatus, integrable with respect to a transfer cart and a lift device, may be moved easily between a location of sterilization, a storage area, and an operating room, and more than one such apparatus may be stacked vertically for storage to enhance storage efficiency.
US09616141B2	Silica nanoparticles doped with multiple dyes featuring highly efficient energy transfer and tunable Stokes-shift The present invention relates to silica nanoparticles comprising at least two dyes. Said dyes have a respective relationship of donor-acceptor couple in an energy transfer process and have a molar absorption coefficient ≧10,000 M−1 cm−1 for the considered spectral region, a fluorescence quantum yield ≧0.01, good overlap integral, according to the Förster theory, between said donor and said acceptor dye; said active compounds may be lipophilic or may present a functionality useful for the introduction of a trialkoxysilane moiety. The dyes provide an efficient energy transfer process. Said nanoparticles are useful as probes in the field of medicine, in particular therapy and diagnostics, more particularly in theranostics, and in the field of analytical chemistry.
US09616137B2	Nanoparticle-based tumor-targeted drug delivery The present invention provides an aqueous tumor-targeting liposome nanoparticle composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of liposome nanoparticles. The nanoparticles preferably encapsulate an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent, which can be added to a pre-formed liposome composition or can be incorporated in the liposomes during the formation of the liposomes. The liposome nanoparticles comprise a legumain-targeting lipid admixed with one or more other micelle or vesicle-forming lipid materials in the form of nanoparticulate liposomes dispersed in an aqueous carrier. A preferred tumor-targeting liposome nanoparticle composition comprises (a) a legumain-targeting lipid component, (b) a zwitterionic lipid component; (c) an amino-substituted lipid component; (d) a neutral lipid component; and (e) polyethylene glycol-conjugated lipid component. The legumain-targeting lipid component comprising a hydrophobic lipid portion covalently attached to a legumain-binding moiety.
US09616131B2	Perfluorcarbon nanoemulsions with endocytosis enhancing surface for gene-transfer The present invention provides stable perfluorcarbon nanoemulsions with endocytosis enhancing surfaces that are suitable for gene-transfer, its production and use.
US09616125B2	Stable nocathiacin lyophilized injection agent A stable and lyophilized pharmaceutical agent containing nocathiacin, which is prepared by lyophilizing a liquid formulation of nocathiacin, a stabilizer, an excipient, a pH regulator and injectable water, wherein the stabilizer is selected from polyethylene glycol, polysorbate or a mixture thereof, and the pH value of the liquid formulation is 1.0-6.0 is provided.
US09616123B1	Method and compound for treatment of menopausal symptoms The subject invention describes a method of use of Ropinirole™ to alleviate and control menopausal symptoms in women, and in particular, hot flashes. The invention describes the use of Ropinirole as a dopamine agonist with affinity for the dopamine D2, D3, or D4 receptors. Ropinirole may also be used to treat menopausal symptoms in conjunction with Tizanidine™ to further reduce the effects menopausal symptoms by providing a sedative and muscle relaxant effect which aids in sleep. The combination of Ropinirole and Tizanidine provides a useful new compound for treatment of menopausal symptoms that are most disruptive to the functioning in activities of daily living.
US09616122B2	PH sensitive metal nanoparticle and preparation method The present invention relates to a pH sensitive particle, a method of preparation thereof, and a use thereof. More particularly, the invention provides a pH sensitive metal nanoparticle and its use for medical treatment utilizing cell necrosis during photothermal therapy. The pH sensitive metal nanoparticle based on this invention consists of a pH sensitive ligand compound whose charge changes depending on the pH of the metal nanoparticle. The particle can be collected in cells, such as cancer cells which present an abnormal pH environment. The pH sensitive metal nanoparticle based on this invention can induce cell death through a photothermal procedure after aggregation. Therefore, the invention enables medical treatment using cell necrosis for e.g. cancer treatment.
US09616117B2	Anthrax vaccine formulation and uses thereof An anthrax vaccine with alhydrogel as the adjuvant is presented in a composition formulated by mixing rPA with colloidal alhydrogel (alum) adjuvant to produce the final product, comprising 200 μg/ml rPA bound to 0.26% alhydrogel in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), said formulation containing an optimal concentration of phosphate. Methods of using the vaccines to treat or prevent infections are also presented.
US09616116B2	Detoxified endotoxin immunogenic compositions and uses thereof The present invention provides an immunogenic composition of a lipopolysaccharide vaccine and a non-alum adjuvant. The immunogenic composition may be detoxified J5 core lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli non-covalently complexed with group B meningococcal outermembrane protein. Also provided are methods for preventing an infection caused by a Gram-negative bacteria in an individual via administering the immunogenic compositions to the individual.
US09616115B2	Purified plasmodium and vaccine compositions Disclosed are substantially purified Plasmodium sporozoites and preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites substantially separated from attendant non-sporozoite material, where the preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites have increasing levels of purity. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising purified Plasmodium sporozoites are likewise provided. Methods of purifying preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites are also provided.
US09616111B2	C1-INH compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of disorders associated with C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency Compositions and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders associated with C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency are disclosed.
US09616110B2	Fabrication method for stratified and layered tissue to repair osteochondral defects Fabrication method for stratified and layered tissue to repair osteochondral defects. In a method of the present disclosure, the method comprises the step of applying a first direction magnetic field to a first quantity of a first collagen solution to align collagen within the first collagen solution in a first direction relative to the first direction magnetic field, forming a first layer of collagen. In a method of generating an aligned collagen layer of the present disclosure, the method comprises applying a first magnetic field at or greater than 0.1 Tesla to a layer of a first collagen solution defining a horizontal plane, within a temperature at or between 2° C. and 45° C., to generate an aligned collagen layer.
US09616109B2	Insulin vitamin D conjugates The invention provides non-hormonal vitamin D conjugated to insulin peptides that result in the peptides having increased absorption, bioavailability or circulating half-life when compared to non-conjugated forms. The vitamin D targeting groups are coupled to the insulin peptides via the third carbon on the vitamin D backbone.
US09616102B2	Analogs of ShK toxin and their uses in selective inhibition of Kv1.3 potassium channels Analogs of ShK toxin and methods for using such ShK analogs. The ShK analogs generally comprise ShK toxin attached to a chemical entity (e.g. an atom, molecule, group, residue, compound, moiety, etc.) that has an anionic charge. In some embodiments the chemical entity attached to the ShK toxin may comprise an amino acid residue. The ShK analogs may be administered to human or non-human animal subjects to cause inhibition of potassium channels or to otherwise treat diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may be chosen to provide selective inhibition of certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.3 channels) over other potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.1 channels). In come embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may include a fluorophore, thereby providing a fluorophore tagged ShK analog. Such fluorophore tagged ShK analogs may be used in flow cytometry alone, or in conjunction with class II tetramers that can detect autoreactive cells.
US09616090B2	Gene correction of SCID-related genes in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells The present disclosure is in the field of genome engineering, particularly targeted integration of a functional SCID-related genes (e.g., IL2RG, RAG1 and/or RAG2 gene) into the genome of a cell for provision of proteins lacking or deficient in SCID.
US09616085B2	SiRNA hydrogel and method for manufacturing the same The present invention relates to siRNA hydrogel and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to siRNA hydrogel for targeted gene silencing, which is nano-structured for targeted gene silencing, and a method for manufacturing the same.
US09616082B2	Antitumor agent including irinotecan hydrochloride hydrate Provided is a novel combination therapy using an FTD/TPI combination drug which exhibits remarkable antitumor effects, and few side effects.An antitumor agent is characterized in that one cycle of an administration schedule, in which, in a period of 14 days, the FTD/TPI combination drug is administered on days 1 to 5, and CPT-11 is administered on day 1, is repeated at least once.
US09616079B2	Aminoglycosides and uses thereof in treating genetic disorders A new class of pseudo-trisaccharide aminoglycosides having an alkyl group at the 5″ position, exhibiting efficient stop codon mutation readthrough activity, low cytotoxicity and high selectivity towards eukaryotic translation systems are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and uses thereof in the treatment of genetic disorders, as well as processes of preparing these aminoglycosides. The disclosed aminoglycosides can be represented by the general formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl; and all other variables and features are as described in the specification.
US09616078B2	Dosage forms for oral administration of zoledronic acid or related compounds for treating disease Oral dosage forms of bisphosphonate compounds, such as zoledronic acid, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions. The oral bioavailability of zoledronic acid can be enhanced by administering the zoledronic acid in the disodium salt form.
US09616077B2	Dosage forms for oral administration of zoledronic acid or related compounds for treating disease Oral dosage forms of bisphosphonate compounds, such as zoledronic acid, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions. The oral bioavailability of zoledronic acid can be enhanced by administering the zoledronic acid in the disodium salt form.
US09616076B2	Methods for treating viral infections using hydrogen sulfide donors Certain embodiments are directed to methods of treating respiratory infection by administering an H2S donor.
US09616074B2	Compositions and methods for suppressing endometrial proliferation The subject matter of the instant invention is pertinent to the field of hormone therapy. More specifically, the subject matter of the instant invention concerns methods of treating estrogen-dependent conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in a female undergoing estrogen and/or selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) therapy. The instant invention is also relevant to the suppression of endometrial proliferation. The instant invention is also relevant to the treatment of pain associated with endometriosis. The compositions for practicing the methods, comprising progesterone antagonists are also disclosed. Embodiments of the instant invention also disclose methods for identifying new selective progesterone receptor modulators for practicing disclosed methods of treatment.
US09616072B2	Reduction of side effects from aromatase inhibitors used for treating breast cancer The present invention is directed generally to pharmaceutical compositions, methods, and kits for improving side effects associated with aromatase inhibitor treatment in a subject diagnosed with breast cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits comprising an aromatase inhibitor and an androgenic agent.
US09616071B2	Oral sustained release pharmaceutical composition An oral sustained release pharmaceutical composition comprising a plurality of granules having diameters of not more than 1000 μm, wherein each of the granules comprise a nucleus granule comprised of beraprost sodium and a coating agent coating the nucleus granule, and wherein the coating agent is comprised of a first skin layer containing one or more relatively water-insoluble macromolecular substances, and a second skin layer containing one or more hot-melt low-melting substances.
US09616068B2	Animal training using cognitive enhancement Methods are disclosed to enhance the training potential of a domestic animal during training, thereby shortening the training period and/or increasing the effectiveness of the training. The method involves first administering to the domestic animal a pharmaceutical composition comprising a cognitive enhancing agent in an amount effective to improve cognitive function. The enhanced cognition allows the domestic animal to learn to perform a task and/or to change its existing behavior more effectively and on an accelerated basis. Therefore, while the animal's cognitive function is enhanced, the method then involves conditioning the domestic animal to perform a task or change an existing behavior.
US09616063B2	1-[2-(aminomethyl)benzyl]-2-thioxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-ones as inhibitors of myeloperoxidase There are disclosed certain 1-[2-(aminomethyl)benzyl]-2-thioxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-one compounds of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, together with compositions containing them and their use in therapy. The compounds are inhibitors of the enzyme MPO and are thereby particularly useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure and coronary artery disease related conditions.
US09616062B2	Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors and methods of use The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and compositions for protecting healthy cells from damage due to DNA damaging agents. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to the protective action of selective cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors administered to subjects that have been exposed to or that are at risk of exposure to DNA damage.
US09616058B2	Potent selective LSD1 inhibitors and dual LSD1/MAO-B inhibitors for antiviral use The present invention relates to the use of potent selective LSD inhibitors and LSD/MAO-B inhibitors for treating or preventing viral infections. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the new use of cyclopropylamine acetamide derivatives or cyclopropylamine derivatives, as defined herein, for treating or preventing viral infection and treating or preventing reactivation of a virus after latency.
US09616057B2	Desethylhydroxychloroquine for the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation Compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting or treating the early and established stages of inflammatory diseases by administration of an effective dose of the desethylhydroxychloroquine (DHCQ). A benefit of the methods is the ability to deliver a dose of agent that is effective in treating inflammation while sparing the individual from retinal toxicity.
US09616056B2	Inhibition of leukotriene synthesis and activity in the treatment of sonic hedgehog-associated medulloblastoma Treating Sonic Hedgehog-Associated Medulloblastoma comprises inhibiting the synthesis or biologic activity of leukotrienes that drive Nestin expression in cancerous or precancerous granule neuron precursors and that further drive growth and proliferation of medulloblastoma cells through Nestin-mediated aberrant Sonic Hedgehog signaling.
US09616052B2	Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety and panic using beta adrenergic receptor antagonist and muscarinic receptor antagonist combinations The present invention is focused primarily toward pro re nata (“as needed”) treatments for a psychiatric condition or disorder or the symptoms thereof, including the symptoms of acute anxiety and panic in living animals, including humans. The present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions as combination therapies containing at least one beta adrenergic receptor antagonist and at least one muscarinic receptor antagonist. The invention provides methods for treating psychiatric condition or disorder or the symptoms thereof, including acute anxiety and panic comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist drug and an antiemetic muscarinic receptor antagonist drug in a therapeutically effective amount to stop or reduce the symptoms of anxiety and/or panic. The pharmaceutical compositions are administered as treatments immediately in advance of, at the onset of, or during an acute anxiety and/or panic episode.
US09616051B2	Drug targets to overcome de novo drug-resistance in multiple myeloma Topoisomerase II alpha (topo IIα) is exported from the cell nucleus in human myeloma cells by a chromosome-maintenance protein-1 (CRM1)-dependent mechanism, resulting in topo II inhibitor resistance. The nuclear export signal (NES) of topo IIα is unique, making it a potential target for small molecule inhibitors. Small molecules NES inhibitors were identified, which inhibited binding of topo IIα to the export receptor CRM1. Inhibition was specific to topo IIα as p53 trafficking was unaffected along with topo IIα protein expression and function (decatenation). These topo IIα-specific nuclear export inhibitors may potentially lead to a new approach in circumventing drug resistance in multiple myeloma. The compounds provide a protocol for treating multiple myeloma or an oncogenic disease. Further, the topoisomerase II nuclear export signal inhibitor may be combined with a topoisomerase II inhibitor.
US09616049B2	Dexmedetomidine premix formulation The presently disclosed subject matter relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising dexmedetomidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein the composition is formulated as a liquid for parenteral administration to a subject, and wherein the composition is disposed within a sealed container as a premixture. The pharmaceutical compositions can be used, for example, in perioperative care of a patient or for sedation.
US09616047B2	Inhibitors of beta-catenin in treatment of colorectal cancer Compounds are disclosed which are effective for inhibiting β-catenin or disrupting a β-catenin/Tcf-4 complex, and for causing effective attenuation of colon carcinogenesis. The compounds may be effective treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) when administered in an effective dose to a patient afflicted therewith.
US09616037B2	Aryl-phenyl-sulfonamido-cycloalkyl compounds and their use The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds, and more specifically to certain aryl-phenyl-sulfonamido-cycloalkyl compounds of the following formula (collectively referred to herein as “APSAC compounds”). The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, in treatment, for example, of inflammation and/or joint destruction and/or bone loss; of disorders mediated by excessive and/or inappropriate and/or prolonged activation of the immune system; of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and the like; of disorders associated with bone loss, such as bone loss associated with excessive osteoclast activity in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer-associated bone disease, Paget's disease and the like, etc.; and of cancer, such as a haematological malignancy, a solid tumour, etc.
US09616036B2	Sustained release dosage forms A sustained release dosage form comprises an active ingredient blended with a polymeric matrix. At least a portion of the polymeric matrix is formed by a cellulose ether having an onset dissolution temperature of at least 40° C., having anhydroglucose units joined by 1-4 linkages and having methyl groups, hydroxyalkyl groups, and optionally alkyl groups being different from methyl as substituents such that the cellulose ether has an MS (hydroxyalkyl) of 0.05 to 1.00, and hydroxyl groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that [s23/s26−0.2*MS(hydroxyalkyl)] is 0.31 or less, wherein s23 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxyl groups in the 2- and 3-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with a methyl group and wherein s26 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxyl groups in the 2- and 6-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with a methyl group.
US09616034B2	Trans-clomiphene and its analogues as agents that increase bone mineral density The present invention relates to the administration of compositions comprising trans-clomiphene or an analog or salt thereof, for inhibiting bone resorption and bone turnover in a subject. The invention is also directed to methods for increasing bone mineral density in a subject and preventing or treating a bone related disorder in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of trans-clomiphene or an analog or salt thereof.
US09616030B2	Tamper resistant pharmaceutical formulations Disclosed in certain embodiments is a solid oral dosage form comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising (i) a core comprising an active agent susceptible to abuse and an internal adhesion promoter, wherein the cores are (i) dispersed in a matrix comprising a controlled release material or (ii) coated with a controlled release material. The dosage form can also include an alcohol resistant material.
US09616029B2	Abuse deterrent immediate release coated reservoir solid dosage form An abuse deterrent immediate release coated reservoir solid dosage form that releases the drug at a desired rate for quick onset of action when a single unit or prescribed units of the dosage form are orally administered but exhibits a reduced rate of release when more than the prescribed number of units, are administered.
US09616023B2	Stabilized granules containing glyceryl trinitrate Solid pharmaceutical preparation with the active substance glyceryl trinitrate for oromucosal or oral administration characterized in that it contains between 0.05 and 2 weight % glyceryl trinitrate, at least one carrier material, and at least one substance that reduces the volatility of the GTN, whereby this substance is a non-volatile ester stabilizer.
US09616022B1	Nanodiamond compositions and their use for drug delivery The subject invention provides materials and methods for treating diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and/or other viral reservoir organs utilizing nanoscopic diamond particles, i.e., nanodiamonds (ND), loaded with therapeutic agents of interests. In one aspect, the subject invention provides a composition for treating a subject's brain and/or other organs acting as viral reservoirs, the composition comprising a plurality of ND particles measuring less than 10 nm in size, wherein the ND particles are loaded with at least one therapeutic agent of interest. In another aspect, the subject invention provides methods of treating disorders affecting the CNS such as, for example, the brain and other viral reservoir organs such as, for example, lymph nodes and gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT), utilizing the drug delivery system comprising a plurality of ND particles as provided herein.
US09616009B2	Composition containing at least one C7 sugar for alopecia treatment, cosmetic treatment of hair and nails, and care of hair, eyelashes or nails The present invention relates to a composition including at least one C7 sugar, or derivative from esterification of said sugar, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for treating alopecia. The present invention also relates to a method for cosmetically treating hair and nails, said method being intended to stimulate the growth thereof and/or slow the loss thereof. According to said method, a cosmetic composition including at least one C7 sugar, or derivative from esterification of said sugar, is administered. The present invention finally relates to a method for cosmetic care of hair and/or eyelashes and/or nails.
US09616007B2	Composition comprising mixtures of isostearamide, glycerol ester and water The present invention is directed to compositions comprising a mixture comprising at least one isostearamide, at least one glycerol ester and water, and also to the use of these compositions as thickeners or shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, body cleaning compositions or skin cleaning compositions or for producing shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, body cleaning compositions or skin cleaning compositions.
US09616003B2	Antibacterial mouthwash which is nontoxic in cellular level The invention is antibacterial mouthwash which does not have any side effects as it does not have toxicity in cellular level during the fight against oral cavity diseases and which is used for eliminating microbial dental plaques.
US09616000B2	Medical kit and liquid filling method A medical kit includes a liquid storage container in which a liquid is preliminarily stored, syringes, a first connector for connecting the liquid storage container and the syringes, and a regulating mechanism for collectively regulating limits of movement of gaskets of the syringes and. The syringes are collectively filled with the liquid by conducting an operation to feed out the liquid in the liquid storage container in a condition in which the liquid storage container and the syringes and in an empty state are connected through the syringes, until the limits of movement are regulated.
US09615996B2	Closure cap for receptacles for receiving medical liquids and receptacle for receiving medical liquids The invention relates to a closure cap (1) for receptacles for receiving medical liquids, in particular receptacles filled with infusion solutions, transfusion solutions or liquids for enteral nutrition. The invention further relates to a receptacle (40) for receiving medical liquids, in particular a bottle, comprising such a closure cap. The closure cap (1) according to the invention is characterized by two injection parts (6 and 7) arranged separately from one another, each for injecting an additive. One injection part (6) serves to inject an additive with an injection syringe that has a needle (cannula), while the other injection part (7) serves to inject an additive with a needle-less injection syringe.
US09615992B2	System and method for supplementing circulation in a body A system including a compressible element configured to compress a muscle in a limb of a user, a controller configured to control a sequence, rate or amount of compression of the compressible element, and a generator configured to move a working fluid to compress the compressible element as controlled by the controller. The sequence, rate or amount of compression of the compressible element is established to reduce an amount of effort expended by a heart of a user to move a volume of blood. Another system and a method are also disclosed.
US09615985B2	Direct drive tilt mechanism for infant-care medical devices A system and method for tilting an infant-supporting device can be decoupled through a manual coupler or decoupler, that includes a clevis (40) coupled to the lifting means (4, 9) and a pivot pin (41) slidably coupled to the tilt means (12).
US09615980B2	Absorbent article having a fastening system An absorbent article can include a fastening system configured to attach the rear waist region to the front waist region to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The fastening system can include a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system. The primary fastening system can include at least one primary first fastening component and a primary second fastening component. The secondary fastening system can include at least one secondary first fastening component and at least one secondary second fastening component. The absorbent article can further include a strip coupled to the outer cover. The strip can include the primary secondary fastening component. The at least one secondary first fastening component can be coupled to a first carrier.
US09615974B1	Wound care pad management system and device A system for wound management to maintain wound dressing isolation from the caregiver. The system includes a flexible wound pad with exterior separated wound engagement fields and a self-engaging applicator isolation pad retainment placement removal handle element which can be selectively used by the caregiver to manipulate the wound pad on the patient.
US09615973B1	Surgical knife One or more wedges may be introduced into the bevel of a surgical knife near its tip, to thereby increase the bevel surface area of the knife, and thus increase the cutting edges of the knife, and render the knife more effective and/or easier to use in surgical applications such as ophthalmic procedures.
US09615965B2	Inserter The present invention relates to an inserter for an intrauterine system comprising a handle (3), and an insertion tube (6) having a first end and a second end, and being arranged in connection with the handle. The inserter is characterized in that the first end of the insertion tube (6) comprises at least one frame slot for receiving a frame of the intrauterine system. The invention also relates to a kit comprising an inserter according to the present invention and an intrauterine system, wherein the intrauterine system (1) comprises a therapeutic component (1b) and a continuous, closed frame (1a), the therapeutic component (1b) being connected to the frame (1a) at least one point, and therapeutic component (1b) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged inside the first end of the insertion tube (6) and the frame (1a) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged outside the first end of the insertion tube (6).
US09615961B2	Percutaneous implant and ostomy method A percutaneous ostomy implant for implantation into the abdominal wall of a patient is provided, which includes a connecting member for mounting an external detachable device thereto; a first tubular ingrowth member depending from the connecting member; and a second tubular ingrowth member depending from the connecting member and being radially outwardly spaced from the first tubular ingrowth member. The first tubular ingrowth member is configured and dimensioned to receive a bowel segment within it to allow the stoma and serosal tissue of that bowel segment to infiltrate the first tubular ingrowth member. The second tubular member is configured and dimensioned to abut dermal tissue to allow the dermal tissue to infiltrate the second tubular ingrowth member, thereby securing and sealing the ostomy implant to the dermis.
US09615960B2	Male penile sexual enhancement device and medical aid An apparatus for assisting in copulation and preventing discomfort due to testicular retraction or displacement (e.g., retractile testicle) during copulation and other activities is disclosed. The apparatus substantially encompasses, circumferentially, the upper portion of the shaft of a penis without constricting the urethra area at the base of the shaft of the penis. The apparatus further conforms to the torso behind the scrotal sack (i.e., between scrotum and torso) to prevent undesired movement of testicles into the abdomen area. The apparatus has a substantial U-shape, the legs curving inwardly toward respective anchoring nodes. Anchoring nodes may be included at the end of each leg of the apparatus to assist in minimizing movement of the apparatus while in use. The apparatus may rigid or may be slightly flexible and, when in use as a copulation aid, provides pressure to restrict outflow of blood from corpora cavernosa thus assisting to maintain erection.
US09615958B2	Heel float therapeutic footwear A heel float therapeutic footwear for people that spend a large amount of time in bed. The heel float therapeutic footwear includes a lower leg support portion, a foot support portion, and a wing support structure. The foot support portion extends from the lower leg support portion and includes a foot support platform. The wing support structure is permanently attached to the foot support platform. The wing support structure is adjustably fastenable to a side of the lower leg support portion to adjustably support a position and an angle of the foot support platform with respect to the lower leg support portion. A method of making a heel float therapeutic footwear is also disclosed.
US09615956B2	Orthopedic clavicle brace An easily-accessible, self-adjustable orthopedic clavicle brace and method of use for preventing and treating damage to the clavicle. The brace supports the shoulder region of a user's body during the healing or mending of an injured, dislocated, fractured or broken clavicle. The device uses a simple coupling means located towards the front of the user to allow for easy accessibility by the user for self-application, self-adjustment, and self-removal of the brace without having to rely on assistance by a second party.
US09615951B2	Manual actuation system for deployment of implant A system for mechanically deploying intraluminal implants is disclosed. The system is used with an implant that is delivered and/or deployed via a pull wire and includes a handle having a funnel and receiving channel for receiving the pull wire, a slider having a thumb grip and a wedge, and a shuttle having a grabber for grasping the pull wire. The thumb grip is pulled proximally to retract the wedge to cause the grabber to grasp the wire and retract the shuttle but not the wire. An extension spring linked between the slider and the shuttle abruptly pulls the shuttle to retract the pull wire after the slider is fully retracted.
US09615950B2	Catheter device A catheter device having a shaft that extends from a proximal end to a distal end to carry on its distal end a self-expanding implant for intraluminal advance on a guidewire and delivery of the implant to an implant site by proximal withdrawal of a sheath that lies radially outside the implant in the catheter, the catheter including a first shaft element to pull the sheath proximally and a second shaft element to push the implant distally to prevent the implant moving proximally with the sheath when the sheath is pulled proximally, wherein the second shaft element carries a stopper for abutting the implant, the stopper including proximal and distal portions having different radiopacities.
US09615947B2	Artificial blood vessel using decellularized blood vessel sheet An artificial blood vessel that can be transplanted to blood vessels with a small diameter, can be adjusted to an arbitrary size of a diameter, improves in invasiveness when a graft is taken, and overcomes the problem on the provision of a graft is provided. An artificial blood vessel prepared from a decellularized tubular structure, which is prepared by processing a decellularized, sheet-like blood vessel (decellularized blood vessel sheet) into a roll structure, and a tissue adhesive, wherein a portion which is contacted with blood that flows within the artificial blood vessel consists of the tissue of the tunica intima lined with the tissue of the tunica media whereas a portion of the sheet that overlaps when the sheet is processed into a roll structure (overlap width) consists of the tissue of the tunica media and wherein a tissue adhesive is applied to the overlap width.
US09615942B2	Method and apparatus for trialing and implanting a modular femoral hip A modular femoral hip implant trialing system. The system generally includes a proximal body, a fastener, and a fastener retention member. The proximal body includes a proximal bore, a tapered distal bore, and a passageway connecting the proximal bore to the distal bore. The proximal bore, the distal bore, and the passageway are aligned along a first axis. The fastener includes a head in the proximal bore and a stem in the distal bore, the fastener is aligned along the first axis. The fastener retention member is positioned in the proximal bore and is operable to retain at least a portion of the fastener within the proximal bore.
US09615941B2	Orthopedic tool for altering the connection between orthopedic components An orthopedic tool for loosening the connection between orthopedic components. In one embodiment, the orthopedic tool includes a housing and a wedge. The housing has a head, an upper portion, a lower portion, and an opening between the upper and lower portions. The wedge is positioned at least partially between the upper portion and the lower portion of the housing and is actuatable to move toward the head of the housing. When at least a portion of the head of the housing is placed in mating engagement with the junction between two assembled orthopedic components, advancement of the wedge towards the head results in separation of the upper portion and lower portion of the housing. Thus, as the wedge is advanced toward the head, the upper and lower portions of the housing are separated, which results in corresponding separation of the assembled orthopedic components.
US09615938B2	Methods and apparatus for insertion of implant material Various surgical devices and methods for facilitating distraction of adjacent vertebrae and/or insertion of an intervertebral implant material therebetween are disclosed. The devices include an elongated barrel having a cannula. A distal end of the barrel is configured to engage the adjacent vertebrae. Slots may be formed on at least a portion of the barrel such that at least the distal end of the barrel may be expanded to distract vertebrae. In one embodiment, an inner member is reciprocally positioned within the barrel. The inner member includes features that engage one or more surfaces of the barrel to expand the distal end of the barrel as the inner member moves with respect to the barrel. In some embodiments, cams are used to expand the distal end of the barrel.
US09615929B2	Posterior-stabilized total knee prosthesis In an orthopaedic knee joint prosthesis, an intercondylar fossa of a femoral component cooperates with a spine formed in a tibial component to reproduce the screw home mechanism of a natural knee. When the femoral component and tibial component are positioned to correspond with slight flexion of the knee, the components are mutually rotationally locked against internal or external rotation. At higher degrees of flexion, such as greater than about 10-20 degrees of flexion, internal/external rotation of the tibia is permitted. The tibia is in an externally rotated position when locked, thereby reproducing the screw home mechanism and providing high stability.
US09615926B2	Adjustable endolumenal implant for reshaping the mitral valve annulus Excessive dilation of the annulus of a mitral valve may lead to regurgitation of blood during ventricular contraction. This regurgitation may lead to a reduction in cardiac output. Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The implant may then contract to a third, intermediate diameter, pulling the tissue radially inwardly, thereby reducing the mitral valve and lessening any of the associated symptoms including mitral regurgitation.
US09615917B2	Energized ophthalmic lens This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing an ophthalmic lens with a stacked integrated component device for function. In some embodiments, the stacked integrated component device may contain an energy source capable of powering an electrical component incorporated into the lens.
US09615916B2	Intraocular lens An intraocular lens including a flexible optic and at least one rigid plate haptic connected to the optic. The at least one rigid plate haptic can include a rigid structure. The at least one rigid plate haptic can be resistant to bending from pressure exerted on a distal end of the at least one haptic by contraction of the ciliary muscle. The intraocular lens can be a non-accommodating IOL having a longitudinal length that is fixed and configured to resist deformation by the action of the ciliary muscle. Various embodiments also include accommodating intraocular lenses.
US09615914B2	Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation are described where devices precondition or expand a target nipple tissue to reduce the pressure exerted by the skin on an eventual implant. Generally, the apparatus comprises a mold having a contact surface which is curved in conformance with a breast upon which the mold is positionable, the contact surface having an adhesive for securement upon the breast, and the mold defining a cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast and where the cavity further comprises the adhesive for securement to the nipple. A breast enlargement device comprises a cup larger than the target breast and further defines an inner surface which adheres to the breast when contacted.
US09615911B2	Delivery system for inflatable implant An implant delivery system can be used to deliver an implant into a body. The implant delivery system can include an inflation tube and a tubular member surrounding the inflation tube. The inflation tube can be used to provide an inflation medium to the implant. The tubular member can have a distal tip and an opening spaced from the tip to allow the implant to be released through the opening into an anatomical structure within the body.
US09615910B2	Layered collagen and HA scaffold suitable for osteochondral repair The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer collagen scaffold. The method generally comprises the steps of: preparing a first suspension of collagen and freezing or lyophilizing the suspension to provide a first layer; optionally preparing a further suspension of collagen and adding the further suspension onto the layer formed in the previous step to form a further layer, and freezing or lyophilizing the layers, wherein when the layer formed in the previous step is formed by lyophilization the lyophilized layer is re-hydrated prior to addition of the next layer; optionally, repeating the aforementioned step to form one or more further layers; and preparing a final suspension of collagen and pouring the final suspension onto the uppermost layer to form a final layer, and freeze-drying the layers to form the multi-layer collagen composite scaffold.
US09615909B2	Removable embolus blood clot filter and filter delivery unit A blood filter includes a hub, a plurality of legs, and a plurality of arms. Each of the legs includes a hook at a distal end thereof, a first linear segment extending substantially parallel to a hub longitudinal axis, a second linear segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a first angle, and an intermediate linear segment coupled to the first and second segments, the intermediate segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle less than the first angle. Each of the arms has a free end closer to the longitudinal axis than the hook of each of the legs. The free ends of the arms are spaced radially transverse to the longitudinal axis at substantially the same radial distance.
US09615906B2	Gluteal implants and implant systems Gluteal implants and gluteal implant systems are described herein, as are methods of manufacturing and implanting the same. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implant includes a body having a convex upper surface, a concave lower surface, and an edge, the edge being formed by the intersection between the convex upper surface and the concave lower surface. The body can take on various shapes, including a truncated ovoid shape, a truncated approximate ovoid shape, a truncated substantially ovoid shape, a truncated ellipsoid shape, a truncated approximate ellipsoid shape, or a truncated substantially ellipsoid shape, among others. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implant system includes first and second gluteal implants that have the same or different shaped bodies. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implants and gluteal implant systems are implanted in a buttock region.
US09615905B2	Male urethral prosthesis with tensioning member The present invention includes a method of implanting a urethral prosthesis. The method includes making an incision, positioning arms of the prosthesis in the pelvic region of the patient, and positioning a stem of the prosthesis in the scrotum of the patient.
US09615899B2	Constructive system of a self-ligating bracket with variable resistance to sliding A self-ligating bracket and system with variable resistance to sliding. The bracket includes locking elements and/or deflection control components that govern the flexibility and movement of blades or clips that extend over an archwire slot, in order to adjust the action of such blades or clips relative to an archwire positioned within an archwire slot in the bracket.
US09615897B2	Self-ligating orthodontic bracket An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body, a hinge pin, and a latch. The bracket body includes a first surface configured to be mounted to the tooth and an archwire slot in a second surface. The hinge pin includes a first shaft portion coupled with the bracket body. The latch is coupled to the bracket body by a second shaft portion of the hinge pin. The latch is movable between an opened position and a closed position. A cross-sectional profile of the first shaft portion and/or the second shaft portion of the hinge pin is configured to elastically deform to impart a spring bias to the latch that opposes movement of the latch relative to the bracket body.
US09615893B2	Seal cleaning obturator A surgical instrument configured for insertion through a surgical access device including a seal member is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an elongate body having a central passageway extending at least partially therethrough and a plurality of slots extending radially outward from the central passageway. The plurality of slots are configured to engage the seal member and the surgical access device when the elongate body is translated therethrough to remove debris from the seal member and the surgical access device. The plurality of slots and the central passageway are configured to retain the removed debris therein during withdrawal of the surgical instrument from the surgical access device.
US09615892B2	Surgical drapes with patches to provide ports Surgical drapes having opposing first and second primary surfaces with fixably attachable patches to provide ports through which cables or tools can be inserted without compromising a sterile field. The patches may be earlier affixed to the surgical drape or the patch may be affixed in situ by a clinician to the drape prior to a surgical procedure.
US09615887B2	Bone cutting system for the leg and method therefor A knee bone cut system and method is disclosed. The knee bone cut system supports cutting an anterior portion of a distal end of a femur. The system comprises a sensored insert, a femoral rotation guide, and a remote system to receive and display sensor data. The sensored insert provide data related to load magnitude, position of load, and leg position. The femoral rotation guide has moveable condyles to adjust condyle position in a rapid manner. A pinch mechanism and lock mechanism respectively move the condyles into contact with the sensored insert. Moreover, the femoral rotation guide can be loaded similar to a final installed insert over a range of motion. For example, the patella can be placed on the femoral rotation guide allowing the patella to load the sensored insert. The femoral insert guide includes guide holes that are used in conjunction with a bone cutting jig.
US09615882B2	Methods and devices for applying energy to bodily tissues Devices and methods for treating tissue with microwave energy used in applications such as destroying a soft tissue by microwave ablation and/or creating point, line, area or volumetric lesions. Various embodiments of flexible, low-profile devices are also disclosed where such device can be inserted non-invasively or minimally invasively near or into the target tissue such as cardiac tissue. The devices disclosed herein comprise antennas wherein the field profile generated by an antenna is tailored and optimized for a particular clinical application. The antennas use unique properties of microwaves such as interaction of a microwave field with one or more conductive or non-conductive shaping elements to shape or redistribute the microwave field.
US09615878B2	Device, system, and method for imaging and tissue characterization of ablated tissue Disclosed herein is a system for ablating and characterizing tissue. The system comprises an ablation element configured to emit ablative energy toward a tissue of interest, an imaging apparatus configured to emit energy and collect imaging data including reflected signals from the tissue of interest, and a characterization application. The characterization application comprises a signal analyzer for analyzing the imaging data and determining one or more signal properties from the reflected signals, and a correlation processor configured to associate the one or more signal properties to pre-determined tissue signal properties of different tissue components through a pattern recognition technique. The pre-determined tissue signal properties are embodied in a database, and the correlation processor is configured to identify a tissue component and an ablation level of the tissue of interest based on the pattern recognition technique.
US09615877B2	Tissue sealing forceps A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an opposed jaw surface having an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. The electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate includes a first portion configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create a main tissue seal and a second portion including a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending from the first portion. The second portion is configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create an auxiliary tissue seal extending from the main tissue seal for reducing stress concentrations adjacent the main tissue seal.
US09615876B2	Bipolar surgical morcellator A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube (8) having a distal end portion, and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) comprises first and second electrodes (14, 16) separated by an insulation member (15). When an electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly (13), and relative movement is initiated between the tube (8) and the tissue, a slug of resected tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. The bipolar electrosurgical assembly (13) has a first circumferential region (A) and a second circumferential region (B), the first circumferential region (A) being longer than the second circumferential region (B), the bipolar electrosurgical assembly being adapted to cut tissue preferentially in the first circumferential region (A) as compared with the second circumferential region (B).
US09615874B2	Bone plate shaping system Methods and systems for bone plate bending are provided which include bending tools that couple relative to the bone plate to bend the plate. Such system permit bending without necessitating that the bending tools are in direct contact with the holes in the plate, which could deform the holes.
US09615872B2	Implants for creating connections to tissue parts, in particular to skeletal parts, as well as device and method for implantation thereof A method for locating a material having thermoplastic properties in pores of bone tissue includes providing a pin having the material having thermoplastic properties and a core, wherein the material having thermoplastic properties is arranged on the circumferential surface of the core constituting an outer region of the pin. An opening is provided in the bone tissue, and the pin is positioned at least partly in the opening. The outer region of the pin is then impinged with mechanical vibration energy for a time sufficient for liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, and, in a liquefied state, pressing it into the pores of the bone tissue surrounding the opening. The vibration energy is stopped for a time sufficient for re-solidification of the liquefied material, and then the core is removed.
US09615870B2	Intramedullary fixation assembly and method of use A method for applying compression to a joint includes providing an intramedullary fixation assembly having a proximal screw member positioned at a proximal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly and a lag screw member positioned at a distal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly. Medullary canals are drilled in a first and second bone and the medullary canals are reamed. The proximal screw member is inserted into the first bone and a drill is used create a dorsal hole in the first bone. The lag screw member is slideably coupled to the dorsal hole and to the proximal screw member and into the second medullary canal. A torque is applied to the lag screw member to apply compression to the joint.
US09615867B2	Multi-rod bone attachment member A fixation element for use in orthopedic surgery is capable of being screwed, hooked, or otherwise attached to a bone, and is configured to accommodate two or more rods or other elongated members. The head of the fixation elements thus has multiple places for positioning a rod, either vertically or horizontally spaced from each other.
US09615861B2	Minimally invasive vertebral laminar reconstructive plate A laminar plate that reconstructs or supports the lamina of a vertebra after lamina bone has been removed during spinal surgery and prevents bone growth material from entering the spinal canal. The laminar plate spans a gap from the removed lamina bone and is coupled to, or proximate to, and between a facet and the spinous process by screwing the plate to the bone.
US09615860B2	Plates configured to rigidly fix fragments of a pars interarticularis to one another An apparatus for securing a vertebra during healing of a fracture within a pars area of the vertebra is described. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is a plate that has an outer shape similar to a shape of a pedicle and/or lamina of the vertebra, and an inner section that facilitates access to the pars area when the plate is secured to the vertebra.
US09615859B2	Posted translation system and method Connector assemblies are provided to couple an elongate member extending along the spinal column to a bone engaging implant engaged to the spinal column. The connector assembly includes a coupler having an implant coupling portion and an elongate member coupling portion. The positioning and orientation of the coupler relative to the implant and elongate member can be adjusted to facilitate engagement of the connector assembly between the implant and elongate member.
US09615858B2	Spring clip-bottom loading polyaxial ball and socket fastener The bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle having at least two retainer rings within at least two retaining ring grooves for use in securing the spherical connector to the connecting assembly.
US09615856B2	Sacroiliac fusion cage Devices for sacroiliac joint fusion may be implanted from an anterior, posterior, or lateral approach. Multiple devices may be used in a single fusion procedure. Some examples include blade anchors which extend from a central beam, pin, cage, or body.
US09615853B2	Method of securing perianal support device A perianal support device is provided that is configured to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body. A method is provided to apply the perianal support device to patients during childbirth to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body.
US09615851B2	Method and apparatus for insertion of a sensor A device and method for delivering a device such as a sensor or fluid transport structure or a fluid transport structure sensor combination into, for example, mammalian skin. Such a device allows a sensor to penetrate mammalian skin without the use of an introducer device such as a needle. A device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure includes a housing for attachment to mammalian skin including an exit port for receiving the distal end of a biosensor and an injection activation device including a mechanism for forcing the sensing device from a first position within the housing, through the exit port to a second position, with sufficiently high velocity to partially penetrate the mammalian skin.
US09615850B2	Atherectomy catheter with aligned imager An atherectomy catheter is provided for excising and imaging material in a body lumen. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a catheter body, a cutting blade, and an imaging device. The cutting blade is mounted on the catheter body and configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to an aperture or cutting window. When the cutting blade is in the second position, the blade substantially closes the aperture on the catheter body. The imaging device which is mounted on or otherwise coupled to the cutting blade is configured to be in an imaging position when the cutting blade substantially closes the aperture or cutter window. This allows the imaging device to survey material within the cutting zone of the atherectomy catheter. By allowing the imaging device to view materials within this cutting zone, material may be imaged and then removed from the body lumen without having to reposition the catheter between each step.
US09615847B2	Devices and methods for soft tissue hydro dissection In one embodiment, a medical device may include an insertion member configured to be inserted into a body opening, and a needle member, movably coupled to the insertion member, configured to be inserted into the body opening. The needle member may include a lumen configured to transfer dissection fluid, a blunt tip located on a distal end of the needle member, and an opening disposed proximate to the blunt tip that is configured to discharge the dissection fluid into a space between tissue layers.
US09615844B2	Systems and methods for controlling delivery of ultrasonic energy to a bodily tissue An apparatus includes a generator including a control module that is operably coupled to a power module. The power module is configured to produce an electronic signal to be received by an ultrasonic energy delivery assembly. The ultrasonic energy delivery assembly is characterized by a natural frequency, and the electronic signal is characterized by a frequency. The control module is configured to send a control signal to the power module to randomly vary the frequency of the electronic signal within a range defined at least in part by the natural frequency.
US09615840B2	System and method for association of a guiding aid with a patient tissue A patient tissue includes a primary patient tissue area and an anatomically differentiated bordering secondary patient tissue area. An apparatus is at least partially customized responsive to preoperative imaging of the patient tissue. Means are provided for mating with the primary patient tissue area in a preselected relative orientation. Means are provided for fixing a first landmark to the primary patient tissue area in at least one of a predetermined marking location and a predetermined marking trajectory. Means are provided for fixing a second landmark to the secondary patient tissue area in at least one of a predetermined marking location and a predetermined marking trajectory. A method of associating a plurality of landmarks with a patient tissue is also provided.
US09615839B2	Shape-fit glenoid reaming systems and methods Disclosed herein are systems and methods for securing a glenoid baseplate to a resected glenoid cavity in a preoperatively planned position. Image information obtained from the glenoid cavity and surrounding scapula is analyzed to determine the location of optimal bone stock. A guide is designed based on the image information, the guide having a patient specific contact surface that contacts a surface of the bone in a preoperatively planned position. The guide is designed to have a cannulated portion including a specific length. A marking pin having at least one reference feature is drilled into the glenoid cavity. The length of the cannulated portion of the guide is based on a location of the at least one reference feature on an outer surface of the marking pin. A cannulated reamer guided by the marking pin is then used to resect the glenoid cavity until a stop surface of the cannulated reamer contacts an end of the marking pin.
US09615835B2	Drill attachment for cannulated surgical drills A hammer drill attachment is provided for attachment to a bi-directional surgical drill. The attachment comprises a lengthwise adapter to engage a chuck of the surgical drill, a transmission mechanism, and a quick-release mechanism. The transmission mechanism comprises a pair of toothed plates, the teeth of a proximal plate configured to permit engagement with the teeth of a distal plate. When the proximal plate rotates in a first direction, the proximal plate transmits a rotational motion to the distal plate. When the proximal plate rotates in a second direction, the proximal plate transmits an axial percussive force to the distal plate. The quick-release mechanism comprises a socket to receive a collet, a socket seater, and a latching arm to move the socket seater with respect to the socket, thereby seating or unseating the collet in the socket.
US09615834B2	Systems and methods utilizing patient-matched instruments Patient-matched surgical instruments, and methods for making patient-matched surgical instruments, may include patient-matched surgical instruments having an anatomy facing side with several discrete, physically separate anatomy contacting portions configured to match the anatomy of a particular patient. The anatomy contacting portions may be one or more of non-uniform in distribution, non-uniform in shape or non-uniform in surface area.
US09615833B2	Method for producing in-vivo indwelling member A method for producing an in-vivo indwelling member includes a step of winding a metal wire (1) to form a primary coil (2-4), a step of giving the primary coil (2-4) a shape to form a secondary coil (10-19), and a step of inserting the secondary coil (10-19) into an inner hollow section (43) of a shaping mold (40). The secondary coil (10-19) includes different patterns such as a helical shape (20, 22-25, 29, 61, 63-65), a linear shape (21, 26, 28), and a circular arc shape (27, 50-53, 60, 62). When the secondary coil (10-19) is pushed into the inner hollow section (43), the secondary coil (10-19) makes contact with the inner wall surface of the inner hollow section (43), and a portion between different patterns is randomly curved. Accordingly, the in-vivo indwelling member has a three-dimensional structure that corresponds to the shape of the inner hollow section (43). The in-vivo indwelling member is less likely to deviate from the inside of an aneurysm when released into the aneurysm.
US09615829B2	Tissue stop for surgical instrument A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove.
US09615826B2	Multiple thickness implantable layers for surgical stapling devices In various embodiments, a staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a deck, a row of first staple cavities defined in the deck, a plurality of first staples, wherein the first staples are positioned in the first staple cavities, a row of second staple cavities defined in the deck, and a plurality of second staples, wherein the second staples are positioned in the second staple cavities. The staple cartridge further comprises a first layer comprising a first portion positioned over the first staple cavities and configured to be captured within the first staples and a second portion positioned over the second staple cavities and configured to be captured within the second staples. The staple cartridge further comprises a second layer positioned over the second portion and not positioned over the first portion of the first layer.
US09615821B2	Tensionable knotless anchor systems and methods of tissue repair Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with splices and loops that are pre-loaded onto modified knotless anchors (for example, swivel and/or screw-in suture anchors and/or push-in suture anchors with a distal eyelet) to position the self-locking, adjustable construct at the repair site. The systems allow for knotless tensioning of the tissue after the knotless anchors have been implanted.
US09615819B2	Methods and instruments for subchondral treatment of osteoarthritis in a small joint Devices, instruments and associated methods for the subchondral treatment of osteoarthritis in small joints are provided. In addition, a method for treating joint pain in small joints is provided. These small joints may be ankle, elbow or wrist joints. The methods may target one of many different access points having trajectories with a common focal point at or near the small joint. The instruments may limit access to areas within or near the small joint by providing predefined entry paths that avoid damage to surrounding tissues.
US09615817B2	Wound closure apparatus and method A wound closure apparatus can be a self-contained device for delivery and deployment of a tissue engineered wound plug that can secure fascial closure of laparoscopic port-site wounds. The wound plug can include a subfascial rivet head, a suprafascial rivet head, and a compressible column. Once in the wound, the wound plug may be deployed with the subfascial rivet head below the fascia of the wound and the suprafascial rivet head above the fascia of the wound. As this occurs, the column of the wound plug can be stationed within the opening of the wound. Once the wound plug is secured above, below, and within the fascial defect, the rivet heads may be interlocked within an inner channel of the column and remaining elements of the apparatus may be removed and discarded.
US09615815B2	Devices that cooperate with ultrasound probes for muscoskeletal evaluations and related systems and methods Adaptors for ultrasound probes can have an adaptor body can have an open lower end that allows a distal end of the ultrasound probe to extend therethrough to contact skin of a patient. The adaptor can include a plurality of spaced apart resilient members held by the adaptor body that, in operation, are able to change in length such that the resilient members translate from a first longer length to a second shorter length when the probe applies compressive force to the target tissue.
US09615813B2	Device for wide-band auscultation The present invention relates to a device for auscultation of a body. An embodiment of the device includes a housing dimensioned and configured for disposition in an operative orientation relative to a predetermined portion of the body. The housing includes a plurality of chambers disposed therewithin. The plurality of chambers are collectively structured to receive an acoustic signal at least when the housing is disposed in the operative orientation. The housing also includes at least one transducer at least partially disposed in a corresponding one of the chambers. The transducer is structured to convert the acoustic signal into an electrical signal.
US09615812B2	Calibration of imagers with dynamic beam shapers Calibration methods and related calibration controllers (CC) for calibrating imaging apparatuses (102) such as a 3D computed tomography imager or a 2D x-ray imager. The imaging apparatuses (102) are equipped with a dynamic beam shaper (RF). The dynamic beam shaper (RF) allows adapting the energy profile of a radiation beam (PR) used in the imaging apparatuses (102) to a shape of an object (PAT) to be imaged. A plurality of gain images are acquired in dependence on a shape of the object and the view along which the gain images are acquired or a target gain image is synthesized from a plurality of basis gain images (BGI).
US09615811B2	Radiation imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same A radiation imaging apparatus performs radiation image obtaining processing in accordance with an exposure instruction, and obtains a radiation image. Then the radiation imaging apparatus performs offset correction for the obtained radiation image, and displays it. The radiation imaging apparatus determines, in accordance with a predetermined criterion, whether or not offset images obtained by offset image obtaining processing are stable over time. Then, if it is determined that the offset images are not stable, offset correction is performed by using an offset image obtained by performing offset image obtaining processing, following the obtaining of the radiation image. If it is determined that the offset images are stable, the offset correction is performed by using an offset image obtained before the obtaining of the radiation image.
US09615808B2	Method and radiography system for grid-like contrast enhancement A method and system for processing a radiography image derived from an X-ray radiation passing through an object. The method includes acts of estimating, based on the radiography image, a scatter signal present in said radiography image; calculating, based on the estimated scatter signal, a scatter removal signal indicative of a scattered radiation removable from the X-ray radiation passing through the object by a reference anti-scatter device; and correcting the radiography image based on the scatter removal signal.
US09615806B2	Method and apparatus for creation and display of artifact-corrected three dimentional (3D) volumetric data from biplane fluoroscopic image acquisition A method and apparatus for creation and display of artifact-corrected three dimensional (3D) volumetric data from biplane fluoroscopic image acquisition is disclosed. Orthogonal images of a patient are obtained during an interventional medical procedure, the orthogonal images including an anterior-posterior (AP) image and a lateral image. A common coordinate system is established. The orthogonal images and the patient are plotted onto the common coordinate system. An intersection volume of the images is calculated. The data at each frame of the images are analyzed and a determination made regarding which x,z point of an AP image matches with which y,z point from a lateral image. An artifact correction process is performed and a resulting volumetric data set is plotted and displayed.
US09615800B2	Evidence based interactive monitoring device and method A method for issuing an alert which includes the following steps:—carry out an R analysis on two or more physiological variable inputs;—carry out an N analysis on a primary physiological variable input;—issue an alert if the R analysis confirms a trend for each of the physiological variable inputs and the N analysis shows a statistically significant change in the primary physiological variable input; where the two or more physiological variable inputs include systolic or mean blood pressure and pulse volume, and the primary physiological variable input is systolic or mean blood pressure; such that the alert is a visual, audio, vibratory, tactile or a combination of two or more of these or an alert signal to an output unit configured to output the alert in one of those forms.
US09615795B2	Probe support apparatus Employed is a probe support apparatus having: a base stand; an arm connected to an upper end of the base stand so that the arm can be tilted and rotated in a horizontal direction; and a probe support section connected to a distal end of the arm at a side opposite that of a portion connected to the base stand. The probe support section is constituted by a deformable section and a non-deformable section, and the non-deformable section is connected to a distal end of the arm so that the non-deformable section can rotate about an axis parallel to a rotation axis about which the arm is tilted.
US09615793B2	Continuous outpatient ECG monitoring system An ECG monitoring system for ambulatory patients includes a small multi-electrode patch that adhesively attaches to the chest of a patient. A reusable battery-powered ECG monitor clips onto the patch and receives patient electrical signals from the electrodes of the patch. A processor continuously processes received ECG signals and stores the signals in memory in the monitor. The processor also analyzes the received ECG signals for predefined arrhythmia. If an arrhythmia is detected, a wireless transceiver in the ECG monitor transmits the event information and an ECG strip to a cellphone handset. The cellphone handset automatically relays the event information and ECG strip to a monitoring center for further diagnosis and necessary intervention.
US09615792B2	System and method for conserving battery power in a patient monitoring system A vital-signs patch in a patient monitoring system is disclosed. The patch includes a housing configured to be attached to the skin of a patient, the housing containing a radio that can selectably transmit and receive on more than one frequency and a processor. The processor configures the radio to transmit and receive on a determined frequency based at least in part on the level of noise detected on the frequencies.
US09615787B2	Determining whether to change a time at which an alarm is to occur based at least in part on sleep data In one aspect, a device includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory bears instructions executable by the processor to receive data from a sleep sensor in communication with the device and, based at least in part on the data, determine whether to change a time at which an alarm is to occur at the device.
US09615784B2	Tactical clinical evaluation of patient monitor events In the present invention, a method and accompanying system for evaluating alarm events generated by patient monitors includes the steps of receiving a plurality of alarm events and associated alarm event data from one or more patient monitors at a central control unit, storing the alarm event data in an electronic storage medium, calculating an acuity score for the patient monitor from the alarm event data and a customizable rule set input into and stored in the control unit, the rule set applied to the alarm event data and comparing the calculated acuity score to a threshold value for the acuity score.
US09615780B2	Method and apparatus for providing data processing and control in medical communication system Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.
US09615774B2	CO2 sensor and CO2 measuring apparatus A CO2 sensor includes: a sensing portion operable to change in color in accordance with a CO2 partial pressure in expiration from at least one of nares and a mouth of a living body; and a mounting member adapted to hold the sensing portion at a position where the expiration from the at least one of the nares and the mouth impinges on the sensing portion.
US09615770B2	Pediatric imaging assembly A patient support assembly for use in a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanner includes a first and a second patient support structure and a first and a second imaging coil. The patient support assembly provides support for multiple anatomical regions being imaged, improving patient comfort during the procedure. Access to the patient is improved by: providing a flexible coil that wraps around at least one of the anatomical regions being imaged, providing a support structure open to the anterior region of the anatomical region being imaged, and providing a support structure that may be opened and closed about the anatomical region being imaged. The patient support assembly also aligns the two imaging coils to minimize interference between coils during imaging.
US09615769B2	Method to generate an RF excitation pulse to excite an arbitrarily shaped volume, method for targeted excitation of spins within a vessel, and method to create MR angiography images, and magnetic resonance system In order to generate an RF excitation pulse together with a gradient curve to excite nuclear spins an arbitrarily shaped volume with a magnetic resonance system, a volume segment is prepared in which the volume is situated, such that only spins within the volume yield an MR signal portion in the subsequent detection of an MR signal. An MR signal is detected from the volume segment along a trajectory of k-space. At least one gradient for scanning k-space along the trajectory is switched during the detection. The RF excitation pulse is generated corresponding to the MR signal detected in a temporally inverted manner, and the gradient curve is generated corresponding to the temporally inverted curve of the at least one gradient to scan k-space.
US09615766B2	Impedance measurement process Apparatus for use in performing impedance measurements on a subject, the apparatus including a probe having a plurality of electrodes, the probe being configured to allow at least some of the electrodes to be in contact with at least part of the subject and a processing system for, determining at least one first impedance value, measured at a site using a first electrode configuration, determining at least one second impedance value, measured at the site using a second electrode configuration and determining an indicator indicative of the presence, absence or degree of an anomaly using the first and second impedance values.
US09615763B2	Ambulatory electrocardiography monitor recorder optimized for capturing low amplitude cardiac action potential propagation Physiological monitoring can be provided through a lightweight wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a reusable monitor recorder that removably snaps into a receptacle on the electrode patch. The wearable monitor sits centrally (in the midline) on the patient's chest along the sternum oriented top-to-bottom. The placement of the wearable monitor in a location at the sternal midline, with its unique narrow “hourglass”-like shape, significantly improves the ability of the wearable monitor to cutaneously sense cardiac electrical potential signals, particularly the P-wave and, to a lesser extent, the QRS interval signals indicating ventricular activity in the ECG waveforms. Additionally, the monitor recorder includes an ECG sensing circuit that measures raw cutaneous electrical signals using a driven reference containing power supply noise and system noise to the reference lead, which is critical to preserving the characteristics of low amplitude cardiac action potentials, particularly P-waves.
US09615762B2	Coordinating interface for electrophysiology studies A coordinating interface for electrophysiological signals provides inputs for ECG and intra-cardiac electrodes and provides a computer controllable processing path outputting data using a shareable digital data output. Requests received over a digital control line allow the computer to control a multiway switch and analog filter set to arbitrate among different uses of the electrophysiological signals by different devices. A single coordinating interface helps reduce interference from competing uses. Pre-stored configuration data simplifies the connection of different devices having different uses of the physiological data.
US09615756B2	Device and method for the continuous non-invasive measurement of blood pressure A device and method for use in monitoring blood pressure. The device comprises a controller configured to monitor a first blood pressure measurement based on a first blood pressure signal. The controller is configured to initiate acquiring a second blood pressure measurement based on a second blood pressure signal if the first blood pressure measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold. The decision to initiate acquiring the second blood pressure measurement is based on only one blood pressure measurement.
US09615754B2	Inducing and measuring myocardial oxygenation changes as a marker for heart disease The present disclosure relates to a method of assessing heart function and a system for assessing heart function. In detail, the present disclosure relates to a measuring a change in oxygenation or blood flow in the heart of the subject in response to a breathing maneuver and comparing the change in oxygenation or blood flow to a control. The change in oxygenation may be measured by segmenting an image of a heart, determining the signal intensity of a region of interest in a segment of the image and comparing the signal intensity to a control. An abnormal change in oxygenation blood flow or signal intensity in the heart compared to the control is indicative of reduced heart function. The disclosure further relates to a system for diagnosing heart disease which comprises an imaging device and processor configured to assess heart function.
US09615744B2	Chopper-stabilized instrumentation amplifier for impedance measurement In general, this disclosure is directed to a mixer amplifier that can be utilized within a chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier. The chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier may be used for physiological signal sensing, impedance sensing, telemetry or other test and measurement applications. In some examples, the mixer amplifier may include a current source configured to generate a modulated current at a modulation frequency for application to a load to produce an input signal, an amplifier configured to amplify the input signal to produce an amplified signal, and a demodulator configured to demodulate the amplified signal at the modulation frequency to produce an output signal indicating an impedance of the load.
US09615740B2	Eye surgery microscope having an entity for measuring an ametropia An eye surgery microscope 1 having an illumination beam path 9 for imaging a portion of an eye 3 of a patient and a measurement beam path 25 for measuring an ametropia of the eye. The microscope comprises an objective lens 11 having an objective plane 13 in which the eye of the patient is disposable; at least one ocular 17 or a camera 19 for generating and detecting an image of the object plane, respectively; a measurement light source for generating a measurement light beam 29; a measurement module 41 having a light detector; optics traversed by the measurement beam path for directing the measurement light beam onto the retina 7 of the eye of the patient and for providing measurement light 39 reflected at the retina to the measurement module; and a controller; wherein the measurement module and the controller are configured to determine a position of an image of the retina generated by the optics along the measurement beam path and to output a measurement value representing the ametropia of the eye of the patient.
US09615737B2	Image forming apparatus, image forming method, program, and ophthalmic apparatus A distortion in an image, which occurs when the image is formed by scanning a retina with a resonance scanner, is reduced. An image forming apparatus for forming an image of an object to be inspected includes: a detecting unit for detecting signals relating to a resonance scanner which is set to scan the object to be inspected with measurement light at a first frequency; a determining unit for determining a second frequency which is estimated to be used for the scanning by the resonance scanner, based on a correlation between groups of the detected signals for each cycle of the first frequency; and an image forming unit for forming the image of the object to be inspected based on the determined second frequency.
US09615736B2	Optical interference tomographic apparatus, and method for controlling optical interference tomographic apparatus In order to acquire a tomographic image of the eye to be inspected with high precision even in case where an optical path length and intensity vary depending on a scanned position in an OCT apparatus acquiring the tomographic image of a predetermined part of an object to be inspected, based on the intensity of interference light obtained by combining return light from the object that has been irradiated with the measuring light, with reference light corresponding to the measuring light, includes: a scanning optical system which scans the object with the measuring light in an optical path of the measuring light; an image forming unit which generates the tomographic image based on the intensity of the interference light; and an image correcting unit which subjects the tomographic image to a correction process appropriate to the scanned position with the measuring light on the object.
US09615735B2	Measurement of the lipid and aqueous layers of a tear film Systems and methods for determining thickness of lipid and aqueous layers of a tear film in which a spectrum array is generated from optical coherence tomography and input into a statistical estimator, which determines the thickness of the lipid and/or aqueous layers at a nanometer resolution based on the inputted spectrum and other information, such as information about a laser intensity noise, Poisson noise, and dark noise associated with the OCT.
US09615732B2	Dental mirror cover A device for covering dental mirrors to prevent contact of metal surfaces of a dental mirror from coming in to contact with a persons mouth while in use without covering the mirror portion of the mouth mirror.
US09615727B2	Insertion apparatus An insertion portion, a bending portion, an inner guide sheath, an operation portion, a fixing lever, a guide member, a crank member, a pair of link members, and cam members that are rotatable to a second rotation position where the cam members simultaneously press exposed sites of moving members to wall surfaces in a vertical direction, and a first rotation position where the cam members are separated from the exposed sites, by either one of opening and closing of the respective link members are included.
US09615725B2	Tamper-evident camera enclosure A housing for an instrument such as an endoscopic camera head is provided. The housing includes at least two parts which are attachable to each other by using tabs and grooves, creating a sealed and tamper-evident housing without the use of externally exposed fasteners. A tool for attaching the two parts and a method of its use are also provided.
US09615717B2	Spin-dryable mop In a spin-dryable mop, a handle includes upper and lower tubes. A spinning mechanism movably connects the upper tube to the lower tube. The spinning mechanism rotates the upper tube on the lower tube when the upper tube moves axially on the lower tube. A locking mechanism includes a sleeve and a quick-release. The sleeve is secured to the upper tube and located at a place where the upper tube is connected to the lower tube. The sleeve includes an opening. The quick-release is connected to the sleeve in the opening. The quick-release includes a cam extending through the opening to press the lower tube to keep the upper tube in position on the lower tube. A spin-drying mechanism includes a net for movably receiving the lower tube and a shelter for rotationally receiving the net. A mop head is connected to the lower tube.
US09615716B2	Automatic cleaning device An automatic cleaning device includes a main body and an operating unit. The operating unit is disposed on the lower side of the main body and includes several wheels. At least one of these wheels tilts downward with respect to the main body and the wheels may cause the automatic cleaning device to move around. In addition, with the aid of a piece of fabric, brush or dust removal paper attached to each wheel, the automatic cleaning device of the present invention can freely move around and clean up all corners of a flat floor.
US09615713B2	Extractor cleaning machine An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a base exhaust duct having an exhaust outlet directed toward a surface being cleaned. The extractor further includes a suction source that is operable to generate an airflow that is discharged through the exhaust outlet of the base and onto the surface, which is configured to at least partially dry the surface. The extractor further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base such that the body is pivotable between an upright position and an inclined position, and the body includes a body exhaust duct that is movable relative to the base exhaust duct as the handle pivots between the upright position and the inclined position. The base exhaust duct and the body exhaust duct cooperate to form an exhaust passageway between the suction source and the exhaust outlet.
US09615711B2	Floor care appliance A brush vacuum cleaner having a safety shutdown of the drive via an overload brush roller torque detection. A mechanical triggering element via transmission elements actuates an electrical switch for the main switch to shut down the drive above a torque threshold. The switch is additionally connected in parallel by an external actuating element to an on and off position by a spring-loaded control element and a coupling element. Due to the control element, switching the switch into an off position due to overload is transmitted to the actuating element that can be adjusted into an off position. The control element is spring held in the on position in an arrangement for the engagement of the control element, where an unlocking can be set as off position by adjustment of the control element via the actuating element against the spring pressure.
US09615704B1	Cleaning apparatus for an air handling unit An apparatus for supporting an air handling unit during servicing may comprise a support tray which defines a space for receiving the unit and may include opposite sides and opposite ends, with a front side and top of the tray being substantially open such that the is movable through the front side into the support tray. The apparatus may also include a support frame supporting the support tray above a ground surface and wheels on the support frame. The support frame may be configured to permit the tray to tilt end to end with respect to the support frame to adjust heights of the ends and to permit the tray to tilt side to side with respect to the support frame to adjust a height of the front side of the tray.
US09615701B2	Shower head having electrically driven cleaning device A shower head includes a main body, a motor, a cleaning device and a liquid dispenser. The main body has a channel, an inlet and a plurality of outlets. The channel fluidly connects the inlet and the plurality of outlets. The motor is disposed in the main body and has a driving shaft. The cleaning device is connected to the shaft of the motor. The cleaning device has a cleaning portion exposed on the main body. The liquid dispenser is disposed in the main body and has an outlet terminal in fluid connection with the cleaning portion.
US09615700B2	Urinal with hand washing functionality The urinal incorporates hand washing functionality. Clean water is supplied from an array of holes or nozzles located in an overhang so that a user can wash their hands, and then the waste water is used to flush a urinal located below. The combination of these two functions in a single unit provides an inexpensive means for conserving water and efficiently using bathroom facilities while requiring less physical space than that needed for a separate urinal and hand washing station. The overhang can be retrofitted onto existing urinals.
US09615696B2	Grill removal assembly A grill removal assembly removes a hot grill grate from an appliance such as a grill, smoker, oven, or the like. The assembly includes a handle has a slot and a pair of tabs. The slot may insertably receive a selected one of a rod on a grill. The tabs may be positioned beneath a central rod on the grill when the slot receives the selected rod. A stabilizer is attached to the handle. The stabilizer abuts the selected rod when the slot receives the selected rod thereby facilitating the handle to remove the grill from an oven.
US09615691B2	Air fryer The present invention relates to manufacturing of kitchen appliances, and particularly to air fryer, comprising fryer body, liner, frying basket provided within the liner, electrical heating tube arranged above the frying basket and fan located above the heating tube. Side wall of the frying basket is thin plate and bottom of the frying basket is grid. Air channel is provided between the liner and the frying basket. Swirl guide cylinder is provided externally at the bottom of the frying basket and is connected with the side wall of the frying basket. Air inlets for forming rotary air flow are opened on the bottom of the swirl guide cylinder. The air inlets divert the air flow in a same direction and form a swirl. With such configuration, the frying basket is simple in structure, the liner is easy to manufacture and clean, and the frying basket is better supported.
US09615683B2	Liquid-dispensing container with single gimbal mechanism A household liquid-dispensing container such as a drinking vessel or a jug comprising a vessel (30) that is configured to hold a liquid and that has a base (37) on which it can stand, an opening (39) and at least one side (38); and a handle (50) that is configured to be held by a user and that is attached to a side of the vessel (38) by a joint that forms a single gimbal between the handle (50) and the vessel (30) and that allows the handle (50) to pivot about a single axis (21) that extends directly above the center of gravity of the vessel (30) when the vessel base (37) is standing on a horizontal surface; an optional baffle assembly (80) to reduce sloshing; and a lid (120).
US09615682B1	Headrest for head and neck Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are related to a supportive apparatus for the head and neck. Embodiments of the invention incorporate a C-shaped apparatus shaped to support the posterior region of the neck. A center region found in certain embodiments of the C-shaped apparatus is placed on the posterior of a neck. Lateral supports found in certain embodiments of the C-shaped apparatus are placed on the lateral aspect of a neck. Embodiments of the invention include an opening across a center region functioning to support the apparatus, and to further act as to ventilate a user's nape.
US09615680B2	Device with a number of stations for displaying a number of containers Methods and device are provided for displaying a container. The device includes a number of stations to receive a number of containers. The container has an angled top and a recessed bottom. The device has an opening with a first end and a second end opposite of one another to receive the container. Each station has a die-cut angle at the first end of the opening to retain the container via the angled top. Each station has a die-cut post at the second end of the opening to retain the container via the recessed bottom.
US09615679B2	Display system In an example embodiment, a system of lifting, lowering and rotating a display may include a housing, a rotator, and a hoist. The rotator may be configured to selectively rotate the housing such that a display functionally coupled to the housing is rotated. The rotator may include an anchor and a rotating portion. The anchor may be configured to be attached to an elevated surface. The rotating portion may be configured to be functionally coupled to the housing, and configured to rotate relative to the anchor. The hoist may include a member and a hoist motor. The hoist motor may be configured to selectively rotate the member such that a cable functionally coupled to the member is wound about the member when the member is rotated in a first direction, and the cable is unwound from the member when the member is rotated in a second direction.
US09615674B2	Can dispenser and merchandiser A dispenser is provided for storing and individually dispensing cylindrical containers in a vertical orientation. The dispenser includes an upper chamber having a ramp sloping downward toward a back of the dispenser, which receives the containers loaded in a vertical orientation at a front of the dispenser. The containers move down the upper chamber ramp by gravity to an opening at a back end of the dispenser, through which the containers pass to a lower chamber. The lower chamber has a ramp sloping downward toward the front of the dispenser. The containers move down the lower chamber ramp by gravity to a dispensing position at the front of the dispenser. A latch is positioned at a back portion of the upper chamber to restrict passage of the containers so that they pass through the opening one at a time as containers are removed from the dispensing position.
US09615671B1	Play platform The legless, planar, rectangular platform may consist of a top that will be the primary play surface. In addition to the rectangular platform, additional members may be included. A front member may be attached to the primary platform and may run along the width of the invention. A second member, considered one side of the invention, may be attached in like manner to the primary platform as the front member, as well as being attached at a 90 degree angle to the front member with slots for drawers. The four members when attached together may form a rectangular shaped structure to which the primary flat member is attached. Removable bins may also be included. Each bin may attach along the periphery of the primary flat platform for ease of access and secure storage. Each bin may be comprised of five (5) members; a bottom and four (sides).
US09615669B2	Adjustable interface pressure device A method and system to provide an occupant support device includes a first inflatable tube, a second inflatable tube disposed parallel to the first inflatable tube, a third inflatable tube disposed at a relative angle to the first inflatable tube, above the first inflatable tube and below the second inflatable tube, a fourth inflatable tube disposed parallel to the third inflatable tube, below the first inflatable tube and above the second inflatable tube, and an inflation device to selectively provide a low pressure and a high pressure to at least one of the first inflatable tube, the second inflatable tube, the third inflatable tube, and the fourth inflatable tube.
US09615657B2	Corner joint for modular portable stand A corner joint for use in a modular portable stand that can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled by one person without using any tools or hardware.
US09615652B2	Broom head with bristle structure In respect of the problem of specifying a broom head which can readily sweep up differently sized particles and mixtures of the same, a broom head comprising a basic body (100), from which clusters (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13) of bristles project, characterized in that the clusters (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13) have a cross section which is neither round nor circular.
US09615651B2	Universal holder and mobile platform for supporting a plurality of hand-held devices A holder and mobile platform assembly may include a support plate shaped to fit in the palm of a user's hand. A hand strap may be attached to the support plate and configured to wrap around the user's hand. A mobile platform may be mounted for rotation on the support plate. The mobile platform may include a support surface having a releasable fastener provided thereon for supporting a first device, and a support compartment extending from an edge of the support surface for supporting a second device.
US09615650B2	Armband for an electronic device An armband includes an electronic device holder including an outer shell for holding an electronic device. A first wing structure with a first strap opening extends outward from the outer shell and a second wing structure with a second strap opening extends outward from the outer shell. The armband further includes a strap with at least one attachment portion located between a first end portion and a second end portion of the strap for detachably securing the first end portion after the strap has passed through the first strap opening and for detachably securing the second end portion after the strap has passed through the second strap opening. An inner layer of the strap includes a moisture wicking material.
US09615647B2	Makeup application assistance device, makeup application assistance method, and makeup application assistance program A makeup application assistance device includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires an image obtained by photographing a face; a face part acquisition unit that acquires, from the image, face part regions of the face; a face makeup technique selection unit that selects a face makeup technique, which is a face makeup application method, for each face part; a skin condition acquisition unit that acquires the skin condition of the face; a skin correction makeup technique selection unit that selects, on the basis of the skin condition, a skin correction makeup technique, which is a skin correction makeup application method; and a makeup technique presentation unit that presents the selected face makeup techniques associated with the corresponding face part regions, and presents the selected skin correction makeup technique, to a user.
US09615645B2	Adjustable roller and cosmetic device A roller assembly for a cosmetic device includes a cylindrical drum portion having an interior and an abrasive outer surface; first and second ends enclosing opposite ends of the cylindrical drum portion; and first and second posts extending from the interior of the cylindrical drum portion and being movable along a longitudinal axis of the roller assembly.
US09615643B2	Hair styling device A hair styling device is disclosed. In one aspect the hair styling device includes: a body defining a chamber adapted to accommodate a length of hair, the chamber having a primary opening through which the length of hair may enter the chamber; a rotatable element adapted to engage the length of hair adjacent to the primary opening; an elongate member around which, in use, the length of hair is wound by the rotatable element; a guide part adapted to guide the length of hair towards the primary opening, the rotatable element being rotatable relative to the guide part, the guide part being movable relative to the body. The movable guide part may also serve to press the length of hair towards the primary opening.
US09615641B2	Security protected credit cards container and billfold A container and billfold for carrying credit cards and the like is provided with security protection for shielding surreptitious remote retrieval of the information stored in magnetic means on the cards. The upper edge portions of the cards are exposed in a staggered manner in the container for ready identification, selection and removal of a particular card during use. The container has a spring-loaded cam operated compression spring hinge to maintain it in either a closed condition in a snap action or in a secure opened condition with its upper housing pivoted to a maximum opening position of generally 49 degrees relative to the plane of the lower housing. A paper currency clip is also provided in the container.
US09615640B2	Personal items retrieval system A personal items retrieval system including, at least, a first receptacle for receiving a specific first personal item, a first receptacle label that identifies the specific first personal item, a second receptacle for receiving a specific second personal item, and a second receptacle label that identifies the specific second personal item. Including an individual, separate receptacle as well as a label for a specific item on each receptacle provides a visual cue that an item may be misplaced, for example before the owner needs the item. Each specific personal item is uniquely paired with a receptacle and a label, thereby providing a convenient indication of whether the specific personal item is within its designated location, or whether the specific personal item may need to be located.
US09615639B2	Packaging for disposable soft contact lenses The present disclosure provides a contact lens package containing a contact lens in a compressed state. In one exemplary embodiment, the overall internal depth of the package is less than the natural sagittal depth of the contact lens. Different single-use contact lens package shapes and configurations may be used. In some embodiments, a spring disc is included in the packages to help present the contact lens to the user when the package is opened. The contact lens packages may be adhered or clipped to a card or other carrier sheet, and may be housed in a number of different secondary packages.
US09615633B2	Buckle A buckle which includes a socket and a plug. The socket includes: a cylindrical main body; a hollow part formed within the main body; a pair of left and right openings continuous to the hollow part and penetrating through wall parts of the main body; and a pair of left and right first latch surfaces defined on opening-side wall surfaces of the wall parts of the main body and inclined in a direction intersecting with an insertion direction of the plug. The plug includes: a base; arms; and a pair of left and right second latch surfaces protruding outward from outer sides of the arms and inclined in the direction intersecting with the insertion direction of the plug.
US09615628B2	Insole and a method and a system for insole manufacture A method, apparatuses and a system for manufacturing an insole, a shoe or a sole for a shoe. Foot information is determined on the shape and dimensions of a foot, and a pin matrix is formed at least partially based on the foot information. An insole or sole preform is placed on the pin matrix for shaping the insole preform, and an insole or sole is formed from the preform based on the foot information using the pin matrix. A positive and a negative pin matrix at least partially based on the foot information can be formed wherein the negative pin matrix essentially corresponds to the positive pin matrix.
US09615624B2	Article of footwear with rod support system An article of footwear has a sole with a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion. The sole has a ground-facing side and a foot-facing side opposite the ground-facing side. The article of footwear includes a support system that has one or more rods spaced from the sole and extending longitudinally from the forefoot portion to the heel portion on the foot-facing side. The rod is operatively connected to the sole at the forefoot portion and at the heel portion. A sling is suspended from the rod over the midfoot portion. The rod bends when the sole is flexed to thereby lift the sling away from the sole.
US09615613B2	Sleep apnea prevention mask A sleep apnea prevention sleep-aid mask is described. The sleep-aid mask is configured to secure the lips of a user together in a natural state, in order to encourage the respiratory system of the user to employ the nasal passages rather than the mouth for respiration. A pad equipped with a perforated mesh or channel is positioned over the lips and mouth of the user, and secured in position on the user via an adhesive, which temporarily affixes the pad to the face of the user. The sleep-aid mask is preferably shaped and sized according to the specific size of the user's face, and is configured to limit the effective diameter of the mouth of the user, in order to cause continued use of respiration via the nasal passages.
US09615612B2	Filtering face-piece respirator with stiffening member integral with filtering structure A filtering face-piece respirator 10 having a mask body 12 formed of a filtering structure 16. The mask body 12 has at least one transversely extending stiffening member 50, formed by an s-shaped or tri-fold pleat permanently connected, such as by welding. The at least one stiffening member 50 increases the integrity of the mask body 12, when in the opened cup-shaped configuration, inhibiting collapse of the mask body, due to, for example, increased pressure drop across the mask body 12 due to dirty or moisture laden air.
US09615604B2	Food waste dehydrator A food waste dehydrator that can efficiently collect food scraps and food waste and create an output that can be used as livestock feed, livestock feed supplement, or can be further processed into compost or soil amendment. In some embodiments, the food waste dehydrator is mobile and modular. In some embodiments, the food waste dehydrator includes a self-contained heating and energy source.
US09615595B2	Method and apparatus for wasteless homogenized soybean beverage production A method and apparatus for producing a soy beverage in a non-oxidizing process environment. Soybeans and water are mixed in a pulverizer to produce a slurry, which is then fed through a homogenizing mixer to produce a final beverage product with desired characteristics. The apparatus can be housed in a tamper-proof container with input and output connections for user interface.
US09615591B1	Meat stripper with articulating stripper plate assembly A meat stripper is disclosed for stripping meat from the bone of an animal part. The meat stripper includes a slide block and a first stripper plate assembly including an arm pivotally mounted to the slide block and having a first stripper plate at an opposite end. A second stripper plate assembly including an arm is pivotally mounted to the slide block and has a second stripper plate at an opposite end with the second stripper plate opposing the first stripper plate. The first and second stripper plates move away from each other to open the meat stripper when the arms are pivoted apart and move toward each other to surround the bone when the arms are pivoted together. A mechanism is disclosed for moving the stripper plates along the length of the bone to strip meat from the bone. A mechanism also is disclosed for articulating at least one of the stripper plates after meat has been stripped from the bone in such a way that meat lodged in or on the stripper is dislodged and falls to a collection location below. In one example, the pivot plate pivots to dislodge the meat and is magnetically biased to a stripping position.
US09615589B2	Decoupled drive units for gathering and over-spreading The present invention relates to a clipping machine and a method for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, by filing a flowable filling material into a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and closing said packaging casing by a closure means, like a closure clip. The clipping machine comprises a filling tube for feeding the filling material into the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing stored on the filling tube and being closed at its first end, gathering means for gathering the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and for forming a plait-like portion thereto, the gathering means includes a first displacer unit and a second displacer unit, and a clipping device having a first and a second closing tool being reversibly movable between an opened position and a closed position, for applying at least one closure means to the plait-like portion and closing said closure means when the closing tools are in their closed position. The clipping machine includes common drive means for commonly reversibly radially moving the gathering means from an opened position into a closed position for performing the gathering movement, and the clipping tools for applying said closure means on the plait-like portion and closing said closure means. The clipping machine further comprises single drive means for separately reversibly driving the second displacer unit for executing a movement in axial direction for forming the plait-like portion, at least partially independently from the common drive means. The clipping machine further comprises a control unit for controlling the single drive means at least partially independently from the common drive means and at least a first sensor associated with the common drive means and at least a second sensor associated with the single drive means, which are coupled to the control unit.
US09615574B2	Compositions of dibromomalonamide and their use as biocides A biocidal composition comprising a synergistic ratio of 2,2-dibromomalonamide and hydroxymethyl-substituted phosphorus compound, and its use for the control of microorganisms in aqueous and water-containing systems.
US09615564B2	Rod holder The present invention is concerned with an improved rod holder, particularly a gunwale rod holder, particularly for use in sports fishing.
US09615563B2	Double ended fishing worm canister A double ended fishing worm canister in a double ended canister for storing and using worms as bait for fishing. The canister has a cylindrical body having a top end and a bottom end, a first lid removably attached to the top end, and a second lid removably attached to the bottom end. The first lid includes a container therein having a pivoting cover attached thereto, the pivoting cover includes at least one side wall adapted to cut worms into separate pieces, such that the canister is adapted to store worms and dirt therein, be opened and closed from either end, and cut worms into separate pieces for use as bait for fishing.
US09615562B2	Analyzing marine trip data Various implementations described herein are directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, may cause the computer to receive data recorded by a wearable device during a fishing trip. The computer may receive location data that corresponds to the fishing trip. The computer may use the data recorded by the wearable device to determine a time period for a fishing activity during the fishing trip. The computer may use the location data to determine locations corresponding to the time period.
US09615559B2	Reel equipped with line guide A reel equipped with a line guide. The reel includes: a reel body having a spool; a level winder including a double threaded-shaft mounted ahead of the spool on the reel body; and a line guide having a body having a corresponding fastening portion coupled to the double threaded-shaft of the level winder and having a guide portion that is formed at an upper portion of the body and through which a fishing line passes, in which a line contact-reinforcing member made of a wear resistance material is disposed in the line guide.
US09615556B2	Dual-bearing reel An electric reel includes a reel unit, a spool, a level wind mechanism and a plate member. The reel unit includes a fishing rod attachment leg and a frame. The frame includes a first side plate disposed on the same side as a handle and a second side plate disposed opposite the first side plate so as to enable the spool to be disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate. The spool is rotatable with respect to the reel unit. The level wind mechanism includes a fishing line guide that is disposed forward of the spool and is reciprocatable along a spool shaft as a rotation shaft of the spool. The plate member is a plate-shaped member disposed between the spool and the fishing line guide along the axial direction of the spool shaft, and is attached to the reel unit from a side lateral to the frame.
US09615555B2	Spool device for a fishing reel A spool device includes a spool shaft and a spool. The spool shaft is rotatably mounted to the reel body. The spool is mounted to the spool shaft. The spool device has a notch part and a protruding portion. The notch part is disposed on one of the spool and the spool shaft. The notch part is formed in an axial direction of the spool shaft. The protruding portion is disposed on the other of the spool or the spool shaft. The protruding portion is configured to engage the notch part.
US09615554B2	Fishing reel A spinning reel includes a reel body. The real body includes a lid portion having a fitting recess and a groove. An axle bearing member fits into the fitting recess. The fitting recess includes an inner surface that contacts the axle bearing member and a bottom surface that contacts the axle bearing member. The groove is formed on the inner surface.
US09615548B2	Hummingbird feeder and feed pod A hummingbird feeder having a disposable, single-use feed pod containing a liquid hummingbird food and a feeder assembly including a feed pod support for positioning the feed pod in a desired orientation. The feed pod is supported and oriented in the feed pod support and keeps liquid food for touching the hummingbird feeder other that the feed pod. The hummingbird feeder can include an access cover with a port located generally in the center thereof through which the hummingbird can access the hummingbird food. The access cover engages the feed pod and includes a projection that can pierce the top of the feed pod where access can be had to the food by a hummingbird through the port. The feeder can also have no access cover, in which case a port is provided in the top of the feed pod. Multiple feeder assemblies and feed pods can be configured together.
US09615547B2	Pet animal collar for health and vital signs monitoring, alert and diagnosis A system for monitoring vital signs of a pet animal comprises an annular band, an accelerometer configured to measure at least one of resting patterns, activity patterns, movement patterns, position patterns relating to, for example the pet animal relieving itself, lameness and scratching, and a non-accelerometer sensor configured to measure at least one of the following non-accelerometer-measured bioparameters of the pet animal: temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate. One or more processors are configured to receive sensor output data and reference data concerning the measured bioparameters of the pet animal or of a population of the pet animal, and determine a suspicion of a specific medical condition by: (i) scoring at least two bioparameters and comparing a cumulative score to a threshold cumulative score or to a threshold cumulative range; or (ii) identifying an abnormal pattern. The processor(s) may send an alert if at least one specific medical condition is suspected.
US09615546B2	Wearable canine and feline collar with camera and added features A multifunction animal collar. The collar including a plurality of electronic components for collecting and transmitting audio and visual information to and from a remote user in real time. The plurality of electronic components including a satellite communication chip, a GPS chip, a camera, a thermographic camera, infrared camera, a microphone, a speaker, and a light. The satellite communication chip capable of transmitting and receiving viewed images and sounds to a remote user for viewing on an external electronic device and back to the animal in real time.
US09615543B2	Self-adjusting magnetic link The present invention is a self-adjusting link for connecting two anchors that move under a varying external force, comprising: N magnetic units; N−1 link connectors, each link connector connecting one unit to an adjacent unit, each magnetic unit being held by the link connectors such that each pair of adjacent units can move from a closed position where they are magnetically bound to an open position where they do not exert significant force on each other; and anchor connectors attached to the anchors. The length of the link increases as the external force increases sufficiently to cause one or more pairs of magnetic units to move from the closed position into one of the open positions to permit the anchors to further separate, and the length of the link decreases as the external force is reduced and one or more pairs of magnetic units move into the closed position.
US09615542B2	Mechanically compliant probe for delivering an electrical stimulus to an animal Described is a mechanically compliant stimulus delivery probe for delivering an electrical stimulus to an animal. The stimulus delivery probe is mechanically secured to an animal training device that is adapted to be carried by the animal and to generate the electrical stimulus. When the animal training device is carried by the animal, the stimulus delivery probe is positioned in physical contact with the animal such that the stimulus delivery probe delivers the electrical stimulus to the animal. The stimulus delivery probe is also mechanically compliant to the extent that the force applied by the animal training device against the stimulus delivery probe is substantially absorbed by the stimulus delivery probe, reducing the localized force realized by the animal. The reduction of the force realized by the animal promotes safety and comfort for the animal.
US09615540B1	Dispensing system for providing food and water to a pet in an automobile A dispensing system for dispensing water and/or food to a pet that is confined in an automobile. A backboard is attached to the rear of a vehicle's seat using suspension elements. At least one storage container is mounted to the backboard. A tray is positioned under the storage containers. The tray holds a bowl for each storage container. The tray is also attached to the backboard. The bowls receive the dispensed water and/or food dispensed from the storage containers. The bowls are specially formed to minimize spillage in an automobile. Each bowl is annular in shape. As such, each bowl has a central opening. When water or food fills a bowl, any overflow or spillage flows into the central opening. Under the bowls, the spillage is captured by receptacles in the underlying tray.
US09615535B2	Spinach hybrid SV1778VC and parents thereof The invention provides seed and plants of spinach hybrid SV1778VC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SV1778VC and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another spinach plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the leaf and gametes of such plants.
US09615532B2	Peronospora resistance in Sinacia oleracea The present invention relates to a spinach plant which may comprise a single dominant gene which confers resistance to Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae races Pfs1, Pfs2, Pfs3, Pfs4, Pfs5, Pfs6, Pfs9, Pfs11, Pfs12, Pfs13 and UA4410, and to isolate E1314-283, wherein the gene is obtainable by introgression from a plant grown from seeds of which a representative sample was deposited with the NCIMB under NCIMB accession numbers 41857, 41976, 41977, 41978, 41980, 41981, 41984, 42116. The invention further relates to progeny of the plant, to propagation material therefore, such as seed, and to food products which may comprise the spinach leaves.
US09615531B2	Peronospora resistance in Spinacia oleracea The present invention relates to a spinach plant which may comprise a single dominant gene which confers resistance to Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae races Pfs1, Pfs2, Pfs3, Pfs4, Pfs5, Pfs6, Pfs9, Pfs11, Pfs12, Pfs13 and UA4410, wherein the gene is obtainable by introgression from a plant grown from seeds of which a representative sample was deposited with the NCIMB under NCIMB accession number 41857. The invention further relates to progeny of the plant, to propagation material therefore, such as seed, and to food products which may comprise the spinach leaves.
US09615529B1	Variety corn line MFX7747 The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated MFX7747, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line MFX7747 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line MFX7747, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line MFX7747, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09615528B1	Variety corn line IJ7331 The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated IJ7331, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line IJ7331 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line IJ7331, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line IJ7331, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09615526B1	Inbred corn line DDM01 An inbred corn line, designated DDM01, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line DDM01, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line DDM01 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line DDM01 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line DDM01, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line DDM01 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US09615524B2	Garden bean variety PV-832 A novel garden bean variety, designated PV-832, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean variety PV-832, to the plants of garden bean line PV-832 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the variety PV-832 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the variety PV-832.
US09615521B1	Inbred corn line MBB56 An inbred corn line, designated MBB56, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line MBB56, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line MBB56 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line MBB56 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line MBB56, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line MBB56 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US09615519B2	Plant cultivation material and plant cultivation method using the material Plant cultivation materials, which have the liquid retentivity and the liquid transitivity, which provide the best environment for plants respiration, which comprises polyesters, natural pulps and/or synthetic pulps such as polyolefin pulps, from which plants can absorb the amount of the elements necessary for the plant growth as much as plants want whenever plants want, and which provide the cultivation environment to accelerate the plant growth, and the plant cultivation methods by using the materials can be provided.
US09615518B2	Subsurface barrier retention system and methods related thereto A subsurface retention barrier system installed in situ to retain water in a projected root zone of one or more plants is disclosed. An apparatus and system for installing the subsurface retention barriers and methods related thereto are also disclosed.
US09615516B2	Systems and methods for symmetrical drip mesh Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a drip irrigation system with triangulated drip emitters configured to uniformly distribute wetting patterns. The drip irrigation system may be wrapped with a protective filter fabric for the length of the distribution line prolonging the life of the distribution lines and emitters by preventing soil and root intrusion and protecting the drip tubing from abrasions, cuts, or pinching. The drip irrigation system may be a unified device that is configured to be rolled, placed, positioned, etc. over a desired area, wherein the drip irrigation system may be coupled to a single water inlet and output water at a plurality of uniformly distributed drip emitters.
US09615514B2	Headstone edging border device An edging border device for controlling growth of vegetation is disclosed. The device includes a material sheet that has one or more openings suitable for enabling the material sheet to contact a portion of an object present in the opening. The material sheet includes one or more extending portions that extend away from the opening. The extending sheet may have a decorative surface to compliment the appearance of the object present in an opening. An extending portion may be formed of anyone or more of permeable materials, impermeable materials or combinations thereof. An extending portion may include one or more agricultural control agents wherein the control agents include one or more of herbicidal agents, fungicidal agents, insecticidal agents and mixtures thereof. Permeable materials may include cellulosic materials such as wood and wood composites. Impermeable materials may be anyone or more of rubber, plastic, metal and mixtures thereof.
US09615513B2	Harvester pick-up support A device for harvesting long agricultural products, such as grass, straw, pulses, biomass products, including a first unit (2) and a second unit (3) for picking up the agricultural products extending along a relative main line (A) and equipped with pick-up device (4, 6) configured to pick up from the ground the agricultural products and an unloading device (5, 7) operatively located downstream of the pick-up device (4, 6) and movable along the main line (A) for releasing the agricultural products. The harvesting device also includes a frame (9) having one or more portions (9a) connectable to the front of a self-propelled agricultural unit (100) and provided with a first connecting and supporting member (10) and second connecting and supporting member (11) associated respectively with the first pick-up unit (2) and the second pick-up unit (3) and positioned on opposite sides of the frame (9) relative to a middle line (D) of the frame (9) which is orthogonal to the main line (A).
US09615512B2	Articulated lateral crop divider for a flexible harvesting header A harvesting platform is carried on the front end of an agricultural combine. The harvesting platform includes lateral crop dividers for agricultural harvesting headers with a flexible cutterbar.
US09615510B2	Reel mower having bidirectional turf groomer capable of left or right hand drive A turf groomer is coupled to a reel cutting unit in advance of the cutting reel and is powered by a gearbox having a rotary gear drive that provides alternately usable first and second drive paths capable of selectively rotating the turf groomer in opposite directions at different speeds. The rotary gear drive includes an axially slidable input gear on an input shaft. An actuator is coupled to the input gear to slide the input gear from one position in which the input gear is within the first drive path to select rotation of the turf groomer in a first direction at a first rotational speed. Alternatively, the actuator can slide the input gear into a second operational position in which the input gear is within the second drive path to select rotation of the turf groomer in an opposite direction at a different speed.
US09615509B2	Harvester grain tank having active conveying system A grain tank includes a generally flat bottom that is oriented at a position that is less than the angle of repose of the grain. A conveyor mechanism conveys grain along the bottom to a cross auger for unloading. One or more sensors may be placed in the grain tank to determine a state of the grain to further determine if the conveyor mechanism should be operated to unload grain from the grain tank.
US09615507B2	Energy harvesting wireless sensor network A lawn care device (10) may include a mobility assembly (42,44) configured to facilitate movement of the lawn care device over ground, a cutting deck (40) housing at least one blade, an engine (50) operably coupled to the at least one blade via a rotatable shaft to enable the at least one blade to cut vegetation responsive to rotation of the at least one blade, a control unit (110) configured to be in communication with at least one functional unit of the lawn care device, at least one sensor (142) disposed to monitor the at least one functional unit, a transmitter (144) operably coupled to the sensor to wirelessly transmit a signal from the sensor to the control unit based on operation of the at least one functional unit, and an energy harvester (146) configured to convert energy from a source of origin into electrical energy, the electrical energy being employed for powering the at least one sensor and the transmitter.
US09615504B2	Agricultural input selection system, methods and apparatus Systems, methods and apparatus for applying varying agricultural inputs in accordance with a prescription map. The system includes a plurality of input sources each containing different agricultural inputs. A variety selector selectively places the different inputs from the plurality of input sources in communication with a meter for dispensing the inputs in accordance with the prescription map to minimize prescription errors.
US09615501B2	Controlling the position of an agricultural implement coupled to an agricultural vehicle based upon three-dimensional topography data A system for controlling the position of an agricultural implement coupled to an agricultural vehicle comprises a control unit connected to a field topography database containing three-dimensional data of the topography of a field, a location signal generation arrangement providing location data of the position of the vehicle and/or the implement in the field, an implement position sensor arranged to sense the position of the implement with respect to the ground and to a positioning arrangement configured to move the implement in response to position control signals from the control unit. The control unit is operable to provide the control signals based upon a combination of actual position data received from the implement position sensor and expected required position change data that are derived from elevation data recalled from the field topography database based upon the location data.
US09615500B2	Agricultural auxiliary tillage implement control An agricultural tillage implement includes a main section including a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, at least one auxiliary implement assembly coupled to each of the wing sections and a control system. Each auxiliary implement assembly includes at least one support member, at least one pivotal arm pivotally coupled to the support member, at least one actuator coupled to both the support member and the pivotal arm and a ground contacting implement coupled to the pivotal arm. The control system is configured to actuate the actuators to control a position of each ground contacting implement in each of the sections when the agricultural implement is transitioning to a transport mode.
US09615498B2	Haymaking machine with a coupling device comprising an improved return device A haymaking machine includes a chassis supported directly or indirectly on the ground by wheels and a working device connected to the chassis. The chassis includes a coupling device to which two hitching pieces are articulated each bearing a hitching pin for the hitching to the respective lower arms of a tractor. Each hitching piece cooperates with a respective return device. Each return device storing energy when the corresponding hitching pin moves, relative to the coupling device, upward from a first position. Each return device is able to release that energy to the corresponding hitching pin by returning the hitching pin toward the first position. Each return device stores energy when the corresponding hitching pin moves, relative to the coupling device, downward from a second position, and each return device can release that energy to the corresponding hitching pin by returning the hitching pin toward the second position.
US09622393B2	Wiring member A wire harness includes first to third electric wires, a braid shield that covers the first to third electric wires, and a tube-shaped electromagnetic wave absorber having a through hole that allows the first to third electric wires to be inserted therethrough, the electromagnetic wave absorber absorbing electromagnetic waves emitted from the first to third electric wires. The braid shield covers an outer circumferential surface and two axial end surfaces of the electromagnetic wave absorber to restrict movement of the electromagnetic wave absorber in an axial direction. The braid shield satisfies 1≦n≦15 and 10≦m≦50 where the number of carriers of the braid shield is denoted by n and the number of ends of the braid shield is denoted by m.
US09622391B2	Mobile terminal There is disclosed a mobile terminal including a display unit comprising a drive IC provided in a predetermined portion, a frame provided in a rear surface of the display unit, a flexible printed circuit board having one portion connected to the drive IC of the display unit and the other portion bent toward the rear surface of the display unit, a main board coupled to the frame and configured to control the drive IC via the flexible printed circuit board, and a heat transfer sheet configured to cover a front surface of the display unit and a predetermined portion of the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board, wherein at least predetermined portion of the heat transfer sheet is in contact with the frame, so that the heat generated in the drive IC and the light source of the display unit may be transferred to the frame and that the performance deterioration of the mobile terminal caused by the local overheat may be reduced and the difficulty in the user's holding the mobile terminal may be also reduced.
US09622385B2	Method of assembling a heat dissipating module of an electronic device A heat dissipating module of an electronic device includes a casing, a circuit board, at least one heat generation element, and a fastening assembly. The casing includes at least one lateral plate. The at least one heat generation element is firmly fixed on the at least one lateral plate through a fixing element. After the at least one lateral plate and the circuit board are combined together through the fastening assembly, the at least one lateral plate and the circuit board pass through a reflow furnace, so that the at least one heat generation element is welded on the circuit board. The heat generated by the at least one heat generation element is transferred to the at least one lateral plate of the casing so as to be dissipated away.
US09622379B1	Drawer-level immersion-cooling with hinged, liquid-cooled heat sink Cooling apparatuses and methods of fabrication are provided which facilitate immersion-cooling of an electronic component(s). The cooling apparatus includes a drawer-level enclosure sized to reside within an electronics rack. The drawer-level enclosure includes a compartment which accommodates one or more electronic components to be cooled. A dielectric fluid is disposed within the compartment. The dielectric fluid includes a liquid dielectric which at least partially immerses the electronic component(s) within the compartment(s). A hinged, liquid-cooled heat sink is also disposed within the compartment of the enclosure. The heat sink operatively facilitates cooling the one or more electronic components via the dielectric fluid within the compartment, and is rotatable between an operational position overlying the electronic component(s), and a service position which allows access to the electronic component(s).
US09622377B2	Cold plate having separable flow directing baffle An assembly includes a cold plate enclosure and a flow directing baffle separable from the cold plate enclosure. The cold plate enclosure includes a cavity therein, an inlet for coolant ingress into the cavity, and an outlet for coolant egress out of the cavity. The baffle is attached to the enclosure within the cavity. The baffle includes flow directing features such that the baffle directs coolant flow through the cavity from the inlet to the outlet in a prescribed manner.
US09622372B2	Housing-side separating layer for the stress decoupling of potted electronics The invention relates to a device, which includes a substrate for carrying an electrical circuit, a housing for enclosing the substrate, and a potting compound accommodated in the housing, which potting compound at least partially encloses the substrate. The potting compound can adhere to the housing. Furthermore, the device has a wall, from which the potting compound can detach.
US09622360B1	Movable digital display for displaying scenes within a window frame A movable digital display includes pivotable left and right side brackets. Each of the brackets has a connector coupled to a first end of a rod. The connector pivotally attaches to a window frame. An orifice is positioned proximate a second end of the rod. Each of the brackets has a shaft with a first terminus and a second terminus. There is a fastener coupled to the first terminus of the shaft. The fastener is configured to pivotally attach to the digital display. There is an aperture proximate to the second terminus of the shaft. The aperture is complimentary to the orifice of the rod. Each of the brackets has a pivot pin extending through the orifice and the aperture, such that the rod and the shaft are coupled and such that the rod and the shaft are able to pivot relative to the pin.
US09622358B2	Method for forming a circuit board via structure for high speed signaling One embodiment of the invention comprises an improved method for making a via structure for use in a printed circuit board (PCB). The via allows for the passage of a signal from one signal plane to another in the PCB, and in so doing transgresses the power and ground planes between the signal plane. To minimize EM disturbance between the power and ground planes, signal loss due to signal return current, and via-to-via coupling, the via is shielded within two concentric cylinders, each coupled to one of the power and ground planes.
US09622356B2	Electronic package mounting An assembly and method for mounting an electronic package to a printed circuit board (PCB) in which a gasket is shaped to fit tightly around and under a perimeter edge of an electronic package. The electronic package may be carried by the PCB and comprise electrical package contacts on an underside of the package, which contact PCB contacts on the PCB. The gasket may be disposed between the underside of the package and the PCB substrate and surround the contacts, and may be shaped to fit around and under a perimeter edge of the package to protect the contacts from contamination.
US09622353B2	Imaging on substrates with alkaline strippable UV blocking compositions and aqueous soluble UV transparent films Substrates, such as printed circuit boards, are coated with an aqueous alkaline developable UV photosensitive material followed by applying an aqueous soluble UV transparent film to coat the UV photosensitive material. An aqueous alkaline strippable UV blocking composition is selectively applied to the surface of the UV transparent film to function as a mask. UV light is applied to portions of the UV photosensitive material not covered by the mask. The UV blocking composition, UV transparent film and selective sections of the UV photosensitive material are simultaneously removed with an aqueous alkaline developer solution to form an image on the substrate.
US09622352B2	Manufacturing method for component incorporated substrate and component incorporated substrate In a mark forming step in a manufacturing method for a component incorporated substrate in which an electronic component is positioned with reference to a mark formed in a copper layer, when an imaginary line extending from a search center of a search range of a sensor, to an edge side of the search range is represented as a search reference line and an imaginary line extending, in a state in which a mark center, is matched with the search center, from the mark center in the same direction as the search reference line to an outer ridgeline of the mark is represented as a mark reference line, the mark formed in a shape in which the outer ridgeline of the mark is present in a position where a length of the mark reference line is in a range of 30% or more of the search reference line.
US09622351B2	Semiconductor module It is aimed to reduce the electrical field intensity at a laminate substrate on which a semiconductor device is placed. A semiconductor module includes a laminate substrate including an insulative plate, a circuit board provided on a first surface of the insulative plate and a metal plate provided on a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, and an interconnecting substrate that is provided so as to oppose the laminate substrate and that includes a metal layer. Here, the insulative plate extends more outside than an outer edge portion of the circuit board, and the metal layer has a region overlapping the outer edge portion of the circuit board and extends more outside than the outer edge portion of the circuit board.
US09622348B2	Multilayer circuit board A multilayer circuit board includes a plurality of stacked substrates, a plurality of first conductive lands, and a plurality of second conductive lands. A surface at a side of each of the substrates has an exposed portion which is not covered by the neighboring substrate, wherein each of the first conductive lands is respectively provided on each of the exposed portions. Each of the second conductive lands is provided on the exposed portion of the outermost substrate, wherein each of the substrates has a conductor pattern to be electrically connected to one of the first conductive lands and to one of the second conductive lands.
US09622343B2	Flexible display and method for preparing the same The present invention provides a flexible display and a method for preparing the same. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first substrate; forming a bonding agent layer on a first surface of the first substrate; providing a second substrate; attaching the surface of the first substrate, on which the bonding agent layer is formed, to the second substrate, wherein the adhesive force between the bonding agent layer and the second substrate is lower than 5 N/20 mm-wide bonding agent layer; forming a display device body on a second surface of the first substrate; and peeling off the first substrate, on which the display device body is formed, from the second substrate, and obtaining the flexible display.
US09622342B2	Display apparatus Provided is a display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a display panel including a substrate including a display region in which a display unit is located, a non-display region that extends outward from the display region and in which a plurality of pads are located, and a sealing portion that covers the display unit. The display apparatus also includes a circuit board including a flexible film and a plurality of terminals on the flexible film that are electrically coupled to the plurality of pads. The plurality of pads are spaced from each other along a first direction of the display panel and pad central points of the plurality of pads are located at at least two different locations along the first direction.
US09622341B2	Power semiconductor module system having a high isolation strength and method for producing a power semiconductor module arrangement having a high isolation strength A power semiconductor module includes a module housing having a top side, a first terminal group, and a second terminal group. A circuit board, which has a first electrode and a second electrode, is mountable on the power semiconductor module in such a way that in the mounted state each terminal of the first group is electrically conductively connected to the first electrode and each terminal of the second group is electrically conductively connected to the second electrode. A first isolation web and/or a second isolation web is provided. Each isolation web is fixed to the circuit board even in the unmounted state, and arranged between the first terminal group and the second terminal group in the mounted state.
US09622339B2	Routing design for high speed input/output links Certain embodiments relate to routing structures and their formation. In one embodiment a routing structure includes a first region including a first layer comprising alternating signal traces and ground traces separated by a dielectric. The first region also includes a second layer including alternating signal traces and ground traces separated by a dielectric, wherein the second layer signal positioned over the first layer ground traces, and the second layer ground traces positioned over the first layer signal traces. The first region may also include additional layers of alternating signal and ground traces. The first region may also be formed with the ground traces having a width that is larger than that of the signal traces. The routing structure may also include a second region including pads to which the traces are coupled. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09622334B2	Cyclotron and superconductive electromagnet A cyclotron includes a pole; a superconductive coil wound so as to cover an outer periphery of the pole; a coil support that supports the superconductive coil; a cooling part that cools the superconductive coil; a first support that is connected to the coil support and is capable of adjusting a position of the coil support in a direction of a winding central axis of the superconductive coil; and a second support that is connected to the coil support and is capable of adjusting the position of the coil support in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the direction of the winding central axis of the superconductive coil. The second support has a link mechanism that is displaceable in each of the direction of the winding central axis and the orthogonal direction.
US09622333B2	Linear accelerator system with stable interleaved and intermittent pulsing A linac-based X-ray system for cargo scanning and imaging applications uses linac design, RF power control, beam current control, and beam current pulse duration control to provide stable sequences of interleaved pulses having different energy levels, for example alternating 4 MeV and 6 MeV pulses or other energies where the difference in levels is at least approximately 1 MeV and less than approximately 5 MeV. The pulse repetition rate can be 100-400 pulses per second or more. In an embodiment, a cool down calculation is combined with automatic frequency control to provide stable energy and dose per pulse even upon restarting of pulsing after an “off” period of indeterminate duration.
US09622323B2	Luminaire associate A street lighting fixture and street lamp used in street lighting containing an accelerometer that is used to detect and characterize acceleration events on a street lighting fixture. The accelerometer readings may be combined with GPS technology to determine a relocation of the street lighting fixture.
US09622322B2	Task light based system and gesture control A system that determines the task of the viewer and/or gestures made by the user. Based upon the determined task and/or the gestures, the lighting provided to the viewer may be modified.
US09622321B2	Systems, devices and methods for controlling one or more lights Systems, devices and methods for controlling one or more lights are disclosed. In some aspects, systems for controlling one or more lights can include an interface and a remote sensing device that is separate from and is in electrical communication with the interface. The remote sensing device can additionally include at least one sensor, for example an ambient light sensor. Each of the remote sensing device and the interface can be configured to attach to support structures via retaining features. In one aspect, the remote sensing device can include a first and a second retaining member that rotatably thread onto a main body of the sensing device and adjust according to the thickness and structure of the support structure. In another aspect, the interface can include a retention feature utilizing flexible tabs with integrated detents to accommodate variable sizes of openings of the support structure.
US09622314B1	Dimmable and color temperature-adjustable LED lamp The invention provides dimmable and color temperature-adjustable LED lamps in the LED illumination field, comprising: a ceiling disk; an LED light source assembly on the disk, comprising an LED board with double-color temperature lamp beads and a driver providing low-voltage power for the board; and a lampshade, wherein the driver comprises: a drive housing; and a driving circuit board comprising an input power line, a high-voltage input module, a wireless control module, a dimming module, a color temperature-adjusting module, a voltage-transformation module, a low-voltage output module and an output power line. The driver with dimming and color temperature-adjusting modules can select color temperature conversion and adjust light source brightness of each color temperature section. LED lamp beads with two different color temperatures are simultaneously distributed on the same board for the consumer to adjust and convert different color temperature functions, enriching flexible selection requirement for LED lamp functions.
US09622311B1	Sub-assembly for searchlight signal, and associated assembly The invention relates to a sub-assembly for a searchlight signal comprising three distinct light emitting diodes and an interface module for connecting the three diodes to a controller.The interface module comprises:a light input adapted to receive a signal for feeding a light emitting diode,a first relay having an active position and an inactive position, anda second relay having an active position and an inactive position,such that:when the second relay and the first relay are in the inactive position, the light input is fed to a first LED,when the first relay is in the active position, the light input is fed to a second LED, andwhen the second relay is in the active position, the light input is fed to a third LED.
US09622307B2	Apparatus and technique for modular electronic display control The present invention discloses apparatus and techniques for modular backlighting control of a display. The display includes a number of strings of LEDs. The display is divided into several sections, and each section includes one or more strings of LEDs. A local controller is assigned to each section. The local controller receives feedback signals from the strings of LEDs in its sections and controls the drive voltages and drive currents of those strings. The local controllers communicate with each other and also with the main system controller.
US09622305B2	WLED driver and drive control method A WLED driver and a drive control method. The WLED driver includes 2N2 switches, and each CS module includes 2N switches, where one end of each of N switches in the 2N switches is connected to an output end of an error amplifier, another end of each of the N switches is connected to a gate of each of N NMOS transistors, one end of each of remaining N switches is connected to a negative input end of the error amplifier, and another end of each of the remaining N switches is connected to a positive input end of each of N feedback resistors. After a control circuit generates a clock control signal group Φgroup. the control circuit controls switching actions of the 2N2 switches on a time-division basis according to the clock control signal group Φgroup.
US09622298B2	Microwave launchers providing enhanced field uniformity A microwave heating system configured to heat a plurality of articles is provided. The microwave heating system can include one or more microwave launchers that define at least one launch opening having a depth of not more than about 0.625λ, wherein λ is the predominant wavelength of the microwave energy passing through the launcher. Additionally, in some embodiments, the launch opening may have a width or depth that is less than the corresponding inlet dimension, such that the microwave launcher has a generally tapered profile. When the microwave launcher includes a single inlet and two or more launch openings, the center points of adjacent outlets may be laterally spaced from one another relative to the direction in which the articles are passed through the heating chamber.
US09622294B1	Device for simulating thermal characteristics of a lithium-ion battery The present invention, as frequently practiced, represents a methodology for carrying out thermal management testing. Inventive practice provides desired temperature characteristics without incurring the safety risks associated with Lithium-ion batteries. An exemplary inventive device includes a spiral-wound electrical resistance heater, and simulates the heat generation profile within a Lithium-ion cell through the use of the resistance heater. The construction of the resistance heater is tailored not only to mimic the localized heating profile of the Lithium-ion cell of interest, but also to match thermal properties of the Lithium-ion cell (such as radial thermal conductivity, axial thermal conductivity, and heat capacity). An exemplary inventive device is constructed out of inert materials and hence is inherently safe to carry out thermal management testing, thereby obviating the need for expensive and time-consuming safety qualifications.
US09622290B1	Method and system for selectively notifying an establishment of mobile-station registration attempts Methods and systems are provided for identifying customers at an establishment. In an embodiment, a low-cost Internet base station (LCIB) receives a request from a mobile station to register for service with the LCIB. The LCIB is located at an establishment, such as a store. The LCIB then determines whether the mobile station is authorized to register with the LCIB. If the mobile station is authorized to register with the LCIB, the LCIB allows the mobile station to register. If the mobile station is not authorized to register with the LCIB, the LCIB or LCIB controller responsively (a) rejects the registration request and (b) sends a notification message to the establishment, the notification message identifying the mobile station.
US09622289B2	End-to-end delay adaptation with connected DRX in a cellular voice call End-to-end delay adaptation in conjunction with connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) mode communication during cellular voice calls. A Voice over LTE (VoLTE) call may be established between a first wireless user equipment (UE) device and a second UE. End-to-end delay between real-time transport protocol (RTP) layers of the first UE and the second UE for the VoLTE call may be estimated. The end-to-end delay may be compared with one or more thresholds A C-DRX cycle length for the VoLTE call may be modified based on comparing the end-to-end delay with the one or more thresholds.
US09622288B2	Methods for multi-point carrier aggregation configuration and data forwarding Methods of multi-point carrier aggregation configuration and data forwarding are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a primary connection is established between a UE and a primary base station in a primary cell with a first UE-ID. A second connection is configured between the UE and a second base station in a secondary cell with a second UE-ID. Component carriers from the primary and the second connections are configured and aggregated. Mobility management functions are performed on the primary connection. In another embodiment of the current invention, a first UE data is received from a primary connection with a UE connecting to a first base station, a second UE data is received from a second base station. The first UE data and the second UE data are combined. A third UE data from a network entity is distributed to the first and the second base station.
US09622283B2	Method of supporting signal transmission and reception using at least two radio access technologies and apparatus therefor A method of supporting communication using two or more heterogeneous radio access technologies (RAT) comprises: receiving a setup message providing instructions for access to a second base station in a second communication network supporting the second RAT from a first base station in a first communication network supporting a first RAT; and attempting to access the second base station. At this time, when the terminal successfully accesses the second base station, specific traffic type data are transmitted and received through the second base station, and data other than the specific traffic type can be transmitted and received through the first base station.
US09622282B2	Communication control device, communication control method, and terminal device A communication control device includes circuitry that acquires system information indicating information to enable a device to communicate with another device via device-to-device communication, and that controls transmission of the system information to a terminal device.
US09622279B2	Dynamic spectrum band selection for D2D communications The present disclosure provides systems and methods for selecting a resource for a direct device-to-device (D2D) communication link between wireless devices in a cellular communication network. In one embodiment, a control node in a cellular communication network selects a resource for a direct D2D communication link between a first wireless device and a second wireless device based on one or more criteria including a service area type of a service area within the cellular communication network in which the first wireless device and the second wireless device are located. The service area type is either homogeneous or heterogeneous. The control node communicates an indicator of the resource selected for the direct D2D communication link to the first wireless device and/or the second wireless device. Thereafter, the first and second wireless devices communicate over the direct D2D communication link using the selected resource.
US09622275B2	System and method for allowing multiple devices to communicate in a network A method for allowing multiple devices to communicate includes initiating a multi-media communication session between a first device and a second device, each of the first and second device having access to at least one additional device, identifying at least a portion of the multi-media communication session to direct to the at least one additional device, the first device obtaining a unique identifier of the at least one additional device and directing the identified at least a portion of the multi-media communication session to the at least one additional device.
US09622273B2	Method and apparatus for interworking voice and multimedia services between CSI terminal and IMS terminal A method and apparatus is provided for communication between a first terminal capable of using both a Circuit Switched (CS) call and an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) session, and a second terminal capable of using the IMS session, in a communication system supporting a Combined CS call and IMS session (CSI service). If the second terminal sends a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) request (INVITE) message to originate a voice service or a multimedia service including the voice service with the first terminal, a CSI Application Server (AS) of an IMS domain managing the first terminal separates a voice service-related component included in the request message from a multimedia service-related component, and generates and sends first and second request messages to the first terminal. Upon receipt of first and second response messages corresponding to the first and second request messages from the first terminal, the CSI AS generates a combined response message and sends the combined response message to the second terminal.
US09622272B2	Method by which terminal performs communication in heterogeneous cell environment and terminal Disclosed are a communication performing method and terminal, and the method is a method by which a terminal with dual connectivity performs communication in a heterogeneous cell environment, in which: a first reporting message reporting that a downlink signal is received from a small cell in an intensity greater than a threshold value is transmitted to a macro cell; an RRC establishment message indicating a connection to a small cell cluster is received from the macro cell; connections are added to a plurality of small cells included in the small cell cluster according to additional time information included in the RRC establishment message; and the connections to the plurality of added small cells are respectively activated according to activation connection time information included in the RRC establishment message, and the small cell cluster is determined on the basis of information on a location relationship among the plurality of small cells.
US09622271B2	Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication method, and computer program A wireless communication network that forms an ad-hoc network without the arrangement of a controlling station sets a period that a communication apparatus can utilize with priority and performs isochronous communication in the period as required. When isochronous communication has not been performed or after isochronous communication has finished in the priority utilization period, other communication apparatuses perform arbitrary communication. When another communication is performed in a communication apparatus's own priority utilization period, the start of isochronous communication is temporarily delayed. In an ad-hoc communication environment, data having a real-time characteristic, such as AV content, can be efficiently transmitted through the isochronous communication.
US09622270B2	Bearer management A method of establishing a bearer in a packet switched mobile wireless communications network comprising a mobile device and a network node, and a corresponding network. A predetermined maximum number of bearers can be established for the mobile device within the network. Bearer information can be sent indicating the predetermined maximum number of bearers, a remaining number of bearers, or that no more bearers can be established. If no more bearers can be established and a further bearer is required a bearer previously established for the mobile device within the network can be released and if required a bearer synchronization procedure can be performed. A further bearer for the mobile device within the network can then be established. Alternatively, if the mobile device determines that an emergency PDN connection is required, it can send a request for a further bearer to the network node. If a current number of bearers established for the mobile device is equal to the maximum number of bearers, the network node can release a previously established bearer establish a bearer for an emergency PDN connection.
US09622268B2	Random access method and random access system for terminal in high-speed mobile environment A random access method and random access system for a terminal in a high-speed mobile environment are provided. Wherein, the method comprises: selecting a random access preamble format according to a preset cell coverage radius target value; judging whether using a restricted set of cyclic shift quantities pre-configured satisfies a requirement of the cell coverage radius target value under the selected random access preamble format; if not satisfying, selecting a cyclic shift quantity which satisfies the requirement of the cell coverage radius target value from a unrestricted set of the cyclic shift quantities pre-configured; and generating a random access signal according to the cyclic shift quantity and a pre-configured mother code, and performing access using the random access signal. Through the above-mentioned technical scheme, the embodiment of the present document provides a more perfect random access method and random access system for a terminal in a high-speed mobile environment.
US09622267B2	Systems and methods for multi-user simultaneous transmissions Systems, methods, and devices are provided for protecting a multiuser (MU) transmission between an access point and a plurality of wireless stations. The access point may transmit a frame that is addressed to multiple stations in a wireless network. Each of the stations addressed by the frame may respond with an identical clear-to-send frame. In some instances, the clear-to-send frames transmitted by each wireless station may utilize the same scrambling code utilized by the frame transmitted by the access point, use the same modulation and coding scheme, and/or occupy the same frequency bands such that the multiple clear-to-send frames are combined in the air and detected as a single frame by the access point. In some instances, the access point may thereafter transmit an uplink reference frame to trigger the wireless stations to transmit an uplink data request frame to the access point.
US09622265B2	System and method for a CSMA-CA half window scheme Embodiments are provided for implementing a CSMA-CA half window scheme in 802.11 networks or other suitable wireless networks that could benefit from such scheme. The half window scheme improves a back-off time calculation by adding a probability prediction factor. The back-off time is part of a delay time in accessing a wireless transmission medium by a station (STA). The probability prediction factor is used to adjust a contention widow (CW) used to calculate the back-off time, based on the STA's medium access probability. The STA splits the CW into two at least half windows and then chooses one of the windows according to the window's information gain for the probability prediction. The selected window is used to select a random number for the back-off time. The improved back-off time calculation reduces contention between STAs in accessing the medium.
US09622262B2	Transmit opportunity (TXOP) based channel reuse A method includes determining, at a first transmitter, a clear channel access (CCA) threshold associated with reuse of a first transmit opportunity (TXOP) of a message. The method further includes sending, from the first transmitter to a first receiver, at least a portion of the message, wherein the portion of the message indicates the CCA threshold.
US09622261B2	Method for selecting PMI for non-adaptive HARQ operation in a MIMO wireless communication system A method for transmitting an uplink signal at a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system includes receiving, from a Base Station (BS), an uplink scheduling grant for multi-antenna transmission; transmitting the uplink signal precoded using precoding information included in the received uplink scheduling grant to the BS; and retransmitting the uplink signal to the BS according to Acknowledgment/Negative Acknowledgment (ACK/NACK) corresponding to the transmitted uplink signal. The retransmitted uplink signal is precoded using precoding information included in a most recent uplink scheduling grant or a predetermined precoding matrix if an uplink scheduling grant for the retransmission is not received from the BS.
US09622252B2	Systems and methods for dynamic wideband channel selection Systems and methods for Dynamic Wideband Channel Selection with which a wireless Access Point gets the ability to dynamically decide and switch to better available channels with wider bandwidths for higher efficiency and throughput taking care of the restrictions applied by the regulatory domains in the widespread spectrum.
US09622251B2	Method of interference coordination in time division duplexing system, base station, and system An interference coordination method in TDD systems, an apparatus, and a system are disclosed in embodiments of this invention, which relate to the communication field. The method provided in the embodiment of this invention comprises: receiving by an interfered cell a uplink-downlink configuration of an interfering cell sent from the interfering cell; generating by the interfered cell interference indication information for subframes in the interfered cell in a direction opposite to the signal transmission direction in the interfering cell, according to a uplink-downlink configuration of the interfered cell and the uplink-downlink configuration of the interfering cell; sending by the interfered cell the uplink-downlink configuration of the interfered cell and the interference indication information to the interfering cell, to enable the interfering cell to perform interference coordination according to the uplink-downlink configuration of the interfered cell and the interference indication information.
US09622248B2	Relay device and method A wireless communications system including a base station, a relay device, and a terminal device. The terminal device can transmit one or more first type access request messages to request uplink resources from the base station, and if no response to the first type access request messages is received from the base station, transmit a second type access request message. The base station is responsive to a first type access request message received from the terminal device to transmit an allocation of uplink resources to the terminal device. The relay device is responsive to a second type access request message received from the terminal device to transmit a relayed access request message to request the base station to allocate uplink resources to the terminal device. The base station is responsive to the relayed access request message to transmit an allocation of uplink resources to the terminal device.
US09622247B2	Preamble and header bit allocation for power savings within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications Preamble and header bit allocation for power savings within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. Within a multi-user packet, information (e.g., partial address information) related to a recipient group of wireless communication devices (e.g., as few as one wireless communication device or any subset of a number of wireless communication devices, sometimes including all of the wireless communication devices) is emplaced within a PHY (e.g., physical layer) header of such a multi-user packet to be communicated within a multi-user (MU) environment. Such recipient indicating information can be encoded with relatively higher robustness (e.g., lower coding rates, lower ordered modulation, cyclic redundancy check (CRC), etc.) that remaining portions of the multi-user packet. Various portions of the remainder of the multi-user packet may respectively correspond to different wireless communication devices (e.g., a first field for a first wireless communication device, a second field for a second wireless communication device, etc.).
US09622244B2	Partitioning of frequency resources for transmission of control signals and data signals in SC-FDMA communication systems A method and apparatus are provided for determining a resource for an acknowledgement signal by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. A method includes receiving an index associated with a plurality of resource blocks (RBs) for transmission of an uplink control signal in an operating bandwidth; and determining an RB for transmission of the acknowledgement signal, based on the index.
US09622239B2	Mobile communication system that supports a dual connectivity management A base station is used for a mobile communication system that supports a dual connectivity. The base station includes a controller configured to establish an RRC connection with a user terminal, and to perform a mobility control in the dual connectivity.
US09622237B2	Method, apparatus, and system for channel access in unlicensed band Disclosed are a method, an apparatus, and a system for adjusting a contention window size for performing channel access. In detail, the method includes: receiving a plurality of hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) responses for downlink channel(s) of the specific cell; generating a random number N (N≧0) in a contention window size; and performing the downlink transmission in the specific cell after standing by for N slots while the specific cell is idle, wherein when a ratio of negative acknowledgement (NACK) among the plurality of HARQ-ACK responses is equal to or more than a reference value, the contention window size becomes larger than a previous value, and when the ratio of the NACK among the plurality of HARQ-ACK responses is less than the reference value, the contention window size is reset to a minimum value.
US09622234B2	Wireless communication terminal, base station device, and resource allocation method Provided is a wireless communication terminal such that, in a system in which E-PDCCH control information is transmitted, flexible frequency scheduling for the E-PDCCH control information for a plurality of terminals can be performed by restricting ACK/NACK scheduling, while an upstream data resource is ensured. The wireless communication terminal is provided with: a reception unit that receives a control signal via an extended physical downstream control channel; a control unit that determines an ACK/NACK resource for transmitting an ACK/NACK signal on the basis of an association rule such that, in the extended physical downstream control channel transmitting each extended control channel element in a single frequency resource block, arbitrary successive numbers of ACK/NACK resources correspond to the extended control channel elements contained in different frequency resource blocks; and a transmission unit that transmits the ACK/NACK signal by using the determined ACK/NACK resource.
US09622229B2	Network relay signaling for downlink transparent relay In a method of providing downlink retransmissions to a mobile station in a wireless communication network, the wireless communication network comprising a base station communicatively linked to a transparent relay station, the base station receives a request for a retransmission from the mobile station; schedules resources for the retransmission; signals scheduling information for the retransmission to the transparent relay station via a control link; and the transparent relay station receives the scheduling information for the retransmission on the control link; and sends the retransmission to the mobile station in a retransmit subframe on a retransmit frequency band.
US09622228B2	Data and control multiplexing in wireless communications Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate defining a new control region over resources allocated for communicating general non-control data in a legacy network specification. The new control region can comprise multiple control channels, which can be multiplexed together and/or with general data channels. Devices can receive control data over the new control region as well as information regarding the region, such as location of the region, location of specific resources, multiplexing schemes, frequency hopping patterns, and/or the like to appropriately decode relevant control data. This allows for expanded control resources to support multicarrier assignments, large numbers of devices being addressed, special operation modes, new downlink control information (DCI) formats, and/or the like.
US09622224B2	Mobile communication system and mobile communication method An anchor radio base station 310A comprises: a control unit 316A that decodes an uplink signal before decoding received from UE 10, without receiving an uplink signal before decoding from a non-anchor radio base station 310B through a backhaul network; and an interface 315A that notifies the non-anchor radio base station of necessity to transmit the uplink signal before decoding through the backhaul network in case of failure in decoding the uplink signal before decoding received from the radio terminal. A non-anchor radio base station 310B comprises: an interface 315B that transmits the uplink signal before decoding to the anchor radio base station when the non-anchor radio base station is notified of the necessity to transmit the uplink signal before decoding, by the anchor radio base station.
US09622215B2	Optimized mechanism for paging transmission and reception Methods and apparatus are provided for paging transmission and reception for UEs requiring coverage extension/coverage enhancement. In one novel aspect, the UE reports the CE status to the MME. CE level related information and the corresponding cell ID are provided from eNB to MME. MME sends paging information including the repetition number to all eNBs in the corresponding tracking area when paging the UE. In another novel aspect, a paging area is used for CE UEs. The UE receives paging area information, notifies the network, and updates the stored paging area information upon detecting changes between the received and the stored paging areas. In another embodiment, the UE reports its CE status upon detecting CE status changes. The eNB stores UE CE information and forwards it to neighboring eNBs in the same paging area. The eNB pages UEs on its CE UE list with repetition while paging other UEs normally.
US09622208B2	Systems and methods for object tracking with wireless beacons An object tracking system can include beacons and tracking module. The object tracking method can include determining the location of a mobile device and determining the location of an object beacon.
US09622204B2	Identification of a wireless device in a wireless communication environment There is provided a method of enabling identification of a wireless device in a wireless communication environment, the wireless device being attached to a cellular radio communication network. The method comprises the step of the wireless device sending, to a network node in a Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN, an identifier of the wireless device valid in the cellular radio communication network before or when contacting the WLAN for association of the wireless device in the WLAN. The identifier of the wireless device valid in the cellular radio communication network is signaled in a WLAN message to the network node in the WLAN.
US09622203B2	Low power communication system and method A communication system is disclosed herein. The communication system includes a master device that includes a master clock and is connected to a host through a communication network, and a plurality of nodes connected to the master device. The master device transmits one or more periodic beams that include a radio frequency. Each of the nodes includes a node clock that is configured and in synchronization with the master clock based on the one or more periodic beams. The communication system establishes a connection for communication between the master device and at least one node when the node clock of the at least one node is in synchronization with the master clock. The communication system further includes at least one repeater 104A operatively connected between the master device and at least one node.
US09622200B2	Synchronization preamble transmission method, synchronization method, device and system A synchronization preamble transmission method, a synchronization method, a device and a system are disclosed in the disclosure. The method includes: transmitting synchronization preambles in a superframe, the synchronization preambles comprise one Primary Preamble (P-Preamble) and two Secondary-Preambles (S-Preambles), wherein the P-Preamble carries system bandwidth information and the S-Preambles carry cell/sector Identification (ID) information. The disclosure reaches the effect of reducing the overhead of Synchronization Channel (SCH) on the basis of ensuring the performance of synchronization access.
US09622194B2	Communication system A communication system in which a mobile communication device communicates with communication apparatus of the communication system uses radio frames that include a plurality of sub-frames. The mobile communication device receives information for use in identifying a first power ratio, said first power ratio representing a ratio of a power used by the communication apparatus for transmitting a reference signal to a first power used for transmitting data in a first sub-frame of a radio frame. The mobile communication device receives information for use in identifying and a second power ratio, the second power ratio representing a ratio of a power used by the communication apparatus for transmitting a reference signal to a second power used for transmitting data in a second sub-frame of said radio frame. The mobile communication device generates a measurement report including information calculated in dependence on at least one of the first and second power ratio.
US09622192B2	Virtual scheduling in heterogeneous networks Providing for virtual management of wireless resources in a mobile communication environment is described herein. By way of example, access terminals in the communication environment can maintain connections with nearby network transmitters and report factors pertinent to wireless scheduling to a central entity, such as a macro base station. The macro base station can employ those factors in improving wireless communications for other serving cells within or near to a macro coverage area served by the macro base station. By maintaining information pertinent to prevailing wireless conditions, quality of service requirements, pilot signal reports, mobility management considerations, and so on, of transmissions within the cell, significant interference reduction can be implemented for the macro coverage area, or nearby coverage areas.
US09622190B2	Spectrum emission level variation in schedulable wireless communication terminal A wireless communication entity schedulable in a wireless communication network, including a controller (603) communicably coupled to a power amplifier (608), wherein the controller varies a spectrum emissions level of the wireless communication entity based on the radio resource assignment information receiver by the radio receiver, such as whether NS signaling is active. Examples of NS signaling include sending an NS_07 signaling flag for band 13 signaling or one of a NS_12-15 signaling flag for band 26.
US09622189B2	Techniques for fast delivery of radio information A transmitting wireless device provides channel access information to a receiving wireless device for the receiving wireless device to make a determination of when to transmit and what transmissions parameters to use for the transmission. The channel access information may be used differently by wireless devices operating in a basic service set and an overlapping basic service set. Channel access information may include fields indicative of transmission power used, signal to noise ratio headroom available, and so on. Channel access information may be generated and transmitted at the PHY layer of an implementation, thus providing a fast delivery to the receiving wireless device.
US09622187B2	Real-time specific absorption rate implementation in wireless devices Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method and apparatus for optimizing time-averaged transmitter power of a communications device. A time-averaged SAR is computed over a predefined time window using past transmitter power levels with minimum transmitter power equal to reserve transmitter power for any time interval. Based on the time-averaged SAR a maximum allowable transmitter power for a future fixed time interval is determined. The communication device then transmits at a power equal to or less than the maximum allowable transmitter power. The communication device may back off from high transmitter power to a reserve transmitter power when calculated time-averaged SAR approaches the SAR limit. When old high power transmissions expire, the communication device gains SAR margin and may then transmit at high power. The apparatus comprises: at least one antenna, a transmitter in communication with a power supply, a receiver, a timer in communication with a processor, and a memory.
US09622185B2	Wireless communication method, wireless communication system, wireless station, and wireless terminal for adjusting transmission power A wireless communication method including: transmitting a first control signal from a connected wireless station to a wireless terminal, the connected wireless station being one of a plurality of wireless stations that is connected to the wireless terminal, the first control signal relating to a communication level between the wireless terminal and at least one wireless station that is selected from among the plurality of the wireless station, and controlling, by the wireless terminal that receives the first control signal, a transmission power of a transmission signal to the selected at least one wireless station based on the received first control signal.
US09622184B2	Transport block size and channel condition assessment based power consumption reduction for cellular communication This disclosure relates to reducing power consumption for cellular communication based on transport block size in combination with channel condition measurements for applications with certain application characteristics. In one embodiment, a transport block size for use for uplink communication with a base station by a wireless device may be selected. The transport block size may provide more robust communication characteristics than required for current channel conditions. The transport block size may be selected based on application characteristics of an application performing the uplink communication. A transmit power for the wireless device to use for the uplink communication may be selected based on the transport block size providing more robust communication characteristics than required for the current channel conditions. In particular, transport power selection may be biased towards a reduced transmit power based on the transport block size providing more robust communication characteristics than required for the current channel conditions.
US09622181B2	Power efficient, variable sampling rate delta-sigma data converters for flexible radio communication systems A method for reducing power consumption in a transceiver front-end circuit for a cellular radio. The transceiver circuit includes a receiver module having a delta-sigma modulator that converts analog receive signals to a representative digital signal in an interleaving process, where the delta-sigma modulator includes a low noise amplifier (LNA), an LC filter and a quantizer circuit. The LC filter is a multi-order filter and the quantizer circuit is an interleaving quantizer circuit that interleaves multiple groups of bits from the filter. The method includes selectively reducing the order of the LC filter in situations where a full dynamic range of the cellular radio is not required and reducing a bit resolution of the quantizer circuit so as to reduce the power requirements of the cellular radio.
US09622177B2	Context aware system with multiple power consumption modes A context aware system, for use in a mobile device, includes a context change detector (CCD) coupled to a context classifier (CCL). The CCD is configured to receive sensor data and to detect a change in a current context state of the mobile device based on the received sensor data. The CCL is configured to transition from a low power consumption mode to a normal power consumption mode in response to the CCD detecting the change in the current context state. The CCL is further configured to determine a next context state of the mobile device while in the normal power consumption mode.
US09622175B2	Method for implementing discontinuous reception and base station The present disclosure relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and provides a method for implementing discontinuous reception and a base station. The method includes the steps of: receiving, by a first base station, a discontinuous reception DRX configuration recommendation reported by UE; and transmitting, by the first base station, the DRX configuration recommendation or DRX configuration parameters configured by the first base station for the UE in accordance with the DRX configuration recommendation to a second base station when the UE is switched from the first base station to the second base station.
US09622174B2	Method and apparatus for using a plurality of cells in communication system Methods and apparatus for using a plurality of cells by an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a communication system are provided. A first eNB, which manages a first cell and is providing a communication service to a User Equipment (UE) located in the first cell, determines to provide the communication service to the UE together with a second cell of a second eNB, which neighbors the UE. A cell addition request message, making a request for aggregation of the first cell and the second cell, is transmitted to the second eNB to provide the communication service. When a cell addition response message, accepting the request for aggregation of the first cell and the second cell, is received from the second eNB, a cell activation request message, making a request for activation of the second cell, is transmitted to the second eNB.
US09622172B2	Data transmission method and electronic device adapted to the method A data transmission method is provided that can increase an amount of time that an electronic device has been in use and minimize the side effects. An electronic device adapted to the method is also provided. The data transmission method includes: recognizing a data transmission request of at least one first application; determining whether a first timer according to the data transmission request is within a second timer (a data detecting timer) where a data request of a second application required for network access is detected; and transmitting, when the first timer is within the second timer, request data related to the second application and user data of the first application by using at least part of the second timer and the first timer.
US09622171B2	Method and network node for saving power in a user equipment A method and network node of a radio network, for enabling a User Equipment (UE) to save power in radio communication with the network node. The network node sets a waiting threshold for the UE and communicates data with the UE over a radio link. The network node also obtains traffic characteristics pertaining to the radio communication, and predicts a waiting time until next data is to be communicated with the UE based on the traffic characteristics. The network node further triggers the UE to enter a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) sleep when the predicted waiting time is longer than the waiting threshold. Thereby, power can be saved in the UE by immediately going to sleep after the last data.
US09622166B2	Wireless communications system and method A wireless communications system includes a base station, a plurality of intermediate devices and a terminal device. The base station is operable to wirelessly transmit downlink signals to the terminal device, the downlink signals including terminal control signals identifying one of the intermediate devices as a target device to which the terminal device is to direct uplink signals intended for the base station. The terminal device wirelessly transmits the uplink signals to the base station via the intermediate device identified by the terminal control signals. In this way, downlink communications may be provided directly from the base station to the terminal device, including control signals which instruct the terminal device where to send uplink data. This enables the base station to directly control scheduling of uplink communications, and in particular to define the uplink route from the terminal device to the base station via one or more intermediate devices.
US09622163B2	Quickly joining Wi-Fi networks using neighboring access points One embodiment of the present invention provides a device for joining a known Wi-Fi network. During operation, the device performs a scanning operation during a scanning process to find a known access point of a WLAN for the device to join. Next, if the scanning operation finds an access point, the device determines whether the access point neighbors a known access point. If so, the device attempts to associate with the known access point by performing a scanning operation on the specific channel associated with the known access point.
US09622162B1	Client-server network selection An application processing element in a first wireless communication network receives a first indicator associated with an availability of a first access node in the first wireless communication network to serve a wireless device. The wireless device being served by a first active connection with a second wireless communication network. In response to a first request by the wireless device, the application processing element sends a second indicator to the wireless device. The second indicator is associated with the availability of the first access node in the first wireless communication network to serve the wireless device. The wireless device ending the first active connection based on the first indicator and the signal strength associated with the first access node.
US09622160B2	Capturing data from a mobile device through group communication Some aspects of what is described here relate to systems, devices, and computer-implemented methods for capturing data related to a mobile device in a wireless network. In one example, a method may include receiving, at a first mobile device, data capture configuration information from a wireless network. The data capture configuration information indicates a target mobile device from which data is to be captured during group communication between the first mobile device and the target mobile device. Thereafter, in response to detecting a group communication between the first mobile device and the target mobile device, a data element is stored in a local memory of the first mobile device. The data element includes information from the group communication between the first mobile device and the target mobile device. The data element is sent to the wireless network.
US09622158B2	Measurement pattern for small cell searching Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for small cell searching. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include searching, in a first mode, for a first cell including a first base station based on a first event; changing, based on a second event, to a second mode having a search rate different than the first mode, wherein the second mode searches for the first cell including the first base station; and establishing a connection from a user equipment to the first base station serving the first cell. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.
US09622157B2	Node grouping method, node, and access point Embodiments of the present invention provide a node grouping method, a node, and an access point (AP). The method comprises: receiving a grouping request sent by an AP; according to the grouping request, obtaining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI); obtaining a group Identity (ID) of a group determined according to the RSSI. In the embodiment of the present invention, nodes are grouped according to the RSSI, so as to solve the problems of contention collision and low network performance in a large-scale network, avoid the problem of unfair throughput incurred by the near-far effect, and reduce the phenomena of hidden terminals.
US09622153B2	Enhanced active scanning in wireless local area networks A method for active scanning in a wireless network may include two transmitters. In such a method, the following steps may take place: detecting a first probe request having a scanning target originating from a first transmitter; desiring to send a probe request to the scanning target from a second transmitter; and canceling the second probe request on a condition that the second transmitter detects the first probe request.
US09622149B2	Method and device for selecting and managing mobility protocol in mobile communications system Disclosed is a method for selecting and managing a mobility protocol between a network and a terminal in a mobile communication system. When the terminal is to setup an IP tunnel for data transmission/reception with the network supporting a plurality of mobility protocols, firstly, the terminal is configured to transmit a list of terminal-supported mobility protocols and/or its preference information (e.g., information about mobility protocol preferred by the terminal) to the network, and secondly, the network is configured to determine (select) a mobility protocol of an IP tunnel for data transmission/reception with the terminal based on the information, thereby enhancing an efficiency of the resource when the IP tunnel is setup between the terminal and the network.
US09622144B2	Apparatus and method for routing data in mobile communication system A method for routing data by a Corresponding Mobility Agent (CMA) in a mobile communication system is provided. The method includes managing mobility for a Mobile Station (MS) with a Mobile Access Gateway (MAG), and routing a data packet between a Corresponding Node (CN) and the MS based on a location of the MS, wherein the CMA is mapped to an application server which provides an application service.
US09622139B2	Method for improving handover performance in a cellular wireless communication system Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for improving handover performance in a cellular wireless communication system, said cellular wireless communication system employing a handover procedure in which a handover preparation for a mobile station is initiated if a channel quality value between a source cell for said mobile station and said mobile station is less than a channel quality threshold value; said method comprising: tuning said channel quality threshold value based on one or more handover performance criteria used in said cellular wireless communication system. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a device for improving handover performance, a computer program, and a computer program product thereof.
US09622133B1	Interference and mobility management in UAV-assisted wireless networks Techniques and systems are disclosed for addressing the challenges in interference and mobility management in broadband, UAV-assisted heterogeneous network (BAHN) scenarios. Implementations include BAHN control components, for example, at a controlling network node of a BAHN. Generally, a component implementing techniques for managing interference and handover in a BAHN gathers state data from network nodes or devices in the BAHN, determines a candidate BAHN model that optimizes interference and handover metrics, and determines and performs model adjustments to the network parameters, BS parameters, and UAV-assisted base station (UABS) device locations and velocities to conform to the optimized candidate BAHN model. Also described is a UABS apparatus having a UAV, communications interface for communicating with a HetNet in accordance with wireless air interface standards, and a computing device suitable for implementing BAHN control or reinforcement learning components.
US09622127B2	Method and system for wireless communication A method and system for bandwidth allocation in a wireless communication system, by assigning at least one specific frequency, called hand-off frequency, to one or more base station called as hand-off base station (HBS) located within the service area, for handing off subscriber stations between at least two cells, wherein the said hand-off frequency is not used by the base station of the said two cells for serving subscriber stations and wherein, hand-off is triggered when received signal strength at serving base station, hand-off base station or at subscriber station is below acceptable value and assigning frequencies, other than the hand-off frequency, to the base stations called as serving base stations (SBS) located within the cells of the service area, for serving the subscriber stations within the cell. The method further comprising of regulating the signal transmission strength of the serving base station.
US09622119B2	Method and apparatus for displaying network name A method and an apparatus for displaying a network name are provided. A first mobility management device in a first network acquires first network name information, where the first network name information is a network name currently displayed on a user equipment UE, and/or a public land mobile network identity PLMN ID corresponding to the network name that is currently displayed on the UE, and the first network is a network with which the UE currently registers or a network of two networks with which the UE currently jointly register. If the UE switches over to a second network during a process of executing a service, the first mobility management device sends the first network name information to a second mobility management device in the second network, so that the second mobility management device sends, to the UE for displaying, a network name corresponding to the first network name information.
US09622118B2	Method and system for improved PS to CS handover of a user equipment A Mobile Switching Center, MSC, an Access Transfer Control Function, ATCF, an Access Transfer Gateway, ATGW and respective methods therein are provided for performing a packet-switched, PS, to circuit-switched, CS, handover of a User Equipment, UE, are provided. When the UE is handed over from a PS communication network to a CS communication network, the MSC requests the ATCF controlling the ATGW to bi-casting to both the CS communication network and the PS communication network, and forwarding speech data from the UE to a remote terminal with which the UE is communicating during the PS to CS handover procedure. Once the UE is handed over, the bi-casting and the forwarding are terminated.
US09622112B2	Radio communication device, method, and program that calculate transmission time based on data rate A radio communication method stores a plurality MAC frames for each of a plurality of destinations. The method decides the longest transmission time of transmission times needed to transmit the plurality of MAC frames to each of the plurality of destinations within a fixed period. The method generates a plurality of physical frames for the plurality of destinations to transmit them at the same time by connecting the plurality of MAC frames and adding additional information to each connected MAC frame so as to be a frame length equivalent to a transmission time equal to the longest transmission time.
US09622110B2	Method and device for ranging in a wireless communication system Provided are a method and device for ranging in a wireless communication system. A machine-to-machine (M2M) device receives an advanced air interface-system configuration descriptor (AAI-SCD) message including information on a dedicated ranging channel for the M2M device and an M2M parameter change count from a base station, and attempts ranging through the dedicated ranging channel to the base station. At this point, the M2M parameter change count orders information on the dedicated ranging channel in the AAI-SCD message to change.
US09622108B2	Expandable analog manifold An n input, radio frequency (RF) signal matrix is formed of a plurality of two-to-one RF signal routing units each including first, second, and third switching units selectively connecting either a first input to an output via a bypass conductive path while electrically isolating first and second signal combining conductive paths from the output or first and second inputs to the output via first and second signal combining conductive paths while electrically isolating the bypass conductive path from the output. The RF signal routing units are connected in at least two levels with outputs from a first level connected to inputs for a second level to form the n inputs for the RF signal matrix. Any number of the n inputs may be employed without unused inputs loading the output.
US09622104B2	Method and apparatus for transmitting cell load information in wireless communication system A method and apparatus for transmitting cell load information in a wireless communication system is provided. A first eNodeB (eNB) of a first system receives cell load information of a cell in a second system, from a radio network controller (RNC) of the second system, and transmits the received cell load information to at least one second eNB of the first system. The first system may be an evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), and the second system may be an UTRAN.
US09622097B2	Energy monitoring in a communciation link Systems and methods presented herein provide for monitoring of noise and other interfering energy on a communication link. One system includes an interface coupled to the communication link to receive a signal conveyed over the communication link. The system also includes a monitor operable to: track energy across a frequency spectrum of the signal conveyed over the communication link for a predetermined period of time; flag, at intervals of the predetermined period of time, energy levels across the frequency spectrum of the signal that breach a threshold energy level to identify where in the frequency spectrum a breach of the threshold energy level occurs; and add the flags to determine how long the threshold energy level was breached during the predetermined period of time.
US09622092B2	Method and apparatus for controlling cloud virtual base station Disclosed are a method and apparatus for managing a cloud virtual base station system. The present invention includes setting initial resources and driving or downloading an execution file or environment file of the cloud virtual base station system and monitoring or managing a state for a failure, radio resources, or the execution file or the environment file of the cloud virtual base station system.
US09622091B2	Online and distributed optimization framework for wireless analytics A method, computer program product, and computer system directed to an online and distributed optimization framework for wireless analytics. A radio network controller determines a ranking for each of a plurality of received objects using a plurality of similarity graphs. The radio network controller extracts a common structure by collaborative filtering data associated with a plurality of user devices and the plurality of received objects. The common structure is analyzed to infer usage patterns within a time slot. The radio network controller stores a subset of the ranked objects of the plurality of received objects in response to the analysis.
US09622090B2	Method for generating wireless virtual network and wireless network control device A method for generating a wireless virtual network and a wireless network control device are provided. In some feasible embodiments of the present invention, a wireless network control device responds to a wireless virtual network establishment/modification request of a wireless virtual network demander, and configures a base station according to the wireless virtual network establishment/modification request. The wireless network control device receives configuration completion response of the base station, confirms the success of wireless virtual network establishment/modification, and sends a parameter of the wireless virtual network to the wireless virtual network demander. Then, the wireless network control device receives a parameter confirmation message of the wireless virtual network demander, and the wireless virtual network takes effect.
US09622077B2	Systems and methods for geolocation-based authentication and authorization Systems and methods are provided for controlling the authentication or authorization of a mobile device user for enabling access to the resources or functionality associated with an application or service executable at the user's mobile device. The user or user's mobile device may be automatically authenticated or authorized to access application or system resources at the device when the current geographic location of the user's mobile device is determined to be within a preauthorized zone, e.g., based on a predetermined geo-fence corresponding to the preauthorized zone. A security level or amount of authorization credentials required to authorize a user for data access may be varied according any of a plurality of security levels, when the current or last known geographic location of the user's mobile device is determined to be outside the preauthorized zone.
US09622073B2	Method for changing AID in wireless LAN system Disclosed is a method for changing an AID in a wireless LAN system. The method for changing an AID of a terminal by an access point comprises: a step of receiving an AID reassignment frame from the access point; a step of extracting an AID reassignment counter value from the AID reassignment frame; and a step of changing the AID of the terminal to the new AID included in the AID reassignment frame after the beacon periods of the access point indicated by the AID reassignment counter value extracted from the AID reassignment frame reception time have elapsed. Thus, a conflict between AIDs can be prevented.
US09622072B2	Communication method, method for forwarding data message during the communication process and communication node thereof The present invention provides a communication method, and a method for forwarding a data message during the communication process and a communication node. Wherein, the configuration mode for identity recognition is clarified, and under the architecture based on access identifier and location separation in the network, a specific method for implementing identity recognition is provided, and the processing performed by each network element is regulated; the requirement for the number of the coding spaces is met, meanwhile the present invention realizes the intercommunication and interconnection with the legacy IP network, realizes the compatibility with the upper application programs of IPv4/IPv6, and supports the various application programs of the IPv4/IPv6 network to transplant smoothly to the architecture based on access identifier and location separation in the network.
US09622068B2	System, method and computer program product for connecting roaming mobile devices to a virtual device platform Systems, methods and computer program products that enable efficient roaming of virtual mobile devices. In one embodiment, multiple PoP locations having a set of common master images are maintained. A communication from a mobile device received at a central facility identifies a user, a location and a type of the mobile device. The central facility determines performance measures for the PoP locations and identifies a preferred PoP location in response to the communication. If the preferred PoP location has available capacity, the central facility directs the preferred PoP location to provision resources and instantiate a virtual device from a selected master image corresponding to the mobile device. If the preferred PoP location persistently stores a user data volume for the user, the virtual device is attached to the stored user data volume. Otherwise, data is transferred from the user's data volume to a cache attached to the virtual device.
US09622067B1	Controlling device connection based on whether device provides wireless relay backhaul connectivity A method and system for managing connectivity when a signaling controller is going to be taken out of service. The method involves determining that a WCD served by the signaling controller provides wireless backhaul connectivity for a relay base station, and responsively taking action to proactively transition that WCD from being served by the signaling controller to being served by a different signaling controller without the WCD detaching and reattaching. This may enable the WCD to maintain its network connectivity, including its assigned network address, and may thus enable the relay base station to maintain its network connectivity as well, thereby helping to maintain connectivity for WCDs served by the relay base station and continuity of interfaces between the relay base station and other core network entities.
US09622064B2	Power control of neighbor discovery signals A method of adjusting power of a neighbor discovery signal may include determining a maximum transmission power of a transmitting wireless device. The transmitting wireless device may be configured to transmit a neighbor discovery signal to one or more receiving wireless devices. The one or more receiving wireless devices may be discovered neighbor wireless devices of the transmitting wireless device and may be configured to receive the neighbor discovery signal. The method may further include determining a power level of the neighbor discovery signal based on the maximum transmission power of the transmitting wireless device and a number of the discovered neighbor wireless devices.
US09622062B1	Navigating device and vehicle A navigating device and a vehicle are disclosed. A V2X communication circuit electrically connected with the navigating unit may be additionally provided in the navigating device; thereby a communication connection with nearby vehicles may be established via V2X communication. Since V2X is a kind of short-range communication, it is possible to perform interactions with nearby vehicle by establishing communication connection with nearby vehicles via V2X communication, and may address the technical problems that the navigating device in the related art have unitary functions and thus cannot perform interaction with nearby vehicles.
US09622061B2	Enhanced wireless home phone for an emergency call service network An enhanced wireless home phone (WHP) component for use in an emergency call service network is presented herein. A method can include in response to determining that address information representing an address corresponding to a subscriber identity associated with a wireless service has been included in a data store corresponding to an emergency telecommunication service, determining whether a location of a wireless communication device associated with the subscriber identity satisfies a defined condition with respect to a distance of the wireless communication device from the address; and in response to determining that the location of the wireless communication device satisfies the defined condition, and in response to determining that a communication corresponding to the emergency telecommunication service has been received from the wireless communication device, sending the address information directed to a public safety answering point device.
US09622058B1	Apparatus, system, methods and network for communicating information associated with digital images A wireless communications device (WCD) includes an image processor operable to process information associated with digital images, a storage medium such as random access memory, flash memory, minidisk drive, etc. operable to store digital information associated with digital images. The WCD also includes a wireless communications module, such as a cellular modem, operable to wirelessly communicate with a network operable to communicate with wireless devices. For example, the wireless communications module may configure the information into a format (i.e. CDMA, TDMA, GSM, etc.) such that the information may be wirelessly communicated to a network operable to receive image/information.
US09622057B1	Device and method for forwarding voice calls received at the device to a paired computing device A mobile communication device and method for forwarding a new voice call, received at the device during a current voice call, to a paired computing device is provided. The method includes, at the device comprising a processor, a display device, a memory and a communication interface, receive a new voice call while a current voice call is active at the device and display, on the display device, a selectable option for forwarding the new voice call. Upon detecting selection of the selectable option: retrieve, from the memory one or more stored device identifiers, each stored device identifier associated with a paired computing device, display, on the display device, the one or more stored device identifiers and upon detecting selection of a device identifier of the one or more stored device identifiers, forward the new voice call, using the communication interface, to the paired computing device associated with the device identifier.
US09622045B2	Managing location profiles for personal area maps The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented systems and methods for managing location profiles for personal area maps. The method may include receiving, from a user, instructions to designate the device as a personal area map (PAM) controller. The method may also include determining a PAM profile associated with the user and identifying one or more objects associated with the PAM profile. Additionally, the method may include determining respective location information associated with the one or more objects. The method may also include generating, based at least in part on the respective location information, a PAM associated with the PAM profile.
US09622042B2	Methods and apparatuses for mobile station centric determination of positioning assistance data Methods and apparatuses are provided which may be implemented in various devices to generate positioning assistance data and/or the like by mobile station with regard to at least one of a plurality of different indoor regions.
US09622037B2	Responding to a status for a user based on nearby electronic devices A method for determining a status of a user of an electronic device. The method includes a computer processor determining information associated with a first user of an electronic device. The method further includes identifying a plurality of electronic devices that are within a range of wireless communications to the electronic device. The method further includes defining an area monitored by the electronic device. The method further includes monitoring a group of the identified plurality of electronic devices that are within the defined area. The method further includes calculating a first safe-threshold value for the electronic device based on information associated with a first user of an electronic device and monitored information from the group of the identified plurality of electronic devices. The method further includes determining a status for the first user based, at least in part, on the calculated first safe-threshold value for the electronic device.
US09622036B1	Method and system for estimating and use of device location based on radio frequency signature of coverage from a single base station A computing system includes or has access to data records that associate (i) radio frequency (RF) signatures of device coverage from a base station with (ii) locations of devices corresponding with the RF signatures. When a device whose location is at issue is then within coverage of that base station, the computing system receives an RF signature of the device's coverage from the base station, and the computing system (i) finds multiple data records whose RF signatures of coverage from the base station most closely match the received RF signature, (ii) based on the device locations in the multiple data records, determines a representative bearing from the base station and a representative distance from the base station, and (iii) estimates the device's location to have the determined representative bearing and determined representative distance. The estimated device's location may then be used as a basis to provide a location-based service.
US09622030B1	Methods and systems for synchronized ultrasonic real time location Methods and systems for determining a location and an identity of a portable device are provided. The system includes apparatus for transmitting timing synchronization information, a plurality of stationary ultrasonic base stations and a plurality of portable devices. Each ultrasonic base station is configured to receive the timing synchronization information and to transmit a corresponding ultrasonic location code in a time period based on the received timing synchronization information. Each portable device is configured to: 1) receive the timing synchronization information, 2) detect the ultrasonic location codes from the ultrasonic base stations and 3) transmit an output signal including a portable device ID representative of the portable device and the detected ultrasonic location code. Each portable device is synchronized to detect the ultrasonic location code in the time period based on the received timing synchronization information.
US09622029B2	Methods and arrangements in location servers An identifier of a first location server is received together with information regarding which communication devices the first location server stores geographic location information for. A location request is received from an Operator Location Service (OLS) node for requesting the geographic location information of the communication device. The location request originates from an Over The Top (OTT) service providing node and comprises an identifier of the communication device. The first location server is determined by utilising the received identifier of the communication device and the received identifier of a first location server. The geographic location information of the communication device is obtained from the determined first location server by utilising the received identifier of the first location server. The retrieved geographic location information of the communication device is sent to the OLS node, which forwards the received geographic location information to the OTT service providing node.
US09622028B2	Methods and arrangements for high accuracy positioning This disclosure relates to methods and arrangements for positioning of a communication device (102, 202, 208, 402, 502) in a communication system. Based on received radio channel information from a positioning server (112, 212, 408, 508), positioning nodes (104a-d, 204, 206, 410, 412, 510) identify (S-430, S-538, 704) a radio signal from said communication device, measure (S-432, S-433, S-540, 706) the strength of said received signal and sends (S-434, S-435, S-542, 708) signal strength information and position information of the positioning nodes to said positioning server. The positioning server then determines (S-436, S-544, 610) the position of the communication devices based on the received signal strength measurements and the position information of the positioning nodes. High accuracy in-door positioning of communication devices is achieved.
US09622026B2	Method, system and device of location authentication The present invention relates to a field of communication technology that provides a method, system and device of location authentication. The method comprises the following steps: the mobile device receives the signal marking the position information of the location base station sent by the location base station within the same region. The mobile device would obtain the position information of the location base station after analyzing the signal; the location base station would send the position information to the location authentication server to obtain the location authentication that it is in the same region with the location base station. Thus, this invention performs the location authentication of the mobile device staying in the same region with the location base station.
US09622024B1	Management and beacon services of a beacon system A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium provides a beacon management service that includes logic that allows a user to configure a beacon system remotely and off-site relative to a location of the beacon system, and a beacon service that provides contextual data to end users based on beacons.
US09622020B2	Communication device and communication method A communication system includes a game machine and a headset. The headset detects a state change in the present device, the state change in the present device being caused by a predetermined action of a user, and transmits a signal indicating the state change in the present device to the game machine. The game machine receives, from at least one of one or more external devices, a signal indicating a state change in the external device. The game machine identifies a partner device in predetermined communication processing from among the one or more external devices on the basis of the received signal indicating the state change.
US09622013B2	Directional sound modification A sound modification system is disclosed that includes one or more audio sensors coupled with a processing device and arranged to detect sounds within an environment, and one or more audio output devices coupled with the processing device. The processing device operates to generate an audio signal based on sounds detected from within one or more selected directions for sound modification within the environment, and to output the generated audio signal using the one or more audio output devices. The output generated audio signal combines with the detected sounds to produce a desired sound modification.
US09622009B2	System and method for adaptive audio signal generation, coding and rendering Embodiments are described for an adaptive audio system that processes audio data comprising a number of independent monophonic audio streams. One or more of the streams has associated with it metadata that specifies whether the stream is a channel-based or object-based stream. Channel-based streams have rendering information encoded by means of channel name; and the object-based streams have location information encoded through location expressions encoded in the associated metadata. A codec packages the independent audio streams into a single serial bitstream that contains all of the audio data. This configuration allows for the sound to be rendered according to an allocentric frame of reference, in which the rendering location of a sound is based on the characteristics of the playback environment (e.g., room size, shape, etc.) to correspond to the mixer's intent. The object position metadata contains the appropriate allocentric frame of reference information required to play the sound correctly using the available speaker positions in a room that is set up to play the adaptive audio content.
US09622008B2	Method and apparatus for determining directions of uncorrelated sound sources in a higher order ambisonics representation of a sound field Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) represents three-dimensional sound. HOA provides high spatial resolution and facilitates analyzing of the sound field with respect to dominant sound sources. The invention aims to identify independent dominant sound sources constituting the sound field, and to track their temporal trajectories. Known applications are searching for all potential candidates for dominant sound source directions by looking at the directional power distribution of the original HOA representation, whereas in the invention all components which are correlated with the signals of previously found sound sources are removed. By such operation the problem of erroneously detecting many instead of only one correct sound source can be avoided in case its contributions to the sound field are highly directionally dispersed.
US09622007B2	Method and apparatus for reproducing three-dimensional sound Stereophonic sound is reproduced by acquiring image depth information indicating a distance between at least one object in an image signal and a reference location, acquiring sound depth information indicating a distance between at least one sound object in a sound signal and a reference location based on the image depth information, and providing sound perspective to the at least one sound object based on the sound depth information.
US09622005B2	Plastic frame and sound transducer using the same A sound transducer is disclosed. The sound transducer includes a plastic frame having a cavity and a wall surrounding the cavity, the wall having an inside surface face toward the cavity and an outside surface opposite to the inside surface, a number of sinks disposed on the inside surface of the plastic frame in a row, a yoke located in the cavity and including a sidewall for contacting with the plastic frame, a gap formed by the sink cooperatively with the sidewall of the yoke, and bonding adhesive located in the gap for fixing the yoke in the frame firmly.
US09622004B2	Sound velocity correction device Provided a sound velocity correction device including an environmental parameter obtainer that acquires a measured value of a surrounding environmental parameter of a sound collector that collects a sound emitted from a sound source; and a sound velocity corrector that corrects a sound velocity of the sound which is used to form directivity in a directing direction toward the sound source from the sound collector, using the measured value of the surrounding environmental parameter of the sound collector which is acquired by the environmental parameter obtainer.
US09622001B2	Method of remotely fitting a hearing aid system, a remote hearing aid fitting system and a hearing aid A method of remote fitting a hearing aid system (102) adapted to avoid mal-functioning of the hearing aid system as a consequence of an interruption or failure of the remote connection during a remote fitting of the hearing aid system. A hearing aid fitting system adapted for such a method and a hearing aid adapted for such a method.
US09621992B2	Speaker A speaker is provided in the present disclosure. The speaker includes a magnetic system and a vibrating system placed on the magnetic system, the vibrating system includes a membrane. The membrane comprises a main membrane body and a periphery connected to an outer edge of the main membrane body, the periphery is adjacent to the magnetic system and a ring-shaped structure. The periphery comprises a first connecting portion connected to the main membrane body, a second connecting portion for fixing the membrane, and a middle connecting portion connected between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the middle connecting portion bends perpendicularly to a vibrating direction of the main membrane body.
US09621990B2	Audio decoder with core decoder and surround decoder A method performed by an audio decoder for reconstructing N audio channels from an audio signal containing M audio channels is disclosed. The method includes receiving a bitstream containing an encoded audio signal having M audio channels and a set of spatial parameters, the set of spatial parameters including an inter-channel intensity difference parameter and an inter-channel coherence parameter. The encoded audio bitstream is then decoded to obtain a decoded frequency domain representation of the M audio channels, and at least a portion of the frequency domain representation is decorrelated with an all-pass filter having a fractional delay. The all-pass filter is attenuated at locations of a transient. A matrixed version of the decorrelated signals are summed with a matrixed version of the decoded frequency domain representation to obtain N audio signals that collectively having N audio channels where M is less than N.
US09621988B2	Disc drive speaker vibration mitigation Certain exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards apparatuses and methods which mitigate the effect of speaker vibration on a disc drive. Audio associated with a speaker output is detected and triggers the generation of an output signal indicative of speaker vibration associated with such an audio output of a speaker. A magnetoresistive transducer of the disc drive is positioned relative to a storage medium based on the output signal, a target data storage location in the storage medium from which data is to be accessed via the positioning, and the position of the transducer. The output signal mitigates the effect of the speaker vibration on the transducer.
US09621987B2	Un-tethered wireless audio system A wireless speaker audio system configured to receive audio information wirelessly transmitted by an audio source including first and second wireless transceivers. The first wireless transceiver establishes a bidirectional secondary wireless link with the audio source for receiving and acknowledging receipt of the audio information. The first and second wireless transceivers communicate with each other via a primary wireless link. A wireless audio system including an audio source and first and second wireless transceivers. The first and second wireless transceivers communicate via a primary wireless link. The audio source communicates audio information to the first wireless transceiver via a secondary wireless link which is configured according to a standard wireless protocol. The first wireless transceiver is configured to acknowledge successful reception of audio information via the secondary wireless link.
US09621985B2	Apparatus and method for adjusting volume in terminal A method terminal includes an apparatus for automatically adjusting volume in the terminal. An automatic volume adjuster extracts a representative volume from individual frame information of an audio file, and adjusts a master volume by a deviation between the extracted representative volume and a reference volume, and a controller plays the audio file with the master volume adjusted by the automatic volume adjuster.
US09621984B1	Methods to process direction data of an audio input device using azimuth values Devices, systems, and methods provide direction finding of an acoustic signal source with respect to a voice-controlled device. The direction can be found without using elevation data, instead determining the horizontal location based on power values of the received signal. A large number of candidate vectors having values for azimuth, elevation, and power may be generated by a steered response power algorithm. The large number of vectors is reduced to a small number of reference azimuths spanning an azimuth range by associating the vectors with the closest reference azimuth and then calculating an average and/or maximum power of the associated vectors at each reference azimuth. The reference azimuth with the highest average (or maximum) power may be set as the direction of the signal source. Alternatively, each reference azimuth having an average (or maximum) power exceeding a threshold may be considered a direction of one of multiple sources.
US09621983B1	100 to 150 output wattage, 360 degree surround sound, low frequency speaker, portable wireless bluetooth compatible system An improved 360 degree surround sound performance, 100 to 150 output wattage, low frequency driver portable wireless, Bluetooth compatible system is disclosed utilizing a sound reflective surface. In this system, a sound enclosure is formed including inner and outer half-spherical shaped, side wall enclosures, and as a bottom surface an elevated horizontal base region. A low frequency mounted driver is facing downward and mounted within a downward facing aperture of the inner half-spherical spaced, side wall enclosures and within an inner surface of the elevated horizontal base region. A pair of oppositionally mounted drivers, facing outward is mounted within oppositionally mounted, side apertures of the inner spaced apart, half-spherical shaped, side wall enclosures. Half-spherical shaped bowls couple to a back portion of the oppositionally mounted, side apertures. A phase plug couples to side apertures of the outer spaced apart, half-spherical shaped, side wall enclosures via straps and mounts in front of and spaced-apart from each of the pair of the oppositionally mounted drivers, facing outward.
US09621982B2	Directivity control apparatus, directivity control method, storage medium and directivity control system A directivity control apparatus controls a directivity of a sound collected by a first sound collecting unit including a plurality of microphones. The directivity control apparatus includes a directivity forming unit, configured to form a directivity of the sound in a direction toward a monitoring target corresponding to a first designated position in an image displayed on a display unit, and an information obtaining unit, configured to obtain information on a second designated position in the image displayed on the display unit, designated in accordance with a movement of the monitoring target. The directivity forming unit is configured to change the directivity of the sound toward the monitoring target corresponding to the second designated position by referring to the information on the second designated position obtained by the information obtaining unit.
US09621979B2	Pressure equalization systems and methods An apparatus include an earpiece including a chamber. The chamber has a passageway. The apparatus includes a valve configured to relieve acoustic pressure in the chamber. The valve control assembly is configured to control the valve based on acoustic pressure in the chamber.
US09621977B2	Earphone The present invention provides an earphone including a speaker unit, a rear cavity of the earphone, an audio signal wire and an extension tube which connects to the rear cavity of the earphone and accommodates the audio signal wire. The earphone also includes a sound guide tube which is located in the extension tube and extends in the same direction as the extension tube and connects the rear cavity of the earphone with the exterior space of the earphone. The audio signal wire is separate from the sound guide tube. The earphone of this structure can improve the low frequency characteristics of the earphone effectively and upgrade the low frequency sound effect of the earphone.
US09621976B2	Glasses apparatus for watching display image A glasses apparatus which works in conjunction with a display apparatus which operates in a multi-view mode to combine and output a plurality of contents. The glasses apparatus includes: a first interface module which receives a synchronization signal in a first wireless communication method; first and second glasses mounted on a glasses frame and which are driven in synchronization with one of the plurality of contents based on the synchronization signal; a second interface module which receives an audio signal of at least said one content in a second wireless communication method; a controller which selects an audio signal of said one content from among audio signals corresponding to the plurality of contents, and an audio outputter which outputs the audio signal of the selected content, and which is integrally formed with the glasses frame.
US09621970B2	OLT MAC module for efficiently processing OAM frames Embodiments of the present disclosure provide efficient solutions for detecting and transmitting heartbeat frames at an optical line terminal (OLT) of an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON). The processing burden of a host CPU is reduced by shifting some of the processing responsibilities of the host CPU to an embedded CPU. An OAM capture FIFO buffer stores frames for later processing by the embedded CPU, and fields of an OAM vector register are changed whenever a heartbeat frame is detected for an LLID. Embedded CPU polls the OAM vector at a predetermined rate sufficient to maintain link status, so heartbeat messages are not missed even when the OAM capture FIFO buffer overflows. Additionally, an OAM generation buffer efficiently creates new heartbeat messages to be sent to ONUs for each supported LLID by modifying previously transmitted OAM frames with new information specific to the LLIDs.
US09621969B2	Management and control of software defined networking enabled open transport networks Apparatuses are disclosed including a node having a switch for communicating traffic from input interface to output interface; and a control module, located proximate to the input interface, output interface and switch, comprising a communication interface configured to connect to a third communication link external to the node and having a processor accessing network node configuration information and being configured to compute a path to a destination node through the output interface with the network node configuration information and also configured to be switched from a first state in which the processor provides first instructions to the switch to configure the switch to communicate the traffic from the input interface to the output interface, to a second state in which the processor provides second instructions, received via the communication interface, to the switch to configure the switch to communicate traffic from the input interface to the output interface.
US09621967B2	Methods and systems for passive optical switching Optical networking has become ubiquitous in providing low cost, high speed communications networks supporting our communication needs from FTTH through long haul to undersea. The large number of users and high speeds provided to each user fiber mean that information retrieval and routing functionality within the data centers hosting this information can become the bottleneck both in terms of speed and latency. According to embodiments of the invention the inventors present architectures based upon all-optical passive optical networks that support a distributive approach to latency reduction as well as protocols relating to their deployment. Beneficially, such POCXN concepts exploit optical components already supported by high volume manufacturing techniques as well as CWDM/DWDM techniques for throughput increase.
US09621966B2	Monitoring control system and control method A monitoring control system sequentially processing data collected from various data sources to find a possible phenomenon, producing an appropriate action for the found change or phenomenon, and outputting control information for causing a system to perform a notification or predetermined control. The monitoring control system includes a phenomenon detecting section configured to detect a phenomenon leading to a particular result from contiguous data received from data sources serving as data transmission element based on detecting rule definition data previously specifying a change attribute of contiguous time-series data pieces for each phenomenon leading to a particular result, and a determination section configured to extract action information associated with the particular result detected by the phenomenon detecting section to produce an event for a predetermined system based on action definition data previously specifying action information for each particular result.
US09621965B2	Module, circuit and method of communication for detection device and sensor comprising such a module, in particular for explosive atmosphere A communication module is provided for a sensor, for use in a detection device, including a plurality of sensors, having at least one upstream receiver for receiving an interrogation signal from upstream of the sensor and transporting it to the sensor, and receiving from the sensor a response signal and transporting it upstream of the sensor; —at least one downstream transporter for transporting an interrogation signal downstream of the sensor; —at least one sensor short-circuit, displaceable between an open position wherein the upstream receiver is linked to the sensor, and a closed position in which the upstream receiver is disconnected from the sensor and connected to the downstream transporter; and —at least one controller, for controlling the sensor short-circuit and arranged to maintain the sensor short-circuit: —in the open position until the emission of the response signal, and —in the closed position after the emission.
US09621962B2	Methods and systems for recording and sharing digital video A method includes receiving and processing an electronic signal that represents television content to provide a first media signal that is playable to present a forward-playback of the television content. The method also includes, responsive to a first instruction, providing a second media signal that is playable to present a reverse-playback of the television content, and recording a portion of the television content that corresponds to the reverse-playback. Further, the method includes, responsive to a second instruction, stopping the recording of the television content. In addition, the method includes, responsive to a third instruction, saving one or more recorded portions of the television content. The method also includes, responsive to receiving a fourth instruction, communicating the saved recording of the television content to a separate computing device.
US09621960B2	Majority rule selection of media content A mobile device may be registered to participate in selection of television programming for presentation by a display device external the mobile device. An indication of selection of particular television programming for presentation by a display device may be received from the mobile device. A determination may be made, based on the indication of selection, whether a collective indication of selection tally of the particular television programming is greater than a collective indication of selection tally of other television programming. The particular television programming may be output for presentation by the display device when the particular television programming has a collective indication of selection tally greater than a collective indication of selection tally of other television programming.
US09621956B2	Systems and methods for providing a transport control interface A transport control interface may be provided by an interactive television program guide application to provide information, control or both for live and recorded video programming. The transport control interface may indicate to the user this time duration of a live or recorded program and any time segments of the program that have been recorded. The transport control interface may automatically adjust the start and end time shown to accommodate various factors such as continuous viewing on a particular channel, multiple recorded segments, buffer size, etc. Various information associated with the live or recorded video programming may be displayed in the transport control interface.
US09621955B2	Identifying media channels that have a high likelihood of multiple consumptions by one or more users A computer system determines user scores for each channel. The user scores for a respective channel are based on activity of the users accessing one or more media items of the respective channel. The system determines a channel score for the respective channel using the user scores that correspond to the respective channel The channel score indicates a likelihood of the respective channel to have repeated user visits. The system determines a set of the channels relevant to one or more users, and causes a subset of the set of channels to be selected for promotion to the one or more users based on channel scores for the set of channels.
US09621954B2	Program guide including online channels A method includes providing a programming guide including listings associated with a number of channels provided by a television service provider. The method may also include receiving, from a user, input corresponding to a request to add a listing in the programming guide associated with an online content provider, and providing a user interface requesting that the user add information associated with the online content provider. The method may further include receiving, via the user interface, an identifier associated with the online content provider, storing the identifier in a memory, and modifying the programming guide to include a listing associated with the online content provider.
US09621951B2	Methods for receiving and sending video to a handheld device In one embodiment, a system includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor, the logic being configured to: receive a request to record a television program; receive the television program; record the television program by storing a representation of the television program; receive a request to send the representation of the television program to a handheld device; reduce a size of the representation of the television program; and send the reduced-size representation of the television program to the handheld device via a network, where the network is selected from the group consisting of: the Internet, a wireless network, a local area network, a cable television network, and a mobile telephony network, and where reducing the size of the representation of the television program is based, at least in part, on an attribute associated with the network and/or the handheld device.
US09621948B2	System and method for prioritizing and filtering CEC commands A first controllable appliance receives from a second controllable appliance a command for causing the first controllable appliance to be placed into a state and, in response, determines a trust level of the second controllable appliance. When it is determined that the second controllable appliance is trustworthy, the first controllable appliance executes the command. When it is determined that the second controllable appliance is untrustworthy, the first controllable appliance ignores the command. Otherwise, the first controllable appliance enters into a state in which the first controllable appliance waits for at least a predetermined period of time for a user to confirm whether or not the first controllable appliance should be caused to execute the command.
US09621946B2	Frequency content sort A receiver accumulates characteristic information by tracking content being presented. When the receiver determines to present a menu of recorded content, the receiver analyzes the accumulated information to rank the recorded content based on a frequency of the characteristics and sorts the menu based at least one the analysis. The receiver may present an instance of content when it is selected. In some implementations, the instances of content are recorded as part of recording multiple instances of content received via at least one broadcast wherein the multiple instances of content are all included in a same frequency band of the broadcast and are all encoded utilizing a same code word. In one or more implementations, the menu may include content information for one or more of the instances of content in the menu, such as the number of related instances of content also stored by the content receiver.
US09621944B2	Mobile communication terminal and terminal operation method An object is to effectively use a surface of a display unit of a mobile communication terminal and to appropriately set a detection area according to display modes, thereby allowing a user to perform an operation easily and intuitively.A mobile communication terminal 110 of the present invention includes a display unit 214, a screen control unit 240 that displays a plurality of screens arranged on the display unit, a touch detection unit 218 that receives a user input to a surface of the display unit 214 and a detection area setting unit 242 that, when the plurality of screens are arranged on the display unit 214, sets, as a detection area of the touch detection unit 218 that receives an operation to each of the screens, an area corresponding to either one screen according to sizes of the screens.
US09621936B2	Information providing device, information providing method, and computer program Log information includes items of information that identify one or more of program titles and performers that are selected by a user as being preferred. Identifiers are displayed, where each of the identifiers identifies an item of information included in the log information. An input to select one of the identifiers is received, and broadcast information for the program title or performer corresponding to the selected identifier is acquired. The broadcast information includes one or more broadcast times of contents that have the program title or that include the performer. The broadcast information is displayed to include the one or more broadcast times and an input is received to select a broadcast time of a content. Detailed information for the content and the broadcast time are displayed when the input to select the broadcast time of the content is received.
US09621933B2	System and method for providing VOD content in a switched digital video network using unicast ABR streaming A system and method for providing VOD/NPVR content in a switched digital video network using unicast adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming. In one implementation, upon receiving a notification from a back office pursuant to the VOD session request from a subscriber station (e.g., a set-top box or STB), a bandwidth pipe modeling process is operative to model a bandwidth pipe corresponding to each edge QAM device configured to support VOD sessions for selecting a particular edge QAM device that can best accommodate the requested VOD session. Bitrates of UABR streams of existing VOD sessions of the selected edge QAM device may be adjusted in order to accommodate a particular UABR stream at a chosen bitrate for the requested VOD session. UABR allocations of the selected edge QAM's bandwidth pipe may be effectuated for the existing VOD sessions and the requested VOD session as needed. A response message including one or more session frequencies, if the session request is accommodated, may be transmitted to the requesting subscriber station.
US09621931B2	Method of processing non-real time service and broadcast receiver A method of receiving and processing a broadcast signal including a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service in a broadcast receiver, the method comprises receiving and processing a signaling information table including access information of the NRT service, receiving data of the NRT service based on the signaling information table in non-real time and storing the received data of the NRT service in a storage medium, extracting service information including service type of the NRT service and detail information of the NRT service from the signaling information table, and controlling processes of the NRT service based on the extracted service information.
US09621929B1	Method of video content selection and display A method of automated content selection is disclosed, in which an end user views multimedia content provided via by a content aggregator that is also programmed to detect content delivery boundaries. This occurs, for instance, when the provider switches from showing an event to showing interstitial advertising. On detecting a delivery boundary, a substitute stream of multimedia content is then automatically sent. Detecting a content delivery boundary is accomplished in a twostep process. First, a candidate frame indicative of a deliver boundary is found. This is done, for instance, by finding a change in average sound volume of sufficient magnitude. The candidate frame is then compared to a database of representative frames of known interstitial video segments. If a sufficiently good match is found, the frame is determined to be a content boundary frame, and appropriate switching of the video being relayed is made.
US09621925B2	Methods and apparatus for video encoding and decoding binary sets using adaptive tree selection Methods and apparatus are provided for encoding and decoding binary sets using adaptive tree selection. In one exemplary encoding method embodiment, picture data is encoded for a block in a picture; in which one of a plurality of trees structures is selected to code a binary set of data for indicating coefficient significance for the block. In another exemplary encoding method embodiment, picture data is encoded for a block in a picture, in which one or more trees are used to encode a binary set of data for indicating coefficient significance for the block, the one or more trees each having a plurality of nodes, at least one of the nodes of the one or more trees being modified responsive to at least one parameter.
US09621924B2	Vextex correction method and apparatus for rotated three-dimensional (3D) components A 3D model can be modeled using pattern-instance representation, wherein an instance component may be represented as transformation (for example, rotation, translation, and scaling) of a pattern. Quantization errors may be introduced when encoding rotation information, causing different vertex coordinate errors at different vertices of an instance. To efficiently compensate the vertex coordinate errors, an upper bound can be estimated for the vertex coordinate error of a vertex. Based on the upper bound, the codec decides whether the vertex coordinate error of the vertex needs to be compensated, and decides a quantization parameter for compensating the vertex coordinate error if compensation is needed. The upper bound can be estimated at both the encoder and decoder, and thus, no explicit signaling is needed to indicate whether vertex coordinate error compensation is used or to indicate the quantization parameter for the vertex coordinate error.
US09621923B2	Motion video predict coding method, motion video predict coding device, motion video predict coding program, motion video predict decoding method, motion predict decoding device, and motion video predict decoding program A video predictive coding system includes a video predictive encoding device having: an input circuit to receive pictures constituting a video sequence; an encoding circuit which conducts predictive coding of a target picture using, as reference pictures, pictures encoded and reconstructed in the past, to generate compressed picture data; a reconstruction circuit to decode the compressed picture data to reconstruct a reproduced picture; picture storage to store the reproduced picture as a reference picture for encoding of a subsequent picture; and a buffer management circuit which controls the picture storage, (prior to predictive encoding of the target picture), on the basis of buffer description information BD[k] related to reference pictures used in predictive encoding of the target picture, encodes the buffer description information BD[k] with reference to buffer description information BD[m] for a picture different from the target picture, and adds encoded data thereof to the compressed picture data.
US09621918B2	Method and device for intra prediction video A method and apparatus for intra predicting a video. The method includes: determining availability of a predetermined number of adjacent pixels used for intra prediction of a current block; if a first adjacent pixel is unavailable, searching for a second adjacent pixel that is available by searching the predetermined number of adjacent pixels in a predetermined direction based on the first adjacent pixel; and replacing a pixel value of the first adjacent pixel with a pixel value of a found second adjacent pixel. At least one third adjacent pixel in another location, which is not available and excludes the first adjacent pixel at a predetermined location, is sequentially replaced by using a directly adjacent pixel in a predetermined direction.
US09621914B2	Encoding device, decoding device, encoding method, and decoding method for coding efficiency According to an embodiment, an encoding device includes a deriving unit and an encoding unit. The deriving unit is configured to derive a first reference value based on fixed point precision representing roughness of a weighting factor that is used for multiplying a reference image. The encoding unit is configured to encode a first difference value that is a difference value between the weighting factor and the first reference value and the fixed point precision. The weighting factor is included in a first range of predetermined bit precision having the first reference value at approximate center. The first difference value is in the predetermined range.
US09621908B2	Dynamic load balancing for video decoding using multiple processors A method and computer readable medium storing a corresponding computer program for decoding a video bitstream based on processors using dynamic load balancing are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method configures multiple processors to perform the multiple processing modules including a prediction module by mapping the multiple processing modules to the multiple processors. One or more buffer queues are used among said multiple processing modules and the mapping the prediction module to the multiple processors is based on the level of the buffer queue. The multiple processors may correspond to a multi-core Central Processing Unit (CPU) comprising of multiple CPUs or a multi-core Digital Signal Processor (DSP) comprising of multiple DSPs to practice the present invention.
US09621907B2	System and method for transcoding data A method for transcoding data comprises receiving an input stream of data formatted according to a USB standard, the input stream is partitioned into a sequence of blocks having a fixed length. At least one input block of the input stream comprises one or more data symbols and one or more control symbols, the one or more control symbols include one or more general control symbols. The method also includes transcoding the at least one input block to generate at least one output block comprising a synchronization block and a control/data block. The control/data block comprises the one or more data symbols of the at least one input block, a representation of the one or more general control symbols of the at least one input block, and a plurality of indicators indicating locations of the one or more data symbols and control symbols in the at least one input block.
US09621904B2	Method and system for transmitting multiple wide-area surveillance area-of-interest video codestreams A method and system of transmitting a plurality of wide-area surveillance area-of-interest video codestreams is described, First and second video codestreams are generated from a plurality of large format images that are captured sequentially in time. The first video codestream has a first plurality of areas-of-interest selected from the plurality of large format images and the second video codestream has a second plurality of areas-of-interest from the same plurality of large format images. The first video codestream is generated at a first frame rate and the second video codestream is generated at a second frame rate and the first and second video codestreams are combined to obtain a combined video codestream at third frame rate. The combined video codestream is then transmitted through a link to a demultiplexer that regenerates the first and second video codestreams.
US09621902B2	Multi-stream optimization Methods and systems are provided for transmitting multiple video streams to clients based on individual preferences of the clients and network conditions. A cost-function minimization problem is formulated based on various network parameters. The network parameters (e.g., round-trip time (RTT), available bandwidth, packet loss rate, etc.) may be inputs to this optimization problem, which attempts to find optimal resolutions, bitrates, etc., given the network parameters and the video content. Additionally, by incorporating quality prediction, the cost-function may be based on actual content of video sequences.
US09621900B1	Motion-based adaptive quantization There is described herein motion-based adaptive quantization for compressing video streams. Motionless portions of pictures are detected and the compression quality of these portions is increased while the compression quality of non-motionless portions is decreased. The QP of a portion of image data, such as a macroblock, is modified for successive motionless portions from a start QP to a target QP in accordance with a multi-step change.
US09621898B2	Image processing device and image processing method Provided is an image processing device including a selection section configured to select, from a plurality of transform units with different sizes, a transform unit used for inverse orthogonal transformation of image data to be decoded, a generation section configured to generate, from a first quantization matrix corresponding to a transform unit for a first size, a second quantization matrix corresponding to a transform unit for a second size from a first quantization matrix corresponding to a transform unit for a first size, and an inverse quantization section configured to inversely quantize transform coefficient data for the image data using the second quantization matrix generated by the generation section when the selection section selects the transform unit for the second size.
US09621897B2	Image processing device and image processing method Provided is an image processing device including a selection section configured to select, from a plurality of transform units with different sizes, a transform unit used for inverse orthogonal transformation of image data to be decoded, a generation section configured to generate, from a first quantization matrix corresponding to a transform unit for a first size, a second quantization matrix corresponding to a transform unit for a second size from a first quantization matrix corresponding to a transform unit for a first size, and an inverse quantization section configured to inversely quantize transform coefficient data for the image data using the second quantization matrix generated by the generation section when the selection section selects the transform unit for the second size.
US09621893B2	Method of generating quantized block Provided is a method that derives an intra prediction mode of a prediction unit, selects an inverse scan pattern of a current transform unit among a diagonal scan, a vertical scan and a horizontal scan based on the intra prediction mode and a size of the transform unit, and generates a quantized block by inversely scanning significant flags, coefficients signs and coefficient levels according to the selected inverse scan pattern. If the transform unit is larger than a predetermined size, multiple subsets are generated and inversely scanned. Therefore, the amount of coding bits of the residual block is reduced by determining the scan pattern based on the size of the transform unit and the intra prediction mode, and by applying the scan pattern to each subset. Also, the signaling bits decreases by generating MPM group adaptively according to the neighboring intra prediction modes.
US09621889B2	Image encoding method, image decoding method, image encoding apparatus, image decoding apparatus, and image coding apparatus An image encoding method is used for encoding a current picture on a block-by-block basis and includes: generating a reference picture list by (i) assigning a reference picture index to a reference picture referable for encoding the current picture and (ii) including the reference picture assigned the reference picture index into the reference picture list; and encoding a current block included in the current picture with reference to a reference picture that is specified, from the reference picture list, for encoding the current block, wherein, when a reference picture belonging to a reference view different from a current view to which the current picture belongs has a chance of being referenced for encoding the current picture, the reference picture belonging to the reference view is added to the reference picture list in the generating.
US09621887B2	Motion compensation and motion estimation leveraging a continuous coordinate system Computer processor hardware receives settings information for a first image. The first image includes a set of multiple display elements. The computer processor hardware receives motion compensation information for a given display element in a second image to be created based at least in part on the first image. The motion compensation information indicates a coordinate location within a particular display element in the first image to which the given display element pertains. The computer processor hardware utilizes the coordinate location as a basis from which to select a grouping of multiple display elements in the first image. The computer processor hardware then generates a setting for the given display element in the second image based on settings of the multiple display elements in the grouping.
US09621885B2	Power saving decoder architecture A method and system are provided for decoding coded video data by turning off or not loading at least one functional unit or functional subunit of the decoder while decoding a portion of the coded video data. A schedule may be created prior to substantive decoding and then the schedule may be used to decode coded video data. The coded video data may be reordered based on the functional units or subunits the portions of the coded video data need for decoding. The portions of the coded video data are reordered into their original order in an output buffer after being decoded. The decoder may determine which functional units or subunits are needed for decoding based on administration information included with the coded video data. The decoder may decode portions of the coded video data in parallel.
US09621883B2	Predictive network testing The invention relates to a method and apparatus for evaluating a network and for predicting network performance for a higher order modulation by analyzing network signals modulated using a lower order modulation format. A margin index may be generated for the current or projected modulation formats based on displacement vectors for received symbols to indicate a margin remaining before a codeword error occurs to alert the network operator of potential performance issues before actual codeword errors occur.
US09621871B2	Image coding method, image decoding method, image coding apparatus, and image decoding apparatus An image coding method for properly handling a 3D video format including a base layer and an enhancement layer includes a video layer and a system layer. The video layer includes a step of coding an image to generate a coded stream. The system layer includes a step of multiplexing the coded stream and an identifier to generate a system stream, the identifier indicating whether or not the image has a left-right mixed format that includes a base layer and an enhancement layer and that has a left view image area and a right view image area in each picture. In the coding step, the image that includes the base layer and the enhancement layer and that has the left view image area and the right view image area in each picture is coded to generate the coded stream, when the image has the left-right mixed format.
US09621868B2	Depth sensor, image capture method, and image processing system using depth sensor An image capture method performed by a depth sensor includes; emitting a first source signal having a first amplitude towards a scene, and thereafter emitting a second source signal having a second amplitude different from the first amplitude towards the scene, capturing a first image in response to the first source signal and capturing a second image in response to the second source signal, and interpolating the first and second images to generate a final image.
US09621867B2	Decoding device and encoding device According to an embodiment, a decoding device includes an acquiring unit configured to acquire first format information, encoded data, and first filter information, the first format information indicating a resolution of a color-difference component of the encoded data; a decoding unit configured to decode the encoded data to obtain a decoded image; and a converting unit configured to convert a color-difference format of the decoded image represented by a first color-difference format by using a filter identified by the filter information.
US09621866B2	Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program An image processing apparatus includes a display control unit configured to scroll a plurality of pieces of content data, a prediction unit configured to predict which content data among the plurality of pieces of content data moves from a hidden area to a display area according to a scroll display control condition controlled by the display control unit, and a decoding unit configured to decode the content data predicted by the prediction unit before the predicted content data moves to the display area.
US09621860B2	Image capturing apparatus and control method thereof, and storage medium An image capturing apparatus comprises a solid-state image sensor including a pixel area where a plurality of unit pixels are arranged, each of the unit pixels including a photoelectric conversion portion, a first charge holding portion, a first charge transfer portion, a second charge holding portion, and a second charge transfer portion, a light projection unit, and a control unit configured to control to set the second charge transfer portion in an OFF state synchronized with a light projection operation by the light projection unit while keeping the first charge transfer portion in an ON state after controlling the photoelectric conversion portion to perform photoelectric conversion, and setting the first charge transfer portion and the second charge transfer portion in the ON states.
US09621856B2	Image processing apparatus and image processing method A structure is provided which reduces erroneous estimation when a state of a work is estimated. An image processing apparatus includes: a camera which inputs an image of a work; a work state estimation unit which estimates a state of the work from the image which has been input by the camera; an occurrence probability storage unit which stores an occurrence probability that is previously associated with each state of the work; and a reliability calculation unit which calculates reliability for the estimated state of the work, based on the state of the work estimated by the work state estimation unit and the occurrence probability which corresponds to the state of the work.
US09621853B1	Service orchestration to support a cloud-based, multi-party video conferencing service in a virtual overlay network environment Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to service orchestration to support cloud-based, multi-party video conferencing service in a virtual overlay network environment. According to one aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a video conferencing service orchestrator can receive, from a user device, a service request for the cloud-based, multi-party video conferencing service orchestrated by the video conferencing service orchestrator. In response to the service request, the video conferencing service orchestrator can provide, to the user device, virtual network layer system software and a virtual machine container for installation on the user device. The virtual network layer system software can implement a network function to provide an interface between the user device and a service controller during a video conference. A conference image particular to the type of video conference can be installed on the virtual machine container to implement the video conference for the user device.
US09621848B2	Transmission management apparatus A transmission management apparatus manages transmission states of a plurality of transmission terminals including a first transmission terminal and a second transmission terminal. The apparatus includes a terminal management table storage unit configured to store therein a terminal management table in which terminal information including an identifier and an identification name of each transmission terminal is managed; a receiving unit configured to receive a terminal information request signal from the first transmission terminal, the terminal information request signal indicating a request for information for identifying the second transmission terminal, the first and second transmission terminals being in transmission therebetween; a terminal state acquisition unit configured to acquire the information for identifying the second transmission terminal from the terminal management table in response to the terminal information request signal; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the information acquired by the terminal state acquisition unit to the first transmission terminal.
US09621841B1	Frame rate conversion based on object tracking A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for frame rate conversion based on object tracking. The method includes determining whether a block of a first frame of an input video stream corresponds to a detected object region or a non-object region. The method further includes selecting a motion estimation operation from a group of operations comprising an object tracking operation based at least on the determining of whether the block of the first frame corresponds to the detected object region or the non-object region. The method further includes determining a motion vector of the block by performing the selected motion estimation operation and determining an interpolated frame based at least on the determined motion vector and the first frame and a second frame of the input video stream.
US09621837B1	Methods and devices for switching between different TV program accompanying sounds The present disclosure relates to TV devices that implement methods for switching an accompanying sound of a TV program. According to the method, the TV device may display a current TV program under a first operation state of a plurality operation state associated with the current TV program; when receiving a first controlling signal, display a target menu on the screen, wherein the target menu includes a target menu option of operation which is a default option and is associated with the plurality of operation states of the current TV program; and when receiving a second controlling signal, directly switch the TV device to a second operation state along a sequence of the plurality of operation states.
US09621829B1	Imaging system unit cell and methods for dynamic range imaging Imaging system, imaging system unit cell, and a method of detecting an image. One example of an imaging system unit cell includes a photodetector configured to generate a photo-current, a transimpedance amplifier circuit configured to integrate an electrical charge accumulated from the photo-current during an integration period and provide an integration voltage at an output node, and quantization circuitry configured to generate a digital signal during the integration period based at least in part on the integration voltage, the quantization circuitry including a comparator configured to receive the integration voltage and a voltage ramp signal, compare the integration voltage and the voltage ramp signal, and determine an intersection of the voltage ramp signal and the integration voltage at an intersection time, and a latch coupled to the comparator and configured to latch a digital counter value corresponding to the intersection time, the digital signal including the digital counter value.
US09621827B2	Imaging element, driving method, and electronic apparatus The present technology relates to an imaging element, a driving method, and an electronic apparatus that can decrease a voltage and increase a saturation signal amount.In each pixel configuring a pixel array unit, a photodiode receiving light from a subject and performing photoelectric conversion on the light and a first charge accumulating unit accumulating charges generated by the photodiode are provided. A reset gate unit to initialize the first charge accumulating unit is connected to the first charge accumulating unit through a third transfer gate unit. When the first charge accumulating unit is initialized, a voltage is applied to gate electrodes of the third transfer gate unit and the reset gate unit and a positive voltage is applied to a well region provided with a pixel to assist voltage application. Thereby, initialization is appropriately performed and a reset level is suppressed low. As a result, a voltage can be decreased and a saturation signal amount can be increased. The present technology can be applied to a solid-state imaging element.
US09621825B2	Camera system with multiple pixel arrays on a chip An integrated circuit for capturing panoramic image is disclosed. The integrated circuit comprises a plurality of pixel arrays fabricated on a common substrate, wherein each pixel array being positioned to capture an image to be projected thereon, and wherein the orientation of each pixel array is rotated to match with the orientation of the image projected thereon. The integrated circuit also includes readout circuits coupled to the pixel arrays for reading electrical signals corresponding to the images captured from the pixel arrays. In one embodiment, the plurality of pixel arrays corresponds to four pixel arrays and the orientation of said each pixel array is substantially 90° apart from a neighboring pixel array. The integrated circuit further comprises a timing and control circuit, wherein the timing and control circuit is for controlling said one or more readout circuits and the plurality of pixel arrays.
US09621822B2	Imaging unit and imaging method There is included: a light receiving device configured to receive light and convert the received light into a light detection signal; a pixel transistor connected to the light receiving device and configured to control connection between the light receiving device and a signal line; a low-pass filter configured to be applied with respect to the light detection signal; an A-D converter configured to convert an output signal of the low-pass filter into digital data; and a sequencer configured to, prior to causing the A-D converter to operate to output the digital data, control the pixel transistor to be in an ON state and thereby maintain the light receiving device to be connected to the signal line, in a state in which the low-pass filter is caused to function effectively with respect to the light detection signal.
US09621819B2	Electronic device and multimedia control method thereof An electronic device and a multimedia control method thereof are provided. The electronic device has an image capturing unit and a detecting unit. The method includes following steps. When executing an image capturing operation for obtaining an image signal by the image capturing unit, a motion information of the electronic device and an environment information is simultaneously detected by the detecting unit. At least one effect control signal is generated according to the motion information and the environment information. The at least one effect control signal is outputted to at least one corresponding effect output device according to a timing of the image signal.
US09621818B2	Mobile terminal having dual cameras to created composite image and method thereof A mobile terminal including a first camera on a first surface of the mobile terminal; a second camera on a second surface of the mobile terminal; a display unit; and a controller configured to control the first camera to obtain a first image, control the second camera to obtain a plurality of second images, and display the first image and the plurality of second images on the display unit.
US09621816B2	Lighting control device and lighting control method A lighting control device includes: a luminance acquirer that acquires a luminance measured value of a fixed point of an object when the object is viewed from a predetermined viewpoint; and a lighting adjuster that individually controls a plurality of light sources irradiating the object from different directions based on the luminance measured value, and adjusts lighting on the object such that the luminance of the fixed point comes close to a predetermined setting value.
US09621815B2	Photographing apparatus and photographing control method A photographing apparatus and a photographing control method are provided, including an exposure-commencement instructing device configured to provide an instruction to commence an exposure of the image sensor, and an exposure-commencement controller configured to commence a driving of the movable member via the driver upon the image sensor being instructed to commence an exposure by the exposure-commencement instructing device in a non driving state of the movable member, performed by the driver, and after a predetermined unstable-operation period of time of the low-pass filter operation lapses from the commencement of the driving of the movable member, the exposure-commencement controller commences an exposure of the image sensor.
US09621812B2	Image capturing control apparatus and method Methods and apparatus for image capturing are provided. A first camera mounted on a rear side of a mobile terminal, and a second camera mounted on a front side of a mobile terminal, are driven in an image capturing mode. A user's face is detected in a second image generated by the second camera. An alarm is generated that indicates that a first image is out of an intended image capturing area, when the user's face is not detected in the second image and when a difference is detected between the first image and a reference first image.
US09621811B2	Non-functioning headlight warning A vehicle system includes a processing device programmed to identify a first zone and a second zone in an image of an area ahead of a vehicle. The processing device compares a first brightness associated with the first zone to a second brightness associated with the second zone to determine a brightness difference. The processing device can determine whether at least one vehicle headlight has malfunctioned based at least in part on the brightness difference.
US09621809B2	Display control apparatus and method for controlling the same A display control apparatus includes a first display unit in an eyepiece viewfinder, a second display unit configured to be visible without the user's eye being in contact therewith, and a display control unit configured to perform control to display a soft keyboard on the second display unit without displaying the soft keyboard on the first display unit in response to an operation for displaying the soft keyboard during display on the first display unit.
US09621807B2	Optical device, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor An optical device that is capable of reducing eccentric aberration while reducing image blur. A first shake correction unit corrects image blur optically based on a shake amount that is detected by a shake detection unit. A second shake correction unit corrects image blur optically based on a shake amount that is detected by the shake detection unit. The second shake correction unit has a different image blur correction effect from the first shake correction unit. The optical device has a mode in which shake correction is performed using the first shake correction unit without using the second shake correction unit.
US09621805B2	Method, system and computer program product for debluring images The invention is directed to a camera deblur technique. An exemplary method comprises capturing an image using the camera, wherein the image is captured using a first sampling frequency; estimating, using pixel samples from the image and sampled with a second sampling frequency, a blur function, wherein the second sampling frequency is greater than the first sampling frequency; and performing deblur processing of the image based on the estimated blur function.
US09621804B2	Display terminal, display control device, display control method, display method and image display system A display terminal, in which a supply of electric power from a battery can also be performed, includes an imaging unit that performs imaging to generate an image; a display unit that displays the image generated by the imaging unit; a detection unit that detects whether a direction of the imaging unit while imaging to generate the image to be generated by the imaging unit is being changed; and a power supply interruption unit that interrupts the supply of the electric power from the battery to the imaging unit when the detection unit detects that the direction of imaging to generate the image to be generated by the imaging unit is being changed.
US09621803B2	System and method for correlating camera views A method for correlating views of two or more video camera systems includes obtaining a plurality of data point coordinate sets to represent relative positioning between the camera systems and data point objects in the environment. The views may be correlated through Interpolation or extrapolation using the obtained data point coordinate sets. Devices such as lasers may also be used to correlate views of two or more video camera systems.
US09621796B2	Method, apparatus and computer program for capturing images with multiple image capture and image modification The Figures illustrate an apparatus, method, computer program and apparatus wherein the method includes detecting an input; and in response to detecting the input, causing an image capturing apparatus to capture a plurality of images; wherein the image capturing apparatus is configured to have a first set of parameters to capture a first subset of the plurality of images such that the first subset of the plurality of images are configured for use with a first image processing algorithm and the image capturing apparatus is configured to have a second set of parameters to capture a second subset of the plurality of images such that the second subset of the plurality of images are configured for use with a second image processing algorithm.
US09621795B1	Active speaker location detection Various examples related to determining a location of an active speaker are provided. In one example, image data of a room from an image capture device is received and a three dimensional model is generated. First audio data from a first microphone array at the image capture device is received. Second audio data from a second microphone array laterally spaced from the image capture device is received. Using the three dimensional model, a location of the second microphone array with respect to the image capture device is determined. Using the audio data and the location and angular orientation of the second microphone array, an estimated location of the active speaker is determined. Using the estimated location, a setting for the image capture device is determined and outputted to highlight the active speaker.
US09621794B2	Image processing device, image processing method and permanent computer-readable medium A storage portion stores (220) an image data and a distance data including a respective subject and a lens focus. A display (180) displays a display image based on the image data, and an operation regarding a depth of field and a focus position being performed. An image adjusting portion (320) detects a first operation and a second operation performed referring to the display (180), and adjusts a focus distance according to the first operation and the distance data as well as adjusts a depth of field according to the second operation and the distance data for the image data to generate the display image.
US09621792B2	Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same Disclosed is a mobile terminal, by which an image can be easily attached. In particular, the present invention includes a 1st camera, a touchscreen, and a controller controlling the touchscreen to output a running screen of a prescribed application and a preview screen of the 1st camera to a 1st region and a 2nd region on the touchscreen, respectively, the controller, if a photograph command is received, attaching an image data photographed through the 1st camera to the prescribed application, wherein a data size of the attached image data is based on a size of the 2nd region.
US09621789B2	Imaging apparatus and its control method An imaging apparatus includes an imaging plane phase-difference type first focus detecting unit and a contrast type second focus detecting unit. A saturation detecting unit detects saturation of focus detecting pixels or imaging pixels provided in an imaging element. A brightness detecting unit detects the brightness of an object. If the number of pixels detected by the saturation detecting unit exceeds a predetermined value or the brightness of an object detected by the brightness detecting unit is less than a predetermined value, a CPU controls a focus adjustment operation only using a first detection amount. Alternatively, the CPU controls a focus adjustment operation based on the result obtained by weighting processing of a first detection amount and a second detection amount in response to an increase in the number of pixels of which saturation of the outputs has been detected or a decrease in the brightness of an object.
US09621787B2	Image pickup apparatus for transmitting, to lens unit, control information for focusing and stopping at different timings, lens unit, and methods of controlling the same An image pickup apparatus detachably mounting a lens unit including a plurality of optical members includes an image pickup unit that accumulates charge in synchronization with a vertical synchronizing signal to generate an image signal, and a control unit that generates control information for each of the plurality of optical members of the mounted lens unit and communicates the control information with the lens unit in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal. The control unit is configured to perform a first communication in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal, and to perform a second communication, for controlling an optical member different to the optical before a next first communication that is performed in synchronization with a next vertical synchronizing signal. The first communication and the second communication are predetermined packet communications in which optical members to be controlled among the plurality of optical members are different from each other.
US09621782B2	Image capturing apparatus and method for calculating sensitivity ratio of phase difference pixel An image capturing apparatus includes: an image capturing element in which a plurality of pixels are formed and arranged and phase difference pixels are formed within an effective pixel region; a photographing lens; and a control unit which analyzes a captured image signal by the image capturing element, obtains a phase difference amount from detection signals of two of the phase difference pixels that make a pair, and performs a focusing control of the photographing lens, in which the control unit calculates, as a sensitivity ratio, a ratio of an integration value of light receiving sensitivity of the phase difference pixel within a range of an incident angle of the photographing lens, and an integration value of light receiving sensitivity of a pixel other than the phase difference pixel, and corrects a deviation in light receiving sensitivity between the two phase difference pixels.
US09621781B2	Focus control device, endoscope system, and focus control method The focus control device includes a focus control section that controls an imaging optical system that is configured so that an in-focus object plane position is changed when an imaging magnification is changed, an image acquisition section that acquires a plurality of images captured through the imaging optical system at a different imaging magnification, and a change-in-magnification detection section that detects a change in magnification that is at least one of a change in the imaging magnification and a change in size of an object within an image among the plurality of images, the focus control section driving the imaging optical system based on an AF evaluation value that indicates the focus state of the imaging optical system and calculated based on the image and the change in magnification to control focus of the imaging optical system.
US09621779B2	Face recognition device and method that update feature amounts at different frequencies based on estimated distance A face recognition device includes: an image capture unit, an area detection unit, a feature amount extraction unit, a distance estimation unit and a feature amount update unit. The image capture unit is configured to capture an image of an object. The area detection unit is configured to detect a given area of the object based on an image obtained as an image capture result of the image capture unit. The feature amount extraction unit is configured to extract a feature amount within the given area detected by the area detection unit. The distance estimation unit is configured to estimate a distance between the image capture unit and the given area. The feature amount update unit is configured to update the feature amount extracted by the feature amount extraction unit based on the distance estimated by the distance estimation unit.
US09621778B2	Device for sending image data from camera to CCTV network An integrated Internet camera includes, an infrared sensor, an optical system for forming an image on the infrared sensor and lenses formed from infrared transmitting material, an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the infrared sensor; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital images, as digital image files, across the computer network. A file transfer device of the camera communicates, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network, and transfers the digital image files to the destination computer according to a predetermined file transfer protocol. A transport control device of the camera controls addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address. The camera self-initiates a connection with the computer network and a connection with the destination computer at the selected network address.
US09621777B2	Component imaging device, and component mounting device equipped with component imaging device A component imaging device has: a head unit that has a first head row and a second head row; an imaging unit that images components held by heads; a moving device for moving the head unit; and an imaging control device. The imaging unit includes an image sensor and an optical system. The optical system includes a first light-guiding portion that guides light from a component of the first head row to the image sensor, and a second light-guiding portion that guides light from a component of the second head row to the image sensor. An optical path length of the first light-guiding portion is set so as to obtain a focused image, and an optical path length of the second light-guiding portion is set so as to obtain a focused image. The imaging control device controls the positions of the heads and the exposure timing.
US09621772B2	Integrated lens barrel, actuator, and MEMS snubber systems and methods Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide concomitant mechanical motion inhibition and electrical distribution for actuator modules, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based optical actuators adapted to move and/or orient one or more lenses and/or optical devices of a camera module. A mechanical motion inhibition and electrical distribution system may include one or more flexible snubber structures disposed substantially adjacent a MEMS structure and between the MEMS structure and another component of a camera module. Each flexible snubber structure may be implemented with one or more electrical traces, flexible films, snubber films, and/or mechanical stabilizers adapted to route electrical signals to or from the MEMS structure and/or to inhibit mechanical motion of at least a portion of the MEMS structure.
US09621770B2	Camera system A camera system includes a camera mounting frame having a plurality of camera mounts. Each camera mount is configured to hold a respective camera at a respective lens orientation such that mounted cameras provide different respective lens orientations relative to each other, with each mounted camera providing a different field of view facing outward from the mounting frame. The camera system may provide obstruction-free, fully spherical image and video capture to record spherical images or spherical videos in which the nadir hole and/or a physical support element of the camera system is eliminated or reduced in size during the digital stitching process of the image or video.
US09621766B2	Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program capable of performing high quality mist/fog correction The present invention provides an image processing apparatus including a skeleton component separation unit configured to separate a skeleton component illustrating a perspective structure from a source image, a mist/fog correction unit configured to calculate, based on color information in each color channel of the skeleton component, a correction factor that lowers brightness of a pixel as the pixel is brighter and correct, based on the correction factor, brightness of each pixel of the source image, and a brightness restoration unit configured to restore brightness of the brightness-corrected source image to brightness of environmental light as target brightness.
US09621764B2	Printer cartridge and memory device containing a compressed color table A printer cartridge includes a memory device and at least one compressed color table stored on the memory device. A compressed color table includes a losslessly compressed neutral axis, a number of nodes that correspond to seed color table nodes and a number of delta nodes that correspond to a number of delta tables. The number of delta tables indicate differences between interpolated color table nodes and corresponding actual color table nodes.
US09621763B2	Image processing apparatus, image processing system, image processing method, and recording medium converting gradation of image data in gradation conversion range to emphasize or reduce shine appearance An image processing apparatus includes an image information acquisition unit acquiring average brightness of image data and cumulative frequency distribution of pixels related to gradation of the image data; a conversion range determination unit acquiring a conversion threshold value from the average brightness based on a previously set relationship and determining a gradation conversion range where the gradation of the image data is to be converted based on a gradation where a cumulative frequency corresponds to the conversion threshold value in the cumulative frequency distribution; and a gradation conversion unit converting the gradation of the image data in the gradation conversion range.
US09621756B2	Optical scanning device, image forming apparatus including optical scanning device, and position adjustment method of synchronization detection sensor mounted in optical scanning device An optical scanning device includes a light source that emits light, a deflector that deflects and scans the light emitted from the light source in a main scanning direction, a housing, a synchronization detection sensor, and a sensor board. The synchronization detection sensor is mounted in the housing, detects scanning light from the deflector, and outputs a write timing reference signal of image data. The sensor board is mounted with the synchronization detection sensor. The aforementioned sensor board is formed with a light transmitting hole for allowing a part of the scanning light to pass therethrough when an incident position of the scanning light for a light receiving surface coincides with a center position of the aforementioned light receiving surface in a sub-scanning direction on an extension line of a center line of the light receiving surface of the aforementioned synchronization detection sensor in the sub-scanning direction.
US09621755B2	Information processing apparatus and wireless communication method An image processing apparatus includes a first communication unit, an image processing unit, and an authentication unit. The first communication unit performs contactless communication using a radio-frequency identification (RFID). The second communication unit performs wireless communication. The image processing unit performs an image processing job. The authentication unit authenticates a user of the image processing apparatus. In a case where the authentication unit authenticates a user, the second communication unit starts the wireless communication with an external apparatus which has been identified by an identification (ID) communicated from the external apparatus. The image processing unit performs the image processing job using the wireless communication between the second communication unit and the external apparatus.
US09621752B2	Image forming apparatus incorporating information detector An image forming apparatus includes an information obtainer, a memory, a candidate determining unit, and an image forming device. The information obtainer obtains feature information from the target recording medium. The memory stores at least one set of recording medium information regarding the target recording medium associated with the feature information and at least one set of image forming condition information corresponding to the recording medium information. The recording medium information is identification information. The candidate determining unit determines a candidate recording medium information from the recording medium information stored in the memory based on the feature information of the target recording medium obtained by the information obtainer. The image forming device forms an image on the target recording medium based on the image forming condition information in the memory according to the candidate recording medium information determined by the candidate determining unit.
US09621748B2	Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and information processing method An information processing apparatus is disclosed. The information processing apparatus includes a display unit which displays a screen in which is performed an operation for controlling another apparatus; and a control unit which manages an error occurring in the other apparatus and controls displaying/non-displaying of error information which indicates an occurrence of the error, wherein the control unit controls the displaying/non-displaying of the error information based on a relationship between the error occurring and the screen displayed by the display unit.
US09621738B2	Method and apparatus for controlling charging by using volume information of data The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling charging by using volume information of data, and more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for controlling charging for a UE by using volume information of data when a caching operation according to a byte caching mode or an object caching mode is performed.Disclosed is a method including receiving a caching operation request for data from another server; determining a caching mode corresponding to the caching operation request; and transmitting a PCC rule change request to the policy controller according to the caching mode, wherein the PCC rule is a rule that controls charging for the UE based on volume information of the data.
US09621737B2	Abuse detection for phone number lookups A system and method for rate-limiting phone number lookups. An account look-up application receives an address book of a first user, the address book including a phone number that belongs to a second user, creates a phone edge by associating the phone number in the address book with an account of the second user, receives a request including the phone number from the first user for obtaining the account associated with the phone number, determines an edge cost associated with the phone edge for the first user, determines whether to provide the phone edge to the first user based on the edge cost, and provides the phone edge to the first user responsive to a positive determination.
US09621735B2	Mobile electronic communications combining voice-over-IP and mobile network services A database stores unique associations between account identifiers and mobile-network telephone numbers assigned by a mobile network to mobile communications devices. The account identifiers are also associated with voice-over-IP (VoIP) telephone numbers. Voice calls between the mobile communications devices are made as voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls using respective VoIP telephone numbers. Tracking of the VoIP calls is performed through the mobile network using respective mobile-network telephone numbers, so that a prepaid balance can be enforced.
US09621732B2	System and method for three-way call detection A system for detecting three-way calls in a monitored telephone conversation includes a speech recognition processor that transcribes the monitored telephone conversation and associates characteristics of the monitored telephone conversation with a transcript thereof, a database to store the transcript and the characteristics associated therewith, and a three-way Call detection processor to analyze the characteristics of the conversation and to detect therefrom the addition of one or more parties to the conversation. The system preferably includes at least one domain-specific language model that the speech recognition processor utilizes to transcribe the conversation. The system may operate in real-time or on previously recorded conversations. A query and retrieval system may be used to retrieve and review call records from the database.
US09621731B2	Controlling conference calls Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for determining participants for a conference call where the participants may be selected based on similar attributes as well as the descriptions of the conference call. Additionally, the conference call may be split into smaller breakout sessions, further separating the participants based on various attributes. Further, the conference call participants may be shuffled thereby creating different breakout sessions with different participants with like attributes. The conference call including the selected participants is initiated.

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