| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09649702B2 |
360° rotatable drill shear attachment
A 360° rotatable drill shear attachment has a housing with forward extending shear blades and a rearward extending drive bit connectable to a chuck of a portable hand drill. A cowling is fixed to a mounting flange and rearward of the shear housing protectively covering the drive bit and drill chuck. A circular clamp is rotatable and securable to the mounting flange. Left and right rails slide-ably adjust lengthwise and pivotally extend from the clamp along the left and right sides of the drill body to a point beyond the rear of the drill body to a drill rear end. A connector adjustably is fastened to the rear ends of the rails to adjustably draw the ends together for securing the shear attachment to the drill body. The clamp may be loosened to rotate the mounting flange of shear attachment, and shear blades, within the clamp for shear blade orientation anywhere along a 360° axial arc. After which, the clamp is tightened for safe, one-handed operation of the drill with the shear attachment and shear blades oriented in the desired direction. |
| US09649698B2 |
Tool clamping device
According to a tool clamping device for a machine tool, when a draw bar is moved in the axial direction of the main shaft of the tool clamping device, a steel ball moves in the radial direction of the main shaft so as to press the inner wall of the main shaft, forming an impression on the inner wall of the main shaft. This forms an inclined surface for generating a magnification effect for magnifying a spring force. |
| US09649692B2 |
Sintered cubic boron nitride compact tool
A tool includes, at least on its edge, a sintered cBN compact which includes cBN particles and a bonding phase, a plurality of flutes is formed on a rake face, each of the flutes having a starting end on the edge ridgeline and causing the edge ridgeline to be wavy, and the terminal end of the flute is disposed inwardly of the edge ridgeline. It is preferable that the flute width of the flute decreases with distance from the edge ridgeline, the flute depth of the flute decreases with distance from the edge ridgeline, and the rake face has a positive rake angle. |
| US09649691B2 |
Method of producing rare earth alloy flakes
When a ribbon is cast by heating raw materials to prepare a molten R-T-B-based alloy and supplying the molten alloy to a chill roll to solidify the molten alloy, the temperature of the molten alloy is adjusted in accordance with at least one of the arithmetic mean roughness Ra and the mean spacing of profile irregularities Sm of the surface of the chill roll, thereby controlling the spacing between adjacent R-rich phases in a crystal structure of resulting alloy flakes to a desired value. This makes it possible to inhibit variations in the crystal structure of the resulting alloy flakes that may occur due to wear of the chill roll. In adjusting the temperature of the molten alloy in accordance with at least one of the arithmetic mean roughness Ra and the mean spacing of profile irregularities Sm, it is preferred that the molten alloy temperature be adjusted using the equation: Δt=−7×(|ΔRa|×|ΔSm|)0.5/α where Δt is an amount of adjustment of the molten alloy temperature (° C.); ΔRa is an amount of change (μm) in the arithmetic mean roughness Ra; ΔSm is an amount of change (μm) in the mean spacing of profile irregularities Sm; and α is a correlation coefficient. |
| US09649688B2 |
Lithium powder anode
A lithium anode containing spherical lithium metal particles with an average diameter of between 5 and 200 μm, which are bonded with a fluorine-free rubber-like binding agent from the groups saturated polyolefins and polyolefin copolymers, such as EPM (ethylene-propylene copolymers), EPDM (ethylene-propylene terpolymers) and polybutenes unsaturated polymers (diene polymers and diene copolymers), such as natural rubbers (NR), butadiene rubbers (BR), styrene-butadiene rubbers (SBR), polyisoprene rubbers and butyl rubbers (IIR, such as polyisobutylene isoprene rubber, PIBI) as well as heteroelement-containing copolymers, for example saturated copolymer rubbers, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVM), hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), epichlorhydrin rubber (ECO), acrylate rubbers (ACM) and silicon rubbers (SI), as well as unsaturated copolymers, such as nitrile rubbers (NBR), for example, as well as galvanic cells containing the bonded lithium anode according to the invention and method for producing the bonded lithium anode. |
| US09649685B2 |
Injection compression molding of amorphous alloys
Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for forming bulk metallic glass (BMG) articles using a mold having a stationary mold part and a movable mold part paired to form a mold cavity. A molten material can be injected to fill the mold cavity. The molten material can then be cooled into a BMG article at a desired cooling rate. While injecting and/or cooling the molten material, the movement of the movable mold part can be controlled, such that a thermal contact between the molten material and the mold can be maintained. BMG articles can be formed without forming an underfilled part. Additional structural features can be imparted in the BMG article during formation. At least a portion of the formed BMG article can have an aspect ratio (first dimension/second dimension) of at least 10 or less than 0.1. |
| US09649684B2 |
Twin roll strip casting method
There is provided a twin roll strip casting method. The twin roll strip casting method includes: continuously producing a strip by forming a molten steel pool using rotating rolls and edge dams contacting ends of the rotating rolls, and supplying molten steel to the molten steel pool; and lifting the edge dams by taking an amount of wear of the edge dams, occurring during casting, into consideration. |
| US09649678B2 |
Closing element for a rolling press frame
A closing element for a machine frame of a rolling press, that sits on the end of a frame element as a hasp. The closing element includes an element enabling a pendular motion on the frame element. In this way, floating mounting of the closing element is achieved. This enables a very fast dismounting that facilitates the replacement of the rolls, and leads to an optimum arrangement of the closing elements on corresponding end pieces of the machine frame. |
| US09649673B2 |
System and method for strengthening a sloped structure such as a berm, basin, levee, embankment, or the like
Embodiments of the invention comprise a system for strengthening a sloped structure such as a berm, basin, levee, or embankment. The comprises first and second opposing sides, the second side being adjacent the sloped structure; a bottom side adjoining bottom edges of the first and second sides, thereby forming a cavity within the first, second, and bottom sides; fill material disposed within the cavity; an impermeable membrane encapsulating at least a portion of the fill material; and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed within the fill material. |
| US09649670B2 |
Pipe conditioning tool
A pipe conditioning tool comprising a drive unit to move the tool along a pipe and a work head rotatable about an axis of the pipe to condition a surface of the pipe, the drive unit includes a frame extending to opposite sides of the pipe, the frame having legs extending radially beyond the work head to provide support for the tool upon removal from said pipe. |
| US09649669B1 |
Apparatus for cleaning drywall tools
An apparatus for cleaning drywall tools includes a structure supporting two tanks, one above the other. The lower tank holds a supply of rinse water that includes a water-clarifying agent. A water-pumping assembly pumps the rinse water from the lower tank for pressurized tool-rinsing above the upper tank, with the upper tank collecting the used rinse water. After mud has settled from the used rinse water, thereby resulting in a body of clarified rinse water disposed above the settled mud, an upper water-draining assembly on the upper tank drains the clarified rinse water back to the lower tank for reuse or removal. A user lowers an adjustable inlet on the upper water-draining assembly to a position within the body of clarified rinse water so that only the clarified rinse water drains, without the settled mud. The apparatus is preferably work-bench size in order to enable contemporaneous tool cleaning by two users. |
| US09649665B2 |
Vibrating equipment and method of processing material
Vibrating equipment is provided with a vibrating body supported on a frame. The vibrating body is vibrated by at least one first vibrating device, wherein a vibrating deck of the vibrating body moves in a vertical direction and in a machine direction. The vibrating equipment additionally includes at least one second vibrating device arranged to vibrate the vibrating deck in a lateral direction. Further, a method of processing a material is disclosed. |
| US09649662B2 |
Seamless reinforced concrete structural insulated panel
A structural insulated panel includes a core of thermally insulating material having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first skin coupled to the first side of the core, and a second skin coupled to the second side of the core. The first skin, the second skin, or both the first and second skins may include a sheet of reinforced concrete material. Each sheet of reinforced concrete material may include calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement and a reinforcing material disposed in at least a portion of the CSA cement. |
| US09649661B2 |
Pipeline pig and method for using the pig
A pipeline pig for wetting the top inner surface of a pipeline comprising a pig body, one or more circular brushes attached to the pig body, and means for rotating the one or more circular brushes as the pig moves through the pipeline. |
| US09649658B2 |
Coating device for applying coating color onto a fiber web and method for coating of a fiber web
A coating device and method for coating a fiber web for applying coating color onto a fiber web has a nozzle unit with at least one nozzle part (10), a feeding chamber (11) and at least one equalizing chamber (13; 13′), a feed hole (12) between the feeding chamber (11) and the first equalizing chamber (13), and a nozzle slot (14′) from which the coating color is discharged through the nozzle slot (14′) outlet opening (15). A mixing chamber (20) between the outlet area of the feed hole (12) and the equalizing chamber (13) functions as a means for distributing uniformly the inhomogeneous coating color flow entering the equalizing chamber (13) from the feed hole (12). The coating from the feed hole is directed to a wall (22) of mixing chambers (20) which distribute uniformly the coating entering the equalizing chamber (13). |
| US09649655B2 |
Coating apparatus and liquid surface detecting method
Disclosed is a coating apparatus configured to properly detect a liquid surface of a coating liquid stored within a slit nozzle. The disclosed coating apparatus includes a slit nozzle, a moving mechanism, a storage portion illumination unit, and an imaging unit. The slit nozzle includes an elongated main body, a storage portion configured to store a coating liquid within the main body, and a slit-shaped ejecting port configured to eject the coating liquid fed from the storage portion through a slit-shaped flow path, wherein at least a part of each of a first wall and a second wall which face each other in the main body is formed of a transparent member. The moving mechanism is configured to move the slit nozzle with respect to a substrate. The storage portion illumination unit is configured to illuminate an inside of the storage portion through the transparent member of the first wall. The imaging unit is configured to image the inside of the storage portion through the transparent member of the second wall. |
| US09649653B2 |
Fixture assembly for securing a spray gun to a shaker
A fixture assembly for securing a spray gun to a shaking device includes a body securable to the shaking device. The body includes an open receptacle for at least partially receiving a reservoir of the spray gun. A support member is secured to the body and is configured to support the spray gun on the body while the reservoir is positioned in the open receptacle and shaken by the shaking device. |
| US09649651B2 |
Control function and display for controlling spray gun
Control method and apparatus for a manual spray gun includes display that is disposed on the spray gun and that provides information to an operator about one or more coating operation parameters. An auxiliary trigger may be used that enables an operator to makes selections of one or more coating operation parameters. The display and auxiliary trigger together permit an operator to make selections without having to divert attention or field of view away from the spray gun or the coating area, especially during a coating operation. |
| US09649650B2 |
Mixing and dispensing device
A device for mixing and dispensing fluids has first and second walls that form a chamber connected to a nozzle. Inlets each configured to receive one fluid are arranged in the first wall. Proximate edges of the inlets are an equal distance from a central point on the first wall. A seal having top and bottom surfaces and a center through hole is positioned in the chamber. The center hole is substantially aligned with the central point. A surface area of the top surface is greater than a sum of the sectional areas of the inlets. A dispensing pump moves the seal between a sealed position in which the bottom surface seals the inlets and an open position in which the bottom surface is spaced away from the inlets to open the inlets to draw the fluids into the chamber to form the mixture for dispensing through the nozzle. |
| US09649649B2 |
Sport-type multifunctional spray mineral water bottle
The invention discloses a cap of spray mineral water bottle, including cap body, spray means and water locking means. This cap of spray mineral water is used with resilient mineral water bottle body to form a multifunctional spray mineral water bottle, which can ensure normal drinking of mineral water as well as carry out spray drinking of water by means of squeezing the bottle body to transform bottle body and increase the pressure inside the bottle, thus making water to enter inlet from the outlet of water locking means on the cap, and to enter the atomizing channel through the water channel, finally to be sprayed from the spray aperture. Furthermore, in the open air or in the dusty and hot environment, you can place the mineral water bottle upside down, put the nozzle to face your body or surrounding, and squeeze the bottle body to spray, thus reducing surrounding temperature, as well as subsiding dust by combining dust and spray to make you feel cool, fresh and comfortable. |
| US09649645B2 |
Multi-function sprayhead
A sprayhead includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The body includes a fluid inlet proximate the first end and a fluid outlet proximate the second end. The sprayhead includes a first disc fixed to the body and a second disc moveably coupled to the body. Rotation of the second disc relative to the first disc causes a first response. Translation of the second disc relative to the first disc causes a second response. |
| US09649638B2 |
Process and apparatus for online rejuvenation of contaminated sulfolane solvent
A continuous online process for rejuvenating whole stream of contaminated lean sulfolane in an extraction system is provided. A rejuvenator is installed in the solvent: circulation loop to remove the contaminants continuously to keep the solvent clean, effective and less corrosive. The rejuvenator includes a high pressure vessel with a removable cover and a round rack with vertical stainless steel tubes fitted in the high pressure vessel. A magnetic bar is placed in each stainless steel tube. A screen cylinder is installed outside the ring of stainless steel tubes. As the contaminated sulfolane is passed through the rejuvenator, the rejuvenator picks up contaminants. The rejuvenator can be dissembled to remove the contaminants periodically. The rejuvenator is simple in construction, reliable in operation, and low in operation and maintenance costs. With this rejuvenator, the extraction system operates at high efficiency and high capacity without the dreaded corrosion. |
| US09649637B2 |
Device and method for processing materials
Apparatus and method for processing materials such as granular matter mined from deposits, comprising a tubular container disposed upright and an axle device provided centered therein. A processing chamber for receiving the material to be processed is provided between the axle device and the inner wall of the tubular container. The tubular container is driven rotatingly. Engaging dogs are provided in the processing chamber as working elements. |
| US09649636B2 |
Pipette tip handling devices and methods
Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration. |
| US09649635B2 |
System for generating droplets with push-back to remove oil
System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for forming and concentrating emulsions. An exemplary system may comprise a device including a sample well configured to receive sample-containing fluid, a continuous-phase well configured to receive continuous-phase fluid, a droplet well, and a channel network interconnecting the wells. The system also may comprise an instrument configured to operatively receive the device and to create (i) a first pressure differential to produce an emulsion collected in the droplet well and (ii) a second pressure differential to decrease a volume fraction of continuous-phase fluid in the emulsion, after the emulsion has been collected in the droplet well, by selectively driving continuous-phase fluid, relative to sample-containing droplets, from the droplet well. |
| US09649630B2 |
Patch area cell adhesion
The invention provides a chip for use in a microfluidic analysis system, for example a patch-clamp system, said chip having improved cell adhesion through a predetermined pattern of hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. A method for manufacture of the chips, and a method for improving the adhesion of a cell to a chip are also disclosed. |
| US09649627B1 |
Sinter-resistant low-cost catalysts manufactured by solution-based nanoparticle coating processes
Catalysts that are resistant to high-temperature sintering and methods for preparing such catalysts that are resistant to sintering at high temperatures are provided. The catalysts include a metal nanoparticle bound to a metal oxide support, where the metal nanoparticle and support are coated with a porous metal oxide coating layer. The catalyst is prepared by contacting a metal nanoparticle bound to a metal oxide support with a solution of metal salts, drying the solution of metal salts, and calcining the metal salts to generate a porous metal oxide coating on the metal nanoparticle and metal oxide support. |
| US09649624B2 |
Catalyst for thermocatalytic conversion of biomass to liquid fuels and chemicals
Catalyst compositions comprising a phosphorous-promoted ZSM-5 component and a silica-containing binder, and methods for making and using same, are disclosed. More, specifically, processes for making a catalyst for biomass conversion are provided. The process includes: treating a ZSM-5 zeolite with a phosphorous-containing compound to form a phosphorous-promoted ZSM-5 component; preparing a slurry comprising the phosphorous-promoted ZSM-5 component and a silica-containing binder; and shaping the slurry into shaped bodes. Such catalysts can be used for the Thermocatalytic conversion of particulate biomass to liquid products such as bio-oil, resulting in higher bio-oil yields and lower coke than conventional catalysts. |
| US09649623B2 |
Preparing phosphorus containing alumina support by sol-gel method for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and catalyst preparation thereof
The present invention relates to a process of preparing of a phosphorus-containing phosphorus-alumina support by a sol-gel method and a cobalt/phosphorus-alumina catalyst where cobalt is supported onto the phosphorus-alumina support as an active ingredient. The phosphorus-alumina support is prepared by a sol-gel method and has wide specific surface area with bimodal pore size distribution and high cobalt dispersion, thereby enabling to increase heat and mass transfer, stabilize the structure by modifying the surface property of alumina and decrease the deactivation rate due to the reduced oxidation of cobalt component during the F-T reaction. When Fischer-Tropsch reaction (F-T) is conducted on the catalyst, the catalyst maintains a superior thermal stability, inhibits the deactivation due to water generation during the F-T reaction and also causes relatively high conversion of carbon monoxide and stable selectivity of liquid hydrocarbons. |
| US09649620B2 |
Particulate sorption medium prepared from partially decomposed organic matter
A process for the preparation from a partially decomposed organic material like peat a granulated or pelletized sorption medium using low-temperature, thermal activation of the sorption medium to produce a high degree of granule or pellet hardness balanced against an efficacious level of ion-exchange and adsorption capacity, followed by chemical treatment of the thermally-activated sorption material via an acid solution and a salt solution to increase its ion-exchange and adsorption performance while minimizing the transfer of natural impurities found in the sorption medium to an aqueous solution is provided by this invention. The sorption medium of this invention can be used in a variety of aqueous solution treatment processes, such as wastewater treatment. |
| US09649617B2 |
Continuous solid-state polymerization device and method
A continuous solid-state polymerization device according to the present invention comprises: a feeder for injecting a prepolymer continuously; a transverse reactor connected to the feeder via a first connector to receive the prepolymer from the feeder and to perform solid-state polymerization, the reactor itself rotating; and a chamber connected to the transverse reactor via a second connector to receive a polymer, which has been discharged from the transverse reactor, and solid-state polymerization of which has been completed, and to discharge the polymer, wherein the transverse reactor has a demolding coating film formed on the inner wall thereof, and the feeder, the transverse reactor and the chamber are in a vacuum state. The continuous solid-state polymerization device can prevent formation of an interval, in which the prepolymer stagnates, and can perform solid-state polymerization continuously in a vacuum state without using inert gas. |
| US09649612B2 |
Dual vessel reactor
A dual vessel reactor and a method of carrying out a reaction using a dual vessel reactor are provided using a non-condensable gas to substantially isolate the inner vessel from the outer vessel during the reaction and limit the heating of the outer vessel when steam from the inner vessel condenses on the interior surface of the outer vessel. By limiting the heating of the outer vessel through the condensation of the steam or other vapour from the inner vessel, the operating temperature of the outer vessel is kept below an upper threshold of the operating temperature of a seal used to seal the door in the outer vessel. |
| US09649610B2 |
Protected Fischer-Tropsch catalyst and method of providing same to a Fischer-Tropsch process
A method of preparing a spray dried catalyst by combining spray dried catalyst particles with wax so the spray dried catalyst particles are coated with wax, yielding wax coated catalyst particles, and shaping the wax coated catalyst to provide shaped wax coated catalyst. A method of activating Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particles containing oxides by contacting the catalyst particles with a reducing gas in an activation vessel to produce an activated catalyst, wherein contacting is performed in the absence of a liquid medium under activation conditions. A system for activating a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst containing an activation reactor configured to introduce an activation gas to a fixed or fluidized bed of the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in the absence of a liquid medium and at least one separation device configured to separate a gas stream comprising entrained catalyst fines having an average particle size below a desired cutoff size from the activation reactor. |
| US09649607B2 |
Arrangement for mixing a fluid to a process liquid and a method of operating the arrangement
An arrangement for mixing a fluid to a process liquid by using at least one mixing station and a method of operating the arrangement to feed injection or mixing liquid to injection mixers arranged on a periphery of a flow pipe transferring a process liquid. The arrangement and the method are applicable for the injection of mixers and chemical mixing in processes for the wood processing industry. |
| US09649604B2 |
Injector grid with two stage mixer
An injector mixer arrangement (10) for supplying a reducing agent in gaseous form into a flue gas flowing in a gas duct (14) communicating with a catalyst (18a) in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reactor (12) arranged downstream of said injector mixer arrangement (10). The injector mixer arrangement (10) comprises an injector grid (22) equipped with a plurality of nozzles (30) arranged horizontally within the gas duct (14). The nozzles (30) are adapted to supply said reducing agent to the gas duct (14). The injector mixer arrangement (10) further comprises first stage mixer plates (24) and second stage mixer plates (26) arranged in the gas duct (14) downstream of said nozzles (30) and upstream of SCR reactor 12. |
| US09649601B2 |
Composite membranes for olefin/paraffin separation
This invention presents a metal-doped zeolite membrane-based apparatus containing molecular sieving zeolite thin film on the seeded porous substrate. The metal-doped zeolite membrane exhibits high selectivity to olefin over paraffins. The membrane is synthesized by seed coating and secondary growth method, followed by metal doping and post treatment processes. |
| US09649598B2 |
Method and system for increasing recovery and preventing precipitation fouling in pressure-driven membrane processes
The invention provides a process for purifying water containing soluble species capable of forming one or more sparingly soluble salts or minerals, said process comprising feeding a pressurized water stream into a treatment zone having one or more membranes disposed therein, passing said stream along said membrane(s) to recover a permeate and to withdraw a concentrate therefrom while periodically reversing the direction of the flow of said stream in said treatment zone, wherein the periodicity of the flow reversal is such that said one or more membranes are exposed to supersaturation conditions evolving in said water stream for a period of time which is less then the time required for said supersaturated water stream to precipitate one or more of said sparingly soluble salts and/or minerals therefrom. |
| US09649597B2 |
Polyamide water-treatment separation membrane with improved antifouling properties and manufacturing method thereof
A water-treatment separation membrane with good antifouling properties includes a support having pores, a polyamide layer formed on the support, and a passivation layer comprising specific materials formed on the polyamide layer. |
| US09649595B2 |
Mixing structure
In a mixing structure with an injector 3 arranged 2 immediately after a bend 1a of an exhaust pipe 1, urea water 5 being injected by the injector 3 into the exhaust pipe 1 for mixing, a pipe diameter Dp downstream of the bend 1a of the exhaust pipe 1 is large relative to a pipe diameter De upstream of the bend. |
| US09649592B2 |
Plasma abatement of compounds containing heavy atoms
A plasma abatement process for abating effluent containing compounds from a processing chamber is described. A plasma abatement process takes gaseous foreline effluent from a processing chamber, such as a deposition chamber, and reacts the effluent within a plasma chamber placed in the foreline path. The plasma dissociates the compounds within the effluent, converting the effluent into more benign compounds. Abating reagents may assist in the abating of the compounds. The abatement process may be a volatizing or a condensing abatement process. Representative volatilizing abating reagents include, for example, CH4, H2O, H2, NF3, SF6, F2, HCl, HF, Cl2, and HBr. Representative condensing abating reagents include, for example, H2, H2O, O2, N2, O3, CO, CO2, NH3, N2O, CH4, and combinations thereof. |
| US09649590B2 |
System and method for gas recovery and reuse
Process gas(es), such as but not limited to helium, can be used in the manufacture of a variety of objects. Described herein are methods to collect, reuse, and recycle the process gas(es) that are used in the production process rather than treat these materials as waste. |
| US09649585B2 |
Filter system with sensor socket
A filter system has a housing with a housing wall and at least one lid. An inlet socket is arranged at the housing and feeds a fluid to be filtered into the housing. An outlet socket is arranged at the housing and discharges the fluid that has been filtered from the housing. A sensor socket is arranged at an end section of the housing. The sensor socket is arranged angularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing at the outlet socket. |
| US09649584B2 |
Multi-stage filter element assembly
Multi-stage filtration apparatus is provided. A fluid is forced through different filter stage elements allowing for removal of various contaminants from the fluid. |
| US09649581B2 |
Screen seal
A seal for preventing the bypass of solids from a filter screen assembly that can be used in water and wastewater treatment. The seal can include an L-shaped bracket and a housing that can include a channel-shaped member. A first panel of the L-shaped bracket can be inserted into a groove of a belt of the filter screen assembly so as to fill that groove. The belt can be insertably received into a channel recess of the channel-shaped member of the housing. A second panel of the L-shaped bracket can be fastened to one side wall of the channel-shaped member. By securing the L-shaped bracket to the channel-shaped member of the housing, a track is formed for slidably engaging the belt during its rotational movement. The belt's contact with the first panel of the L-shaped bracket inserted into the belt's groove forms a tight, continuous seal. |
| US09649573B2 |
Bokah blocks
A Toy assembly includes a flexible joint element and a construction member. The flexible joint element comprises two spherical components and a flexible string. The two spherical components are coupled to the flexible string at the two ends of the flexible string. The construction member comprises two slots and two holes which can receive the flexible joint element. Multiple construction members can be assembled, utilizing flexible joint elements, to construct toys or other structures with members having six (6) degrees of freedom. |
| US09649572B2 |
Positioning mechanism for construction toy
A positioning mechanism for use in conjunction with rod and connector construction toy sets, such as K'NEX, to enable incrementally adjustable positioning of rods relative to associated connectors. The new mechanism includes first and second positioning members. The first, positioning member is, mounted on a rod for angular movement and includes a cylindrical outer surface with multiple detent notches. The second positioning member has a convergent pair of resilient fingers engaged with a spaced pair of the detent notches to releasably retain the first positioning member in any incrementally adjusted position. The second positioning member includes mounting studs engageable with laterally spaced connectors of an assembly, and a separate locating element engageable with at least one of the connectors to fix the second positioning member against rotation. The first and second positioning members are easily incorporated into otherwise standard rod and connector structures to achieve the desired incremental adjustability. |
| US09649571B1 |
Water rocket fin attachment system
A plastic sheet that can be formed into a cylinder or truncated cone and attached to a pressure vessel by use of integral self-adhesive tabs. The cylinder or truncated cone is then used as an extension and structure for the attachment of rocket fins. |
| US09649568B2 |
Game system for changing a difficulty level of a game
An object of the present invention is to provide a high-preference game system that can reduce a game development burden of a game system operator, can increase the desire of a player to iteratively play a game, and enables a player to play a game without aversion.When a player requests a game open in a dungeon, 5 points among the points retained by the player is consumed, and 3 points are temporarily pooled in the dungeon. When the player succeeds in satisfying a clear condition of the dungeon, a total of 13 temporarily-pooled and not pooled points is added to a retention point of the player. Also, when the player fails to satisfy the clear condition of the dungeon, the temporarily pooled points are pooled in the dungeon. |
| US09649567B2 |
Method and apparatus for configuring a computing environment
A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include receiving, by a system comprising a processor, a request from a mobile communication device to configure a computing environment for executing a software application, identifying a deficiency in an availability of a resource of the computing environment responsive to receiving the request, adjusting an operation of the computing environment to change the availability of the resource responsive to identifying the resource deficiency, and providing an action of a plurality of associable actions to the computer environment for use in the software application, where the action replaces a received stimulation of a user input that is associated with the executing of the software application. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09649565B2 |
Server based interactive video game with toys
A video game system comprising a console (such as a game console, computer, mobile device or web site), a peripheral for a gaming platform, and a toy. The gaming platform is capable of identifying the toy and a character corresponding to the toy is depicted in the video game. The video game character corresponding to the toy has certain characteristics and/or attributes. The data for these characteristics and attributes is stored on a server accessible to each compatible gaming platform. As the user uses the character to play the video game, thereby altering the character's characteristics and attributes, the updated attributes are stored by the game system to the server connected to the game system. Updated character data is thereafter available to the user for subsequent game play via any gaming platform connected to the server. |
| US09649564B2 |
Peer-to-peer wagering platform
Data characterizing historical skills-based gaming metrics for a first user and historical skills-based gaming metrics for at least one second user is accessed. Using the accessed data and a set of rules, a targeted advertisement to present to the first user is determined. The targeted advertisement specifies at least one skills-based game and a characterization of the at least one second user's historical skills-based gaming metrics. The targeted advertisement is generated. Data characterizing the targeted advertisement is provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described. |
| US09649561B2 |
Rendering control apparatus, control method thereof, recording medium, rendering server, and rendering system
For each of a plurality of rendering objects to be used to generate a screen to be provided for a client device, identification information and detailed information indicating data necessary for rendering are acquired. By referring to detailed information of each of the plurality of rendering objects, the rendering order of all the rendering objects is determined so as to allocate consecutive ordinal numbers to rendering objects having at least partial data indicated by detailed information in common. A rendering control apparatus transfers data, indicated by detailed information of a rendering object in accordance with the rendering order, to a GPU. In this process, among data indicated by detailed information of rendering objects which are continuous in the rendering order, only data which is not the same as data already transferred to the GPU is read out and transferred. |
| US09649559B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for presenting media in a wagering game machine
System, methods and apparatus for presenting media in a wagering game machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an internal media request from a component of the wagering game machine and receiving an external data signal from outside the wagering game machine. In the embodiment, the method also includes preparing media based on the internal media request and the external data signal and presenting the media on media presentation devices. |
| US09649558B2 |
Gaming device with rotatably placed cameras
A method to identify positions of fingers of a hand is described. The method includes capturing images of a first hand using a plurality of cameras that are part of a wearable device. The wearable device is attached to a wrist of a second hand and the plurality of cameras of the wearable device is disposed around the wearable device. The method includes repeating capturing of additional images of the first hand, the images and the additional images captured to produce a stream of captured image data during a session of presenting the virtual environment in a head mounted display (HMD). The method includes sending the stream of captured image data to a computing device that is interfaced with the HMD. The computing device is configured to process the captured image data to identify changes in positions of the fingers of the first hand. |
| US09649549B2 |
Physical playing card gaming systems and related methods
A physical playing card gaming system includes a gaming table including at least one dealer position and at least one player position. The system includes a physical playing card handling device that is configured to read at least one of a card rank and card suit of physical playing cards. The system also includes at least one processor in communication with the physical playing card handling device and a video monitor. The at least one processor is programmed to determine the composition of at least one dealer hand and at least one player hand based on the at least one of card rank and card suit read. The at least one processor is programmed to cause game information based on the determined hands to be displayed in response to dealer input. Methods of operating such a physical playing card gaming system include displaying the game information upon dealer request. |
| US09649543B2 |
Golf club head and method of manufacturing golf club head
A golf club head and method of manufacturing are disclosed. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09649538B2 |
Multi-layer core golf ball
A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the core consisting of: a solid inner core layer formed from a first unfoamed thermoplastic composition TP1 and having a diameter of 1.10 inch or less and a center Shore C hardness (Hcenter) of 50 or less, one or more optional intermediate core layers, and an outer core layer formed from a second thermoplastic composition TP2 and having a thickness of 0.200 inches or greater and an outer surface Shore C hardness (Houter surface) of 70 or greater, wherein Houter surface>Hcenter, and Houter surface−Hcenter≧40. |
| US09649537B2 |
Solid golf ball
The invention provides a solid golf ball which has a core of at least one layer and a cover of at least one layer. At least one layer of the core is formed primarily of polybutadiene and includes at least 0.05 part by weight of a polyurethane resin powder having an average particle size of not more than 2 mm per 100 parts by weight of rubber component. At least one layer of the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane. |
| US09649535B2 |
Lower leg and boot swimming fin system
Provided is a swimming fin system that includes a boot portion and a lower leg portion for improved swimming efficiency and normal ambulation over dry land. The lower leg portion comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve configured to receive the lower leg of a wearer and support a pair of laterally extending fin members. The fin members are substantially rectangular and do not overlap the swimmer's ankle or foot. Each boot portion receives the foot and heel of the wearer, while supporting a pair of substantially rectangular fin members that extend from the lateral sides of the boot. The fins do not extend substantially beyond the toes of the wearer. While donned, the fins of the boot and lower leg portions can be angled relative to one another during kicking motions, while the fins of the boot portions do not interfere with a user's gait over dry land. |
| US09649534B2 |
Composite dive fin assembly
A composite dive fin assembly for a user swimming in a body of water having primary, secondary, and lateral portions which each define corresponding oppositely disposed propulsion surfaces. The primary, secondary, and lateral portions also each having a corresponding propulsion edge. The primary, secondary, and lateral propulsion surfaces cooperatively oriented to displace an amount of water over a corresponding one of the primary, secondary, and lateral propulsion edges when the composite dive fin assembly is moved in the body of water in which the user is swimming. The primary, secondary, and lateral propulsion surfaces are cooperatively configured to displace a greater amount of water over corresponding propulsion edges relative to previously known dive fins while reducing the resistive forces while displacing water, allowing a user to swim further and/or faster with the less effort. |
| US09649530B2 |
Full-body exercise system including a plurality of independently operable appendicular members
A full-body exercise system is described. The full-body exercise system includes a frame, and plurality of appendicular members extending from the frame. Each of the plurality of appendicular members is configured for engagement with a respective limb of a user. Further, each of the plurality of appendicular members is movable in a degree of freedom independent of other ones of the plurality of appendicular members. The full-body exercise system also includes a resistive system configured to provide a resistive force on each of the plurality of appendicular members with respect to movement in its respective degree of freedom. The resistive force provided by the resistive system on each of the plurality of appendicular members is adjustable in a generally continuous manner independent of resistive forces on other ones of the plurality of appendicular members. |
| US09649526B2 |
Multi-axis adjustable exercise machine
A multi-axis adjustable exercise machine which is pivotable about both a pitch axis and a roll axis with respect to a base for allowing an exerciser to perform a wide range of exercises on a pitched or rolled exercise machine. The multi-axis adjustable exercise machine generally includes an exercise machine which is adjustable with respect to a base. The exercise machine may be pivoted about a roll axis to adjust the roll angle of the exercise machine or may be pivoted about a pitch axis to adjust the pitch angle of the exercise machine. One or more actuators may be connected between the base and the exercise machine to effectuate the pivoting of the exercise machine about either or both axes with respect to the base. |
| US09649519B2 |
Firefighting device feedback control
A control system for a fire fighting component includes a detector for detecting a position of at least a portion of a fire fighting component relative to an axis, which generates an output position signal indicative of the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting component, and a controller in communication with the detector and receiving the output position signal. The controller generates a display output signal based on the output position signal. The system further includes a display that is in communication with the controller and receives the display output signal. The display generates an icon that is a graphical representation of the fire fighting device, and configures the icon based on the output display signal wherein the configuration of the icon indicates the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting device. |
| US09649516B2 |
Shock absorbing anchor arm assembly
An assembly comprises an arm, a first connector, a second connector, an elongate member, and a shock absorber. The arm has a first arm end, a second arm end, a bore extending longitudinally through the arm, and an opening proximate the second arm end providing access to the bore. The first connector is connected to the arm proximate the first arm end, and the second connector is connected to the arm proximate the second arm end. The elongate member has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first connecting end and a second connecting end. The first connecting end is connected to the second connector, the intermediate portion extends toward the first arm end and back toward the second arm end, and the second connecting end extends through the opening. The shock absorber has a first portion connected to the first connector and a second portion connected to the intermediate portion. |
| US09649515B2 |
Dorsal wear-pad
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a dorsal wear-pad having an external, low-friction, high-wear-resistance surface, the dorsal wear-pad configured to be releasably coupled to a D-ring connection region of a fall-protection safety harness. In various embodiments, the dorsal wear-pad may project out and away from a wearer so as to prevent the D-ring from contacting a wall surface. For example, the dorsal wear-pad may have a D-ring aperture through which the D-ring may project. In some embodiments, the dorsal wear-pad may have a back shield to prevent a snap-hook connected to the D-ring from contacting a wearer's back. An exemplary embodiment may have two prominences, one on either side of the D-ring. Some exemplary dorsal wear-pads may advantageously protect both a wearer and the wearer's harness during sliding or leaning engagements with vertical surfaces. |
| US09649513B2 |
Aerosol dispenser
An aerosol container has a positive actuating structure. The aerosol container is comprised of a body section and a dispensing section. The body section has an aerosol container with a valve at an end that is adjacent the dispensing section. The dispensing section has an enclosing unit and an actuating unit with an actuating channel to receive the finger of a person to actuate the actuating unit. The actuating unit fits into the enclosing unit. The actuator channel extends through the dispensing section, at least part of the lower part of the actuator channel being flexible and in contact with the valve of the aerosol container. The actuator channel can be entirely of a flexible material which directly contacts the aerosol valve or be a part of a semi-rigid to rigid material which directly contacts the aerosol valve. Upon depressing the actuator channel the aerosol valve is actuated and product flows from the body section through the dispensing section to a dispensing aperture. |
| US09649508B2 |
Methods, systems and computer readable storage media storing instructions for determining patient specific treatment planning margins
Methods, systems and computer-readable storage media relate to determining individualized treatment planning margins. The methods may include processing motion data of a target obtained from at least one marker for one or more periods. Each period may include a plurality of time intervals. The processing may include processing the motion data to determine an isocenter for each time interval along at least one of the axes of motion. The axes can include the x axis, the y axis, and/or the z axis. The method may include determining motion prediction data for each of the at least one of the axes; and determining treatment planning margins for each of the at least one of the axes based on the motion prediction data. The individualized treatment margins can be smaller and more optimal because the treatment margins can incorporate patient specific patterns of motion of a target (e.g., an organ). |
| US09649507B2 |
Low level laser therapy for Alzheimer's disease
Methods and systems are provided for delivering visible or infrared biostimulatory energy to bone marrow to subjects having or developing Alzheimer's disease. The radiation is delivered to sites remote from the brain at a dose sufficient to cause stimulated mesenchymal stem cells to appear in the brain and degrade β-amyloid. The energy may be coherent light and can be administered transcutaneously, subcutaneously, or via an intramedullary probe. |
| US09649506B2 |
Apparatus and methods for phototherapy
There is provided a phototherapy apparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through one or more massage components. The massage component provides mechanical massage to the subject biological tissue and modifies the properties of the subject tissue in thickness, density, etc. to facilitate the absorption of the therapeutic light and enhance the effect of the phototherapy procedure. The light source of the phototherapy apparatus is actively cooled by a synthetic jet cooler. |
| US09649496B2 |
Physiologic response to a therapy change using a ventricular filling characteristic
A system includes a therapy control circuit, a therapy output circuit; and a physiologic interval sensing circuit configured to receive information about subject physiologic intervals. The therapy circuit is configured to determine a change in therapy that is provided by the therapy output circuit, determine that the change in therapy includes a change to a maximum interval of cardiac electrostimulation provided according to the therapy, detecting a change in a ventricular filling characteristic of the subject in response to the change in maximum interval of cardiac electrostimulation, determine an indication of a physiologic response of the subject to the therapy change using information about the change in the ventricular filling characteristic, and update the subject therapy provided by the therapy output circuit when the determined indication of the physiologic response to the therapy change indicates an increased likelihood of worsening health status of the subject. |
| US09649491B2 |
Electric stimulator
An electric stimulator includes a housing, a control circuit board, and at least two electrode plates. The housing includes an internal space formed therein and an outside surface in which at least one electrode plate retention slot is formed. The control circuit board is mounted in the internal space of the housing to control intensity and frequency of a current output. The electrode plates are electrically conductive and are received in the electrode plate retention slot of the housing and are in electric connection with the control circuit board. The electrode plates have an outside surface including a large-area contact surface and a small-area contact surface connected to the large-area contact surface. The large-area contact surface has a surface area greater than that of the small-area contact surface. The large-area contact surface and the small-area contact surface define therebetween an inclined angle that is not equal to 180 degrees. |
| US09649488B2 |
Contacting device for electrical connections to flexible electrode lines
A contacting device for electrical connections to flexible electrode lines insertable or implantable into a patient body, includes a line coil with a plurality of coradially bundled coil wires, an inner fixing sleeve for a partial bundle of the coil wires, the fixing sleeve has a through-slit running in the axial direction for the partial bundle of the coil wires, and a winding groove running in the peripheral direction for the partial bundle led through, an outer electrode sleeve sitting on the inner fixing sleeve and electrically contacted with the partial bundle, and a strain-resistant fixing between the fixing sleeve and the partial bundle guided through the through-slit via an application of force on the partial bundle by pressing the fixing sleeve onto the line coil to produce plastic deformation and by looping the led-out partial bundle around the fixing sleeve in the winding groove by a minimum looping angle. |
| US09649484B2 |
Snap connection for two tubes
A medical tube assembly is disclosed, and includes a first tube portion defining a longitudinal axis, a second tube portion, and a coupling member. The coupling member is configured to couple the first tube portion and the second tube portion. The coupling member is configured to circumferentially engage the second tube portion and has a protrusion configured to engage a portion of the first tube portion. The second tube portion is configured to transition the coupling member from a resting condition to a coupling condition. The coupling member is configured to engage the first tube portion in the coupling condition. |
| US09649479B2 |
Balloon catheter systems for delivery of dry drug delivery vesicles to a vessel in the body
Devices and methods for balloon delivery of rapamycin and other hydrophobic compounds to the wall of blood vessels. Balloon catheters, such as those used for balloon angioplasty, are modified with the addition of a reservoir of dry micelles, disposed at a suitable location within the balloon or catheter. The reservoir may be installed within the angioplasty balloon, within a lumen in communication with the angioplasty balloon, either as a loose or packed powder or as a film coating. The micelle preparation is reconstituted and the micelles are mobilized when the aqueous solution used to inflate the balloons is injected into the catheter. The micelles are infused into tissue surrounding the balloon when pressurized fluid within the balloon leaks through the wall of the balloon. |
| US09649475B2 |
Catheter device having a catheter and an actuation device
The invention relates to a catheter device, having a catheter (1), an actuation device (8) at a first end of the catheter and also a mechanical transmission element (9, 10) for transmitting a movement along the catheter to the actuation device, the actuation device having a coupling element (14) which is connected to the transmission element (9, 10) and can be actuated by the latter relative to the longitudinal direction of the catheter in a first degree of freedom, and also a conversion element (15) which can be actuated by the coupling element and which converts the actuation movement at least partially into a movement in a second degree of freedom. As a result, a combined movement at the distal end of the catheter can be produced particularly simply for compression and release of a functional element. |
| US09649474B2 |
Catheter having a readily bondable multilayer soft tip
A balloon catheter having a soft distal tip member having a non-tacky inner (liner) layer material and a soft flexible outer layer material, with both materials being readily thermally bondable to the catheter balloon. |
| US09649473B2 |
Adjustable stiffness catheter
Medical devices such as catheters can include structure or provision that permit a physician or other health care professional to adjust the stiffness of at least a portion of the medical device. In some instances, the medical device may be adjusted prior to inserting the medical device into a patient. In some cases, the medical device may be adjusted while in use within the patient. |
| US09649471B2 |
Catheter assembly with resealable opening
A catheter assembly includes a catheter, preferably having a hydrophilic surface coating; and a package accommodating said catheter. The package preferably also accommodates a wetting fluid. The package includes a first and a second sheet material connected around the edges; a perforation line extending along a non-closed loop in one of said sheet materials, which defines a flap opening; a third sheet material connected by means of an adhesive over said flap opening. The third sheet material with a margin covers the entire flap opening. The adhesive is adapted to maintain a sterile closure of the package before use, and to be resealable after use. The third sheet material forms a tab not provided with adhesive and the tab provides a grip portion for peel opening of the package. |
| US09649467B2 |
Nitric oxide reactor and distributor apparatus and method
A reaction and distribution system may include a distributor securable near or in a path correspond to a breathing passage such as the nostrils or the mouth of a user for delivering nitric oxide therapy thereto. The distributor may contain an internal reactor for creating the nitric oxide from reactants. Alternative embodiments may include an inhaler for delivering nitric oxide into the mouth of a user. The inhaler may contain a reaction chamber monolithic or contiguous with the inhaler for creating the nitric oxide from reactants. |
| US09649465B2 |
Oxygen concentrator apparatus and method having variable operation modes
An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. The oxygen concentrator system may operate in multiple modes, automatically determined or selected by the user, to take into account the different activity levels of the user. |
| US09649457B2 |
Process for operating a respirator and/or anesthesia device and a device operated correspondingly
A process for operating a respirator and/or an anesthesia device with measurement of a set percent Peak Expiratory Flow (% PEF) (15) or percent Peak Inspiratory Flow (% PIF) and regulation of the measured % PEF (15) or % PIF to the set % PEF (15) or % PIF. Furthermore, a suitable respirator and/or anesthesia device are provided. |
| US09649456B2 |
Nasal administration
A delivery device for and method of delivering a powdered substance, in particular a triptan, such as sumatriptan, to the posterior region of a nasal cavity of a subject, in particular for the treatment of headaches, for example, cluster headaches and migraine, and neuropathic pain, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece (47) for insertion into a nasal cavity of a subject through which the powdered substance is delivered to the posterior region of the nasal cavity of the subject, in particular the upper posterior two thirds of the nasal cavity; and a substance supply unit (16) which is operable to deliver the powdered substance through the nosepiece (47). |
| US09649451B2 |
Injection device with integrated needle shield
The invention relates to injection device, which device comprises an outer housing (1), a syringe body (10) and a needle shield (30). Both the syringe body (10) and the needle shield (30) are telescopically movable mounted to the housing (1) such that the needle shield (30) is movable relatively to the housing (1) between a first position and a second position, and the syringe body (10) is movable in relation to the housing (1) between an extended position and a retracted position. |
| US09649447B2 |
Flexible fastener for drug delivery device
An assembly is presented having a reservoir holder, a dose setting mechanism, and flexible fastener configured to fasten the reservoir holder to the dose setting mechanism, wherein the flexible fastener is provided at one of the reservoir holder and the dose setting mechanism. The flexible fastener is configured to releasably fasten the reservoir holder and the dose setting mechanism to each other. Moreover, said flexible fastener is arranged on a retention ring provided at the one of the reservoir holder and the dose setting mechanism. Furthermore, a drug delivery device with such an assembly is disclosed. |
| US09649441B2 |
Injection device (bayonet cap removal)
An injection device 110 is described having a housing 112 and a housing closure means 130. The injection device 110 houses a syringe 114 having a needle 118 which is sealed by a boot 117. The housing closure means 130 is arranged so that the boot 117 can be connected to the housing closure means 130 simply, but cannot be removed from the housing closure means 130. The housing 112 and housing closure means 130 are arranged so that upon rotation of the housing closure means 130, the housing closure means 130 member first rotates relative to the housing and then moves away from the housing. The injection device is simple to use and manufacture. |
| US09649437B2 |
Interventional catheter assemblies and control components for interventional catheter assemblies
Interventional catheter assemblies and components providing improved operational control of interventional catheters and/or operating heads of interventional catheters are provided. In general, controllers incorporate at least two operator selectable control features for controlling operation of the interventional catheter and/or an operating head, and are housed independently of the interventional catheter operating systems and other control systems, which may be provided in a housing located or locatable at a proximal region of the interventional catheter. The controller may be both dockable in and removable from the housing, and is operable in both a docked condition and a removed condition, providing flexibility and mobility in operational control during an interventional procedure. |
| US09649424B2 |
Blood component separation system and separation material
The present invention relates to a separation system and a separation material for easily and rapidly separating a red blood cell-rich fraction, a white blood cell-rich fraction, and/or a platelet-rich fraction from a biological fluid containing these blood cell components without the necessity of performing centrifugation. The separation of a red blood cell-rich fraction, a white blood cell-rich fraction, and/or a platelet-rich fraction from a biological fluid can be accomplished by capturing white blood cells and platelets on a blood cell separation material by contacting the biological fluid with the blood cell separation material, thereby providing a red blood cell-rich fraction; and recovering a white blood cell-rich fraction by separating white blood cells captured from the resulting blood cell separation material using a separation solution. |
| US09649419B2 |
Portable hemodialysis machine and disposable cartridge with dialysis reservoir level sensor
A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a disposable cartridge and a reused dialysis machine. The disposable cartridge includes a dialysate flow path and a blood flow path which flow in opposite directions through a dialyzer. The disposable cartridge includes a filter for removing waste products from the dialysate. The reused dialysis machine possesses a reservoir for dialysate, various sensors including a reservoir level sensor assembly, and a processor connected to the various sensors for controlling and monitoring hemodialysis treatment. The reservoir level sensor assembly includes a vertically extending electrode array for transmitting electrical signals to the processor detecting whether the reservoir possesses sufficient dialysate for therapy, and for detecting whether there is a fault condition during therapy such as a loss of dialysate in the reservoir or an increase in fluid in the reservoir which may indicate a failure in the dialysis membrane. |
| US09649415B2 |
Surgical kits for body cavity drainage and related methods
A surgical kit for draining a body cavity of a patient includes a sterile enclosure, a body cavity drainage device with a sterilized drainage tube having one or more lateral openings through a side wall thereof, and a sterilized body cavity drainage tube placement tool configured to be inserted through a lateral opening of the one or more lateral openings. The body cavity drainage device and the placement tool are contained within the sterile enclosure. Methods relate to providing surgical tools for draining a body cavity of a patient. |
| US09649409B2 |
Tissue engineering methods and compositions
Cells are employed in conjunction with unique biologically-compatible scaffold structures to generate differentiated tissues and structures, both in vitro and in vivo. The presently disclosed subject matter further relates to methods of forming and using improved tissue engineered scaffolds that can be used as substrates to facilitate the growth and differentiation of cells. |
| US09649405B2 |
Fibroin-containing hydrogels for pelvic tissue treatment
Compositions, systems, and methods for the treatment of pelvic tissue conditions that include use of a silk fibroin-containing hydrogel composition are disclosed. The composition may include a water-soluble fibroin and a water-soluble crosslinkable polymer that can be used as a pre-formed hydrogel, and/or delivered to a pelvic tissue site and crosslinked in situ to form a hydrogel. The composition may promote tissue closure, such as vaginal wound or fistula closure; and/or enhance attachment or anchoring of a pelvic implant to a pelvic tissue. The composition may be a hydrogel that is delivered to a pelvic tissue site, formed at the site in situ, and/or associated with a portion of the implant (e.g., a mesh implant) via a tether or implant extension portion, thereby providing improved immobilization of the implant. Systems or kits that include the composition and/or a delivery needle or insertion tool are also described. |
| US09649404B2 |
Bone filling cement
The present invention relates to an injectable bone cement for filling bones with mechanical properties equivalent to those of vertebral spongy bone comprising 70 to 99 wt. % of an acrylic polymer combined with an inorganic type radiopaque compound and 1 to 30 wt. % of calibrated hydrophilic flexible solid particles, said calibrated hydrophilic flexible solid particles being chosen from gelatin, poly(glycerol sebacate) or a mixture thereof.A bone cement according to the invention is particularly intended for vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty or cementoplasty. |
| US09649401B2 |
Ultraviolet irradiation apparatus
An ultraviolet irradiation apparatus includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; electrodes disposed directly or indirectly on the first substrate; a dielectric layer covering the electrodes; a sealant joining together the first and second substrates; a light-emitting layer that is disposed directly or indirectly on the dielectric layer and/or a surface of the second substrate; and a reaction vessel disposed directly or indirectly on a surface of the second substrate. The reaction vessel includes a tubular structure, an inlet channel and an outlet channel. The tubular structure has a ratio ha/hc of 5 to 10, where ha is a diameter of a circle inscribed in an inner bottom surface of the tubular structure, and hc is an inner height of the tubular structure. |
| US09649397B2 |
Sterilizer
Provided is a sterilizer for medical instruments including a sterilization chamber defining an inner space configured for containing medical instruments and pressurized sterilization fluid; a hatch configured to hermetically seal the inner space; a closure system configured to firmly constrain the hatch to the sterilization chamber; at least one discharge valve configured for placing the inner space in connection for fluid passage with an outside space; and a control unit configured to control the discharge valve. |
| US09649394B2 |
Compositions and methods for in vivo imaging
This document relates to compounds useful for targeting PARP1. Also provided herein are methods for using such compounds to detect and image cancer cells. |
| US09649390B2 |
Pyrrolobenzodiazepines and conjugates thereof
A conjugate of formula (A): |
| US09649387B2 |
Compositions and/or articles comprising cyclodextrin complexing material
Personal care products are provided. An exemplary personal care product includes a composition that is applied to the body or clothing, or an article applied against the body; a plurality of particles associated with the composition or a component of the article, the plurality of particles, at least some of the plurality of particles comprising a cyclodextrin complexing material and a first fragrance material, wherein the percent of the first fragrance material that is complexed with the cyclodextrin is greater than about 90%, so that the perceptibility of the first fragrance is minimized prior to its release; and a second fragrance material that is not complexed with the cyclodextrin and that is different from the first fragrance material, wherein the composition or article does not contain an antiperspirant active. |
| US09649384B2 |
Natural solubilizer agent comprising a synergistic blend of heptyl glucoside and olive oil glycereth-8 esters for transdermal compositions
The present disclosure refers to a synergistic blend of heptyl glucoside and olive oil derivatives, which is included as a natural solubilizer agent in transdermal compositions to improve API solubilization. Improved solubilization of APIs increases the absorption of APIs into the patient's bloodstream resulting in desired levels of hormones. Reduction of the amount of APIs within the transdermal compositions to achieve the desired levels of hormones will reduce symptoms of hormone deficiency. The synergistic blend within transdermal compositions functions as a solubilizer agent, which allows complete dissolution of hormones, improves water solubility and increases skin permeation. Hormones that can be used in transdermal compositions comprising the synergistic blend include systemically active hormones, which are delivered through the skin with the assistance of natural solubilizer agents and skin penetration enhancers to achieve a desired effect. |
| US09649380B2 |
Compositions comprising probiotic and prebiotic components and mineral salts, with lactoferrin
The present invention relates to compositions comprising probiotic and prebiotic components, mineral salts, lactoferrin, and possibly saccharomycetes, which perform correct, effective colonisation of the probiotic components administered, with enteric consequences which involve maintaining and/or restoring intestinal health and preventing the consequences of common dysbioses of the digestive tract caused by stress, incorrect dietary habits and antibiotic treatments. Said compositions also have a concomitant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating action. |
| US09649379B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition and pharmaceutical kit for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comprising Notch3 inhibitors and a chemotherapeutic agent, methods for the preparation of said compositions and a medical treatment comprising the administration of said pharmaceutical compositions in patients in need thereof. |
| US09649377B2 |
Methods of using IL-1β compounds to treat familial mediterranean fever (FMF)
This invention relates to methods employing IL-1β-ligand/IL-1 receptor disrupting compounds such as IL-1β antibodies or IL-1 receptor antibodies, in the treatment and/or prevention of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), in mammals, particularly humans. |
| US09649376B2 |
Selective removal of age-modified cells for treatment of atherosclerosis
A method of treating atherosclerosis comprises removing AGE-modified cells from a patient. The AGE-modified cells include erythrocytes, intima cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and foam cells. A variety of techniques, such as ultrasound and binding with an anti-AGE antibody, may be used to identify and remove the AGE-modified cells. |
| US09649375B2 |
Immunogenic peptide conjugate and method for inducing an anti-influenza therapeutic antibody response therewith
Immunogenic influenza hemagglutinin-derived peptide conjugates described herein induce a specific therapeutic antibody response against influenza virus. The immunogenic peptide conjugates comprise a segment from the fusion initiation region (FIR) domain of an influenza hemagglutinin protein conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein, such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), bovine serum albumin (BSA), an influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein (i.e., full length HA), and the like. The immunogenic peptide conjugates described herein can be utilized to treat or prevent influenza infection and to prepare influenza-specific therapeutic antibodies that interfere with influenza virus-host cell membrane fusion. The peptide conjugates can be formulated in pharmaceutical compositions useful for broad spectrum treatment or prevention of influenza infections. |
| US09649371B2 |
Recombinant mumps virus vaccine
The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of the epidemic mumps virus (MuV) strain MuVIowa/us/06. Further, a reverse genetics system was constructed and used to rescue recombinant viral constructs that are attenuated compared to MuVIowa/us/06 and JL vaccine viruses. Such constructs include viral constructs lacking the open reading frame (ORF) of the SH gene (rMuVΔSH) and/or incapable of expressing the V protein (rMuVΔV). |
| US09649365B2 |
Treatment of short bowel syndrome patients with colon-in-continuity
Intestinal absorption is enhanced in short bowel syndrome patients presenting with colon-in-continuity by treatment with a GLP-2 receptor agonist, such as teduglutide. |
| US09649364B2 |
Methods for producing stable therapeutic formulations in aprotic polar solvents
Certain embodiments are directed to a formulation of a therapeutic agent, as well as a method of making such a formulation, comprising at least one therapeutic agent dissolved in an aprotic polar solvent system comprising at least one ionization stabilizing excipient in a concentration sufficient to impart physical and chemical stability to the therapeutic agent. |
| US09649362B2 |
Peptide conjugates of GLP-1 receptor agonists and gastrin and their use
The present invention relates, inter alia, to certain peptide conjugates, and to the use of the conjugates in the treatment of a variety of diseases or disorders, including diabetes (type 1 and/or type 2) and diabetes-related diseases or disorders. |
| US09649361B2 |
Compositions and methods for the systemic treatment of arthritis
The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating arthritic joints found in patients with autoinflammation, e.g., systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis, by administering at the site of inflammation a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agent that reduces or blocks the bioavailability of interleukin-1β. |
| US09649360B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of disease involving abnormal accumulation of amyloid β protein
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of a disease involving abnormal accumulation of amyloid β protein comprising ILEI, or a vector into which a polynucleotide encoding ILEI is inserted; a method for screening a compound for the treatment and/or prevention of a disease involving abnormal accumulation of amyloid β protein; and a method for treating and/or preventing a disease involving abnormal accumulation of amyloid β protein. |
| US09649355B2 |
Compounds and methods for the treatment of vascular disease
The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of vascular dysfunction, reducing ischemic pain and/or treatment of a vascular disease comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of Annexin A5 or a functional analog or variant thereof to a patient in need of such treatment. The vascular dysfunction, ischemic pain and/or vascular disease may be associated with impaired endothelium mediated vasodilatation, a reduced eNOS activity, and/or a reduced NO bioavailability. The patient may be suffering from a disease selected from angina pectoris, ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, systolic hypertension, migraine, type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction. |
| US09649354B2 |
Polypeptide inhibitors of HSP27 kinase and uses therfor
The present invention provides polypeptide inhibitors of HSP27 kinase, compositions thereof, and methods for using such polypeptides and compositions for various therapeutic uses. |
| US09649352B2 |
High purity oritavancin and method of producing same
Drug substance preparations of oritavancin having high purity are disclosed, along with pharmaceutical compositions comprising such oritavancin drug substance preparations, and drug products or dosage forms comprising such pharmaceutical compositions. |
| US09649348B2 |
Compositions and method for treatment and prophylaxis of inflammatory bowel disease
Methods and compositions for treating inflammatory bowel disease involve the use of targeted antibiotics in combination with probiotic formulations. The probiotics mitigate many of the deleterious side effects associated with antibiotic use and permit the antibiotic to be administered at a higher dose and for a longer duration than would otherwise be possible in the absence of the probiotic. The practice of the invention may reduce or eliminate the use of immunosuppressants in the treatment and management of IBD. |
| US09649345B2 |
Human-derived bacteria that induce proliferation or accumulation of regulatory T cells
Species of human-derived bacteria belonging to the Clostridia class have been shown to induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon and suppress immune functions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these bacteria can be used to prevent and treat immune-mediated diseases such as autoimmune diseases. |
| US09649342B2 |
Regeneration of spinal discs
Compositions and processes for the effective and efficient regeneration of spinal discs are provided. These compositions contain stem cells, donor cells, and platelet plasma compositions. By using these compositions, there is an increased likelihood of acceptance and proper cell differentiation. |
| US09649338B2 |
Use of silver-containing layers at implant surfaces
The disclosure relates to coatings that contain silver, either in the form of metallic silver, silver oxides, salts of silver, or combinations of these. The silver is present in a microparticulate or nanoparticulate form, which exerts antimicrobial activity when bacteria (e.g., in a body fluid) contact the coated surface. The coatings are applied through accumulation of silver-containing particles on the surface, such as by sputtering or electron beam vapor deposition. As a result, their thickness, particle size, and density can be controlled. Furthermore, the surface can also be coated with other substances, such as diamond-like carbon or alumina, either as a discrete layer or intermixed with the silver-containing particles. |
| US09649337B2 |
Cerium oxide nanoparticles for the treatment and prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease
A method of treating or preventing neurological injury in a subject who has suffered a stroke is described. The method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of cerium oxide nanoparticles to the subject. Methods for prophylaxis against neurological injury from stroke, and methods for treating or preventing cardiovascular disease by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of cerium oxide nanoparticles are also described. |
| US09649335B1 |
Intravenous administration of an oxygen-enabled fluid
A method of treating a condition of a mammal, including a human individual and an animal, by intravenously administering a therapeutically effective amount of a poly-oxygenated metal hydroxide. In some embodiments, the poly-oxygenated metal hydroxide is an aluminum poly-oxygenated hydroxide, such as Ox66™. The poly-oxygenated metal hydroxide may have particles having a diameter of less than or equal to 1 um, and specifically having a diameter of less than or equal to 100 nm. The poly-oxygenated metal hydroxide may be 75-90% colloid or crystalline solution with 10-25% addition of poly-oxygenated metal hydroxide particles. |
| US09649333B2 |
Oxygenation procedures for newborns and devices for use therein
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for resuscitation of an infant which maintains healthy blood oxygen saturation values in the infant by titration of supplemental oxygen concentrations. |
| US09649332B2 |
Poly (β-hydroxy short-medium chain fatty acid)
The present invention provides a composition comprising a polymer of a β-hydroxy short-medium chain fatty acid, which is used for delivering the β-hydroxy short-medium chain fatty acid or an oligomer thereof to the large intestine. In case the composition is administrated orally, the composition will be delivered to the large intestine, without being degraded in the stomach or short intestine, and degraded by the large intestinal bacterial flora and release the short-medium chain fatty acid or an oligomer thereof. The released short-medium chain fatty acid or an oligomer thereof has useful physiological activities and is effective for treating or preventing inflammatory diseases or cancer in the large intestine. |
| US09649331B2 |
Sprayable polymers as adhesion barriers
A formulation for generating an adhesion barrier that includes a plurality of particles or a dry powder that is made of a polymer combination of at least one biodegradable polymer and at least one water soluble polymer is disclosed. Methods of making and delivering the formulation are further disclosed. The formulation of particles is deposited on a surface of internal body tissue and the deposited formulation absorbs moisture from the tissue and forms a film over the surface. The film acts as an adhesion barrier by reducing or preventing adhesion of the surface to other body tissue. |
| US09649327B2 |
Composition of novel carbohydrate drug for treatment of human diseases
Aspects of the invention provide compositions for use in the treatment galectin-dependent diseases. In particular, compositions comprising a selectively depolymerized, branched galactoarabino-rhamnogalacturonate whose backbone is predominantly comprised of 1,4-linked galacturonic acid (GalA) moieties, with a lesser backbone composition of alternating 1,4-linked GalA and 1,2-linked rhamnose (Rha), which in-turn is linked to any number of side chains, including predominantly 1,4-b-D-galactose (Gal) and 1,5-a-L-arabinose (Ara) residues. |
| US09649326B2 |
Compositions and methods of aloe polysaccharides
The present invention describes a method for preparing a polymannan extract from freeze-dried aloe powder. The polymannan extract of the present invention is further used to formulate a sterile injectable formulation for the treatment of one or more cancers, leukemias and lymphomas, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer, immune diseases, particularly immune related neoplasms, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and hepatitis C. |
| US09649324B2 |
Use of tylvalosin as antiviral agent
The Invention relates to the use of antibiotic, tylvalosin, as an anti-viral agent. Tylvalosin is particularly useful for the treatment of PRRSV. |
| US09649323B2 |
Methods of using dual-effect liposome in therapy
The invention provides a method for treating target in need of such a treatments in a subject, comprising (a) administering a liposome containing a photosensitizer and a drug to a subject and (b) irradiating targets at least one time at appropriate time(s). In particular, the irradiation is performed at least two times. |
| US09649322B2 |
Sphingomyelin-containing supplement
A solid supplement comprising the following components (A) and (B): (A) sphingomyelin in an amount of from 0.15 to 7% by mass; and (B) phosphatidyl inositol or a salt thereof, wherein the mass ratio of the content of phosphatidyl inositol or the salt thereof (B) in terms of phosphatidyl inositol content to the content of sphingomyelin (A) in the solid supplement, i.e., [(B)/(A)], is from 0.05 to 3. |
| US09649320B2 |
Non-hormonal steroid modulators of NF-κB for treatment of disease
The present invention relates to compounds and methods which may be useful as treatments of neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy, and as inhibitors of NF-κB for the treatment or prevention of muscular wasting disease, including muscular dystrophy. |
| US09649316B2 |
Induction of tumor hypoxia for cancer therapy
Methods and compositions for enhancing the ability of hypoxia-activated bioreductive agents to kill tumor cells within solid tumors are provided. Local regions of hypoxia are created within a tumor, or within a region containing a tumor, resulting in enhanced activation of hypoxia-activated bioreductive agents (e.g. tirapazamine) within the local region. The activated hypoxia-activated bioreductive agents kill tumor cells in the hypoxic region by catalyzing DNA stand breakage within the tumor cells. Because the activity is localized, side effects that typically occur as a result of systemic administration of bioreductive agents are reduced. |
| US09649311B2 |
Solid pharmaceutical compositions containing an integrase inhibitor
Compressed tablets for oral administration containing raltegravir in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt are described. The tablets comprise: (A) an intragranular component comprising (i) an effective amount of an alkali metal salt of raltegravir, (ii) optionally a first superdisintegrant, and (iii) a binder; and (B) an extragranular component comprising (i) a second superdisintegrant, (ii) a filler, and (iii) a lubricant. Methods for preparing the tablets and the use of the tablets, optionally in combination with other anti-HIV agents, for the inhibition of HIV integrase, for the treatment or prophylaxis of HIV infection, or for the treatment, delay in the onset, or prophylaxis of AIDS are also described. |
| US09649309B2 |
Therapeutic uses of selected pyrimidine compounds with anti-Mer tyrosine kinase activity
Uses of pyrimidines with anti-Mer tyrosine kinase activity as anti-infective agents, immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory agents, anti-cancer agents (including against MerTK−/− tumors and ITD and TKD mutant forms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)), and as adjunctive agents in combination with chemotherapeutic, radiation or other standard of care for neoplasms. |
| US09649305B2 |
PFKFB3 inhibitor and methods of use as an anti-cancer therapeutic
A novel compound, (E)-1-(pyridyn-4-yl)-3-(7-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-2-yl)-prop-2-en-1-one, is provided herein. (E)-1-(pyridyn-4-yl)-3-(7-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-2-yl)-prop-2-en-1-one is an inhibitor of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) with surprisingly superior efficacy and pharmacodynamic properties in vitro and in vivo. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions including the compound and methods of use of the compound in treating cancer and tumors in vivo, as well as inhibiting glycolytic flux and PFKFB3 enzymatic activity in cells. |
| US09649296B1 |
Heat sterilizeable, premixed, ready to use dexmedetomidine solution packaged in a flexible plastic container
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising dexmedetomidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein the composition is formulated as a liquid for parenteral administration to a subject, and wherein the composition is disposed in a flexible plastic container as a ready to use premixed solution. |
| US09649294B2 |
Glucagon receptor antagonist compounds, compositions containing such compounds and methods of use
Glucagon receptor antagonist compounds are disclosed which are of long duration of action. The compounds are useful for treating type 2 diabetes and related conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are also included. |
| US09649292B2 |
Method for treating prostate cancer and/or gastrointestinal cancer
Gold(III) complexes having mixed ligands as anticancer agents. The gold(III) complexes are coordinated to bidentate ligands having diamino functional groups: a diaminocyclohexane ligand and an ethylenediamine ligand. These complexes can exist in both cis- and trans-configurations. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the gold(I) complexes, methods of synthesis, methods of treating cancer and methods of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing cancer cell apoptosis. |
| US09649291B2 |
Treatment for obesity
The present invention relates to a method for treating or preventing obesity in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of certain carbamate compounds. The invention further relates to methods for reducing body weight and/or reducing food intake in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of certain carbamate compounds. |
| US09649288B2 |
Inhibitor of visceral fat loss in Parkinson's disease patients
An inhibitor of visceral fat loss is capable of suppressing body weight loss peculiarly found in Parkinson's disease patients. The inhibitor of visceral fat loss in Parkinson's disease patients of the present invention contains a lipid obtained by subjecting a medium-chain triglyceride that includes as a constitutive fatty acid at least one of a saturated fatty acid having 8 carbon atoms and a saturated fatty acid having 10 carbon atoms to a transesterification reaction with a vegetable oil. The lipid is preferably obtained by subjecting the medium-chain triglyceride to a transesterification reaction with the vegetable oil at a ratio of 10:90 to 20:80. |
| US09649286B2 |
Metabolic imprinting effects of specifically designed lipid component
The invention relates to the use of specifically designed lipid component with optimal fatty acid profile, an enhanced portion of the palmitic acid residues in the sn-2 position and present as lipid globules with a phospholipid coating for an early in life diet for improving the development of a healthy body composition, in particular prevention of obesity, later in life. |
| US09649285B2 |
Treatment of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
The present invention provides for methods and compositions for treating medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that phenylbutyrate can serve as a substrate for medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. In non-limiting embodiments, phenylbutyrate and/or another source of phenylacetate is administered as a chaperone treatment to patients suffering from medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. |
| US09649284B2 |
Treating critically ill patients with intravenous ibuprofen
Methods of treating at least one condition chosen from pain, inflammation, and fever in a critically ill patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the critically ill patient an intravenous pharmaceutical composition comprising ibuprofen using a first dosage regimen, wherein the first dosage regimen produces a first pharmacokinetic profile in critically ill patients that is about equivalent to a second pharmacokinetic profile produced by administration of the intravenous pharmaceutical composition using a second dosage regimen of ibuprofen to non-critically ill patients, wherein the at least one condition of the critically ill patient is thereby treated. |
| US09649278B2 |
Injection-molded dosage form
An injection-molded shell of a dosage form of good quality is producible by a) providing a composition comprising i) from 25 to 90 weight percent of ethylcellulose, ii) from 7.5 to 60 weight percent of a polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative being different from ethylcellulose, and iii) from 2.5 to 50 weight percent of at least one component being different from polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives, based on the total weight of the composition, with the proviso that the composition comprises zero or not more than 10 weight percent of gelatin and zero or not more than 10 weight percent of a polymer comprising homo- or copolymerized acrylic acid, homo- or copolymerized methacrylic acid, a homo- or copolymerized acrylate or a homo- or copolymerized methacrylate, and b) subjecting the composition to shearing and heat to plasticize the composition and injection-molding the plasticized composition into a three-dimensional shell of a dosage form. |
| US09649276B2 |
Mineral supplementation of beverages
The present invention is directed to metal supplementation of beverages. More particularly, it is directed to a metal containing complex coacervate core micelle comprising a negatively charged chelating agent, a low molecular weight natural food-grade polymeric cation, and water. It is also directed to a process to produce said metal containing complex coacervate core micelle, and to the use of said metal containing complex coacervate core micelle to supplement beverages with a source of highly bioavailable metal. It is also related to a beverage comprising said metal containing complex coacervate core micelle. |
| US09649275B2 |
Nanoemulsions
The present invention relates to oil-in-water nanoemulsions, processes for their preparation and their use as delivery vehicles for active components for use in opthalmological, dermatological, food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, agrichemical, textile, polymer and chemical applications. The oil-in-water nanoemulsion comprises up to 40 volume % of an oil phase comprising at least 50 volume % of a triglyceride having a fatty acid chain length of 12 carbon atoms or greater and a hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) greater than 7; and an aqueous phase, in which the oil droplets have an intensity average size of less than 100 nm and the ratio of surfactant to oil is less than 1:1, more preferably 0.2 to 0.8:1. |
| US09649273B2 |
Oral compositions containing polymethylsilsesquioxane particles
Oral compositions containing a polyorganosilsesquioxane particle, preferably polymethylsilsesquioxane particles, an oxidizing agent and an orally-acceptable carrier. Method of using such compositions for the cleaning and polishing of dental enamel, such methods including the step of applying such oral care compositions to the teeth of a user. |
| US09649269B2 |
Use of glycosaminoglycan lipoate esters in the trichology field
Disclosed is the use of glycosaminoglycan esters, whose alcohol groups are partly esterified with lipoic acid or with lipoic acid and formic acid, in hair care treatments. |
| US09649267B2 |
Composition for oxidative colouring of hair comprising specific combinations of developers and couplers
The subject matter of the present invention provides a composition for oxidatively coloring keratinic fibers, comprising, in a cosmetic carrier (A) as developer, 4,5-diamino-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-pyrazole and/or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, (B) as developer, at least one p-aminophenol derivative from the group of p-aminophenol, 4-amino-3-methylphenol and/or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, (C) as coupler at least one m-diaminobenzene derivative from the group 2-(2,4-diaminophenoxy)ethanol, 1-methoxy-2-amino-4-(2′-hydroxyethylamino)benzene and/or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, (D) as coupler at least one m-dihydroxybenzene derivative from the group of resorcinol, 2-methylresorcinol and/or 4-chlororesorcinol, the molar ratio of all group (A) developers to all group (B) developers in the composition, i.e. the molar ratio (A)/(B), being at least 1.2. |
| US09649265B2 |
Liquid cleaning composition containing long-chain fatty acid
An aqueous composition includes: (a) surfactants comprising a salt of a C10-16 alcohol ethoxylate sulfate, a betaine surfactant, and an alkyl polyglucoside, wherein the salt of the C10-16 alcohol ethoxylate sulfate is present in a quantity that is greater than any other surfactant; (b) at least 15 weight % of the composition of a C12-18 fatty acid. A cleansing method includes applying the composition to skin or hair and washing, and optionally rinsing with water. |
| US09649259B2 |
Quick-access bottle top for a baby bottle
A bottle top for use with a baby bottle includes a ring bounding a mouth of the bottle top and being severed latitudinally between upper and lower portions. The upper portion has first and second lower contact faces. The lower portion has opposing first and second upper contact faces. The top includes a nipple coupled to the upper portion which moves between an open position, in which the nipple is away from the mouth and provides access to the mouth, and a closed position, in which the first upper and lower contact faces form a sealing engagement, the second upper and lower contact faces form another sealing engagement, and the nipple is in fluid communication with the mouth. |
| US09649258B2 |
Food storage and management system
The present invention is directed toward a food storage container comprising a body with a mechanism for denoting a time in which a food item was placed in the storage container for storage. In one embodiment, the time designation mechanism comprises a plurality of rings where each ring comprises at least one marker. Time is denoted by aligning the marker with a label located proximate to said ring. |
| US09649256B2 |
Device and method for monitoring a property of a coating of a solid dosage form during a coating of the solid dosage form
A method and a device for monitoring a property of a coating of a solid dosage form during a coating process forming the coating of the solid dosage form are provided. The device comprises a coating apparatus configured for forming the coating on the solid dosage form, and a monitoring apparatus configured for monitoring the property of the coating of the solid dosage form in process, wherein at least a part of the monitoring apparatus is located so as to have insight in an interior of the coating apparatus, the interior accommodating the solid dosage form to be coated and a precursor for forming the coating, and wherein the monitoring apparatus is configured for monitoring the property of the coating of the solid dosage form simultaneously with and during a coating process using low coherence interferometry. |
| US09649254B2 |
Medical vial cap
A crown, for a medical vial opening, has a top portion and a skirt surrounding the top portion. The skirt terminates at a lower edge defined in a first horizontal plane. An opener assembly is mounted to a portion of the top. A first scoring line extends from the portion of the top to which the opener assembly is mounted to the lower edge of the skirt in a continuous radial direction, and a second scoring line provides an upper radial segment extending from the opener assembly to the skirt along a radial axis, and a lower annular segment that extends circumferentially along the skirt in an annular direction and extending from a terminus of the upper radial segment. The lower annular segment is defined in a second horizontal plane equidistant to the first horizontal plane associated with the lower edge of the skirt. |
| US09649253B2 |
Kit for preserving a biological product including a three-dimensional bag and a matching three-dimensional casing
The invention relates to a kit for preserving a biological product including a three-dimensional bag (1) intended for holding said biological product, said bag (1) having a substantially constant three-dimensional geometry during the use thereof, as well as a casing (2) intended for packing said bag, said casing (2) including a cavity (3) arranged such as to receive said bag (1), said cavity (3) having a substantially constant three-dimensional geometry during the use thereof, and a slot (4) being provided along one edge of said cavity such as to enable said bag (1) to be inserted in said cavity (3), a front strip (5) and a rear strip (6) extending on the outside away from said slot (4), said strips being intended for being combined with one another in order to provide an airtight seal of said cavity (3) of the casing (2). |
| US09649251B2 |
Method and system for measuring chest parameters, especially during CPR
This invention relates to a system for monitoring the position of a measuring unit when placed on a person, especially on the chest of a person, the system comprising a drive unit generating a magnetic field oscillating at a predetermined frequency adapted to be positioned on the opposite side of the person, e.g. chest to back dimensions, and the measuring unit being adapted to measure the magnetic field strength, the system including calculating means for calculating the distance between the measuring unit and the drive unit. |
| US09649250B2 |
Personal massager
A personal massager configured to be worn on a user's finger. The massager includes a housing, and a motor operable to vibrate the housing. The housing defines an opening configured to receive the finger. The housing extends partway around the circumference of the user's finger when the user's finger is received inside the opening. Optionally, the massager includes a control circuit configured to determine a pattern of vibration supplied to the housing by the motor. Optionally, the massager includes a rechargeable battery that provides power to the motor. |
| US09649245B2 |
Apparatus for preventing deep vein thrombosis
An apparatus 40 for enhancing venous blood flow through a limb of a subject includes a detachable compression sleeve 41 extendable around the subject's limb and having a plurality of compressors 43-48 situated next to one another along the sleeve 41. In use, the compressors 43-48 substantially encircle the limb and compress the limb in a continuous cyclical compression sequence to move blood within the limb from the distal end of the sleeve 41 to the proximal end to replicate venous blood flow and to prevent backflow. In particular, as a said first compressor begins to compress the limb, a said second compressor preceding the first compressor in sequence already compresses the limb and continues to compress the limb at least until the first compressor compresses the limb to substantially the same extent as the second compressor, and a said third compressor which precedes the second compressor in sequence ceases to compress the limb. |
| US09649241B2 |
Foldable casket lid
A casket and lid combination includes a casket body and a lid. The casket body has an interior defined by a bottom, pair of opposing side walls and a pair of opposing end walls arranged perpendicular to said side walls, the side walls and end wall extending upwardly from the bottom. The lid covers the interior when installed, and includes a top, a first side extending downwardly from the top, and second side extending downwardly from the top opposite the first side, at least one end extending downwardly from the top perpendicular to the first side and the second side, a first hinge for attaching the first side to the top, and a second hinge for attaching the second side to the top. When the end is not attached to the lid, the first side and second side may be folded inwardly toward a centerline of the top such that the top may be place directly on the casket body with the folded in sides located within the interior of the casket body. |
| US09649239B2 |
Hydraulic chair with positioning apparatus
A support chair has a base with wheels, a support post with a translation mechanism, a power system with controls, an upper seat portion having a downward-extending post engaging the support post and engaging the translation mechanism such that the chair portion raises and lowers, a back-support portion hinged to the seat portion, a leg-support portion hinged to the seat portion, a plurality of attachment interfaces implemented to frame elements of the support chair, and at least one multiply-articulated peripheral support assembly having a padded surface at one end and a support interface at an opposite end, the support interface enabled to join to any one of the attachment interfaces implemented to the frame elements. |
| US09649238B2 |
Portable chamber for hyperbaric and/or hypoxic treatment
A portable chamber for hyperbaric and/or hypoxic treatment comprises an open-ended and typically frustro-conical tubular body sized to accommodate at least one occupant, and two end members configured to be respectively received at opposite extremities of the body for closing the body in a seal tight arrangement. The body of the chamber is made of a flexible yet reinforced elastomeric material such as to be collapsible during transport. One of the end members is provided with a door to provide access to the interior of the chamber. The extremities of the body are substantially spherical such as to receive the correspondingly substantially periphery of the end members. When the chamber is supplied with gases during hyperbaric or hypoxic treatment, the spherical peripheries of the end members are urged against the spherical extremities of the body, thereby providing a seal tight chamber. A treatment system comprising the chamber is also disclosed. |
| US09649236B1 |
Dynamic seating and walking wheelchair with an active seat with powerlift to stand
A dynamic seating and walking wheelchair includes an active seat and a frame. The active seat is configured to move from a seated position to a standing position. The active seat includes a seat back with an upper end and a lower end, and a seat bottom with a front end and a rear end. The rear end of the seat bottom is rotatable about a movable pivot axis approximate to the lower end of the seat back from the seated position of approximately horizontal to the standing position of approximately vertical. The frame is configured to support the active seat. Wherein, when the active seat moves from a seated position to a standing position, the movable pivot axis moves both up and backwards. |
| US09649234B2 |
Separable bed
A separable bed includes a bed portion and a wheelchair portion that is combined with the bed portion to compose the separable bed. The wheelchair portion includes a second seat portion, and a second guide portion that supports the second seat portion, the bed portion includes a first bed bottom portion, a first guide portion that supports the second seat portion and the first bed bottom portion, a lifter that performs lifting operation of the first bed bottom portion, and a controller, and the controller lowers the first guide portion to a second lower limit position in a case where separation operation is performed. |
| US09649228B2 |
Absorbent article with dual core
An absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a topsheet having a body contacting surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core has an upper layer and a lower layer. |
| US09649225B2 |
Electronic hearing protector with quadrant sound localization
An electronic hearing protector includes an ear cup assembly comprising a front exterior microphone that provides a front microphone signal and a rear exterior microphone that provides a rear microphone signal. A processor receives and digitizes the front microphone signal and the rear microphone signal, and provides a front channel signal and a rear channel signal indicative thereof respectively. A filter receives the rear channel signal and has a cut-off frequency value that provides a high-frequency roll-off and a notch at a notch filter frequency value that is less than the cut-off frequency value, where the filter provides a filtered signal. A first signal indicative of the front channel signal and a second signal indicative of the filtered signal are summed, and a signal indicative of the summed signal is provided to a speaker within the ear cup that provides an audio signal within the first ear cup indicative of the summed signal. |
| US09649223B2 |
Inserter for tubular medical implant devices
An inserter is provided for inserting a tubular medical implant device into tissue. The inserter includes a rigid rod extending along a longitudinal axis. The rod has a distal portion that defines an open slot. The open slot extends diametrically through the rod along the longitudinal axis to a base. The open slot is configured to receive and release the tubular medical implant device. |
| US09649219B2 |
Method of profile heatsealing
This application relates to a method of covering a pessary device for relief of female incontinence with an overwrap. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of conforming the overwrap to the pessary device using a profile seal. |
| US09649214B2 |
Detachable antenna for remote band
An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct. The apparatus includes an elongated member having first end and second ends. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a ring around the organ or duct. A tension element is slidably disposed within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. An antenna/controller pod is releasably coupled to the elongated member for control of the drive element. |
| US09649209B2 |
Hybrid stent and method of making
A stent is formed by encasing or encapsulating metallic rings in an inner polymeric layer and an outer polymeric layer. At least one polymer link connects adjacent metallic rings. The stent is drug loaded with one or more therapeutic agent or drug, for example, to reduce the likelihood of the development of restenosis in the coronary arteries. The inner and outer polymeric materials can be of the same polymer or different polymer to achieve different results, such as enhancing flexibility and providing a stent that is visible under MRI, computer tomography and x-ray fluoroscopy. |
| US09649203B2 |
Methods of post-filling an intervertebral implant
According to some embodiments, a method for promoting spinal fusion using a spinal implant comprises providing a spinal implant, wherein the spinal implant comprises an anterior wall, a posterior wall and two lateral walls configured to extend between the anterior wall and the posterior wall. In some embodiments, the spinal implant further comprises at least one internal chamber generally positioned between the anterior wall, the posterior wall and the two lateral walls, wherein the internal chamber being is adapted to receive at least one graft and/or other fill material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the graft and/or other fill material delivered into the internal chamber is configured to exit through the one or more of the openings of the anterior wall. |
| US09649202B2 |
Prosthesis positioning systems and methods
A system and method for improving an actual installed rotation of a prosthesis, particularly prostheses having a preferred rotation with respect to a frame of reference of a patient. |
| US09649201B2 |
Anatomic socket alignment guide and methods of making and using same
This disclosure provides an anatomic socket alignment guide set, for total hip replacement arthroplasty. The guide set is created from patient-specific medical images, allowing the guide set components to recreate the native center of rotation of a patient's hip joint, thereby permitting accurate placement of the hip replacement prosthesis. |
| US09649197B2 |
Thin-walled implant structures and related methods
Ceramic implants, such as spinal implants, may comprise a dense shell and a porous core. In some implementations, methods for manufacturing the implants may comprise one or more stages at which the core material abuts the shell so as to form a mechanical attachment therewith while both the core and the shell are in a green state. The core and the shell may be fired together, and the resultant implant may, in some embodiments, comprise a unitary piece of ceramic material. Some embodiments may comprise silicon nitride ceramic materials. |
| US09649196B2 |
Shock-absorbing system for use with a prosthetic implant
A shock-absorbing system for use in joint replacement arthroscopy has a bearing surface, a mounting base affixed to or formed with the bearing surface, a convex element extending outwardly of the mounting base opposite the bearing surface, a receptacle positioned so as to slidably or pivotably receive a portion of the convex element therein, a housing receiving at least a portion of the receptacle therein, and a resilient element received in the housing and bearing against a surface of the housing and against a surface of the receptacle. |
| US09649195B2 |
Femoral implant for preserving cruciate ligaments
A femoral prosthetic component comprises a pair of condyles having an intercondylar notch interposed substantially therebetween. Each of the pair of condyles comprises an edge that borders the intercondylar notch. At least one of the pair of condyles comprises a condylar notch disposed within the respective edge of the at least one of the pair of condyles. |
| US09649194B2 |
Hip joint device
A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The hip joint has a caput femur integrated with a collum femur having a collum and caput center axis, extending longitudinal along the collum and caput femur, in the center thereof. The medical device comprises an elongated portion adapted to at least partially replace the collum femur. The elongated portion is adapted to be connected to a prosthetic spherical portion adapted to replace the caput femur. The prosthetic spherical portion in turn is adapted to be movably placed in a prosthetic replacement for the acetabulum comprising at least one extending portion adapted to clasp said prosthetic spherical portion. The elongated portion comprises a restricting portion adapted to restrict the motion range of the spherical portion in relation to said prosthetic replacement for the acetabulum. The restricting portion of the elongated portion is adapted to enable an advantageous motion range in relation to said prosthetic replacement for the acetabulum. |
| US09649193B2 |
Cup with crosslinked polymer layer modular pegs
An acetabular cup prosthesis features conical pegs. The edge of each peg has an outer portion facing away from the edge of the other peg, and the outer portions of the pegs are parallel to or converging toward each other such that, when in use, the prosthesis can be securely inserted into a prepared bone cavity. |
| US09649192B2 |
Method and apparatus for heart valve surgery
A method for heart valve surgery may include providing a cardiac valve ring and suture loops connected to the cardiac valve ring, accessing a valve annulus of the heart of the patient, stapling at least one of the sutures loop to the valve annulus, and parachuting the cardiac valve ring down the suture to the valve annulus after the stapling. The cardiac valve ring may be an annuloplasty ring, a replacement heart valve, or other medical device. |
| US09649191B2 |
Stents for prosthetic heart valves
A stented valve including a stent structure having a generally tubular body portion, an interior area, a longitudinal axis, an first end, an second end, and an outer surface; at least one outflow barb extending from the outer surface of the stent adjacent to the first end of the stent structure and toward the second end of the stent structure; at least one inflow barb extending from the outer surface of the stent adjacent to the second end of the stent structure and toward the first end of the stent structure; and a valve structure attached within the interior area of the stent structure. |
| US09649190B2 |
Method for repair of ligament or tendon
This invention relates to a method for repair of a ligament and/or tendon in a patient comprising applying a patch to said ligament or tendon, wherein the patch is flexible, and bio-compatible and comprises a support layer and a matrix layer. |
| US09649189B2 |
Reinforced biological construct and method of reinforcing biological construct
A reinforced graft construct for repairing a tendon or ligament formed by inserting a piece of material, such as suture, through the graft lengthwise. The material may be inserted along only a portion of the graft or along the entire graft. The material may be a reinforcement (reinforcing) material such as suture, tape, weave, or mesh passed lengthwise through the graft (for example, along the center of the graft). The ends of the graft may be whipstiched to provide additional fixation when implanted. The material may be bioabsorbable such that it will resorb away after a period of time in the body. |
| US09649188B2 |
Thoracic aorta stent graft
A stent graft for placement in the thoracic arch of a patient has a tubular body defining a main lumen therethrough, a plurality of zig zag stents along the tubular body, each of the stents comprising a plurality of struts and bends, the bends being between adjacent struts. At least a first stent and an adjacent second stent having at least a pair of adjacent bends on the first stent aligned with an adjacent pair of bends on the second stent, whereby a first pair of adjacent struts of the first stent and a second pair of adjacent struts of the second adjacent stent together define a diamond shape region. A recess is within the diamond shaped region with the recess extending into the lumen of the tubular body. A fenestration extending into the tubular body within the recess in the diamond shaped region and a graft tube leading from the fenestration into the main lumen. There can be one, two or three diamond shaped regions, recesses, fenestrations and graft tubes Proximally of the or each diamond shaped region the tubular body has a first diameter, distally of the diamond shaped region the tubular body has a second diameter and in the region of the tubular body around the diamond shaped region the tubular body has a third diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter and both the first and second diameter being greater than the third diameter whereby a central region is defined which will allow circumferential blood flow during an operation out of the graft tube into the recess and then into the central region. |
| US09649187B2 |
Implantable flow diverter
A flow diverter for implantation into a patient's vessel includes a distal annular support element and a proximal annular support element, the proximal and distal support elements supporting a longitudinally twisted diverter element. The flow diverter is designed to be disposed within a vessel and to impart a rotational or twisting motion to the flow of blood passing therethrough, thereby to reduce the pressure of blood at the center of the vessel. Such flow diversion can reduce the pressure of blood impinging upon an aneurysm at a bifurcation downstream of the vessel. The device can be particularly useful for the treatment of aneurysms occurring at the bifurcation between the basilar artery and the posterior cerebral arteries. |
| US09649185B2 |
Adjuncts for gastrointestinal devices
An adjunct for a gastrointestinal device and a system including said adjunct are described herein and include a substrate configured to attach to a gastrointestinal device, the substrate including a first surface and a second surface, and a plurality of at least one type of commensal microbe associated with at least a portion of at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate. |
| US09649183B2 |
Apparatus and method for the delivery of an intravascular filter
A delivery apparatus for introducing an intravascular filter into a body vessel of a patient includes a sheath defining a lumen, an intravascular filter positioned in the lumen, an ultrasound transducer positioned to the application side of the intravascular filter, a guide wire cannula and a tip located at an application side end of the delivery apparatus. |
| US09649181B2 |
Vibrating toothbrush
A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviating weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage conditions. |
| US09649177B2 |
Dental implant set
A dental implant set has: an implant, a granular bone substitute material, and a membrane. To provide an implant set of this type, by which the process of augmentation is improved, the bone substitute material and the membrane are of a hard and solid consistency. |
| US09649172B2 |
Optic fiber connection for a force sensing instrument
In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a housing linkable with a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, a shaft operably coupled to the housing, a force transducer on a distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of fiber optic strain gauges on the force transducer. In one example, the plurality of strain gauges are operably coupled to a fiber optic splitter or an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) multiplexer. A fiber optic connector is operably coupled to the fiber optic splitter or the AWG multiplexer. A wrist joint is operably coupled to a distal end of the force transducer, and an end effector is operably coupled to the wrist joint. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator includes a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator positioning system, and a distal link movably coupled to the base link, wherein the distal link includes an instrument interface and a fiber optic connector optically linkable to a surgical instrument. A method of passing data between an instrument and a manipulator via optical connectors is also provided. |
| US09649165B2 |
Medical device identifier
A medical device identifier can identify an implanted medical device. In one example arrangement, the medical device identifier sends electromagnetic signals to the implanted device according to one or more stored digitized waveforms. The device then senses any returned electromagnetic signals, and identifies the implanted device based on the returned electromagnetic signals. The medical device identifier may generate the electromagnetic signals from the stored digitized waveforms using an analog-to-digital converter, and may compare the returned electromagnetic signals with one or more stored digital templates corresponding to different device manufacturers. The comparison may be performed using cross correlation. In another aspect, a portal device includes an identification subsystem for identifying the provider of a medical device, and a communication subsystem for establishing two-way communication a call center servicing medical devices from an identified provider. The portal device may relay information between the medical device and the identified provider. |
| US09649164B2 |
Surgical robot system and surgical robot control method
Disclosed are a surgical robot system and a surgical robot control method. The surgical robot system includes a surgical tool configured to perform surgery on each of a plurality of procedure regions in a surgical region which is divided into the plurality of procedure regions, a robot arm on which the surgical tool is mounted, and a driver configured to operate the robot arm. The present invention adjusts a speed at which a surgical robot moves, based on a risk level which is set for a procedure region, and thus enhances a stability of surgery performed by the surgical robot and moreover decreases a degree to which the surgery is delayed, thereby reducing pain and inconvenience caused to an operator and a patient. |
| US09649156B2 |
Bipolar off-wall electrode device for renal nerve ablation
A first spacing structure is provided at a distal end of a first catheter. The first spacing structure is configured to position at least one arterial electrode at a predefined distance away from a wall of the renal artery. A second spacing structure is provided at the distal end of the first catheter or at a distal end of a second catheter. The second spacing structure is configured to position at least one aortal electrode at a predefined distance away from a wall of the aorta. The arterial and aortal electrodes are operable as a bipolar electrode arrangement. The first and second spacing structures respectively maintain the arterial and aortal electrodes at a predefined distance away from the renal artery and aortal walls while electrical energy sufficient to ablate perivascular nerve tissue adjacent the renal artery and aortal walls is delivered by the bipolar electrode arrangement. |
| US09649155B2 |
Catheter with atraumatic tip
A medical device is provided comprising a shaft comprising a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is configured to buckle upon application of a first critical force. The second segment includes an outer surface and an inner surface and is configured to buckle upon application of a second critical force. The second critical force is lower than the first critical force. The medical device further comprises a coil disposed radially inwardly of the inner surface of the second segment. |
| US09649153B2 |
Delivery devices with coolable energy emitting assemblies
Systems, delivery devices, and methods to treat to ablate, damage, or otherwise affect tissue. The treatment systems are capable of delivering a coolable ablation assembly that ablates targeted tissue without damaging non-targeted tissue. The coolable ablation assembly damages nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. |
| US09649151B2 |
End effector assemblies and methods of manufacturing end effector assemblies for treating and/or cutting tissue
A method of manufacturing an end effector assembly including first and second energizable portions configured to supply energy to tissue is provided. The method includes forming a substrate including first and second portions interconnected by a connector portion. The substrate is formed as a single integrated component. The method further includes engaging the substrate with an insulative member, and removing the connector portion of the substrate to electrically insulate the first and second portions from one another. |
| US09649145B2 |
Supply device
A supply device for a surgical apparatus for operating a surgical instrument that includes a control unit for controlling the surgical instrument, a memory unit for storing configuration data, and a mediating unit for allocating an adjustment value to a mathematical function to obtain a scaling factor, and methods of using such a supply device. |
| US09649144B2 |
Systems and methods for turbinate reduction
The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical apparatus for treating tissue at a target site. The apparatus has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal portion, the distal portion comprising a return electrode and electrode support. There is also at least one active electrode on the shaft distal portion, which has a proximal portion and a distal portion and a plurality of aspiration apertures disposed therebetween. These apertures are fluidly connected to a fluid aspiration cavity that is located within the electrode support, and the cavity is connected with a fluid aspiration element that is located along the shaft. The plurality of apertures vary in size and are generally arranged so that the larger sized apertures are disposed towards the electrode proximal portion and the smaller sized apertures are generally located towards the electrode distal portion. |
| US09649142B2 |
Modular head assembly
A low profile orthopedic device is used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure occurring naturally or by trauma. Bone screws are screwed into bones by application of torque. Connectors are attached to the anchored bone screws. Each connector includes a clamp and a compression ring. A connecting rod connects several connectors together. The clamps are tightened to hold the rod to the bone screws in a pre-selected position by linear movement of the compression ring. |
| US09649141B2 |
System for treating bone fractures
According to one embodiment, a bone fixation system includes a plate having a first opening a beam configured to traverse through the first opening and reside proximate to a subchondral fragment of bone in an installed position. The beam may be operable to rotate about an axis of rotation proximate to the first opening and reposition the subchondral fragment of bone. |
| US09649140B1 |
Minimally invasive spinal fixation system and related methods
This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. Extension guides are provided that attach to bone anchors implanted within the spine. The extension guides have a guide channel that align with a rod channel in the anchor to help direct the rod to the anchor. Instruments are provided to aid in insertion and positioning or the rod. |
| US09649137B2 |
Spinal stabilization system
The present invention is directed to a spinal implant system that incorporates unique snap, or spring loaded, features to assist the surgeon in the placement of screws, rods, hooks and transverse connectors. The poly-axial movement also uses a more direct loading lower saddle into the bone screw to improve locking of the construct. |
| US09649135B2 |
Bottom loading low profile fixation system
A low profile orthopedic device is used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure occurring naturally or by trauma. Bone screws are screwed into bones by application of torque. Connectors are attached to the anchored bone screws. Each connector includes a clamp and a compression ring. A connecting rod connects several connectors together. The clamps are tightened to hold the rod to the bone screws in a pre-selected position by linear movement of the compression ring. |
| US09649134B2 |
Uniplanar screw assembly and methods of use
The screw assembly includes a screw, an insert, and a body member. The screw includes a longitudinal axis and a proximal end with a head portion and a distal end with a threaded portion. The insert operably couples with the head portion and is configured to rotate relative to the head portion about the longitudinal axis. The body member operably couples with the insert and is configured to pivot relative to the insert in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. In other features, the body member operably couples with the insert and is configured to pivot relative to the insert about a transverse axis normal to a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. |
| US09649131B2 |
Microdermabrasion device
The present application relates to a microdermabrasion device (1). The device has a suction path (11) along which skin fragments removed by the device are drawn, and a detection unit (3) configured to determine one or more characteristics of skin fragments drawn along the suction path. The detection unit is configured to determine the depth of abrasion performed by the device based on the one or more characteristics of skin fragments drawn along the suction path. The present application also relates to a method of determining the operating depth of abrasion of a microdermabrasion device. |
| US09649130B2 |
Uterine manipulators and related components and methods
A uterine manipulator includes an arcuate shaft configured to be inserted into a cervix and a colpotomizer assembly configured to move along the arcuate shaft. The colpotomizer assembly includes a cup configured to receive the cervix. The cup defines a cup face disposed substantially perpendicular to an axial centerline of the cup and having a centerpoint disposed along the axial centerline of the cup, and an opening spaced apart from the cup face and sized to allow passage of the arcuate shaft. The opening is configured such that, when the arcuate shaft is positioned within the opening, an arcuate centerline of the arcuate shaft is aligned with the centerpoint of the cup face, and the arcuate centerline of the arcuate shaft is offset from the axial centerline of the cup at the opening. |
| US09649128B2 |
Adjustable curette
An adjustable, disposable dermal curette is structured to allow a user-practitioner to ergonomically grip a handle and manipulate an adjustable slider with a digit of their hand in order to change the diameter size of the flexible blade formed in an adjustable loop to the useful range of diameter sizes required. The user-practitioner can lock and unlock the slider in place quickly without the need to interrupt their procedure. The adjustable curette solves the problem of requiring multiple curette loop sizes for a procedure and results in improved quality of care and a savings of time and healthcare dollars. |
| US09649119B2 |
Method for performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure
A method for performing an orthopedic surgical procedure on a knee joint of a patient includes resecting a proximal end of a patient's tibia to create a resected surface of the patient's tibia and positioning a tibial paddle of a sensor module on the proximal end of the patient's tibia. The tibial paddle includes a sensor array generating sensor signals indicative of the joint force of the patient's knee joint. The method also includes performing a number of orthopedic surgical steps while monitoring a display of the sensor module that provides a visual indication of the medial-lateral balance of the joint force of the patient's knee joint. |
| US09649114B2 |
Systems, tools, and methods for connecting to tissue
Described are various embodiments of surgical procedure systems, devices, tools, and methods, useful for placing a soft tissue anchor at anatomical tissue; these may be useful for general surgical procedures, veterinary procedures, plastic surgery, and for treating pelvic conditions such as vaginal prolapse, incontinence, and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools being useful for accessing a posterior region of pelvic anatomy, and related methods. |
| US09649113B2 |
Device for monitoring physiological parameters in vivo
A monitoring system is disclosed for in vivo monitoring of preselected physiological parameters associated with acute and/or chronic tissue compromise or failure in one or multiple tissue/organ sites in real time. In one method, a body portion of a surgical stapling device is positioned adjacent a first tissue section, an anvil assembly adapted to engage the body portion is positioned adjacent a second tissue section, and a monitoring device is positioned adjacent the first and/or second tissue sections. The monitoring device includes a sensor adapted to measure a preselected physiological parameter and a transmitter for transmitting signal to an extracorporeal receiving unit. The surgical stapling device is fired to mechanically secure the first and second tissue sections with at least one staple and the preselected physiological parameter is monitored via the information transmitted from the monitoring device to the receiving unit. |
| US09649112B2 |
Sutureless vascular anastomosis connection
A system is described for performing vascular anastomosis without the use of sutures. The system includes a connector comprised of memory material and an incision seal. The connector has one end configured to securely engage a graft vessel and another end with wings and barbs. The wings are configured to securely engage an inner wall of a main vessel and the barbs are configured to lock with the incision seal. Once locked, the incision seal and the connector apply a clamping force that secures the graft vessel with the main vessel. |
| US09649106B2 |
Suturing devices and methods for suturing an anatomic valve
Suturing apparatuses configured to suture biological tissue, such as an anatomical valve, can include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, one or more arms, and one or more needles. A protective member may be used to inhibit contact between a distal end of a needle and surrounding tissue. Methods for suturing bodily tissue such as an anatomical valve may be performed with the suturing apparatuses. The suturing apparatuses may be used to suture adjacent valve leaflets or the base of a valve in order to treat or repair the valve. |
| US09649105B2 |
Self suturing trocar
A surgical incision suturing device particularly suited for minimally invasive surgical procedures comprising a suturing mechanism built into a trocar stem that enables a surgeon to stitch a patient by utilizing controls on the exposed top portion of the trocar. |
| US09649104B2 |
Anchor
The present disclosure relates to an anchor. The anchor includes an outer member including a body having an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity includes a proximal portion configured for receipt of a delivery device and a distal portion having area of increased diameter. The anchor also includes an inner member coupled to the outer member, wherein the inner member includes a proximal portion having a projection configured for receipt in the area of increased diameter and a distal portion having a transverse through hole. A delivery device and method for tissue repair are also disclosed. |
| US09649102B2 |
Wound retractor with split hoops
An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes a flexible retraction sheath, an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision attached to the distal end of the retraction sheath, and at least two rows of a plurality of loops disposed around the proximal end of the retraction sheath, each row of loops sized and configured to receive a noncompliant split hoop. The two split hoops may be rolled over each other and around the annular axis to retract the sheath with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. |
| US09649100B2 |
Method and apparatus for straightening and flattening the side wall of a body lumen or body cavity so as to provide three dimensional exposure of a lesion or abnormality within the body lumen or body cavity, and/or for stabilizing an instrument relative to the same
Apparatus for straightening and flattening a side wall of a body lumen or body cavity so as to provide three dimensional exposure of an abnormality within the body lumen, and simultaneously providing for the stabilization of the working end of an endoscope or surgical tool, the apparatus comprising a deployable hoop expander comprising a structure defining a volume and being configured so as to be transitionable between a reduced cross-sectional configuration for easy insertion into a body lumen and an expanded cross-sectional configuration for engaging, straightening and flattening the side wall of the body lumen, whereby to provide three dimensional exposure of the abnormality within the body lumen, the deployable hoop expander being configured for simultaneously providing for the docking of the end of the endoscope or other instrument so as to stabilize the same for endoscopic viewing and/or therapy. |
| US09649086B2 |
Radiation image capture device and radiation image capture system
A radiation image capture device includes plural radiation detection panels that each detect incident radiation that has passed through an imaging subject, that each generate a radiation image, and that are disposed in a row in a direction orthogonal to the radiation incident direction. The radiation image capture device designates a display target image from out of plural radiation images respectively generated by the plural radiation detection panels, and transmits the designated display target image to a console. At least a radiation image other than the display target image is stored in an image memory. The console displays on a display section the received display target image and, in response to data indicating a display request for a radiation image other than the display target image, also displays on the display section the radiation image other than the display target image read from the image memory. |
| US09649084B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus and method for creating X-ray image
An X-ray imaging apparatus comprises an X-ray source for irradiating X-rays to a subject; a sensor mounted on the source; and a controller for obtaining a volume of the subject based on an output value of the sensor, determining a degree of obesity of the subject based on the volume, and controlling an irradiation level of the X-rays based on the degree of obesity of the subject, wherein the output value of the sensor comprises, if the sensor comprises multiple image sensors, tilting angles of the multiple image sensors while the X-ray source is being shifted. An X-ray imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same where characteristics, e.g., a degree of obesity, of a subject may be automatically detected. Based on the detected characteristics of the subject, an intensity of X-rays may be automatically controlled, thereby improving the quality of the X-ray image. |
| US09649078B2 |
Hybrid X-ray system with detachable radiation shield
A hybrid x-ray device for mounted and portable use. The hybrid x-ray device can include a housing, an x-ray source, a support connector, a shield connector, and an interlock. The x-ray source is coupled to the housing and configured to generate x-ray radiation. The support connector is coupled to the housing and configured to mechanically couple to a support arm. The shield connector is coupled to the housing and configured to mechanically couple to a removable radiation shield. The interlock is coupled to the x-ray source and configured to disable activation of the x-ray source when both: (a) the support connector is mechanically uncoupled from the support arm, and (b) the shield connector is mechanically uncoupled from the removable radiation shield. |
| US09649072B2 |
Device for measuring spinal mobility
A device and method for measurement of spinal mobility are provided for measuring spinal mobility. The apparatus is a hand-held device that includes a gripping portion connected to a force transmitter, a reference member, displacement sensor, and load cell. A force applied downwardly on the gripping portion is transmitted to the force transmitter which is placed on a vertebra of the spine of a subject. The reference member rests on an adjacent vertebra. The displacement sensor determines displacement of the force transmitter relative to the reference member, as a function of the applied force measure by the load cell. |
| US09649071B2 |
Systems and methods for high-pass filtering a photoplethysmograph signal
According to embodiments, systems and methods for high-pass filtering a plethysmograph or photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal are disclosed. A sensor or probe may be used to obtain a plethysmograph or PPG signal from a subject. The sensor may be placed at any suitable location on the body, e.g., the forehead, finger, or toe. The PPG signal generated by the sensor may be high-pass filtered to disambiguate certain features of the PPG signal, including one or more characteristic points. The cut-off frequency for the high-pass filter may be greater than 0.75 Hz and less than 15 Hz. The cut-off frequency for the high-pass filter may be selected to be greater than the subject's computed pulse rate. These characteristic points on the filtered PPG signal may be used to compute non-invasive blood pressure measurements continuously or on a periodic basis. For example, the time difference between two or more characteristic points in a high-pass filtered version of the generated PPG signal may be computed. The time difference may be used to compute non-invasive blood pressure measurements continuously or on a periodic basis. |
| US09649067B2 |
Pulse-monitored, vibrating vehicle seat mechanism
A Pulse-Monitored, Vibrating Vehicle Seat Mechanism is a drowsiness alert system. The Pulse-Monitored, Vibrating Vehicle Seat Mechanism consists of cardiac sensors, a vibration device encased in the vehicle seat upholstery, and communication elements. The mechanism is powered by the electrical system of the given vehicle and can be integrated inside any vehicle. |
| US09649066B2 |
Communication system with partial power source
The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can be used in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions. |
| US09649065B2 |
Removable middle ear implant sensor
A middle ear implant includes a first interface portion configured to interface with a first structure of a middle ear of a patient, a second interface portion configured to interface with a second structure of the middle ear of the patient, a shaft that connects the first and second interface portions, a carrier plate removably mounted in one of the first or second interface portions, and a removable sensor disposed at one end of the shaft, between the shaft and one of the first interface portion or the second interface portion. The removable sensor is configured to provide a DC signal output indicative of static pressure on the sensor based on placement of the sensor between the first and second structures, and provide an AC signal output indicative of a frequency response of the implant. The removable sensor is disposed at a portion of the carrier plate. |
| US09649063B2 |
Point of care measurement of patient sensitivity to anesthetics
A method and system for monitoring a patient under anesthesia involves determining a drug sensitivity index for the patient. Patient demographic information and amount of anesthetic information is obtained, wherein the amount of anesthetic information includes each drug administered to the patient and the dose amount thereof. An effect site concentration, which represents a total anesthetic concentration in a patient's brain, is then estimated based on the anesthetic information. An expected response is determined based on the demographic information and the effect site concentration. Physiological data is recorded from sensors mounted to a patient, and a depth of anesthesia is determined based on physiological data. An actual response of the patient is then determined based on the depth of anesthesia and the effect site concentration. Finally, a drug sensitivity index is determined for the patient by comparing the expected response to the actual response. |
| US09649060B2 |
Puncture needle cartridge and puncture device using same
A puncture needle cartridge (1) includes: a lancet body (5) mounted with a puncture needle (3) on a front end side and having a mount (4) on a rear end side; and a plate-like first case (6) and second case (7) covering the lancet body (5) from above and below and arranged slidably back and forth along each other. The puncture needle cartridge (1) is configured such that the first case (6) is slid forward of the second case (7), and in this slid state, the first case (6) and the second case (7) are secured to each other when ejected from the puncture instrument (10). This can make the puncture needle cartridge (1) impossible to mount again on the puncture instrument (10). |
| US09649059B2 |
Methods and systems for improving the reliability of orthogonally redundant sensors
Methods and systems for sensor calibration and sensor glucose (SG) fusion are used advantageously to improve the accuracy and reliability of orthogonally redundant glucose sensor devices, which may include optical and electrochemical glucose sensors. Calibration for both sensors may be achieved via fixed-offset and/or dynamic regression methodologies, depending, e.g., on sensor stability and Isig-Ratio pair correlation. For SG fusion, respective integrity checks may be performed for SG values from the optical and electrochemical sensors, and the SG values calibrated if the integrity checks are passed. Integrity checks may include checking for sensitivity loss, noise, and drift. If the integrity checks are failed, in-line sensor mapping between the electrochemical and optical sensors may be performed prior to calibration. The electrochemical and optical SG values may be weighted (as a function of the respective sensor's overall reliability index (RI)) and the weighted SGs combined to obtain a single, fused SG value. |
| US09649058B2 |
Methods and systems for improving the reliability of orthogonally redundant sensors
Methods and systems for sensor calibration and sensor glucose (SG) fusion are used advantageously to improve the accuracy and reliability of orthogonally redundant glucose sensor devices, which may include optical and electrochemical glucose sensors. Calibration for both sensors may be achieved via fixed-offset and/or dynamic regression methodologies, depending, e.g., on sensor stability and Isig-Ratio pair correlation. For SG fusion, respective integrity checks may be performed for SG values from the optical and electrochemical sensors, and the SG values calibrated if the integrity checks are passed. Integrity checks may include checking for sensitivity loss, noise, and drift. If the integrity checks are failed, in-line sensor mapping between the electrochemical and optical sensors may be performed prior to calibration. The electrochemical and optical SG values may be weighted (as a function of the respective sensor's overall reliability index (RI)) and the weighted SGs combined to obtain a single, fused SG value. |
| US09649055B2 |
System and methods for physiological monitoring
Embodiments of devices, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for monitoring a subject are presented. The monitoring device includes at least one sensor configured to monitor one or more physiological parameters of a subject and a processing unit operatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor comprises a plurality of radiation sources and detectors disposed on a flexible substrate in a designated physical arrangement. The processing unit is configured to dynamically configure an operational geometry of the sensor by controlling the intensity of one or more of the radiation sources and the gain of one or more of the detectors so as to satisfy at least one quality metric associated with one or more physiological parameters of the subject. |
| US09649054B2 |
Blood pressure measurement method
A blood pressure measurement system that non-invasively determines an individual's blood pressure can include a noninvasive blood pressure sensor having an optical sensor and a motion sensor. The optical sensor can provide a photoplethysmograph signal obtained from a patient to a processor. The motion sensor can provide a motion signal to the processor responsive to motion of the patient. In one embodiment, the processor calculates or estimates the blood pressure of the patient based on the photoplethysmograph signal and the motion signal. Advantageously, the system can obtain this blood pressure measurement without an occlusive cuff, thereby reducing patient discomfort. In other implementations, the processor calculates a blood pressure-related parameter from the photoplethysmograph and motion signal. The processor can occasionally trigger an occlusive cuff measurement as this parameter changes, thereby reducing the frequency of occlusive cuff measurements. |
| US09649050B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating respiratory impedance
The acoustic impedance of the respiratory system can be inferred from oscillations that are generated in an airway of a subject. The impedance describes the frequency-dependent relation between the resulting oscillations in flow and pressure. When the impedance varies from inspiration to expiration, it has to be estimated with a high time resolution. A method is provided that reliably estimates the impedance in time intervals that are short enough for physiological purposes. A simple version of the uncertainty principle has been derived for discrete time and frequency. A discrete time-frequency transform has been developed that gives an optimal time-frequency resolution according to this principle. The transform is orthonormal, which permits an analysis of variance in the discrete time-frequency domain. The impedance follows from bivariate least-squares analysis in the time-frequency domain, under the assumption that noise is present in both flow and pressure. |
| US09649046B2 |
Line of block detection
Cardiac catheterization is performed by recording electrograms from a multi-electrode probe at respective locations in the heart, determining slopes and annotations in the electrograms within time windows, establishing relationships among the slopes and annotations of the electrograms, and determining lines of conduction block in the heart from the relationships. |
| US09649043B2 |
Sleep position detection
A method of determining body position uses ECG sensors at fixed positions, not fixed to the patient. The ECG signals recorded from the sensors are used to detect body position, using the variation of ECG potential over the surface of the body. The results may be processed by measuring artifacts related to the angle between the sensors and the heart, in particular the polarity of the QRS complex. The sensors may be fixed on the upper surface of a bed and used to measure sleep position. |
| US09649039B1 |
Mobile plethysmographic device
A mobile plethysmographic device for detecting a Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”) event or other arrhythmia 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 peripheral artery disease event for a patient is determined based on a quantative measure of blood flow in the extremities based on the differential in amplitude in the pleth signal between the arm and the two lower extremities. The changes in amplitude from the arm and one or both lower extremities can indicate PAD. |
| US09649038B2 |
Method, medium, and apparatus for measuring heart rate
A method, medium, and apparatus for measuring a heart rate from blood flow in a blood vessel of a human body part, including: an amplifying circuit receiving a light signal reflected or penetrated from a human body part and generating a multi-stage amplified signal made up of a plurality of signals with a corresponding different gains; and a processor separating the multi-stage amplified signal into a plurality of channel signals having corresponding gains, reconfiguring the light signal using a channel signal selected among the plurality of channel signals and calculating the heart rate from the reconfigured light signal. Accordingly, it is possible to make an accurate measurement of a heart rate by minimizing effects of measuring environments. In addition, the apparatus, method, and medium are resistive to noise resulting from a movement of a human body part by comparing an optimum signal pattern and a correlation coefficient. |
| US09649037B2 |
Method and apparatus for hemodynamic monitoring using combined blood flow and blood pressure measurement
Combined blood flow and blood pressure measurements are used for the calculation of central vascular blood flow parameters. Blood flow measurements may be made simultaneously with arterial pressure measured either centrally or peripherally and central venous pressure for the monitoring of human subjects. A combined blood flow and blood pressure measurement device for hemodynamic monitoring may include a Doppler ultrasound probe utilizing a continuous wave or pulse wave ultrasound beam for the measurement of blood flow in the aorta, combined with arterial pressure measurement, or signal input from a suitable pressure transducer system from one of either the radial, brachial, dorsalis pedis or femoral artery. The ultrasound probe may comprise either an esophageal or suprasternal ultrasound probe, while the blood pressure measurement may be either an electronic transducer blood pressure sphygmomanometer on the arm, or a finger cot infrared light optical pulse detector. |
| US09649036B2 |
Biomedical parameter probabilistic estimation method and apparatus
A probabilistic digital signal processor is described. Initial probability distribution functions are input to a dynamic state-space model, which operates on state and/or model probability distribution functions to generate a prior probability distribution function, which is input to a probabilistic updater. The probabilistic updater integrates sensor data with the prior to generate a posterior probability distribution function passed (1) to a probabilistic sampler, which estimates one or more parameters using the posterior, which is output or re-sampled in an iterative algorithm or (2) iteratively to the dynamic state-space model. For example, the probabilistic processor operates using a physical model on data from a mechanical system or a medical meter or instrument, such as an electrocardiogram. Output of the physical model yields an enhanced output of the original data, an output to a second physical parameter not output by the medical meter, or a prediction, such as an arrhythmia warning. |
| US09649030B2 |
Systems and methods for evaluating human eye tracking
Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating human eye tracking. One method includes receiving data representing the location of and/or information tracked by an individual's eye or eyes before, during, or after the individual performs a task; identifying a temporal phase or a biomechanical phase of the task performed by the individual; identifying a visual cue in the identified temporal phase or biomechanical phase; and scoring the tracking of the individual's eye or eyes by comparing the data to the visual cue. |
| US09649029B2 |
Adaptive camera and illuminator eyetracker
A method includes obtaining an image of an eye in a bright-pupil imaging mode in which a retinal retro-reflection complements the image of the eye in the bright-pupil mode, and obtaining an image of the eye in a dark-pupil imaging mode in which a cornea-scleral retro-reflection complements the image of the eye in the dark-pupil mode. One of the bright-pupil imaging mode and the dark-pupil imaging mode is selected based on quality of obtained images. |
| US09649023B2 |
System and method for determining biometric properties of an eye
In certain embodiments, determining biometric properties of an eye includes emitting a measuring light beam. The measuring light beam is guided towards the eye for a plurality of scans. For each scan, the measuring light beam enters the cornea in a first lateral region and reaches the retina of the eye in a second lateral region along a corresponding beam path. The beam paths are different from each other. The measuring light beam back-reflected from the eye for each scan is interferometrically analyzed to provide corresponding OCT data. At least one of the following is determined according to the OCT data: at least one distance from a surface of the retina to a surface of the cornea or to a surface of the lens of the eye. |
| US09649022B2 |
Control method of a fundus examination apparatus
A control method of a fundus examination apparatus constructed as a perimeter for examining a fundus of an examinee's eye, includes: controlling a monitor provided in the fundus examination apparatus as the perimeter to display a two-dimensional map pertinent to a two-dimensional analysis result of the fundus based on a tomographic image of the examinee's eye obtained by an optical coherence tomography device; setting an examination position in the fundus examination apparatus as the perimeter on the two-dimensional map displayed on the monitor; and controlling the fundus examination apparatus as the perimeter based on the set examination position to examine the fundus. |
| US09649019B2 |
Method and device for rinsing endoscope channels
A method for rinsing endoscope channels of an endoscope with a rinsing agent from a rinsing agent supply. The method including: connecting a first endoscope channel to the rinsing agent supply via a first rinsing agent distributor, which has a testing device for checking an endoscope channel for a blockage; connecting at least one other endoscope channel to the rinsing agent supply via a second rinsing agent distributor; and checking the first endoscope channel for a blockage using a testing device and simultaneously rinsing the at least one other endoscope channel with rinsing agent from the rinsing agent supply. A device is also provided for rinsing endoscope channels of an endoscope with rinsing agent from a rinsing supply. |
| US09649017B2 |
Endoscope
An endoscope includes an insertion portion, a first bending portion, a second bending portion, a bending operation wire, a first coil sheath, a switching mechanism, a guide, a first region of the guide, a second region of the guide, and a central part formed between the first region and the second region on an inner surface of the guide, protruding inside more than the first region and the second region and formed to be longer than a coil elemental wire making up the first coil sheath. |
| US09649013B2 |
System and method for diagnosing and treating disease
A method and system for diagnosing and treating infection or disease, in which an individual takes a photograph of an infected or diseased area of a body using a camera connected to a microprocessor. The photograph is sent to a diagnosing center having a server with a second microprocessor and a database of photographs correlated with different diseases and infections. The second microprocessor scans the image received from the camera and compares it to the photographs in the database. If a match is found, the second microprocessor then notes the disease or bacteria corresponding to the matching photograph. The second microprocessor then searches an additional database correlated to the match, to further refine the diagnosis. The second microprocessor then searches the second database for a treatment corresponding to the identified disease or bacteria. Once a treatment is identified, information regarding this treatment is automatically sent to the individual's microprocessor. |
| US09649012B2 |
Rotary self-advancing endoscope system, program, and method for driving rotary self-advancing endoscope system
A rotary self-advancing endoscope system which produces propulsion by rotating, with a motor, a rotating cylindrical body provided on an outer periphery side of an insertion portion main body and causes the insertion portion main body to move forward into an examinee's body, wherein the system is configured to periodically repeating a combination of a state in which the rotating cylindrical body forward-rotates at a predetermined RPM and a state in which the rotating cylindrical body is stopped from rotating and releases accumulated elastic energy and, when a drive current to the motor has reached a predetermined threshold value, reverse-rotate the motor. |
| US09649008B2 |
Dishwashing machine and method for controlling the same
Provided is a dishwashing machine determining whether a nozzle spraying washing water is clogged, and a method for controlling the same. In according to one aspect, the dishwashing machine may include a main body; a washing tub provided in the main body; a basket provided in the washing tub for accommodating dishes; a plurality of fixed nozzles fixedly arranged in a first direction of the washing tub and spraying washing water in a second direction; a vane provided for deflecting washing water sprayed from the fixed nozzles towards dishes accommodated in the basket, the vane being linearly reciprocated in the second direction; and a controller determining whether the vane is linearly reciprocated in the second direction in parallel with the first direction. |
| US09649006B2 |
Fluid circulation system for dishwasher appliances
Fluid circulation systems for dishwasher appliances are provided. A fluid circulation system includes a sump and a pump. The fluid circulation system further includes a filter at least partially disposed within a chamber of the sump and surrounding an impeller of the pump, and an outlet conduit for flowing fluid from the sump to a wash chamber. The fluid circulation system further includes a manifold disposed proximate an outer surface of a sidewall of the filter, the manifold defining a plurality of apertures for flowing fluid therethrough and towards the outer surface of the sidewall of the filter, and a valve disposed within the outlet conduit, the valve movable between a first position wherein fluid flowed through the valve is exhausted from the valve into the outlet conduit and towards the wash chamber and a second position wherein fluid flowed through the valve is diverted to the manifold. |
| US09649000B2 |
Cyclone dust separator arrangement, cyclone dust separator and cyclone vacuum cleaner
A cyclone dust separator arrangement having a first dust separating cyclone and a second dust separating cyclone. Respective air inlets of the first and second dust separating cyclones are connected in parallel to a common air supply channel. The common air supply channel includes an inertia particle separator implemented upstream of the air inlets. |
| US09648999B2 |
Robotic vacuum cleaner having a rotating brush roller and cleaning method for a brush roller of a robotic vacuum cleaner
A robot vacuum cleaner includes a housing and a brush roller disposed at a bottom of the housing. The brush roller is configured to be rotatable about a horizontal axle. A blade is disposed above the brush roller in stationary relation with respect to the housing. The horizontal axle is adjustable in height relative to the housing. The brush roller is spaced away from the blade in a lower position and is in engagement with the blade in an upper position. |
| US09648992B2 |
Pumps with vents to vent inverted containers and refill units having non-collapsing containers
Exemplary embodiments of refill units having foam pumps and non-collapsing containers are disclosed herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the refill unit includes a non-collapsing container and a foam pump. The foam pump includes a compressible air chamber. The foam pump includes a passage between the interior of the compressible air chamber and the interior of the container. A regulating valve regulates flow of air from the interior of the compressible air chamber to the interior of the container. |
| US09648988B2 |
Method for bathing vessel having wood-containing base board
A method of manufacturing a bathing vessel includes forming a base by contacting an incompletely cured polyurethane material with a wood-containing composite panel. The polyurethane material is then cured while in contact with the wood-containing composite panel to chemically bond the polyurethane material with the panel. At least one wall is then attached to extend vertically from the base. The wall is a multi-layer structure of layers of acrylic material, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene material and the polyurethane material. |
| US09648987B2 |
Bathtub fitting standard external space while affording safe egress and larger floor area with enclosed volume
A bathtub providing safe egress from a slippery bathtub floor has a limited rectangular footprint and an optimized floor space is formed with a substantially planar base with a length and width that define the limited rectangular footprint and a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall integral with and extending substantially vertically upwards from the substantially planar base. Each of the front, back, first side wall and second side wall have minimal wall thicknesses to define the optimized floor space and the front wall has a substantially planar upper apron deck that extends inwardly from an outer substantially vertical front wall surface for a fixed amount in a substantially parallel relation to the substantially planar base. |
| US09648983B2 |
Helical dynamic flow through heater
A flow though heater device comprising a fluid tube carrying a fluid to be heated, a tubular heating element extending at least partially parallel and in thermal contact with the fluid tube, wherein the tubular heating element comprises a profiled casing tube and at least one heating coil mounted in a tubular portion of said profiled casing tube. The profiled casing tube further comprises at least one tab portion laterally protruding from the tubular portion and being wrapped around the fluid tube, wherein the assembly of the fluid tube and the tubular heating element has an approximately helical shape so that the tubular portion of the casing tube is positioned with respect to the helix radially inside of the fluid tube. |
| US09648982B2 |
Tea machines
This disclosure relates to tea machines that utilize infusion bag dispensing systems to dispensing tea or other substances from canisters into the infusion bag. The tea machine comprises: a canister housing; one or more removable canisters, each canister configured to be refillable with loose tea and/or infusible sweetener; a plurality of empty infusion bags configured to contain tea and/or other infusible substance; an infusion bag dispenser adapted to hold a plurality of empty porous-walled infusion bags and configured to retrieve an empty infusion bag and hold and open the retrieved bag for filling with tea and/or other infusible substance; and a measuring cup adapted for determining the quantity of tea or other infusible substance to be extracted from the canister(s) and dispensed into the infusion bag. The tea machine of the present invention may be manually operated, or may be operated electronically, or may be controlled by a microprocessor or/and be programmed by the end user. |
| US09648981B2 |
Adjustable dispensing nozzle
A beverage producing machine is disclosed, comprising: a housing (3); a supporting surface (23) on which a beverage collecting container (C) can be placed; and a beverage dispensing nozzle (13) arranged above the supporting surface. The machine further comprises a movable auxiliary surface (25) which is combined to the supporting surface and is movable between an operating position and a rest position. In the operating position the movable auxiliary surface is parallel to the supporting surface. In the rest position the movable auxiliary surface is removed from the supporting surface. Moreover the dispensing nozzle (13) is movable between a first position for dispensing a beverage in a container placed on said supporting surface, and a second position for dispensing the beverage in a container placed on the movable auxiliary surface (25). |
| US09648973B2 |
Christmas tree stand with float system, low water indicator, and independent spring compression system
The present invention generally relates to a live plant or tree, such as, a Christmas tree that is being held in water, inside a stand, and also has a low water indicator. The present invention also provides a Christmas tree stand that has a low water indicator, and has an independent spring compression system that is self-adjusting and serves to position the tree securely and up-right. The low water indicator system is a float device that will rise and fall with the water level, mainly including a float, plunger, activation wire, power source, and buzzer that is built or attached to the tree stand. As the water level drops the float-plunger system activates an electrical connection and causes an alarm to be activated. Upon the activation of the alarm the tree stand will require water, and once water is added, the alarm will automatically deactivate. |
| US09648971B2 |
Nesting and reconfigurable wine glass
A wine glass having a separate top portion and a bottom portion that can be joined together to form a single wine glass. The top portion has a drinking rim opposite a lower rim and the top portion has an enclosed bottom opposite and upper rim. The lower rim of the top portion and the upper rim of the bottom portion join together to form a leak-proof drinking vessel or cup of the wine glass. When separated, the top portion and bottom portion can be nested together. Additionally, a plurality of such wine glasses can be nested together, so that a large number of wine glasses can be packaged together for economical storage and shipping. The wine glass can be disposable and biodegradable or compostable, as examples. |
| US09648967B2 |
Frame assembly and method of manufacturing the same
A frame assembly comprising an outer frame and a divider that divides a display opening of the outer frame into at least a first display window and a second display window. In one embodiment, the divider is molded while components of the outer frame are extruded. In another embodiment, the divider is coupled to the outer frame by sandwiching a portion of the divider between a glazing and the outer frame, and wherein relative movement between the divider and the outer frame is prohibited by interference between retaining features of one or both of the divider and the outer frame. The divider can be removed from the outer frame by simply removing the glazing and taking the divider out of the rabbet without damaging the outer frame. The same outer frame can be used without the divider. |
| US09648963B2 |
Disinfectable vinyl baby bouncer seat cover
A single disinfectable vinyl baby bouncer seat cover is made from health care use vinyl. The specifications of the health care vinyl permit surface disinfection using sodium hypochlorite (bleach) 1:10 diluted with water. A baby bouncer seat cover constructed from health care use vinyl allows disinfection in infection controlled environments using surface disinfectants containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach) 1:10 diluted with water. The disinfectable vinyl baby bouncer seat cover incorporates a seat belt restraint system and the design creates a central pocket that cradles an infant in a semi-reclined position. The design and health care use vinyl components incorporated in the invention, create a comfortable infant seat cover that maximizes disinfection within infection controlled environments. The disinfectable vinyl baby bouncer seat cover is placed over a baby bouncer frame, the baby bouncer frame is not inclusive in this invention. Environments such as hospital nurseries, neonatal intensive care units, pediatric intensive care units, pediatric units, large day care centers, and any other institutions that serve large numbers of infants may disinfect the seat covers after each use maintaining an environment of infection control. |
| US09648962B1 |
Transformable baby walker
A transformable baby walker includes an upper frame unit, a support unit, two front retaining members, two rear retaining members, two shell units, four latch members, four actuators, and a plurality of casters. A shell member of each of the shell units has a rocking surface and a mounting surface. Each of the casters is mounted on the mounting surface of a corresponding one of the shell units. Each of the shell units is angularly displaceable between a walker position, where the casters are in contact with a floor surface, and a rocker position, where the rocking surface is in contact with the floor surface. |
| US09648961B1 |
Translocatable child care changing station
A translocatable child care changing station having a horizontally disposed laying surface bounded by a plurality of guardrails, each of said plurality of guardrails positional between a raised, vertical orientation relative the laying surface and a horizontal orientation relative said laying surface, said laying surface securable upon a frame member disposed erectable upon a plurality of voluble leg members, each of said leg members moveable wherein the height of the laying surface is selectable at a desired position relative a user by action of a handle member, said handle member usable to effect securable positioning of each of said leg members. |
| US09648952B2 |
Pressure release slide latch mechanism
A pressure release slide latch mechanism for a drawer slide assembly comprises an outer slide, an intermediate slide mounted in the outer slide, and an inner slide mounted in the intermediate slide, a channel plate having a track portion and a guide block attached to the outer slide and a carriage slidingly engaged and biased along the track portion. A pin of a follower pivotally attached to the inner slide engages the guide block to releasably maintain the drawer slide assembly in a closed position and releases upon an inward force applied to the drawer slide assembly. |
| US09648951B2 |
Device for moving a movable furniture part, and item of furniture
A device for moving a movable furniture part, the device including a force accumulator such that by way of the fitted device the furniture part under the action of the force accumulator is capable of being put in the opening direction, and wherein the device has a locking assembly for locking a tensioned position of the force accumulator, in which the force accumulator is charged for the opening movement of the furniture part, wherein the tensioned position is unlockable. A locking member of the locking assembly, and a movable lever of the device, which is coupled to the force accumulator, are present in an interacting manner such that in the locked tensioned position of the force accumulator, the locking member assumes a locking position, and the lever assumes a standby position in which cancelling of the standby position of the lever is blocked by the locking member. |
| US09648950B2 |
Device for moving a movable furniture part in an opening direction in relation to a basic furniture structure of an item of furniture
A device for moving a movable furniture part, the device including a force accumulator such that by way of the device which is fitted to an item of furniture the movable furniture part in the case of an opening procedure under the action of the force accumulator is capable of being put in the opening direction, wherein in the case of a movement of the movable furniture part in the closing direction a charging procedure of the force accumulator is performed, and wherein the force accumulator by way of a coupling installation couples to an ejector so as to eject the movable furniture part. The coupling installation includes a lever assembly designed in such a manner that a force for the charging procedure of the force accumulator, which is introduced at the ejector, by means of the lever assembly is transmitted in a geared manner to the force accumulator. |
| US09648948B2 |
Work station
A work station includes a work surface and a panel with a notch formed therein and a channel formed therethrough. A panel support base is positioned within the notch of the panel, a sliding member is positioned within the channel of the panel and extends through the work surface, a support member is positioned at an end portion of the sliding member extending through the work surface, and an arm rotatably coupled between the panel support base and the sliding member. The arm is rotatable to move the sliding member and adjust the position of the support member relative to the work surface. |
| US09648947B2 |
Method and apparatus for a one-legged table assembly
A table assembly is disclosed that includes a tabletop having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end; a table leg couplable to the first end so as to support the first end when coupled thereto; and a resilient fastening member couplable to the second end and operably configured to selectively fasten the second end to an independent support structure so as to support the second end when the resilient fastening member is fastened to the independent support structure. |
| US09648945B2 |
System for operating modes for an electric toothbrush
Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush (10) include pre-programming a controller portion (16) of the electric toothbrush such that a single brushing event of approximately two minutes comprises automatically at least two different operating modes and specified times for each mode. Another operational mode includes the capability of operating the on/off button (20) of the toothbrush within a specified short time following termination of a normal brushing event to provide the user a specified additional time, e.g. 30 seconds of toothbrush action. A special toothbrush interface arrangement includes a display (80) which encourages children to maintain brushing for the full brushing period. This is accomplished through sequential illustration of the progress of an article from an initial state to a final desired state as the toothbrush is used for increasing portions of a full brushing time period. In another embodiment, a toothbrush (120) includes a capability of adjusting the performance/operating characteristics in accordance with the age of a child user. |
| US09648943B2 |
Fluid dispensing oral care implement
A fluid dispensing oral care implement with fluid delivery system. The implement includes a storage member containing a fluid. A channel formed of one or more wicking or capillary members extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver fluid(s) through one or more fluid outlets via capillary action. In one embodiment, the fluid outlet is comprised of a wicking or capillary material and is disposed in the head of the implement. A variety of fluids can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, tooth sensitivity, plaque and/or tartar control, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling. |
| US09648942B2 |
Toothbrush
An improved toothbrush is provided. The improved toothbrush includes first and second flexible anchor portions; a plurality of bristles coupled to each of the first and second flexible anchor portions; and a soft pivot bar operably coupled to the flexible anchor portions. A chewing force applied to the pivot bar causes the pivot bar and the first and second flexible anchor portions to compress against a tooth surface to cause a cleaning action. |
| US09648938B2 |
Cosmetic tool, retainer of cosmetic material and method of manufacturing cosmetic tool
This application aims at providing a retainer of a cosmetic material and a method of manufacturing a cosmetic tool, which are capable of easily treating the cosmetic material even when decreasing a concentration of skin care ingredients of the cosmetic material produced by freeze-drying. A cosmetic tool (1) includes: a retainer (3) to include an annular frame (2) and a handle (5) for holding the frame (2); and a cosmetic material (4) to be produced by freeze-drying an aqueous solution of skin care ingredients and fixed in a way that covers an aperture of the frame (2). |
| US09648936B2 |
Hair styling apparatuses and related methods
The present disclosure relates to hair styling apparatuses and related methods. The hair styling apparatus includes a heated barrel defining a stationary hair styling surface, and a rotating member configured to rotate around the stationary hair styling surface. The rotating member includes a tab fixedly extending along a longitudinal length of the stationary hair styling surface over less than an entire longitudinal length of the hair styling surface to gather and wind a user's hair around the stationary hair styling surface without clamping onto the wound hair. |
| US09648934B2 |
Camera bag
The present invention relates to a camera bag comprising a supporting frame for fixing a camera, and a shell for accommodating the camera and the supporting frame. The supporting frame comprises a front panel having a lens aperture and a supporting plate for fixing the camera. The front panel is detachably connected to the supporting plate through a connector. The camera bag further comprises a fixing means for fixing front of the camera lens on the front panel of the supporting frame. The present invention allows a user to shoot at any time without taking the camera out of the bag, and it can prevent the camera from the damage of rain, snow, and sand wind. |
| US09648933B2 |
Multi-purpose modular travel and packaging bag
The present invention generally relates to a travel bag or a packaging container. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a modular travel, garment bag or similar container system that can be customized based on the needs of the user. Furthermore, the various modules or segments of the bag may have different shapes and sizes so as to be adapted to carry items, with such modules or segments being combinable in varying arrangements to provide a flexibly configured bag that is suitable for a variety of uses. The present invention also relates to a packaging system for suits, blazers and jackets from garment, fashion and retail brands. |
| US09648932B2 |
Interchangeable pocket system for handbags
A handbag includes a body forming an interior compartment and an opening for accessing the interior compartment, a first hanger within the interior compartment, a second hanger within the interior compartment, a first pocket assembly removably secured to the first hanger so that the first pocket assembly hangs from the first hanger within the interior compartment and is accessible through the opening, and a second pocket assembly removably secured to the second hanger so that the second pocket assembly hangs from the second hanger within the interior compartment and is accessible through the opening. The first and second pocket assemblies are interchangeable with other pocket assemblies to easily configure the interior compartment in any desired manner for storage and they are also interchangeable with other handbags so that items stored in the pockets assemblies can be easily transferred to other handbags. |
| US09648924B2 |
Articulated sole structure with sipes forming hexagonal sole elements
A footwear sole structure may include a plurality of discrete hexagonally-shaped sole elements defined by a plurality of sipes. The sipes may include a plurality of sipes that extend in a transverse direction across the sole structure and a plurality of sipes that extend in an oblique direction relative to the transverse sipes. A plurality of sipes may also subdivide the hexagonally-shaped sole elements into one or more diamond-shaped sole element portions. The sole structure may include additional features such as non-hexagonal sole elements and lugs distributed across a bottom surface of the sole structure. |
| US09648923B2 |
Mold and method for making heterogeneous composite outer shoe sole
A mold and a method for making a heterogeneous composite outer shoe sole. The mold includes a press cutting die, a positioning plate, a positioning jig and a pressing jig. The method involves using the press cutting die to cut a first base material into cut pieces, positioning the press cutting die on the positioning jig with the positioning plate held therebetween, using the pressing jig to push the cut pieces into the material receiving holes of the positioning plate; preparing a shoe sole preform that is made of a second base material and has binding portions positionally corresponding to the material receiving holes; applying adhesive to the binding portions and to the cut pieces; and butting the positioning plate with the shoe sole preform, whereby the cut pieces of the first base material are bound with the binding portions in a batch. |
| US09648922B2 |
Skate and method of manufacture
A method of manufacturing a skate boot shell, including shaping tridimensional outer and inner sub-shells, and bonding the shaped sub-shells together through lamination. The lamination is performed after the sub-shells are shaped and includes applying heat to the sub-shells and/or pressure on one of the sub-shells toward the other against a mold surface. A skate with three sub-shells is also discussed. |
| US09648921B2 |
Reconfigurable shoe
A shoe having a hinge member incorporated between a footbed toe plate and footbed arch plate allowing the shoe to be configured as a flat or heeled shoe. The footbed toe plate and footbed arch plate are rotatably joined via one or more hinge pins inserted through interlaced teeth of each plate. A spring-biased hinge lock extending between the plates is controlled by a spring-biased pin having a notch for selectively receiving the hinge lock such that the hinge lock disengages the footbed arch plate allowing the footbed arch plate to rotate relative to the footbed toe plate. The heel block includes a spring-biased heel lock extending into a removable heel and is controlled by a spring-biased pin having a notch for selectively receiving the hinge lock such that the hinge lock disengages the heel allowing the heel to be removed from the heel block. |
| US09648917B2 |
Detachable clothing
A detachable garment includes a front panel and a back panel. The front panel includes a first outer edge opposite to a second outer edge, a first side having a first pattern, a second side having a second pattern, and a fastener located near the first outer edge and the second outer edge. The back panel includes a third outer edge opposite to a fourth outer edge, a third side having a third pattern, a fourth side having a fourth pattern, and a complementary fastener configured to mate with the fastener and located near the third outer edge and the fourth outer edge. A width of the back panel is greater than a width of the front panel. The third and fourth outer edges are each configured to fold over a portion of the back panel to mate the complementary fastener with a respective fastener on the front panel. |
| US09648915B2 |
Smart fibre armor
A smart fiber device is headgear, such as an athletic helmet, and includes sensing devices for detecting and deflecting impacts. The sensing devices fabric triggers the piezoelectric device so as to produce a voltage signal. A spinal protection system having a pad of energy-deflecting material that allows flexing and conform to movement. A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave. |
| US09648914B2 |
Systems for active coupling of airbags
An airbag deployment system includes a helmet, a torso protection assembly, and an airbag assembly. The airbag assembly is coupled to one of the helmet and the torso protection assembly and includes an airbag, an inflation device configured to inflate the airbag, and a first coupling device. The first coupling device is configured to couple to a second coupling device provided on the other of the helmet and the torso protection assembly upon inflation of the airbag. The coupling resists relative movement between the helmet and the torso protection assembly. |
| US09648913B2 |
Cardiopulmonary lightning protection garment
A cardiopulmonary lightning protection garment fabricated of an electrically conductive textile, or other suitable body shielding material, forms a fast flashover facilitating, electrical shield of at least an upper portion of the body, and includes a region of reduced conductivity adjacent the wearer's heart. The protective garment also includes a grounding member providing a movable connection between the conductive body shield and a local ground plane. Various configurations of the basic garment are contemplated, including a hooded jacket, hooded raincoat, padded vest, rain poncho, and the like. In various embodiments, the grounding member is a strap-like tail attached to the electrical body shield at an upper end, and having a weighted lower end for maintaining a sliding contact with the ground. In other embodiments, the lower end is attached to a wearer's shoe. |
| US09648911B2 |
Garment with back stays for enhanced fit
A shapewear or activewear garment that includes stays carried by the back fabric panel of the garment. In this regard, the stays act as anchors to keep the garment in place. Further, the stays provide tension that pulls the front fabric panel of the garment such that the front panel shapes and smoothes the wearer's midsection and or provides support and also provides resistance to shift when the garment is worn such that the garment does not ride up or down on the wearer. |
| US09648910B2 |
Body-shaping intimacy garment
A body-shaping intimacy garment for a woman has an upper portion that supports or at least contacts undersides of the breasts while leaving the breasts exposed, a torso portion extending from the upper portion, a lower portion that encircles the waist, buttocks and hips while defining a crotch opening through the garment for access during intimate encounters, and leg portions that extend to below the knee. The torso portion, lower portion and leg portions each include respective portions of inner and outer layers of stretchable fabrics. The inner layer fabric is worn stretched about the torso, waist, buttocks, hips and legs, with tension in shoulder straps maintaining some inner layer stretch along the torso portion while worn. The outer layer fabric has a lesser elasticity than the inner layer fabric, and the two fabric layers are connected at the bust but are otherwise disconnected throughout front and sides of the torso and lower portions, and throughout the leg portions to at least below the knee, such that the outer layer is configured to slide over the inner layer, and to flow over local curvature fluctuations of the inner layer, during movement. |
| US09648909B2 |
Porous ceramic material, manufacturing method and use thereof
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a porous ceramic material, which includes the following steps: mixing a silicate material and a porogen to obtain a premix, wherein the silicate material includes sodium silicate and other compounds being at least one selected from the group consisting of oxides, nitrides, and carbides; drying the premix to obtain a silicate aggregate; mixing the silicate aggregate and an adhesive to obtain an injection molding material, wherein in a weight percentage, the silicate aggregate is in the range of from 50% to 60%, the adhesive is in the range of from 40% to 50%; injection molding the injection molding material to obtain a green body; and degumming and calcinating the green body successively to obtain the porous ceramic material. In the aforementioned manufacturing method of the porous ceramic material, the space-holder method is combined with the injection molding method, such that the obtained porous ceramic material has a high porosity, controllable pore sizes and good mechanical properties. In addition, compared with the dry pressing process, the use of the injection molding process can significantly improve the production efficiency, and is suitable for large-scale production. |
| US09648907B2 |
Virtual reality smoking system
A virtual or augmented reality smoking system is provided herein. A smoker using the system can experience a virtual reality of smoking by puffing on a cigarette shaped article and experiencing the taste or aroma from the article while simultaneously viewing a generated image of a burning cigarette and exhaled and sidestream smoke. Additionally, the room environment may be simulated to give the experience of smoking in a setting of the smoker's choice (virtual reality) or the image of a burning cigarette and smoke may be superimposed on a live or natural image of the smoker's environment (augmented reality). |
| US09648905B2 |
Smoking system
In an electronic cigarette of the sort having a housing, a power section, and an atomizer, at least a portion of a first flow stream passes through the atomizer. A mixing valve within the housing has a first input that receives the first flow stream, and a second input receiving a second flow stream (20) that avoids the atomizing element, and an output (34) connected in fluid continuity to the opening in the proximal end, wherein the output conducts a mixture of the first flow stream (25) and the second flow stream (20). The apparatus further includes a regulating element (42) for the mixing valve in order to control a composition of the mixture. |
| US09648904B2 |
Product portion enrobing machines and methods
An apparatus for enrobing a product portion can include at least one polymer spray head adapted to create at least one flow of polymeric fibers to produce at least one polymer enrobing zone and a conveyor system adapted to move at least one product portion from at least one position below at least one polymer enrobing zone and to at least one position above at least one polymer enrobing zone to drop each product portion through one or more polymer enrobing zones a plurality times at different orientations to enrobe each product portion with polymeric fibers. |
| US09648899B2 |
Drinking water formulation and method and article relating to same
Homeopathic water compositions are described, as well as beverage articles for making drinking water formulations with such compositions. One such beverage article includes a water bottle, and a dispensing cap adapted to be secured to the water bottle. The dispensing cap contains dried homeopathic composition-coated sucrose or sucrose/starch particles that are dispensable into water in the water bottle by user actuation of the dispensing cap, to constitute the homeopathic water formulation for consumption. |
| US09648898B2 |
Metering the disposition of a food product into cavities forming a pellet
A process for metering the disposition of a food product into cavities forming a pellet. The cavities are defined in a conveyor as individual cavities. Each cavity defines a specific volume. The process includes supplying a quantity of food product in a supply chamber which includes a plurality of nozzles aligned above the conveyor. The nozzles are aligned with a predetermined portion of the cavities. A predefined supply of food product is dispensed and metered through each nozzle. The food product is dispensed through the nozzles into the cavities without exceeding the specific volume of the cavity. The food product is frozen into an individual quick frozen pellet starting immediately upon disposition in one of the cavities. The step of metering the predefined amount of food product includes metering a predetermined weight of the food product. |
| US09648893B2 |
Aerated fat-based confectionery
Disclosed is an aerated fat-based confectionery that, unlike a conventional shell-type or tapered shape, has a novel shape, that is, a cubic or rectangular parallelepiped shape having top, bottom, and side surfaces in contact with and perpendicularly to each other, or any shape such as an animal or flower shape having a given thickness, has a light texture and a sharp melt-in-the-mouth sensation, does not require alignment in packaging. The confectionery can be obtained by aerating a fat-based confectionery mass having a fat content of 30 to 60% by weight such as chocolate to a specific gravity of 0.5 to 1.0 and cutting the aerated mass with a heated wire so that the side surface is perpendicularly to the top and bottom surfaces. |
| US09648890B2 |
Edible coating for plant matter
The present invention discloses composition and methods for reducing the weight loss and/or preserving the natural gloss of post-harvest edible plant matter. In particular, the methods comprising applying to the surface of the plant matter a composition comprising an edible wax having a melting temperature below 70° C.; a hydrocolloid; a fatty acid; an emulsifier; and water, wherein said edible wax is present in a weight percent ranging from about 10% to about 25% of the total weight of the composition. |
| US09648887B2 |
Guide member, a guide system and a method for separating a viscary set eviscerated from slaughtered poultry
A guide member for use in separating viscera sets eviscerated from slaughtered poultry comprising a separation support surface having an elongated opening for receiving a viscera set in a manner whereby at least the intestines and the gallbladder are suspended below said guide member and the liver and gizzard are positioned above said guide member. The elongated opening extends away from a front edge of the separation support surface and a distal section of the opening is off-set in relation to a proximal section in a direction substantially parallel to the front edge. A gripping member may be arranged below said guide member for gripping a part of the intestines. In a method according to the invention the guide member is moved into contact with the viscera set whereby the intestines and/or gallbladder enters the elongated opening. |
| US09648886B2 |
Method and apparatus for harvesting of backmeat of a carcass or carcass part of slaughtered poultry
A method and apparatus for harvesting of backmeat of a carcass or carcass part of slaughtered poultry in connection with a process of filleting of the carcass or carcass part is provided. The method can include scraping the backmeat loose from the carcass or carcass part whereby a connection is maintained with fillets of the carcass or carcass part. Prior to the filleting of the carcass or carcass part a neck portion of a backbone of the carcass or carcass parts is fixed in position, whereby thereafter the backmeat is scraped loose from the carcass or carcass part. |
| US09648883B2 |
Method of producing bakery products, such as batch breads, and baked products thus obtained
A method of producing bakery products, more particularly sandwich loaves or the like. The method consists essentially in preparing a dough, optionally, in fermenting said dough, in placing the dough in a mold, in performing at least one step of baking the dough present in the mold by means of microwaves, optionally, in performing another step of baking by other baking means, in detaching the resulting baked product from the walls of the mold, optionally, in cooling the baked product and/or the mold, and in demolding the baked product. The method is an effective, high-performance method of producing breadmaking products, notably crustless batch breads, by microwave baking, which is reliable, simple, inexpensive and give satisfaction in terms of industrial production and organoleptic quality. |
| US09648880B2 |
Antifungal agents and uses thereof
Antimicrobial agents, compositions that include the agent(s) and use(s) thereof are provided. Also disclosed are screening assays for identifying antimicrobial agents. |
| US09648879B2 |
Co-crystal and method for producing same
A co-crystal composed of a diamide-based insecticidal-active ingredient and a neonicotinoid-based insecticidal-active ingredient is provided as a co-crystal which exhibits excellent insecticidal effects over a long period of time while reducing the occurrence of chemical damage on useful plants. The co-crystal is obtained by a method including heating and stirring of a suspension obtained by suspending the diamide-based insecticidal-active ingredient and the neonicotinoid-based insecticidal-active ingredient in a solvent such as water. |
| US09648877B2 |
Methods for increasing tolerance to abiotic stress in plants
The present invention provides a method for increasing tolerance to abiotic stress and/or reducing the consequence of abiotic stress in a plant or part thereof comprising contacting a plant or part thereof with a composition comprising an effective amount of dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof. |
| US09648874B2 |
Natural, multiple use and re-use, user saturated wipes
The present invention relates to a wipe suitable for multiple re-use comprising a biopolymer matrix composition, said biopolymer matrix comprising from about 0.1% to about 40% of an essential oil, about 30% to about 95% of a biopolymer, and about 1% to about 50% of a carrier fluid wherein a limited amount of said essential oil can be released from said matrix composition when exposed to a liquid solution; and wherein an additional limited amount of said essential oil can be re-released repetitiously thereafter upon re-use with an additional exposure of a liquid solution to said wipe. |
| US09648872B2 |
Water dispersible granule composition
A water dispersible granular composition comprising: i. microcapsules comprising of: a. at least one agrochemical active ingredient encapsulated within a polymeric shell wall; and, wherein the agrochemical active ingredient has a water solubility of less than 100 mg/liter; and, b. polyvinyl alcohol with a molecular weight of from 15,000 to 21,000, a degree of hydrolysis of from 87% to 89% and a viscosity of from 3.5 cps to 4.5 cps; ii. a filler base comprising of: a. at least one water insoluble filler; and b. at least one water soluble suspension adjuvant; and, iii. at least one agrochemical excipient. |
| US09648871B2 |
Methods to produce polymer nanoparticles and formulations of active ingredients
The present invention provides a composition including a polymer nanoparticle and at least one agricultural active compound incorporated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle are less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer includes a polyelectrolyte. |
| US09648869B2 |
Small molecule ice recrystallization inhibitors and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to small molecule ice recrystallization inhibitor (IRI) compounds having increased ice recrystallization inhibition activity. The IRI compounds disclosed herein are useful in compositions, kits and methods for cryopreserving biological material such as organs, tissues and cells. |
| US09648868B1 |
Decoy motion device
A decoy motion device for removably supporting and moving a decoy back and forth about a longitudinal axis of the device. The decoy motion device includes a stand; a motion actuating assembly removably mounted upon the stand; and a pivotable elongate support member in operable communication with the motion actuating assembly and adapted to support and pivot a decoy. |
| US09648864B1 |
Electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system
An electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system. A housing has a downwardly facing chamber. At least one electrically powered infrared heating element is mounted within the chamber. A source of electrical potential is electrically coupled to the electrically powered infrared heating element. A control assembly varies the electrical potential to the electrically powered infrared heating elements and the heat generated for controlling undesired weeds there adjacent. |
| US09648863B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for mechanical, selective weed control in mature and establishing crops including turfgrasses
An apparatus for applying a desired amount of mechanical abrasion to plants is provided. The apparatus includes a base, a brush and an elevation device for maintaining the base at desirable height. The base has a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of grooves, the grooves being oriented approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The brush has a second longitudinal axis and a plurality of bristles and/or blades extending outwardly from the second longitudinal axis. The brush is attached to the apparatus such that the second longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis and the brush is rotatable about the second longitudinal axis. The brush is spaced from the base such that the plurality of bristles engage the plurality of grooves. The base is adjustable enabling the operator to move the base closer or further from the rotating brush/blades. |
| US09648860B2 |
Lure viewer
An apparatus for holding and viewing a fishing lure is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible, elongated rod having a first end and a second end. A light assembly is attached to the first end of the elongated rod. The light assembly includes a light source, a battery, and a switch, wherein the light source is electrically coupled to the battery through the switch. A fastener is attached to the second end of the elongated rod and is adapted to hold a fishing lure or bait. Alternatively, a magnet may be attached to the second end of the elongated rod. The elongated rod is a flexible wire adapted to wrap around a fishing rod, thereby providing visibility during low light and night time conditions. |
| US09648859B2 |
Release devices for fishing rigs
Release devices for fishing rigs including a body, a mount, a compression assembly, and a friction member. The body includes a joint a base that extends from the joint, and a clamp vertically spaced from the base and extending from the joint. The mount pivotally mounts to the base at a second end of the body and cooperates with the clamp to pivot the mount between a retaining position and a release position. The compression assembly is configured to selectively adjust how much the clamp compresses the mount when the mount is in the retaining position. The friction member mounts between the clamp and the base about a vertical axis and is configured to selectively engage the fishing line retained the mount to restrict the fishing line from moving relative to the mount. |
| US09648857B2 |
Methods of studying tolerance in MHC-II transgenic animals
Novel methods of testing the immunogenicity of variant antigens are provided. In particular, methods based on the use of transgenic animals are provided, wherein the transgenic animal is tolerized to a particular antigen and is then exposed to variants of the antigen and immune responses are determined. In one embodiment the transgenic animal is a mouse which is transgenic for human MHC class II molecules and the immunogenicity of libraries of variant antibodies are tested. |
| US09648856B2 |
Non-human animals expressing pH-sensitive immunoglobulin sequences
Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that express an immunoglobulin variable domain that comprises at least one histidine, wherein the at least one histidine is encoded by a substitution of a non-histidine codon in the germline of the animal with a histidine codon, or the insertion of a histidine codon in a germline immunoglobulin nucleic acid sequence. Immunoglobulin genes comprising histidines in one or more CDRs, in an N-terminal region, and/or in a loop 4 region are also provided. Immunoglobulin variable domains comprising one or more histidines (e.g., histidine clusters) substituted for non-antigen-binding non-histidine residues. Non-human animals that are progeny of animals comprising modified heavy chain variable loci (V, D, J segments), modified light chain variable loci (V, J segments), and rearranged germline light chain genes (VJ sequences) are also provided. Non-human animals that make immunoglobulin domains that bind antigens in a pH-sensitive manner are provided. |
| US09648854B1 |
Animal exercise system in form of a game
An animal exercise system in the form of a game includes an apparatus comprising an animal transport device; a game board; a plurality of edible game pieces in the form of a treat. In operation, the animal transport device engages and travels along the game board to selectively contact the game pieces. One or more of the game pieces may be fed to the animal as a reward. |
| US09648853B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting animal behavior
Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling animal behavior, such as a dog. In an embodiment, a system can a delivery unit that can include an outer housing, first and second electrodes protruding from a back surface of the outer housing, and a position detection system electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The position detection system can include an accelerometer configured to detect one of a predetermined distance of the dog's neck with respect to a ground surface, a predetermined motion of the dog's neck with respect to the ground surface, and a predetermined angle of the dog's neck with respect to a level surface. |
| US09648852B2 |
System and method of pet behavior modification
A system (100) and method (900) of training or modifying the behavior of pets and, in particular, dogs is disclosed and could include using scratch-resistant protector (104, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) having adhesive (202, 402, 602, 802), additive (302, 404, 502, 604, 702, 704, 804, 806), or both to protect the integrity of door (102). Adhesive (202, 402, 602, 802) could generally provide a securing or coupling relationship between door (102) and protector (104, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800), while additive (302, 404, 502, 604, 702, 704, 804, 806) could provide a material that canines find unpleasant to smell, taste, touch, or scratch. In one embodiment, additive (302, 404, 502, 604, 702, 704, 804, 806) could include an additive that may be reapplied if it wears off or otherwise diminishes in strength, quantity, quality, or overall effectiveness. |
| US09648850B1 |
Interactive pet grooming/petting/massaging/tool/toy system
A pivot portion is between a handle portion proximally and a brush portion distally. The brush portion has first and second twisted wires. Each twisted wire has a loop distally and linear ends proximally. The linear ends are coupled to the handle portion. Each loop is arcuate for between 270 and 360 degrees with a common side axis when viewed from the side. Each loop is arcuate for between 90 and 180 degrees with a front axis between the twisted wires when viewed from the front. Each loop is arcuate for between 90 and 180 degrees with parallel top axes spaced laterally from the twisted wires when viewed from above. Each loop has bristles extending radially for 360 degrees from the loop. |
| US09648847B2 |
Electric fence for zone breaks
An electric fence for zone breaks is disclosed. An example electric fence for zone breaks includes a first support member having at least one attachment, and a second support member having at least one corresponding attachment. At least one wire is connected to the at least one attachment and the at least one corresponding attachment. The at least one wire extends between the first support member and the second support member to cover a zone break. An electrical connection provides electrical current to the at least one wire to protect non-electrified portions of an electric security fence. |
| US09648845B2 |
Composite absorbent particles
Composite particles and methods for making the same. An absorbent material is formed into a particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the absorbent material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Additionally, the composite absorbent particle may include a core material. Preferred methods for creating the absorbent particles include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process. |
| US09648842B1 |
Externally monitored and controlled milking applicator
A hand-held animal treating applicator equipped with a treatment zone having a forward entryway and top side entryway communicating onto horizontally aligned counter-rotating brushes provides exceptional efficacy in cleaning and sanitizing milk producing teats. The brush rotational control and chemical solution application conditions for the appropriate on-site treatment may automatically adjusted to precise reproducible treatment conditions monitored and controlled by a PLC. The brushes are easily coupled and uncoupled at the treatment site. Variable speed DC motors provide individualized cleaning and rotational brush control at each milking site applicator and chemical solution supplied to the applicators can be tailored for application to a unique teat treatment zone. |
| US09648831B2 |
Buglossoides ‘FitzRoy’
A new and distinct Buglossoides arvensis plant named ‘FitzRoy’ characterized by vigorous plant growth and abundant side shoot development. Seeds are distinctively well retained on the plant. Plants flower early, between April and early June, and require vernalization to induce flowering. Seed germination rate is typically 80%. Seeds of the plant are used in the production of the oil commercially known Ahiflower oil. |
| US09648828B2 |
Wheat cultivar BZ9S09-0687W
The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated BZ9S09-0687W. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar BZ9S09-0687W. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar BZ9S09-0687W and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar BZ9S09-0687W with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09648827B2 |
Wheat cultivar BZ6WM09-1030
The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated BZ6WM09-1030. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar BZ6WM09-1030. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar BZ6WM09-1030 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar BZ6WM09-1030 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09648825B2 |
Soybean variety 01052098
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01052098. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01052098. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01052098 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01052098 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09648824B2 |
Soybean variety 01050938
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01050938. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01050938. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01050938 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01050938 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09648823B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH085645
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH085645. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH085645, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH085645 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH085645. |
| US09648820B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH012506
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH012506. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH012506, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH012506 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH012506. |
| US09648819B1 |
Soybean variety XR57F14RX
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XR57F14RX. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XR57F14RX. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XR57F14RX and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XR57F14RX with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09648815B2 |
Papaver somniferum with high concentration of codeine
The present invention is directed to an improved poppy straw, concentrate of poppy straw and opium of Papaver somniferum for the production of codeine containing little or no oripavine, morphine or thebaine. The present invention also provides plants, stands and seeds of Papaver somniferum and methods for the production of codeine. |
| US09648814B2 |
Method and apparatus for substantially isolating plant tissues
The present invention discloses and claims methods and devices for the rapid mechanical isolation of monocot plant tissues suitable for transformation or tissue culture. The invention includes mechanical devices for substantially isolating target plant tissues for use as transformable explants, and propagation of transgenic plants and plant tissues. |
| US09648813B2 |
Regulation of gene expression via uORF of GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase (GGP) gene
The invention provides isolated polynucleotides comprising sequences encoding a u ORF peptides and variants and fragments thereof. The invention also provides constructs and vectors containing the polynucleotides. The invention further provides cells, plant cells and plants transformed with the polynucleotides and constructs. The invention also provides methods of using the polynucleotides to control expression of operably linked polynucleotides. The invention also provides methods of manipulating GDP-L-Galactose phosphorylase (GGP) expression and ascorbate production in plants utilizing the polynucleotides of the invention. |
| US09648811B2 |
Sequential and cyclic aeroponic system
Embodiments generally relate to systems and methods for aeroponic plant growth involving closed loops of growing units linked by plumbing sections. The system comprises N growing units, where N is an integer greater than 1; and N−1 supply plumbing sections that each connects one of the growing units to another, such that a linear array of N growing units linked by supply plumbing sections is formed. The system further comprises one drain plumbing section connecting the Nth growing unit to the first growing unit, so forming a closed loop of N growing units linked by N−1 supply plumbing sections and the drain plumbing section; and an electronic cyclic sequencer. Each of the growing units comprises an enclosure containing a submersible pump and a spray manifold, the electronic cyclic sequencer being operatively connected to each of the N submersible pumps. |
| US09648808B2 |
Mobile platform biomass harvester and processor
A mobile platform biomass harvester has a header, a biomass processor, a storage container, a guidance system, an engine, an electric generator, and a guidance system. The header harvests biomass. The biomass processor includes a shredder, a press, a dryer, and a densifier. The densifier compacts the biomass into a multitude of compressed biomass pieces. The storage container receives compressed biomass pieces from the biomass processor. The guidance system guides the mobile platform at a speed determined by the operating capacity of the mobile platform. The engine generates shaft power. The electrical generator converts the shaft power to electricity to power the guidance system. |
| US09648807B2 |
Agricultural harvesting machine
An agricultural harvesting machine has a control arrangement including an optical sensor device for recording image series of a continuous main crop stream, an evaluation device for ascertaining a portion of damaged grain, a portion of non-grain in the main crop stream or both, on the basis of an image analysis of the recorded image series and a visualization device for displaying the portion of damaged grain and/or the portion of non-grain. The control arrangement cyclically records image series of the continuous main crop stream and, within a predetermined processing time after an image series has been recorded, displays a current portion of damaged grain, a current portion of non-grain or both, based on the image series. |
| US09648799B2 |
Tillage implement with enhanced blade gang adjustability
A tillage implement has a main frame provided with ground-engaging wheels that support the main frame at a selected height above the ground. Tillage shanks may be provided on the main frame and, if so, have their depth of penetration into the ground determined by the selected height of the main frame. Gangs of freely rotatable circular blades are carried on the main frame for both fore-and-aft angle adjustment relative to the main frame about respective upright pivot axes and up-and-down depth adjustment relative to the main frame about respective horizontal pivot axes. Such angle and/or depth adjustments can be carried out on-the-go from the tractor seat and without raising or lowering the main frame such that if tillage shanks are provided on the main frame, the working depth of the tillage shanks can remain unchanged as the gangs are adjusted. |
| US09648798B2 |
Flexible wing sections for a field cultivator
An agricultural tillage implement for use in a field. The agricultural tillage implement including a frame section and a plurality of wing sections. The frame section has a pull hitch extending in a travel direction. Each of the plurality of wing sections are coupled to the frame section and/or a wing section. The wing sections each have an articulated portion pivotal about an axis substantially perpendicular to the travel direction. |
| US09648797B2 |
Sod harvester with flap control device
A method of arranging sod rolls on a pallet including the steps of using a sod harvester to create a plurality of sod rolls and deposit them onto a platform; rotating all but one of the sod rolls so that an end flap on each of the sod rolls is at the same position; rotating the first sod roll for a duration that is longer than the duration by which the remaining sod rolls are rotated so that an end flap on the first sod roll is in a different position on the first sod roll than the end flaps on the remaining sod rolls; using a sod carrier to pick up the plurality of sod rolls from the platform simultaneously; and depositing the plurality of sod rolls simultaneously onto a pallet such that the end flap on the first sod roll faces outward and is viewable by consumers. |
| US09655295B2 |
Attachment for feeder installation and method for feeder installation
A feeder installing attachment includes: a main body portion including attachment side fitting parts provided on a lower surface thereof and having an installing compatibility with first feeder side fitting parts provided on a lower surface of a first tape feeder; and second feeder installing slots formed on an upper surface of the main body portion and engaging with second feeder side fitting parts provided on a lower surface of a second tape feeder having a standard width smaller than that of the first tape feeder. In a state where the attachment is mounted, an array pitch of the second feeder installing slots is smaller than an array pitch of the base side installing slots, and becomes an array pitch corresponding to the standard width of the second tape feeder. |
| US09655285B2 |
Power supply system and method of managing the same
A power supply system for a data center includes a cooling circuit, an electrochemical power generator, a sensor, and a processor. The cooling circuit includes a fluid configured to receive heat energy generated by a server located in the data center. The electrochemical power generator is configured to receive and/or generate the fluid of the cooling circuit and to generate electrical energy for the server using the fluid. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding the server. The processor is configured to control an amount of heat energy transferred from the server to the fluid based on the data. |
| US09655284B2 |
Modular fan assembly
A modular fan assembly for use in a multi-device storage enclosure. In some embodiments, the fan assembly has a rigid open frame with opposing first and second ends. A first fan is connected to the first end and a second fan is connected to the second end. The first and second fans are configured to establish a fluidic airflow through the frame. An airflow diverter positioned in an intermediate portion of the frame between the first and second ends divert at least a portion of the fluidic airflow through a first aperture of the frame to cool an active element outside the frame. |
| US09655283B2 |
Submerged datacenter
The subject disclosure is directed towards a submerged datacenter, which may be made up of modules, into a body of water such as the ocean. The submersion facilitates cooling of the datacenter as well as providing protection of the datacenter from environmental conditions that exist at or near the surface. Power may be generated from the datacenter heat, and power generated by or near the body of water (e.g., via waves, tides, wind, currents, temperature differences) may be used to help power the datacenter. |
| US09655281B2 |
Modular cooling system
Technologies for modular cooling systems for cooling electronic components installed in equipment racks are provided herein. A modular cooling system comprises a cold plate and a support manifold connected to the cold plate. Together, the support manifold and cold plate define a fluid path for cooling fluid from the support manifold to the cold plate. The modular cooling system also includes an equipment carrier including equipment cooled by the cold plate. |
| US09655278B2 |
Slim fan structure
A slim fan structure includes a fan frame, a top cover closed to a top of the fan frame to define a receiving space in the fan frame, a stator assembly mounted in the receiving space, and a hub fitted around the stator assembly. The fan frame has opposite first and third sides forming an air inlet and an air outlet, respectively, and opposite second and fourth sides having a first and a second side wall formed thereon, respectively. The first side wall includes a protruded portion laterally extended toward the air inlet, and the second side wall includes a stop portion located adjacent to the air outlet. With the air inlet and the air outlet formed on two lateral sides of the fan frame, the slim fan structure has an effectively reduced overall thickness and does not produce noise during operation to largely upgrade the operational performance thereof. |
| US09655276B2 |
Rack control module
A rack control module including a pair of mounting braces for mounting the RCM on a handle of a power supply unit (PSU). The PSU may be mounted on a server rack. The RCM also includes a latch disposed in proximity to the pair of mounting brace. Upon mounting the RCM on the handle of the PSU, the latch locks the RCM in an engaged position with the handle of the PSU. |
| US09655267B2 |
Retractable display system and method of use
A retractable display configured as a plurality of interlinked display subassemblies or panels, a transport box having a lid configured to enclose the display system, the box or subassemblies having a rack system configured to support the plurality of linked display subassemblies in the transport box, a lift mechanism configured to assemble and disassemble the plurality of releasably interlinked display subassemblies into a seamless display, and an alignment system configured to align one display subassembly with a neighboring display subassembly and thus, functions as a rugged self-contained transport box of a plurality of interlinked display subassemblies capable of automated assembly into a seamless display larger than its transport box. |
| US09655265B2 |
Electronic module
An electronic module is provided, comprising an electronic chip arranged in the electronic module and comprising an input terminal and an output terminal; a first current path electrically connected to the input terminal; a second current path electrically connected to the output terminal; and an insulation arranged between the first current path and the second current path, wherein the first current path and the second current path extend in the same direction and arranged in close proximity to each other. |
| US09655264B2 |
All-weather enclosure for flat panel displays
A lightweight, weatherproof, protective enclosure for flat panel displays comprising a containing element in the form of an open, shallow rectangular prism with a regular network of shallow reinforcing depressions formed in its outer surface and a substantially transparent planar viewing element hingedly connected to the containing element such that when the viewing element is closed over, and sealed to, the containing element the protective enclosure forms a lightweight, monocoque structure with enhanced structural rigidity. |
| US09655260B2 |
Housing for an electronic device and electronic device
A housing for an electronic device includes a double-walled frame, wherein the double-walled frame substantially includes a first wall and a second wall, where the first wall forms an outer wall here, where the first wall is formed in two parts, where a first wall part of the first wall and a second wall part of the first wall are arranged relative to one another such that with a force acting on the frame from the outside, the first wall part can be shifted over the second wall part by overcoming a frictional force that is present between the two wall parts. |
| US09655256B2 |
Electronic circuit boards fastened at a frame
An electronic circuit, comprising at least three circuit boards (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) fastened at a frame (1) and electrically connected via contact pins (7) arranged therein, and an electric connection (11), connected to a third of the circuit boards (2.1). The circuit shall show a low structural space and here be cost-effective in its production and assembly. The circuit boards (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) are arranged in levels parallel in reference to each other and are fastened at a predetermined mutual distance at the frame (1), with bases (4, 5, 6) being embodied at the faces of the frame (1), with the ends being parallel to the faces of at least two of the bases (4, 5, 6) in one level, arranged in groups, and with the embodiment of the frame (1) and the circuit boards (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) being adjusted to each other. |
| US09655251B2 |
Backdrilling method, and backdrilling apparatus
The present invention aims to provide a backdrilling method and a backdrilling apparatus that can ensure the backdrilling depth accuracy. Using a multilayer printed wiring board in which a reference depth detection region is allocated where a reference depth detection layer is formed in the same layer with an internal wiring layer electrically connected to a stub, the thickness and the depth of the reference depth detection layer are measured in the reference depth detection region using a drill bit. The drill bit is moved relative to the multilayer printed wiring board to a backdrilling portion. The drilling is performed using the drill bit to the depth which is calculated using the ratio of the depth of the reference depth detection layer to the thickness of the multilayer printed wiring board in the reference depth detection region. |
| US09655249B2 |
Substrate with built-in capacitor and method for manufacturing substrate with built-in capacitor
A substrate with a built-in capacitor includes an insulating base material layer, a build-up layer formed on the insulating base material layer and including a conductor layer and an insulating layer, and a multilayer ceramic capacitor positioned in an opening of the base material layer and including internal electrodes, ceramic dielectric layers and a pair of external electrodes. The ceramic capacitor has a cuboid shape having long sides and short sides, the pair of external electrodes is formed on opposing long-side sides such that the external electrodes are separated by a distance in range of 30 μm to 200 μm and that each external electrode includes a conductive paste layer connected to a respective group of the internal electrodes and a copper plated layer covering the conductive paste layer, and the conductive paste layer includes Ni paste or Cu paste including glass component in range of 5% to 40%. |
| US09655244B1 |
Flexible electronic device and method for manufacturing the same
A flexible electronic device includes a first flexible substrate, a first electronic component, a second flexible substrate, a second electronic component and an adhesive layer disposed between the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate. The first electronic component is disposed on a first surface of the first flexible substrate. The second electronic component is disposed on a first surface of the second flexible substrate. The first surface of the first flexible substrate has a first FPC bonding area having an orthogonal projection projected on a plane where the second flexible substrate is located does not overlap the second flexible substrate. The first surface of the second flexible substrate has a second FPC bonding area having an orthogonal projection projected on a plane where the first flexible substrate is located does not overlap the first flexible substrate. |
| US09655236B2 |
Method to make a multilayer circuit board with intermetallic compound and related circuit boards
A method for making a multilayer circuit board from circuit board layers, each including a dielectric layer and conductive traces thereon including a first metal. The method includes forming a through-via in a first circuit board layer, plating the through-via with the first metal, and coating a second metal onto the first metal of the first circuit board layer, the plated through-via, and the first metal. The method also includes aligning the first and second circuit board layers together so that the plated through-via of the first circuit board layer is adjacent a feature on the second circuit board layer, and heating and pressing the aligned first and second circuit board layers so as to laminate the dielectric layers together and form an intermetallic compound of the first and second metals bonding adjacent metal portions. |
| US09655232B2 |
Spanning tree protocol (STP) optimization techniques
Systems and approaches are provided for optimizing the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) in a switched network. STP port type for a network infrastructure device can be controlled based on the dynamically discovered neighbor device type of the directly connected peer of the device using the Link Level Discovery Protocol (LLDP). LLDP can provide system capabilities of a link level peer to identify whether the link level peer is a host or a network infrastructure device. In various embodiments, the exchange of system capabilities can the trigger the configuration of an STP port as a network port for ports connected to network infrastructure devices or edge ports for ports directly connected to host devices. |
| US09655231B2 |
Compensating for intra-pair skew in differential signaling
A circuit may be configured to reduce electrical signal degradation. The circuit may include a first trace and a second trace that may be broadside coupled between a first ground plane and a second ground plane. The first and second traces may be configured to carry first and second signals, respectively, of a differential signal. The circuit may also include a first dielectric material disposed between the first trace and the second trace. Further, the circuit may include a second dielectric material disposed between the first trace and the first ground plane and disposed between the second trace and the second ground plane. A difference between a first dielectric constant of the first dielectric material and a second dielectric constant of the second dielectric material may suppress a mode conversion of the differential signal from a differential mode to a common mode. |
| US09655230B2 |
Electromagnetic noise filter device and equivalent filter circuit thereof
The present invention is related to an electromagnetic noise filter device and an equivalent filter circuit thereof. The filter device comprises a substrate, a transmission line and a ground plane having slotted ground structure. The transmission line is configured on the top surface of the substrate, and the grounding plane is configured on the bottom surface of the substrate. At least one pair of impedance elements are configured within the slotted ground structure. The transmission line can be electromagnetic coupled to the slotted ground structure and the impedance elements so as to form an equivalent filter circuit. Thereby, the electromagnetic noises on at least one specific frequency may be absorbed by the impedance elements of the filter device so as to avoid the electromagnetic reflection induced by the electromagnetic noise and interfering the signal transmitted on the transmission line. |
| US09655229B2 |
Circuit board
A circuit board includes a first thermally conductive structure comprising a cavity or a recess portion. At least a portion of the first thermally conductive structure is inserted into an insulating part. An electronic device comprising a portion thereof inserted in the cavity or the recess portion. |
| US09655225B2 |
Method and system for controlling convection within a plasma cell
A plasma cell for controlling convection includes a transmission element configured to receive illumination from an illumination source in order to generate a plasma within a plasma generation region of the volume of gas. The transmission element of the plasma cell is at least partially transparent to at least a portion of the illumination generated by the illumination source and at least a portion of broadband radiation emitted by the plasma. The plasma cell also includes one or more gas return channels formed within the transmission element for transferring gas from a region above the plasma generation region to a region below the plasma generation region. |
| US09655223B2 |
RF system, magnetic filter, and high voltage isolation for an inductively coupled plasma ion source
In a plasma ion source having an induction coil adjacent to a reactor chamber for inductively coupling power into the plasma from a radio frequency power source and designed for negative and positive ion extraction, a method for operating the source according to the invention comprises providing radio frequency power to the induction coil with a RF amplifier operating with a variable frequency connected to a matching network mainly comprised of fixed value capacitors. In this device the impedance between the RF power source and the plasma ion source is matched by tuning the RF frequency rather than adjusting the capacitance of the matching network. An option to use a RF power source utilizing lateral diffused metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor based amplifiers is disclosed. |
| US09655219B2 |
On line automatic detection of the time phase of the threshold voltage of a lighting load and its application in lighting management
The present disclosure discloses a method based on microcontroller circuit and software codes to on line automatically detect the time phase of the threshold voltage of a lighting load in each AC half-cycle. This automatic detection capability enables a dimmer circuit of a lighting apparatus to establish a dimmer working range from the self-detected time phase of threshold voltage of the lighting load. The lighting apparatus can be operated with different types of lighting loads to perform a full dimming range from 0% to 100% of maximum lighting output. Therefore, the dimmer circuit makes possible both the lighting fixtures and the users refrained from dimming difficulties caused by different types of lighting loads with different threshold voltages. The design concept can be extended to manage illuminations in a two-level security light on a simple software basis without resorting to complex electric circuits. |
| US09655215B1 |
System and method for ensuring minimal control delay to grouped illumination devices configured within a wireless network
A lighting control system and method is disclosed for not only controlling visual content loaded within a group set of illumination devices configured within a wireless network, but also for ensuring minimal control delay to those grouped devices. The lighting control system can include a lighting controller device that controls a plurality of lamps within a mesh network, not only to group those lamps but also to assign content to lamps within that group. The combination of a guaranteed groupcast to each of the group of lamps and an acknowledge back from those lamps that is aggregated over a single path achieves the improved lighting control system disclosed herein. |
| US09655214B1 |
Device, system and method for controlling visual content loaded into a grouped set of illumination devices configured within a wireless network
A lighting control system and method is disclosed for not only controlling visual content loaded within a group set of illumination devices configured within a wireless network, but also for ensuring minimal control delay to those grouped devices. The lighting control system can include a lighting controller device that controls a plurality of lamps within a mesh network, not only to group those lamps but also to assign content to lamps within that group. The combination of a guaranteed groupcast to each of the group of lamps and an acknowledge back from those lamps that is aggregated over a single path achieves the improved lighting control system disclosed herein. |
| US09655213B2 |
Modular wireless lighting control
A modular wireless lighting control device includes a wireless interface device that includes a wireless transceiver, a first controller, and a power supply. The wireless transceiver is in electrical communication with the first controller. The wireless interface device receives lighting control instructions wirelessly via the wireless transceiver. The modular wireless lighting control device further includes a lighting control device in electrical communication with the wireless communication device. The lighting control device includes a second controller and control interface circuitry. The control interface circuitry is compatible with a light fixture. |
| US09655199B2 |
Four component phosphorescent OLED for cool white lighting application
A light emitting system is provided including a first organic light emitting device. The first organic light emitting device includes an anode, a cathode, a first organic emitting layer disposed between the anode and the cathode, and a second organic emitting layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The first organic emitting layer and the second organic emitting layer each include an emissive dopant having a peak wavelength of between 400 to 500 nanometers, but one of the peak wavelength of one of the dopants is at least 4 nm less than the peak wavelength of the other dopant. The first organic emitting layer and the second organic emitting layer may overlap each other, such as being disposed one over the other. The device may be used in white light or multi-color systems. |
| US09655196B2 |
Color temperature adjusting method of solid state light emitting device
A color temperature adjusting method of solid state light emitting device, including steps: providing a main light source which emits main light of a first color temperature; providing an adjusting light source, wherein the adjusting light source comprises a red light source, a green light source and a blue light source; and adjusting currents applied to the adjusting light sources to obtain an adjusting light, wherein the adjusting light mixes with the main light of the main light source to obtain an outgoing light of a second color temperature. The second color temperature is different from the first color temperature. The outgoing light has a chromaticity coordinate at a Plank's curve on a CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates chart. |
| US09655193B2 |
Lighting unit providing reduced intensity light output based on user proximity and related methods
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for lighting control. Reduced intensity light output is provided from one or more light sources (100, 300, 400) based on user proximity. Providing reduced intensity light output from the light sources based on user proximity may facilitate user interaction with a user interface (140, 340, 440) that enables control of the light sources and/or additional light sources. For example, the reduced intensity light output may make viewing of and/or interaction with the user interface more pleasant that non-reduced intensity light output. |
| US09655189B2 |
LED light control and management system
An LED light and communication system is in communication with a broadband over power line communications system. The LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver light fixture. The optical transceiver light fixture includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, at least one photodetector, and a processor. A facility management unit is in communication with the processor. The facility management unit is constructed and arranged to control the operation of the optical transceiver light fixture. |
| US09655188B1 |
Illumination device and method for independently controlling power delivered to a load from dimmers having dissimilar phase-cut dimming angles
An illumination device and method are provided for controlling light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs (specifically, the LED loads) are controlled, e.g., brightness and color of the LED loads, independent of a phase-cut dimmer applied to the AC mains feeding a DC power supply. The power supply is active dependent upon the duration of a conduction angle supplied from the dimmer. The power supply, however, produces drive currents that are independent from the conduction angle by using a two-stage power supply and a relatively slow and fast control loops that are controlled through a microprocessor based control circuit. Parameters stored in the control circuit are drawn by the microprocessor to control the two-stage power supply to produce the drive currents independent and decoupled from the conduction angle yet dependent on the controller parameters. |
| US09655186B2 |
Emergency lighting system for an aircraft and aircraft comprising such emergency lighting system
An emergency lighting system for an aircraft includes an emergency light control unit, having an external power input and at least one external control input for receiving external control commands from at least one of a cockpit crew, a cabin crew, a board computer and an autopilot, and a plurality of autonomous emergency light units, each of the plurality of autonomous emergency light units comprising at least one LED and a rechargeable capacitor. The emergency light control unit is configured to process the external control commands and to communicate emergency light control commands to the plurality of autonomous emergency light units as a response to the external control commands. |
| US09655168B2 |
Electrical barrier for wax warmer
A wax warmer includes a body, an electrical assembly positioned within an interior space of the body, and a sleeve positioned within the interior space. The sleeve surrounds and provides a barrier to the electrical assembly. |
| US09655166B2 |
Data bundling and fast dormancy based upon intelligent application learning
Data bundling and fast dormancy controls are provided based on application monitoring and classification. Moreover, a balance is enabled between saving battery power of a user equipment (UE) and reducing signaling and processing load in a radio resource controller (RRC). For instance, a system can observe data flow related behavior of applications on the UE. On receiving a first data flow request, an arrival time of a next data flow request is predicted based on an analysis of the behavior, and the system determines whether the two data flows can be bundled together and transmitted over a single connection. Additionally, on completion of the first data flow, the arrival time of the next data flow request is predicted based on the analysis, and the system determines whether a fast dormancy timer can be disabled to transmit the next data flow over the current connection. |
| US09655161B2 |
Auxiliary information reporting and information sending method and device
The embodiments of this application relate to the field of wireless communications. Disclosed are an auxiliary information reporting and information sending method and device, so that a target base station can acquire the latest auxiliary information of a user equipment (UE) and then can provide the most reasonable configuration for the UE. In this application, the UE reports the auxiliary information to a source base station, and determines whether it is required to re-report the auxiliary information in a target cell; if determining that it is required to re-report the auxiliary information in the target cell, the user equipment reports the auxiliary information to the target base station after being switched to the target cell. It can be seen that, in this solution, the target base station can acquire the latest auxiliary information of the UE, so as to provide the most reasonable configuration for the UE. |
| US09655160B2 |
Maximization of scheduling opportunities in in-device coexistence interference scenarios
The invention relates to methods for avoiding in-device coexistence (IDC) interference in a mobile terminal in a mobile communication system, apparatus for performing these methods, and computer readable media instructions to cause the apparatus to perform the methods. In order to avoid IDC interference, an IDC interference indication is reported for at least one of a first cell and a second cell on which an interference condition is detected. In response, an activation/deactivation pattern is received for at least one of the first and second cells for which the interference condition is detected. The activation/deactivation pattern indicates an off-duration and an offset specifying a time-period during which communication via the at least one of the first and second cells is to be deactivated. According to the activation/deactivation pattern, first and second subframes are determined, at which the communication via the at least one of the first and second cells is to be deactivated and re-activated, respectively. |
| US09655157B1 |
Multiple user multiple input multiple output pairing in a network
A method and system for providing MU-MIMO pairings of mobile handsets in a network is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes facilitating MU-MIMO pairings of mobile handsets served by different transmitting/receiving components serving individual sectors of a base station using a central monitoring server and location information for each of the mobile handsets. In another embodiment, the method includes facilitating MU-MIMO pairings between mobile handsets served by different transmitting/receiving components in different sectors of coverage across separate access components using a central monitoring server and location information for each of the mobile handsets. |
| US09655155B2 |
Method and apparatus for establishing device-to-device connection in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for establishing a device-to-device (D2D) connection in a wireless communication system is provided. A network transmits a connection establishment request message to request of the D2D connection establishment to a first device and a second device, receives a connection establishment response message indicating whether to accept the request of the D2D connection establishment from the first device and the second device, and transmits a connection establishment confirm message to confirm the D2D connection establishment to a first device and a second device. The connection establishment request message includes at least one of a connection establishment type, a quality of (QoS) parameter for the D2D connection, and security information. |
| US09655153B2 |
Method and apparatus for notifying connection attributes for local internet protocol (IP) access
The invention discloses a method for notifying connection attributes of local IP access, comprising a mobility management element notifying the user terminal of connection attributes of the PDN connection in the procedure of establishing a PDN connection. The invention also discloses an apparatus for notifying connection attributes of local IP access, comprising: a determination unit for determining connection attributes of the PDN connection for user terminal in the process of establishing the PDN connection; a notification unit for notifying the user terminal of the connection attributes of the PDN connection. After determining the PDN connection to be established for UE, the mobility management element at the network side of the invention notifies the UE of the information of type and attribute of the PDN connection at the same time so as to facilitate the UE determining the corresponding access policy according to the attribute information of current PDN connection when moving. |
| US09655151B2 |
Wireless mesh network auto-forming in a multi-tenant environment
A wireless mesh access point (AP) determines a candidate set of Basic Service Set Identifiers (BSSIDs) or other unique identifiers by monitoring for detection of a set of wireless communications, each bearing a unique identifier. The AP selects a candidate unique identifier from the candidate set. The AP establishes a wireless communication link with a controller of a wireless mesh network associated with the candidate unique identifier. The AP transmits a request to the controller to join the wireless mesh network associated with the candidate unique identifier. The AP receives a response from the controller indicating either acceptance or rejection of the request. If the response indicates rejection, the AP rejects one or more unique identifiers in the candidate set in response to reason information included in the rejection. |
| US09655149B2 |
Wireless communication configuration method, wireless communication system, and recording device
A recording device 10 determines if a wireless LAN adapter AD was connected when the recording device 10 turned on; and monitors if a wireless LAN adapter AD becomes connected after the recording device 10 turned on. If the wireless LAN adapter AD is connected after the recording device 10 turns on and a password was previously set, the recording device 10 enables a wireless communication function and uses the previously set password for wireless communication through the wireless LAN adapter AD. If the wireless LAN adapter AD is connected after the recording device 10 turns on and a password was not previously set, the recording device 10 automatically generates a new password and enables the wireless communication function using the automatically generated password for wireless communication through the wireless LAN adapter AD. |
| US09655147B2 |
Method and apparatus for bearer control in a group call
A method and service network element are provided that control a distribution of multiple uplink bearers among multiple user devices participating in a group call. In response to receiving a trigger to reevaluate the multiple uplink bearers, one or more user devices of the multiple user devices are identified as candidates for de-allocation of uplink bearers based on a profile associated with each of the multiple user devices. Further, based on the profiles associated with each of the multiple user devices, one or more of the multiple user devices are identified as candidates for establishment of an uplink bearer. An uplink bearer, of the multiple uplink bearers, then is released from one or more of the user devices identified as candidates for de-allocation of uplink bearers, and an uplink bearer is established for one or more user devices identified as candidates for establishment of uplink bearers. |
| US09655146B2 |
Mobile communication method and mobile station
A radio base station PhNB managing a phantom cell is enabled to uniquely identify a mobile station UE in communication in the phantom cell. A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes starting, by the radio base station PhNB#10, a “Non-contention based RA procedure” or a “Contention based RA procedure” with a mobile station UE#1 in communication in a cell #10 under control of the radio base station PhNB#10; and notifying, by the mobile station UE#1, the radio base station PhNB#10 of a C-RNTImacro which is allocated in a cell #1 other than the cell #10. |
| US09655145B2 |
Wireless communication method for allocating clear channel, and wireless communication terminal using same
The present invention relates to a wireless communication method for clear channel assessment and a wireless communication terminal using the same, and more particularly, to a wireless communication method and a wireless communication terminal for performing efficient clear channel assessment based on BBS identifier information of non-legacy wireless LAN information. To this end, provided is a wireless communication method including: receiving a radio signal of a specific channel; measuring a signal strength of the received radio signal; and determining whether the specific channel is busy based on the measured signal strength and BSS identifier information of the radio signal. |
| US09655143B2 |
Random access method and signaling method for the same
A method is provided for performing a random access procedure by a Node-B with a specific user equipment (UE) within a cell in which a plurality of UEs are located together. The Node-B transmits a random access procedure configuration including a basic sequence index related with a random access channel and zero correlation zone (ZCZ) configuration. The Node-B receives a random access preamble corresponding to the random access procedure configuration from the UE over the random access channel. A length of a cyclic part and a length of a sequence part of the random access preamble are differently given based on the random access procedure configuration. The random access preamble is generated from Constant Amplitude Zero Auto-Correlation (CAZAC) sequences based on the basic sequence index by applying a length of a cyclic shift according to the ZCZ configuration. |
| US09655137B2 |
Method for transmitting/receiving data in a wireless access system and base station for same
A method is provided for receiving a signal by a user equipment (UE) using time division duplex (TDD) in a wireless communication system. The UE receives uplink (UL) grant information on a first cell, the UL grant information scheduling a UL transmission on a second cell. The UE transmits UL data in a UL subframe on the second cell via a physical UL shared channel based on the UL grant information. The UE receives hybrid automatic repeat and request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a downlink (DL) subframe on the first cell. The first cell and the second cell have different TDD UL-DL configurations. The DL subframe on the first cell is determined based on a TDD UL-DL configuration of the second cell. |
| US09655132B2 |
Uplink interference mitigation in heterogeneous mobile networks
A method for controlling a heterogeneous wireless network (100) is proposed. The heterogeneous wireless network comprises at least one first base station (115) which manages communication of a plurality of first user equipments (125M) positioned in at least one first cell (105) and at least one second base station (120) which manages communication of a plurality of second user equipments (125p) positioned in at least one second cell (110). Moreover, in the heterogeneous network (100), for each first user equipment (125M) the at least one first base station (115) provides a respective first allocation information set over a respective first allocation time interval. Similarly, the at least one second base station (120) provides for each second user equipment (125p) a respective second allocation information set over a respective second allocation time interval. Furthermore, each first allocation information set and each second allocation information set define transmission resources for communications of each first user equipment (125M) and of each second user equipment (125M), respectively. In the heterogeneous wireless network (100), the at least one second cell (110) is at least partially comprised in the first cell (105). The method comprises the following steps. Said at least one first base station determines (305) a set of probably interfering first user equipments (125M) with at least one of the plurality of second user equipments (125p). Said step of determining the set of probably interfering first user equipments (125M) comprises the following steps. Comparing each second allocation information set with each first allocation information set having the first allocation time interval at least partially overlapped with the respective second allocation time interval, and identifying as a probably interfering first user equipment (125M) each first user equipment (125M) for which a correspondence is verified in said comparing allocation information sets. The method further comprises the following steps. Said at least one second base station (120) defines a detection time window in order to analyze univocal identifiers transmitted by probably interfering first user equipments (125M) in said set. The method comprises identifying (315) a subset of effectively interfering first user equipments (125M) with the plurality of second user equipments (125p). Said at least one first base station (115) modifies (325) said transmission resources for at least one first user equipment (125M) comprised in the subset of effectively interfering first user equipments (125M) in order to mitigate interferences. |
| US09655129B2 |
Bundling of packet acknowledgments as a function of the distance
A method and an apparatus for bundling data packet acknowledgments in a wireless communication device is disclosed. The method includes determining a metric proportional to a communication distance between the wireless communication device and a counterpart wireless communication device; selecting a number of data packet acknowledgments to be bundled together according to the determined communication distance such that when the communication distance is higher, the higher number of data packet acknowledgments are bundled together into a single acknowledgment message; and causing transmission of the acknowledgment message comprising the selected number of data packet acknowledgments. |
| US09655124B2 |
Policy and charging control (PCC) for NAT64 and DNS64
A mechanism for use by a subscription control node, one or more NAT64 nodes and/or DNS64 nodes to interact in a communications network with multiple user equipments (UEs) to control the UE usage of the NAT64 and/or DNS64 communications resources. The subscription control node includes subscription information for one or more of the UE(s), the subscription information for each UE including translation state usage information associated with one or more of the NAT64 nodes servicing the UE. The subscription control node collects translation state usage information from each NAT64 node, and identifies a set of one or more UE(s) exceeding a maximum translation state usage allocated to each of the multiple UEs based on the corresponding subscription information and the collected translation state usage information. The subscription information for the identified UEs is adjusted so the identified set of UE(s) meet the maximum translation state usage for each UE. |
| US09655123B1 |
Group management in multiuser communications
A first communication device measures respective receive power levels of signals transmitted by second communication devices in a plurality of second communication devices. The first communication device selects a group of two or more second communication devices from the plurality of second communication devices for simultaneous transmission of respective data to the first communication device, wherein the group is selected i) so that respective measured receive power levels of the signals from any two second communication devices in the group differ by no more than a predetermined amount, and ii) without instructing any second communication device in the group to adjust a transmit signal power level. The first communication device generates a communication frame that includes information indicative of the group, and transmits the communication frame to prompt the group to simultaneously transmit respective data to the first communication device. |
| US09655120B2 |
System and method for computing coverage set and resource allocation in wireless networks
The present disclosure discloses a network device and/or method for computing coverage set and resource allocations in wireless networks. The disclosed network device selects a radio frequency subdomain in a wireless network, and further determines a coverage set for the selected radio frequency subdomain. The coverage set includes a subset of access nodes in the selected radio frequency domain. Moreover, a respective access node in the radio frequency subdomain satisfies one of (a) the respective access node is a member of the coverage set, and (b) the respective access node is covered by at least one member of the coverage set with a signal strength stronger than a predetermined threshold. |
| US09655115B2 |
Communication method, communication device, and computer program
In order to solve a problem of an accumulation on the transmission side, a delay on the reception side, and the like at the time of transmission in a communication system such as a wireless LAN system, each communication station in a network transmits a beacon in which information with respect to the network is written and sets a state in which a reception operation is performed during periods of time before and after the transmission of the beacon signal when performing access control not to make communication timing of a packet collide with that of another station by detecting a signal transmitted from another station. With performing such processing, a system can be formed based on minimum level of transmission and reception operation when transmission and reception data does not exist in each communication station in the network, and also a data transfer can be performed with latency as small as possible in a minimum necessary level of transmission and reception operation by making a transition of a transmission and reception state in accordance with a fluctuating volume of transmission and reception data. |
| US09655114B1 |
Methods and apparatus to allocate bandwidth between subscribers of a communications network
Methods and apparatus to allocate bandwidth between subscribers of a communications network are disclosed. An example method to allocate bandwidth between subscribers of a communications network includes projecting that a first network data usage of a first subscriber of the network service provider will exceed a first data allotment for a first network access account of the first subscriber within a time period. The example method also includes identifying a second subscriber of the network service provider who is included in a subscriber group with the first subscriber and projected to have a second network data usage that is below a second data allotment for a second account of the second subscriber within that time period. The example method also includes requesting assent from the second subscriber to transfer a portion of the second data allotment to the first subscriber. The example method also includes, in response to receiving the assent from the second subscriber, transferring the portion of the second data allotment from the second account to the first account. |
| US09655112B2 |
Apparatus, system and method of communicating a wireless communication frame with a header
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, devices, systems and methods of communicating a wireless communication frame. For example, a wireless station may generate a frame including a header portion, the header portion including a legacy header, followed by a first non-legacy header, the header portion including a first indication to indicate whether or not the header portion is to include a second non-legacy header following the first non-legacy header, the header portion including a second indication to indicate whether or not channel bonding is to be used; and process transmission of the frame to at least one second wireless station over a directional wireless communication band. |
| US09655111B2 |
Method for transmitting data, method for receiving data, and device
The present invention provides a method for transmitting data, a method for receiving data and a device. The transmitting method includes: transmitting, by an STA, characterizing information to an AP, the characterizing information is used to characterize a maximum transmission delay allowed by uplink data to be transmitted by the STA; receiving, by the STA, transmission time that is specified for the STA and returned by the AP within the maximum transmission delay allowed by the uplink data to be transmitted by the STA, wherein the transmission time is within a range of the maximum transmission delay allowed by the uplink data to be transmitted by the STA; and transmitting, by the STA, the uplink data to the AP within the transmission time. Technical solutions of the present invention solve a problem of data transmission in an emergency application scenario, and guarantee requirements placed by emergency data upon transmission delay. |
| US09655109B2 |
Channel state information reference resource indication and measurement method and device
The present application relates to the field of wireless communications. Disclosed are a channel state information (CSI) reference resource indication and measurement method and device, so as to reduce the complexity of measurement and computation performed by a terminal. In the solution provided by the embodiments of the present application, a network side informs a terminal of a periodic value and/or a subframe offset value of a periodic CSI reference resource, and after the periodic value and/or the subframe offset value of the periodic CSI reference resource on a carrier is determined, the terminal determines, through a frame structure type used by the carrier and according to the determined periodic value and/or subframe offset value of the periodic CSI reference resource, a time-frequency resource corresponding to the effective CSI reference resource and measures the CSI in the determined time-frequency resource. It can be seen from the above that, the solution can effectively reduce the complexity of measurement and computation performed by a terminal. |
| US09655104B1 |
Carrier aggregation scheduling based reordering density
Examples disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and software to limit the reordering of data packets at a wireless communication device during a communication. In one implementation, a wireless access node may measure reordering density factors related to component carriers providing a communication. Based on the reordering density factors, the access node may determine a packet reordering density, which is related to the number of packets that would be received by the wireless communication device in an undesirable order. Upon determining the packet reordering density, the wireless access node determines whether the density meets criteria and, if the density meets the criteria, generates a second carrier aggregation configuration based on available resources the component carriers. |
| US09655102B2 |
Interference control in a cellular communications network
A method of controlling interference in a cellular communications network comprises, in a first base station of the network: determining that the first base station is suffering from uncontrolled interference from at least one other base station of the network; based on information received from at least one other base station of the network regarding estimates of interference caused at the first base station by at least one user equipment device connected to the respective other base station, selecting a proposed action to mitigate said interference; and notifying the respective other base station of the selection of the proposed action. |
| US09655098B2 |
Micro base station, user terminal and radio communication method
The present invention is designed to reduce interference from a macro base station to a small transmission power node. The present invention is characterized in providing a micro base station which forms, in a macro cell where a macro base station transmits a signal to a macro terminal, a micro cell where the micro base station transmits a signal to a micro terminal under control with low power, and this micro base station generates a PDCCH which includes downlink or uplink resource allocation information, and, in a non-transmission period in which the macro base station stops transmitting signals while leaving minimal quality measurement signals, shifts the transmission starting symbol of the PDCCH to a position where the PDCCH does not overlap the quality measurement signals. |
| US09655096B2 |
Resource indexing for acknowledgement signals in response to receptions of multiple assignments
A method and apparatus for transmitting, by a user equipment, a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) are provided. The method includes identifying power of the HARQ-ACK based on transmission power control information in first downlink control information; identifying, for frequency division duplexing (FDD), a resource for transmission of the HARQ-ACK based on transmission power control information in second downlink control information for a secondary cell; and transmitting the HARQ-ACK based on the resource. |
| US09655093B2 |
Method for configuring resources, device, and system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for configuring resources, a device and a system. The method includes: generating resource configuration information (S201); carrying the resource configuration information in a media access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU) or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) signaling and sending to a user equipment, to enable the user equipment to perform uplink transmission according to the resource configuration information (S202). The method for configuring resources, the device and the system provided in the embodiments of the present invention can achieve fast physical layer radio resource configuration with a short delay. |
| US09655090B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating a radio link control protocol data unit for multi-carrier operation
Techniques and apparatus for efficiently determining the radio link control (RLC) protocol data unit (PDU) size and flexible RLC PDU creation for multi carrier operation are disclosed. An example wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) calculates a maximum amount of data allowed to be transmitted for a current transmission time interval (TTI) for each of a plurality of carriers, and selects an RLC PDU data field size such that each RLC PDU to be multiplexed to a medium access control (MAC) PDU matches a minimum of the maximum amount of data calculated for the carriers. The maximum amount of data may, for example, be calculated based on an applicable current grant for each carrier for the current TTI. The RLC PDU may be generated for the later TTI on a condition that an amount of data in outstanding pre-generated RLC PDUs for a particular logical channel is less than or equal to 4N times the minimum of the maximum amount of data allowed to be transmitted by the applicable current grant for the carriers for the current TTI, where N is a number of activated carriers. The maximum amount of data may be calculated based on a remaining power on each carrier. |
| US09655089B2 |
System and method for silent retry
A system and method for synchronizing the operation of a wireless mobile station (102) and a base station (104) includes receiving a message at the base station (104) indicating a state of operation of the wireless mobile station (102). A determination is made as to whether the base station (104) and the mobile station (102) are in synchronization based upon comparing the state of operation of the mobile station (102) and a state of operation of the base station (104). |
| US09655085B2 |
Resource block candidate selection technique employing packet scheduling in wireless communication systems
A method of transmitting data packets over a plurality of dynamically allocated resource blocks in at least one or a combination of a time, code or frequency domain on a shared channel of a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of selecting a number of resource block candidates for potential transmission of data packets destined for a receiver and transmitting the data packet to the receiver using at least one allocated resource block from the selected resource block candidates. The invention also relates to a corresponding method of decoding data packets, a transmitter, receiver and communication system. |
| US09655080B2 |
Wireless communication device, wireless communication system, wireless communication method and program
Provided is a wireless communication device which includes a notification information transmitting unit for transmitting, via a wireless communication network, notification information of the wireless communication device, a notification information receiving unit for receiving notification information transmitted from another device, a frequency switching unit for successively switching, at random cycles, a frequency at which the notification information is transmitted or a frequency at which the notification information is received, and a transmission processing unit for performing a data transmission process after transmitting or receiving an acknowledgement to the notification information to/from such other device. |
| US09655077B1 |
Device and method for cellular synchronization assisted location estimation
A device and method for determining the location of a cellular device, such as a mobile cell phone, utilizing a Timing Advance (TA) issued by one or more cellular base stations, such as an LTE or LTE-A enhanced NodeB (eNB), to the cellular device. |
| US09655073B2 |
Systems and methods for communicating with non-terrestrial electronic devices
Embodiments are provided for communicating with electronic devices traveling on an aircraft. According to certain aspects, a data center can examine registration data to identify a set of electronic devices that are traveling on a particular flight, and can retrieve relevant travel information associated with the set of electronic devices. In particular, the travel information may be general to the flight or may be related to a specific itinerary for one of the passengers. The data center may generate one or more text messages that are intended for one of more of the set of electronic devices. The data center may also transmit the text message(s) to an on-board network for delivery to the electronic device(s). |
| US09655072B2 |
Systems, apparatus and methods for synchronizing a global time reference for access points over the air
Methods and apparatus for synchronizing a global time reference for access points over the air are provided. In one aspect, a method for synchronizing a global time of an access point comprises receiving a message comprising a global time indication from a second access point. The method further includes updating the global time of the access point to the global time indication from the second access point by updating a timer of the access point by an increment not to exceed a predetermined value selected small enough to ensure a maintenance of synchronization between the access point and at least one associated wireless station. The global time of the access point is updated to the global time indication from the second access point when the global time indication from the second access point indicated a later global time than the global time of the access point. |
| US09655071B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing uplink synchronization in wireless communication system
This specification relates to an apparatus and method for performing random access in a wireless communication system. This specification discloses a mobile station, including a reception unit for receiving TAG configuration information on which at least one serving cell configured in the mobile station is classified as a Timing Alignment Group (TAG) from a base station and a transmission unit for transmitting a random access preamble to the base station on one representative serving cell within the TAG. In accordance with this specification, a procedure of obtaining a TAV for a serving cell in order to secure and maintain uplink timing synchronization becomes clear, the time taken to obtain uplink synchronization for a serving cell may be reduced, and overhead due to excessive random access attempts may be reduced by obtaining a TAV for a plurality of serving cells through one random access procedure. |
| US09655069B2 |
Dynamic transmitter calibration
A method includes generating an indicator of interference introduced by a transmitter into a spectrum of an output transmit signal outside a target channel of the transmitter. The indicator is generated based on the output transmit signal. The method includes adjusting a power level of the output transmit signal based on the indicator and a predetermined interference indicator level. The indicator may indicate a carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio of the output transmit signal, and the adjusting comprises setting the power level of the output transmit signal to a maximum power level that maintains the C/I ratio of the output transmit signal above the predetermined interference indicator level. The output transmit signal may be based on a radio-frequency output of a power amplifier of the transmitter prior to transmission over a channel and the generating comprises generating a baseband version of the output transmit signal. |
| US09655064B2 |
Controlling power in non-licensed band
Provided are a method and an apparatus for controlling transmission power in a wireless communication system. A wireless device is connected to a first serving cell utilizing a licensed band and a second serving cell utilizing a non-licensed band. The transmission power from the second serving cell is determined by considering the clear channel assessment (CCA) coverage of the wireless device or the second serving cell. |
| US09655060B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling power in wireless communication system
Provided is a method and apparatus for controlling power in a wireless communication system. The method includes a transmitter transmits a signal to multiple receivers. The method also includes receiving a feedback signal including channel state information from each of the multiple receivers. The method also includes calculating a sum of received signal strengths of the feedback signal received from each of the multiple receivers. The method also includes determining a power control value by using the channel state information for each of the multiple receivers and the sum of the received signal strengths. The method also includes controlling a transmission power based on the determined power control value. |
| US09655056B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting transmission power of terminal as well as the terminal
A method for adjusting transmission power of a terminal includes: acquiring a distance between a human body and the terminal; retrieving, from a prestored table indicative of correspondence between distances and power adjustment values, a power adjustment value corresponding to the distance between the human body and the terminal; and adjusting transmission power of the terminal based on the power adjustment value. According to the method for adjusting transmission power of the terminal provided by the disclosure, antenna power output by the terminal is adjusted in real time according to the current distance between the human body and the terminal. |
| US09655054B2 |
Adapting blind reception duration for range and congestion
Methods, systems, and devices are described for adapting blind reception duration for range and congestion. A wireless station may measure channel conditions (e.g., range to an access point (AP) and channel congestion), and adjust one or more sleep timers based on the conditions. The sleep timers may each be associated with a window for reception of an expected transmission. If the transmission is not received in the window, the station may enter a sleep state to conserve power. In one example, a beacon miss timer is adjusted, and the expected wireless transmission is a delivery traffic indication message (DTIM). In another example, a content after beacon (CAB) timer is adjusted and the expected wireless transmission is the CAB. In some cases, the station may measure a delay for a number of beacons and determine the adjustment based on the delays. |
| US09655050B2 |
Network device, method, computer program and computer program product for determining a set of power state parameters
It is presented a method, performed by a network device, for determining a set of power state parameters at least partly defining when a wireless terminal is to be in an active state or a power saving state. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining traffic types for each one of a plurality of traffic flows to or from a wireless terminal, resulting in a present combination of traffic types; finding, in a power state parameter repository, a first match between the present combination of traffic types and a combination of traffic types associated with a first set of power state parameters; and when the first match is found, transmitting the first set of power state parameters to the wireless terminal. A corresponding network device, computer program and computer program product are also presented. |
| US09655049B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying information
During operation, a push-to-talk (PTT) button will have a touch sensor incorporated on its surface. When the touch sensor detects a touch from a user, the apparatus will exit a low-power state and a display on the apparatus will provide PTT information. |
| US09655045B2 |
Method and apparatus for signaling in dense network operations
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus transitions to a dormant state and transmits a very low duty cycle signal (LDCS) while in the dormant state. The apparatus may transmit an LDCS configuration to a second entity, the second entity being one of an LPN that is not in a dormant state and a macro cell. The apparatus may further monitor for a RACH messages at a predetermined RACH delay after transmitting the LDCS. The apparatus may transition to a DRX/DTX mode. The DRX/DTX mode may be matched to at least one connected UE. |
| US09655041B1 |
Discovery-phase power conservation
The present specification describes techniques and apparatuses that enable power conservation in a wireless network. In some cases these techniques and apparatuses enable power conservation during a discovery phase and for a wireless network subject to a government mandate requiring a device of the network to passively search for radar transmission prior to establishing communication with another device of the network. |
| US09655035B2 |
Femtocell use for radio frequency network sweeps
Systems and methods that utilize femtocell access points (FAP) to perform radio frequency (RF) network sweeps are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes: predicting an availability of an access point (AP) to perform an RF network sweep; and determining that the access point is available to perform the RF network sweep based, at least, on a prediction that a mobile device on a white list for the access point is not likely to access the access point during a time interval associated with performing the RF network sweep. In another embodiment, a method includes: comparing a network quality characteristic for a wireless channel associated with a FAP with a network quality characteristic for a wired network communicatively coupled to the FAP. The network quality characteristics can be the same. The method can then include employing the comparison to determine to which network an impairment is attributable. |
| US09655031B2 |
Base station and terminal, and control methods thereof
In order to reduce a disruption of communication which occurs upon performing an active scan, an access point (10_2) includes an interface on DS side (100_2) which communicates with different access points (10_1 and 10_3) through distribution system (DS) media (30), and an interface on terminal side (200_2) which generates, when receiving from a terminal (20) not being in communication with the access point through a radio channel (CH2) a probe request frame (FR7) which is the one for scanning an access point capable of communicating with the terminal and which includes an address (A100_1) for the DS media (30) to identify the different access point (10_1) being in communication with the terminal (20), a response frame (FR8) addressed to the address (A 100_1) and responding to the probe request frame (FR7), and makes the interface on DS side (100_2) transmit the response frame (FR8) to the DS media (30). |
| US09655026B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for distributing general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol (GTP) traffic
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for distributing general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol (GTP) traffic are disclosed. According to one exemplary method, the method occurs at a network node simulator configured to distribute GTP encapsulated data packets among a plurality of processors associated with the network node simulator. The method includes receiving a GTP encapsulated data packet associated with a user device, wherein the GTP encapsulated data packet includes a GTP header having a GTP related endpoint identifier indicating a processor among the plurality of processors associated with the network node simulator. The method also includes determining, using the GTP related endpoint identifier, the processor for processing the GTP encapsulated data packet. The method further includes sending, to the processor, the GTP encapsulated data packet for processing. |
| US09655025B1 |
Managing the performance of a wireless device handover
It is identified that an attempted handover of a wireless device from a first access node to a second access node meets a failure criteria, where the attempted handover uses a handover initiation timer and a signal level modifier. A first signal level of the first access node, and a second signal level of the second access node, received at the wireless device at a time when the attempted handover was initiated are determined. At least one of the handover initiation timer and the signal level modifier is adjusted based on the failure criteria, the determined first signal level, and the determined second signal level. |
| US09655022B2 |
Method of cell reselection
A cell reselection method adapted to a communication device of a communication system includes receiving a first priority information and a Device to Device communication information broadcasted by a network node of the communication system; and rearranging the first priority information into a second priority information according to the D2D communication information when the communication device is in an operation scenario. |
| US09655016B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting CSG service in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for supporting a closed subscriber group (CSG) service is provided. A user equipment determines whether a neighbor cell is a CSG member cell for which a CSG whitelist includes a CSG identity of the neighbor cell and PLMN identities of the neighbor cell. The user equipment sends a CSG membership indicator indicating whether the neighbor cell is the CSG member cell. |
| US09655014B2 |
Optimizing a handover behavior of a mobile radio communication network based on an extended data record being associated with a user equipment
It is described a method for optimizing a handover behavior of a mobile radio communication network including at least a first base station and a second base station. The method includes (a) performing a handover of a user equipment from the first base station to the second base station, (b) adding an information element representing a property of the radio link between the user equipment and the first base station to a data record being associated with the user equipment, (c) transferring the data record from the first base station to the second base station and (d) optimizing the handover behavior of the mobile radio communication network based on the added information element. It is further described a first base station and a second base station, which in conjunction which each other, are configured for carrying out the described handover behavior optimization method. |
| US09655011B2 |
Communication system, network handover processing method and apparatus
A communication system, a network handover processing method and a network handover processing apparatus are disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a target evolution NodeB (T-eNB), identity information sent from a user equipment (UE), the identity information being allocated to the UE by a source evolution NodeB (S-eNB); and sending, by the T-eNB, parameters to the UE if identity information, matching the received identity information sent from the UE, is available in the T-eNB, wherein the parameters are allocated to the UE. The apparatus includes a receiving module and a sending module. |
| US09655006B2 |
System and method for controlling congestion in wireless mesh networks
A system and method for controlling congestion using Request-to-Send (RTS) and Clear-to-Send (CTS) in a wireless mesh network are provided. A receiver in a congestion state sets a duration field value of congestion control in a CTS frame and transmits the CTS frame to a sender. In response, the sender retransmits an RTS frame to the receiver without transmitting data, after waiting for an RTS retransmission waiting time period corresponding to the duration field value. The congestion state information is broadcast to neighboring nodes. Therefore, the congestion control system using the CTS frame does not use a separate frame for the congestion control. And, all of the neighboring nodes can participate in the congestion control, increasing the network efficiency. |
| US09655002B2 |
Physical layer frame format for WLAN
In a method for generating a data unit for transmission via a communication channel, wherein the data unit conforms to a first communication protocol, a preamble of the data unit is generated. The preamble includes a first field having information that indicates a duration of the data unit, the first field being formatted such that the first field is decodable by a receiver device that conforms to a second communication protocol but does not conform to the first communication protocol to determine the duration of the data unit based on the first field. Additionally, the preamble is formatted such that a portion of the preamble is decodable by a receiver device that conforms to a third communication protocol but does not conform to the first communication protocol. Also, the preamble is formatted such that a receiver device that conforms to the first communication protocol can determine that the data unit conforms to the first communication protocol. A data portion of the data unit that conforms to the first communication protocol and does not conform to either (i) the second communication protocol or (ii) the third communication protocol is generated. |
| US09655000B2 |
Optimized quality of service transport architecture to compensate for SINR variations
A device may receive performance information for a traffic flow assigned to a quality of service (QoS) class. The device may determine an overall packet delay, associated with the traffic flow, based on the performance information. The device may determine a radio access network (RAN) delay, associated with the traffic flow, based on the performance information. The device may determine a target packet delay associated with the QoS class. The device may identify, based on the target packet delay, the RAN delay, and the overall packet delay, a QoS sub-class to which the traffic flow is to be assigned. The QoS sub-class may be associated with the QoS class. The device may cause packets, associated with the traffic flow, to be marked for treatment in accordance with the QoS sub-class. |
| US09654994B2 |
Device-to-device (D2D) link adaptation
Channel quality may be measured in a device-to-device (D2D) communication network. The D2D communication network may include one or more D2D wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs), wherein the D2D WTRUs may communicate using a D2D bandwidth. A D2D WTRU may receive a channel measurement resource configuration corresponding to a channel measurement resource. The D2D WTRU may further receive an RS on the channel measurement resource. The D2D WTRU may measure one or more channel state parameters from the channel measurement resource for a part of bandwidth overlapping with a D2D communication bandwidth, when the RS bandwidth is greater than the D2D communication bandwidth. The D2D WTRU may report the channel state parameters to a controlling entity. The controlling entity may configure a D2D frequency allocation between a transmitting device and a receiving device. The D2D frequency allocation may be based on the time averaged measurement. |
| US09654992B2 |
Handling calibration data
Apparatus comprises: a multi-element antenna; and a transmitter configured to broadcasting multiple packets from the multi-element antenna, wherein each packet comprising: a positioning part; and a calibration data part, wherein the calibration data part of a packet comprises: a portion of calibration data; and data indicating a location of the portion of calibration data in a set of calibration data. The transmitter is configured: to switch between different elements of the multi-element antenna in a sequence when broadcasting the positioning part of the packet; and to transmit all of the calibration data part of the packet without switching between different elements of the multi-element antenna. |
| US09654990B2 |
Communication method and system
A method of co-ordinating communication between a plurality of base stations in a communication system, comprising designating timeslots where said base stations receive and/or transit co-ordination messages to each other. The system may be an autonomous cellular system and the timeslots may be regularly spaced. |
| US09654989B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring neighbor cell in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for measuring a neighbor cell in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The method for measuring a neighbor cell by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system includes: receiving subframe information including a subframe pattern for neighbor cell measurement; performing synchronization acquisition from the neighbor cell; and performing measurement in a subframe corresponding to the subframe pattern, wherein the user equipment (UE) assumes that a signal required when the UE acquires synchronization from the neighbor cell is transmitted in a subframe corresponding to the subframe pattern. |
| US09654982B2 |
Protecting mobile devices from malware
Using a system distinct from a mobile device, the mobile device is switched from a first mode to a second mode to access a set of data storage locations in the mobile device. All malware-susceptible data stored in the set of data storage locations is received at the system from the mobile device to form received data, which is analyzed at the system to detect a malware from a set of malware in a first portion of the received data. Responsive to the analyzing, the first portion of the received data is modified at the system to form a modified first portion, wherein the modifying removes the malware from the first portion. The system stores the modified first portion in a first data storage location in the mobile device and a second portion of the received data in a second data storage location in the mobile device. |
| US09654977B2 |
Contextualized access control
Contextual information associated with a mobile device can be automatically acquired using various sensors on the device. Based on the contextual information and an access control policy associated with an application on the mobile device, a level of access to the application can be determined. An entity may be identified, authenticated and authorized to gain full access, varying degree of restricted access or no access to the application based on the access control policy. Different applications may be provided different levels of access based on the access control policy associated with each application. |
| US09654975B2 |
Method and device for authenticating a mobile device
A method for authenticating a mobile device includes: probing by the mobile device a fading channel which connects the mobile device to a first radio base station; determining a secret held in common with the first radio base station as a function of a physical property of the fading channel; storing the in-common secret; receiving a first request for the in-common secret from a second radio base station; and, in response to the first request, sending a proof of knowledge of the in-common secret to the second radio base station. |
| US09654974B2 |
Mobile device and method for unlocking screen of mobile device
In a method for unlocking a screen of a mobile device, at least one user-specific number is set and stored into a storage unit of the mobile device. The user-specific number is read from the storage unit and displayed on the screen for selection by a user, when the screen is locked because of input of a wrong password. An unlocking request is transmitted to a terminal providing the selected user-specific number. The mobile device communicates with the terminal, and receives a confirmation message from the terminal, and the screen is unlocked according to the confirmation message. |
| US09654972B2 |
Secure provisioning of an authentication credential
Techniques are described for securely provisioning a client device. A client device may output first client information over a secure interface to a trusted device to be transmitted to an authentication server. Second client information related to the first client information may be transmitted to the authentication server. The authentication server may link the second client information and the first client information. The client device may receive an encrypted authentication credential from the authentication server. The authentication credential may be encrypted based at least in part on the first client information or the second client information. The client device may decrypt the encrypted authentication credential using the first client information, the second client information, or a shared secret key. |
| US09654969B2 |
Method and device for managing security key for communication authentication of subscriber station used in cooperative communication of multiple base station in radio communication system
A subscriber station performs a method for managing a security key. The method includes generating, for each of the base stations, an input value for generation of the security key for data transmission and reception with the each base station; transmitting, to the each base station, the input value for a corresponding base station; and generating the security key of the corresponding base station by using the input value of the each base station. A base station provides cooperative communication to the subscriber station. |
| US09654965B2 |
Regulatory compliance for wireless devices
A wireless device may be subject to regulations based on the location (e.g. country). Accordingly, the wireless device may need to identify regulations for its current location. A lookup table or database that includes regulations for different locations may be used for identifying the regulations for the current location of the wireless device. The lookup table may be stored locally on the wireless device or retrieved over a network. The identified regulations may be used to modify certain operating parameters of the wireless device to comply with the local regulations and determine whether or not to associate with an incorrectly configured Access Point. |
| US09654962B2 |
System and method for WLAN roaming traffic authentication
A system and method for recognizing traffic generated from an authenticated a device roaming in a wireless local area network and related aspects are provided. An authentication server is arranged to authorize communications traffic originating from a wireless access point to use a roaming service, the traffic comprising an NAT translated IP address. The server first authorizes a WLAN roaming device, and then processes a meta-data message received from a WLAN access point in which the source address of the message comprises the source address of the roaming device at the WLAN access point. The server then determines, from the information provided in the meta-data message when it is received by the authentication server, which includes at this point a NAT translated source address in the meta-data message what the NAT translated source address of traffic from said authenticated roaming device will be. This enables the authentication server to authenticate internet-bound traffic having said NAT translated source address. In this way, all traffic generated by the roaming device whilst that NAT translated IP address is valid is automatically authorized to use a roaming service to access the internet. |
| US09654954B2 |
Providing an IMS voice session via a packet switch network and an emergency voice session via a circuit switch network
A communication network comprises a packet switched domain associated with a packet switched capable radio access network and supports an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem voice session via the packet switched capable radio access network. The terminal supports an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem voice session via the packet switched capable radio access network and an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem emergency voice session via the packet switched capable radio access network. A method is executed by a control node of the packet switched domain and comprises sending instruction information to the terminal. The instruction information instructs the terminal to execute an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem voice session via the packet switched capable radio access network without regard to whether the communication network has indicated support of an emergency session related data transmission via the packet switched capable radio access network and the packet switched domain. |
| US09654950B2 |
Controlling traffic transmissions to manage cellular radio resource utilization
Techniques control traffic transmissions to manage radio resource utilization. When content is being streamed to user equipment (UE) and is at least initially intended to be streamed in real time at a constant bitrate, a communication management component can determine whether the content being transmitted to the UE can be delayed, instead of being transmitted in real time. In response to determining that the content can be delayed, the communication management component can facilitate buffering data and periodically streaming the data to the UE in data bursts to reduce use of UE power and radio resources. When transmitting a visual image to a UE, the communication management component can adjust resolution of a visual image to correspond to screen dimensions of the UE based on information indicating screen dimensions of the UE that can be received from the UE. |
| US09654949B2 |
Automatic construction of personalized, peer-derived messages for mobile health applications
A method is implemented by at least one server. The method includes obtaining a set of users as a function of profile records regarding a plurality of users. The method includes defining a subset of the users as a peer group based on peer group formation features by applying a clustering algorithm to profile records of the set of users. The method includes calculating a peer group metric value for the peer group based on behaviors of the subset of users in the peer group. The method includes calculating a user metric value for a target-user included in the subset based on behavior of the target-user. The method includes constructing a message relating the patient metric value to the peer group metric value. |
| US09654947B2 |
Line connection apparatus and method
A line connection apparatus is disclosed. To hold a line, on-hook is set to a first terminal of a first person who holds the line to output voice of a second person for whom the line is held from the first terminal. First identification of the first person is recorded by corresponding to second identification of the second person. To set a lock, when the disconnection of the line being held is recognized, a connection condition to lock the line is acquired from the first person, for the first terminal to receive a re-connection request from a same second person who disconnects the line in a hold state. To control a connection in response to the re-connection request by the same second person, the first terminal is controlled to receive the re-connection request based on the first identification corresponding to the second identification indicated by the re-connection request. |
| US09654941B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing interruptions from different modes of communication
Methods and apparatus for managing interruptions in a multiple communication mode environment are provided herein. For example, a method may include receiving at least first instance of communication data associated with a first communication mode; obtaining first attribute data related to the first instance of communication data; classifying the first instance of communication data into first category based on the first attribute data using the interruption management device; and determining whether to interrupt a user by delivering the first instance of communication data based on the first category. The first category may be selected from a plurality of predetermined categories using a classification algorithm. |
| US09654939B2 |
Apparatus and method for incorporating multiple talk groups in a single call
A radio receives a call including a call include bitmask (CIB). The radio retrieves a call include list (CIL) that, for each bit position in the CIB, maps the bit position to one of a radio identifier, a talk group identifier, and a sub-CIL. The radio determines that one bit position in the CIB is set to a value indicating that a radio associated with a radio identifier mapped to the bit position in the CIB via the CIL or to a talk group identifier mapped to the bit position in the CIB via the CIL are to be included in the call. The radio matches its identifier to the radio identifier mapped to the bit position or matches a talk group to which it subscribes to the talk group identifier mapped to the at least one bit position and unmutes the call. |
| US09654938B2 |
Method and system for managing mobile and portable two-way radio collaboration
A method and apparatus for collaboration among two-way radio devices allows a portable two-way radio device and a mobile two-way radio device to each enter into a collaboration mode while the are paired with each other over a short range wireless radio network. While in the collaboration mode, when the user keys the portable two-way radio device audio is routed from the portable two-way radio device to the mobile two-way radio device over the short range wireless network and the mobile two-way radio device transmits the audio on behalf of the portable two-way radio device. |
| US09654937B2 |
System and method for routing, mobility, application services, discovery, and sensing in a vehicular network environment
A method includes selecting a path for routing a data packet from a source node to a destination node in a vehicular ad hoc network, storing the data packet if the selected path is identified as a dead end, and establishing a communication link with a first node. The method also includes forwarding the data packet to the first node if a first distance between the first node and the destination node is less than a second distance between the source node and the destination node. More specific embodiments include sending a query for location information of the destination node, receiving the location information including two or more available paths from the source node to the destination node, and determining the path for routing the data packet is an optimal path of the two or more available paths. |
| US09654936B2 |
Method and apparatus for normalizing navigation data for vehicle computing system playback
A system includes a processor configured to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device, wherein the processor is further configured to receive output data from a navigation application running on the mobile device. The processor is also configured to send data back through the mobile device to a standardization system, including a request for standardization, running on a remote system, if the output data is in an unusable format. Also, the processor is configured to receive a standardized form of the data, having been standardized by the remote standardization system. The processor is further configured to process the standardized data to provide navigation directions through one or more vehicle outputs controllable by the processor. |
| US09654935B2 |
Method and apparatus for deriving indoor/outdoor classification information
A method and apparatus for deriving indoor/outdoor classification information for call data for a wireless communication network. The method comprises identifying a set of subscriber call data records relating to vehicular calls, deriving a physical channel measurement threshold value based at least partly on physical channel measurement values for the subscriber call data records identified as relating to vehicular calls, and classifying subscriber call data records for the wireless communication network as indoor subscriber call data records and outdoor subscriber call data records based at least partly on a comparison of physical channel measurement values for the subscriber call data records with the derived physical channel measurement threshold value. |
| US09654928B2 |
Tracking information technology (IT) assets
An association connection is established between a first Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device operating in central mode and attached to an asset to track, and a second BLE device operating in peripheral mode and associated with a physical location within the asset management environment. An association connection is established between the second BLE device and a third BLE device operating in central mode and coupled to one or more computer processors, and the association information stored in the second BLE device to the third BLE via one or more broadcasting frames is periodically transmitted. Based on current association information between the first BLE device and the second BLE device, an identity of the asset to which the first BLE device is attached, and the physical location of the second BLE device within the asset management environment is identified. |
| US09654927B2 |
Motion detection method and portable device using the same
An example of the invention provides a motion detection method for a portable device. The method includes steps of: generating a first cell location data at a first time point according to signals transmitted by a plurality of base stations; generating a second cell location data at a second time point according to signals transmitted by a plurality of base stations, wherein the first time point and the second time point are two successive time points, and the first cell location data and the second cell location data includes names or identification data of base stations detected by the portable device; determining whether the portable device is moved according to the first cell location data and the second cell location data. |
| US09654925B1 |
Device and method for containing and tracking a subject using satellite positioning data
A device disposed on a subject to maintain the subject within a containment zone and track the subject if the subject exits the containment zone. The device includes a positioning unit for generating position data including satellite positioning data. There is a processor unit to determine from the position data if the subject is inside or outside of the containment zone. The processor unit operates in a containment mode when the subject is inside the containment zone and in a tracking mode when the subject exits the containment zone. A correction unit issues a stimulus when the subject exits the containment zone and terminates the stimulus when the processor unit enters the tracking mode from the containment mode. There is a communication unit which transmits an alert to an electronic device of an operator when the processor unit transitions from the containment to tracking mode. |
| US09654907B2 |
System, method and apparatus for wireless network connection using near field communication
A system, method, and apparatus are provided for establishing a wireless network connection between a mobile terminal and an electronic apparatus by using a near field communication network. At least one electronic apparatus is connected to the near field communication network. A mobile terminal is connected to the near field communication network, exchanges information with the at least one electronic apparatus for a wireless communication network connection through the connected near field communication network, and establishes the wireless communication network connection with the at least one electronic apparatus based on the exchanged information. |
| US09654906B2 |
Method for processing data based on bluetooth protocol and electronic device thereof
The present disclosure relates to a method and an electronic device for processing data on the basis of a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. The electronic device includes a Bluetooth control module and a processor. The Bluetooth control module stores a modified BLE protocol stack including at least two Attribute Protocols (ATTs) for use with an application, the modified BLE protocol stack includes a first path and a second path. The first path includes a first ATT protocol to process an ATT command of the application, and the second path includes a second ATT protocol to process an ATT command of the application. The processor is coupled to the Bluetooth control module. The processor processes data of the application including the ATT command, using the modified BLE protocol stack including the at least two ATTs of the Bluetooth control module. |
| US09654904B2 |
System and method for flexibly pairing devices using adaptive variable thresholding
A method and system for pairing devices comprises transmitting a plurality of communication signals from each of a plurality of devices and setting an initial threshold vector of signal strengths as a current threshold vector of signal strengths for at least one target device selected from among the plurality of devices. The embodiment includes pairing at least one client device with the at least one target device when a measured vector of signal strengths exceeds the current threshold vector of signal strengths and adjusting the current threshold vector of signal strengths according to the pairing between the client device and the target device, thereby adaptively adjusting the current threshold vector of signal strengths. |
| US09654896B2 |
Smart online services presence in a cellular network
A method and system for providing on-line services to a user from a services provider over a wireless cellular network. The cellular network is located between the user and the services provider, and a distributed computer system such as the Internet is located between the services provider and the cellular network for transmitting data between the services provide and the cellular network. In one embodiment, the services provider transmits software and operating characteristics over the distributed computer system to the cellular network, and the cellular network installs this software on one or more nodes of the network. When a user connects to the cellular network for services from the service provider, the network operates the software on the one or more nodes in accordance with the operating characteristics, to provide one or more services from this one or more nodes to the user from the service provider. |
| US09654895B2 |
Processing spatially diffuse or large audio objects
Diffuse or spatially large audio objects may be identified for special processing. A decorrelation process may be performed on audio signals corresponding to the large audio objects to produce decorrelated large audio object audio signals. These decorrelated large audio object audio signals may be associated with object locations, which may be stationary or time-varying locations. For example, the decorrelated large audio object audio signals may be rendered to virtual or actual speaker locations. The output of such a rendering process may be input to a scene simplification process. The decorrelation, associating and/or scene simplification processes may be performed prior to a process of encoding the audio data. |
| US09654891B2 |
System and method for determining proximity of a controller to a media rendering device
A media rendering system includes a controller device and a media rendering device in communication via a communication network. The media rendering device is configured to render a media recording. The controller device includes a sensor configured to detect and receive an audio portion of the rendered media recording. The controller device is configured to identify the rendered media recording, and to determine a location of the controller device within a proximity of the media rendering device. |
| US09654886B2 |
Hybrid hearing instrument connector
A connector-based link is suited to various signals and media for connecting a tube with a hearing instrument, which ensures a reliable mechanical hold, good connection and high tightness and in the process is easy to handle. This is achieved by a connector for a hearing instrument system including a housing which contains a number of connections, and a tube which contains a number of lines, which is embodied to detachably connect a number of lines of the tube to a number of connections of the housing, wherein the connections of the connector contain different spatial orientations. The fact that the connections each have a different spatial orientation brings about a mutual decoupling. As a result, the demands on dimensional stability of the various connections are advantageously reduced since the different connections are not closed in a shared, identical end position. |
| US09654884B2 |
Method of fitting a hearing instrument, and impression tool
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a method of fitting a hearing instrument to a user's ear is provided. The method comprises taking an impression of the user's ear canal and manufacturing, based on geometrical data of the impression, an earmold. In accordance with the aspect of the invention, the method comprises the further step of performing an acoustical measurement while the impression is being taken. |
| US09654875B2 |
Mobile communication device capable of setting tone color and method of setting tone color
A mobile communication device and a method of setting tone color, which allow a user to set the tone color of received sound. Provided are a normal mode, which sets the equalizer using GCF standards stored in an internal memory or equalizer setting values selected by a provider, a country-specific mode, which uses country-specific setting, and a user mode, in which a user can set frequency-specific gains of the received sound, and one mode is selected from the provided mode, so that the tone color of the received sound can be adjusted according to the selection. Telephone speech quality can be optimized for user preference, network environments and language characteristics. |
| US09654874B2 |
Systems and methods for feedback detection
A method for feedback detection by an electronic device is described. The method includes receiving a first microphone signal by a first microphone. A feedback loop includes the first microphone and a speaker. The method also includes receiving a second microphone signal by a second microphone that is outside of the feedback loop. A first signal based on the first microphone signal and a second signal based on the second microphone signal exhibit a higher correlation in presence of feedback and exhibit a lower correlation in absence of feedback. The method further includes determining a correlation based on the first microphone signal and the second microphone signal. The method additionally includes determining whether feedback is occurring based on the correlation. |
| US09654873B2 |
Microphone device
The present invention provides a microphone device capable of preventing a breakdown of a signal processor, which is provided in a circuit case, processing signals from a microphone unit accommodated in a unit case, and preventing production of noise in a state the unit case is detached from the circuit case. A microphone device 1 includes a unit case 3 accommodating a microphone unit 31, a circuit case 4 accommodating an input terminal receiving signals from the microphone unit, and a signal processor processing the signals input to the input terminal, the unit case 3 being detachably fixed to the circuit case 4, and a detector (38, 44) detecting the attachment or detachment between the unit case and the circuit case. The detector grounds the input terminal in response to the detection of the detachment of the unit case from the circuit case. |
| US09654872B2 |
Input device, signal processing method, program, and recording medium
There is provided an input device including at least two microphones placed at different positions on a chassis to face different directions on one of space axes, a low-frequency bandwidth extracting part for extracting a low-frequency bandwidth signal from a signal input from the microphones, a phase difference calculating part for calculating a phase difference using the low-frequency bandwidth signal extracted by the low-frequency bandwidth extracting part; and a control signal generating part for generating a control signal based on the phase difference calculated by the phase difference calculating part. |
| US09654871B2 |
Noise cancellation system with lower rate emulation
A noise cancellation system, comprising: an input for a digital signal, the digital signal having a first sample rate; a digital filter, connected to the input to receive the digital signal; a decimator, connected to the input to receive the digital signal and to generate a decimated signal at a second sample rate lower than the first sample rate; and a processor. The processor comprises: an emulation of the digital filter, connected to receive the decimated signal and to generate an emulated filter output; and a control circuit, for generating a control signal on the basis of the emulated filter output. The control signal is applied to the digital filter to control a filter characteristic thereof. |
| US09654861B1 |
Annoyance noise suppression
Personal audio systems and methods are disclosed. A personal audio system includes a class table storing processing parameters respectively associated with a plurality of annoyance noise classes, a controller, and a processor. The controller identifies an annoyance noise class of an annoyance noise included in an ambient audio stream and retrieves, from the class table, one or more processing parameters associated with the identified annoyance noise class. The processor to processes the ambient audio stream according to the one or more retrieved processing parameters class to provide a personal audio stream. The processor includes a pitch tracker to identify a fundamental frequency of the annoyance noise and a filter bank including a band reject filter tuned to the fundamental frequency. |
| US09654860B2 |
Soundproof housing for earset and wired and wireless earset comprising same
The present invention provides a soundproof housing for an earset, comprising: a housing main body, coupled to the inside of a front surface case having a protrusion portion inserted into the ear, and provided with a speaker accommodation groove and a microphone accommodation groove; a speaker output hole, penetratingly formed in the speaker accommodation groove so as to communicate with the front surface case, and adjacent to the output end of the speaker; and a microphone input hole, formed in a recessed manner inside the microphone accommodation groove so as to communicate with the front surface case, and adjacent to the input end of the microphone, wherein the housing main body is protrudingly formed as a long protrusion toward the inside of the protrusion portion of the front surface case, so as to be tightly coupled with the inside of the protrusion portion of the front surface case. |
| US09654858B2 |
Wired and wireless earset using ear-insertion-type microphone
The present invention relates to an earset, comprising: a first earphone portion, which includes a first speaker for outputting sound signals or voice signals that are provided from an external device, and which can be inserted into a first external auditory canal of a user; a second earphone portion, which includes a first microphone for receiving inputted user voice signals that are provided through the external auditory canal of the user, and which can be inserted into a second auditory canal of the user; and a main body connected to each of the first and the second earphone portion. When the main body is wirelessly connected to the external device, the main body comprises; a signal transceiving portion for transceiving the signals with the external device; and a control portion for outputting via the first speaker the voice signals received from the external device through the signal transceiving portion. |
| US09654856B1 |
Noise-canceling concha headphone
A headphone assembly is described having a concha-style headphone including an earpiece at least partially covered in dual foam and a headband for providing a clamping force sufficient to the seal the concha of a user's with the earpiece. The earpiece may be shaped to fit different concha sizes and shapes to provide a universal fit. The dual foam may include a layer of memory foam underneath acoustically-transparent, porous outer foam. The earpiece may further include a transducer and at least one microphone positioned with the earpiece to receive sound radiated by the transducer and noise. The headphone assembly may be equipped with an active noise-canceling (ANC) control system configured to receive an audio input signal from an audio source and provide a filtered audio output signal to the transducer based on part on a perceived frequency response of the headphone as measured by the microphone. |
| US09654854B2 |
In-ear device incorporating active noise reduction
An in-ear device incorporating active noise reduction has a housing adapted for location in or adjacent to an auditory canal. The housing contains a driver and an acoustic path is provided from the driver to an outlet of the device. A microphone and an acoustic impedance are provided in the acoustic path. The impedance increases the stability of the device. |
| US09654853B2 |
System and method for photonic switching
In one embodiment, a photonic switching fabric includes a first label detector configured to read a first optical label to produce a first detected label, where the first optical label corresponds to a first optical packet, and where the first optical label is in a control waveband and a switch controller configured to adjust a photonic switch in accordance with the first detected label. The photonic switching fabric also includes the photonic switch, configured to switch the first optical packet, where the first optical packet is in a payload waveband. |
| US09654847B2 |
Monitoring and displaying an absorption state of an absorbent article
A method of monitoring an absorption state of an absorbent article includes providing a logger unit, acquiring the absorption state of the absorbent article, and recording data indicating the acquired absorption state of the absorbent article in the logger unit. Acquiring the absorption state of the absorbent article and recording the data indicating the acquired absorption state of the absorbent article in the logger unit are each continuously performed during a monitoring period of the absorbent article. Also disclosed is a logger unit for performing this method; and a method of processing data indicating an absorption state of an absorbent article, which includes receiving sets of data indicating the absorption state of the absorbent article. Each of the sets of data indicates the absorption state of the absorbent article over a portion of a continuous period of time, and collating and/or displaying the data in continuous form. Also disclosed are data processing units for performing these data processing methods. |
| US09654846B2 |
Sensor based signal transmission methods and apparatuses
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations for a signal transmission for an apparatus, such as a mobile or wearable device, based on sensor fail-safety. In one instance, the apparatus may comprise a transmitter to transmit a communication signal of the apparatus at a first power level, a sensor to monitor a process that is external to the apparatus and to provide an output signal indicating a change in a state of the process, and a control module communicatively coupled with the sensor and transmitter, to determine whether the output signal provided by the sensor has indicated a change in the external process over a threshold time period, and, based on a result of this determination, cause the transmitter to switch the transmission from the first power level to a second power level that is lower than the first power level. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09654845B2 |
Electronic apparatus of generating summary content and method thereof
Disclosed herein is an electronic apparatus and method thereof. The electronic apparatus includes a communication unit receiving content and additional information for the content, a signal processing unit signal-processing the content and determining the signal-processed contents into one of an audio signal and a video frame, and a processor determining a first keyword and a second keyword for the first keyword by using the additional information and generating summary content according to a plurality of video frames synchronized to a plurality of audio signal sections corresponding to at least one of the first keyword and the second keyword. As a result, the summary contents are able to be easily generated. |
| US09654843B2 |
Video management and marketing
A computer-implemented method for operating a video management and marketing system that enables managing and marketing videos produced or provided by a user includes a processor configures an embed code that is unique to the user to show a real-time call to action that streams real-time data in one or more videos displayed to a viewer at a viewer device; the processor displays the real-time call to action during playback of the video at a first site and uses the real-time call to action to fetch call to action information on the fly; and the processor automatically forwards the viewer device to a second site, where the call to action information is displayed, upon completion of playback of the video at the first site. |
| US09654840B1 |
Customized insertions into digital items
Digital content items may include additional content such as advertisements. Placement of the additional content may be based on a characteristic of the digital content item and/or a characteristic of a consumer of the digital content item. In one implementation, a level of interest is determined for multiple time points in a digital content item and an advertisement is located in the digital item based on the level of interest. |
| US09654839B2 |
Cross-platform interface for a television device
A method for providing an interface for a television device is provided, including the following method operations: identifying available services for consumption on a television device, wherein the available services include two or more of a broadcast television service, an on-demand video service, and an internet content service; determining a current date and time; determining content items available for consumption from each of the available services at the current date and time; determining an allocation of display locations in a cross-platform interface for content items from each of the available services, the allocation defining a relative amount of display locations for each of the available services based on a device profile associated with the television device; assigning content items to the display locations in accordance with the determined allocation. |
| US09654837B2 |
Method and device for providing video of IPTV service
Provided are a method and device for providing a video of an Internet Protocol TV or Interactive Personal TV (IPTV) service. The method includes: detecting whether an IPTV service system is accessible for a Set Top Box (STB) or not; and when the IPTV system is detected to be inaccessible for the STB, providing a video for the STB through a Content Delivery Network (CDN) subsystem. By the technical solution, the technical problems that the user cannot enjoy services such as the video service in case of upgrading, server failure or network failure in the related technology are solved, and live video service can still be provided for the user even though the service of the IPTV service system is inaccessible due to upgrading, server failure or network failure. |
| US09654832B1 |
Notification of an upcoming live media program
Providing a notification of an upcoming live media program to a user including determining that the upcoming live media program is scheduled to start within a predefined amount of time that serves as an indication that the upcoming live media program is about to start, where the upcoming live media program has been automatically determined to be of interest to the user. A client device of the user is determined to be not connected to a service providing playback of the upcoming live media program and the program is not currently scheduled to be recorded for the user. Responsive to determining that the upcoming live media program is not currently scheduled to be recorded for the user, a notification is transmitted to the user that indicates that the upcoming live media program is about to start. |
| US09654831B2 |
Content consumption and management in a network
A data analyzer engine can be configured to receive feedback indicating different Content currently consumed by subscribers in a cable network environment. The data analyzer engine analyzes the feedback to identify most popular consumed content amongst the different content and produces a content guide to include multiple selectable channels from which content is available for retrieval over a shared communication link in the cable network environment. The content guide can include one or more selectable viewing options to view a rendition of content being identified as more or most popular. Each of one or more playback devices or other suitable resources retrieves and initiates Display of the content guide on a display screen. Accordingly, a subscriber can view Different available content options as well as an identification of content that is currently the most popular consumed content amongst viewers. |
| US09654825B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting inconsistent user actions and providing feedback
Systems and methods are provided for detecting inconsistent user actions and providing feedback about assets. A user may perform a first action restricting access to a first asset. The system may detect whether a second action performed relative to a second asset that has a similar attribute as the first asset is inconsistent with the first asset. The inconsistency may be detected when the second action removes or is an inaction that does not class access restrictions on the second asset. The system may alert the user about the inconsistency and the user may act on the alert by providing feedback about the inconsistency and/or the first/second asset, ignoring the inconsistency and/or placing an access restriction or other action consistent with the first action relative to the second asset. The user may also provide detailed feedback about an inconsistency or asset through a website accessed on another device. |
| US09654822B2 |
System and method for allocating bandwidth between media streams
An electronic device displays a first video stream on a display. While displaying the first video stream on the display, the device allocates, in accordance with a historical pattern of video stream switching of a particular user, available bandwidth for receiving data at the device at least between receiving the first video stream and preloading a second, non-displayed video stream. The device receives the first video stream and preloads the second, non-displayed video stream in accordance with the allocated available bandwidth. The device receives a request to display the second video stream on the display. In response to receiving the request to display the second video stream on the display, the device displays the preloaded second video stream on the display. |
| US09654819B2 |
Methods and systems for providing source-agnostic access to media programs
An exemplary computer-implemented media service system detects user input representative of a request by a user to flag a set of related media programs, monitors an availability of the media programs from a plurality of different presentation sources, determines when the user is likely to access each media program included in the set of related media programs, dynamically selects, based on the monitored availability of the media programs from the different presentation sources and on when the user is likely to access each media program included in the set of related media programs, a presentation source from the plurality of different presentation sources for each media program included in the set of related media programs, and provides the user with access to each media program included in the set of related media programs by way of a single user interface. Corresponding systems and methods are also described. |
| US09654815B2 |
Advertising detection in adaptive bitrate streaming
A method of handling advertisements in an adaptive bitrate stream is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving an adaptive bitrate stream playlist listing chunk identifiers pointing to a plurality of media chunks, analyzing the playlist to find one or more advertising chunks, modifying the adaptive bitrate stream playlist with a client device when the client device has been set to skip advertisements by deleting chunk identifiers associated with advertising chunks from the playlist, retrieving and playing back media chunks according to the playlist, and setting a no-trick-play flag at the client device during playback of the one or more advertising chunks when the client device has not been set to skip advertisements, such that trick-plays through and over media chunks are allowed when the no-trick-play flag is not set and are not allowed when the no-trick-play flag is set. |
| US09654814B2 |
Video frame selection for targeted content
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for providing target content, such as advertisements, based on one or more selected video frames. A set of video frames and target content is received. The target content is to be presented upon detection of a playback of the set of video frames. The playback of the set of video frames is detected. In response to the detection of the playback of the set of video frames, the target content is communicated for presentation. |
| US09654813B2 |
Method and system for synchronized multi-venue experience and production
The present disclosure discloses methods and systems for an interactive event experience capable of synchronizing two or more physical venues, with live events happening at one or more venues. In some embodiments, a system may synchronize the live event experience by equalizing remote participants with local ones, and remote shared screens with local ones. In some embodiments, attention management may be provided to local and remote participants. In some embodiments, a cloud-based broadcasting system may be provided at a local venue and/or remote venues. |
| US09654812B2 |
Encoding apparatus and the method
An encoding apparatus adds delay time information DTI indicating initial delay time i_d and delay time d of each group data to a position to be read prior to frame data by a decoding apparatus in the group data of encoding stream data DBI and transmits the same to the decoding apparatus 3. Namely, the encoding apparatus does not transmit initial offset delay time i_of to the decoding apparatus 3. The encoding apparatus starts to read and transmit the encoding stream data DBI from a transmission buffer at a predetermined bit rate R at timing designated by the initial offset delay time i_of. |
| US09654810B2 |
Mechanism for partial encryption of data streams
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to partial encryption of data stream. An embodiment of a method includes receiving, at a data transmitting device, a data stream having content including one or more of audio content, video content, and control content, determining one or more content that are to be encrypted. The method further includes partially encrypting the data stream by encrypting the one or more content, and leaving other content unencrypted, and transmitting, from the data transmitting device, the partially encrypted data stream to a data receiving device. |
| US09654807B2 |
Aircraft communications system with adaptive streaming video and associated methods
An aircraft communications system includes a satellite video receiver, a video signal transcoder coupled to the satellite video receiver to convert live video signals therefrom from one video format to another, and an adaptive streaming video processor coupled to the video signal transcoder. The adaptive streaming video processor creates video data files at different data rates, and divides the video data files into shorter chunks of video data along with associated index files. An access point is coupled to the adaptive streaming video processor for providing a wireless local area network (WLAN) within the aircraft to distribute the shorter chunks of video data and associated index files to personal electronic devices (PEDs) within the aircraft as requested by the PEDs based on communication conditions within the aircraft. |
| US09654799B2 |
Video encoding method and apparatus using transformation unit of variable tree structure, and video decoding method and apparatus
A video encoding method is provided. The method includes: encoding a current region of a video by performing a transformation on the current region by using transformation units in a variable tree-structure which are determined from among transformation units that are hierarchically split from a base transformation unit with respect to the current region and which are generated based on a maximum split level of a transformation unit. The method further includes outputting encoded data of the current region, information about an encoding mode, and transformation-unit hierarchical-structure information comprising maximum size information and minimum size information of the transformation unit with respect to the video. |
| US09654793B2 |
Video encoding/decoding methods, corresponding computer programs and video encoding/decoding devices
A method for encoding an interlaced video comprising a sequence of alternating TOP and BOT fields is disclosed. The method for encoding comprises: producing a sequence of frames, each frame being determined from at least two consecutive fields, each field forming a rectangular region of the frame, encoding each frame of the sequence to produce an encoded video of the sequence of frames. |
| US09654792B2 |
Methods and systems for motion vector derivation at a video decoder
Method and apparatus for deriving a motion vector at a video decoder. A block-based motion vector may be produced at the video decoder by utilizing motion estimation among available pixels relative to blocks in one or more reference frames. The available pixels could be, for example, spatially neighboring blocks in the sequential scan coding order of a current frame, blocks in a previously decoded frame, or blocks in a downsampled frame in a lower pyramid when layered coding has been used. |
| US09654791B1 |
System and method for efficient multi-bitrate and multi-spatial resolution media encoding
In one example, a sequence of pictures may be transformed at a given spatial resolution to a plurality of output spatial resolutions and/or an additional spatial resolution that is lower than the plurality of output spatial resolutions. The sequence of pictures and a picture type may be received for each of the pictures at respective output spatial resolutions. Estimating a set of combinations of encoding parameters for coding tree blocks (CTBs) in each of the pictures at a lowest output spatial resolution or mapping combinations of encoding parameters for each CTB in each of the pictures at an immediate coarser spatial resolution to corresponding blocks at the respective output spatial resolution is performed. A set of combinations of encoding parameters may be determined for each CTB and best combinations of encoding parameters from the determined set of combinations may be identified for encoding the sequence of pictures. |
| US09654789B1 |
Scalable real-time video compositing systems and methods
In some embodiments, a server system composites in real-time, in response to a user video search query, a standard-compliant (e.g. MPEG-4/H.264) SD or HD video stream encoding a rectangular (x-y) composite video preview panel array (grid) of video search results. Each panel/tile in the rectangular panel array displays a temporal section (e.g. the first 90 seconds, looped-back) of a video identified in response to the user query. Generating the composite video panel array in real-time is achieved by compositing the component video panels in the compressed domain, after each panel undergoes off-line a compressed-domain pre-compositing preparation process that facilitates dynamic compositing of the panels into a single video stream. The pre-compositing preparation includes transcoding to a format having a down-scaled common resolution, common GOP structure, and one-slice-per-row slice structure. |
| US09654786B2 |
Image decoding method and apparatus using same
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for decoding an image, for decoding a bitstream including a plurality of layers. The image decoding method may comprise: a step of receiving and identifying dependency information indicating whether an upper layer is coded by the same coding method as a lower layer; and a step of recovering the image of the upper layer based on the identified dependency information. Thus, information indicating whether the information of the reference layer which the current layer refers to is encoded data or recovered value can be identified. |
| US09654784B2 |
Digital color image compression method and device
An image includes at least first and second digital samples corresponding to first and second different color components. The image is compressed by detecting level changes of a first signal formed of the sequence of the first samples and by detecting level changes of a second signal formed of the sequence of the second samples. A determination is made as to whether the detected changes coincide with each other. The first signal is decimated. The compressed image that is output includes the decimated first signal, the second signal and a further signal indicative of coinciding detected changes. |
| US09654776B2 |
Adaptive transform size selection for geometric motion partitioning
In one example, an apparatus includes a video encoder configured to partition a block of video data into a first geometric partition and a second geometric partition using a geometric motion partition line, wherein the block comprises N×N pixels, divide the block of video data into four equally-sized, non-overlapping (N/2)×(N/2) sub-blocks, and encode at least one of the sub-blocks through which the geometric motion partition line passes using a transform size smaller than (N/2)×(N/2). The video encoder may determine transform sizes for the sub-blocks based on whether the geometric motion partition line passes through the sub-blocks. In one example, a video decoder may inverse transform the sub-blocks, and may determine transform sizes for the sub-blocks based on whether the geometric motion partition line passes through the sub-blocks. |
| US09654771B2 |
Image coding method, image decoding method, image coding apparatus, image decoding apparatus, and image coding and decoding apparatus
An image coding method includes: writing, into a sequence parameter set, buffer description defining information for defining a plurality of buffer descriptions; writing, into the sequence parameter set, reference list description defining information for defining a plurality of reference list descriptions corresponding to the buffer descriptions; and writing, into a first header of each processing unit which is included in a coded bitstream, buffer description selecting information for specifying a selected buffer description. |
| US09654769B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for synchronization of 3-D shutter glasses to one of a plurality of presentation devices
Three dimensional (3-D) program content viewing system in a media environment with different media presentation devices detects a first synchronization signal transmitted from a first synchronization signal source, wherein the first synchronization signal is associated with first 3-D program content and includes a first signal identifier. The system detects a second synchronization signal transmitted from a second synchronization signal source, wherein the second synchronization signal is associated with second 3-D program content and includes a second signal identifier. The system then receives a selection of one of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal and discriminates between the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal based upon the first signal identifier and the second signal identifier. The system then controls a left lens and a right lens of 3-D shutter glasses in accordance with the selected one of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal. |
| US09654766B2 |
3-dimensional displaying apparatus using line light source
The present disclosure relates to a 3-dimensional displaying apparatus using line light sources, which includes: a display panel having a plurality of pixels; a backlight panel having a plurality of line light sources disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the backlight panel being spaced apart from one surface of the display panel; and a distance-adjusting unit for adjusting a distance between the backlight unit and the display panel. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to display autostereoscopic images which may minimize the quality deterioration of the 3-dimensional images according to the change of distance from an observer to the 3-dimensional displaying apparatus, which is a problem of a displaying apparatus implementing 3-dimensional images by using a general parallax separating unit. |
| US09654765B2 |
System for executing 3D propagation for depth image-based rendering
A system is disclosed for executing depth image-based rendering of a 3D image by a computer having a processor and that is coupled with one or more color cameras and at least one depth camera. The color cameras and the depth camera are positionable at different arbitrary locations relative to a scene to be rendered. In some examples, the depth camera is a low resolution camera and the color cameras are high resolution. The processor is programmed to propagate depth information from the depth camera to an image plane of each color camera to produce a propagated depth image at each respective color camera, to enhance the propagated depth image at each color camera with the color and propagated depth information thereof to produce corresponding enhanced depth images, and to render a complete, viewable image from one or more enhanced depth images from the color cameras. The processor may be a graphics processing unit. |
| US09654764B2 |
Stereoscopic image processing device, stereoscopic image processing method, and program
A stereoscopic image processing device including a depth map generation unit and a depth map correction unit. The depth map generation unit uses a first viewpoint image and a second viewpoint image to acquire depth values in units of blocks constituted of a plurality of pixels and generate a depth map. The depth map correction unit performs a judgment in the depth map as to whether or not a boundary region is included in a block of interest based on depth values of blocks surrounding the block of value, which is a block to be processed, and, if a boundary region is judged to be included in the block of interest, corrects the depth values in units of correction regions, which are units which are smaller than blocks, in the block of interest. |
| US09654763B2 |
Controlling method of detecting image-capturing gesture
A controlling method suitable for an electronic apparatus is disclosed herein. The electronic apparatus includes a first image-capturing unit and a second image-capturing unit. The controlling method includes steps of: obtaining a plurality of second images by the second image-capturing unit when the first image-capturing unit is operated to capture a plurality of first images for a stereo process; detecting an object in the second images; calculating a relative displacement of the object in the second images; and, determining whether the first images are captured by an inappropriate gesture according to the relative displacement calculated from the second images. |
| US09654762B2 |
Apparatus and method for stereoscopic video with motion sensors
An apparatus and method for a video capture device for recording 3 Dimensional (3D) stereoscopic video with motion sensors is provided are provided. The apparatus includes includes a camera unit having one lens for capturing video, a video encoder/decoder for encoding the captured video, a motion sensor for capturing motion data of the video capture device corresponding to the captured video, and a controller for controlling the video encoder/decoder and motion sensor to encode the captured video with the captured motion data. |
| US09654760B2 |
Encoding device, decoding device, encoding method, and decoding method
An encoding device includes a determination unit configured to determine, when performing detection of a motion vector using the decoded image of a frame image encoded in increments of blocks prior to the frame image to be encoded regarding an encoded block to be encoded of a plurality of blocks included in this frame image to be encoded at the time of encoding a frame image included in a moving image where a first image and a second image are arrayed using inter-image prediction encoding processing, correlation height as to the image of the encoded block regarding each of the image of a first area corresponding to the first image and the image of a second area corresponding to the second image included in a boundary block straddling a boundary between the first image and the second image of a block included in the decoded image. |
| US09654757B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program product for including device playback preferences in multimedia metadata
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided in order to provide device playback preferences in multimedia file metadata. A method is provided comprising identifying one or more playback devices; receiving a file to be played back; searching one or more data in the file for playback settings of the one or more playback devices; processing one or more playback settings for the one or more playback devices based on the one or more data; and causing play back of the file with the one or more playback devices. A corresponding apparatus and a computer program product are also provided. |
| US09654753B1 |
Video stream processing
A computer system encodes video display information using parallel processing capabilities of a general-purpose CPU. A driver on the computer system captures the display information into memory and identifies regions of the display that have changed. The identified changed regions are represented in a tree structure which allows the system to identify regions of the display that can be efficiently processed. The identified regions are converted from an RGB color space to a YUV420 color space using a cross-platform parallel processing framework such as OpenCL. By using a cross-platform parallel processing framework, the system is able to utilize parallel processing capabilities of the general-purpose CPU such as SSE or AVX to accelerate the conversion operation. |
| US09654751B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for providing color grading for displays
A method, apparatus and system for providing color grading or color correction for displays includes a plurality of virtual device models where each virtual device model has a virtual model specification (VMS) which controls a display feature. Each display includes a display specification including a display requirement or requirements. An apparatus of the present invention is configured to compare the display feature of at least one VMS against the display requirement of the display specification to determine a best match therebetween to select a virtual device model to control a display picture. Color correction is further provided in post production using the VMS to provide consistency across multiple display types. |
| US09654748B2 |
Projection device, and projection method
A projection device of the present disclosure includes a projection unit for radiating on a projection target object in a time-divided manner, in one frame period of a video, a visible light image that is based on a video signal and an invisible light image for acquiring predetermined information, and a controller for controlling an order of a radiation period for the visible light image and a radiation period for the invisible light image in the one frame period. The controller includes, as a radiation mode, a first mode for radiating the invisible light image in a manner of distributing the invisible light image over a plurality of periods within the one frame period. |
| US09654745B2 |
Rapid multi-spectral imaging methods and apparatus and applications for cancer detection and localization
Methods and apparatus for video rate or near video rate quantitative imaging of tissue physiological and morphological properties from visible/NIR light spectral images obtain rapid multi-spectral reflectance images by illuminating with a series of spectra containing multiple narrow wavelength bands. An iterative light-transport based inversion algorithm may be applied for correcting the intensity of the spectral images from the geometry/coupling effect as well as from the scattering amplitude distortions. The method can produce video rate absorption as well as scattering spectral images that can be further analyzed very rapidly, using matrix-based rapid inversion algorithms to produce more detailed quantitative images containing information relevant to tissue physiology and morphology. |
| US09654739B1 |
System and method for creating a medical virtual presence in a room on a network
A system and method for controlling and selecting sources in a room on a network. The system allows a remote viewer to create a virtual presence within the room by providing the available displays, corresponding to the sources, to the remote viewer. The system includes a standardizing technique for improving the communication and overall switching of data for streaming on a network. The system can include a recording server for performing dual recording of the video files in each of a local database and a remote database. A graphical user interface (GUI) display is provided to guide a local user through a medical procedure in the standardized system. |