Document Document Title
US09630180B2 Droplet actuator configurations and methods of conducting droplet operations
A droplet actuator with a droplet formation electrode configuration associated with a droplet operations surface, wherein the electrode configuration may include one or more electrodes configured to control volume of a droplet during formation of a sub-droplet on the droplet operations surface. Methods of making and using the droplet actuator are also provided.
US09630178B2 Method for preparing small volume reaction containers
Engineered reaction containers that can be physically and chemically defined to control the flux of molecules of different sizes and charge are disclosed. Methods for constructing small volume reaction containers through a combination of etching and deposition are also disclosed. The methods allow for the fabrication of multiple devices that possess features on multiple length scales, specifically small volume containers with controlled porosity on the nanoscale.
US09630176B2 Microfluidics systems with waste hollow
Digital microfluidics system manipulates samples in liquid droplets within a gap of at least one disposable cartridge. It is also provides additional space for collecting and/or storing waste fluids in this digital microfluidics system. It includes at least one waste hollow which is fluidly connected with a gap of a disposable cartridge that includes a bottom layer with a first hydrophobic surface and a top layer with a second hydrophobic surface. The waste hollow is located next to at least one individual waste electrode that is positioned next to at least one individual electrode of an electrode array. Each individual waste electrode is operatively connected to a central control unit and covers in each case a waste electrode area.
US09630173B2 Catalytic converter substrate
A catalytic converter substrate comprising a plurality of micro-structured hollow ceramic tubes, each tube having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface having openings to micro-channels distributed radially throughout the tube cross-section, the micro-channels extending from the openings in the inside surface towards the outside surface.
US09630169B2 Semiconductor material, optical hydrogen generating device using same, and method of producing hydrogen
A semiconductor material of the present invention is a semiconductor material including an oxynitride containing at least one element selected from the Group 4 elements and Group 5 elements. In the oxynitride, part of at least one selected from oxygen and nitrogen is substituted with carbon. Nb is preferable as the Group 5 element.
US09630166B1 Method of fabricating catalyst carrier for generating hydrogen through methane reformation
A method is provided for fabricating a catalyst carrier. At first, aluminum hydroxide is used for forming an alumina powder. The alumina powder is mixed with carbon nanotubes and a complex additive to be shaped into a cake. The cake is kneaded into a noodle-like shape to be hot-dried. Then, calcination is processed in a furnace under 1200 celsius degrees (° C.) with air passed through. The crystal structure remains without phase change. A catalyst carrier of α-alumina having nano-scaled pores is formed. The catalyst carrier is a powdery material made into different three-dimensional forms. The catalyst carrier thus fabricated is suitable for generating hydrogen through methane reformation. The catalyst carrier has a methane conversion greater than 99 percents. The catalyst carrier will not be crumbled under 800° C. for 4000 hours without carbon deposit.
US09630165B2 Sterile chromatography resin and use thereof in manufacturing processes
Provided herein are methods of reducing bioburden of (e.g., sterilizing) a chromatography resin that include exposing a container including a composition including a chromatography resin and at least one antioxidant agent and/or chelator to a dose of gamma-irradiation sufficient to reduce the bioburden of the container and the chromatography resin, where the at least one antioxidant agent and/or chelator are present in an amount sufficient to ameliorate the loss of binding capacity of the chromatography resin after/upon exposure to the dose of gamma-irradiation. Also provided are reduced bioburden chromatography columns including the reduced bioburden chromatography resin, compositions including a chromatography resin and at least one chelator and/or antioxidant agent, methods of performing reduced bioburden column chromatography using one of these reduced bioburden chromatography columns, and integrated, closed, and continuous processes for reduced bioburden manufacturing of a purified recombinant protein.
US09630162B1 Reactor and method for production of nanostructures
A reactor and method for production of nanostructures, including metal oxide nanowires or nanoparticles, are provided. The reactor includes a regulated metal powder delivery system in communication with a dielectric tube; a plasma-forming gas inlet, whereby a plasma-forming gas is delivered substantially longitudinally into the dielectric tube; a sheath gas inlet, whereby a sheath gas is delivered into the dielectric tube; and a microwave energy generator coupled to the dielectric tube, whereby microwave energy is delivered into a plasma-forming gas. The method for producing nanostructures includes providing a reactor to form nanostructures and collecting the formed nanostructures, optionally from a filter located downstream of the dielectric tube.
US09630161B2 Metal alloy nanoparticle synthesis via self-assembled monolayer formation and ultrasound
Methods and assemblies for the construction of liquid-phase alloy nanoparticles are presented. Particle formation is directed by molecular self-assembly and assisted by sonication. In some embodiments, eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) nanoparticles are formed. In these embodiments, the bulk liquid alloy is ultrasonically dispersed, fast thiolate self-assembly at the EGaIn interface protects the material against oxidation. The assembly shell has been designed to include intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which induce surface strain, assisting in cleavage of the alloy particles to the nanoscale. X-ray diffraction and TEM analyses reveal that the nanoscale particles are in an amorphous or liquid phase, with no observed faceting.
US09630159B2 Distributor device for a multiple-bed downflow reactor
The invention relates to a device and method for distributing a liquid and gas in a multiple-bed downflow reactor, such as a hydrocarbon processing reactor, like a hydrocracker. The device comprises respectively the method uses a distributor device comprising a substantially horizontal collecting tray provided with a central gas passage. Gas passing in downward direction through the central gas passage is forced into a swirling motion by a swirler. This swirling motion has a swirl direction around a vertical swirl axis so that the gas leaves the central gas passage as a swirl. At a location above the collecting tray, a quench fluid is ejected into gas in an ejection direction, which is, viewed in a horizontal plane, at least partly opposite to the swirl direction.
US09630154B2 Apparatus and method for contacting a gas and a liquid
A gas and a liquid are contacted in an apparatus, comprising a housing provided with: a liquid supply; at least two inclined plates that have been arranged in series and that are on a liquid side in fluid communication with the liquid supply; and a gas supply that is in fluid communication with a space at the other, gas side of the plates;wherein at least some of the plates, preferably all plates are provided with gas passage openings, which openings have been arranged downstream of the gas supply and have been provided with projecting channels with downstream directed flow openings on the liquid side that is in contact with the liquid; and wherein the plates are configured such that liquid flows from one plate directly onto a downstream plate via a slit-formed passage in a substantially vertical downwards direction.
US09630153B2 Wine aerating devices
Wine aerating devices and methods of aerating wine are shown. A wine aerating device can include an actuator, a piston movable between first and second positions, a pumping chamber coupled to the piston, and a bubble generating material coupled to the pumping chamber. Upon application and release of a force on the actuator, the piston can move between the first and second positions to inject a metered amount of air from the pumping chamber out through the bubble generating material to generate air bubbles into a container of wine.
US09630148B2 Filter compound material, method for the production thereof and flat filter elements made of the filter compound material
A filter composite material is provided that includes first and second filtration membranes and a drainage material arranged therebetween. The drainage material and the filtration membranes are laminated using adhesive nets. A flat filter element is made as a blank from the filter composite material and has a geometric shape adapted to the particular end use.
US09630146B2 Particulate filter containing a nickel-copper catalyst
A particulate filter for use in a vehicle engine exhaust is provided which includes a catalyst containing a mixture of nickel and copper. The catalyst is impregnated into the filter substrate, which is non-reactive with nickel and copper. When used in a vehicle exhaust gas treatment system, the catalyst on the filter improves soot burn-off at low temperatures, provides improved efficiency in reducing CO and NOx emissions over the use of conventional three-way-catalyst washcoats, and provides enhanced oxygen storage capacity (OSC) and water-gas-shift (WGS) functions.
US09630142B2 Toroidal plasma abatement apparatus and method
An apparatus for abatement of gases is provided. The apparatus includes a toroidal plasma chamber having a plurality of inlets and an outlet, and at least one chamber wall. One or more magnetic cores are disposed relative to the toroidal plasma chamber. The plasma chamber confines a toroidal plasma. A second gas inlet is positioned on the toroidal plasma chamber between a first gas inlet and the gas outlet at a distance d from the gas outlet, such that a toroidal plasma channel volume between the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet in the is substantially filled by the inert gas, the distance d based on a desired residence time of the gas to be abated.
US09630141B2 Membrane filter element with multiple fiber types
A natural gas stream is passed through a single membrane element that is fabricated with two or more distinct types of membrane fibers. The membrane fibers have different characteristics in order to reduce the number of membrane elements required for gas separation and to improve gas separation performance due to changing gas composition because of permeation as the gas travels through the membrane element.
US09630138B2 Pressure swing adsorption processes and systems for recovery of hydrogen and C2+ hydrocarbons
The invention involves a process for treating a gas stream from a hydroprocessor that contains hydrogen, methane and C2+ hydrocarbons. In embodiments of the invention, the gas stream is sent through at least two pressure swing adsorption units to produce a high quality hydrogen stream, a fuel gas stream containing most of the methane and a tail gas stream that is sent to a steam cracker. Lean gas from a gas plant and other refinery off gases may also be processed together with the gas stream from the hydroprocessor.
US09630137B2 Anti-clogging filter system
An anti-clogging filter system for filtering a fluid containing large particles and small particles includes an enclosure with at least one individual elongated tubular filter element in the enclosure. The individual elongated tubular filter element has an internal passage, a closed end, an open end, and a filtering material in or on the individual elongated tubular filter element. The fluid travels through the open end of the elongated tubular element and through the internal passage and through the filtering material. An anti-clogging element is positioned on or adjacent the individual elongated tubular filter element and provides a fluid curtain that preferentially directs the larger particulates to one area of the filter material allowing the remainder of the filter material to remain more efficient.
US09630136B2 Air filter
An air filter may include a bellows made of an air-permeable filter medium, which is folded in a longitudinal direction to form a plurality of folds, for filtering air, and a supporting frame for supporting the bellows. The supporting frame may be a substantially closed comb-like ring having a plurality of supporting teeth. At least two supporting teeth adjacent in the longitudinal direction may fix at least two folds of the bellows also adjacent in the longitudinal direction to a predefined distance from each other. The comb-like ring may include two fold blades and two outer bands connecting the fold blades. The fold blades may be inserted in a transverse direction running transversely to the longitudinal direction into respective end folds of the bellows. The two outer bands may have the supporting teeth, including high supporting teeth and low supporting teeth.
US09630133B2 Air cleaner
An air cleaner is provided. The air cleaner may include a filter assembly having a plurality of stacked filters, a first case including a filter mount sleeve having the filter assembly mounted thereon, a second case coupled to a first surface of the first case and having a discharge grille disposed on a first side thereof, a support leg disposed on a second side of the second case corresponding to an opposite side of the discharge grille, a third case coupled to a first surface of the second case, and a first panel attached to a first surface of the third case. When the filter assembly, the first case, the second case, the third case, and the first panel are coupled to each other, the air cleaner may have a cylindrical exterior. The discharge grille may extend by a predetermined distance along an upper circumferential surface of the second case.
US09630132B2 Fluid filtering system
A filter system may include a filter housing and a filter. The filter may include layers of impermeable material. Additionally, the filter may include at least one first layer of corrugated filter media situated between layers of the impermeable material. The at least one first layer may at least partially define a first plurality of flutes extending from a first side of the filter to a second side of the filter. The filter may also include at least one second layer of corrugated filter media situated between layers of the impermeable material. The at least one second layer may at least partially define a second plurality of flutes extending from a third side of the filter to a fourth side of the filter. The housing may be configured to direct a first fluid into the first side of the filter, and direct a second fluid into the third side of the filter.
US09630131B2 Method for producing a filter element provided with a sealing part
For a method for producing a filter element provided with a sealing part, wherein the sealing material is introduced into a casting chamber between two tundish parts when in the non-cured state, a compensation space connected to the casting chamber is provided for the expansion of the sealing material.
US09630130B2 Multi-segmented tube sheet
A method of manufacturing a tube sheet by forming a plurality of separate thin tube sheet segments; forming multiple holes in each sheet in a predetermined pattern, each hole for accommodating a tube sheet filter tube; aligning all of the plurality of tube sheet segments so that the hole pattern of each sheet aligns with the hole pattern in all other sheets of the plurality of tube sheet segments; and securing all of the tube sheet segments together to form a unitary tube sheet. A tube sheet construction that includes a plurality of separate thin tube sheet segments, multiple holes being provided in each sheet in a predetermined pattern, each hole for accommodating a tube sheet filter tube, all of the tube sheet segments being aligning so that the hole pattern of each sheet aligns, and fasteners for securing all of the tube sheet segments together. A media layer is provided between adjacent sheet segments.
US09630129B2 Fluid filter and relief valve assembly
Fluid filters and modular relief valve assemblies for use therein are provided where the modular relief valve assembly comprises a bypass housing, a bypass spring, a valve plug, and a locator spring. The locator spring is at least partially seated within and modularly joined to a trailing portion of the bypass housing. The bypass spring and the valve plug are modularly joined to the bypass housing. The trailing portion of the bypass housing comprises at least one annular forward-facing seating surface. The leading portion of the bypass housing comprises a sealing extension, an intermediate reducing taper, and a valve plug sealing surface. The sealing extension is positioned between the forward-facing seating surface and the intermediate reducing taper. The intermediate reducing taper is positioned between the sealing extension and the valve plug sealing surface and reduces towards the valve plug sealing surface.
US09630127B2 Filter vessel assembly and related methods of use
Improved filter vessel assemblies for filtering fluids in fluid systems (e.g., industrial and/or commercial systems) are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous filter vessel assemblies that include a releasable locking assembly for a removable filter member (e.g., a filter bag). The present disclosure provides for improved systems/designs for easily securing and/or unsecuring removable filter members to or from a locking assembly of a filter vessel assembly. Improved, convenient, low-cost and/or effective systems and methods for easily securing and/or unsecuring removable filter members to or from a filter vessel assembly by utilizing advantageous locking assemblies associated with a supporting assembly or basket assembly of the filter vessel assembly are provided.
US09630124B2 Gas collecting plant and gas condensing device with reflux separator
A gas condensing device may be configured to condense regeneration gas and separate target gas from condensate. The gas condensing device may include: a housing; a condenser mounted in an upper portion of the housing and configured to condense the regeneration gas; and a reflux apparatus mounted in the housing below the condenser and configured to temporarily store the condensate and discharge evaporation gas evaporated from the condensate back to the condenser.
US09630121B1 Modular flying disc
The modular flying disc is an amusement device that is aerodynamically supported. The modular flying disc is a flying device that has four weighted corner sections and a center weighted section that allow the modular flying disc to expand with centrifugal force when thrown. In various embodiments of the disclosure, the weights used in the four weighted corner sections are configured to allow multiple modular flying discs to be stacked. The modular flying disc comprises a swatch, a center weight, and a plurality of corner weights.
US09630118B2 Connectable and extendable diving stick
A diving toy, or dive stick, that is connectable and extendable. The diving toy includes connectable and/or extendable portions that enables the length of the diving toy to be changed and enable it to be converted into a dive-ring, extended dive stick, larger dive-ring, dive-chain, or a multitude of other amusing shapes. In various games of play, one or more diving toys is thrown into a pool. A player retrieves the diving toy from the bottom of the pool or plays various games of play with the diving toy while submerged underwater.
US09630115B2 Shared social asset in game
Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for online game cooperation. One method includes an operation for receiving a first request from a first user to place a game asset in a first game board of the first user. The game asset is associated with a task to be performed in the game. Further, the method includes an operation for receiving a second request from a second user to place the game asset in a second game board of the second user. The first user and the second user make progress by interacting with the game asset in their respective game boards. When the first user or the second user receives a transactional reward for interacting with the game asset, the transactional reward is also given to the other user. A final reward is given to the first user and to the second user upon completion of the task.
US09630113B1 Collaborative online gaming system and method
A system, method, and computer program product for collaborative online gaming, including at least one of providing a central repository master browser system; providing an experience calibrated match-making service; providing a dynamic multiplayer server component auto deployment and aggregation system; providing a lobby centric simultaneous and collaborative client game play launching feature; and providing a video game screen over-layer technology giving users access to a control interface while inside a video game being played.
US09630110B2 Location graph adapted video games
Technologies related to location graph adapted video games are generally described. In some examples, location graphs may be generated for received environment inputs, such as received three dimensional (3D) models of environments. Video games may be adapted to generated location graphs, such as by placing video game content at nodes of location graphs. Video game and/or user parameters may be accommodated when adapting video games to location graphs.
US09630107B2 Location-based online games for mobile devices and in-game advertising
Providing a location-based online game for a plurality of mobile devices, including: assigning a force field around a player corresponding to each mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices, wherein a radius of the force field is proportional to a score or experience point of the player in the online game; determining a location of said each mobile device; calculating colliding forces among the plurality of mobile devices and virtual environment created in the online game; providing a forum to enable a battle among the plurality of mobile devices and the virtual environment which are calculated as being in the colliding forces and sampling metadata including water, highway, road, grass, forest, business area and residential area to generate the online game.
US09630106B2 Synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines
Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.
US09630098B2 Head mounted display
A head mounted display is provided. The head mounted display includes a head attachment portion and a viewing module coupled to the head attachment portion. The viewing module includes an inner portion having a view port into a screen configuring for rendering image content, and an exterior housing. Further included are a plurality illuminating elements integrated with the exterior housing of the viewing module. The plurality of illumination elements defined for image tracking of the head mounted display. Illumination logic is provided for controlling the plurality of illumination elements to be active or inactive during use of the head mounted display.
US09630092B2 Game program and information processing device
The game program according to the present invention directs a computer to execute a process in which a player unit that is selected on a game field by a player is moved on the game field in response to the player's operations and is engaged in battle with an enemy unit at the destination, and a process in which a rental unit selected from a unit list by the player is engaged in battle with an enemy unit on the game field without being moved on the game field.
US09630090B2 Game play fact checking
A fact checking system is able to verify the correctness of information and/or characterize information by comparing the information with one or more sources. The fact checking system automatically monitors, processes, fact checks information and indicates a status of the information. Fact checking results are able to be validated by re-fact checking the fact check results.
US09630087B2 Card reader
A card shooter apparatus including a card shooter unit including a card housing which contains a plurality of cards and an opening, a card reading unit that reads the number of the card pulled out from the card shooter, a control unit having a processing function to determine win or lose of the card game based on information about the number of the cards sequentially read by the card reading unit, and a display unit which indicates a result determined by the control unit, wherein the card shooter unit, the card reading unit and the control unit are integrated and are able to be set on the game table, and the display unit includes a first display unit which is provided on an upper part of the housing and a second display unit which is provided on a side part of the housing.
US09630077B2 Grip for sporting goods and golf club
An object of the present invention is to provide a grip for sporting goods excellent in tensile strength and having a light weight. The present invention provides a grip for sporting goods comprising a cylindrical portion composed of a cylindrical inner layer and a cylindrical outer layer covering the cylindrical inner layer, wherein the cylindrical inner layer is a porous rubber layer or a porous resin layer, and the cylindrical outer layer is formed from a rubber composition containing an acrylonitrile-butadiene based rubber.
US09630076B2 Projectile and throwing apparatus and game for projectile throwing
An improved projectile throwing apparatus is described comprising a handle, an elongate shaft, and a throwing head for throwing a projectile, such as a golf ball. The throwing head may be interchangeable with golf shafts of varied lengths, with lacrosse shafts, or other shafts to achieve accurate, long distance golf ball throws. The throwing head may be shaped to achieve throws of different distance, launch angle, and trajectory, optionally imparting spin with a retrograde ramp at the distal end of the throwing head. The throwing apparatus is useful for golf-type game play, including for those with physical disabilities, as well as for a training and instructional aid for golf, lacrosse, and other sports.
US09630074B2 Iron-type golf clubs and golf club heads
An iron-type golf club head includes a ball striking face and a rear weight member that are engaged through one or more resilient members with a connection structure that creates a mass-damping effect at impact with a golf ball.
US09630071B2 Golf club head or other ball striking device having custom machinable portions
A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having a ball-striking surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and at least one weight element connected to the body. The head has a total weight that is higher than a target weight of the head, and the at least one weight element is configured to be at least partially removed by a material removal technique to lower the total weight of the head to approximately equal the target weight. The at least one weight element may be integrally connected to the body, such as being integrally formed with at least a portion of the body. The material removal technique may constitute milling, machining, or other material removal techniques or combination of such techniques.
US09630068B2 Golf club
A golf club head includes a golf club body, the golf club body including a toe portion and a heel portion, the golf club body including a hosel connected to the heel portion, the golf club body defining an external surface area, thereby each portion of the golf club body including a contributing external surface area to the total external surface area of the golf club body; a face connected to a front of the golf club body; a surface covering applied to at least 50% of the sole.
US09630067B2 Golf club
A golf club includes a shaft, a golf club head, a first adapter, a second adapter, and a fixing member that detachably fixes the second adapter to the first adapter. An internal space of the golf club head has a housing portion for housing the second adapter, and the housing portion is configured to regulate movement of the second adapter. A third opening portion that communicates with the housing portion and in which the second adapter can be inserted is formed in the surface of the golf club head. A first coupling portion of the first adapter is configured to incline relative to the shaft, and a second coupling portion of the second adapter is configured such that the first adapter is coupled at an angle to the second adapter.
US09630066B2 Golf club shaft fitting method
A fitting method, of a shaft of a golf club, for selecting a shaft having a torque matching a golfer based on a swing of the golfer. The method includes the steps of obtaining measurement values from a sensor attached to a grip of the golf club and capable of measuring angular velocities about three axes when a golf ball is hit by the golf club; obtaining a predetermined index value for the angular velocities quantified from the measurement values; and selecting a shaft matching the golfer from among multiple shafts whose torques have been measured in advance, based on a relationship established through test-hitting performed in advance between the index value and a torque of a shaft.
US09630064B1 Ball retrieving assembly
A ball retrieving assembly includes a tube that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. Each of the first and second ends is open. The tube has a cylindrical shape. The tube has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of a ball to be received by the tube. A ring is attached to an inner surface of the perimeter wall adjacent to the first end. The ring is comprised of a resiliently compressible material. The ring has a diameter that is less than the ball. The ring is compressible to allow the ball to pass through the ring and into the tube. The ring retains the ball in the tube. A cover is removably positioned over the second end. The ball is removable through the second end when the cover is removed.
US09630061B2 Golf balls having non-uniform core structures with metal-containing centers
Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core and cover are provided. The ball contains a small, heavy inner core and surrounding outer core layer. The inner core preferably contains metal materials such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, nickel, iron, tin, and bronze particles dispersed in a thermoset or thermoplastic polymeric matrix. Preferably, the polymeric matrix comprises polybutadiene rubber. The outer surface of the inner core preferably has a non-uniform structure and includes projecting members. For example, the outer surface may contain multiple projecting ribs with gaps located between the ribs. The ball includes a cover surrounding the core structure. The cover may be multi-layered.
US09630054B1 Sit-up foot anchor
The sit-up foot anchor includes a door bumper that includes a planar section that extends over to a pair of footholds. The pair of footholds is parallel with one another, and are hemi-cylindrical cavities adapted to receive a foot of an end user therein. The planar section is adapted to be positioned underneath a door, and the door bumper is adapted to be positioned on a first side of said door whereas the pair of footholds is adapted to be positioned on a second side of said door. In use, the device utilizes said door in order to securely hold feet of said end user while said end user conducts a sit-up.
US09630051B2 Adjustable and swingable exercise bike
An adjustable and swingable exercise bike includes a base, a bike body and multiple cushion units. The base has two connecting portions, and each connecting portion has a supporting rod protruding upward and a shaft seat mounted on a top of the supporting rod. The bike body is mounted on the base and has a bike frame and two swinging seats. The bike frame has a front end and a rear end. The swinging seats are respectively and securely mounted on the front end and the rear end of the bike frame, and each swinging seat is pivotally connected with the corresponding supporting rod. The cushion units are elastic, elongated and respectively mounted between the connecting portions and the swinging seats. The cushion units can help the bike body of the exercise bike simulate a situation of riding a real bike.
US09630050B2 Office walking equipment
An office walking equipment includes a platform and a working table. The platform is disposed on the ground and provided for a user to exercise. The working table is principally provided for work. When the platform is in use, a front end of the platform is relatively below the working table. When the platform is not in use, the platform can be separated from the working table. The platform is assembled with the working table in a non-contact manner, so that when the user performs exercise on the platform, the vibration of the platform caused by the exercise is not transmitted to the working table to affect the user's working performance.
US09630049B2 Reciprocating rehabilitation device
A reciprocating rehabilitation device that can be used as a stand alone unit or incorporated within a stationary bicycle. The device utilizes independently operating pedals together with range of motion limiters. Patients and therapists alike can rehab each limb independently through any necessary progressive range of motion on the way to recovery.
US09630048B2 Variable resistance band assembly and method of using the same
A variable resistance band assembly may include a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. Additionally, a first disc is proximate the first end defining a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern extending through the first disc, and a second disc is stacked adjacent the first disc along an assembly axis, the second disc defining a plurality of holes arranged in a similar pattern to that of the first disc and axially aligned therewith. A connector is proximate the second end and a first resilient member is releasably attached to the connector and extending through one aligned hole in the first and second discs and releasably attached to the first disc.
US09630044B2 Multifunction exercise belt
An exercise belt is provided. A plurality of loops attached along the length of the exercise belt. The present invention may further include a strap. The strap includes a first end that is releasably attachable to each of the plurality of loops, and a second end that is releasably attachable to each of the plurality of loops. A user may attach a weight to the strap and then attach the first end to one of the plurality of loops and the second end to one of the plurality of loops.
US09630043B2 Stretching device
A stretching device that enables a user to employ the mechanical advantage of a multi-pulley system while performing various, prolonged muscle stretches; the stretching device including a first anchor assembly, a second anchor assembly, and a motion transfer line. The first motion transfer line has a first anchor body and a first motion transfer pulley; the first anchor body being attached to the user and the first motion transfer pulley being coupled to the first anchor body. Similarly, the second motion transfer line has a second anchor body and a second motion transfer pulley; the second anchor body being attached to a stationary object and the second motion transfer pulley being coupled to the second anchor body. The motion transfer line is terminally attached to the first anchor body and is trained around both the first motion transfer pulley and the second motion transfer pulley.
US09630038B2 Hole-drilling and wall-penetrating fire extinguishing device
A drilling and through-wall fire extinguishing device comprises a main water turbine, a forward and reverse commutator, a reducing sleeve, a hollow drill bit, a handwheel booster, a guide rail, a water separator, a vice water turbine and a high pressure water pump. The handwheel booster is connected with the main water turbine, the main water turbine is drivingly connected with the hollow drill bit through the forward and reverse commutator, the reducing sleeve is arranged between the hollow drill bit and the forward and reverse commutator, and the main water turbine and the forward and reverse commutator are fixed on the guide rail; and fire-fighting pressure water is fed by the water separator, a first water outlet of the water separator is communicated with the main water turbine, a second water outlet is communicated with the vice water turbine, and the vice water turbine is drivingly connected with the high pressure water pump.
US09630035B2 Transport device and transport method for a container treatment installation
A transport device and a transport method is provided for a container treatment plant. The transport device comprises at least one transporter for transporting containers to or away from a treatment station of the container treatment plant, wherein at least one transporter is positioned displaceable in relation to another one of the transporters to provide a closeable spatial separation between the at least one displaceable transporter and the other transporter.
US09630033B2 Temporary fall protection
A method of handling fall protection systems (2) in association with towers, pylons and masts includes climbing a tower (5), securing a guide channel (10) to a top portion (6) of the tower, extending a fall protection guide line (20) through the guide channel, connecting a first end (3) of a fall protection system (2) to a first end (21) of the guide line (20), extending the fall protection system (2) through the secured guide channel (10) by pulling a second end (22) of the guide line, securing the first end (3) of the fall protection system to a ground (G) level fixing point (8) and securing a second end (4) of the fall protection system to personal protection equipment worn by a worker. An assembly (1) for handling fall protection systems in association with towers, pylons and masts is also provided.
US09630029B2 Focused ultrasonic transducer navigation system
A focused ultrasonic transducer navigation system attaches to a patient and includes a housing that contains an ultrasonic device. An alignment system moves the housing, and moves the ultrasonic device within the housing, so a focal point of ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic device is aligned in x, y, and z planes with a target location in the patient. The alignment system realigns the focal point of the ultrasonic device with the same patient target location over multiple therapy sessions eliminating repeated use of an MRI system for repeatedly realigning the ultrasonic device.
US09630026B2 Non-planar treatment beam control
The present invention relates to a data processing method for determining control data for controlling beam positions which beam positions describe positions which a treatment beam has or would have if emitted by a beam source, the treatment beam being for treating a treatment body part of a patient, said method constituted to be performed by a computer and comprising the steps of: • providing treatment data which comprise data on a position of the treatment body part; • providing condition data which describe: constraints on the beam positions and/or constraints on positional changes of the beam positions, wherein said constraints allow for at least a part of the beam positions to lie not in a common plane; • providing an arrangement of the beam positions on the basis of the treatment data which arrangement fulfils the condition data; • determining control data for controlling a change of a relative position of the beam source relative to the treatment body part for changing the beam positions and for controlling an emission of the treatment beam from the beam source, the determined control data being constituted to change the beam positions to follow the provided arrangement of the beam positions and to cause continuous emission of the treatment beam during a continuous change of the beam positions while the beam positions follow at least a part of the arrangement.
US09630024B2 Radiation treatment planning system and method of radiation treatment planning
There is disclosed a radiation treatment planning system for preparing treatment planning information for carrying out radiation treatment. The apparatus includes an input unit with which an operator inputs a prescription dose and an irradiation angle; an arithmetic unit which prepares the treatment planning information by determining irradiation conditions in such a manner as to bring a dose distribution calculated based on the result of the input from the input unit closer to the prescription dose, and a display unit which displays the treatment planning information. The arithmetic unit sets, per point for radiation irradiation, an index representing the degree of demand for irradiation amount suppression, the degree of demand determined by the radiation irradiation point, and the arithmetic unit further determines the irradiation conditions using the index.
US09630022B2 Plasmonic assisted systems and methods for interior energy-activation from an exterior source
A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent.
US09630016B2 Defibrillator and method of controlling defibrillator
A defibrillator includes: an impedance measuring section which is configured to obtain an impedance measurement value between a living body of a rescue target and electrodes; a controller which is configured to detect a kind of the electrodes, and which, based on the detected kind of the electrodes, is configured to perform determination of whether the impedance measurement value is to be output or not; and an outputting section which, based on the determination, is configured to output the impedance measurement value.
US09630012B2 Spinal cord stimulation with interferential current
A stimulator and a method for the treatment of intractable pain syndromes by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is disclosed. An example method includes positioning a first pair of implantable electrodes to a dura matter in an epidural space proximate to a subject's spinal cord at predetermined locations, positioning a second pair of implantable electrodes to the dura matter in the epidural space proximate to the subject's spinal cord at predetermined locations, and transmitting signals of first and second frequencies through the first and second pairs of implantable electrodes respectively, so that the signals of the first and second frequencies interfere with each other to produce at least one beat signal proximate to the subject's spinal cord. The at least one beat signal has a frequency within a range of more than 250 Hz to about 15,000 Hz.
US09630009B2 Fitting bilateral hearing prostheses
Methods, systems, and computing devices for fitting bilateral hearing prostheses. An example method includes sending a signal to a first hearing prosthesis and a second hearing prosthesis. The signal causes the first hearing prosthesis to deliver a first stimulus to a body part in a left auditory pathway of a user. The signal also causes the second hearing prosthesis to deliver a second stimulus to a body part in a right auditory pathway of the user. The first stimulus and the second stimulus cause the user to perceive a sound and are delivered simultaneously. The method also includes receiving an indication of a perception of the sound by the user. The method further includes determining an adjustment to at least one of the first stimulus or the second stimulus based on the perception of the sound by the user.
US09630004B2 Method and apparatus for transdermal stimulation over the palmar and plantar surfaces
Various methods and devices for providing transdermal electrical stimulation therapy to a patient are provided. In certain variations, a method may include positioning a stimulator electrode over a glabrous skin surface overlying a target nerve of a subject. Electrical stimulation may be delivered through or across the glabrous skin surface to the target nerve to stimulate the target nerve, while remaining safe and tolerable to the patient. Electrical stimulation may be delivered at frequencies that may be painful or intolerable when applied over non-glabrous surfaces of the body. Various applicators or devices for providing transdermal electrical stimulation therapy are also provided.
US09630002B2 Method, system, and apparatus for dermatological treatment
Embodiments of dermatological cell treatment are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09629999B2 Implantable device with electrical filter
An implantable device including a proximal end, a distal end, an elongate electrically conductive component arranged between the proximal end and the distal end, and a contact pole electrically connected to the elongate electrically conductive component. The contact pole is arranged in a region of the distal end to electrically contact bodily tissue adjacent to the contact pole during operation of the implantable device. The elongate electrically conductive component includes a sub-component connected in series with remaining portions of the elongate electrically conductive component. The sub-component includes a capacitive component, an inductive component and a magneto-resistive component, which are arranged to cause a reduction of a resistivity of the magneto-resistive component that leads to a shift of a resonance frequency of the sub-component.
US09629997B2 Materials and methods for protecting against neuromas
The subject invention provides devices and methods for alleviating discomfort associated with neuroma formation. The devices and methods of the invention effectively use the body's natural response of reconstructing implanted biomaterials to minimize the size of, isolate, and protect a neuroma. In preferred embodiments, the subject device is a cylindrical cap, wherein the internal chamber of the cylindrical cap physically partitions the nerve to enable an arrangement of nerve fibers (as opposed to haphazardly arranged nerve fibers often produced in neuromas). In addition, the cap's material remodels into a tissue cushion after implantation, which protects the neuroma from being stimulated and inducing pain.
US09629995B2 Biomolecular electronic device and process of use
Provided is a biological membrane including at least one ring-like polypeptide, where the at least one of the ring-like polypeptide is not a membrane protein, a surface being associated with at least one ring-like polypeptide capable of integration into a cell membrane, an electrode including said surface and electronically and biomedical devices including the electrodes for recording and stimulating cell activity.
US09629994B2 Closed male luer device for use with needleless access devices
A medical connector is described which is formed by a body having an inlet port, an outlet port through a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable post extends through the fluid path in the male luer sealing a tip of the male luer thereby closing the fluid path when the connector in not activated. There is a seal between the retractable post and the body that forms a fluid volume within a portion of the cavity. The fluid path passes through the fluid volume. When actuated, the retractable post is forced away from the tip of the male luer, thereby opening the fluid path through the medical connector and decreasing the fluid volume.
US09629993B2 Tubing adapter for influencing the pressure inside a tubing section during a medical treatment
A tubing adapter for interconnection with a least one tubing section of a medical device, a dialysis fluid tubing system including such a tubing adapter, a medical device including such a dialysis fluid tubing system, and a method for avoiding a pressure within a dialysis fluid tubing system that is below a minimum pressure are described.
US09629991B1 Disposable radio frequency needle cartridges having absorbing containment barriers
Disclosed herein are unique needle cartridges for use with transdermal microneedling devices that generate and emit low energy RF signals to, and prevent backflow of liquid(s) from, the skin of a patient. One embodiment may comprise a base portion and a sleeve coupled to the base portion. Such an embodiment may also comprise an RF needle capsule disposed within the housing, and having a needle unit comprising at least one needle on an end thereof. Also, the needle cartridge comprises a drive shaft disposed through the base portion and coupled to the needle unit, and configured to be driven reciprocally along a longitudinal axis of the base portion and thereby move the RF needle capsule reciprocally such that the needles of the needle unit extend beyond and retract within the housing. Such RF needle cartridges further include an absorbing barrier disposed within the housing to prevent the backflow of liquid(s) from the needle unit by absorbing such liquid(s).
US09629989B2 Bioprinting station, assembly comprising such bioprinting station and bioprinting method
Bioprinting station (1) comprising:—a Bioprinting device (4) adapted to deposit a pattern of biological material (2) onto an area of interest (3a) of a substrate (3),—an imaging system (15) adapted to acquire an image of the substrate (3) and to reveal on the acquired image the area of interest (3a) with respect to a remaining part (3b) of the substrate (3), the acquired image of the substrate (3) being processed so as to detect the revealed area of interest (3a) on the acquired image and to determine the pattern corresponding to the area of interest (3a) detected on the acquired image.
US09629984B2 Medical balloon and balloon catheter assembly
A medical balloon (10) of a balloon catheter assembly (70) includes a balloon wall (22) formed of at least two layers (30, 32). The first layer (30) is made of an impervious polymeric material. The second layer (32), which is integral with the first layer (30) is made of a radiopaque and/or echogenic material and a polymeric material. In the preferred embodiment, there is provided 60 to 80% by weight of radiopaque material in the second layer (32). It has been found that these concentrations of radiopaque material provide good visibility of the balloon under ultrasonic imaging.
US09629981B2 Drainage catheter
A multipurpose catheter includes an un-tapered portion and a tapered portion, the latter being disposed distally of the former. The catheter has an arrangement of echo reflective features over at least a portion of the tapered portion. The echo reflective features may be echo reflective solely due to their shape, or may be made of radio opaque materials, and thus may provide a degree of echogenicity not only due to their material but also due to the reflectivity of their shape.
US09629979B2 Pressure/Vacuum actuated catheter drug delivery probe
A delivery probe for delivering a therapeutic agent to tissue is described including at least one delivery capsule for accommodating the agent, at least one delivery device in fluid communication with the capsule, an actuation mechanism for moving the capsule between an activated position and an inactivated position by providing at least one of a fluid and a vacuum, and a delivery mechanism for forcing the agent out of the capsule. A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to tissue is also described including providing a catheter with a delivery probe at a distal end, positioning the delivery probe next to the tissue, supplying fluid to an actuation chamber to position the probe into an activated position, supplying fluid to a delivery chamber to force the agent out of the probe, and establishing a vacuum in the actuation chamber to position the probe into an inactivated position.
US09629972B1 Bilateral bite block
In a bilateral bite block, a broad upper component extends bilaterally between a front end and a back end for overlying a person's tongue and at least some of the person's lower molars and for underlying at least some of the person's upper molars. Molar blocks extend downward from both sides of the broad upper component and are disposed for contacting the person's lower molars. A groove is disposed within a top surface of a handle and the broad upper component for receiving an endotracheal tube. An aperture is disposed within the groove in the broad upper component for grasping a received endotracheal tube that can extend within the groove from the handle to beyond the back end of the upper component so that a received endotracheal tube that extends within the groove can contact the person's tongue and thereby enhance the grasp of the endotracheal tube.
US09629971B2 Methods and systems for exhalation control and trajectory optimization
The systems and methods include controlling pressure and/or flow during exhalation. The systems and methods include novel exhalation for ventilating a patient. The systems and methods decrease the amount of time it takes the patient to passively expire an inspired volume of gas. For example, the systems and method may determine one or more pressure profiles based on one or more criterion and may select and utilize the pressure profile that provides for the fastest rate of lung emptying.
US09629969B2 Intranasal administration of agents with pro-inflammatory activity for the therapy of neurological disorders
The invention concerns a product consisting of distilled water or of an aqueous solution hypotonic or substantially isotonic with respect to blood plasma or, less preferably, hypertonic with respect to blood plasma, to be administered on the nasal mucosa according to a specific operation mode in order to cause an inflammation of an irritative kind, for use in a treatment of stimulation of the endogenous production of inflammatory mediators, in the therapy and prevention of neurological disorders, in particular of degenerative disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. The inflammatory mediators the endogenous production of which is stimulated comprise NGF, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4, serotonin, substance P, heparin, ECF-A.
US09629964B2 Moisture sensor for monitoring an access to a patient and method of producing the moisture sensor
A moisture sensor for monitoring an access to a patient for a system by which, via a flexible line, a liquid is fed to and/or out from a patient, for monitoring the vascular access in extra-corporeal blood treatment or for monitoring a central venous catheter for acute dialysis, and a method of producing a moisture sensor are described. The moisture sensor has a substrate material with an electrically conductive structure having conductor paths arranged at a distance from one another and connected together across a terminating resistor. The terminating resistor is an electrically conductive film which is applied in a section of the substrate material on which are formed electrical contacting regions for connecting the terminating resistor to the conductor paths, such that an external terminating resistor is not required and the moisture sensor can be produced easily in large numbers complete with the terminating resistor.
US09629963B2 Systems and methods for generating an injection guide
System and methods are described herein for generating an injection guide, which include receiving one or more digital images of a body region of an individual, the body region including one or more physical registration landmarks, generating at least one digital representation of the body region using the one or more digital images, the at least one digital representation including one or more digital registration landmarks corresponding to the one or more physical registration landmarks on the body region, adding one or more digitally registered injection sites to the at least one digital representation of the body region in an injection-treatment pattern, the one or more digitally registered injection sites registered relative to the one or more digital registration landmarks, and generating one or more output signals having information for controlling one or more controllable light-emitting elements to illuminate a location on a surface of the body region of the individual corresponding in location to at least one of the one or more digitally registered injection sites.
US09629960B2 Needleless injector
A needleless injector has a syringe body having an opening at one end, a piston housed within the syringe body for urging a liquid within the syringe body through the opening and a ram for driving the piston. A shock absorbing component is provided for reducing an initial transfer of force from the ram to the piston. The initial rate of pressure increase on the liquid is reduced, thereby controlling the rate of collapse of gas bubbles in the liquid.
US09629956B2 Pivoting joint infusion system with seal
An infusion system for delivery of therapeutic fluids from a remote source into a patient's body. The system has an infusion assembly, a rotating pivot joint member, a fluid connector assembly, and a sealing assembly retained within the infusion assembly between the housing of the infusion assembly and the rotating pivot joint member. The seal reduces leakage of fluids. The rotating joint may be pivoted to three distinct positions to allow for emplacement on the patient, delivery of the therapeutic fluid to the patient, and protected, sealed closure of the fluid channels to avoid patient fluid backflow.
US09629954B2 Tube passage sealing system
A tube passage sealing system for allowing passage of a tube from the interior to the exterior of a case such that the case is sealed against fluid intrusion whether a tube is present or absent. The tube passage sealing system generally includes a case having a first portion and a hingedly connected second portion. The portions may be closed together to define a compartment in which a device may be positioned. A tube seal assembly is included which allows a tube leading from the device within the compartment to exit the case through a passage formed in the assembly. The tube seal assembly generally includes a first tube seal and second tube seal which combine when the case is closed to seal around the tube. Some embodiments may include blocking portions on the tube seals which will act to seal the passage when a tube is not present.
US09629953B2 Device and method for abscess irrigation
The subject invention provides novel, inexpensive, and highly effective methods and devices for convenient and effective irrigation of abscesses, puncture wounds, and similar types of deep tissue wounds. In one embodiment the subject invention provides a discharge apparatus for a reservoir housing containing irrigation solution, wherein the discharge apparatus has a specifically designed nozzle for insertion into a wound opening and through which a sufficient volume of the irrigation solution can pass at an appropriate pressure.
US09629952B2 Terminal clamp for a moisture sensor for monitoring a vascular access
A terminal clamp for a moisture sensor to be placed on a patient's skin in order to monitor a vascular access to a patient includes first, lower and second, upper legs for clamped fixing of terminal tab of moisture sensor, rear end pieces of the legs being connected. The terminal clamp includes terminal contacts for contacting electrical contact points of terminal tab, and a guide piece having a slot-shaped cutout for receiving terminal tab. Slot-shaped cutout of guide piece is bounded laterally by two stop elements so that terminal tab is held in terminal clamp in a predetermined position, in which terminal contacts of terminal clamp contact the electrical contact points of terminal tab. Upper leg comprises a latching device, which is fixed in slot-shaped cutout in a snap-in manner when terminal clamp is closed to lock upper leg in position on lower leg.
US09629951B2 Modular hemofiltration apparatus with removable panels for multiple and alternate blood therapy
An apparatus for performing blood therapy having a plurality of pumps for engaging blood and fluid tubing is characterized by a plurality of manually mounted and disengagable panels installed on the sides of the apparatus housing, the panels having pump engaging tubing mounted on the inside of the respective panels.
US09629949B2 Therapy prediction and optimization for renal failure blood therapy, especially home hemodialysis
A renal failure blood therapy system includes a renal failure blood therapy machine, a test including multiple blood samples taken at multiple times during a test therapy to determine concentration levels for each of a first solute and a second solute at each of the multiple times, and a device programmed to (i) estimate at least one first patient parameter using the determined concentration levels for the first solute, (ii) estimate at least one second patient parameter using the determined concentration levels for the second solute, (iii) determine a first plurality of acceptable treatments using the at least one first patient parameter, (iv) determine a second plurality of acceptable treatments using the at least one second patient parameter, and (v) merge the first plurality of acceptable treatments with the second plurality of acceptable treatments to determine a plurality of clinically acceptable treatments for both the first solute and the second solute.
US09629946B2 Polymeric protective layer
A polymeric product including at least two layers, wherein a functional layer includes a polymeric material and at least one anti-microbial substance, and a protective layer, including a polymeric material arranged outside the functional layer and completely covering the functional layer, wherein the protective layer does not include any anti-microbial substances. A method of producing the product, the use of the same and a kit for producing the product.
US09629939B2 Collagenous foam materials
Provided is a foam material, comprising a plurality of substantially collagenous beads, wherein the foam material is a bead foam, and wherein adjacent collagenous beads are fused together by a network of collagen fibers. Also provided are methods for preparation of foam materials comprising a plurality of substantially collagenous beads. The foam materials may be used in applications such as bioscaffolds for wound healing, soft tissue regeneration and augmentation, for localized cell delivery, or as cell culture substrates for research. The foam materials include natural collagen fibrils that provide a stable scaffold and enhance integration of the implanted scaffold and regeneration of cells and tissue.
US09629936B2 Method and device for generating steam and gaseous hydrogen peroxide
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide is used for decontamination of enclosed and sealed areas. It is capable of destroying all forms of microbial life. It is commonly produced from a solution of liquid H2O2 and water, by means of generators specifically designed for the purpose. The present invention provides a combined source for heating steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide and a method for simultaneously supplying steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A device according to the invention comprises a chamber adapted for receiving water through an inlet and expelling steam through an outlet. A vessel for receiving and vaporizing hydrogen peroxide solution is provided in close contact with the chamber. Heat from the water vapor in the chamber is allowed to supply the required energy for producing hydrogen peroxide vapor in the vessel from an aqueous solution.
US09629933B2 Delivery of contrasting agents for magnetic resonance imaging
Erythrocytes exposed to dialysis with an hypotonic buffer stably take up superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and may be used MRI contrast agents. Such erythrocytes may also be used as drug delivery vehicles.
US09629928B1 Hash-based inventory identification
A mechanism for providing inventory information from distributed computing resources in an enterprise network in a manner that minimizes network traffic being sent from those computing resources to a centralized inventory server is provided. Bandwidth minimization is performed by generating a value corresponding to identifying information for each item inventoried on a computing resource and transmitting only those values to the inventory server. The generated value is shorter than a string containing the detailed information regarding the inventoried item, but is unique to that item. The inventory server then only requests more detailed information about an individual inventory item if a reported value has not previously been reported to the inventory server. In this manner, detailed information about a specific inventoried item is only transmitted through the network the first time that the item is inventoried and reported from any computer in the network. For any subsequent nodes reporting the same inventoried item, only the value is transmitted through the network and recorded within the inventory server. This avoids transmitting detailed information about each inventoried item for each computer during each computer report to an inventory server, thereby reducing network traffic.
US09629926B2 Antibody-SN-38 immunoconjugates with a CL2A linker
The present invention concerns improved methods and compositions for preparing SN-38 conjugates of proteins or peptides, preferably immunoconjugates of antibodies or antigen-binding antibody fragments. More preferably, the SN-38 is attached to the antibody or antibody fragment using a CL2A linker, with 1-12, more preferably 6 or less, most preferably 1-5 SN-38 moieties per antibody or antibody fragment. Most preferably, the immunoconjugate is prepared in large scale batches, with various modifications to the reaction scheme to optimize yield and recovery in large scale. Other embodiments concern optimized dosages and/or schedules of administration of immunoconjugate to maximize efficacy for disease treatment and minimize side effects of administration.
US09629922B2 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 covalenetly attached to a legumain-binding moiety.
US09629918B2 Folate receptor alpha binding ligands
The invention described herein pertains to targeted drug delivery conjugates comprising folate receptor α (FR-α) selective binding ligands and methods for diagnosing, monitoring, and eliminating pathological cells that express FR-α.
US09629917B2 Method for bowel preparation
The present invention provides methods for facilitating cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient prior to a diagnostic, surgical or therapeutic procedure. The methods can improve patient compliance, and thus, efficacy of the preparation. Specifically, the present methods make the gastrointestinal tract preparation composition palatable for the patient to consume. For example, for a patient preparing to undergo colonoscopy, the present methods make the bowel preparation solution taste significantly less salty.
US09629915B2 Sustained release dosage form
The novel sustained release dosage form comprising an active agent and a combination of a non-swelling pH dependent release retardant and a non swelling pH independent release retardant polymer which provides pH-independent drug release for a considerable period of time after administration.
US09629905B2 Neisseria meningitidis fHbp variant and its use for vaccination
The invention relates to a modified V2 fHbp having increased stability over a wild type V2 fHbp; a modified V2 fHbp having an amino acid sequence with at least 85% identity to the sequence of Seq ID No: 1, wherein both Ser137 and Gly138 are mutated or both Val112 and Leu114 are mutated; immunogenic, pharmaceutical and vaccine compositions; nucleic acid and a host cell; and methods of use of such compositions.
US09629903B2 Factor IX polypeptides and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides methods of administering Factor IX; methods of administering chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor IX; chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor IX; polynucleotides encoding such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides; cells comprising such polynucleotides; and methods of producing such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides using such cells.
US09629897B2 Methods of producing and using regulatory B-cells
The invention is directed to a method of preparing B-cells that produce interleukin-10 (IL-10), or IL-10 per se, which comprises contacting one or more B-cells ex vivo with an isolated interleukin-35 (IL-35) protein, and culturing the one or more B-cells under conditions to provide one or more B-cells that produce IL-10. The invention also is directed to a method of suppressing the proliferation of lymphocytes in vitro or in vivo by contacting lymphocytes with an isolated IL-35 protein. The invention further is directed to a method of suppressing autoimmunity in a mammal by administering to the mammal an IL-35 protein or IL-10-producing B-cells.
US09629896B2 Composition including the HIP/PAP protein or one of the derivatives thereof for treating insulin resistance
The invention relates to a HIP/PAP protein or to one of the derivatives thereof for use thereof for treating or preventing insulin resistance in non-insulin dependent subjects.
US09629892B2 Treatment of penetrative injury to the brain
The invention provides methods of treatment or prophylaxis of damaging effects of penetrative injury to the brain or other part of the central nervous system. The methods are based in part on results in a rodent model of penetrative ballistic injury showing that an inhibitor of PDF-95 NMDAR interaction is effective in inhibiting neurological deficits resulting from such injury. The methods are useful for treating subjects having or at risk of penetrative brain injury, including subjects who have been shot in the head or at risk of such injury (e.g., military or law enforcement personnel).
US09629886B2 Method for conducing concentrated cannabis oil to be stable, emulsifiable and flavorless for use in hot beverages and resulting powderized cannabis oil
A method for producing powderized cannabis oil, and the resulting powderized cannabis oil, in which concentrated cannabis oil is mixed with and absorbed by a modified starch powder, preferably maltodextrin, in a ratio of at least three grams of starch powder for every one-eighth of a gram of cannabis oil is disclosed. Further disclosed are beverages, baked goods and single-serve beverage brewing cartridges utilizing or incorporating the powderized cannabis oil to create human-consumable products that contain an emulsified, tasteless, and odorless dose of cannabis oil.
US09629884B2 Compositions and methods for increasing lifespan and health span
Disclosed herein are compounds, extracts, and active fractions of the plant Geum japonicum and methods for increasing longevity and survival potency or for preventing or treating various medical conditions, including diabetes, inflammation, wound healing, bed sores, and ocular disorders. The compounds provided herein can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that are useful in the disclosed methods. Also provided are the use of the compounds and extracts in preparing pharmaceutical formulations and medicaments.
US09629882B2 Strain of Cobetia marina and biosurfactant extract obtained from same
The invention discloses a bacterial strain of non pathogenic Cobetia marina useful in aquaculture, corresponding to an isolated Cobetia marina strain, Gram negative, oxidase positive, deposited under registry number CECT N°7764; grows with dibenzothiophene (DBT) as the only carbon source. Also disclosed is a method to obtain a biosurfactant surfactant extract comprising growing strain Cobetia marina (MM1IDA2H-1) CECT N° 7764 in a reactor with liquid growth medium from 24 to 48 hours at a temperature between 10 and 35° C., pH 6 to 8; constant stirring between 100 to 400 rpm and oxygen saturation between 10 to 21%; until obtaining a grown cell culture and extracellular products plus inorganic salts; separating the cells, lyophilizing supernatant, sieve the obtained powder and dry. Further disclosed is a biosurfactant surfactant and uses thereof for treating infectious pathologies in aquaculture; use as additive for paint formulations for submergible surfaces; and use as food additive for fish, for inducing an immune response.
US09629877B2 Human application of engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for immunotherapy employing a modified T cell comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In particular aspects, CAR-expressing T-cells are producing using electroporation in conjunction with a transposon-based integration system to produce a population of CAR-expressing cells that require minimal ex vivo expansion or that can be directly administered to patients for disease (e.g., cancer) treatment.
US09629875B2 Clostridium difficile sporicidal compositions
Disclosed are sporicidal compositions, and methods of use thereof. The sporicidal compositions contain water, an organic solvent, and a spore-germinating agent containing an iodide source, a citrate source or both. The compositions have sporicidal activity against, e.g., Clostridium difficile spores. The sporicidal compositions can be used alone, or can form part of a disinfecting composition or an antiseptic composition.
US09629873B2 Bioresorbable metal alloy and implants made of same
Disclosed herein is a non-toxic, bioresorbable, magnesium based alloy for use in production of implants. Specifically exemplified herein are alloy embodiments useful for orthopedic implants. Also disclosed are alloy materials that incorporate magnesium, calcium and strontium.
US09629872B2 Sodium thiosulphate for the treatment of ectopic calcifications
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising sodium thiosulphate dispersed in a hydrophile-in-lipophile emulsion, and the use thereof for topical administration for the treatment of an ectopic calcification and/or of the consequences thereof in an individual, the sodium thiosulphate being in the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising, in addition, a hydrophile-in-lipophile emulsion. The invention also relates to a method for preparing these pharmaceutical compositions.
US09629871B2 Portable, nitric oxide generator
An apparatus for portable delivery of nitric oxide without the need for pressurized tanks, power supplies, or other devices provides a single therapy session by triggering a heater to heat a reaction chamber. A piercing assembly may trigger to open sealed containers, such as bags, of liquid water or salt water in order to activate the heaters. Upon addition of liquid such as water or salt water to a chemically reactive heating element, heat is generated to activate the chemicals generating nitric oxide within a sealed reactor. Upon triggering, liquid containers are unsealed, the liquid drains down to initiate reaction of the heating chemicals, and the heat begins to penetrate the reactor. The reactor, in turn, heats its contents, which react to form nitric oxide expelled by the reactor to a line feeding a cannula for therapy.
US09629868B2 Method of treating and preventing neuro-olfactory triggered or aggravated illnesses or related conditions
A method for treating at least one of neuro-olfactory triggered illnesses, and related conditions within a subject is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a composition that includes one or more agents adapted to induce a level of anosmia/hyposmia in the subject, which level of anosmia/hyposmia is sufficient to substantially decrease olfactory sensory stimulation within the subject and a neurologic response to the stimulation that is one or both of triggering and aggravating the illness or condition; and b) applying the composition to a nasopharynx region of the subject.
US09629862B2 Pantothenate derivatives for the treatment of neurologic disorders
The present disclosure relates to pantothenate derivatives for the treatment of neurologic disorders (such as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration), pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and their use in treatment of neurologic disorders.
US09629861B2 Compositions and methods for treating bacterial infections using ceftaroline
The present invention relates to compositions comprising ceftaroline or a prodrug thereof (e.g., ceftaroline fosamil) and methods for treating bacterial infections, such as complicated skin and structure infections (cSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) by administering ceftaroline or a prodrug thereof, (e.g., ceftaroline fosamil).
US09629860B2 Acyclic nucleoside phosphonate diesters
The present disclosure relates, inter alia, to compositions and methods for treating viral diseases and cancer. There are disclosed lipophilic antiviral and anticancer acyclic nucleoside phosphonate diesters, preparation thereof, and methods of using the compounds to treat viral diseases and cancer.
US09629858B2 Dialysis solutions comprising organic esters of phosphoric acid
This document relates to bi-carbonate-buffered dialysis solutions with physiological phosphate content and increased stability. The solutions include an organic ester of phosphoric acid, calcium ions and/or magnesium ions, and optionally additional electrolytes, buffers and glucose in physiologically effective concentrations.
US09629857B2 Therapeutic uses of glutathione mimics
A prodrug having antioxidant activity, including a phosphorylated compound having a thiol group. A method of treating oxidative stress by administering a prodrug of a phosphorylated compound including a thiol group, removing a phosphate group of the prodrug, and treating oxidative stress. A method of increasing bioavailability of a thiol compound by creating a prodrug by phosphorylating a thiol compound, administering the prodrug, preventing first pass metabolism of the prodrug, removing a phosphate group from the prodrug, and providing active drug to a site in need of therapy from oxidative stress. A method of preventing radiation damage to healthy tissue by administering a prodrug comprising a phosphorylated compound including a thiol group, removing a phosphate group of the prodrug to provide active drug, and preventing radiation damage to healthy tissue.
US09629856B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment of skin diseases and disorders using antimicrobial peptide sequestering compounds
The present invention provides compositions containing one or more antimicrobial peptide sequestering compounds and methods for topical application of such compositions to the skin to treat skin diseases and disorders such as rosacea in humans.
US09629853B2 Uses of ganaxolone
Absence epilepsy, a form of epilepsy characterized by nonconvulsive seizures, has proven to be refractive to conventional epilepsy therapies. It has been found that low doses of ganaxolone can be used to reduce absence seizures in subjects with absence epilepsy, particularly pediatric subjects. In addition, ganaxolone therapy is particularly useful in subjects with absence epilepsy characterized by a reduction in tonic inhibition. Low dose ganaxolone is also used to reduce sleep disruptions and to treat sleep disorders in subjects in need of such treatment.
US09629850B2 Combination of MEK inhibitors and selective inhibitors of Aurora A kinase
The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of proliferative disorders. In particular, the invention provides methods for treatment of proliferative disorders by administering a MEK inhibitor in combination with a selective inhibitor of Aurora A kinase.
US09629847B2 Compositions and methods for treating symptoms of inflammatory related conditions using a combination of an antihistamine and a stimulant
The present invention relates to compositions containing stimulant and anti-histamine compounds, to methods for treating symptoms related to inflammation using the combination compounds, and to a method for preparing the compositions.
US09629845B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment of drug-induced hand-foot syndrome
The present invention provides methods of treating, ameliorating or preventing hand-foot syndrome in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor.
US09629843B2 MTOR modulators and uses thereof
The present invention provides methods and compositions for selective modulation of certain protein kinases, and especially mTor complexes. The methods and compositions are particularly useful in inhibiting mTor selectively for therapeutic applications.
US09629840B2 Aminopyrimidine kinase inhibitors
Disclosed are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing those compounds, and uses of the compounds and compositions as modulators of CK1, CK1γ1, CK1γ2, CK1γ3, CK2, Pim 1, Pim2, Pim3, the TGFβ pathway, the Wnt pathway, the JAK/STAT pathway, the AKT pathway, and/or the mTOR pathway. Uses are also disclosed for the treatment or prevention of a range of therapeutic indications due at least in part to aberrant physiological activity of CK1, CK1γ1, CK1γ2, CK1γ3, CK2, Pim 1, Pim2, Pim3, the TGFβ pathway, the Wnt pathway, the JAK/STAT pathway, the AKT pathway, and/or the mTOR pathway.
US09629834B2 Medicinal composition for inhibiting formation and/or enlargement of cerebral aneurysm or shrinking same
Provided is a pharmaceutical composition which enables the inhibition of formation and/or enlargement of cerebral aneurysm or the regression of cerebral aneurysm. The pharmaceutical composition for the inhibition of formation and/or enlargement of cerebral aneurysm or for the regression of cerebral aneurysm of the present invention, which includes a S1P1 receptor agonist as an active ingredient, enables the inhibition of formation and/or enlargement of cerebral aneurysm or the regression of cerebral aneurysm, and enables the prevention and/or treatment of a disease associated with cerebral aneurysm.
US09629832B2 Physically and chemically stable nicotine-containing particulate material
A nicotine-containing particulate material for release of nicotine, the material comprising a combination of nicotine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, complex or solvate thereof and a microcrystalline cellulose, The particulate material is stable upon storage and releases nicotine relatively fast. The particulate material can be used in the manufacture of nicotine-containing pharmaceutical composition, wherein the release of nicotine can be designed to be relatively fast so as to obtain a fast onset of action.
US09629831B2 Benzamides and related inhibitors of factor XA
Novel benzamide compounds including their pharmaceutically acceptable isomers, salts, hydrates, solvates and prodrug derivatives having activity against mammalian factor Xa are described. Compositions containing such compounds are also described. The compounds and compositions are useful in vitro or in vivo for preventing or treating coagulation disorders.
US09629830B2 EphA4 inhibitors as neuroprotective agents
Provided is the discovery of the role of EphA4 signaling in neurodegenerative disorders involving β-amyloid induced neurotoxicity such as Alzheimer's Disease. New therapeutic methods, therapeutic agents, and kits for treating diseases caused or exacerbated by overactivated EphA4 signaling are provided. Also provided are methods for identifying additional compounds as therapeutic agents useful for treating conditions involving overly active EphA4 signaling.
US09629826B2 CAI-based systems and methods for the localized treatment of uveitis
This invention relates to the treatment of uveitis, in particular posterior infectious uveitis. In specific embodiments, the invention provides for methods of treating uveitis and/or infectious uveitis comprising administration of a sustained-release system containing 5-amino-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-3,5-dichlorobenzyl]-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxamide) and optionally a glucocorticoid. In one embodiment, the glucocorticoid is dexamethasone. In another embodiment, the sustained-release system comprises a polymer such as e.g. polylactic-coglycolic acid.
US09629825B2 Pharmaceutical composition comprising (1r,4r)-6′-fluoro-N,N-dimethyl-4-phenyl-4′,9′-dihydro-3′H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,1′-pyrano[3,4,b]indol]-4-amine and a gabapentinoid
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a first pharmacologically active ingredient selected from (1r,4r)-6′-fluoro-N,N-dimethyl-4-phenyl-4′,9′-dihydro-3′H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,1′-pyrano[3,4,b]indol]-4-amine and the physiologically acceptable salts thereof, and a second pharmacologically active ingredient selected from gabapentinoids and the physiologically acceptable salts thereof.
US09629824B2 Indole derivatives and process for their preparation
Substituted indole derivatives of formula (I) wherein the radicals have e.g. the following meaning: R1 is hydrogen, —C1-6-alkyl, R2 is hydrogen, —C1-6-alkyl or cycloC3-12-alkyl; R3 is —OR R4 is hydrogen or halogen, R5 is hydrogen, —C1-6-alkyl R6 is hydrogen, —C1-6-alkyl R is hydrogen or —C1-6-alkyl; X is a group —C(O)CH2— or —CH═CH—; R7 is hydrogen are potent inhibitors of Abeta peptide polymerization and can be used for the treatment of e.g. Alzheimers disease or ocular disorders.
US09629821B2 Treatment and prevention of liver disease associated with parenteral nutrition (PN)
The present invention is based on the discovery that parenteral nutrition (PN) induced liver disease, e.g. fatty liver disease, can be prevented and even reversed by administration of primarily omega-3-fatty acid with PN rather than the administration of the standard intravenous lipid emulsions that contain primarily plant derived omega-6 fatty acid. Thus, the present invention provides a method for treating or preventing liver disease in a human patient obtaining nutritional support through PN. The method comprises intravenous administration of an effective amount of an omega-3-fatty acid emulsion to the patient, wherein the patient is not administered phytosterols or plant derived fatty acids, e.g. omega-6 fatty acids derived from a plant source, and wherein the administration of the omega-3-fatty acid emulsion to the patient is for a period greater than three weeks. Preferably, the administration is for a period of greater than six weeks. More preferably, the administration is for a period greater than three months.
US09629817B2 Reducing myocardial damage and the incidence of arrhythmia arising from loss, reduction or interruption in coronary blood flow
A method and pharmaceutical composition are disclosed for treating, ameliorating and/or preventing one or more myocardial disorders in a mammalian heart caused by a myocardial hypoxic event and/or a loss, reduction or interruption in coronary blood flow such as may happen during or after events such as a heart attack, cardiac surgery including coronary artery bypass graft, or coronary artery or myocardial reperfusion. The myocardial disorders include myocardial arrhythmias, myocardial damage and myocardial cell death, and the subsequent loss of haemodynamic function. The myocardial disorders could be in progress or suspected of being in progress at the time of treatment or could be anticipated disorders being treated prophylactically. The method involves the step of administering an effective amount of the composition. The composition comprises as its active ingredient one or more compounds having myocardial persistent sodium channel blocking activity. A preferred compound is riluzole or a salt or derivative thereof.
US09629814B2 Tissue thickness compensator configured to redistribute compressive forces
A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of movable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of movable particles may comprise at least one medicament. A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of crushable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of crushable particles may comprise at least one medicament. The compressible core may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. The wrap may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.
US09629813B2 Nanoparticle formulations with enhanced mucosal penetration
Hypotonic formulations were evaluated for delivering water-soluble drugs and for drug delivery with muco-inert (that is, non-adhesive) mucus-penetrating nanoparticles (MPP). Hypotonic formulations markedly increased the rate at which drugs and MPP reached the epithelial surface, including deep into the vaginal folds. Minimally hypotonic formulations, preferably ranging from 20-220 mOsm/kg, provided rapid and uniform delivery of MPP to the entire vaginal surface, with minimal risk of epithelial toxicity. Data also show that there is a higher osmolality in the colon, such that vehicles with an osmolality above that of blood plasma (generally considered isotonic at ˜300 mOsm/kg), still lead to improvements in distribution in the colon due to rapid, osmotically-induced fluid absorption. The range for improved colon distribution with a hypotonic vehicle in the colon is ˜20 mOsm/kg-450 mOsm/kg.
US09629811B2 Microsphere compositions, preparation method and applications thereof
A cell carrying microsphere composition, wherein the microsphere composition comprises a microspheric core comprising a triblock copolymer matrix A-B-A wherein A is selected from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) or polylactide (PLA) and B is poloxamer or poloxamine, wherein the microspheric core is coated with a cell adhesion coating and further comprises whole cells or cell fragments bonded to the cell adhesion coating, a process for the preparation of a cell carrying microsphere composition, and applications thereof.
US09629810B2 Capsule with soluble blocking element
The invention relates to a capsule comprising an inlet and an outlet connected by a passage, in which a dissolvable blocking element and a composition to be orally administered are arranged. The blocking element is fluid permeable and, in a non-dissolved condition, is arranged in the passage to block delivery of the composition to an outlet of the passage. The invention further relates to a method for releasable sealing a capsule comprising a composition to be orally administered, comprising the steps of providing the composition chamber in a passage and filling composition into the composition chamber. The passage formed by the capsule is occluded with a blocking element and the blocking element comprises dissolvable material and has a fluid permeable structure.
US09629805B2 Stabilization of moisture-sensitive drugs
Described are stability-enhancing formulations of drugs that are sensitive to moisture. The formulations comprise co-granulates containing a moisture-sensitive drug and an excipient selected from fructose, xylitol, maltitol, and mixtures thereof. Also described are methods of producing a pharmaceutical tablet. The method comprises forming a blend of a moisture-sensitive drug and a first excipient selected from fructose, xylitol, maltitol, and mixtures thereof; spraying the blend with water to produce granules; drying and milling the granules; mixing a second excipient with the granules; and compressing into tablets.
US09629802B2 Formulation for providing an enteric coating material
The present invention relates to an enteric coating formulation, as well as methods for preparing and using said enteric coating formulation. In particular, the invention relates to an enteric coating formulation that is made up of foodeous approved materials.
US09629796B2 Colored glossy pigment using vegetable type natural dye and method for preparing same
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a colored gloss pigment using a natural dye. According to the present disclosure, the method may include preparing a dye from a dye material of natural dyes; titrating the dye with an inorganic salt solution and subsequently adjusting a pH neutral to prepare a natural pigment containing the dye; dispersing a substrate coated with a metal oxide into a DI water to form a substrate suspension; and introducing a pH adjusting agent and the natural pigment into the substrate suspension to coat a surface of the substrate with the natural pigment.
US09629791B2 Cationic polymer latexes and uses
Described are novel polymers and home and personal care compositions incorporating said polymers.
US09629787B2 Preparation method and use of N-acyl acidic amino acid or salt thereof
The invention provides a preparation method of N-acyl acidic amino acid or a salt thereof, comprising subjecting a fatty acyl chloride and an amino acid to an amidation reaction under an alkaline condition. The preparation method is characterized in that in the amidation reaction, water is used as a solvent, an acidic amino acid or a salt thereof is used as a main raw material and a small amount of a neutral amino acid or a salt thereof is used as an auxiliary raw material, and the method comprises the following steps: under a stirring condition, firstly adding the fatty acyl chloride dropwise into an aqueous solution of the acidic amino acid or the salt thereof; adding an alkali to adjust the pH value of the reaction solution; after a certain amount of fatty acyl chloride having been added dropwise, adding an aqueous solution of the neutral amino acid or the salt thereof, and continuing to add the fatty acyl chloride dropwise until the addition is finished and stirring to maintain the reaction. The preparation method uses the reaction of the mixed amino acids and the fatty acyl chloride under a water-phase system, so that the conversion rates of the amino acids and the acyl chloride can be remarkably increased and the amount of residual amino acids is greatly reduced. The product can be directly used as a surfactant after simple post-treatment, and thus the cost is greatly reduced.
US09629784B2 Pacifiers
Molding method of manufacturing for soft-shield and orthodontic pacifiers, and for pacifiers having snap-in caps that prevent exposing baglet to molten plastic during molding process.
US09629782B2 Quick mixing baby formula cylinder and system
An apparatus for a baby bottle container may include a plug assembly. A plug assembly may include a wall forming an inner volume. A plug may extend from the wall and form a portion of the inner volume. The plug assembly may be capable of removable attachment to a baby bottle container. An apparatus for a baby bottle container may include a chamber assembly capable of removable attachment to the plug assembly. The chamber assembly may comprise a partition configured to receive a portion of the plug within the inner volume of the plug assembly. The chamber assembly may be axially slidable about the plug assembly to selectively engage the partition with the plug to form a seal.
US09629780B2 System for processing cells and container for use therewith
A container adapted to store and transport an injectate is disclosed. The container includes a divider which extends from an open top end toward a closed bottom end, the divider spaced apart from the closed bottom end to define an opening and separating the container into a first fluid path on a first side of the divider through which fluid can enter the container through the inlet port and a second fluid path on a second side of the divider through which fluid can enter the opening and exit the container through the outlet port. The second fluid path includes at least one filter between the opening and the open top end through which fluid can pass from the first fluid path to the second fluid path but through which at least one component of the injectate cannot pass.
US09629777B2 Exercise sauna having far infrared heating elements and configurable seating
A far infrared (“FIR”) sauna cabin equipped with a far infrared (“FIR”) heating elements constructed of ceramic, carbon, and/or light emitting diodes (“LED”), designed for therapeutic use in a sauna, capable of emitting far infrared energy, and heating an individual's skin for purposes of rejuvenation, anti-aging, weight loss, and acne therapy. The FIR heating element emits IR energy in a wavelength and frequency optimum for resonant absorption by the human body, resulting in the release of toxins stored within subcutaneous fatty deposits, which are then carried out of the person's system as he or she sweats. The FIR sauna cabin is further equipped with necessary hardware and tools to effectively create a more flexible environment in which the user can change seating configurations, move about more freely and conduct stretching routines or exercises within the sauna cabin, using specialized fittings integrated to the interior of the sauna cabin.
US09629774B2 Smart necklace with stereo vision and onboard processing
A smart necklace includes a body defining at least one cavity and having a neck portion and first and a second side portions. The necklace includes a pair of stereo cameras that is configured to detect image data including depth information corresponding to a surrounding environment of the smart necklace. The necklace further includes a positioning sensor configured to detect positioning data corresponding to a positioning of the smart necklace. The necklace includes a non-transitory memory positioned in the at least one cavity and configured to store map data and object data. The smart necklace also includes a processor positioned in the at least one cavity, coupled to the pair of stereo cameras, the positioning sensor and the non-transitory memory. The processor is configured to determine output data based on the image data, the positioning data, the map data and the object data.
US09629772B2 Portable device for facilitating medical examination
A medical examination device is provided with a pair of foot support assemblies, a patient support mat, and a U-shaped support frame with an attached pair of legs. Wheel assemblies are attached to the legs and facilitate the transportation of the device to and from a bed whereby the support assemblies, patient support mat, and legs are extended and adjusted to support a patient on the bed to facilitate a medical examination. The foot support assemblies are foldable, and the patient support mat and legs are collapsible so that the device is transported and stored in a small, compact size.
US09629767B2 Liftable hospital bed
Disclosed is a liftable hospital bed, comprising a bedplate base frame (1) symmetrical about a transverse central plane and a longitudinal central plane, wherein two ends of the bedplate base frame (1) are provided with bed leg rods (2), the lower end of the bed leg rods (2) being hinged to a first roller device (3) in contact with the ground and the upper end of the bed leg rods (2) being connected to a second roller device (4), the second roller device (4) being slidable in tracks (5) on the bedplate base frame (1) and the tracks (5) being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bedplate base frame (1); connecting rods (6) are hinged to the bed leg rods (2); and a turnover mechanism is further provided for changing included angles between the bed leg rods (2) and the bedplate base frame (1) to lift the bedplate base frame (1), the turnover mechanism comprises the connecting rods (6) and a thrust mechanism, end portions of the thrust mechanism drive the connecting rods (6) to rotate via a hinged four-rod mechanism (7), and the connecting rods (6) drive the bed leg rods (2) to turn over relative to the bedplate base frame (1), so that the lifting of the hospital bed is realized.
US09629766B2 Surgical table with patient support having flexible inner frame supported on rigid outer frame
A surgical table comprising a base and a patient support supported between opposed ends of the base, each opposed end including a pitch/roll assembly. The base is configured such that the patient support can be rolled and pitched relative to the opposed ends via the pitch/roll assemblies such that the roll axis of each pitch/roll assembly remains coaxial regardless of how the patient support is pitched or rolled relative to the base. The patient support includes an outer frame and an inner frame supported on, and displaceable relative to, the outer frame. The inner frame is further articulating about, and relative to, itself. The outer frame is rigid in that it does not change configurations.
US09629764B2 Wheelchair leg covering
A leg covering adapted for use with a wheelchair. The present leg covering includes an outer covering having a closed end, an open end, and one or more straps positioned adjacently to the open end such that the covering can be secured to the armrests of a wheelchair once drawn over the user's legs. The leg covering further comprises a liner removably insertable therein, which provides an additional layer of insulating material for especially cold or otherwise inclement weather conditions. The outer covering additionally has a zipper disposed on the front portion thereof to provide other individuals with the ability to access to catheters, colostomy bags, or other such objects stored beneath the covering in a discrete manner. The liner has a front slit or opening aligned with the outer covering zipper so that it does not act as an impediment to accessing the internal volume of the covering.
US09629760B1 Wheelchair and wheelchair docking system for human transport in motorized vehicles
A wheelchair docking system comprising a front locking system and a back locking system that locks the wheelchair in place on a solid substrate, such as the floor of a bus.
US09629754B2 Manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus for a composite sheet associated with an absorbent article
A manufacturing apparatus for a composite sheet associated with an absorbent article including: a conveying mechanism that conveys continuously the continuous body of the sheet; and a guiding member that transports the continuous body of the elastic member, and that bonds the continuous body of the elastic member with the continuous body of the sheet, wherein the guiding member includes a drive roller that, while being contact with the continuous body of the elastic member, is driven and rotated along a transporting direction of the continuous body of the elastic member, and by changing a rotation speed of the drive roller, a stretching ratio of the continuous body of the elastic member is adjusted.
US09629751B2 Fixed structure for the constricting band of snow goggles
A fixed structure for the constricting band of snow goggles includes a goggle frame, a constricting band and a fastening member combined together. The goggle frame has two sides respectively provided with an insert slot and a hooking portion; the constricting band has two sides respectively fixed with a fastening body of the fastening member, and the fastening member consists of a hooking seat and the fastening body. In assembling, the hooking seat is inserted in the insert slot of the goggle frame and clasped with the hooking portion and then, the fastening body at the two sides of the constricting band is inserted in the hooking seat and positioned therein. Thus, the fixed structure for the constricting band of snow goggles can be stably combined and impossible to fall off.
US09629750B2 Surgical laser unit with variable modes of operation
A comprehensive multi-mode system for performing ophthalmic laser surgery on selected tissue inside an eye includes a laser unit for generating and focusing a laser beam to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) at a focal point in selected tissue. Also included is a selector for defining an operational mode according to characteristics of the tissue to be altered by LIOB. In combination, the operational mode specifies value ranges for configuration parameters for a pulsed femtosecond laser beam, establishes a base reference datum in the eye, and identifies a scanning procedure for the focal point of the laser beam to customize the system for a particular surgical procedure. A computer that is connected to the laser unit is responsive to the selector for implementing the operational mode.
US09629747B2 Devices and methods for cutting lenticular tissue
An exemplary surgical device includes an element positionable within a shaft having a lumen defined therethrough with the element movable from a stored position to a deployed position in which a larger portion of the element extends out of the distal end of the lumen. The element forming a closed loop which is positioned around the lens while the lens is within a capsular bag. The closed loop is reduced in size to form a cut in the lens.
US09629743B2 Ostomy appliance and an adhesive wafer for such appliance
The present invention concerns adhesive wafer for an ostomy appliance, said adhesive wafer being adapted for directly or indirectly securing an ostomy pouch to a person's skin, wherein the wafer comprises a starter hole surrounded by a plurality of cutting guidelines for enabling the person to cut the hole into a desired aperture size, wherein the cutting guidelines substantially converge with the starter hole at an upper region of the hole.
US09629729B2 Biological delivery system with adaptable fusion cage interface
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectably detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. In one embodiment, the integrated fusion cage is an expandable integrated fusion cage.
US09629728B2 Bioactive spinal implants and method of manufacture thereof
A bioactive spinal implant used in cervical fusion, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), and Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF), having properties and geometries that enhance bone contact, stability, and fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies.
US09629727B2 Pedicle-based construct facet joint fixation device
A facet joint fixation device formed from a flexible wedge shaped implant constructed from a single piece of material. The device is defined by an insert end spaced apart from outer end by first and second side members. Each side support is cut by a series of recesses defining a living hinge therebetween.
US09629726B2 Ankle replacement system
A prosthesis suited for orthopedic implantation possesses a multi-piece stem component that supports an artificial joint surface that can articulate with another artificial joint surface in various ways. The prosthesis can be assembled in a snap fit and/or interlocking fashion that provides positive locking means without the use of screws or other fasteners. The prosthesis can accommodate fitment of a plastic joint surface made, e.g., from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The prosthesis is well suited for use in an ankle replacement system that can be installed using minimally invasive intramedullary guidance established with respect to the major axis of the tibia by minimally invasive access through the calcaneus, through an incision in the bottom of the foot. The prosthesis makes possible the installation of a total ankle system using minimally invasive anterior access to the ankle joint for making bony cuts and to install prosthesis components.
US09629725B2 Reverse shoulder systems and methods
Reversed glenoid implants, and related kits and methods, are described that include an anchor member having a proximal head and a baseplate having a distal end with a first aperture sized to accept the proximal head of the anchor member. The proximal head is inserted along an un-threaded length thereof from the distal end into the first aperture, and the anchor member is restrained against axial translation with respect to the baseplate but is permitted to rotate with respect to the baseplate.
US09629720B2 Apparatus and methods for treating cardiac valve regurgitation
Apparatus and methods for repairing a cardiac valve, e.g., a mitral valve, are provided. The apparatus may include an expandable frame defining a curved structure in the expanded deployed state and a membrane coupled to the expandable frame. The membrane may curve around a native leaflet, e.g., the posterior leaflet, in a first plane and curve around another leaflet, e.g., the anterior leaflet, in an orthogonal plane. The membrane may be adapted to be suspended in the flow path of the cardiac valve such a first surface of the membrane abuts the native leaflet during systole and a second surface of the membrane abuts the other native leaflet during systole, thereby reducing cardiac valve regurgitation.
US09629719B2 Delivery systems and methods of implantation for prosthetic heart valves
A delivery system for delivery of an implantable stented device to a body lumen that includes an elongated member having a distal tip and a proximal end portion, a wire connection member positioned between the distal tip and proximal end portion of the elongated member, and a plurality of capturing wires extending from a distal end of the wire connection member. Each of the capturing wires includes a distal end having a lower portion that is moveable relative to an upper portion between an open position and a closed position, and a slot defined by the upper and lower portions when they are in the closed position.
US09629718B2 Valve delivery tool
A system includes a medical device for implanting in a valve of a subject, the implantable medical device having a self-expanding frame; and a holder configured to retain the frame of the implantable medical device in a constricted configuration and to control expansion of the frame. The holder has a controllably constrictable and expandable loop, wherein the loop is disposed about at least a portion of the self-expanding frame such that constriction or expansion of the first loop controls constriction or expansion of the frame.
US09629712B2 Accommodating intraocular lens
An Accommodating Intraocular Lens (AIOL) is disclosed herein, that is comprised of a flexible optic and a flexible haptic rim that conforms to the human eye capsule. The spherical or custom shape of the optic is engineered to be maintained during accommodation through the mechanical/optic design of the implant and the interaction between the implant and the naturally occurring position and actuating forces applied through ciliary muscles/zonules/and capsule as the brain senses the need to increase the diopter change or magnification when an object of fixation approaches the eye. The axial relocation or position of the AIOL may also be further adjusted anatomically to further improve the affect needed to achieve improved accommodation. Optionally, the Accommodating Intraocular Lens (AIOL) is foldable or injectable for delivery of the lens into the eye.
US09629710B2 Intraocular lens having an optical and a haptic part, method for making an intraocular lens and method for implanting an intraocular lens into an eye
An intraocular lens has an optical part and a haptic adjoining the optical part. At least one additional fixation element that differs from the haptic is formed on at least an upper side of the intraocular lens. The additional fixation element is formed to fix the position of the intraocular lens in the capsular bag of an eye. A method for making an intraocular lens and a method for implanting an intraocular lens in a capsular bag of an eye are also disclosed.
US09629708B2 Soft tissue repair
Methods and instruments for repairing soft tissues of a skeletal joint such as for example of the foot or hand are presented.
US09629705B2 Devices and methods for anatomic mapping for prosthetic implants
A method of generating a patient-specific prosthesis includes receiving anatomic imaging data representative of a portion of a patient's anatomy. A first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is defined. The first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is modified. A second digital representation of the portion of the patient's anatomy is defined based on the modifying of the first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data. A patient-specific prosthesis is generated based at least in part on the second digital representation of the anatomic imaging data.
US09629704B2 Tapered loading system for implantable medical devices
Loading systems for compressing and loading an implantable medical device into a device chamber of a medical device delivery system are described. The loading systems include an elongate holding chamber within which the intraluminal medical device is disposed. A plunger has one or more attached pushers adapted to axially advance the intraluminal medical device through an intermediate portion of the holding chamber that has a tapered surface, which compresses the intraluminal medical device over a dilator of a medical device delivery system that has been introduced through the distal end of the elongate holding chamber. The elongate holding chamber can be placed within an outer storage container with an appropriate seal to for storage of the intraluminal medical device within the loading system. Methods of preparing an intraluminal medical device for implantation in a patient and kits useful in such methods are also described.
US09629703B2 Reinforcement device with dissolvable layer and its use
A reinforcement device for reinforcing tissues having one or more structural deficiencies includes a longitudinally-extending reinforcing layer for treating the structural deficiency, a plurality of spiked naps distributed across the reinforcing layer and projecting therefrom for adhering to the tissue, and a dissolvable matrix layer covering at least a portion of the reinforcing layer and a portion of the plurality of spiked naps. The matrix layer increases the time before the spiked naps substantially adhere to the tissue, thereby allowing the practitioner additional time to position the reinforcement device.
US09629701B2 Method and apparatus for cleaning and storing endodontic tools
An endodontic instrument servicing system may comprise a socket-forming member that may include spaced wall members that define a socket. An at least partially open-cell foam body may be secured within the socket that is configured for cleaning contaminated instruments. The body may have an indentation force deflection greater than 120 pounds force (lbf) and be configured to substantially grip a rotating contaminated instrument in contact with the body without tearing the foam body.
US09629700B2 Tooth cleaning assembly
A tooth cleaning assembly for removing embedded plaque between a user's tooth and gum includes a housing that may be gripped by the user. A motor is coupled to the housing. A shaft is coupled to the motor. The motor rotates the shaft. A brush is structured to taper to a point. The brush may be positionable between the user's tooth and the user's gum. The brush removes embedded plaque. The brush is mechanically coupled to the shaft so the shaft rotates the brush. An actuator is coupled to the housing. The actuator is electrically coupled to the motor. The actuator actuates and de-actuates the motor.
US09629698B2 Method and apparatus for generation of 3D models with applications in dental restoration design
A computer model of a physical object may be formed by registering multiple images of the physical object by using a registration process based on characteristic features of the physical object. Multiple images may be registered by aligning characteristic curves of the physical object that have been identified through imaging. A curve-based registration process may be used in dental applications to register multiple images of a patient's oral anatomy to form a computer 3D model from which a patient-specific dental restoration may be designed.
US09629696B2 Hybrid temporary anchorage device implant system and associated methods
A hybrid temporary anchorage device implant system and method of use is disclosed. A temporary anchorage device (TAD) implant includes an external hex head, a cupped inner portion, a threaded core, a platform, and an implant portion. A first abutment is installed on the implant portion. The first abutment may include a graduated portion, a screw-retained healing collar, and a threaded portion. A second abutment may be installed over the first abutment. The second abutment may include a graduated head, a bulbous base, and an inner canal.
US09629694B2 Precision configuration of a component
A precision configuration system includes a plier device having clasp members, a heat transfer clamp member, a bending force transducer, and a temperature controller. One clasp member has a single jaw tooth that contacts and heats a component, for example, a wire positioned by a component holder and accommodated within a receptacle defined between double jaw teeth of the other clasp member. The heat transfer clamp member includes a heating coil that generates and transfers heat to the single jaw tooth. The bending force transducer controls magnitude and direction of bending forces applied by the plier device to precision bend and reshape the component at one or more bending points on the component based on force commands received from a component configuration computer system. The temperature controller controls the generation and transfer of heat to the single jaw tooth to facilitate temperature controlled, precision bending and reshaping of the component.
US09629689B2 Attachment apparatus for remote access tools
Apparatuses and methods for attaching a minimal access tool to a user's body (e.g., wrist or forearm) so that movements of the user's forearm, wrist, hand and fingers can control movements at a distal end of the minimal access tool. In particular, described herein are forearm attachment devices (which may be used with or integrated into) a minimal access tool including a cuff configured to secure to the user's forearm and a coupling joint configured to connect the cuff to the frame so that the cuff may move relative to the frame with between 1 and 4 degrees of freedom.
US09629688B2 Actuator and drive for manipulating a tool
A tool apparatus and a method for actuating a tool apparatus are disclosed. The tool apparatus includes an actuator housing, and an elongate tool manipulator extending outwardly from the actuator housing and having a plurality of control links extending along a length of the tool manipulator. The control links are operable to cause movement of a distal end of the tool manipulator in response to movement of the control links in an actuating direction generally aligned with the length of the tool manipulator. The apparatus also includes a plurality of actuators, each actuator being associated with at least one of the control links and being mounted in the actuator housing to facilitate a range of travel in a transverse direction substantially orthogonal to the actuating direction, and a plurality of linkages. Each linkage is associated with one of the control links and extends between the control link and the respective actuator and is operable to transmit drive forces between the actuator and the control link.
US09629687B2 Robotic arthroplasty system
A robotic system for performing an arthroplasty procedure of a patient is provided. The robotic system includes a robotic mechanism including an adaptive arm, an oscillating saw coupled to the robotic mechanism and configured to resect a portion of a bone of the patient. The robotic mechanism is configured to control movement of the saw during the resection. The system also includes a computer coupled to the robotic mechanism which is configured to control the robotic mechanism. The robotic mechanism is configured to position a prosthetic implant relative to the bone. The system also includes an electric motor coupled to the robotic mechanism and the computer. The electric motor is configured to facilitate movement of the robotic mechanism. The system also includes a position sensor configured to provide movement information of the prosthetic implant relative to the bone. The system also includes an adaptive arm interface coupled to the adaptive arm and the computer wherein the adaptive arm interface is configured to operate the computer.
US09629684B2 Apparatus and method for treatment of ethmoid sinusitis
An apparatus may be used to form an opening in a sinus wall. The apparatus comprises a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member comprises a helical blade. The second cutting member is slidably disposed about the first cutting member. The second cutting member comprises a sharp distal edge. An outer sheath is slidably disposed about the first and second cutting member. The sheath may be retracted to uncover the helical blade. The second cutting member may be advanced over the first cutting member to form a circular opening in the sinus wall. The sheath may include an obliquely angled distal edge. A cleaning instrument may be used to clean debris from the first cutting member.
US09629682B2 Robotic catheter system
A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.
US09629681B2 Sealing multiple surgical instruments
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, an instrument guide is provided. An instrument guide according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a channel portion, the channel portion including a plurality of channels through which surgical instruments can be inserted; a lower part mechanically fixed to the channel portion, the lower part including doors to seal each of the channels; an upper part, the upper part mechanically attached to the lower part and including a funnel for guiding the instruments into the plurality of channels; and one or more seals fixed between the upper part and the lower part, the seal(s) having openings corresponding to the channels and sealing against the doors when the doors are closed and sealing against surgical instruments when surgical instruments are inserted into the channels.
US09629678B2 Controlled irrigated catheter ablation systems and methods thereof
The present invention relates to open irrigated catheter ablation systems and methods used in connection with open irrigated catheter systems. The systems and related methods can control irrigation fluid flow to obtain temperature responses indicative of temperatures associated with an ablation procedure. Embodiments of the present invention provide irrigated catheter ablation systems having controlled irrigation fluid flow that can be directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur to help minimize blood coagulation and associated problems. The irrigated fluid flow may be regulated in connection with an established or predetermined temperature threshold to improve or better optimize cooling and ablation properties of the system. In embodiments, irrigation flow may be either delayed or intermitted.
US09629673B2 Variable angle locking screw
A method of mounting a base plate to a biologic material comprising inserting and retaining a threaded nut within a first through hole of a base plate, wherein the first hole is at least partially defined by an interior circumferential wall and the threaded nut comprises a cylindrical inner wall at least partially defining a second through hole; inserting a screw through the first and second through holes so that at least a portion of a threaded shaft extends beyond the interior circumferential wall of the base plate; rotating the screw with respect to the base plate and the threaded nut to operatively engage a head of the screw with the threaded nut; inserting the screw into a biologic substrate; and locking an angular orientation of the screw with respect to the base plate.
US09629672B2 Spine stabilization
A bone stabilizing plate includes two plate portions, each affixable to bones of a patient, the plate portions telescoping together with mating rails and grooves. A limiter associated with one of the plate portions sliding engages one a catch associated with the other of the plate portions, when the plate portions are telescoped together, and resists stops telescoping when the plate portions are telescoped a predetermined distance apart. Once the limiter and catch are engaged, the plate portions enable imposition of a minimum compressive force between bones connected to the plates. The limiter is resiliently positioned to deflect into a relief formed in its respective plate portion. A groove positioned proximate the catch enables free telescoping motion limited by the engagement of the catch and limiter, whereby the minimum compressive force between bones is maintained, and Wolfe's Law may apply.
US09629671B2 Intramedullary fixation device and methods for bone fixation and stabilization
An internal intramedullary fixation device for the stabilization of bone in arthrodesis and fractures of the foot and hand is disclosed. During implantation in the medullary canal of each bone, the device grasps the edges of the canal, stabilizing the bone (internally) during the natural healing process.
US09629669B2 Spinal fixation tool set and method
A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Each end guide tool includes a laterally extending, rigid, rod holding structure located near a bottom surface thereof. Intermediate guide tools having pass-through slots are utilized to guide the rod to the bone screws at intermediate locations.
US09629664B2 Anterior cervical plate
An anterior cervical plate system is provided. The cervical plate includes an actuator and two locks located between two holes adapted to receive fasteners. Each lock includes a pair of fingers oppositely disposed from a fastener retaining flange. The retaining flange face the holes and the fingers face each other with the actuator located between the fingers. The actuator includes an elongated body. As the actuator is rotated from an unlocked to a locked position, the elongated body pushes both locks simultaneously outwardly to retain fasteners placed inside the holes. As the actuator is rotated in the opposite direction to an unlocked position, the elongated body catches hooks on the fingers to pull the locks inwardly away from holes. The locks are configured to prevent bone fasteners from backing out of the plate.
US09629663B2 Rod attachment for head to head cross connector
Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.
US09629662B2 Spinal anchoring screw
A spine stabilization system includes at least one bone anchor assembly, the bone anchor assembly including a bone engaging member and a receiver member, wherein the receiver member includes a connecting member cavity, and an elongated connecting member inserted into the connecting member cavity and connected to the receiver member, wherein the connecting member comprises locking features configured to secure the connecting member to the receiver member without the use of a fixation screw extending through a top portion of the receiver member.
US09629661B2 Set of instruments for the percutaneous stabilization of the spine with the aid of pedicle screws and rods
The invention relates to an instrument set for percutaneous stabilization of the spinal column using rods (8) and pedicle screws (1) that have a screw head (3) and a screw shank (4) and a distally open recess (13) for receiving a rod (8), with a screw manipulator (2) through which a central cavity (11) passes axially and which comprises a cylindrical sleeve (20) and a slide (24), wherein the wall of the cylindrical sleeve (20) is divided into two first wall segments (27) by two diametrically opposite and axially extending windows (26) which open out in the proximal end face of the sleeve (20), the proximal ends of the first wall segments (27) form grip elements (28) which, during a screw manipulation, receive between them at least a longitudinal portion of the screw head (3), and the slide (24) is displaceable in the axial direction on the sleeve (20) and is connected to the first wall segments (27) such that it secures these against moving radially apart at least in a proximal end position (E) of displacement.
US09629656B2 Adapter for attaching electromagnetic image guidance components to a medical device
Devices and methods wherein an adapter is used to attach an electromagnetic image guidance component to a medical device such that an electromagnetic image guidance system may be used to track the location of the medical device within the body of a human or animal subject.
US09629655B2 Rotational atherectomy device with exchangeable drive shaft and meshing gears
An atherectomy device with an exchangeable drive shaft is disclosed, having a drive shaft gear at a distal end of the exchangeable drive shaft for meshing engagement with a prime mover gear on the output shaft of the prime mover. The exchangeable drive shaft is inserted into an opening at the distal end of the handle housing and moved axially in a proximal direction. Surface features on at least the prime mover housing and the engageable drive shaft help to align the drive shaft gear with the prime mover gear for meshing engagement.
US09629652B2 Surgical instrument with clutching slip ring assembly to power ultrasonic transducer
A surgical system includes a power supply, a connector, and a surgical instrument having a body assembly, a transmission assembly, a transducer, and a connection assembly. The connection assembly is configured to selectively electrically couple electrodes on the transducer with wires of the connector. The connection assembly may be operable in response to actuation of a trigger. Various connection assemblies include an extensible member that extends to contact an electrode, a rotatable member that rotates a contact into contact with an electrode, a solenoid that extends contacts coupled to each end of the solenoid into the electrodes, or a solenoid that translates a frame having contacts towards the electrodes. Alternatively, the surgical instrument may include a connection assembly having a slip ring and a weighted cable end. Still further, the connection assembly may include contacts on a coupleable member that may be decoupled from contacts on the transducer.
US09629650B2 Small diameter laparoscopic tool having releasable tip
A laparoscopy tool includes a sheath and a control wire slideably disposed within a lumen of the sheath. The sheath has a diameter of less than 1.6 mm and is introduced through an abdominal incision. A handle axially displaces the control wire within the lumen and operates a conventional tip with wire-controlled opposing jaws that is introduced through the umbilicus and has a bore formed in its trailing end. A first set of blades in the bore engage grooves formed in the leading end of the control wire and a second set of blades engages the sheath to prevent sheath retraction. A cam displaces the second set of blades away from the sheath for sheath introduction and removal, and toward the sheath to prevent sheath retraction. The tip is removed through the umbilicus and the tool is removed through the abdominal incision when the surgery is completed.
US09629648B2 Surgical instrument with translating compliant jaw closure feature
An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a body, an elongate shaft, an end effector, a compression member, and a firing beam. The end effector has a pair of jaws configured to open and close along a first plane. The end effector is capable of delivering RF energy to the tissue. The compression member is configured to drive the jaws to a closed position once the compression member has been distally driven into the end effector. The compression member is substantially inflexible along the first plane yet is flexible along a second plane that is transverse to the first plane. The firing beam is operable to sever tissue captured within the end effector. The compression member may be actuated distally to close the jaws upon tissue and provide uniform compression of the tissue along the length of the jaws before the firing beam is advanced through the tissue.
US09629647B2 Adjustable resection device and related methods of use
A medical device and related method of use for resecting a tissue. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The elongate member may include a distal portion defining a cavity having an opening. In addition, a mechanism may be configured to adjust a volume of the cavity by altering a depth of the cavity.
US09629646B2 Curved burr surgical instrument
A tissue resection device may include an hourglass shaped burr to resect tissue according to the shape and curvature of the hourglass shaped burr. The tissue resection device may also include a depth stop window and a movable protective guard to control the amount of cutting.
US09629644B2 Devices and methods for dilating a paranasal sinus opening and for treating sinusitis
Medical devices which are adapted to be implanted into a patient for a limited period of time using minimally invasive insertion procedures for dilating a stenotic opening, such as a stenotic sinus opening, are provided. The devices and methods can be used for treating sinusitis and other nasal and/or sinus disorders.
US09629639B2 Arrangement for securing instrument to bone
An instrument for attachment to a bone is disclosed herein. The instrument comprises a body portion providing a cutting guide. At least one hole extends through the body portion. The at least one hole includes a first portion configured to engage a handle. The at least one hole further includes a second portion configured to pass a bone engaging member having a shaft, such as a bone pin or a bone screw. The second portion of the at least one hole is not configured to pass the handle. The handle and the bone engaging member may be provided in various configurations. For example, the handle may be releasably connected to the shaft in a cannulated relationship. In another embodiment, the handle is integrally connected to the shaft.
US09629634B2 Introducer accessory
An introducer accessory for being fitted with a circular stapler is disclosed, and pertains to the technical field of medical instrument. The introducer accessory at least comprises a sleeve portion sleeved around a distal end of the circular stapler and an introducing portion disposed at a distal end of the sleeve portion. And the introducing portion comprises a spiral member in a conical shape with a cavity and a traction member, the traction member extends in the cavity of spiral member to connect with the distal end of the spiral member such that when the traction member is pulled by an external force, the distal end of the spiral member is pulled out by the traction member through the cavity which causes the spiral member to be unwound internally and finally to form a strip body to withdraw through the circular stapler. Thus, the withdrawing process of introducer accessory can avoid injury to patient during surgery.
US09629631B2 Composite drive beam for surgical stapling
An end effector includes a mounting portion that mounts to a surgical stapling apparatus, first and second jaw members extending distally from the mounting portion, a drive beam engagable with the first and second jaw members, and a threaded drive screw. The first jaw member includes a first tissue engaging surface and the second jaw member supports a fastener cartridge. The fastener cartridge includes a second tissue engaging surface that defines fastener retaining slots that support fasteners. The drive beam includes a retention foot formed of a first material. The retention foot defines a threaded bore that supports a threaded insert formed of a second material. The threaded drive screw is threadably engaged with the threaded insert and is rotatable to distally advance the drive beam along the threaded drive screw to fire and form the fasteners.
US09629627B2 Surgical apparatus
A surgical stapling apparatus is provided. The surgical stapling apparatus includes an actuating device including an elongated shaft. A tool assembly is disposed on a distal end of the shaft. The tool assembly includes a first jaw member supporting a cartridge assembly having a plurality of surgical fasteners, and a second jaw member supporting an anvil. The first jaw member is movable in relation to the second jaw member between a spaced position and an approximated position. One of the first and second jaw members includes a cantilever at a proximal end thereof. A firing cam bar assembly is slidably disposed within the tool assembly and includes a cam surface configured to engage the cantilever to move the first and second jaw member towards the approximated position and a distal end configured to deploy the plurality of surgical fasteners from the cartridge assembly.
US09629624B2 Circular surgical stapler with mating anvil and shell assembly
A surgical stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The anvil assembly has an anvil head and a plurality of projections extending proximally of the anvil head, the projections engageable with a portion of the shell assembly.
US09629619B2 Medical sealing device
The invention relates to a medical sealing device (1) for the sealing of a puncture hole in a vessel wall, and comprises an inner member (2), which is adapted to be positioned at an interior surface of the vessel wall, and an outer member (3), which is adapted to be positioned outside the vessel wall, the inner member (2) and the outer member (3) being held together by a retaining member (4), wherein at least one of said inner member (2), outer member (3) and retaining member (4) is made from at least one shape memory polymer.
US09629618B2 Specimen retrieval device
A specimen retrieval pouch (pouch) is provided. The pouch including a closed bottom portion, an open upper portion and an elongated tube operably coupled to an interior wall of the pouch. The elongated tube has a plurality of openings positioned along a length thereof. A suture accessible at a proximal end of the pouch is positioned within the elongated tube and extends past a distal end thereof. The suture is movable within the elongated tube and relative to the pouch. The suture has either a needle or a loop at a distal end thereof for attaching to tissue and subsequently drawing the tissue into the pouch when the suture is pulled. One or more reinforced tabs are operably disposed on the pouch. The reinforced tab(s) is/are configured to be grasped by a user to provide a counter pull force as the suture is being pulled through the elongated tube.
US09629616B2 Method for detection of hepatocellar carcinoma (HCC) using an octanoate breath test
The present invention relates to methods and systems for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Specifically, the present invention relates to the use of breath tests based on isotope-labeled octanoate in the detection and monitoring of HCC.
US09629615B1 Combined B-mode / tissue doppler approach for improved cardiac motion estimation in echocardiographic images
A method for cardiac motion estimation includes: receiving a set of echocardiographic images of a heart, the echocardiographic images including B-mode ultrasonic images and Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) images; and calculating, by the image processing machine, a motion field representing the motion of the heart using the B-mode ultrasonic images and applying a velocity constraint from the TDI images. A system for cardiac motion estimation, includes: an imaging device configured to acquire a set of echocardiographic images of a heart, the echocardiographic images including B-mode ultrasonic images and TDI images; a data storage device in communication with the imaging device and configured to store the set of echocardiographic images; an image processing machine in communication with the data storage device and configured to calculate a motion field representing the motion of the heart using the B-mode ultrasonic images and applying a velocity constraint from the TDI images.
US09629612B2 Biomedical image reconstruction method and apparatus
A method of reconstructing an MRI or ultrasound biomedical image, based on compressed sensing includes exciting a body under examination; acquiring image data from the generated signals, wherein the signals are acquired by pseudo-random undersampling; reconstructing the image using a nonlinear iterative algorithm for minimizing an optimization function containing one or more terms for image data sparsity in one or more predetermined domains with a data fidelity constraint term ensuring fidelity to the acquired image data; wherein two or more sets of image data are acquired from the generated signals, each data set being acquired in a different undersampling scheme and/or a different acquisition mode such as to make expected and unavoidable artifacts incoherent; each of the acquired image data set is multiplied by a correction matrix Δ.
US09629610B2 Method of operating ultrasound diagnosis apparatus for providing map of interest index and ultrasound diagnosis apparatus using the method
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus providing a map of an interest index. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a calculating unit for calculating a mechanical index (MI) corresponding to a depth value in a direction in which ultrasound travels from an ultrasound output part of a transmission transducer; a visualization unit for generating an MI map in which a relationship between the calculated MI and the depth value is visualized in the form of a graph; and a display unit for displaying the MI map.
US09629608B2 Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and control method
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of embodiments includes an ultrasound probe, a scanning controller, and a display controller. The ultrasound probe is configured to be capable of ultrasound three dimensional scanning by swinging a plurality of transducer elements in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the transducer elements. The scanning controller is configured to control the ultrasound probe to scan a plurality of intersecting cross sections while swinging the transducer elements. The display controller is configured to control such that a plurality of ultrasound images based on ultrasound scanning performed on the cross sections are displayed on a given display.
US09629607B2 Packaging and fluid filling of ultrasound imaging catheters
An imaging catheter assembly is presented. The imaging catheter assembly includes an imaging catheter which includes an imaging catheter tip. Further, the imaging catheter assembly includes a fluid reservoir connected to the imaging catheter and configured to deliver fluid through a proximal end of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter assembly also includes a release mechanism configured to cause delivery of the fluid to the imaging catheter tip when activated.
US09629604B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
There is provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a judgment unit which judges a folded back phenomenon of velocity based on signal information of a Doppler spectrum among signals received in a circulatory organ diagnostic region, a decision unit which decides whether the signals received are blood flow signals or tissue signals, and a change/adjustment unit which changes or adjusts at least one of a velocity range, a baseline position, a transmission/reception condition, a gain allocation, setting of a Wall Filter, a scrolling speed, and a range gate size.
US09629602B2 System and method for ultra-high resolution tomographic imaging
A system and method for producing an image of a subject with a tomographic imaging system are provided. A tomographic imaging system is operated to rotate a radiation detector, radiation source, or both through a plurality of angular positions around a subject while acquiring data. As the radiation detector or source is rotated, the radiation detector or source is shifted at each angular position by a different shift value. An image of the subject is reconstructed from the acquired data using a reconstruction technique that incorporates the shifts applied to the detector, source, or both into a system matrix.
US09629601B2 Radiation image detecting device and radiation imaging system
In a detection panel, plural pixels which receive X-ray and accumulate electric charge and plural measuring pixels which detect X-ray dose are provided on an imaging surface. The plural measuring pixels are arranged periodically with an interval. In a position facing to the imaging surface, there is a grid where X-ray absorbing sections and X-ray transmitting sections are arranged in a periodic alternating manner in a first direction. Since the arrangement period of the measuring pixels in the first direction is different from a fluctuation period of grid detection signals obtained when the grid is photographed by the detection panel, output values of the plurality of measuring pixels disperse and a fluctuation range of average values is suppressed.
US09629599B2 Imaging device, assignment system and method for assignment of localization data
A method of assigning first localization data of a breast of a patient derived from first image data of the breast, the first image data being the result of a first radiological data acquisition process, to second localization data of the same breast derived from second image data, the second image data being the result of a second radiological data acquisition process, or vice versa. Thereby, the first localization data are assigned to the second localization data by intermediately mapping them into breast model data representing a patient-specific breast shape of the patient and then onto the second image data—or vice versa, thereby deriving assignment data. An assignment system performs the above-described method.
US09629597B2 Apparatus and method for x-ray-based breast imaging
The invention provides x-ray-based breast imaging systems and related methods that are, for example, applicable to contrast enhanced digital mammography and contrast enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis and allow fast, cost-effective and accurate x-ray imaging.
US09629596B2 X-ray CT apparatus and image processing method
An X-ray CT apparatus has a scanner, a pre-scan control unit, an image generating unit, a region setting unit and a timing sensing unit. The pre-scan control unit controls an operation of the scanner to perform a pre-scan. The image generating unit generates image data of the object based upon the pre-scan. The region setting unit sets, on the basis of the image data, a region of interest, and a larger region encompassing the region of interest and a region around the region of interest and being used to determine whether or not a high pixel value region exists. The timing sensing unit senses, if the larger region does not include a pixel value higher than a first threshold, a timing to start a main scan, at which a pixel value of the region of interest exceeds a second threshold after injection of the contrast medium agent is started.
US09629593B2 Method of controlling image diagnosis apparatus and mobile terminal for the same, and method of operating image diagnosis apparatus and image diagnosis apparatus for the same
A method of controlling an image diagnosis apparatus by using a mobile terminal. The method includes: receiving identification information of the image diagnosis apparatus from the image diagnosis apparatus via a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) network or an ultra wideband (UWB) network; displaying a virtual key pad corresponding to the received identification information of the image diagnosis apparatus; receiving a control command from the outside through the virtual key pad; and transmitting the received control command to the image diagnosis apparatus via the WFD or UWB network.
US09629591B2 X-ray system and method with digital image acquisition
An X-ray imaging system includes a digital X-ray detector configured to acquire X-ray image data without communication from a source controller and to send the X-ray image data to a portable detector control device for processing and image preview. The source controller is configured to command X-ray emissions of X-rays from an X-ray radiation source for image exposures.
US09629589B2 Moving a component of an imaging system
Techniques for moving a component of an imaging system are described herein. The techniques may include an apparatus having a component bracket to attach to an imaging system component disposed within a gantry of the imaging system. The apparatus may include a platform bracket to attach to a movable platform of the imaging system, wherein the component bracket and the platform bracket are to be coupled to each other.
US09629584B2 Sensor for acquiring physiological signals
The present invention relates to a sensor 1 for acquiring physiological signals with improved silicone rubber in particular when the sensor 1 is included in a garment 7 and the person who wears the garment 7 is in high level activity, the invention furthermore relates to a device comprising the sensor, as well as garments 7 comprising the device.
US09629582B2 Apnea episode determination device and apnea episode determination method
An apnea episode determination device includes, a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute, detecting a breathing segment and a midway segment from a sound signal during sleep, the breathing segment being considered to include a breathing sound, the midway segment existing in between the breathing segments; calculating an acoustic feature based on a background noise component and a signal component excluding the background noise component, which are included in the midway segment; and determining that the midway segment is an apnea episode when the acoustic feature meets a preset condition.
US09629577B2 Biological information measurement device and biological information measurement method using same
The present invention relates to a biological information measurement device and a biological information measurement method using the same, and is intended to allow appropriate measurement to be carried out. In the biological information measurement device of the present invention, a control unit 18 is allowed to execute a pre-processing voltage application mode A and a biological information measurement mode C. Furthermore, in the biological information measurement device of the present invention, the hematocrit value of blood is calculated in either the pre-processing voltage application mode A or the biological information measurement mode C, and according to the hematocrit value thus calculated, the duration for applying a measuring voltage upon and after the calculation of the hematocrit value is modified.
US09629571B2 Co-use of endoluminal data and extraluminal imaging
Apparatus and methods are described for use with an endoluminal data-acquisition device configured to be moved through a lumen, the device having a radiopaque marker coupled thereto. While the device is being moved through the lumen (a) endoluminal data points of the lumen are acquired using the device, (b) contrast agent is continuously injected into the lumen, and (c) angiographic images of the device are acquired. It is determined that endoluminal data points correspond to respective locations within the lumen, by determining locations of the radiopaque marker within the angiographic images of the lumen, by performing image processing on the angiographic images, the locations of the radiopaque marker within the angiographic images of the lumen corresponding to respective endoluminal data points. Other applications are also described.
US09629570B2 Tracking of catheter from insertion point to heart using impedance measurements
A subject-specific skeletal model of a body is created, and an intended path of a catheter within the body is defined in the model. While the probe is inserted into the body electrical currents are passed through the body between at least one electrode in the probe and through respective electroconductive location pads that are disposed at a plurality of locations on the body surface along the intended path. Based on respective characteristics of the currents passing through the plurality of locations, position coordinates of the probe are iteratively determined. The actual path of the probe is tracked with reference to in the model using the iteratively determined position coordinates to determine whether the actual path corresponds to the intended path.
US09629569B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and image generation method for guidance and positioning
A medical imaging apparatus includes a positioning image acquisition unit which acquires a positioning image concerning a subject, a unit which sets an region of interest in the positioning image in accordance with specification performed by an operator, a monitoring image acquisition unit which repeatedly acquires a monitoring image concerning the subject at predetermined time intervals, and a generation unit which combines an region-of-interest image representing the region of interest with the monitoring image to generate a display image every time the monitoring image is acquired.
US09629568B2 Electrophysiology measurement and training and remote databased and data analysis measurement method and system
A method and system provides for electrophysiological data analysis in a networked processing environment. The method and system includes receiving, via a networked connection, electrophysiological data of a patient and electronically performing, via at least one network processing device, a data analysis on the electrophysiological data. The method and system includes generating at least one report based on the data analysis, wherein the at least one report includes determination of one or more intervention options for the patient and therein transmitting the report to a recipient device across the network connection for utilization with the patient. The results of the report direct the user to apply from within the same system non-invasive brain stimulation, neurofeedback, and biofeedback modalities. Re-assessment can occur from within the same system following the training or modulation of electrophysiology and thereby generate a comparison report showing functional changes from the provided intervention or combined interventions.
US09629566B2 Methods and systems to determine multi-parameter managed alarm hierarchy during patient monitoring
The present specification discloses systems and methods of patient monitoring in which multiple sensors are used to detect physiological parameters and the data from those sensors are correlated to determine if an alarm should, or should not, be issued, thereby resulting in more precise alarms and fewer false alarms. Electrocardiogram readings can be combined with invasive blood pressure, non-invasive blood pressure, and/or pulse oximetry measurements to provide a more accurate picture of pulse activity and patient respiration. In addition, the monitoring system can also use an accelerometer or heart valve auscultation to further improve accuracy.
US09629562B1 Mobile plethysmographic device
A mobile plethysmographic device for detecting a premature ventricular contraction event is disclosed herein. The mobile plethysmographic device generates a pleth waveform, which is automatically screened by algorithms that measure the waveform to correlate, detect and store aberrations related to heart anomalies. A premature ventricular contraction event for a patient is determined based on an identification of a time interval of the pleth waveform that is below the threshold minimum time interval followed immediately by a time interval that is above the threshold maximum tine interval.
US09629560B2 Implantable vital sign sensor
An implantable vital sign sensor including a housing including a first portion, the first portion defining a first open end, a second open end opposite the first end, and a lumen there through, the first portion being sized to be implanted substantially entirely within the blood vessel wall of the patient. A sensor module configured to measure a blood vessel blood pressure waveform is included, the sensor module having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion being insertable within the lumen and the proximal portion extending outward from the first open end.
US09629554B2 Microscopy imaging device with advanced imaging properties
Systems, methods and devices are implemented for microscope imaging solutions. One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed toward an epifluorescence microscope. The microscope includes an image capture circuit including an array of optical sensor. An optical arrangement is configured to direct excitation light of less than about 1 mW to a target object in a field of view of that is at least 0.5 mm2 and to direct epi-fluorescence emission caused by the excitation light to the array of optical sensors. The optical arrangement and array of optical sensors are each sufficiently close to the target object to provide at least 2.5 μm resolution for an image of the field of view.
US09629552B2 Numerical aperture (NA) controlling unit, variable optical probe including the NA controlling unit, and depth scanning method using the NA controlling unit
A numerical aperture (NA) controlling unit and a variable optical probe including the same are provided. The NA controlling unit includes: an aperture adjustment unit which controls an aperture through which light is transmitted; and a focus control unit that is disposed in a predetermined position with respect to the aperture adjustment unit, that focuses light transmitted through the aperture, and that has an adjustable focal length. The variable optical probe includes: a light transmission unit; a collimator that collimates light transmitted through the light transmission unit into parallel light; an NA controlling unit that focuses light on a sample to be inspected; and a scanner that varies a path of light transmitted through the light transmission unit such that a predetermined region of the sample is scanned by light that passes through the NA controlling unit.
US09629551B2 Detection of a movable object when 3D scanning a rigid object
A method for detecting a movable object in a location includes —providing a first 3D representation of at least part of a surface by scanning; —providing a second 3D representation of at least part of the surface by scanning; —determining for the first 3D representation a first excluded volume; —determining for the second 3D representation a second excluded volume; —if a portion of the surface in the first 3D representation is located in space in the second excluded volume, the portion of the surface in the first 3D representation is disregarded, and/or —if a portion of the surface in the second 3D representation is located in space in the first excluded volume, the portion of the surface in the second 3D representation is disregarded.
US09629550B2 Spring type firing mechanism applied to endoscope accessory
A spring type firing mechanism applied to an endoscope accessory includes a housing, a cap, a bottom cover, a driving module, a buffering module and a spring pipeline, and the spring pipeline includes a push-rod coupled to the sensor, and the driving module includes a firing spring and a restoring spring, and the two springs have different rigidities so as to form a reciprocating structure of the firing mechanism. After the sensor of the firing mechanism is triggered, the resilience of the restoring spring compresses the firing spring back to its firing length, so as to restore its position by a single driving point and allow users to complete the firing operation by one hand and simplify the operation of doctors to improve convenience and efficiency.
US09629546B2 Hand-held medical-data capture-device having a digital infrared sensor with no analog readout ports and optical detection of vital signs through variation amplification and interoperation with electronic medical record systems through a static IP address
In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.
US09629544B2 Borescopic optical system for medical diagnostic instruments and medical diagnostic instruments having interlocking assembly features
A medical diagnostic instrument or a plurality of disparate medical diagnostic instruments are configured with a common optical architecture that functionally creates a virtual eye to create closer proximity to a patient and therefore increase the field of view in regard to a target of interest. The optical system includes a distal optical element, at least one relay lens and an eyepiece lens in which the optical system can be integrated within at least one instrument or be provided using a releasable module. Additionally, at least one of a viewing assembly and illumination assembly of at least one medical diagnostic instrument can be assembled using a series of components that are connected by interlocking features.
US09629543B2 Internet-based cognitive diagnostics using visual paired comparison task
Disclosed are methods for diagnosing declarative memory loss using mouse tracking to follow the visual gaze of a subject taking a visual paired comparison test. Also disclosed are methods for diagnosing dementia such as mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
US09629535B2 Colonoscope closure device
The present application is directed to a colonoscope closure device. The colonoscope closure device includes an inner tubular member that defines an entry way sized to accommodate a colonoscope, an intermediate tubular member surrounding the inner tubular member, and an expandable sealing member at least partially surrounding the intermediate tubular member. The colonoscope closure device serves to prevent the escape of air during a colonoscopy procedure.
US09629533B2 Multi-purpose dental instrument
A dental mirror instrument has a light waveguide and an airflow conduit that extend along the length of an elongated member to a mirror portion. An airflow exiting from the airflow conduit may be directed over the mirror surface to remove fluids and debris. Light from a light source is transmitted along the light waveguide and is reflected off of a back-side of a land portion through a Fresnel lens to produce a task light. A mirror may have a hydrophobic surface and this surface may have raised portions or a patterned surface that further enhances the removal of fluids or debris. The optical component of the dental instrument may be detachable to a source component and may be disposable. A flexible connector may be coupled with the source component to provide an airflow to the airflow conduit and/or electrical power to the light source.
US09629530B2 Endoscope apparatus with color-balance measuring and color-balance correcting
An endoscope apparatus includes a CCD disposed at a distal end portion of an endoscope insertion section, a first LED and a second LED functioning as illumination-light emitting unit, a region setting section that sets a first region where illumination by the first LED is predominant on an endoscopic image and a second region where illumination by the second LED is predominant on the endoscopic image, and a white balance circuit that respectively calculates color balance values corresponding to the first and second regions and applies correction processing to a color balance value of a video signal of the entire endoscopic image on the basis of results of the respective calculations.
US09629529B1 Speculum with color filter
A speculum includes a body portion of generally cylindrical shape having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity, and a proximal end from which internal body tissues may be examined. A handle extends laterally from the proximal end of the speculum body. A light source providing broad spectrum white light may be supported within the handle. A light channel extends along and through the speculum body to direct light from the light source in the handle toward the distal end of the speculum body in order to illuminate the body cavity. One or more color filters are selectively disposed between the light source and the light channel to selectively illuminate the body cavity with light of a corresponding color spectrum.
US09629528B2 Imaging system, method and distal attachment for multidirectional field of view endoscopy
An exemplary apparatus for imaging at least one anatomical structure can be provided. For example, the apparatus can include an endoscopic first arrangement, a radiation source second arrangement which provides at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and a third arrangement attached to at least one portion of the endoscopic arrangement. The third arrangement can contain an optical arrangement which, upon impact by the at least one electro-magnetic radiation and based thereon, may transmit a first radiation and reflects a second radiation. The first radiation can impact at least one first portion of the anatomical structure(s), and the second radiation can impact at least one second portion of the anatomical structure(s). The first and second portions can be at least partially different from one another. Further, the first and second radiations can have characteristics which are different from one another.
US09629526B2 Endoscope system for controlling output of laser from laser probe
An endoscope system includes: an insertion portion; an illumination portion that emits a plurality of illuminating lights of different hues to each other; an image pickup portion that picks up an optical image formed by an objective optical system in a distal end portion of the insertion portion; a channel that opens in a distal end portion of the insertion portion; a laser probe that is inserted through the channel and has an irradiation portion in a distal end region; a hue range setting portion that sets a hue range of the laser probe in accordance with a hue of an illuminating light; an image analysis portion that detects a hue range portion in a color image obtained from the image pickup portion; and a control portion that permits laser output only in a case where the hue range portion is detected.
US09629525B2 Image processing device, image processing method, and program
An image processing device includes a normal light image acquisition section that acquires a normal light image that includes an object image and includes information within a wavelength band of white light, a special light image acquisition section that acquires a special light image that includes an object image and includes information within a specific wavelength band, a correction section that performs a correction process on the special light image, and a blending section that performs a blending process that blends the normal light image and a corrected special light image that is the special light image corrected by the correction section. The blending section blends a component G of the normal light image and a component G of the corrected special light image, and blends a component B of the normal light image and a component B of the corrected special light image.
US09629523B2 Binocular viewing assembly for a surgical visualization system
A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
US09629520B2 Method and system for moving an articulated instrument back towards an entry guide while automatically reconfiguring the articulated instrument for retraction into the entry guide
A medical robotic system includes articulated instruments extending out of a distal end of an entry guide. Prior to pivoting the entry guide to re-orient it and the instruments, the instruments are moved in tandem back towards the entry guide. Haptic cues and velocity limits are provided to assist the operator in the retraction of the instruments. After retraction, the entry guide may then be pivoted without concern that the instruments will harm patient anatomy. The movement of the instruments in tandem back towards the entry guide may also occur through coupled control modes while the entry guide is held in a fixed position and orientation.
US09629519B2 Endoscope connection tool
An endoscope connection tool includes a cylindrical portion having an inflow port connected to a fluid delivery apparatus, a discharge port discharging a fluid from the inflow port, and a flow path connecting the inflow port and the discharge port, a detection hole opened in an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion, and communicating with the flow path, a holding portion engaging with a pipe sleeve of an endoscope, and thereby holding the discharge port in a position facing an opening portion of the pipe sleeve, an urging member placed at the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion, and extending and contracting in a direction along the flow path, and a cover portion that is placed at the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion, moves to advance and retreat between a first position and a second position along the flow path by being interlocked with the urging member.
US09629517B2 Scanning endoscope system
A scanning endoscope system includes: a fiber that guides illuminating light emitted from a light source; a first actuator provided on a side of the fiber, the first actuator expanding/contracting according to an applied voltage, thereby swinging the fiber; a second actuator disposed at a position facing the first actuator across the fiber, the second actuator expanding/contracting according to an applied voltage, thereby swinging the fiber; and a drive signal output section that applies a first drive signal that varies with reference to a first voltage that brings the first actuator into a contracted state to the first actuator and applies a second drive signal that varies with reference to a second voltage that brings the second actuator into a contracted state to the second actuator.
US09629514B2 Traveling cleaning appliance and method for operating such an appliance
A traveling cleaning appliance or floor care appliance or floor treatment appliance is provided with a device for creating photographic pictures of a surface to be traveled on. A picture is evaluated for the type of a floor covering for differentiating between a hard floor covering and a carpeted floor. An identified floor covering is used for a traveling strategy and/or for a setting of cleaning parameters. Further, a method for operating an automatically traveling floor cleaning appliance which has a device for creating photographic pictures of a floor surface to be traveled on includes evaluating pictures that have been taken with regard to the type of floor covering. In dependence on an evaluation, a traveling strategy and/or setting of cleaning parameters such as floor clearance and/or size of secondary air openings and/or brush speed is carried out.
US09629512B2 Switching mechanism for a vacuum cleaner having coupling mechanism for switching a vacuum switch and an agitator switch
A switching mechanism for a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum generator and an agitator, comprising a vacuum generator switch, an agitator switch, and a coupler for coupling the agitator switch with the vacuum generator switch such that switching of the vacuum generator switch switches the agitator switch. The switching mechanism is configured such that, switching of at least one of the agitator switch and the vacuum generator switch uncouples the agitator switch from the vacuum generator switch. The switching mechanism is further configured such that, when the vacuum generator switch and the agitator switch are uncoupled from each other and the agitator switch is in its open state, switching of the vacuum generator switch from its closed state to its open state couples the agitator switch with the vacuum generator switch.
US09629508B2 Rack mounted portable pressurized solar shower
Improvements on a portable pressurized solar shower which is mounted on the roof of a vehicle using roof rack mounting hardware. The vessel is an elongated elliptical shape (20), which is capped on both ends (32) with an endplate. It can be filled by removing a radiator cap (34) on top. Water can be sprayed out using an attached hose (60) and nozzle (70). The vessel is made from black painted or coated conductive metal which absorbs the sunlight and transfers the heat to the water on the inside. The vessel can be pressurized by an air pump via a valve stem (39) installed on the vessel. A mounting bolt slides within a T-slot which is integrated as part of the shower vessel.
US09629504B2 Skewer and skewer handling device
An improved skewer (30 60) and skewer handling device (10) used for manipulating shish kebobs. The improved skewer is comprised of a mating shank (30a) having an array of mating surfaces, such as teeth or grooves, formed into the shank. The handling device is comprised of a pair of opposed handles (10a 10aa) joined by linear actuator (20a 20b) turning a rod (10d) disposed with a skewer engaging means (10e), the mating surfaces of the shank configured to mate with the skewer engaging gear. A shaft (10b) is affixed to the handles at one end and is formed with a guide (10h) at an opposing end, the guide selected to maintain the position of the mating surfaces of the mating shank with the skewer engaging gear. An adaptor (50) is also provided to allow conversion of prior art skewers (52 54) to be used with the handling device (10).
US09629503B2 Blending container for use with blending apparatus
A container includes a body including a lip portion, a base portion, and a wall structure extending between the lip portion and the base portion. The wall structure and the base portion define a cavity. The lip portion extends outwards from the wall structure. The body is configured to be received in a container receptacle defined within a container platform of a blending apparatus when the container platform is in a first position. The lip portion includes one or more engagement features to sealingly engage with a corresponding engagement feature of a blade assembly of the blending apparatus, restrict rotation of the container during rotation of blades of the blade assembly, and restrict translational motion of the lip portion relative to the surface of the container receptacle during rotation of the container platform from the first position to a second position or during rotation of the blades.
US09629501B2 Self-oiling skillet
A mechanism is provided for dispensing oil into a cooking skillet having a sauce basin and a handle. The mechanism includes a bladder for containing the oil, and a trigger, both disposed within the handle. The bladder includes a tube that extends into the sauce basin to dispense oil therein. The trigger squeezes the bladder to inject the oil into the tube in response to grasping the handle by a hand. The bladder further includes a fill spout to add the oil into the bladder. Additionally, a self-oiling skillet for cooking is provided, including a sauce basin for cooking food on a stove, a handle attached to the sauce basin for enabling a hand to grasp, and the mechanism for dispensing oil into the sauce basin.
US09629500B2 Reversible, raised cooking surface and heat deflector
The inventive concept presents a device and method to better provide cooking options to a user of an outdoor cooking grill. The disclosed “Plate Setter” is a reversible, circular plate-like structure having three legs integral to, and spaced symmetrically about, the circumference of the Plate Setter. The reversible structure is characterized by two integral, back-to-back cooking surfaces. Disclosed is a first cooking surface consisting of a plurality of parallel, raised ribs elevated above a walled, circular plate bed. The second cooking surface comprises a flat cooking surface reversible from, and precisely opposite to the first cooking surface. The second cooking surface further consists of three raised beams which intersect at a common point on the surface of the second cooking surface. The raised beams provide structural strength and also partition the second cooking surface into three equal cooking sections.
US09629492B2 AC and/or DC voltage powered machine for preparing espresso coffee and other infused drinks and beverages
A low DC and/or AC voltage machine for preparing espresso coffee or other beverages, having a support structure provided with a heat exchanger, one or more heating elements with low energy consumption for heating water in a container, a water circulation pump, thermostats for adjusting the water temperature, a solenoid valve and a filtering and delivering unit, provided with a fixed portion communicating with the heat exchanger and a movable portion formed by a filter supporting body shaped for housing a cup, supporting the capsule containing the metered powder of the beverage, or a filter for receiving the loose powder, or a filter for receiving a paper waffle. The filter supporting body may be displaced from a lowered position for loading the element for preparing the beverage, to a raised position for the infusion of the beverage, and again in the lower position for discharging the exhausted element.
US09629491B1 Clamp assembly for attaching an object to a mounting surface
A clamp assembly for attaching an object to a mounting surface is disclosed herein. The clamp assembly includes an upper clamp member, the upper clamp member including a first aperture formed therethrough for receiving a post member; and a lower clamp member pivotally coupled to the upper clamp member, the lower clamp member including a second aperture formed therethrough for receiving the post member. When the post member is disposed through the first aperture of the upper clamp member and the second aperture of the lower clamp member, the upper and lower clamp members are maintained in a generally stationary position relative to one another, and in an engaging relationship with the mounting surface. The clamp assembly may further include a clamp securement subassembly for additionally securing the upper and lower clamp members in place relative to one another by frictionally engaging an outer surface of the post member.
US09629490B1 Adjustable width garment hanging device
An adjustable width garment hanging device for adjustable width hanging of garments of varying widths includes a tube with a curved center section. A hook coupled to a center point of the tube defines a pair of arms of the tube. Each of the arms has a plurality of penetrations positioned proximate to a respective opposing end of the tube. Each of a pair of rods is positioned in a respective one of the arms. The rods each have a cavity positioned proximate to a respective straight end. Each of a pair of springs is positioned in a respective one of the cavities. Each of a pair of balls, complimentary to the springs and the penetrations, is in contact with a respective one of the springs. Each of a pair of stops is coupled to a respective one of the opposing ends of the tube.
US09629489B2 Passing a blob from a container into a mouth
Among other combinations, an apparatus includes a container having two open ends; a gelled mass that includes alcohol and is in contact with an inner wall of the container to provide a seal to prevent air from passing from one of the open ends to the other open end; the inner wall being tapered to be narrower at one of the open ends than at the other, broader open end; a cover attached at the broader open end; and a cover attached at the narrower open end. The gelled mass is in contact with an inner surface of the cover attached at the narrower open end.
US09629487B1 Bi-elevation pillow system
A bi-elevation pillow system for allowing two users to lie side by side with each of their heads respectively positioned at a different elevation by using the pillow system has a base pillow member with a general shape of a rectangular prism. The base pillow member has a cavity with a cushion component located inside. The system has a secondary pillow member with a general shape of a rectangular prism with a cavity having a cushion component located inside. In a first position for storage, the base pillow bottom surface is rotated against and interfaces with a secondary pillow bottom surface. In a second position for use, the secondary pillow is rotated about a hinge 180 degrees in an open configuration and placed on a ground surface for use.
US09629485B2 Award display apparatus
The invention is an award display apparatus comprised of groove-like recessions, a staggered peg system, and a trophy shelf for the secure and upright fitting and display of pin-style medal cases, trophies, plaques, and lanyard-style medal awards. The present invention is wall-mountable and can be made in various sizes and fashions to house and display a plethora of accolades in a variety of fashions and quantities.
US09629483B2 Rail position lock
A shelving assembly, held on an associated support surface, includes an elongated cooperating member including a first end and an opposite second end. A front rail is adapted to operably connect to the first end of the cooperating member and a rear rail is adapted to operably connect to the second end of the cooperating member. The rear rail includes at least one flexible member configured to abut a bottom surface of the cooperating member to retard a lateral movement of the cooperating member in a relation to at least the rear rail.
US09629482B1 Reversible and adjustable display device
A reversible display device including a base-shelf having a planar surface, a back panel attached to the base-shelf, and at least one clip having an upward extending stop. The display device has a first orientation such that the planar surface is a base for the display device and a second orientation such that the planar surface is a top shelf for the display device. The clip is removably attached to the back panel such that the upward extending stop is oriented upward in either the first or the second orientation.
US09629481B2 Display assembly support with low voltage bus
At least one pair of conductive standards have a plurality of slots for receiving and supporting the conductive support brackets of a display module, with a low voltage power source electrically connected to the pair of conductive standards for supplying power to the display module through the conductive standards and support brackets.
US09629473B2 Leg assembly
A leg assembly includes a first leg member and second leg member each having side-to-side width that is greater at the top end than the bottom end and a tapered outer surface. The second leg member has top-to-bottom length different than the top-to-bottom length of the first leg member. The leg members are adapted to connect individually or in combination to a support system such that at least three leg heights are selectably provided. The side-to-side width of the top end of the second leg member is approximately equal to the side-to-side width of the bottom end of the first leg member such that when the top end of the second leg members is connected to the bottom end of the first leg member, the combined leg members have a generally continuously tapered outer surface.
US09629471B2 Passenger vehicle and adjustable seat therefor
An improved passenger vehicle with an adjustable seat is described. The seat is provided with a frame which includes a back subframe having a backrest cushion, a seat subframe with a seat cushion and a fastening subframe. The fastening subframe is suitable for mutually fastening the back subframe to the seat subframe, and/or is suitable for attaching one of the back subframe and seat subframe, or both, to a floor of the passenger vehicle. The frame can be adjusted between a seating position and a sleeping position. The upper side of the seat cushion in the sleeping position is situated below the upper side of the seat cushion in the seating position.
US09629470B2 Compactly collapsible chair canopy
A canopy adapted to be mounted on a chair having a backrest. This canopy is supported by a frame including a closed loop rod and an open arc rod, each rod made of flexible material. The canopy also includes a first sheet secured throughout its entire perimeter to the closed loop rod and a second sheet secured along its back edge to the top edge of the first sheet and along its front edge to at least a portion of the open arc rod. The canopy also includes anchors configured to attach said canopy to said chair's backrest. The canopy can be compactly collapsed by folding the first sheet over the second sheet, thereby forming a stack, twisting the stack into three sets of loops, shifting the left loops in front of the right loops and folding the middle loops in front of the left loops.
US09629467B2 Method for manufacturing a multi-layered support structure
A method for manufacturing a multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The method providing multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered support structure uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the method provides a multi-layered support structure, which provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
US09629464B2 Outdoor cushion slipcover sleeve
A slipcover applied over a cushion or pillow for outdoor use using a durable textured fabric made of a combination of synthetic blend fibers engineered to stretch without using elastomeric or hyper-stretch yarns, each slip cover defining an envelope having an upper opening within which a cushion is inserted, the slip cover having a first and second closure flap which are applied over the upper opening, sealing the cushion within the envelope, the first and second enclosure pocket applied one over the other, or vice versa, providing the slipcover with two different selected smooth exposed outer surfaces.
US09629463B1 Two shelf computer accessory stand
A desktop work stand having a rectangular base, a lower rectangular shelf and an upper rectangular shelf both supported from the base by vertical cylindrical columns, with the rectangular base being adapted to sit on an existing desk, table, or counter top to enable the user to place existing computer accessories on the shelves and base and to operate such computer accessories while the user is standing upright.
US09629461B2 Device for influencing the movement of a furniture part, guide unit for guiding the movement of a furniture part, and item of furniture
A device for influencing the movement of a furniture part movably accommodated on a basic furniture structure via a guide unit, the device including a basic component which is assigned to the guide unit and on which a pushing-out device and a retraction device are present so that, in a mounted state of the device, the furniture part can be pushed out from a closure position on the basic furniture structure in a first direction of movement under an action of the pushing-out device, and the furniture part can be retracted from an open position on the basic furniture structure in a second direction of movement under an action of the retraction device, and a charging mechanism for charging the force accumulator, the pushing-out force accumulator is charged by a movement of the housing component of the pushing-out device relative to the basic component.
US09629460B1 Slide rail assembly with bracket
A slide rail assembly includes a rail element, a bracket and a hook. The bracket is connected to the rail element and configured to be mounted to a post. The hook is connected to the bracket. When the bracket is mounted to the post, the rail element can be operatively moved to be adjacent to the hook in order to block the hook from moving relative to the bracket, such that the hook can be held at a position relative to the post.
US09629455B2 Storage apparatus
A storage apparatus attachable to a surface includes a polygonal support frame having first, second, third, and fourth support beams, a plurality of cross beams, and a plurality of suspension legs. In one embodiment, the storage apparatus further includes racks supported on at least a portion of the support beams and defining a first series of racks aligned transverse to a longitudinal axis and a second series of racks aligned along the longitudinal axis with the first series of racks being removable during adjustment of the first and second support beams and the second series of racks being removable during adjustment of the third and fourth support beams.
US09629451B2 Article of furniture having a folding mechanism
An article of furniture can include a base attached to a frame to support the frame on a floor. A tabletop may be attached to the frame. The frame and/or the tabletop may be attached to a folding mechanism so that first and second sections of the tabletop are moveable so that the tabletop is adjustable from an unfolded position to a folded position and vice versa. The folding mechanism may include a plurality of spring elements connected to a plurality of hinges that are configured to help control an amount of force needed for adjusting the tabletop's position and the rate of speed at which the tabletop is rotatable between its folded and unfolded positions.
US09629447B1 Cellular phone tethering system
A cellular phone tethering system includes a housing that includes a rear wall with a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. An outer wall is attached to and extends along the top edge and at least a portion of each of the first and second side edges. The outer wall extends forward of the rear wall. An inwardly extending lip is attached to and coextensive with an outer edge of the outer wall positioned opposite of the rear wall. The lip is configured to retain a cellular phone in the housing and in abutment with the rear wall. A loop is attached to the housing and a tether is attached to the loop. A reel is attached to the tether and a clip is attached to the reel. The clip is configured to releasably attach the reel to a personal item.
US09629446B2 Tool pouch with retractors
A tool holder has a pouch with a front panel, back panel, and a closure that opens and closes access to an enclosed pouch compartment. The pouch has an outer tether opening from the pouch compartment to outside of the pouch. The pouch has a retractor pocket with a pocket opening to the outside and an inner tether opening to the pouch compartment. A retractable tether assembly is disposed in the retractor pocket with a tether extending into the pouch compartment via the inner tether opening and attaching to a closed loop connector at the distal tether end. The closed loop connector can be selectively decoupled from the distal tether end and is larger than the tether openings. Each retractable tether may be selectively configured to extend through an outer tether opening for connection to a hand tool located outside of the pouch when the pouch is closed.
US09629444B2 Multi-function habitable backpack
A load carrying device with shoulder straps and a waist belt fitted to an outer hull rigid-composite exoskeleton that contains within it, a similar inner rigid-composite hull or hull(s) that are extendable from the outer hull. When the inner hull is retracted inside the outer hull the backpack has a load capacity volume, such that the backpack can be used in an un-extended form as a backpack for carrying materials, such as camping supplies, equipment or mission specific components. Alternatively, when the inner hull is empty, and the inner hull/exoskeleton is extended out from within the outer hull/exoskeleton and mechanically coupled together with the outer hull, the extended backpack can be used as a habitable rigid secure sleeping space, thus providing sheltered protection against predatory animals, environment, reptiles and other environmental hazards within a hard exoskeleton.
US09629443B2 Dynamic load carriage frame
A load carriage frame (80) of FIG. 9 includes a shoulder yoke (90) and a belt (120) separated from the yoke by a multi-element connecting brace (96). The brace is telescopic in nature in that a flexible but rigid tongue (130), extending from a first section, is permitted to slide within a guide on a second section (154), thereby allowing the length of the connecting brace to be altered. The multi-element connecting brace is centrally coupled to the yoke and centrally coupled to the belt and configured to act as a force path by transferring weight that, in use, is loaded onto or through the yoke and into the belt thereby effecting selected weight re-distribution onto the pelvic girdle of a wearer about which the belt, in use, is secured. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 20, a quick release mechanism may further alter the length of the connecting brace by allowing the position of a rotational coupling point to be altered relative to a housing of the quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism can, in fact, be used with a single piece connecting brace.
US09629441B2 Wearable package for consumable products and methods for using same
Wearable packages for consumable products and methods for using same are provided. In a general embodiment, the wearable packages include a first compartment for housing a product and a second compartment for housing a bi-stable band. The wearable packages provide several advantages and benefits including, but not limited to convenient carrying and handling of consumable products and easy two-, one-, or no-handed access to products contained within the wearable packages.
US09629432B2 Portable container for a food product
A portable food container includes a first container for receiving a food item and having a first end with an opening, a second end, and a sidewall connecting the first and second ends. A closure of the first container is releasably securable to the opening. A second container has an open configuration and a closed configuration, and defines a first cell for receiving a food item, a second cell for receiving the first container, and a port for receiving a portion of the first container. When the second container is in the closed configuration and the first container is located in the second cell, the first container opening is substantially aligned with the port to receive the closure. The closure secures the second container in the closed configuration when the first container is located in the second cell and the closure is secured to the opening.
US09629430B1 Motorized luggage system
A motorized luggage system includes an article of luggage. A platform is slidably coupled to the article of luggage. The platform is extendable outwardly from the article of luggage such that the platform may be ridden upon. A drive unit is coupled to the article of luggage and the drive unit engages a support surface. The drive unit urges the article of luggage such that the article of luggage provides transportation when the platform is ridden upon.
US09629428B1 Sunshade device
The invention generally relates to a sunshade apparatus such as an umbrella or sunshade that includes a canopy with extendable portions that may be positioned in a manner so as to maximize shade. In exemplary embodiments, the sunshade device includes a canopy, and a rib assembly connected to a shaft, the rib assembly including a first joint coupled to a first assembly arm, the first joint connecting a first arm extension to the rib assembly at a first angle with respect to a surface, and a second joint coupled to a second assembly arm, the second joint connecting a second arm extension to the rib assembly at a second angle with respect to the surface.
US09629424B2 Flesh tunnel finding, dangle jewelry and method
A finding used with dangle jewelry with a decorative jewel element configured to attach to a flesh tunnel or an orifice formed in an earlobe. The finding includes a single, thin rigid wire with two longitudinally aligned posts formed on opposite ends configured for insertion into the opposite ends of the flesh tunnel or orifice. The sections of the wire adjacent to the posts form earlobe extending sections that extend downward over the opposite surfaces of the earlobe. Formed below the earlobe extending sections is a compression ring with two side elements on opposite sides of the finding's longitudinal axis. Each side element is integral with the earlobe extending section located on the opposite side of the earlobe. When the two side elements are forced inward the two posts located are forced apart allowing the finding to be easily attached or detached from the flesh tunnel or orifice.
US09629419B2 Pin plate for construction of an article
An apparatus for aligning materials in order to construct an article is provided. The apparatus may include an array of moveable pins and a solid plate having an array of holes, where the array of holes is aligned with the array of pins. Each pin may be extended and/or retracted by a programmable actuator array. When a pin is extended, at least a portion of the pin may extend through the hole with which it is aligned, such that at least a portion of the pin extends beyond the solid plate. A fraction of the total number of pins in the array of pins may be extended by the programmable actuator array. The particular pins that are to be extended may be based on a pattern for an article. A material that is to be used in constructing the article may be aligned using the extended pins.
US09629412B2 Flock sole, its machine of manufacture and its production method
The invention covers both the sole structure and its related production equipment and technology, especially in relation to a type of flocked shoe sole. Compared with the existing technology, the shoe sole can trap and retain fiber particles via electrostatic or electrostatic spraying, which is not only anti-slippery also with elegant looking and reduce the cost. This set of equipment for making flocked sole is highly automatic, easy to operate, save the labor and reduce the production cost. The production procedure consists of 1) applying prime coating; 2) applying adhesive; 3) natural flock retention or electrostatic flocking; 4) electrostatic separation, cleaning, pairing and packaging. The whole process has been shortened dramatically, simplify the procedure, and reduce the cost. Also the solvent and adhesive used are both environmental friendly, harmless, which helps increase the productivity and yield.
US09629406B2 Package for hair products
The present invention relates to a package for packaging a hair product having a plurality of hair strands which include curls. More particularly, the package includes first and second package sections engageable with one another for positioning the hair product therebetween. The first package section includes at least one first portion having a first curved shape, while the second package section includes at least one second portion having a second curved shape which substantially corresponds to the first curved shape. When the first and second package sections are engaged with one another, the at least one first curved portion and the at least one second curved portion are positioned in close proximity with one another so as to contain at least one set of the curls of the hair product therebetween for maintaining the shapes of the at least one set of the curls of the hair product.
US09629405B2 Enhanced bionic resistance suit
An enhanced resistance suit for use while training has a pair of compression shorts that have a plurality of attachment bands arranged in two columns down each leg. The attachment bands have at least one attachment ring secured on each in order to form a matched horizontal connectable pair. A user can removably attach resistance bands to the pairs to provide resistance while training. A pair of arm bands also have attachment rings connected to them and allow a user to removably connect a pair of arm resistance bands to a matching attachment band located on a waist portion of the shorts. A belt is provided to help secure the shorts. Shoes are used that also have attachment rings located on a heel portion and a toe portion to provide vertical jump training as well as calf muscle training. Sensors may be added to the suit to enhance use.
US09629403B2 Method of securing and aligning a necktie on a shirt
The present invention relates to a method of securing and aligning a necktie on a shirt. The method includes an object with flexible material loops protruding from two sides of the object. The object is put through a necktie loop located on the rear portion of a necktie and remains in this position while the flexible material loops are then attached to the two closest buttons on a shirt. This method secures a necktie to a shirt, whereby ensuring that a necktie remains vertically aligned over the buttons on a shirt, while at the same time the invention remains hidden from view while in use.
US09629395B2 Athletic garment with integral cup assembly
An athletic garment generally includes a short member, a supporter, and a plurality of straps. The short member may include a front panel, rear panel, two side panels, and a waistband. The supporter is dimensioned to releasably receive an athletic protective cup. The straps are coupled to one end of the supporter and are attached to the opposing rear panel of the short member.
US09629394B2 Portable vaporizer with central pin heater having heat diffuser-mixer blades
A device used for generating a breathable vapor from an herbal substance such as tobacco or medical marijuana. The device features a heater assembly having of a rod shape heating element with the heat diffuser-mixer blades attached, and is mounted in a case component having the shape of a tubular cylinder. The heater assembly and case component are configured so that the rod is centered within the tubular cylinder. An herbal chamber, which accommodates an herbal substance, is rotationally and removably insertable into the case component tubular cylinder. A mouthpiece is attachable to the herbal chamber, with a screen component. When electrical power is applied to the heater assembly, the herbal substance is vaporized. The device may also be configured to function as an e-cigarette or an essential oil vaporizer. Rotating the herbal chamber causes the herbal substance to be redistributed.
US09629393B2 Smoking article comprising a combustible heat source with a rear barrier coating
A smoking article is provided, including a combustible heat source with opposed front and rear faces and at least one airflow channel extending from the front face to the rear face of the combustible heat source, and an aerosol-forming substrate including at least one aerosol former downstream of the combustible heat source, wherein a non-metallic, non-combustible, gas-resistant, first barrier coating is provided on substantially all of the rear face of the combustible heat source.
US09629391B2 Tobacco-derived pyrolysis oil
The present disclosure provides tobacco-derived pyrolysis oils and derivatives thereof, such as isolated components and mixtures obtained from such pyrolysis oils. Advantageously, the tobacco-derived pyrolysis oils disclosed herein can exhibit desirable sensory characteristics. Further, tobacco-derived pyrolysis oils disclosed herein can exhibit desirably low concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene. The disclosure also provides methods for obtaining such tobacco-derived pyrolysis oils and derivatives thereof.
US09629389B2 Cooling mechanism for use with a food processing system
A cooler including a compartment, a conduit including a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, food product at a first product temperature entering the first end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with and for supplying fluid through the fluid discharge, the fluid being at a first fluid temperature less than the first product temperature, the pressurized fluid source being operable to propel the fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion and to cool the food product to a temperature below the first product temperature.
US09629386B2 Nutrition composition
The present invention can provide a nutrition composition useful for patients with renal diseases, which has an effective prophylactic or improving effect for various symptoms of malnutrition, inflammation, arteriosclerosis, abnormal lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, associated with renal diseases, or for diabetic nephropathy.The nutrition composition of the present invention m contains one or more kinds of free amino acids selected from the group consisting of valine, leucine, isoleucine and histidine, and a lipid comprising ω-3 fatty acid and ω-6 fatty acid at a weight ratio (ω-6 fatty acid to ω-3 fatty acid) of 0.5-5.5. In addition, the composition further contains a soybean protein or a hydrolysate thereof together with the aforementioned lipid or instead of the aforementioned lipid.
US09629382B2 Compositions and methods for treating osteoarthritis
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of abnormal conditions in a subject, wherein the abnormal condition affects the musculoskeletal joints of the subject.
US09629381B2 Production of soluble soy protein product (“S704”)
A soy protein product is obtained by extracting a soy protein source material with an aqueous calcium salt solution to form an aqueous soy protein solution and adjusting the pH of the mixture of aqueous soy protein solution and residual soy protein source to a pH of about 1.5 to about 4.4. The acidified soy protein solution then is separated from the residual soy protein source. The acidified soy protein solution may be dried, following optional concentration and diafiltration, to provide the soy protein product.
US09629377B2 Continuous cheese production process
Processes and equipment for continuously making a substitute or imitation cheese by feeding a heated first liquid stream including emulsifying salt, water and cheese powder into a cooker which is a twin screw mixer, feeding a heated second liquid stream including oil and casein or a non-dairy protein into the cooker, processing the first liquid stream and the second liquid stream through the cooker to form a cheese composition, and cooling the cheese composition. The cheese composition may be continuously extruded in a desired shape such as sheets or ropes and/or may be continuously cooled and cut into pieces having a reduced size such as a size to approximate shredded cheese.
US09629376B2 Microbiocidal treatment of edible fruits and vegetables
Methods of controlling bacterial, yeast, and/or mold contamination of edible fruits or vegetables comprise applying thereto an aqueous microbiocidal composition formed from water and (A) at least one component selected from (I) a solid-state microbiocidal compound having at least one bromine atom per molecule; (II) an aqueous solution/slurry of a compound of (I); (III) a concentrated aqueous composition having an active bromine content of at least 50,000 ppm derived from water and (i) BrCl or BrCl and Br2 and (ii) overbased alkali metal sulfamate, where the relative proportions of (i) and (ii) give an atom ratio of nitrogen to active bromine greater than 0.93, and where the pH of the composition is greater than 7; and (IV) a solid-state composition formed by dewatering a composition of (III).
US09629375B2 Method of preserving a food product
A food product is within an aqueous solution. The solution includes: at least one edible acid; and at least one osmotic agent, wherein after the solution reaches equilibrium with the food product, the pH of the solution is between about 1 and 5.
US09629374B2 Home-style meat product and method of producing same
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing irregular pieces of meat from meat products. Further, a method of mass-producing a home-style meat product with an irregular appearance includes combining whole muscle meat with a mixture having a low-phosphate solution and/or a low-salt solution and cooking the combination to produce whole muscle meat logs. Once the whole muscle meat has been cooked, the meat may be pulled, shredded, or sliced on a variety of pulling, shredding, and slicing equipment to create a home-style meat product with an irregular appearance.
US09629371B2 Method for reducing damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation
Provided is a method for reducing damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation. Damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation can be reduced by carrying out the steps of: A) making a furrow in a cultivated land; B) seeding corn into the furrow formed in the foregoing step; C) applying to the furrow one or more selected from the below-mentioned compound group (I) and chlorpyrifos; and D) closing the furrow. compound group (I): group consisting of clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and thiacloprid.
US09629368B2 Antimicrobial compositions and methods of use
In one aspect, compositions provide antimicrobial therapy as topical disinfectants. Particularly, one aspect relates to an alcohol containing antimicrobial composition that includes at least one paraben, a redox compound and an organic acid at a concentration of from about 1.5 percent to about 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In other aspects, antimicrobial compositions are used to topically sanitize wounds, skin areas and/or to disinfect surgical instruments or other surfaces. Still, in further aspects, methods, devices and kits relating to an antimicrobial composition are provided.
US09629366B2 Herbicidal composition comprising glyphosate, glufosinate or their salts
The present invention relates to a herbicidal composition which comprises pyroxasulfone along with any one or more of glyphosate, glufosinate, or their salts. The herbicidal composition may also comprise one or more of an ALS inhibitor, a PPO inhibitor, an auxine, an HPPD inhibitor, a PDS inhibitor, a PSII inhibitor, a microtublin inhibitor or a VLCFA inhibitor.
US09629365B2 Macrocyclic picolinamides compounds with fungicidal activity
The invention relates to compounds of macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula I suitable to control or prevent growth of fungi.
US09629357B2 Cryopreservation of cells and tissue for clinical application
Disclosed herein are methods for cryopreserving cells and tissues under clinical conditions, allowing production of viable cell products suitable for transplantation.
US09629355B2 Bird deterrent assembly
A bird deterrent assembly for preventing a bird from defecating on a vehicle mirror includes a pair of clamps that may grip a mirror. A sensing unit is coupled between the clamps to detect when a bird has landed thereupon when the clamps are coupled to the mirror. The sensing unit disturbs the bird thereby preventing the bird from defecating on the mirror.
US09629353B2 Bait rack
A bait rack is provided. The bait rack includes a bait support portion defining an open-topped bait pocket and an access aperture configured to provide access to the bait pocket from below the bait support portion. The bait rack includes a base configured to support the bait support portion above a work surface.
US09629349B2 Dual-bearing reel
The present dual-bearing reel includes a first reel body, a second reel body, a first bearing member, a second bearing member, a spool, a spool shaft and a first urging member. The first bearing member is attached to the first reel body. The second bearing member is attached to the second reel body. The spool shall has a first protruding part. The first protruding part radially protrudes between the first bearing member and the second bearing member. The spool shaft is supported by the first and second bearing members. The urging member urges the first protruding part and the first bearing member in opposite directions.
US09629348B2 Vector construct with human hypoxia inducible factor α gene
The present invention relates to a vector construct, and more specifically to a vector construct comprising human hypoxia inducible factor α gene. The present invention also relates to a transgenic animal or cell containing said vector construct which in the presence of an inducing agent expresses human hypoxia inducible factor α gene causing hair growth suppression. The present invention further relates to use of this animal model for determining the efficacy of methods for suppressing or inducing hair growth and discover further molecules which regulate hair growth.
US09629347B2 Non-human animals having a humanized B-cell activating factor gene
Non-human animals, cells, methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the non-human animals and cells comprise a humanized B-cell activating factor gene. Non-human animals and cells that express a human or humanized B-cell activating factor protein from an endogenous B-cell activating factor locus are described.
US09629340B2 Mobile animal surveillance and distress monitoring
A method for remote animal surveillance and distress monitoring includes detecting biometric and behavioral parameters of the animal, identifying novel events based on comparison of detected parameters to predefined parameter values and qualifications; determining whether a composite parameter value exceeds a predefined composite threshold value indicative of possible distress in the animal; and notifying remote caretakers of possible distress in the animal based on the composite value exceeding the predefined composite threshold value.
US09629338B2 Oral care chew for animals
An oral chew for toothed animals including at least one outer stabilizing structure and at least one inner stabilizing structure said inner stabilizing structure substantially supporting one or more mesh segments exposed through one or more openings through said outer stabilizing structure to chewing and/or grasping by an animal. The mesh supported within the interstice between the outer stabilizing structure and the inner stabilizing structure and rubbing against an animal's teeth and/or gums during chewing or grasping with oral surfaces.
US09629334B2 Tobacco compositions and methods of making
The present disclosure describes tobacco varieties having reduced levels of DVTs, methods of making such varieties, and tobacco compositions including such varieties.
US09629332B2 Resistance to Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 1 (Nr:1) from Lactuca serriola
The present invention relates to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants being resistant against the lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley). The invention further relates to parts of the plants, in particular to the seeds and to other propagation material, and to progeny of the plants.
US09629331B1 Maize inbred PH2DPT
A novel maize variety designated PH2DPT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2DPT with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2DPT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2DPT or a locus conversion of PH2DPT with another maize variety.
US09629330B1 Soybean variety XB27AS15R
A novel soybean variety, designated XB27AS15R is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB27AS15R, cells from soybean variety XB27AS15R, plants of soybean XB27AS15R, and plant parts of soybean variety XB27AS15R. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB27AS15R with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB27AS15R, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB27AS15R, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB27AS15R. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB27AS15R are further provided.
US09629326B2 Wheat cultivar H4N12-0061
The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated H4N12-0061. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar H4N12-0061. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar H4N12-0061 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar H4N12-0061 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.
US09629324B1 Rice cultivar calmochi-203
A rice cultivar designated Calmochi-203 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice cultivar Calmochi-203, to the plants of rice Calmochi-203 and to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the cultivar Calmochi-203 with itself or another rice variety. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar Calmochi-203 with another rice cultivar.
US09629321B2 Bean variety SV1893GH
The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated SV1893GH. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line SV1893GH, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SV1893GH with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line SV1893GH, including the pods and gametes of such plants.
US09629314B2 Holder for plants and a plant cultivation method
A holder for producing a plant of any one of lettuce, sprout and herbs, having a container and a semi-permeable filter, for defining a closed space for wholly accommodating the plant; a reservoir for holding an amount of liquid in the close space; and a passage which is open during use for supplying the liquid to the plant, wherein the reservoir, the container and the semi-permeable filter are arranged to allow the whole plant to grow in the closed space, wherein the semi-permeable filter has a vapor permeation capacity related to a type of the plant and the content of the reservoir, and wherein the amount of liquid is pre-determined corresponding to the vapor permeation capacity, such that the amount of liquid is sufficient for the plant to be isolated in the closed space from cultivation through to offering for sale.
US09629313B1 System for growing plants and method of operation thereof
A system for growing plants, the system may include a substrate having one or more weakened areas or openings: one or more grow portions coupled to the substrate and situated at the one or more weakened areas or openings and having at least one seed or plant; and/or a fluid distribution portion coupled to the substrate and configured to provide fluid to the one or more grow portions. The system may further include a method of operation including one or more acts of: obtaining a weather forecast for a future time period; determining whether rain is expected during the future time period; and preventing, terminating, or restricting an irrigation cycle when it is determined that rain is expected during the fare time period. The restricting may restrict a flow of liquid during the irrigation cycle or shorten the irrigation interval.
US09629306B2 Plot placement systems and methods
Systems and methods for implementing a plot in a field based on the location of a marker placed in an application prescription map prior to a crop input application operation. The plot defines a plot region. The plot region is defined during the crop input application operation based on the marker location.
US09629305B2 Multiple agricultural product application method and systems
A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is provided. A planter is provided with a plurality of row units. The row units include metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit, as well as a queuing system. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. The invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.
US09629300B2 Turnbuckle adjustment for tillage implement tracking
A tracking adjustment arrangement for an agricultural tillage implement includes a main frame section, a pull hitch coupled with and extending forward from the main frame section, and a pair of wing sections respectively pivotally coupled with opposite lateral sides of the main frame section. The tracking adjustment arrangement includes a pair of draft members and a pair of turnbuckles. Each draft member is configured for coupling between the pull hitch and a respective one of the wing sections. Each turnbuckle is coupled with an end of a respective draft member.
US09629299B2 Front attachment control system
A front attachment control system includes a selective control valve controlled by a joystick in a utility vehicle operator station, a diverter valve connected to the selective control valve and having a diverter switch that switches the diverter valve between a first position for an attachment tilt function and a second position for an attachment angling function controlled by the joystick. A front attachment with an angling cylinder includes a pair of hydraulic lines connectable to the diverter valve, and an actuator that engages the diverter switch as the hydraulic lines are connected to the diverter valve to switch the diverter valve to the second position.
US09635794B2 Method and apparatus for attachment of integrated circuits
Method and apparatus for bonding an electrical circuit component onto a substrate. A first electrically conductive bonding pad is formed on the component, and a second electrically conductive bonding pad is formed on the substrate. One of said first and second bonding pads is physically split into at least two parts, with electrical discontinuity between the two parts. An electrically conductive bond is formed between the first and second bonding pads such that electrical continuity is established from one part of the one bonding pad, through the other of the bonding pads, and through the second part of the one bonding pad. The integrity of the electrically conductive bond is evaluated by testing electrical continuity between the at least two parts.
US09635791B2 Carrier tape, carrier tape manufacturing apparatus, and method of manufacturing carrier tape
Provided is a carrier tape with improved tensile strength and flexural rigidity in a longitudinal direction of a base material, including recesses that can be provided at a narrow pitch in a first surface of the base material, and manufacturable at reduced cost, as well as to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing such a carrier tape. A carrier tape of the present invention is constituted by a strip-shaped base material, and includes a plurality of recesses provided in a first surface of the base material and for containing electronic components, a covering unit configured to seal openings of the recesses, and a projection provided on a second surface of the base material along a longitudinal direction of the base material. A length of the projection extends over at least two of the recesses.
US09635788B2 Shielding device
A shielding device configured to be fixed with a circuit board, comprises a frame body comprising multiple sideboards standing at multiple sides of said frame body, wherein a receiving hole and a slot around said receiving hole is at one of said sideboards; and a connector fixed with said frame body, wherein said connector comprises a protrusion at an end of said connector, wherein said protrusion pass through said slot and a top of said protrusion fixed with said slot, wherein said receiving hole receives a portion of said connector. The invention meets the requirement for high torque specification without any additional reinforcing measure.
US09635779B2 Accommodating device, segment, and method for forming multiple-stage accommodating portions
This invention provides an accommodating device provided with a plurality of accommodating portions configured to accommodate plate-shaped members to be accommodated by being separated away in a thickness direction thereof, having: at least one wall body constructing the accommodating device; and a plurality of segments having the accommodating portions respectively and arranged adjacently each other along a wall surface of the wall body, wherein each of the plurality of segments has an engagement portion to be engaged with an adjacent segment, and the plurality of segments are connected to each other through engagement between the engagement portions of each segments and are detachably mounted on the wall body.
US09635776B2 Cabinet
A cabinet for installing first servers or second servers different than the first servers in size, and the cabinet includes a frame and four adjusting assemblies respectively installed to four corners of the frame. Each adjusting assembly includes a first mounting bracket fixed to the frame and a second mounting bracket rotatably connected to the first bracket. When the second bracket is rotated to being received in the first bracket, the first servers can be installed to the first bracket. When the second bracket is rotated away from the first bracket, the second servers can be installed to the second bracket.
US09635774B2 Electrical apparatus and electrical enclosure therefor
An electrical enclosure is for an electrical apparatus. The electrical apparatus includes a number of electrical components. The electrical enclosure comprises: a frame assembly comprising a frame member having an elongated hinge side portion; a door having an elongated hinge side portion disposed parallel to and proximate the hinge side portion of the frame member, the door and the frame assembly being structured to enclose the number of electrical components; and a containment apparatus comprising a flexible barrier member coupled to the hinge side portion of the frame member and the hinge side portion of the door in order to provide a seal therebetween.
US09635770B2 Shield member for selectively securing an electrical device
An electrical component includes a housing having an electrical device receiving slot, and a cover selectively positionable at the electrical device receiving slot. The cover includes an electrical device ejector. A shield member is pivotally mounted to the housing. The shield member is selectively positionable across the electrical device ejector. A shield member control system is operatively connected to the shield member. The shield member control system is operable to release the shield member once communications between the electrical component and an electrical device in the electrical device receiving slot are idle.
US09635769B2 Electronic device, electronic apparatus, method of manufacturing base substrate, and method of manufacturing electronic device
An electronic device has a package and a piezoelectric element accommodated in an accommodating space formed inside the package. The package has a frame-like metallization layer bonding a base substrate and a lid together and electrodes formed on and in the base substrate and electrically connected with the piezoelectric element. The metallization layer is insulated from the electrodes.
US09635766B2 Slidable display housing
A display system comprises a display housing and an attachment member. The attachment member attaches to and supports the display housing. Further, the display housing slides relative to the attachment member. In some embodiments, the system comprises multiple displays in which one display slides relative to an attachment hinge that supports such display.
US09635764B2 Integrated circuit and method that utilize a shape memory material
An integrated circuit that includes a substrate having a shape memory material (SMM), the SMM is in a first deformed state and has a first crystallography structure and a first configuration, the SMM is able to be deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration, the SMM changes to a second crystallography structure and deforms back to the first configuration upon receiving energy, the SMM returns to the first crystallography structure upon receiving a different amount of energy; and an electronic component attached to substrate. In other forms, the SMM is in a first deformed state and has a first polymeric conformation and a first configuration, the SMM changes from a first polymeric conformation to a second polymeric conformation and be deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration, the SMM changes returns to the first polymeric conformation and deforms back to the first configuration upon receiving energy.
US09635758B2 Pane with electrical connection element and connection bridge
A disk with at least one connecting element having a connecting bridge, including; a substrate having an electrically conductive structure on at least one partial region of the substrate, at least one electric connecting element on at least one partial region of the electrically conductive structure, a connecting bridge on at least one partial region of the connecting element and a lead-free solder mass that connects the electric connecting element in at least one partial region with the electrically conductive structure, wherein the difference of the thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate and the connecting element is less than 5×10−6/° C., wherein the connecting bridge is formed in a massive manner and contains copper and wherein the material compositions of the connecting element and the connecting bridge differ.
US09635757B1 Circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
A circuit board and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The circuit board includes a dielectric substrate, a circuit pattern and a dielectric layer. The circuit pattern is disposed on the dielectric substrate. The dielectric layer is disposed on the dielectric substrate and covers the circuit pattern. The dielectric layer includes a dielectric matrix and a mesh-shaped fiber structure disposed in the dielectric matrix. There is no mesh-shaped fiber structure on a portion of the dielectric substrate exposed by the circuit pattern.
US09635755B2 Making Z-fold multi-element substrate structure
A method of making a folded micro-wire substrate structure includes providing a transparent flexible substrate having a first side and a second side opposed to the first side. The flexible substrate has a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion of the flexible substrate. One or more electrical conductors and one or more electrical components are formed on or in the flexible substrate. At least one optical element is formed on or in the flexible substrate in the second portion. The flexible substrate is folded with a first fold between the first and second portions so that the first portion is aligned with the second portion in a perpendicular direction and the optical element directs light to or from the electrical component.
US09635754B2 Circuit assembly
Provided is a circuit assembly having a new structure in which a busbar circuit unit overlapped with a printed circuit board can reliably be fixed regardless of the heating temperature at the time of soldering of an electrical component. In a circuit assembly in which a busbar circuit unit constituted by a plurality of busbars is overlapped with a printed circuit board having a printed wiring and is fixed thereto via an adhesive sheet, the plurality of busbars are adhered to the surface of the adhesive sheet in a state in which the busbars are arranged adjacently and spaced apart by gaps, and the gaps between the busbars are filled with the adhesive agent. With the adhesive agent, press-cut surfaces of the busbars and at least one of the adhesive sheet and the printed circuit board that is exposed from the gaps between the busbars is adhered.
US09635747B2 HID lamp acoustic resonance suppression method and ballast
The invention provides a High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp acoustic resonance suppression method. Whether acoustic resonance is produced or not is judged, and a frequency-modulated current frequency provided by a ballast when the acoustic resonance is produced to fulfill the aim of suppressing the acoustic resonance. The ballast includes an acoustic resonance elimination module. The invention has the beneficial effects that due to the additional arrangement of the acoustic resonance elimination module, acoustic resonance is maximally suppressed, and the optimal stability of a discharge arc is ensured. These characteristics enable the product to stably run for each type of lamp tube and different power.
US09635737B2 Directional lighting system and method
The method of spatial lightbulb operation includes determining the position of the lightbulb relative to a physical space, detecting a contextual event, determining a spatial lighting pattern associated with the contextual event, and selectively controlling lightbulb light emitting elements based on the position of the lightbulb and the spatial lighting pattern. A lightbulb including: a plurality of individually controlled light emitting elements mounted in fixed, predetermined positions on the substrate; a light sensor mounted to the substrate; a wireless communication module; and a processor configured to: index each light emitting element; progress each of the plurality of light emitting elements through an orientation pattern; associate a reference point on the lightbulb with an external reference point; and selectively operate individual light emitting elements of the plurality according to lighting instructions, based on a relationship between the reference point on the lightbulb and the external reference point.
US09635736B2 System and method for providing device accessory illumination based on device-related information
The disclosure herein relates to a method and system for providing device accessory illumination (e.g., glowing, lighting-up, and/or other illumination) based on device-related information. In some implementations, illumination may be provided at a device case (of a device) that interfaces with a charging device based on a charge status of the device, communication information of the device, and/or application information of the device. As an example, an illumination status for the device case may be determined based on the charge status of the device, the communication information, and/or the application information. Illumination may then be provided at the device case based on the illumination status. The illumination status may, for instance, indicate an amount, a color, a pattern, a time feature, a location, and/or other characteristic.
US09635735B2 Master illuminating device, illuminating device and illumination control system
A master illuminating device may include an illuminating module, and a signal acquisition and processing unit for detecting the surrounding and outputting a control signal. The illuminating module is designed to receive the control signal and is driven according to the control signal. The illuminating device further include a signal transmission unit which is designed to receive the control signal and is designed to transmit the control signal.
US09635731B2 Boost apparatus with integration of OCP detection and OVP detection
A boost apparatus including a boost power conversion circuit and a control chip is provided. The boost power conversion circuit is configured to receive a DC input voltage and provide a DC output voltage to a light-emitting-diode (LED) load in response to a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal. The control chip has a first complex function pin, and is configured to: generate the PWM signal to control the operation of the boost power conversion circuit; perform an OCP detection on the boost power conversion circuit through the first complex function pin when the PWM signal is enabled to determine whether to activate an OCP mechanism; and perform an OVP detection on the boost power conversion circuit through the first complex function pin when the PWM signal is disabled to determine whether to activate an OVP mechanism.
US09635730B2 Color emphasis and preservation of objects using reflection spectra
A lighting arrangement (100, 300, 400, 600) configured to illuminate an object (108, 308, 408, 608), the lighting arrangement (100, 300, 400, 600) configured to emit light of a plurality of colors, and a control unit for controlling mixed light emitted by the lighting arrangement is disclosed. The control unit is configured to determine the object (108, 308, 408, 608) to be illuminated and to receive a reflection spectrum of the object. Then, the control unit selects control parameters for mixed light emitted by the lighting arrangement, the mixed light having an illumination spectrum matching the reflection spectrum of the object based on predetermined parameters relating to the type of object. Furthermore, the lighting arrangement illuminates the object based on the selected control parameters provided by the control unit. A corresponding method and a computer program product are also disclosed.
US09635728B2 Method of light spectrum replication
A method of utilizing a light replication luminaire to match the spectral characteristics of light that is output from the luminaire to the spectral characteristics of a target light spectrum is provided. In one example, the method permits the user to assign a weight to one or more characteristics of the target light spectrum to be replicated. A best approximation of the target light spectrum is then determined, taking into account the weight assigned to each characteristic. In another example, the target light spectrum is provided to the luminaire by the user through the specification of various characteristics of the target light spectrum.
US09635724B2 Adaptive stability control for a driver circuit
A circuit may include a control loop to regulate an output of the circuit and a headroom sensing circuit to produce a headroom sensing signal indicative of a headroom voltage of the circuit. The control loop may have a response characteristic that is set based on the headroom signal received from the headroom sensing circuit.
US09635714B2 Incremental sheet forming for fabrication of cold sprayed smart susceptor
An induction heating system for manufacturing a part including an induction coil and a smart susceptor positioned within an oscillating electromagnetic field from the induction coil. The smart susceptor includes a ferromagnetic material cold sprayed onto a tool. The tool may be a sheet metal component formed to a desired shape by incremental sheet forming. The smart susceptor may be heated up by eddy currents generated in the ferromagnetic material by the oscillating electromagnetic field. The smart susceptor may be designed to have a desired Curie temperature based on the composition of the ferromagnetic material. The smart susceptor is formed into a desired shape by cold spraying ferromagnetic material onto a tool already formed into the desired shape. The smart susceptor may be removed from the tool by thermally shocking the smart susceptor and the tool and may be used to heat a part to be formed.
US09635707B2 Radio communication system, radio base station, and base station parameter-adjustment method
A radio base station (eNB1) receives load information indicating the load level of different radio base station (eNB2) and adjusts a base station parameter, which is used for defining coverage, in accordance with a result of comparison between the load level of the radio base station (eNB1) and that of the different radio base station (eNB2). The radio base station (eNB1) corrects at least one of the load level of the radio base station (eNB1) and that of the different radio base station (eNB2), which are compared with each other, in accordance with a number of radio terminals connected to the radio base station (eNB1).
US09635706B1 Method for determining fleet control policies to satisfy a sequence of coverage requirements
Methods and systems for determining control policies for a fleet of vehicles are provided. In one example, a method is provided that comprises receiving a sequence of coverage requirements for a region and an associated period of time, and receiving an initial location of one or more vehicles of a fleet of vehicles. The method may further include determining a control policy for each of the one or more vehicles. Additionally, based on the determined control policies and the initial locations, one or more estimated distributions of the fleet of vehicles at respective phases within the period of time may be determined. According to the method, a score associated with the control policies may be determined based on a comparison between the estimated distributions and corresponding desired distributions of the sequence of coverage requirements. In some examples, the control policies may also be revised using an optimization technique.
US09635700B2 Method and device for transmitting random access and other uplink channels of other cell in mobile communication system carrier aggregation
The present invention relates to a transmission of a random access in a specific cell from a plurality of serving cells in a mobile communication system using a carrier aggregation technology, and a method for efficiently transmitting uplink channels other than the random access in another cell. In particular, the method for a terminal to transmit an uplink channel to a base station comprises the steps of: confirming whether an uplink channel for a second carrier having an uplink timing different from a first carrier is included in a subframe transmitting a Random Access Preamble for the first carrier; if included, confirming whether the sum of the electric power required for the transmission of the random access preamble and the electric power required for the transmission of the uplink channel exceeds the maximum transmission electric power of the terminal; and, if exceeding, transmitting the random access preamble preferentially before the uplink channel. In addition, the terminal for transmitting an uplink channel to a base station comprises: a transmitter/receiver for transmitting/receiving a signal to/from the base station; and a control unit for confirming whether the uplink channel for a second carrier having an uplink timing different from a first carrier is included in a subframe for transmitting a random access preamble for the first carrier, and if included, confirming whether the sum of the electric power required for transmitting the Random Access Preamble and the electric power required for transmitting the uplink channel exceeds the maximum transmission electric power of the terminal, and if exceeding, controlling the transmission so that the random access preamble is preferentially transmitted before the uplink channel.
US09635699B2 M2M device retry instruction to non-peak network time
A network device stores back-off definitions for different service categories of machine-type communications (MTC). The network device receives a service connection request originating from a wireless terminal and identifies the service connection request as a MTC request. The network device identifies an available bandwidth capacity for at least one portion of a network associated with the MTC request and determines, when the available bandwidth is below an admission threshold capacity, an admission control level for the MTC request. The admission control level is selected from a group of different admission control levels. The network device calculates a retry interval for the MTC request based on the determined admission control level for the MTC request and the available bandwidth capacity, and sends the retry interval with a response for the MTC request.
US09635693B2 Method of performing pairing between coordinator and device in network, method of performing pairing between devices, method of pairing between coordinators and network system including the coordinators and the devices
Provided are methods and apparatuses for performing pairing. A method of performing pairing between a coordinator and a peer device includes: if a second coordinator of a second network relays first pairing information indicating that a first coordinator of a first network is a device to perform pairing, from the first coordinator to a peer device of the second network, disassociating, by the peer device, from the second network, associating with the first network, and then transmitting, to the first coordinator, the first pairing information and second pairing information indicating that the peer device is a peer device to perform pairing.
US09635684B2 Device to device communication method using partial device control
A device to device (D2D) communication method based on a partial device control is disclosed. According to the present invention, the D2D communication method and, particularly, to a partial device control method for D2D communication a relates to, and provides a D2D resource allocation and release method, a D2D HARQ process operating method, a link adaptation method comprising D2D link power control and adaptive modulation and coding (AMC), a D2D control information signaling method, a CSI reporting method for D2D communication, and contents of a CSI report. The present invention can enhance the advantages of and compensate for the disadvantages of both methods through the combination of a base station control a base station control type D2D communication method and a device control type D2D communication method.
US09635681B2 Scheduling algorithm for wireless communication networks
A method scheduling resources allocation within a wireless communications network including at least one network cell including a central unit providing coverage over the network cell and managing at least one transmission frame for putting the central unit into communication with at least one user equipment. The method includes: retrieving input parameters including, for each user equipment, a channel quality parameter indicating a measured/estimated channel quality based on actual network cell conditions; applying a de-contextualization function to each channel quality parameter for obtaining a corresponding atomic channel quality parameter indicating channel quality de-contextualized from the actual network cell conditions; performing a scheduling algorithm providing a binary allocation matrix indicating each scheduled physical resource block, transmission frame and user equipment; and applying a contextualization function to the allocation matrix obtaining transport block size data usable by the scheduled transmission frame for transport blocks transmissions from or towards each scheduled user equipment.
US09635674B2 Radio base station and a method therein for scheduling uplink resources
A radio base station (RBS) and a method performed by an RBS for scheduling uplink resources to at least one UE are provided. The RBS comprises at least two receiving antenna branches and the RBS is operable in a radio communication network. The method comprises receiving transmissions from the at least one UE by means of the at least two receiving antenna branches; and determining at least one parameter relating to signal quality of the received transmissions. The method further comprises determining a diversity gain of the at least two receiving antenna branches, wherein the diversity gain is determined based on the determined parameter(s); and scheduling uplink transmissions for the at least one UE based on the determined diversity gain.
US09635673B2 Base station and associated method for assigning uplink resources to terminal devices with a similar traffic profile
A method of allocating radio resources for uplink transmissions in a wireless telecommunications system, including: a first terminal device communicating a request for an allocation of radio resources to a base station; the base station determining whether there is an association between the first terminal device and a second terminal device based on their having similar predicted traffic profiles for uplink data; and the base station establishing a radio resource allocation for the second terminal device based on the resources requested by the first terminal device, and consequently transmitting radio resource allocation messages to allocate radio resources to the first and the second terminal devices for respective uplink transmissions based on the request for an allocation of radio resources received from the first terminal device.
US09635672B2 Scheduling and controlling device-to-device communication
According to an implementation of the present subject matter, systems and methods for scheduling and controlling device-to-device (D2D) communication are described. The method includes receiving device parameters and uplink parameters from a first communication device and at least one second communication device, respectively. Further, based on the device parameters and the uplink parameters, transmission format of a D2D communication link for allowing D2D communication between the first communication device and the at least one second communication device is determined. Further, an uplink transmit grant and an uplink listen grant are transmitted to the first communication device and the at least one second communication device, respectively, based on the determination, wherein the uplink transmit grant and the uplink listen grant indicate at least the transmission format and time of transmission on the D2D communication link to the first communication device and the at least one second communication device.
US09635668B2 Dynamic TDD uplink/downlink configuration
The invention relates to a method for dynamically indicating a TDD re-configuration to the mobile station by encoding the dynamic TDD re-configuration indication into two control format indicator, CFI, values, where each is transmitted in a different subframe within the same radio frame. The mobile station can determine based on the received two CFI values which TDD configuration is to be applied in the system. The TDD uplink/downlink configuration of the radio frames can thus be dynamically adapted to traffic needs in a fast and reliable way.
US09635664B2 Sounding reference signal enhancement to support uplink coordinated multipoint
Systems and techniques for sounding reference signal enhancement to support uplink coordinated multipoint are described herein. A sounding reference signal may be assigned to a user equipment based on a relationship between the user equipment and a cell edge of a cell served by a wireless network device and serving the user equipment.
US09635654B2 Method and device for transmitting uplink control information
One embodiment of the present specification discloses a method for transmitting uplink control information (UCI). The method may be performed by a terminal and comprise receiving control information for setting such that an uplink control channel and an uplink shared channel are not simultaneously transmitted on one uplink subframe; selecting one of the channels, if first uplink control information (UCI) for a first cell and second uplink control information (UCI) for a second cell are requested to be simultaneously transmitted on the one uplink subframe through the uplink control channel in case of the first uplink control information (UCI) and through the uplink shared channel in case of the second uplink control information (UCI); and transmitting at least one from among the first uplink control information (UCI) and the second uplink control information (UCI) on the uplink subframe through the selected channel.
US09635653B2 Switching between downlink and uplink
Communications of a time division duplex radio frame provided with at least one special subframe including at least one pilot period is provided such that at least one special subframe is used for signalling of critical control information. Other subframes of the radio frame than the at least one special subframe are flexibly allocated for use as downlink and uplink subframes of the radio frame.
US09635652B2 Optimized transmission of machine type communication data from a mobile device to a wireless network
A method of transmitting data from a UE to an eNB is provided. In response to a data transmission request from a MTC application, the UE chooses a preamble ID based on the data size and transmits a random access preamble message to the eNB. The eNB returns a random access response message to the UE. The random access response message identifies resource allocated in an uplink channel and includes one or more transmission power control parameters associated with the second uplink channel. After determining that the data size is less than or equal to the allocated resources in the second uplink channel, the UE transmits a scheduled transmission message to the eNB using the allocated resource in the second uplink channel at a transmission power level determined by the one or more transmission power control parameters.
US09635650B2 Techniques for aligning application output and uplink resource allocation in wireless communication systems
A technique for reducing a time delay between an application output at a subscriber station and uplink resource allocation for the subscriber station includes scheduling, between periodic uplink resource allocations, one or more probe uplink resource allocations for the subscriber station. Next, respective information in at least one of the one or more probe uplink resource allocations is received at an access point. Finally, subsequent periodic uplink resource allocations are scheduled based on at least one of the one or more probe uplink resource allocations.
US09635649B1 Method and apparatus for channel selection in a wireless local area network
A wireless access point (WAP) including: a channel segregator and a medium access controller (MAC). The channel segregator segregates transceiver communication resources including communication bandwidth and communication chains between the communication channel and a backup channel during a complementary operational phase characterized by monitoring of the backup channel concurrently with supporting WLAN communications on the communication channel, and further configured at a conclusion of monitoring of the backup channel to re-integrate the transceiver communication resources exclusively onto a selected one of the communication channel and the backup channel during a dedicated operational phase. The MAC is coupled to the channel segregator and configured to identify for the plurality of station nodes on the WLAN, each change in transceiver communication resources between the dedicated and complementary operational phases including changes in bandwidth and communication streams.
US09635645B2 Method of handling resource allocation in TDD system and related communication device
A method of handling resource allocation for a network of a wireless communication system comprises transferring from a first uplink (UL)/downlink (DL) configuration to a second UL/DL configuration in a first frame; and performing a triggered transmission or reception with a communication device of the wireless communication system in a subframe of a second frame according to the first UL/DL configuration.
US09635641B2 Method, apparatus, and system for reporting service indication message
The present invention discloses a method, an apparatus, and a system. The method includes: acquiring, by a base station, in at least one scenario of the following five scenarios, a broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) interest indication reported by a user equipment; and performing, by the base station, an MBMS handover on the user equipment according to the MBMS interest indication, where the five scenarios include: when the user equipment receives modified MBMS auxiliary information, in a process in which the user equipment is handed over from a source base station to the base station and after the handover is completed, when a radio resource control protocol RRC of the user equipment is re-established to the base station, when an MBMS service that interests the user equipment ends, and when a carrier configuration of the user equipment is modified.
US09635634B2 RF carrier synchronization and phase alignment methods and systems
A method comprising generating a baseband information signal by mixing a received modulated carrier signal with a local oscillator (LO) signal having an LO frequency; obtaining baseband signal samples of the baseband information signal having a baseband signal magnitude and a baseband signal phase; determining a cumulative phase measurement associated with baseband signal samples having a baseband signal magnitude greater than a threshold; and, applying a correction signal to compensate for an LO frequency offset of the LO frequency based on the cumulative phase.
US09635629B2 Method of performing device-to-device communication between two user equipments
In a wireless communication system, a plurality of resource groups and a plurality of synchronization signals may be used to perform device-to-device communication. First monitor time associated with sending data and second monitor time associated with receiving data is determined, and each resource group is linked to a corresponding synchronization signal, a corresponding first monitor time and a corresponding second monitor time. A user equipment is configured to select a specific synchronization signal from the plurality of synchronization signals and broadcast the specific synchronization signal for claiming the corresponding resource group only after determining that the specific synchronization signal is not being transmitted by other devices at the corresponding first monitor time and the corresponding second monitor time.
US09635624B2 Discovery reference signal design for coordinated multipoint operations in heterogeneous networks
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques that may be used to discover transmission points in heterogeneous networks (HetNet) that involves coordinated multi-point (CoMP) transmission and reception. Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for wireless communications by a user equipment (UE). The method generally includes receiving a configuration indicating distinct resources used by each of a plurality of different transmission points involved in coordinated multipoint (CoMP) operations with the UE for transmitting discovery reference signals (RSs), receiving distinct discovery RSs transmitted from the plurality of different transmission points, and calculating at least one of path loss or reference signal received power (RSRP) estimations for each of the transmission points based on the distinct discovery RSs.
US09635622B2 Energy saving method and apparatus therefor in communication system
The present invention relates to an energy saving method and a centralized control device for receiving load information and SRS (Sounding Reference Signal) information of a cell from a base station, identifying whether an energy saving trigger condition is satisfied by using the received load information, identifying whether an energy saving condition is satisfied by using the received SRS information if the energy saving trigger condition is satisfied, and transmitting a transmission power management request message to the base station if the energy saving condition is satisfied. Further, the present invention provides a base station and a transmission power management method for the base station which manages a transmission power of a cell corresponding to a transmission power management request message received from the centralized control device.
US09635614B2 Power management method for station in wireless LAN system and station that supports same
A method performed by an access point (AP) that includes: receiving, by the AP from a second station, an information request frame for requesting whether or not a wakeup schedule is established between the AP and a first station; and transmitting, by the AP to the second station, an information response frame including a first wakeup schedule element in response to the information request frame. If the AP has an established wakeup schedule with the first station, the first wakeup schedule element includes information about the establish wakeup schedule, and if the AP has no established wakeup schedule with the first station, a length of the first wakeup schedule element is set to zero by the AP. The method also includes transmitting, by the AP to the second station, an unsolicited information response frame when the AP updates the first station's wakeup schedule.
US09635611B2 Communication method of a transmission apparatus and a reception apparatus
Provided is a communication method of a reception apparatus and a transmission apparatus that may decrease consumption of power by changing an operation state of a corresponding reception apparatus from an awake state to a sleep state when a stream to be transmitted is absent during all or a portion of a transmission opportunity (TXOP).
US09635609B2 Signalling channel and radio system for power saving in wireless devices
Wireless devices, transmitters, systems and methods are provided that have a narrow band signaling channel and a wide band channel, for example an OFDM channel. In order to save power, the wireless device is nominally powered down with the exception of a receiver specific to the narrow band signaling channel. Once instructed to do so over the narrow band signaling channel, the wireless device wakes up the rest of its wide band receive circuitry.
US09635608B2 Communication system
In a communication system, a HeNB measures interference in an energy saving mode. When judging to have detected the interference by a UE during communication with an eNB, the HeNB cancels the energy saving mode and moves to a normal mode and starts issuing a pilot signal. When the UE judges to have detected the pilot signal and reports the judgment results to the eNB, a handover process from the eNB to the HeNB is performed for the UE.
US09635606B2 Access point selection and management
The disclosure is related to a method of selecting one of access points based on multiple quality parameters in different frames. The method may include receiving a probe response frame from access points, analyzing quality parameters included in the received probe response frame to estimate wireless link quality of each access point, and selecting one of the access points based on the analysis result.
US09635599B2 System, method, and devices for multi-path communication
A radio communication system comprises a communication channel for the transmission of data packets from a primary station having a plurality of antennas to a secondary station having at least one antenna. The channel comprises a plurality of paths, and the primary station transmits a plurality of packets substantially simultaneously. Each of the plurality of packets is transmitted via a different subset of the plurality of paths, for example by arranging for each packet to be transmitted via a different antenna or antenna beam. The secondary station receives the plurality of data packets, determines whether each packet is received correctly and signals this determination (typically as an acknowledgement or a negative acknowledgement to the primary station for each of the plurality of packets. The signalling may be by any convenient means, for example transmitting each acknowledgement or negative acknowledgement via a different subset of available uplink paths.
US09635598B2 System and method for coordinating device-to-device communications
A master user equipment (UE) device may coordinate device-to-device (D2D) communications amongst a plurality of UE devices. For example, a UE device, which has been designated as a master UE device, may coordinate a D2D communication between a first UE device and a second UE device. The master UE device may be a UE device that obtains an indication that it is a master UE device that is to coordinate D2D communications amongst the plurality of UE devices. In some embodiments, the coordinating the D2D communication may be on behalf of a network and/or to facilitate wireless communication between the network and at least one of the plurality of UE devices.
US09635597B2 Directed station roaming in cloud managed Wi-Fi network
Directing station roaming in a cloud-managed Wi-Fi network. Management messages are received from a controller that is located remotely from the Wi-Fi communication network by an access point. When an RSSI (received signal strength indication) value between the station and the access point falls below a threshold, the access point (i.e., controller access point) determines which neighboring access point would be a best fit for a hand-off, with limited real-time input form the cloud-based Wi-Fi controller. One of the two or more of the plurality of access points is selected for handing-off the station based on the RSSI values received from the interrogation. Responsive to the selection, a message is sent to the selected access point instructing the one of the at least one of the plurality of access points to respond to messages from the station.
US09635595B2 Radio base station, method in a radio base station, relay station and method in a relay station
Methods and network nodes (110, 112), serving a user equipment (120), for deciding if a handover request of the user equipment (120) is to be sent to a candidate target network node (130-1, 130-2, 130-3). The methods comprise acquire (603) data-rate performance of a wireless link between the network nodes (110, 112) and the user equipment (120). The data-rate performance is compared (606) with a data-rate performance threshold value. If the acquired data-rate performance is lower than the data-rate performance threshold value, it is decided (607) to send the handover request of the user equipment (120) to the candidate target network node (130-1, 130-2, 130-3).
US09635594B2 Method; apparatus and computer program product for moving a UE context application service handover between access nodes
A telecommunications network is accessible to a user equipment via at least a first access node or a second access node. For supporting one or more application services which are accessible to the user equipment via the first access node or via the second access node, a first application service platform is provided at the first access node, and a second application service platform is provided at the second access node. Via the first application service platform at the first access node an application service is provided to the user equipment which is connected to the first access node. At handover of the user equipment from the first access node to the second access node, a context of the user equipment is moved from the application service platform at the first access node to the second application service platform at the second access node.
US09635593B2 Communication system
A communication system in which a transferring unit are configured for transferring at least one information element from a first base station to a second base station. In one embodiment, the information element is sent internally to a communication apparatus including the first and second base stations or externally via a communication node external to the apparatus. In one embodiment, the information element is sent between the two base stations via a communication node of a communication network.
US09635590B2 Mobile station and mobile communication method
A mobile station (UE) of the invention includes: a reception unit (11) configured, when CA communication is performed by using a cell (#A) as a Pcell and using a cell (#1) as an Scell, to receive “mobilityControlInformation” instructing switching of the Pcell to a macrocell (#B); and a management unit (12) configured, when the “mobilityControlInformation” further instructs setting of the cell (#1) as the Scell, to set the cell (#1) as the Scell in an activated state.
US09635586B2 Method and apparatus for using call admission control for client balancing
The present disclosure discloses a system and method for using call admission control for client balancing. Specifically, a network device receives a message from a first access point in a network indicating that the first access point has rejected a call request received by the first access point from a particular client device. The particular client device is associated with the first access point. Moreover, the network device selects a second access point that is located in a radio frequency neighborhood of the particular client device. Further, the network device determines that the second access point has capacity to accept the call request from the particular client device, and steers the client device to associate with the second access point.
US09635584B2 Method and apparatus for operating subframe and transmitting channel information for controlling interference in communication system
A method and an apparatus for operating a subframe and transmitting channel information for controlling interference in a communication system are provided. If a macro evolved Node B (eNodeB) determines and reports an uplink protection subframe for suppressing uplink transmission to a neighboring eNodeB, transmits scheduling information for uplink data through a downlink subframe corresponding to an uplink protection subframe, and the uplink protection subframe determined by the neighboring eNodeB is reported, a small eNodeB sets the reported uplink protection subframe as a flexible subframe, and uses the flexible subframe for downlink transmission. If the flexible subframe is used for the downlink transmission, a terminal of the small eNodeB measures and transmits non-period channel information in the flexible subframe through at least one uplink subframe.
US09635583B2 Method, apparatus and network system for controlling network congestion
The invention provides a method, an apparatus and a system for controlling network congestion. The method includes: sending a control frame or a beacon frame to a station in a network when network congestion occurs, so as to instruct the station to enlarge a contention window when the station needs to send data. The method can achieve the congestion control for a network before collision occurs to a station, avoiding more serious network congestion caused by each station still contending for a channel after the network congestion occurs; since an access point can send a control frame or a beacon frame to the station when determining that congestion occurs to the current network, to instruct the station which needs to send data to re-determine a backoff time, a rapidly congestion relief of the whole network is achieved, and also a fair channel contention of each station is guaranteed.
US09635582B2 Radio base station, radio communication system, and control method
Disclosed is a radio base station (eNB1) provided with a storage unit (130) for storing base station information for selecting the destination of a message, a network communication unit (140) for transmitting the message to another radio base station selected according to the base station information, and a control unit (120) for controlling the storage unit (130) to set as base station information the priority level of the radio base station to which the message was sent according to the state of response to the transmitted message.
US09635580B2 Systems and methods for providing mobility aspects to applications in the cloud
An exemplary system according to the present disclosure comprises at least one mobility networking module implemented in at least one lower tier radiolet. The mobility network module performs one or more traffic data plane functions. The exemplary system further comprises at least one mobility application module implemented in at least one upper tier radiolet. The mobility application module performs one or more application data plane functions. The exemplary system further comprises at least one mobility cloud module implemented in the at least one lower tier radiolet and the at least one upper tier radiolet. The mobility cloud module performs computing execution functions of a cloud session.
US09635575B2 Minimization drive test with reduced wireless device memory usage
A mobile wireless communication device efficiently uses memory when performing a minimization drive test (MDT) by storing less than all of the MDT measurements. The mobile wireless communication device receives a control signal comprising MDT configuration parameters indicating at least a measurement interval. When executing the MDT, the mobile wireless communication device measures a signal characteristic of measurement signals in accordance with the MDT configuration parameters to generate a number of measurements for a measurement period. Rather than storing all of the measurements, only a number of log values corresponding to the measurements are stored in memory, where the number of log values is less than the number of measurement values.
US09635574B2 Systems and methods for signaling in an increased carrier monitoring wireless communication environment
Systems and methods for signaling in an increased carrier monitoring wireless communication environment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a user equipment (UE) may include control circuitry to configure the UE for increased carrier monitoring; determine, based on a first signal received from a network apparatus, whether a reduced performance group carrier is configured; determine, based on a second signal received from the network apparatus, whether a scaling factor is configured; and in response to a determination that no reduced performance group carrier is configured and a determination that no scaling factor is configured, allow the UE to monitor fewer carriers than required by increased carrier monitoring. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.
US09635566B2 Enhancement of access points to support heterogeneous networks
An interface between access points is enhanced by enabling an exchange of a cell characteristic information element (IE). The cell characteristic information can provide an access point with information about the characteristics/features/capabilities of its neighbor cells. Automatic neighbor relations are also enhanced to store and/or manage the cell characteristic information. Moreover, the cell characteristic information can be utilized by the access point to significantly improve handover (HO) decisions, increase load balancing performance, and/or decrease inter cell interference. The cell characteristic information can also improve network efficiency and avoid bottlenecks during cell reselection in Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets).
US09635565B2 Radio communication system and method, radio terminal, radio base station, and operation administration and maintenance server device
Provided is a system in which a radio station, measures and records in accordance with the measurement instruction information, and reports to the radio station, wherein the radio terminal, in case of a first condition on selection or detection of a first cell (allowed cell) in which the radio terminal is allowed to be served for a predetermined service being satisfied, and a second condition on measurement or logging being satisfied, logs information on a second cell (not allowed cell) in which the radio terminal is not allowed to be served for the predetermined service.
US09635564B2 Communication system node with improved interference situation
A node in a wireless communication system comprising at least a first cell region and a second cell region, where cell borders delimit between different cell regions. The node comprises at least a first antenna function with a first antenna radiation lobe and a second antenna function with a second antenna radiation lobe, the radiation lobes being arranged to cover the first cell region at the same time. For each cell region, only one of the antenna radiation lobes is intended for communication at each cell border. Furthermore, the first antenna radiation lobe is arranged for signals at a first frequency band, and the second antenna radiation lobe is arranged for signals at least a second frequency band.
US09635563B2 Centralized femtocell optimization
Centrally optimizing femtocells is provided. A scanning component can receive information from femtocells indicating respective operating conditions of the femtocells. Further, an optimization component can categorize the femtocells into groups based on the information, and direct a change of a parameter set of a group of the groups to a femtocell of the group. A method can include receiving, from femtocells, information associated with respective operating conditions of the femtocells; sorting the femtocells into groups based on the information; and directing a change of a parameter set that is associated with a group of the groups to a femtocell of the group. In an example, the method can further include directing a change of a parameter of a macrocell communicatively coupled to a femtocell of the femtocells.
US09635562B2 Method for predicting the radio field level and/or the duration of propagation of cellular telephone networks using high-resolution terrain databases
A method of predicting the level of radio field and/or the duration of radio propagation of a mobile telephone network for the coverage of a cell using the ray tracing technique and utilizing geographical databases, wherein the database directly utilized is a matrix base composed of pixels, each pixel carrying at least an information item specific to the type of ground cover and an information item specific to the height of the ground cover, a vectorization processing is applied to the matrix base to linearize the contours of obstacles encountered while rays are fictitiously traced, the rays according to the obstacles encountered being either reflected or diffracted and scattered, while the global attenuation and/or propagation duration is calculated, the vectorization processing of the contours of obstacles being applied to matrix bases to linearize the contours of obstacles encountered by forming straight lines whose positions and various angles are known accurately.
US09635559B2 Load balancing in network deployments using unlicensed spectrum
Systems and methods for interference mitigation in unlicensed spectrum are disclosed. In an aspect, the methods and apparatus may include requesting, by a first network entity, one or more user equipments (UEs) to perform a plurality of frequency measurements, wherein the plurality of frequency measurements comprises measurements in a licensed spectrum and measurements in an unlicensed spectrum. Further, the methods and apparatus may include calculating a power back-off value based on the plurality of frequency measurements. Moreover, the methods and apparatus may include adjusting a cell coverage based on the power back-off value such that the one or more UEs are outside the cell coverage.
US09635557B2 Reliability for location services
A system for determining reliability for location resources. A device may be configured to determine device location based on location information received from a location information source, the device including secure systems configured to provide a reliability rating of the location information source. The secure systems may be configured to compare a device location based on the location information to a secondary device location based on secondary information to determine the reliability rating. For example, location information based on location signals received by the device may be compared to sensor information in the device to determine whether the movement described by location information and sensor information agrees. In the same or a different embodiment, a refined reliability rating may be requested from a secure resource in the device or accessible via a network. The secure resource may refine the reliability rating using tertiary information available to the secure resource.
US09635546B2 Locker service for mobile device and mobile applications authentication
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium to receive a locker setting that indicates at least one of a geographic location of a user device, a state of motion of the user device, or a state of connection of the user device relative to a network or another device; store the locker setting; monitor a current state of the user device, wherein the current state corresponds to a current at least one of geographic location, state of motion, or state of connection of the user device; compare the current state to the locker setting; determine whether to enter a locked state based on a comparison, wherein the locked state requires that a user of the user device re-enters login information; and enter the locked state in response to a determination to enter the locked state, such that the user device and/or an application enters the locked state.
US09635545B2 System and method for controlling mobile services using sensor information
A system includes a database of image data associated with a vehicle; and control logic configured to cause a user device to capture one or more images and compare data associated with the one or more images with the image data to determine if a user is present in a vehicle and disable a text messaging function at least in part responsive to the determination using the image data.
US09635539B2 Home agent discovery upon changing the mobility management scheme
The invention relates to a method for discovering a home agent serving a mobile node upon the mobile node changing its mobility management scheme in a packet-switched network and the implementation of such method in a mobile node or home agent. In order to propose a home agent discover scheme that maintains session continuity in a seamless manner upon a mobile node changing its mobility management scheme, a mobile node comprises information on its location prior to changing the mobility management scheme to one of the first signaling messages transmitted upon changing the mobility management scheme (home agent discovery message). The receiving node uses this information to identify the home agent serving the mobile node or to provide a hint to the home agent where the mobile node is registered in a response message to the mobile node.
US09635535B2 Proximity measurement method and apparatus for device to device communication in mobile communication system
Disclosed is a proximity measurement method and apparatus for device-to-device (D2D) communication in a mobile communication system. The proximity measurement method may include determining whether a cell identification (ID) is included in a packet received from a gateway, verifying whether the cell ID matches a pre-stored cell ID when the cell ID is included, extracting, from the packet, Internet Protocol addresses of mobile terminals transmitting and receiving the packet when the cell ID matches the pre-stored cell ID, searching for IP addresses matched to the extracted IP addresses based on a proximity list including IP addresses of mobile terminals performing D2D communication, and registering, when the extracted IP addresses are absent in the proximity list, the extracted IP addresses in the proximity list and measuring proximity between the mobile terminals.
US09635534B2 Method and system for an emergency location information service (E-LIS) from automated vehicles
A method and system for determining and verifying a location of a network device of an automated vehicle (i.e., driverless, etc.) and/or an occupant of an automated vehicle in emergency situations from automated vehicles. The method and system provide a current physical geographic location for the automated vehicle or mobile devices of an occupant and/or of occupant of an automated vehicle in an emergency situation such as an accident, health, fire, terrorist attack, military incident, weather, flood event, etc. and forwarding the current physical geographic location to a legacy 911 network, a Emergency Services IP networks (ESInet) or text-to-911 Short Message Services (SMS) networks to alert emergency responders.
US09635532B2 Method for switching a terminal over from a first radiocommunications network to a second radiocommunications network, corresponding computer program product, storage means and terminal
A method is proposed for switching a radiocommunications terminal from a first radiocommunications network, with which the terminal is synchronized and registered, to a second radiocommunications network. The terminal has first and second connection profiles associated respectively with the first and second radiocommunications networks. According to the method, the terminal performs the following steps: for the second connection profile, a preliminary and at least partial synchronization of the terminal with the second radiocommunications network; and upon a switching request: a complete synchronization, based on said preliminary and at least partial synchronization, of the terminal with the second radiocommunications network; and registration of the terminal with the second radiocommunications network.
US09635528B2 Server, data caching method, and communication system
It is provided are a server including: a storage module for storing original files and characteristics of the original files; an encoding module for encoding the original files stored in the storage module to generate encoded symbols; an information acquisition module for communicating with at least one transmission node and acquiring state information from the at least one transmission node; a control module for calculating a number of the encoded symbols to be sent to the at least one transmission node for caching based on the characteristics of the original files stored in the storage module and the state information of the at least one transmission node acquired by the information acquisition module; and a communication module for sending the encoded symbols to the at least one transmission node based on the number of the encoded symbols calculated by the control module.
US09635524B2 Mobile device pass through for signaling messages
A mobile device pass through for signaling messages procedure allows smart devices to participate in and control multimedia communications by providing the ability to control multimedia communications to the smart device by the mobile device. A mobile device and a smart device establish a channel of communications between the mobile device and a web browser executing on the smart device, e.g. when both are connected to the same Wi-Fi access point. When the web browser accesses a web application that utilizes signaling messages to control multimedia content, the web browser will send signaling message requests to the mobile device. The mobile device, in turn, generates and forwards the signaling message. Media content is delivered directly to the smart device without passing through the mobile device or the established channel of communications.
US09635521B2 Network reentry method and apparatus in a mobile communication system
Provided is a network re-entry method and apparatus in a mobile communication system. The network re-entry method includes sending, by a group delegate Mobile Station (MS) among MSs of a group, a ranging code based on a group Identifier (ID) to a Base Station (BS) and receiving, by the MSs, a Ranging-Response (RNG-RSP) message comprising a ranging status for the group from the BS.
US09635516B1 WiFi-fingerprint based indoor localization map
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to making a localization map for a network. A fixed location for a plurality of wireless devices is received and a bisecting line is determined in a plane for each straight line that joins a pair of the plurality of wireless devices. An initial wireless device access sequence is assigned to each of a plurality of regions created on the localization map by the bisecting lines based on the Euclidean distance of the wireless device to the each of the plurality of regions, wherein the wireless device access sequence is the sequence of the wireless devices that provide the strongest to weakest signal to the region. Receiving from a user computing device a received signal strength (RSS) value for each signal received by the user computing device from each of the plurality of wireless devices and updating the localization map based on RSS values.
US09635515B1 Apparatus and methods for generating an accurate estimate of a time of receipt of a packet
A first communication device generates a plurality of samples from a sampled signal, the sampled signal corresponding to a first sampling frequency, the plurality of samples correspond to a second sampling frequency that is greater than the first sampling frequency, and the sampled signal corresponds to a data unit wirelessly transmitted from a second communication device to the first communication device. The first communication device generates a correlation signal using the plurality of samples, and uses the correlation signal to generate a time estimate of a time at which the data unit was received at the first communication device. The first communication device uses the time estimate to estimate a distance between the first communication device and the second communication device.
US09635510B1 Database for Wi-Fi position estimation
A database of Wi-Fi access point location data is built from (a) provisioning data; (b) GPS location estimates; and (c) inferred location estimates.
US09635508B2 Fast method for wideband spectrum sensing
Embodiments of the present invention relate cognitive radar and RF technologies, and more particularly, to spectrum sensing processing for rapidly monitoring the RF spectrum for channel availability and activity. The goal is to find and use unoccupied RF channels to broadcast and receive information. According to one embodiment, a method for analyzing a received RF signal to determine unused channels, or frequencies, therein, comprises: analyzing a received RF signal to determine anchor points that represent high energy frequency locations; calculating distances between the determined anchor points; identifying and eliminating clusters or isolated anchor points defined as a high energy region of interference based on the calculated distances; and selecting at least one remaining unoccupied frequency for transmitting or receiving a RF signal. The method may further include performing an optional quality or risk assessment on remaining frequencies of the waveform, and eliminating high risk frequencies from consideration in some instances.
US09635506B1 Zone based wireless player communications
Embodiments of the present invention include a wireless coach-to-player communications system based on specific locales of players on the field. A combination of location based services and wireless access points and hubs tasked with communicating with particular players or particular zones where players are present (as determined through the use of location based services) is implemented as a part of the communications system. As a result of dedicating communication from certain access points and hubs to certain players or zones, coaches may communicate openly with some or all of their players in a particular region of the field. The system may also be used for targeted communications with fans and spectators attending a sporting event.
US09635500B1 Adaptive geolocation of users to facilitate use of geofences
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates geolocation of a user. The system includes a server and an electronic device. First, the server receives a location of the user from an electronic device of the user and determines a window around the location. Next, the server transmits the window and one or more geofences within the window to the electronic device. The electronic device then obtains one or more precision buffers associated with one or more levels of accuracy for detecting the location of the user near the one or more geofences. Finally, the electronic device facilitates use of the one or more geofences by varying a geolocation technique for tracking the location of the user based on the one or more precision buffers.
US09635498B2 Methods and apparatuses for indoor positioning
The invention introduces an apparatus for indoor positioning, which contains at least a communications interface and a processing unit. The processing unit, coupled to the communications interface, sets the apparatus to a connection-disallowed state when an indoor positioning is activated, and broadcasts an advertising message periodically in an advertising state via the communications interface, where the advertising message contains at least the identity of the apparatus, a timestamp at which the advertising message is sent, and the transmission power.
US09635496B2 Radio communication apparatus, computer readable medium, peripheral, and central
A peripheral transmits an advertisement including an order of connection priority of when a central is connected to the own apparatus. The central receives the advertisement. The central acquires the order of connection priority included in the received advertisement. The central controls transmission of a connection request signal to the peripheral based on the acquired order of connection priority. In response to the transmitted advertisement, the peripheral receives a connection request signal transmitted from the central. According to the connection request signal, the peripheral establishes connection with the central.
US09635486B2 Network selection for a given application or context
A network usage manager in an operating system executing on a mobile device is configured to enable selection among different cellular data connections by application (“app”) or by app class so that end users can tailor cellular network allocation, app performance, and costs to meet their specific needs while mobile operators can improve network utilization and provide more comprehensive data plan offerings. The network usage manager applies app usage policies to select among different cellular data connections which may be supported on the mobile device using single or multiple SIM/UICC (Subscriber Identity Module/Universal Integrated Circuit Card) cards. The app usage policies can be set for a given app or class of app on the mobile device so that, for example, apps that implement background synchronization processes can use typically less expensive, lower bandwidth connections while typically more expensive, higher bandwidth connections are selected for data intensive apps.
US09635483B2 System and a method of providing sound to two sound zones
A system and a method for providing sound into two different sound zones, where an a first signal and a second signal are accessed and converted into speaker signals generating the sound in the zones. interference value is determined. If the interference value exceeds a predetermined threshold, one or more parameter changes are determined to parameters of the conversion which, when implemented, will ensure that the interference in the first zone by sound in the second zone is maintained below a threshold limit.
US09635482B2 Wireless audio transmission system, in particular wireless microphone system
A wireless audio transmission system which has at least one wireless transmitter for the wireless transmission of a detected audio signal as a first audio signal by way of a first wireless transmission path. The wireless audio transmission system further has at least one in-ear monitor unit for directly receiving the first audio signal and for receiving a second audio signal. The first and second audio signals are mixed in the in-ear monitor unit and output as an output signal. The wireless audio transmission system has a mixing desk for mixing the first audio signal and further received audio signals to give an output signal which can be output to the public or recorded.
US09635481B2 Failure detection system and failure detection method
A failure detection system includes an omnidirectional microphone array device having a plurality of microphone elements and a directivity control device that calculates a delay time of a voice propagated from a sound source to each microphone element and forms a directivity of the voice using the delay time and the voice collected by the omnidirectional microphone array device, and detects a failure of the microphone element. A smoothing unit calculates an average power of one microphone element. An average calculator calculates a total average power of a plurality of usable microphone elements included in the omnidirectional microphone array device. A comparison unit compares whether or not a difference between the average power and the total average power exceeds a range of ±6 dB, and determines whether the microphone element is in failure based on the comparison result.
US09635479B2 Hearing prosthesis fitting incorporating feedback determination
The present application discloses systems and methods to analyze feedback path information during a fitting session. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided and includes during a fitting session, calculating a feedback gain margin of a hearing prosthesis by causing the hearing prosthesis to receive a test signal, output an output signal based on the test signal, and receive a feedback signal based on the output of the output signal, the test signal being configured to test a different parameter of the hearing prosthesis.
US09635469B2 Automatic real-time hearing aid fitting based on auditory evoked potentials
A hearing aid includes at least one electrode located at a surface of a housing of the hearing aid to allow the electrodes to contact the skin of a user during use of the hearing aid, at least one electrode being adapted to pick up a low voltage signal from the user's brain, an amplifier unit operationally connected to the electrode(s) and adapted for amplifying the low voltage signal(s) to provide amplified brain signal(s), and a signal processing unit adapted to process the amplified brain signal(s) to provide a processed brain signal as well as to apply a time and frequency dependent gain to an input audio signal and to provide a processed audio output signal. Also a method of operating a hearing aid and a hearing aid system.
US09635468B2 Encapsulated thermoacoustic projector based on freestanding carbon nanotube film
A suspended nanotube film (or films) producing sound by means of the thermoacoustic (TA) effect is encapsulated between two plates, at least one of which vibrates, to enhance sound generation efficiency and protect the film. To avoid the oxidation of carbon nanotubes at elevated temperatures and reduce the thermal inertia of surrounding medium the enclosure is filled with inert gas (preferably with high heat capacity ratio, γ=Cp/Cv, and low heat capacity, Cp). To generate sound directly as the first harmonic of applied audio signal without use of an energy consuming dc biasing, an audio signal modulated carrier frequency at much higher frequency is used to provide power input. Various other inventive means are described to provide enhanced projected sound intensity, increased projector efficiency, and lengthened projector life, like the use of infrared reflecting coatings and particles on the projector plates, non-parallel sheet alignment in sheet stacks, and cooling means on one projector side.
US09635465B2 Planardynamic transducer
A planar dynamic sound transducer comprising a planar diaphragm having at least one electrical conductor, and a planar magnet arrangement having a first portion, a second portion, and an edge region. The second portion surrounds the first portion and extends between the first portion and the edge region of the magnet arrangement. The first portion contains a first plurality of openings so that the first portion has a first degree of opening. The second portion contains a second plurality of openings so that the second portion has a second degree of opening. The first degree of opening is greater than the second degree of opening.
US09635464B2 Membrane and method for producing diaphragm, and composite diaphragm
A membrane and a method for producing a diaphragm, and a composite diaphragm are provided. The MCPET material is a MCPET baffle with micropores independent from each other; wherein an average size of the micropore is smaller than or equal to 5 μm, a foaming rate of the MCPET baffle is less than 2 times, and a density of the MCPET baffle is less than 300 kg/m3. The MCPET baffle is further processed by means of layered cut to form the membrane that is thinner than the MCPET baffle. At least one surface with micropores is exposed to form a micropore exposed surface. The membrane is heated under a temperature of 130-140° C. to form the diaphragm. The composite diaphragm includes a main diaphragm and an auxiliary diaphragm, wherein the main diaphragm is made of the membrane of the present application. The diaphragm made of the membrane has a superior sound performance.
US09635456B2 Digital signal processing with acoustic arrays
Methods, systems, and techniques of digital signal processing using acoustic arrays are provided. Example embodiments described herein provide enhanced acoustic arrays that utilize MEMS digital microphones to offer greater control and measurement capabilities to users and systems that desire to measure sound typically to derive other data. Large numbers of digital microphones can be manufactured to be placed on an acoustic array to derive a plurality of derived acoustic array measurements.
US09635454B2 Bass-reflex speaker cabinet having a recessed port
The speaker cabinet (1) includes at least one loudspeaker (2) and at least one port (3), the port having an outlet (32) formed in a wall of the cabinet (1), an inlet (31) inside the cabinet (1), and a casing connecting the inlet (32) and the outlet (31) together, the inlet (32) of the port (3) further having at least one recess in the casing.
US09635453B2 Enable and disable comparator voltage reference
This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to reduce power use of an accessory detection device. The accessory detection device can be configured to be coupled to a mobile device having an audio jack configured to be coupled to a mobile device accessory having a send/end key. In an example, the accessory detection device can include a comparator and a switch. The comparator can be configured to receive mobile device accessory information from the mobile device accessory and to determine activation of the send/end key using the received mobile device accessory information. The switch can be configured to receive connection information indicative of mobile device accessory connection to the audio jack and to isolate a reference input of the comparator from a supply voltage using the connection information, for example, to reduce leakage current.
US09635452B2 Noise reduction with in-ear headphone
An in-ear headphone comprises an earbud body constructed and arranged for positioning in an ear canal of a wearer, and configured to have a distal end farther into the ear canal than a proximal end. The earbud body includes a cavity and an opening to the cavity. The in-ear headphone further comprises a transducer in the opening to the cavity, a portion of the transducer facing outward from the opening; a microphone at the distal end of the earbud body; an earbud tip on the earbud body and complying with a surface of the earbud body; and an acoustically resistive mesh structure at a distal end of the earbud tip. The mesh structure covers the microphone and the portion of the transducer facing outward from the opening.
US09635451B2 Audio accessory including a headphone with separate sockets
An audio accessory (1) having headphones (2) with at least one ear-cup (7) and a connection cable (3) for connecting the headphones to an audio device (10) includes a separate connection cable with connection plugs (4B, 5B) at each of its two ends, whereby connections plugs of different types are provided at the respective ends of the connection cable. Separate sockets (4A) of the different types are further provided in the headphones for connection to a respective connection plug at an end of the connection cable. Alternative uses for the audio accessory as well as headphones and a connection cable are also provided.
US09635447B2 Earpiece casing cavity and corresponding earphone
The utility model discloses an ear cup cavity and a corresponding earphone, the ear cup cavity comprising: a speaker face shell (1), a speaker cavity (2), a speaker (3) and a rear shell (4); the speaker cavity (2) is an annular labyrinth type structure which is fixed on the speaker face shell (1); the speaker face shell (1) is provided with the first air port (11) through which air passes and enters into the speaker cavity (2); the second air port (21) through which air enters into the speaker cavity (2) is arranged on the position of the speaker cavity (2) corresponding to the first air port (11); the rear shell (4) is a bowl-shaped structure for accommodating the speaker cavity (2) and the speaker (3). The ear cup cavity and corresponding earphone provided in the embodiments of the utility model can timely release superfluous air gathered in the front cavity of the earphone, control the air release process well and avoid the generation of new noise so as to ensure clear sound played from the earphone and improve the user experience.
US09635445B1 Portable entertainment and communications system
A backpack having a lining inside the backpack and a speaker compartment below the lining. The speaker compartment is configured to receive a speaker assembly configured to emit sound out of both the side and outward facing sections of the backpack. The speaker assembly is configured for communicatively coupling with a remote computing device. A subwoofer grille covers an opening on each side section of the backpack, and wherein each subwoofer grille is configured to couple the speaker assembly to the side section of the backpack. A pair of tweeter grilles covers openings on the outward facing section of the backpack and each tweeter grille is configured to couple the speaker assembly to the backpack. The system also includes a remote controlling device concealed within one of the straps of the backpack for controlling the speaker assembly and alarm.
US09635444B2 Decorative flat panel sound system
A flat panel sound system (400) includes an acoustic backing (410) and stand-offs (412) on its back side. The stand-offs (412) are interposed between a frame (406) or housing (408) and the wall on which the sound system (400) is mounted. The sound system (400) further includes an electronic housing (414) and exciters (404) mounted on the frame (406). The electronics within the electronic housing (414) receive wireless inputs from a user interface and drive the exciters (404) to produce an audio output. The stand-offs (412) inhibit transmission of vibrations to the wall and allow acoustic waves to emanate the back side of the flat panel system.
US09635443B2 Frequency division duplex wireless communication apparatus and method
A Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) wireless communication apparatus is provided. The FDD wireless communication apparatus includes a first antenna configured to one of transmit and receive, a second antenna configured to receive, and a switch configured to selectively connect one of the first antenna and the second antenna to a receiver.
US09635441B2 Information retrieval for service point channels
Information in a data store may be efficiently accessed by querying the data store for batches of information. In one example, configuration data associated with service point channels of processing trees may be retrieved from the data store with a single query to the data store. Readings for the processing trees may also be retrieved from the data store with a single query to the data store.
US09635437B2 Analyzing internet protocol television data to support peer-assisted video-on-demand content delivery
A video-on-demand (VOD) server in an Internet protocol television (IPTV) network with a network of set-top boxes includes IPTV operational data and an analysis module that selects a content item. The VOD server divides the content item into sequential chunks, divides the chunks into stripes, pre-populates set-top boxes in a peering network with at least one stripe from each chunk, receives a request for the content item, and directs each set-top box to sequentially stream its stripes. A method includes selecting a content item based upon IPTV operational data, dividing the content item into sequential chunks, dividing the chunks into stripes, pre-populating set-top boxes in a peering network with at least one stripe from each chunk, receiving a request for the content item, and directing each set-top box to sequentially stream its stripes.
US09635427B2 Systems and methods for communications between client devices of a broadcast system
Systems and methods may provide for communication between a plurality of client devices of a broadcast system. The communication may be, for example, a recommendation of a program that is communicated from one subscriber to another subscriber or subscribers via their client devices. The communication also may be a comment regarding a program, for example, recently viewed at the client device of the one subscriber. In general, the communication may be a message from one subscriber to another subscriber or subscribers. Further, the communication may be configured to perform a function on one or more other client devices. Such a function may include, but is not limited to, setting a timer to record a program, ordering or purchasing a program or service, cancelling an ordered/purchased program or service, setting or altering user preferences, controlling access to channels, etc.
US09635426B2 Method and apparatus for batch voting on live broadcasts
A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for allocating and committing votes in a variety of voting paradigms is described. In one embodiment, the method describes a system applicable in a plurality of time zones and comprises determining if an allocation of at least a portion of N1 votes among one or more candidates is received from a first user via a first device during a first period, accepting and storing the allocation of votes, only if the allocation is received during the first period, receiving a user command committing the stored allocation of the N1 votes among the plurality of candidates, determining if the command is received during a second period, and committing the stored first user allocation of N1 votes among the one or more candidates only if the command is received during the second period.
US09635421B2 Methods and apparatus for audience data collection and analysis in a content delivery network
Methods and apparatus for collection and processing of data relating to users of a content-delivery network. In one embodiment, the content delivery network is a cable or satellite or HFCu network, and the apparatus includes an architecture for routinely harvesting, parsing, processing, and storing data relating to the activities of the users (e.g., subscribers) of the network. In one variant, at least portions of the data are anonymized to protect subscriber privacy.
US09635420B2 Energy saving set top box
A system includes a satellite receiver and a set top box. The set top box is configured to receive signals from the satellite receiver and output a signal to a display device. The set top box detects whether at least one mobile device is near the set top box and enables a standby mode when no mobile devices are detected.
US09635418B2 Systems and methods for searching based on information in commercials
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining that a commercial segment of media content, including a video portion and an audio portion, contains neither metadata nor close captioning information. I response to determining that the commercial segment contains neither metadata nor close captioning information, advertised program content is identified based on the video portion, the audio portion or both. Alternative media content is identified based on the advertised program content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09635410B2 Systems and methods for providing companion services to customer equipment using an IP-based infrastructure
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing companion services to customer premises equipment (CPE) using an IP-based service infrastructure. The infrastructure allows IP-enabled devices such as tablet PCs, smart phones, PDAs, and laptop computers to provide supplementary services to target systems and devices located at customer premises. Target systems and devices (CPE) may be TVs, PCs, set-top boxes, digital video recorders, or other electronics. An embodiment is disclosed which allows a mobile device to provide companion services to a television through a link with a set-top box in a cable TV network using the Internet.
US09635407B2 Method and apparatus for bottleneck coordination to achieve QoE multiplexing gains
An access point that provides video streaming performs a bottleneck QoE maximization solution utilizing the latest media transport technology developed by MPEG known as MPEG Media Transport (MMT). The access point includes a transceiver configured to transmit one or more video sequences. The access point also includes one or more processors configured to perform bottleneck coordination by utilizing MMT to transmit, via the transceiver, the one or more video sequences.
US09635403B2 Systems and methods for configuring media devices utilizing audio codes or signatures
Example systems and methods for configuring media devices utilizing audio codes and/or signatures are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include determining a characteristic of audio data received by a device, the characteristic including at least one of a code detected in the audio data or a signature generated from the audio data. Disclosed example methods also include determining whether the characteristic is mapped to at least one of a first command or a second command. Disclosed example methods further include, in response to determining the characteristic is mapped to the first command, executing the first command to cause the device to connect to a communication session to receive an upgrade to software executable on the device, and in response to determining the characteristic is mapped to the second command, executing the second command to cause a previously locked feature of the device to be unlocked.
US09635399B2 Systems and methods for efficiently chronicling broadcast content
Systems and methods are provided for automatically capturing event occurrence data associated with a broadcast channel. A baseline schedule for the broadcast channel is imported that includes an identification of events scheduled to appear on the broadcast channel and scheduled times for those events. A prompt is provided via a graphical user interface for a user to enter a time of actual occurrence of event appearances on the broadcast channel. Indications of times of an appearance and that events did not air on the broadcast channel are received via the prompt. The indications are stored in a computer-readable medium, and a report is provided that identifies events that did appear on the broadcast channel and their time of appearance and events that did not appear on the broadcast channel.
US09635396B2 System and method for efficient scalable stream adaptation
A system and method for signaling low-to-high layer switching points in a file format level to enable efficient scalable stream switching in streaming servers and local file playback. The present invention also provides for a system and method for signaling low-to-high layer switching points in video bit stream, e.g., to enable intelligent forwarding of scalability layers in media-aware network elements or computationally scalable decoding in stream recipients.
US09635393B2 Methods, systems, and media for remote rendering of web content on a television device
Methods, systems, and media for remote rendering of Web content on a television device are provided. In some implementations, methods for remote rendering of Web content on a television device are provided, the methods comprising: sending a request for the Web content to a server, receiving, at a source device, a response corresponding to the request; generating a set of drawing commands based on the response; obtaining at least one encoded image based on the response; presenting the Web content on the source device; generating a plurality of content layers corresponding to the Web content, wherein the plurality of content layers including a first content layer comprises the set of drawing commands and a second content layer comprises the encoded image; transmitting the plurality of content layers; and causing the Web content to be presented on the television device based on the plurality of content layers.
US09635390B2 Systems and methods for providing personalized audio content
A method for providing audio content to a user device in a movie theater includes the steps of personalizing the audio content for the user device based on an identifier and providing the personalized audio content to the user device. In some embodiments, the identifier is based on demographic information about the user. According to some embodiments, the personalized audio content accompanies additional content that is not provided by the user device. In some embodiments, the personalized audio content accompanies a movie.
US09635389B1 Binary mask compression
Various examples are directed to methods and systems for compressing a binary mask. A computer device may determine that a frequency of a less frequent pixel value state of the binary mask is less than a threshold frequency and may select a block size corresponding to the threshold frequency. The computing device may determine a first run length number of pixel value blocks of the block size that are positioned consecutively in the binary mask sequence and that comprise a first pattern of pixel values and write the first run length number to a first compression sequence.
US09635384B2 Method of decoding video data
Provided is a method derives a reference picture index and a motion vector of a current prediction unit, generates a prediction block of the current prediction unit using the reference picture index and the motion vector, generating a residual block by inverse-scan, inverse-quantization and inverse transform, and generates reconstructed pixels using the prediction block and the residual block. Prediction pixels of the prediction block is generated using an interpolation filter selected based on the motion vector. Accordingly, the coding efficiency of the motion information is improved by including various merge candidates. Also, the computational complexity of an encoder and a decoder is reduced by selecting different filter according to location of the prediction pixels determined by the motion vector.
US09635383B2 Method, system and computer program product for computing a motion vector
A prediction unit is identified within a picture of a video sequence. The prediction unit is bordered by neighboring prediction units within the picture. A match for the prediction unit is located within a first reference picture. At least a subset of the neighboring prediction units is scanned to identify a motion vector predictor (“MVP”) candidate. The MVP candidate of a first type is identified if available, wherein a match for the MVP candidate of the first type is located within the first reference picture. In response to the MVP candidate of the first type being unavailable, the MVP candidate of a second type is identified, wherein a match for the MVP candidate of the second type is located within a second reference picture. An encoder calculates a difference between a motion vector of the MVP candidate and a motion vector of the prediction unit, and encodes the difference and an index to identify the MVP candidate. A decoder decodes the difference, and calculates the motion vector of the prediction unit by adding the difference to the motion vector of the MVP candidate.
US09635382B2 Method, system and computer program product for determining a motion vector
A prediction unit is identified within a picture of a video sequence. The prediction unit is bordered by neighboring prediction units within the picture. The neighboring prediction units include first and second neighboring prediction units that are separated from one another by at least a third neighboring prediction unit. A subset of the neighboring prediction units is scanned to identify an MVP candidate. The subset includes at least the first and second neighboring prediction units and excludes at least the third neighboring prediction unit. An encoder calculates a difference between a motion vector of the MVP candidate and a motion vector of the prediction unit, and encodes the difference and an index to identify the MVP candidate. A decoder decodes the difference, and calculates the motion vector of the prediction unit by adding the difference to the motion vector of the MVP candidate.
US09635379B2 Method and device for generating a prediction block to encode and decode an image
A method for decoding an image according to the present invention comprises the steps of: restoring a residual block by performing inverse quantization and inverse transformation for the entropy-decoded residual block; generating a prediction block by performing intra prediction for a current block; and restoring an image by adding the restored residual block to the prediction block, wherein the step of generating the prediction block further comprises a step for generating a final prediction value of a pixel to be predicted, on the basis of a first prediction value of the pixel to be predicted, which is included in the current block, and of a final correction value that is calculated by performing an arithmetic right shift by a binary digit 1 for a two's complement integer representation with respect to an initial correction value of the pixel to be predicted. Thus, the operational complexity during image encoding/decoding can be reduced.
US09635377B2 High dynamic range image processing device and method
Disclosed are a display device for processing and displaying an image signal. The display device includes an image receiver configured to receive packetized image data of an encoded image signal or a bit stream of image data of the encoded image signal, a decoder configured to parse metadata from the packetized image data or bit stream and decode the image signal from the image data of the encoded image signal; and an HDR image processor configured to analyze HDR information in the metadata, and generate an HDR image of the image signal from the analyzed HDR information and the decoded image signal.
US09635372B2 Coding format converter partially halting search for coding candidates
A coding format converter for converting an input stream of data of pictures of a first coding format into a data stream of data of pictures with a second coding format includes a decoder decoding the input stream with the first coding format, an encoder encoding the data of the picture thus decoding with the second coding format, a coding candidate search controller using first information on prediction residual availability indicative of whether or not residual information is encoded for each block in the decoded picture. When a search for coding candidates reveals a result that the first information for a coding target region of the picture is indicative of the absence of a residual, the controller refrains from searching for coding candidates which depend on second information on residual availability of the coding with the second coding format.
US09635371B2 Determining rounding offset using scaling factor in picture resampling
An apparatus for coding video information according to certain aspects includes a memory and a processor. The memory unit is configured to store video information associated with a reference layer picture and an enhancement layer picture. The processor is configured to: store video information associated with a reference layer picture and an enhancement layer picture; receive a scale factor that indicates a proportion of scaling between the reference layer picture and the enhancement layer picture in a first direction; determine, without performing a division operation, a rounding offset value using the scale factor; and determine a coordinate in the first direction of a first sample located in the reference layer picture that corresponds to a second sample located in the enhancement layer picture using the scale factor and the rounding offset value.
US09635369B2 Video parameter set including HRD parameters
A video coder can be configured to receive in a video parameter set, one or more syntax elements that include information related to hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) parameters; receive in the video data a first sequence parameter set that includes a first syntax element identifying the video parameter set; receive in the video data a second sequence parameter set that includes a second syntax element identifying the video parameter set; and, code, based on the one or more syntax elements, a first set of video blocks associated with the first parameter set and second set of video blocks associated with the second parameter set.
US09635366B2 Quantization method, coding apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium storing quantization program
A quantization method includes: performing, by a computer, scaling on transform coefficients of a target block; quantizing scaled transform coefficients to obtain a plurality of quantization coefficients; calculating, when calculating, based on a quantization error and a first code amount of a coded target block obtained by coding the target block, a cost of coding the target block by using a coefficient absolute value candidate of a plurality of coefficient absolute value candidates of one of the plurality of quantization coefficients, the first code amount according to a second code amount of a coded element for the one of the plurality of quantization coefficients, the second code amount being obtained by binarizing the coded element under one of a first condition and a second condition.
US09635364B2 Coding unit quantization parameters in video coding
A method is provided that includes receiving a coded largest coding unit in a video decoder, wherein the coded largest coding unit includes a coded coding unit structure and a plurality of coded quantization parameters, and decoding the coded largest coding unit based on the coded coding unit structure and the plurality of coded quantization parameters.
US09635363B2 Method and device for encoding/decoding images
A method and a device for encoding/decoding images are disclosed. The method for encoding images comprises the steps of: deriving a scan type of a residual signal for a current block according to whether or not the current block is a transform skip block; and applying the scan type to the residual signal for the current block, wherein the transform skip block is a block to which transform for the current block is not applied and is specified on the basis of information indicating whether or not transform for the current block is to be applied.
US09635355B2 Multiview video coding
Aspects of this disclosure relate to a method of coding video data. In an example, the method includes obtaining, from an encoded bitstream, one or more network abstraction layer (NAL) units for each view component of a plurality of view components of encoded video data, where each view component of the plurality of view components corresponds to a common temporal location, and where the one or more NAL units encapsulate at least a portion of the encoded video data for the respective view components and include information indicative of a decoding order of the respective view components. The method also includes obtaining information, separate from the NAL units, indicating relationships between view identifiers for the views and the decoding order of the view components. The method also includes decoding the encoded video data of the plurality of view components in the decoding order based on the received information.
US09635352B1 Systems and methods for indicating improper viewing angles
Methods and systems for indicating boundaries of a volume of space are disclosed. A method may include: providing a first pair of indicators positioned to visually indicate boundaries of a predefined volume of space with respect to a first axis; providing a second pair of indicators positioned to visually indicate boundaries of the predefined volume of space with respect to a second axis; and configuring the first pair of indicators and the second pair of indicators to provide a first type of visual indication visible to a viewer from positions outside of the predefined volume of space. The methods and systems may be utilized for indicating boundaries of a volume of space for proper and/or improper viewing of a display device.
US09635348B2 Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for selecting image capture positions to generate three-dimensional images
Methods, systems, and computer program products for selecting image capture positions to generate three-dimensional images are disclosed herein. According to one aspect, a method includes determining a plurality of first guides associated with a first still image of a scene. The method can also include displaying a real-time image of the scene on a display. Further, the method can include determining a plurality of second guides associated with the real-time image. The method can also include displaying the first and second guides on the display for guiding selection of a position of an image capture device to capture a second still image of the scene for pairing the first and second still images as a stereoscopic pair of a three-dimensional image.
US09635347B2 Stereoscopic relay optics
A relay optic adapter system for imaging stereoscopic images with a single lens optic device and methods of producing stereoscopic images using such a relay optic adapter are provided herein. The relay optic adapter system utilizes an active stereoscopic shutter mounted along the optical path of the single lens optic device, such as, for example, a still or video camera, to provide a stereoscopic image to imaging plane of the device.
US09635342B2 Multi-view encoding and decoding technique based on single-view video codecs
A technique for encoding and decoding data pertaining to multiple video views is presented. A method embodiment of the encoding technique comprises the steps of providing first picture stream belonging to a first view and performing a first encoding operation to encode a picture of the first picture stream. The first encoding operation is based on a single-view video codec and provides encoder state information relevant for the encoding of another picture of the first picture stream. Also provided is a second picture stream belonging to a second video view. A second encoding operation is performed to encode a picture of the second picture stream based on the single-view video codec, wherein the second encoding operation is based on the encoder state information provided by the first encoding operation. On the basis of the encoded picture of the first picture stream and encoded picture of the second picture stream, dedicated video streams are generated.
US09635340B2 Stereo image processing apparatus and method thereof
A stereo image processing apparatus includes an image acquirer acquiring images captured by a stereo camera including cameras having recognition ranges of their dynamic ranges differently set, and a mapper mapping the images with reference to the determined mapping areas of the images determined from the features extracted from the images. The stereo image processing apparatus further includes tracker tracking linear components from the mapping images by the mapper to determine a reference line segment, and a stereo image processor creating a stereo image for the images based on the determined reference line segments determined on the mapping areas.
US09635339B2 Memory-efficient coded light error correction
Systems and methods for correcting errors in a depth map generated by a structured light system are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes receiving valid and invalid codewords, the valid spatial codewords included in a codebook. The method includes detecting the invalid codeword. The method includes retrieving a set of candidate valid codewords a lowest Hamming distance between the invalid codeword and the valid codewords in the codebook. The method includes estimating a median depth of neighboring locations of the invalid codeword. The method includes associating a depth with each candidate codeword and selecting the candidate with an associated depth closest to the depth estimate. The method includes assigning the depth associated with the selected candidate codeword to the location of the invalid codeword.
US09635336B2 Content output system and codec information sharing method in same system
A contents output system capable of outputting contents and a method for sharing codec information for outputting the contents in the system are provided. The method for sharing codec information in a contents output system includes sharing, when a media server, a media renderer for outputting contents, and a control point are connected, codec information provided by the media server and the codec information of contents playable by the media renderer, and providing, at the media server, the contents to the media renderer according to the shared codec information.
US09635331B2 Image processing apparatus that performs tone correction and edge enhancement, control method therefor, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus which enables natural edge enchantment suited to a frequency band of a subject even when performing local contrast correction in combination with edge enhancement. A local contrast correction unit multiplies a signal of a target pixel in image data by a gain based on values obtained by reflecting signals of pixels around the target pixels. For signals of the target pixel output from the local contrast correction unit, a gamma conversion unit performs gamma conversion based on the signal of the target pixel. An edge signal is extracted from the image data and multiplied by a gain based on a signal output from the local contrast correction unit. The edge signal is added to a signal output from the gamma conversion unit.
US09635325B2 Systems and methods for detecting ultraviolet light using image sensors
An imaging system may include an image sensor having an array of image pixels with a photosensitive region that generates image signals in response to light. The array may include photoluminescent material that absorbs light of a first range of wavelengths and emits light of a second range of wavelengths onto the photosensitive region. The first range of wavelengths may correspond to ultraviolet light, and the second range of wavelengths may correspond to visible light. The photoluminescent material may be formed over some or all of the image pixels. The array may include color filter elements that transmit light of a given color to the photosensitive region. The photoluminescent material may be adjusted to have a peak emission intensity at a color of light that corresponds to the given color of light transmitted by a given color filter element.
US09635323B2 Communication and monitoring system
An audio-video communication system comprises a wireless exterior module located proximate an entrance, a computerized controller running a software application, and a remote peripheral device. The wireless exterior module includes a proximity sensor for detecting a person at the entrance, a video camera for recording an image of the person at the entrance, a microphone for recording the person at the entrance, a speaker for playing audio to the person at the entrance, a transmitter for communicating sounds and images of the person at the entrance, and a receiver for receiving communications at the wireless exterior module. The computerized controller is disposed in wireless electronic communication with the wireless exterior module via the transmitter and the receiver of the wireless exterior module. The remote peripheral device is configured to electronically communicate with the computerized controller for viewing an image from the video camera communicated from the wireless exterior module.
US09635322B2 Video intercom device
Provided is a video intercom device suppressing electric power consumption. The video intercom device adopts a configuration where the video intercom device performs wireless communication between a front door slave unit and an indoor master unit, the indoor master unit includes a wireless communication unit that requests the front door slave unit to be switched between a first communication method by which the front door slave unit periodically turns on a main power source and is in a sleep state when the main power source turns off, and a second communication method by which the front door slave unit turns on the main power source when an interrupt occurs and is in the sleep state when the main power source turns off, and the front door slave unit includes a controller that controls switching to a communication method requested from the indoor master unit.
US09635320B2 Electronic patient sitter management system and method for implementing
An electronic sitter management system coupled to patient surveillance network having a plurality of video cameras, each camera transmitting a stream of surveillance video of a respective patient room. The sitter management system includes at least one sitter management device and a plurality of sitter devices. Each device being assigned a plurality of patient rooms and capable of receiving a plurality of streams of surveillance video for the corresponding plurality of patient rooms and simultaneously displaying a plurality of video images of the corresponding plurality of patient rooms. Each device is also capable of transmitting sitter device availability information to the sitter management device. The sitter management device being capable of recognizing a sitter device being unavailable and reassigning the plurality of patient rooms previously assigned to the unavailable device to other of the plurality of sitter devices that are available.
US09635318B2 Live video broadcasting on distributed networks
The techniques related to providing a live program over the Internet are described. According to one aspect of the techniques, a data stream representing a live program is preprocessed to produce a plurality of substreams, each of the substreams comprising decimated samples of the data stream. The number of substreams is relatively large so that the bandwidth requirement for delivering one of the substreams is relatively low. With a group of seeding boxes receiving the substreams, a group of boxes in services are designated to receive the substreams from the seeding boxes, each of these boxes including the seeding boxes is able to support multiple outbound streams (e.g., greater than 2) so that there are enough data suppliers to service the ordering boxes or colonize more boxes to become the data suppliers. As a result, a live program can be timely serviced by peer boxes, significantly reducing the computation and bandwidth burdens on a server(s).
US09635310B2 Band translation with protection of in-home networks
Methods and systems are provided for band translation with protection. A signal processing circuitry (chip) may be configured to handle a plurality of signals, comprising at least a first signal corresponding to internal communication within an in-premises network and at least a second signal originating from a source external to the in-premises network; and to process on-chip the plurality of input signals, to generate one or more output signals. In this regard, at least one output signal may comprise components corresponding to the first signal and the second signal; and the processing may be configured to mitigate on-chip, during generating of the one or more outputs, at least one effect of including in the at least one output signal a first component corresponding to one of the first signal and the second signal on a second component corresponding to the other one of the first signal and the second signal.
US09635309B2 CATV video and data transmission system with digital input
Improved systems and methods for delivering CATV content over a fiber optic network to a receiver.
US09635307B1 Preview streaming of video data
A system and method for generating preview data from video data and using the preview data to select portions of the video data or determine an order with which to upload the video data. The system may sample video data to generate sampled video data and may identify portions of the sampled video data having complexity metrics exceeding a threshold. The system may upload a first portion of the video data corresponding to the identified portions while omitting a second portion of the video data. The system may determine an order with which to upload portions of the video data based on a complexity of the video data. Therefore, portions of the video data that may require additional processing after being uploaded may be prioritized and uploaded first. As a result, a latency between the video data being uploaded and a video summarization being received is reduced.
US09635303B2 Communication device and communication method
One embodiment provides a communication device for transmitting a video to an external device through first to third transmission lines, the communication device including: a transmission module configured to transmit first color difference information and second color difference information concerned with adjacent two pixels through the first transmission line, to transmit first luminance information concerned with one of the two pixels through the second transmission line, and to transmit second luminance information concerned with the other of the two pixels through the third transmission line.
US09635302B2 Active pixel sensor device and operating method of the same
An active pixel sensor device and the method thereof include an active pixel sensing array and a synchronous reading circuit. The active pixel sensing array is formed by a plurality of sensing pixels disposed in a form of an array. Each sensing pixel has a power terminal. The synchronous reading circuit connects to the power terminals of all sensing pixels, detects a summation of currents flowing through all sensing pixels, converts the summation of currents to an output signal, and outputs the output signal that represents the optical sensing information. In addition to reading each sensing pixel, the active pixel sensor device further controls the synchronous reading circuit to read the output signal corresponding to the summation of currents of all sensing pixels. The active pixel sensor device using the same active pixel sensing array can be applied to large-area sensing.
US09635299B2 Solid-state imaging device and imaging apparatus including an adjusting circuit that reduces an amplitude of a control signal from a control unit
A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel unit which includes a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns and which generates pixel signals according to an amount of incident light; a column analog-to-digital converter (ADC) which is disposed for each of the columns of the pixel unit and which performs digital conversion on each of the pixel signals output from the pixels in the column; a timing control unit which generates a control signal for controlling the digital conversion performed by the column ADC; and a logic swing and delay adjusting circuit which is disposed in a signal path for supplying the control signal from the timing control unit to the column ADC and which at least either reduces an amplitude of the control signal or delays the control signal.
US09635298B2 Comparator circuit, imaging apparatus using the same, and method of controlling comparator circuit
An object of the present invention is to provide a comparator which has an input voltage range larger than the case where a conventional offset cancel technique is used, while reducing an offset voltage. A comparator circuit includes: a comparator having an inverting input terminal, a non-inverting input terminal and an output terminal; a first switch having one terminal connected to the inverting input terminal and having the other terminal connected to the output terminal; a first capacitor which has one end connected with the inverting input terminal; a first signal input terminal which is another end of the first capacitor; and a second signal input terminal which selectively inputs either one of a fixed voltage and a comparing signal into the non-inverting input terminal.
US09635297B2 Image capturing apparatus, solid-state image sensor, and camera that may suppress electrical interference
An image capturing apparatus includes a solid-state image sensor, a support member for the sensor, and electrically conductive members. The conductive members are electrically connected to the sensor, attached to support member, and arranged in a direction along one side of the sensor. The sensor is configured to receive a power supply voltage via a first conductive member, receive a ground voltage via a second conductive member, and transmit a signal via a third conductive member. The first and second conductive members are located on one side in the direction with respect to the third conductive member. The conductive members do not include a conductive member configured to supply a power supply voltage or a ground voltage to the sensor on the other side of the direction with respect to the third conductive member.
US09635296B2 Solid-state imaging device
There is provided a solid-state imaging device capable of correcting a blackening phenomenon caused by intense light, with a small-scale circuit configuration. An AD converter 130 that performs sampling of an output voltage VS on a column signal line 111 includes a comparator 131 that compares the output voltage VS with a ramp-wave reference voltage during a sampling period; a judging circuit 132 that accepts as input an output from the comparator 131 and judges a voltage level of the output voltage VS; and a memory portion 133 that stores, as a digital value, a count value corresponding to the output voltage VS, based on an output from the judging circuit 132. The comparator 131 amplifies a voltage change of the output voltage VS obtained after a lapse of a reset period in which a voltage of a FD portion 103 in a pixel circuit 100 is reset, and the judging circuit 132 judges, based on the voltage change, whether light received by the pixel circuit 100 is intense light, during a predetermined detection period between the reset period and a period in which an output voltage Vrst obtained after the reset is sampled.
US09635295B2 Imaging device
The imaging device includes: a first display section that functions as an electronic view finder; a viewing angle setting section that sets a viewing angle of a live view image; a display image generation section that generates a display image which uses the live view image reduced in accordance the viewing angle; a display timing control section; and a blanking time period setting section. The display timing control section synchronizes the image sensor and the first display section in a delay time shorter than a single frame period. The blanking time period setting section sets a blanking time period at the end of the single frame period in accordance with a size of the live view image to be displayed. By completing reading of the imaging signal before start of the blanking time period, synchronization between the timing of driving the image sensor and the timing of performing display on the electronic view finder is maintained.
US09635286B2 Image processing apparatus and method for image processing
There is provided an image processing apparatus including imaging elements, including: a selection unit configured to select any one of the first image and the second image as a selected image based on a first pixel included in the first image and a second pixel included in the second image, wherein the first pixel and the second pixel respectively belong to a duplicated area, the duplicated area being an area of a captured object overlapping in respective images; a calculation unit configured to calculate a correction coefficient for correcting a pixel before correction based on a selected pixel and the pixel before correction, a correction unit configured to correct the pixel before correction based on the correction coefficient to generate an image after correction; and an image generation unit configured to generate an output image based on the selected image and the image after correction.
US09635282B2 Visible light and IR combined image camera
A camera producing visible light images with thermal data. The camera may include visible light lens and sensor, an infrared light lens and sensor, and a display. The display displays some of the visible light image and thermal data from the respective sensors. The visible light image is divided into an array of zones where each zone may provide thermal data associated with the corresponding portion of the target shown in the zone. The camera may sense infrared images also provide audible alarms where the alarm is emitted with a tone of variable output to indicate the relative level of the alarm.
US09635279B2 Image acquisition method and apparatus
A method and an apparatus for acquiring an image of a subject are provided. The method for acquiring the image of the subject includes acquiring a first preliminary image and a second preliminary image of the subject through an image sensor operatively coupled to an electronic device, determining a candidate emission time relating to an acquisition of an output image of the subject, based on a difference between state information of at least part of the first preliminary image and state information of at least part of the second preliminary image, comparing the candidate emission time with a time corresponding to a synchronization period where a plurality of lines of the image sensor simultaneously acquires the output image, and acquiring the output image of the subject based on the comparison.
US09635277B2 Image sensor, image sensing method, and image photographing apparatus including image sensor
An image sensor operates in a base mode according to a first sampling rate and a first pixel exposure time and includes a light condition detector that extracts illuminance information from a pixel signal received from pixels in a pixel array, and generates a low-illuminance information signal upon detecting that a value of the illuminance information falls within a first range, a sampling controller that changes the first sampling rate to a second sampling rate in response to the low-illuminance information signal, and an exposure time controller that changes the first pixel exposure time to a second pixel exposure time in response to the low-illuminance information signal.
US09635275B2 Flash system for multi-aperture imaging
A method and a system for forming an image of a scene are provided. The method includes capturing an image of the scene by exposing an image sensor to radiation from one part of the EM spectrum using one aperture and to radiation from another part of the EM spectrum using another aperture having a different size than the first aperture. Simultaneously with capturing the image, the scene is illuminated with radiation from the second part of the EM spectrum. The image is then formed on the basis of image data generated by the radiation from the first part of the EM spectrum and image data generated by radiation from the second part of the EM spectrum.
US09635274B2 High resolution multispectral image capture
The use of a hybrid camera tool may capture high resolution multispectral images without sacrificing resolution in exchange for spectral accuracy. The capture of a high resolution multispectral image may include forming a high spatial resolution image based on a portion of incoming light and generating a high spectral resolution image that includes multispectral samples based on another portion of the incoming light. The high resolution multispectral image is then synthesized by consolidating the high spatial resolution image with the high spectral resolution image.
US09635271B2 Vision-based scene detection
A method of distinguishing between daytime lighting conditions and nighttime lighting conditions based on a captured image by a vision-based imaging device along a path of travel. An image is captured by a vision-based imaging device. A region of interest is selected in the captured image. A light intensity value is determined for each pixel within the region of interest. A cumulative histogram is generated based on light intensity values within the region of interest. The cumulative histogram including a plurality of category bins representing the light intensity values. Each category bin identifies an aggregate value of light intensity values assigned to each respective category bin. An aggregate value is compared within a predetermined category bin of the histogram to a first predetermined threshold. A determination is made whether the image is captured during the daytime lighting conditions as a function of the aggregate value within the predetermined category bin.
US09635268B2 Electronic device and method for generating thumbnail data
An electronic device includes a first image sensor, a second image sensor, one or more image processing modules, and a display. The first image sensor generates first image data. The second image sensor generates second image data. The one or more image processing modules process one or more image data among the first image and the second image data. The display displays the one or more image data among the first image data or second image data processed by the one or more image processing modules. The thumbnail generation module generates thumbnail data using the one or more image data among the first image data and second image data processed by the one or more image processing modules. A method includes converting the plurality of image data into a format displayable on a display, and generating thumbnail data using the image data of the displayable format.
US09635250B2 Imaging device and imaging method using compressed sensing
In an imaging device, a difference calculation unit calculates a differential signal between charge signals that have been accumulated and are held by first and charge holding units with different timings. A multiple sampling unit performs multiple sampling processing on the differential signal, and an analog digital conversion unit converts a signal that has undergone multiple sampling processing to a digital signal. That is, multiple sampling processing is performed on a differential signal with a higher sparsity than that of an image signal.
US09635248B2 Mobile device and method for controlling the same
A mobile terminal and a method of controlling therefor are disclosed. The mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a touch interface module configured to receive a touch input, a communication module configured to establish communication with at least one or more drones and a controller configured to control the communication module and the touch interface module. The controller transmits location information of the mobile terminal to the drone with which the communication is established, designates a position of the drone based on the transmitted location information, receives a preview image obtained by a camera of the drone, displays the received preview image on a predetermined first area and if the touch input is recognized, captures the preview image displayed on the first area.
US09635246B2 Systems and methods to super resolve a user-selected region of interest
Systems, devices, and methods are described for efficiently super resolving a portion of an image. One embodiment involves capturing, using a camera module of a device, at least one image of a scene, and creating a higher resolution image of a user-selected region of interest. The super resolution of the region of interest may be performed by matching a high resolution grid with a grid that is at the resolution of a device camera, populating the high resolution grid with information from an image from the camera, and then populating the remaining points of the grid that are not yet populated.
US09635241B2 Image capturing apparatus and method of controlling image capturing apparatus
In an image capturing apparatus having an image sensor including a plurality of unit pixels each having a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions and a microlens, the image sensor can be scanned with a first scan method of adding and reading out signals from a portion of the photoelectric conversion portions by a predetermined number of unit pixels and with a second scan method of adding and reading out signals from the photoelectric conversion portions by the predetermined number of unit pixels. A pixel signal read out with the second scan method is selected if a defocus amount is larger than a threshold value and the larger of the pixel signal read out with the second scan method and a signal obtained by using the pixel signal read out with the first scan method is selected if the defocus amount is equal to the threshold value or less.
US09635237B2 Method and camera for determining an image adjustment parameter
The present invention relates to a method and a camera for determining an image adjustment parameter. The method includes receiving a plurality of images representing an image view, detecting from the plurality of images events of a specific event type, identifying a location within the image view where the event of the specific type is present, determining a presence value of each of the identified locations, and determining an image adjustment parameter based on data from an adjustment location within the image view. The adjustment location is determined based on the presence value in each location of a plurality of locations within the image view.
US09635229B2 Optical device and imaging device with mechanism for reducing condensation
In an optical device, a lens assembly includes a lens for receiving light and a holder for holding the lens. A circuit board performs at least one process based on the received light. A housing has an opening and is configured to house the lens assembly and the circuit board therein such that at least part of the circuit board faces the lens assembly, and the lens assembly is exposed via the opening. A mechanism for defining a passage located around the lens assembly to communicate with the opening. The passage guides air, entering an inside of the housing via the opening, so as not to be directed toward the circuit board.
US09635224B2 Pan and tilt camera with robotic movement
A pan and tilt camera is described that comprises a cylindrical base. The pan and tilt camera comprises a tubular body having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a tubular side, the tubular side of the cylindrical body being transected at an angle to define a lower body and an upper body. The lower body has a bottom edge that corresponds to the bottom edge of the tubular body and a top edge corresponding to the angle of transection. The upper body has a bottom edge that corresponds to the angle of transection and a top edge that corresponds to the top edge of the tubular body. The pan and tilt camera comprises a cylindrical housing having a bottom edge that is movably attached to the top edge of the upper body. The cylindrical housing is coupled to a camera component.
US09635223B2 Schmidt telescope with external image capture
A telescope system may facilitate the capture of images of light, and may have a housing, a primary mirror, a Schmidt corrector plate, and a lens group. The housing may have a mirror end and an aperture end with an entrance aperture that receives the light. The primary mirror may be positioned proximate the mirror end, and may have a spherical shape. The Schmidt corrector plate may be positioned proximate the entrance aperture to direct the light toward the primary mirror in a manner that substantially compensates for the spherical shape. The lens group may include multiple lenses, one or more of which may be positioned within the housing proximate the aperture end such that the light is directed through the lens group by the primary mirror. The lens group may focus the light at a focal location further than the Schmidt corrector plate from the primary mirror.
US09635220B2 Methods and systems for suppressing noise in images
Various techniques are disclosed to effectively suppress noise in images (e.g., video or still images). For example, noise in images may be more accurately modeled as having a structured random noise component and a structured fixed pattern noise (FPN) component. Various parameters of noise may be estimated robustly and efficiently in real time and in offline processing. Noise in images may be filtered adaptively, based on various noise parameters and motion parameters. Such filtering techniques may effectively suppress noise even in images that have a prominent FPN component, and may also improve effectiveness of other operations that may be affected by noise.
US09635215B2 Method of processing image and image forming apparatus using the same
An image processing method and an image forming apparatus using the same. The method of processing includes dividing an image into a predetermined number of blocks, calculating an average of color signals of pixels existing in each of the blocks divided, classifying the blocks into color blocks and monochrome blocks using the calculated average, and determining whether the image is a color image or a monochrome image using a proportion of the color blocks. Accordingly, for a document wherein color and monochrome images are mixed, it is automatically determined whether an image is a color image or a monochrome image.