| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09669560B2 |
Cutting machine waste extraction apparatus
A cutting machine waste extraction apparatus is provided for a cutting machine that cuts a plate where the cutting machine waste extraction apparatus is supported adjacent a cutting area at a cutting table. The cutting machine produces waste at the cutting area during the cutting of the plate where the apparatus includes a ducting system having a first duct that receives the waste from the plate, and a second duct that receives the waste from the first duct. The first duct is movable along the length of the second duct and the second duct includes a lengthwise opening which is sealed by a flexible belt. The flexible belt is deformable from sealed contact with the second duct, adjacent a junction apparatus, where the junction apparatus provides a fluid connection between the first duct and the second duct. |
| US09669558B2 |
Method for cutting out one or more glass panels
A method for cutting out pieces of glass from a glass sheet, includes, a step of automatic generation by a computer with a storage unit, containing programs to calculate a first optimum plan for guillotine cutting at a number of hierarchical levels of different pieces from each of the glass sheet, as a function of information; a step of reading information relating to defects in the glass sheet, a step of automatic generation by a computer with a storage unit, containing programs to calculate a second optimum plan for guillotine cutting at a number of hierarchical levels from the glass sheet, based on the first optimum cutting plan and at least some of the information relating to the defects, including permutations of cross cut sections at the same hierarchical level within the glass sheet; a step of cutting pieces of glass in accordance with the second optimum cutting plan generated. |
| US09669556B2 |
Tool for cutting tough elements
A small hand-held tool has a concavely open, center-symmetric, cutting edge at a forward end. To cut an elongate object such as a woody weed stem in a garden, the cutting edge is forcibly applied, preferably horizontally, at about or just below ground level in a forward direction simultaneously with an alternating side-to-side horizontal force to turn the tool and the cutting edge in a to-and-fro motion around the elongate object being cut. Forwardly inclined, center-symmetrically disposed saw teeth on the cutting edge will quickly cut the woody stem below ground so that no stubs are left sticking out of the ground to later trip the unwary. If the tool is fitted instead with a cutting blade provided with, for example, tungsten carbide-tipped teeth, or even a toothless edge coated with a layer of tungsten carbide grit, a patient user could apply the thus adapted tool to cleanly cut through much harder objects like steel bars or pipes, e.g., right where they are projecting from a wall or a concrete floor. |
| US09669555B2 |
Dedicated attachment systems for consumer products
Consumer products, e.g., shaving systems and toothbrushes, are disclosed which have a replaceable portion, e.g., a shaving assembly or a toothbrush head, that is removably mounted on a handle. The consumer products described herein include keyed structures on the handle and replaceable portion, the relative placement of which creates a unique interaction between the two parts. This unique interaction may, for example, be used to provide a dedicated attachment system for each specific customer of the manufacturer of the consumer product. |
| US09669552B2 |
System and method for quick-swap of multiple substrates
A system and method are disclosed for substrate handling. The system can include a robot adapter configured to connect to a robot, and first and second end effectors connected to the robot adapter. The robot adapter is configured to move the first and second end effectors from a first, retracted, position to a second, extended, position. In the extended position, the first or second end effector is disposed within a top entry load lock for picking or dropping a plurality of substrates therein. The first and second end effectors can be selectively and independently movable. The robot adapter can be rotatable so as to selectively position one of the end effectors over the top entry load lock. Methods for quickly swapping processed and unprocessed substrates in the top entry load lock are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US09669551B1 |
Robotic hand and fingers
Technologies pertaining to a robotic hand are described herein. The robotic hand includes one or more fingers releasably attached to a robotic hand frame. The fingers can abduct and adduct as well as flex and tense. The fingers are releasably attached to the frame by magnets that allow for the fingers to detach from the frame when excess force is applied to the fingers. |
| US09669548B2 |
Mobile collaborative robot
A mobile collaborative robot includes a force sensor which is provided on a robot support on a carriage, a robot information acquisition unit which acquires robot information including posture information of the robot main body and load information of a load acting on the robot main body, a force calculation unit which calculates the external force acting on the robot support based on the robot information, and a judgment unit which judges that the mobile collaborative robot has come into contact with a human when a difference between the external force detected by the force sensor and the external force calculated by the force calculation unit is above a predetermined value α or when a difference between the amount of change in the detected external force and the amount of change in the calculated external force is above a predetermined value α1. |
| US09669547B2 |
Method for testing feeding fuel cell stack and apparatus for producing fuel cell stack using the same
A producing method of a fuel cell stack includes a transfer robot configured to clamp and to transfer a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) component. A feeding testing unit is configured to check a stacked status of the MEA and the GDL component while the MEA and the GDL component are transferred and stacked by the transfer robot. A control unit is configured to receive a signal of the feeding test unit and to transmit an error signal when it is determined that the MEA and the GDL component are erroneously stacked. |
| US09669539B2 |
Magnetic drill system
An auto-feeding permanent magnet drill comprising a first permanent magnet capable of being removeably coupled to a magnetic material. A coupler plate couples to the first permanent magnet. A drill frame couples to the coupler plate, the coupler plate providing an interface to couple the first permanent magnet to the frame. User interfaces are provided to enable control for powering the drill, enabling a drill or cutter bit auto-feed feature, enabling a lubrication system and enabling a mechanical adjustment system. An electric drill is coupled to the frame, the electric drill coupled to the auto-feed feature and electronically coupled to the user interfaces. A lubrication reservoir couples to a second permanent magnet capable of coupling the lubrication reservoir to a magnetic material or work surface. A flexible distribution tube delivers lubricant from the lubrication reservoir to a nozzle, the nozzle oriented towards the cutting surface and capable of distributing lubricating fluid to the cutting surface or rotating drill bit components during a drilling operation. |
| US09669536B2 |
Powered working machine
A powered working machine facilitating work of fixing a tip tool to a tool supporting member is provided. A powered working machine in which a tip tool is driven by power of an electric-powered motor includes: an output shaft to which the tip tool is attached; a tool fixing member which fixes the tip tool to the output shaft; a second shaft to/from which the tool fixing member is attached/detached; a clamp having a locked state in which a state of attachment of the tool fixing member to the second shaft is maintained and an unlocked state in which the tool fixing member can be detached from the second shaft; and a guide member having a first rotation position at which the clamp is in the locked state and a second rotation position at which the clamp is in the unlocked state. |
| US09669532B1 |
Ratcheting multi-tool
The ratcheting multi-tool includes a first armature and a second armature. The first armature and the second armature pivot about a first point and a second pivot point. The first armature and the second armature extend to form a set of pliers. The first armature is further defined with a first distal end from which a ratcheting tool is pivotably engaged. The ratcheting tool is able to rotate to an extended position in order to be used as a socket ratchet. The second armature includes a second multi-tool that is pivotably engaged, and extends in order to provide a set of second tools therefrom. The first armature includes a belt clip and a spring-loaded clip. The ratcheting tool is aside of the first armature; whereas the first armature is generally parallel with the second armature. |
| US09669531B2 |
Hammer drill
A hammer drill having a motor mounted within a body and an output spindle; a tool holder mounted on the body capable of holding a cutting tool; a hammer mechanism having a piston; a reciprocating drive for converting rotary movement of the motor into reciprocating movement of the piston; a ram reciprocatingly driven by the piston via an air spring to strike a cutting tool held in the tool holder, the hammer mechanism performing one hammer cycle each time the ram strikes a cutting tool during normal use; an air replenishment mechanism capable of refreshing the air spring during certain time periods during normal use; the air replenishment mechanism capable of being adjusted to refresh the air spring during time periods within the hammer cycle and/or the system allows different volumes of air into or out of the air spring during the refreshment time periods. |
| US09669530B2 |
Staple gun automatically applicable to staples of multiple sorts
A staple gun includes: a casing having a front blocking surface; a magazine disposed in the casing; and a staple delivery element and a resilient element disposed at the magazine. The magazine includes at least a staple cutting portion each having a top surface, a front end surface, and a guiding surface connected between the top surface and the front end surface. The front end surface and the guiding surface face the front blocking surface. A clearance for passing staples is disposed between the front end surface and the front blocking surface. The staple delivery element pushes staples in the magazine in a staple delivering direction. The resilient element enables staples to push the front end surface and the guiding surface of the staple cutting portion of the magazine, such that the magazine moves relative to the casing in a clearance adjustment direction opposite to the staple delivering direction. |
| US09669524B1 |
Ratcheting box wrench
The ratcheting box wrench includes a box wrench that includes a ratcheting socket inside of the wrench opening. The ratcheting socket is in mechanical connection with a square drive that is provided at a distal end of the handle such that a square drive bit is able to rotate the ratcheting socket. Moreover, the square drive bit is affixed to the square drive provided at the distal end of the handle, and rotation of the square drive shall drive the ratcheting socket provided inside of the wrench opening of the box wrench portion of the ratcheting box wrench. |
| US09669523B2 |
Screwdriver
A screwdriver includes a screw rod including a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The screwdriver defines a screw slot on an external portion adjacent to the second end. The screwdriver further includes a screwdriver bit fixed to the first end of the screw rod, a resisting portion fixed to the second end of the screw rod, a handle placed over a portion of the screw rod adjacent to the second end. A movable element fixed to an inside wall of the handle and tightly closed to an inside surface of the screw slot, and an elastic element placed over the screw rod between the first end and the handle. |
| US09669522B2 |
Screw bolt dismantling tool
The screw bolt dismantling tool includes a shaft. The shaft has a handle and a working portion at two opposite ends thereof The working portion includes a seat and at least one abutting piece. The seat has a magnet on a central portion of a face of the seat opposite to the handle. The abutting piece is located at a periphery of the face of the seat opposite to the handle and extends toward a direction opposite to the handle. The abutting piece is non-magnetic. |
| US09669515B2 |
Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus having a polishing pad surface property measuring device that is capable of measuring surface properties of a polishing pad in a state where a liquid film exists on the polishing pad is disclosed. The polishing apparatus includes a dam configured to dam a liquid on the polishing pad to form a liquid film having a thickness equal to or greater than a prescribed value in at least part of an area on the polishing pad, a light emitter having a light emission end disposed in the liquid film formed by the dam and configured to emit a laser beam onto the polishing pad, a light receiver disposed in the liquid film formed by the dam and configured to receive light scattered by and bounced off the polishing pad at a plurality of angles due to surface properties of the polishing pad after the laser beam is emitted from the light emitter, and a processor configured to perform Fourier transform on the light received by the light receiver into a predetermined wavelength corresponding to a reflection intensity distribution and to determine a feature quantity of the surface properties of the pad. |
| US09669514B2 |
System and method for polishing substrate
Polishing systems and methods for polishing a substrate are provided. The polishing system includes a polishing assembly having a platen and a polishing pad over the platen. The polishing system also includes a substrate carrying assembly configured to engage a substrate to the polishing pad. The polishing system further includes a thickness sensing assembly configured to monitor a thickness of the polishing pad. |
| US09669513B2 |
Double-disc grinding apparatus and workpiece double-disc grinding method
The invention is directed to a double-disc grinding apparatus including: a rotatable ring holder configured to support a sheet workpiece along a circumferential direction from an outer circumference side of the workpiece; a pair of grinding wheels for grinding surfaces of the workpiece supported by the ring holder; and a hydrostatic bearing for supporting the ring holder without contact from both of a direction of a rotational axis of the ring holder and a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis by hydrostatic pressure of fluid supplied from both directions, wherein supply pressures at which the fluid is supplied from the direction of the rotational axis and from the direction perpendicular to the rotational axis can be independently controlled. The invention provides a double-disc grinding apparatus and a workpiece double-disc grinding method that can improve variation in nanotopography depending on the lot of workpieces or grinding wheels to obtain nanotopography stably. |
| US09669504B2 |
Workpiece machining method
A workpiece machining jig includes: a base member of an H cross-sectional shape integrally having two vertical flanges and a web having an interior hollow portion and extending horizontally to connect between the vertical flanges; first and second pallets fixed to the opposite surfaces of the web for placing thereon four workpieces, two workpieces on each of the pallets, in a horizontal posture. Each of the pallets has a pallet-side communication hole communicating to the hollow portion, and each of the flanges has a flange-side communication hole communicating to the hollow portion. The pallet-side communication hole of each of the pallets and the flange-side communication hole of a corresponding one of the flanges are interconnected by a tube extending in the hollow portion. Thus, four workpieces are machined concurrently using the single workpiece machining jig. |
| US09669503B2 |
Work spindle having a solid-body joint
A subassembly with a supporting element for a machine bed of a lathe, and of a machining unit which is arranged on the supporting element and has a machining axis, wherein a solid-body joint, via which the machining unit is arranged in a movable manner on the supporting element, is provided. A lathe for plastics spectacle lenses, having a machine bed, having a tool mount or workpiece mount which is arranged at least indirectly on the machine bed, and having a subassembly which is arranged at least indirectly on the machine bed, wherein the workpiece and the tool can be oriented in relation to one another via the solid-body joint. |
| US09669501B1 |
Steering spindle repair kit and associated apparatus and methods
A spindle repair kit including a pair of alignment mandrels positionable in a respective spindle bore of a steering spindle. An alignment rod is operative to retain the mandrels in their respective spindle bores. The kit can also include a first clamp member and a second clamp member, each being positionable between the spindle bores. The kit includes a drill fixture including a drill mounting surface and a bearing fixture including a bearing aperture sized to receive the alignment rod. Fasteners clamp the drill fixture and first clamp member to the first spindle bore and clamp the bearing holder and second clamp member to the second spindle bore. The kit includes an arbor connectable to a drill and a reamer, wherein the arbor is sized to position the reamer in the first spindle bore. |
| US09669500B2 |
Cooking device for a solid-fuel cooker including fuel container and solid cover and related methods
A cooking device may be for a solid-fuel cooker that includes a firebox, a cooking plate carried adjacent an open upper end of the firebox and defining a cooking surface, and a lid to be carried by a sidewall of the firebox over the cooking surface. The cooking device may include a fuel container for carrying the solid-fuel therein and to be carried within the firebox spaced inwardly from the sidewall. The fuel container may include a tubular lower body having opposing open ends and a lower body sidewall having a plurality of air openings therein, and a tapered upper body having a larger open end open toward and spaced below the cooking surface and a smaller open end coupled to an open end of the tubular lower body. A solid cover may be carried by the larger open end of the tapered upper body. |
| US09669499B2 |
Double-wall pipe, method of manufacturing the same and refrigerant cycle device provided with the same
A double-wall pipe includes an outer pipe, and an inner pipe disposed inside the outer pipe. An outer wall of the inner pipe has thereon a ridge portion, which defines a groove portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the inner pipe. The outer pipe and the inner pipe are bent to have a straight portion extending straightly, and a bend portion bent from the straight portion. In the straight portion, the outer pipe has an inside diameter that is larger than an outside diameter of an imaginary cylinder defined by an outer surface of the ridge portion of the inner pipe. Furthermore, the ridge portion of the inner pipe contacts an inside surface of the outer pipe to be radially squeezed and held by the outer pipe, in the bend portion. The double-wall pipe can be suitably used for a refrigerant cycle device. |
| US09669496B2 |
Explosion-proof valve and manufacturing method therefor
An explosion-proof valve installed to a hole portion of a pressure vessel and valve opening when the pressure within the pressure vessel goes beyond a predetermined value so as to release the pressure integrally has a tubular portion inserted to the hole portion, an outside flange portion provided in one end portion of the tubular portion and engaging with an opening peripheral edge portion outside the vessel in the hole portion, a locking projection provided in the other end portion of the tubular portion and engaging with an opening peripheral edge portion in side the vessel in the hole portion, and a membrane portion provided in an inner peripheral side of the tubular portion and rupturing due to the pressure at the valve opening time, and has such a shape that an outer diameter of the outside flange portion is made smaller than an outer diameter of the locking projection. |
| US09669492B2 |
High power laser offshore decommissioning tool, system and methods of use
There is provided high power laser systems, high power laser tools, and methods of using these tools and systems for cutting, sectioning and removing structures objects, and materials, and in particular, for doing so in difficult to access locations and environments, such as offshore, underwater, or in hazardous environments, such as nuclear and chemical facilities. Thus, there is also provided high power laser systems, high power laser tools, and methods of using these systems and tools for removing structures, objects, and materials located offshore, under bodies of water and under the seafloor. |
| US09669491B2 |
Method of forming a steel part and steel part
A method of forming a steel part is provided. The method includes the steps of coating a first steel plate to obtain a first precoat upon the first steel plate so as to define a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer. On a first face of the first steel plate the first metal alloy layer is removed in a first area of the first steel plate, while at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer in the first area remains. A second steel plate is coated to obtain a second precoat upon the second steel plate so as to define a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer. On a second face of the second steel plate, the second metal alloy layer is removed in a second area of the second metal plate, while at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area remains. After removal of the first and second metal alloy layers, the first steel plate is butt-welded to the second steel plate at the first and second areas to form a welded blank. A heat treatment is performed on the welded blank. The welded blank is shaped after the heat treatment into the steel part. A steel part is also provided. |
| US09669489B2 |
Methods of repairing integrally bladed rotors
A method of repairing an integrally bladed rotor includes removing a portion of the integrally bladed rotor to create a void in an airfoil, completely filling the void with a single replacement material, and laser shock peening the replacement material. Laser shock peening the replacement material imparts mechanical properties in the replacement material substantially the same as those in the forged material. |
| US09669488B2 |
Current diffusion bonding apparatus and current diffusion bonding method
A current diffusion bonding apparatus (1) includes upper and lower electrodes (11, 12), which sandwich members to be bonded (M, M) and which are electrically conductible with the members to be bonded (M, M); a power supply unit (20), which supplies a current to the electrodes (11, 12); and a pressurizing unit (30), which applies a pressure to bonding surfaces S. If a temperature T detected by a temperature sensor (45) is a first set temperature T1 or lower, the pressurizing unit (30) applies a pressure to the bonding surfaces S while restricting the displacement of the members to be bonded (M, M), and if the temperature T exceeds the first set temperature T1, the pressurizing unit (30) applies a pressure based on the elastic force of a spring (35d), which elastically deforms according to the displacement of the members to be bonded (M, M), to the bonding surfaces S. |
| US09669485B2 |
Method for welding a case hardened component
A method for producing a welded part from two components, where at least one of the components has a hardened surface. The method can include case hardening the surface of one of the components using a salt bath nitriding process and then welding the case hardened first component to the second component by gas metal arc welding (GMAW). |
| US09669478B2 |
Milling tool
A milling tool has a tool shank and a cutting head fastened to the forward end of the tool shank by way of a clamping connection. The clamping connection has a protrusion with clamping faces, and a recess with centering faces that interact with the clamping faces. Each of the centering faces has a first region where the centering faces are spaced from a longitudinal axis of the tool shank by a first distance and a second region at a smaller distance. The first region merges into the second region. The clamping faces of the protrusion are introducible into the recess between the first regions of the centering faces and are movable, by rotation of the cutting head about the longitudinal axis, into a clamping position in which the clamping faces interact in a force-fit with the second regions of the centering faces. |
| US09669476B2 |
Electronic key duplicating machine
An electronic key duplicating machine includes a base, on which a first support is mounted for a clamp for, at separate moments, an original key and a blank key, an optical reader sensing the bitting of the original key, and a milling cutter reproducing the bitting on the blank key, which are mounted on a second support rigid with the machine base, the clamp being movable along the X axis and the Y axis relative to the second support, a unit memorizing the bitting of the original key sensed by the optical reader and controlling and commanding movement of the clamp and operability of optical reader and milling cutter, wherein the second support is of C-shape with its opening facing the clamp, and the optical reader is mounted on horizontal branches of the second C-shaped support, while the milling cutter is mounted in the cavity defined by the horizontal branches. |
| US09669475B2 |
Chamfering machine for providing optimal operation condition during operation of cutting surface of circular material and surface cutting method
Disclosed is a chamfering machine which enables a smooth cutting operation by allowing a workpiece to be fixed to a position corresponding to an optimal cutting condition. The chamfering machine comprises a cutting position groove, which is formed in the bottom surface of an upper guide, and into which a part of the outer circumferential surface of a workpiece is inserted, wherein the central part of the cutting position groove is formed to correspond to the cutting end of a chamfering cutter. The machining method is configured such that the chamfering cutter enters perpendicular to a centerline direction of a circular material and, after entering while cutting, to a point where the cutting end of a cutting tip is in line with the centerline, rotates a tubular material or revolves the chamfering cutter around the tubular material and thus can cut the surface of the circular material. |
| US09669472B2 |
Drilling apparatus and drilling method
A drilling apparatus includes: a drill rotatable about a center axis and capable of advancing and retracting along the axis; and a pressing unit for pressing a work in an advancing direction of the drill. The drilling apparatus advances the drill while rotating the drill about the center axis to form a hole in the work, in a state in which the work is pressed by the pressing unit. A pressing force applied on the work by the pressing unit is set to a predetermined pressing force based on machining reaction applied to the drill from the work during drilling and the pressing force causing deformation of the work in the advancing direction of the drill. The predetermined pressing force can suppress deformation of the work and displacement of the drill due to the machining reaction. The machining reaction and the pressing force are calculated beforehand in a drilling test. |
| US09669459B2 |
System and method of making a cast part
A system and method of making a part. The part may cast in a die. A gripper assembly may be provided that has a gripper and a spray nozzle that provides a fluid. The part may be quenched with a fluid when the part is in the die. |
| US09669455B2 |
Method for producing a heat exchanger and heat exchanger obtained by said method, swage and tube expansion device for implementing said method
A method is disclosed for producing a heat exchanger, in particular for a motor vehicle, a method whereby fluid circulation tubes (3) are inserted into through holes in heat exchange fins (4) and the fluid circulation tubes (3) are subjected to expansion in such a way as to expand a contour (22) of the tubes (3) to ensure contact with the fins (4) at the through holes and, additionally, for at least one of the tubes (3), to deform a concave portion (24) of the contour (22) of the tube or tubes (3), in such a way as to correspondingly deform the through holes. A device for implementing the method and an exchanger obtained by the method are also disclosed. |
| US09669452B2 |
Pre-hemming apparatus
The present disclosure provides a pre-hemming apparatus including: an actuator which is coupled to one side of a main body; a pre-hemming body which is positioned at the other side of the main body and has a pre-hemming punch; and a driving link which connects the actuator with the pre-hemming body at the main body, has a plurality of link members that are operated by the actuator, and transmits force for pre-hemming a subject to the pre-hemming body when the plurality of link members are operated. |
| US09669450B2 |
Punch tool device and method of supplying lubricating oil
A punch tool device vertically that is movably mounted in a punch mounting hole formed in a punch holder of a punch press includes: a punch body vertically movably provided inside a tubular punch guide vertically movably mounted in a punch mounting hole and, the punch body includes a punch edge section in its lower end portion. An elastic member is provided between the punch guide and a punch head provided on an upper end portion of a punch driver provided above the punch body. A supported section is supported by a lifter spring provided to the punch holder, is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the punch guide; and a lubricating oil path is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the punch guide so as to communicate with a lubricating oil supply path formed in the punch body, the lubricating oil path provided to be capable of coming into and out of communication with a lifter spring containing hole which contains the lifter spring. |
| US09669449B2 |
Method for producing a through hole in a metallic body
The invention relates to a method for producing g a through-hole (10) in a metallic body (12), which has at least one curved surface, by means of a reciprocating movement, said through-hole (10) being produced by means of high speed shearing cutting (HGSS). |
| US09669448B2 |
Tool and method for producing stamped parts
An upper die part includes an embossing bell, a stripper ring, and an inner shape embossing element. The stripper ring has an embossing surface with a corrugated profile on the embossing surface. A lower die part includes an embossing anvil having a corrugated profile on its embossing surface. The embossing bell and the inner shape embossing element each are provided with an embossing shoulder, which are disposed, with respect to the corrugated profile of the stripper ring, in the stroke direction in such a way that the shoulders can seize the burrs only alter the corrugating step. The corrugating step takes place prior to burr compression. The outer and inner contours of the disk are not able to change positions, but are able to change shapes on the burr side after the corrugating step. |
| US09669444B2 |
Method of manufacturing curvilineal closed structure parts without flange and apparatus for the same
A method and apparatus manufactures a closed structure part without flange having a curvature and welded edges along a longitudinal direction of the part and further having a varying cross-sectional shape, from two metal plates. Each of two metal plates provided with a curvature along the longitudinal direction of the plate and provided with both ends in a width direction of the plate, are press-formed such that a folding line is formed at positions corresponding to a non-welded bent edge in a cross section of the part, and stacked on each other vertically such that their bulging sides face outward. Their left ends and right ends in the width direction are mutually welded along the longitudinal direction to form welded edges. |
| US09669442B1 |
Dent removing apparatus
A dent removing apparatus that utilizes piston technology along with the magnetism to remove dents includes a handle, a linear actuator, an interchangeable suction cup, and an interchangeable magnetized base. The handle allows the user to grasp the apparatus while the interchangeable magnetized base engages with the dent. A magnetized bottom rim of the interchangeable suction cup perimetrically positions around the dent and the interchangeable magnetized base and engaged with the surrounding surface area of the dent. Then the dent can be pulled or push to be even with the surrounding surface area through the linear actuator as the linear actuator can be manually, pneumatically, or electrically operated. |
| US09669434B2 |
Mop with stand
A mop includes a handle rod, a mop head, and an actuator handle. The handle rod defines a central handle rod axis. The mop head connects with the handle rod and includes a cleaning element mounting structure, a cleaning element, and a standoff. The actuator handle connects with the handle rod and the cleaning element mounting structure. The actuator handle is movable with respect to the handle rod for moving the mop head with respect to the handle rod between a use position and a storage position. |
| US09669433B2 |
Universal mineral separator
In accordance with the present invention, a pneumatic particle separator includes a base member formed with an elongated lumen. Also formed on the base member for fluid communication with the lumen are, in order, an air flow injection channel, the lumen, a diverter, and an n-number of type channels. Further, a particle injection channel is connected in fluid communication with the air flow injection channel. In this combination, when an air flow is established through the air flow injection channel and the lumen, particles are drawn by venturi action from the particle injection channel for single file transit through the lumen for analysis. A subsequent pneumatic diversion through the diverter then provides an exit for each particle from the base member through a preselected type channel for collection. The analysis performed in the lumen is used for an assay report. |
| US09669432B2 |
Component feeding system
A component feeding system includes a platform and a tray supported by the platform having a component support surface for supporting a plurality of components. An agitation unit is supported by the platform and is operatively coupled to the tray to agitate the tray to cause the components to move on the tray. A guidance system is supported by the platform and has a camera viewing the tray. A positioning system is supported by the platform and a component gripper is supported by the positioning system and moved by the positioning system relative to the tray. The component gripper is configured to pick and place components on the tray. A controller communicates with the agitation unit, the positioning system, the component gripper and the guidance system. The controller operates the agitation unit, the positioning system and the component gripper based on an image obtained by the camera. |
| US09669428B2 |
Product sorter
A product sorting apparatus is operable to sort products by inducing an oscillating or rocking motion to a plurality of sorting trays in a vertically stacked arrangement. A subset of the products in a top-most tray selectively pass to successive sorting trays. Each of the sorting trays is configured to receive and selectively transmit the selected products according to a separator or sorting panel that is disposed between an input and an output of a given tray. Each of the separator panels defines apertures that facilitate sorting of the products according to size and/or shape. The rocking or oscillating motion has an amplitude and a period according to an input from a drive mechanism, which may include a motor and drive link with a controller and/or a power switch. Optionally, a safety cage and one or more cutoff switches are provided for protecting the sorter and personnel. |
| US09669427B2 |
Methods and systems for ultrasound control with bi-directional transistor
In at least some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes an ultrasound transducer and a bi-directional transistor coupled to the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound system also includes an ultrasound receiver coupled to the bi-directional transistor. The bi-directional transistor operates to selectively connect the ultrasound transducer to ground and to selectively connect the ultrasound transducer to the ultrasound receiver. |
| US09669418B2 |
Pump for discharging contents
The present invention relates to a pump for discharging contents, which is coupled to a vessel (V) for accommodating the contents and discharges the contents, is configured such that: a suction valve plate (40) closes a content inlet (32) as the volume of the temporary repository (TR) inside the pump main body (10) decreases and pressure is generated in the temporary repository (TR) when the pump upper body (20) is moved downward by pressing the upper surface of the discharge valve (50) or the pump upper body (20); as the valve protruding ring (52), which is in contact with a content outlet (22), is widened due to the pressure, the contents in the temporary repository (TR) pass thorough the widened gap between the content outlet (22) and the valve protruding ring (52) and also pass through a flow path (24), which is the gap between the pump upper body (20) and the discharge valve (50). |
| US09669417B2 |
Apparatus for electrostatically spraying a coating product and method for controlling generator for supplying power to a high-voltage unit in such an apparatus
An apparatus for electrostatically spraying a coating product. The apparatus includes a sprayer with first and second pipes which control the flow of the coating product. Air is controlled by at least one valve. The sprayer includes a device for controlling the opening/closing of the valve, a high voltage unit. A generator includes a module for controlling power supplied to the high voltage unit. The sprayer includes a first sensor suitable for detecting the position of a shutter of the valve relative to a seat and for outputting a signal used by the control module to control the power supplied to the high voltage unit, and a second sensor suitable for detecting the position of a switch positioned on the spray gun and for outputting a signal used by the control module to control the power supply of the high voltage unit. |
| US09669414B2 |
Magnetic filtration device
A magnetic filtration device (105) configured to entrap magnetically susceptible material and non-magnetically susceptible material. An array of magnetic columns (703, 704) of alternating north and south polarity are positioned within a plurality of chambers (308, 309) that direct the fluid flow in an extended flowpath through a magnetic field circuit created by the columns of magnets (703, 704). A separator flange (305) acts to entrap nonferrous particles for subsequent removal and isolation from a fluid network in which the device (105) maybe installed. |
| US09669409B2 |
Fluid processing and control
A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers. One or more of the chambers may be a processing chamber which includes two ports configured to selectively engage the at least one external port of the body, and a fluid processing material such as an enrichment material or a depletion material. In some embodiments, one or more chambers may include a separation channel, and an electric field may be applied across the separation channel. |
| US09669407B2 |
Microchip
Disclosed herein is a microchip that allows a sample to be introduced into a region easily and accurately, and which makes it possible to obtain high analysis accuracy. The microchip includes an airtight region into which a solution is externally introduced; and positioning means for positioning a channel for injecting the solution into the region by penetrating a substrate layer forming the region with respect to a puncture part of the region. |
| US09669405B2 |
Sterilizable photopolymer serum separator
Sterilizable separator tubes and methods of utilization of same are presented. Methods include providing a separator tube containing a separator substance that can be polymerized to a desired hardness following sterilization using radical generating radiation. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between that of the average densities of separable fractions derived from a sample fluid such as blood, and to be flowable. Upon centrifugation of a separator tube containing a fluid sample, the separator substance forms a barrier between the fractions. The barrier subsequently hardens to form a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source. |
| US09669395B2 |
Catalyst composition for preparing O-phenylphenol and method for preparing O-phenylphenol with the catalyst composition
A catalyst composition for preparing o-phenylphenol is provided. The catalyst composition includes a carrier; and a first active metal, a second active metal, and a catalytic promoter carried by the carrier. The first active metal is platinum, and the second active metal is selected from the first, second and third rows of transition metals of groups VIB and VIIIB. The present disclosure utilizes the carrier to carry the first active metal, the second active metal and the catalytic promoter so as to increase the selectivity of o-phenylphenol and the service life of a catalyst. |
| US09669391B2 |
Carbon supported cobalt and molybdenum catalyst
The present invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising cobalt molybdenum and optionally one or more elements selected from the group consisting of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals on a carbon support wherein said cobalt and molybdenum are in their metallic form. It was surprisingly found that the selectivity for alcohols can be increased by using the carbon supported cobalt molybdenum catalyst as described herein in a process for producing alcohols from a feed stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Furthermore, it was found that the catalyst of the present invention has a decreased selectivity for CO2 and can be operated at relatively low temperature when compared to conventional catalysts. Moreover, a method for preparing the carbon supported cobalt molybdenum catalyst composition and a process for producing alcohols using said carbon supported cobalt molybdenum catalyst composition is provided. |
| US09669385B2 |
Superabsorbent polymer
Disclosed herein are a superabsorbent polymer resin incorporated with a particles meeting the following properties i) to ii): i) a BET specific surface area of 300 to 1500 m2/g, ii) a porosity of 50% or more, and a method for preparing the same. |
| US09669384B2 |
Water-absorbing resin and preparing method thereof
Disclosed are a water-absorbing resin and a method of preparing the same, wherein absorbency under unload of the water-absorbing resin is 25 g/g or more, the absorbency under load is 20 g/g or more, and an increase in extractables at a high temperature represented by Equation 1 ranges from 1 or more but less than 3, thereby it is possible to solve a problem that gel-blocking of the water-absorbing resin is accelerated at a high temperature, and improve absorption rate and dry efficiency of the water-absorbing resin. |
| US09669382B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for isomerizing hydrocarbons
Methods and apparatuses are provided for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream. The method includes isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream in a reactor to produce an intermediate isomerized stream. The intermediate isomerized stream is fractionated to produce an off gas stream and a heavy isomerized stream, where the off gas stream includes an off gas recycle stream. The off gas recycle stream is dried in an off gas dryer to produce a hydrogen recycle stream, where the off gas drier includes an off gas dryer membrane separating the off gas recycle stream from an off gas purge stream. The off dryer membrane includes a perfluorosulfonated ionomer. The hydrogen recycle stream is then fed into the reactor. |
| US09669369B1 |
Mixing bucket stabilizing assembly
A mixing bucket stabilizing assembly includes a base that has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge extending between the top and bottom sides. A bracket is attached to the top side of the base. The bracket releasably engages a mixing bucket. A plurality of legs is attached to and extends downwardly from the bottom side. A frame is attached to and extends upwardly from the base. The frame has a central aperture extending therethrough. The central aperture is aligned with the bracket and extends around the mixing bucket. The mixing bucket is frictionally engaged by the bracket to retain the mixing bucket on the base while material within the mixing bucket is mixed. |
| US09669368B2 |
Device for stirring
A device for stirring a liquid or a granular material comprising a stirring agitator, a rotating drive shaft for rotating the stirring agitator, a rotating drive shaft for rotating the stirring agitator, a stationary axle extending in an essentially vertical direction about which the stirring agitator is adapted to rotate, and a transfer arrangement for contactless transfer of rotation of the drive shaft to the stirring agitator. The device has a center axis around which the stirring agitator and the drive shaft are adapted to rotate, and means for generating a magnetic force exerting an upwardly directed force component on the stirring agitator. The means for generating a magnetic force comprises a first element arranged in a stirring agitator and a second element associated with the stationary axle. At least one of the first element and the second element comprises a permanent magnet. At least one of the first element and the second element is arranged such that the center axis extends through the first element and/or the second element. |
| US09669364B2 |
Bubble atomizer and method for atomizing liquid
A bubble atomizer includes a cartridge having an open end, a liquid absorbing member provided inside the cartridge, a firing chamber covering the open end and formed with liquid outlets and liquid inlets through which liquid enters the firing chamber from the cartridge, and heaters mounted inside the firing chamber. The heaters are connected with a power electronics unit through a cable. Each heater has a thickness in micron to sub-micron scale. When a pulse signal generated is applied to the heaters, current generated heats up the heaters and vapor bubbles are formed on the heaters that generate pressure and push the liquid out of the firing chamber through the liquid outlets to thereby form droplets. |
| US09669358B2 |
Methods and apparatus for crossflow reactors
Methods and apparatus for cross flow process reactors are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a process chamber having an inlet and an outlet to allow a flow of fluid to flow therethrough and a plurality of trays disposed within the process chamber, and containing bulk material to treat the fluid. The example apparatus also includes a flow director to divide the flow into a plurality of partial flow streams, where each partial flow stream is to be directed towards at least one tray of the plurality of trays. |
| US09669357B2 |
Method for oxidizing carbon monoxide
A method for oxidizing carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide is provided which utilizes specific supported catalyst particles. The supported catalyst comprises catalyst particles that are supported on particles of an electrically conductive support selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon and a partially reduced oxide of a transition metal of the Magnéli phase selected from the group consisting of titanium, vanadium, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, and mixtures thereof. |
| US09669356B2 |
Air pollution control system and air pollution control method
Provided is an air pollution control system including: a boiler, a denitration apparatus; an air heater; a precipitator; a desulfurization apparatus; a dehydrator; a concentration apparatus that is configured to remove some of water of dehydrated filtrate from the dehydrator; a spray drying apparatus provided with a spray unit that is configured to spray concentrated/dehydrated filtrate concentrated by the concentration apparatus; and a flue gas introduction line through which branch gas branched from the flue gas is introduced to the spray drying apparatus. |
| US09669346B2 |
Compressor system and oil separation system
A unique compressor system includes a compressor and an oil separation system. The oil separation system may include an oil separator element in fluid communication with a compressor discharge; an oil reservoir in fluid communication with the oil separator element that receives and accumulates separated oil; an oil-level controlled valve to control the flow of the oil from the oil reservoir to the compressor; and a check valve in fluid communication with the oil reservoir, the check valve being structured to prevent a reverse oil flow into the oil reservoir. A unique oil separation system, includes an oil separator element; an oil reservoir to accumulate separated oil; an oil-level controlled valve to control the flow of the from the oil reservoir; and a check valve to prevent a reverse oil flow into the oil reservoir. |
| US09669340B2 |
Hydrocarbons environmental processing system method and apparatus
A system, components of the system and methods for processing, combinations of hydrocarbons, water, solids and contaminants, to separate extract, recover, filter and treat the constituent elements to enable the recovery of valuable hydrocarbons, the treatment of solids for environmentally sustainable discharge, the filtration and treatment of water for reuse, or environmentally sustainable discharge, and the extraction of contaminants. The integrated method and system incorporates alternative processing modes, each of which is optimized for the intake and processing of a materials stream which is predominately solids, or predominately water or predominately hydrocarbons, respectively. The system can dynamically adjust to accommodate variations in the composition of the intake materials stream in any particular mode. The system can be implemented in a portable, modular configuration which is cost effective, energy efficient and scalable to enable processing of any volume of materials. |
| US09669337B2 |
Method of constructing a rotary drum filtering apparatus
A method of constructing a rotary drum filtering apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: placing a cover element end on a support portion, placing an overlying portion over the cover element end and inserting a respective tab into a respective opening in the support portion, moving the overlying portion along the support portion, so that the tab second portion is then under the support portion, thus holding the cap on the clip, with the cover element end trapped in between. |
| US09669336B2 |
Water purifier
In a water purifier, a flow system includes a first channel in which liquid is filtrated in at least one of a first filter tank and a second filter tank, a second channel in which the liquid is filtrated in the second filter tank and the first filter tank is washed, and a third channel in which the liquid is filtrated in the first filter tank and the second filter tank is washed. A switching lever actuates valve mechanisms to perform switching among the first, second, and third channels such that the channels are selected cyclically in order of the first channel, the second channel, the first channel, the third channel and the first channel. The valve mechanisms work with operation of the switching lever. |
| US09669332B2 |
Defoaming compositions comprising hydroxy terminated siloxanes and methods of making and using the same
Disclosed herein are methods of defoaming industrial process streams, the methods comprising adding to the industrial process stream an emulsion comprising silicone emulsion droplets in a continuous aqueous phase. Also disclosed herein are defoamer compositions comprising these silicone emulsions and methods of making such compositions. |
| US09669331B2 |
Fluid degassing device and method for degassing fluids
The invention concerns a fluid degassing device for degassing fluids, in particular resins. The device has a fluid supply element for supply of the fluid and a fluid discharge element for discharge of the fluid. Between the supply element and the discharge element there is at least one structural element for breaking down bubbles in the fluid as it flows through the structural element. In addition or alternatively there may be provided at least one profile element, over which the fluid must flow. |
| US09669329B2 |
Extended residence time centrifugal contactor design modification and centrifugal contactor vane plate valving apparatus for extending mixing zone residence time
The present invention provides an annular centrifugal contactor, having a housing adapted to receive a plurality of flowing liquids; a rotor on the interior of the housing; an annular mixing zone, wherein the annular mixing zone has a plurality of fluid retention reservoirs with ingress apertures near the bottom of the annular mixing zone and egress apertures located above the ingress apertures of the annular mixing zone; and an adjustable vane plate stem, wherein the stem can be raised to restrict the flow of a liquid into the rotor or lowered to increase the flow of the liquid into the rotor. |
| US09669327B2 |
Vapor-liquid contact tray including interlocking joint
A separation system can include one or more vapor-liquid contact trays. A vapor-liquid contact tray can include a set of panels. Two adjacent panels can be connected at a joint at overlapping edges of the panels. The first panel can include slots extending through the first panel proximal to a first offset bend. Tabs of the first panel can extend downward toward an underside of the first panel. The tabs can originate from an edge of the slots proximal to the deck and extend downward relative to a horizontal plane of the deck. The second panel can include a plurality of strips that have a second offset bend extending from a deck of the second panel extending through a slot and to underlie the first panel. A strip of the plurality of strips can define an opening through which a tab of the first panel can extend. |
| US09669325B2 |
Omni-directional dynamic tracking viewing system
The present invention discloses an omni-directional dynamic tracking viewing system, wherein, it comprises a spherical silver screen (600), a bracket (300) arranged in the spherical silver screen (600), a viewing platform (100) connected movably to the upper end of the bracket (300), and a projection device (400) arranged fixably onto the viewing platform (100); disposed on the viewing platform (100) are a plurality of rows of viewing seats (200); disposed on the viewing seats (200) are seat drive apparatuses used for driving the forward tilt or backward recline thereof; and disposed on the viewing platform (100) is a platform drive apparatus used for driving the rotation of same on the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis. The present system allows dynamic movement of the film and television image, viewing angle, and viewing range. |
| US09669316B2 |
System and method for providing virtual items to users of a virtual space
A system and method for providing virtual items to users of an online game operated in a virtual space. Multiple users may participate in affiliations or alliances of discrete groups of users in an online game and may access the online game through client computing platforms associated with the users. The affiliations may have affiliation game units associated with affiliations which provide a benefit to the members of the online game. Affiliation members may cumulatively obtain affiliation game units and/or upgrade affiliation game units by providing one or more virtual items. Upgrading affiliation game units may require the cooperation of multiple members of the affiliation. |
| US09669314B2 |
Information processing apparatus
A mode setting unit sets either a first mode or a second mode. When the first mode is set, the item information acquiring unit acquires item acquisition information stored in an external server via a communication unit. On the other hand, when the second mode is set, the item information acquiring unit acquires the item acquisition information from a storage. A display processing unit displays on a display unit an item acquisition status using the item acquisition information acquired by the item information acquiring unit. |
| US09669307B2 |
System and method for streaming game video
A system and method are described for managing the state of an online video game. A method includes initiating a new online video game in response to user input from a client device, the online video game being in a first state on a first server when initiated; executing the online video game on the server, thereby causing the online video game to enter a second state; pausing or terminating the online video game; determining differences between the first state and the second state and generating difference data containing the differences; transmitting the difference data over a network to a second server; and recreating the second state from the difference data and the first state in response to user input indicating that the user wishes to resume the online video game and in response to the second server being selected as the server on which to execute the video game. |
| US09669306B2 |
System and method for capturing text for an online application
A system and method for entering text within a video game application are described. For example, a system according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: a video game hosting service to execute a video game in response to user input; a client device to communicate with the video game hosting service over a first communication channel, wherein the client device has a first user input device communicatively coupled thereto, and wherein control signals for the video game are generated in response to input from the first user input device and transmitted from the client device to the video game hosting service over the first communication channel, the video game hosting service controlling a video game in response to receipt of the control signals; a display device communicatively coupled to the client device, the display device to display video of the video game; wherein the video game hosting service further includes program code to open a second communication channel to receive text input, the second communication channel being separate and independent from the first communication channel and usable by a data processing device capable of generating text input, wherein in response to receipt of text input over the second communication channel, the video game hosting service causes the text input to be displayed on the display device communicatively coupled to the client device. |
| US09669300B2 |
Motion detection for existing portable devices
Methods and computer programs that allows users to move game objects in a virtual space with movements performed on current and future portable devices. By using existing technologies in such devices, the methods computer movement relative to the devices themselves in order to detect swinging motions, panning motions, moving motions and gesture and then to apply them to game objects and game cameras inside the virtual space. Moving the physical device causes the devices sensors to respond. The methods interpret this data and provide real time updates within a virtual space on the device as well as transmit the updates to another device that is also moving. This enables 2 players to connect to each other and each player is able to move their device and see it reflected within the others virtual space. This eliminates the need of real world references. |
| US09669295B1 |
Unlocking game content based on amounts of collaborative gameplay
This disclosure relates to unlocking game content for users of an online game based on amounts of collaborative gameplay. Groups of users interacting with the online game cooperatively are identified and amounts of cooperative gameplay engaged in by the individual groups are quantified. Content in the online game is made available to the groups of users based on the quantified amounts of cooperative gameplay. In implementations, the quantification of the amount of cooperative gameplay engaged in by the groups is made independent from achievement and/or successful accomplishment of any game objective in the online game by the groups. |
| US09669292B1 |
Novelty apparel with multiple attached conformable selectable indicia
A novelty apparel includes multiple attached conformable, selectable and viewable occupational role playing indicia. A baseball cap includes a dome shaped crown of compound curves and a forward facing sun visor brim portion, a display region in a central front face portion of the dome shaped crown, where the display region displays a first permanent occupational status identifier and a mounting region for a secondary occupational status identifier selectable from a number of different indicia carried on a display surface conformable to said dome shaped crown. The selected indicium is displayed centered above the brim. The display surface conforms to the curved exterior of the dome shaped crown, wherein the baseball cap does not deviate substantially from the look of a typical baseball cap with a single permanent indicium. |
| US09669291B1 |
System and method to facilitate moves in a word game
A system and method to facilitate moves in a word game includes a game asset distribution module that adjusts the respective distribution weights of letters in a set of alphabet letters. The letters are distributed to players in a word game with a probability proportional to the distribution weights. The game asset distribution module includes an analysis module to analyze the game board, lists of playable words, player skill levels, and relationships of particular letters in word formations. Accordingly, distribution weights of the letters are adjusted in order to facilitate allocation to the player of those letters which will facilitate word formation, ensure at least a minimum playable word experience, and enhance an overall user experience, even amongst players with significantly different skill levels. |
| US09669290B2 |
Board for strategic game
The present invention dates to a board game in which a three piece rivalry system allows for interaction of player pieces in a battle simulation type game. |
| US09669289B2 |
Simplified, rapid play of baccarat-type game
A faster version of a playing card wagering game similar to baccarat includes, after a wager has been placed on at least one of a player hand winning outcome, a banker hand winning outcome or a tie, dealing exactly one or two cards to a player hand position and an initial single card to a dealer hand position. With two cards to the player position, the banker must receive a mandatory second playing card if the first banker card is a zero value card. With one card to the player position, a higher natural 8 or 9 hand wins. In all other circumstances, a third card is dealt to the lower count hand, and then a resulting higher count hand wins and a tie loses. |
| US09669284B2 |
Sports board having deformable base feature
Described herein is a sports board for gliding over a surface. The board includes an upper structural layer having an outer surface, a lower structural layer, a core having an upper surface substantially covered by the upper structural layer and a lower surface substantially covered by the lower structural layer. The board also includes a deformable element covered by the core on an upper surface. A first portion of the deformable element protrudes a distance beneath the lower structural layer towards a horizontal plane of the surface underlying the sports board. The board also includes a base element substantially covering the lower structural layer and the deformable element and an edge component positioned at least in part around a perimeter of the base element. At least a portion of the deformable element can deform upon application of an amount of pressure against the base element. |
| US09669280B2 |
Fencing mask
A fencing mask having a front metal mesh portion, a bib portion extending from a lower portion of the front metal mesh portion, and a securing portion extending from the front metal mesh portion for securing the mask on a user. The securing portion is made up of at least two spaced apart elements that define a gap therebetween for accommodating a user's ponytail. |
| US09669263B2 |
Multi-layer cover golf ball having a high acid casing layer
A golf ball includes a single core having an outer surface and a geometric center. The core is formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition. An inner cover layer is disposed about the core, the inner cover including a high-acid ionomer and having a material hardness of about 66 to 75 Shore D. The high-acid ionomer has an acid content of about 16% or greater. An outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, the outer cover including a polyurethane and having a material hardness of about 38 Shore D to about 56 Shore D. The core surface hardness is from 0 Shore C to 15 Shore C lower than the geometric center hardness to define a hardness gradient. |
| US09669261B2 |
Fitness systems and methods thereof
Systems and methods for fitness tracking are provided. An exercise apparatus is in networked communication with a fitness tracking computing system. The configuration and location of movable components of the exercise apparatus is determined based on sensors. This information is provided to the fitness tracking computing system via networked communication. |
| US09669258B2 |
Spinal harness apparatus and method for conducting activities requiring a neutral spinal position and spinal rigidity
A spinal harness apparatus that includes a strapping system that is affixed to a rigid member that is worn by a user during activity that requires maintaining a neutral spinal position and spinal rigidity. An anterior surface of the rigid member is effectively linear and planar. The anterior surface may make contact with a dorsum of the user at approximate levels of an external occipital protuberance of the user, spinous processes of mid-thoracic vertebrae of the user, and a median sacral crest of the user. The rigid member may be tubular and consist of an inner and outer component with which a total length of the rigid member may be telescopically adjustable while maintaining a linear and planar contact surface. The strapping system may consist of an adjustable belt and suspenders or any other means of strapping. The strapping system is to be adjustably affixed to the rigid member as well as worn about a torso of the user. |
| US09669257B2 |
Bicycling exercise apparatus
An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The design includes a frame having a head tube, wherein the frame maintains a set of pedals, a first upper rear mounting point and a second lower front mounting point configured to maintain the frame, a seat connected to the frame configured to support the user, and a stem connected to a handlebar arrangement, passing through the head tube, and connected to a base by a connection arrangement. The frame is configured to pivot about the first upper rear mounting point and second lower front mounting point in response to leaning by the user causing movement of the connection arrangement and rotation of the stem. The connection arrangement is adjustable to vary amount of rotation of the stem within the head tube in response to leaning by the user. |
| US09669252B2 |
Dumbbell
A dumbbell with a selectable number of weight disks includes a handle with pins projectable in opposing directions, a base assembly for accommodating two sets of weight disks standing upright, and having through-going openings. Neighboring weight disks have mutually cooperating connecting arrangements which axially interconnect the weight disks but which permit radial separation. The projection lengths of the pins are stepwise selectable in order thereby to permit selection of the number of weight disks carried on the handle. The handle has, in opposing ends, connecting arrangements for interconnecting with the connecting arrangements of the innermost weight disks in the base assembly. Further, the space between the connecting arrangements of the handle is free through 360° about the handle throughout its entire length, the openings of the weight disks being centrally located. |
| US09669251B2 |
Exercise apparatus and method for using same
An exercise apparatus including a vertical support, an arm assembly having first and second arms for engaging the outside of the legs of a human and a coupling assembly for securing the arm assembly to the vertical support. The coupling assembly can include a slide assembly for permitting the arm assembly to move vertically on the support element between an upper position and a lower position as the human moves downwardly relative to the vertical support and a pivot assembly for permitting the first and second arms to move between a contracted position and an extended position as the legs are pivoted away from each other. The first and second arms can be urged towards the contracted position. Methods for operating the exercise apparatus are provided. |
| US09669245B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing an overpressure caused by a vapor cloud explosion
Systems and methods for reducing an overpressure caused by an explosion of a vapor cloud are provided. In one or more embodiments, the system can include one or more sensors operable to detect the explosion of the vapor cloud. The system can also include one or more igniters operable to ignite the vapor cloud at locations throughout, after the explosion of the vapor cloud is detected, to provide a discrete combustion zone at each location. Each combustion zone can form a discrete pressure wave, thereby reducing the overpressure caused by the explosion of the vapor cloud. |
| US09669244B2 |
Portable personal descending escape system
A portable personal descending escape system that includes a flexible, folding body sack designed to hold a small child or animal that can be gradually lowered to the ground by a single individual. The body sack is designed to fold into a small storage bag. The body sack includes a closable top opening and at least one side panel partially made of mesh material. A slide connector is disposed around the joining edges of the top opening that allows the top opening to be selectively opened or closed. Attached to the opposite sidewalls on the body sack near the top opening are two handles. Attached to the body sack is an elongated strap with a plurality of strap handles attached thereto. The strap handles are evenly spaced apart so that one individual may gradually release the handle to safely lower the child or animal to the ground. |
| US09669242B2 |
Compositions containing at least two phenolic compounds, a lipid-soluble antioxidant and at least one hydrotrope for cosmetic use
The present invention relates to compositions comprising: (a) at least two phenolic compounds (one flavoid and one non-flavoid); (b) at least one hydrotrope; (c) at least one emulsifier; (d) a lipid-soluble antioxidant; and (e) water. The at least one hydrotrope should be present in an amount that is effective to solubilize said at least two phenolic compounds in the water phase of the composition. The at least one emulsifier should be present in an amount sufficient to create a water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion that is effective to solubilize the lipid-soluble antioxidant. The compositions are useful for cosmetic purposes and other uses. |
| US09669241B2 |
Waterless animal bath
Generally, compositions which can be applied to hair, fur or skin of an animal and are useful for reducing, removing or eliminating undesirable materials or odors or parasites (“extraneous matter”) from the hair, fur or skin of the animal. Specifically, compositions which can be applied to hair, fur or skin of an animal and can reduce, remove or eliminate undesirable materials or odors or parasites (“extraneous matter”) from the hair, fur or skin of the animal without a need of a rinse composition. |
| US09669238B2 |
Radiotherapeutic apparatus
We provide a radiotherapeutic apparatus comprising a patient support, magnetic coils disposed around the patient support for creating a magnetic field therewithin, a radiation source producing a beam of radiation directed toward the patient support and mounted on a rotatable support thereby to rotate the radiation source around the patient support, a slip ring for conveying electrical power to the radiation source and located around the patient support, including at least one electrical interruption therein. This creates a slip ring in which there is no continuous circumferential path, and one in which the current is therefore forced to take a route via one side or the other. |
| US09669236B2 |
Tracking of tumor location for targeted radiation treatment
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for targeting diseased tissue with a radiation beam. Functional models can be used to accurately obtain a location of specific tissue using sensors at identifiable locations of the patient's body. Using the relative distances between the identifiable sensor locations can allow a patient to be in various positions. The functional models can be prepared using accurate pre-treatment scans, which can be taken at various body positions (e.g., rotations and/or translations). The trajectory of the beam can be measured efficiently and accurately using beam sensors attached to a beam assembly, where a model maps the beam sensor locations to a trajectory of the beam. Further, a motion model can use measurements made during treatment to obtain a time-dependent functions of the movement of the specific tissue, the change of an optimal beam trajectory over time, or the change in input commands to a beam positioner. |
| US09669234B2 |
Light-beam therapeutic apparatus
A light-beam therapeutic apparatus for ensuring patient safety. The light-beam therapeutic apparatus includes an apparatus body portion having a light source; a light guide rod that guides light from the light source, a connecting socket, a cooling fan, an electronic component that performs control required for a therapy, and a control display panel that displays contents of the therapy; a therapeutic portion including a light guide portion including a plurality of bundled optical fibers, and a pad portion formed of the optical fibers spread out adjacently to one another into a flat-panel shape. The therapeutic portion is formed into a light-receiving plug that is insertable into a connecting socket of the apparatus body portion. The light-receiving plug is configured to be kept in a coupled state by an attracting action of a permanent magnet provided on a side of the connecting socket. |
| US09669230B2 |
Systems and methods for treating cardiac arrhythmias
Systems and methods for treating cardiac arrhythmias are disclosed. In one embodiment, an SICD comprises two or more electrodes, a charge storage device, and a controller operatively coupled to two or more of the electrodes and the charge storage device. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to monitor cardiac activity of the heart of the patient, detect an occurrence of a cardiac arrhythmia based on the cardiac activity, and determine a type of the detected cardiac arrhythmia from two or more types of cardiac arrhythmias. If the determined type of cardiac arrhythmia is one of a first set of cardiac arrhythmia types, the controller sends an instruction for reception by an LCP to initiate the application of ATP therapy by the LCP. If the determined type of cardiac arrhythmia is not one of the first set cardiac arrhythmia types, the controller does not send the instruction. |
| US09669220B2 |
Neurostimulation in a neural fulcrum zone for the treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction
Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. This neural fulcrum zone corresponds to a combination of stimulation parameters at which autonomic engagement is achieved, while the tachycardia-inducing stimulation effects are offset by the bradycardia-inducing effects, thereby minimizing side effects such as significant heart rate changes while providing a therapeutic level of stimulation. |
| US09669219B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering neural therapy correlated with patient status
Therapy systems for treating a patient are disclosed. Representative therapy systems include an implantable pulse generator, a signal delivery device electrically coupled to the pulse generator, and a remote control in electrical communication with the implantable pulse generator. The pulse generator can have a computer-readable medium containing instructions for performing a process that comprises collecting the patient status and stimulation parameter; analyzing the collected patient status and stimulation parameter; and establishing a preference baseline containing a preferred stimulation parameter corresponding to a particular patient status. |
| US09669218B2 |
Heart failure management
Various system embodiments comprise a stimulator adapted to deliver a stimulation signal for a heart failure therapy, a number of sensors adapted to provide at least a first measurement of a heart failure status and a second measurement of the heart failure status, and a controller. The controller is connected to the stimulator and to the number of sensors. The controller is adapted to use the first and second measurements to create a heart failure status index, and control the stimulator to modulate the signal using the index. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. |
| US09669217B2 |
IPG configured to deliver different pulse regimes to different leads for pudendal nerve stimulation
A pulse generator is configured to generate electrical pulses of an electrical stimulation therapy. The pulse generator includes an N number of output channels and a microcontroller configured to generate instructions. The pulse generator is configured to generate different stimulation waveforms simultaneously for the output channels. The different waveforms have different waveform characteristics. A mesh electrode array includes an M number of electrodes. Each of the electrodes is configured to deliver the electrical pulses of the electrical stimulation therapy. M is at least several times greater than N. A solid state relay contains a plurality of controllable switches that is each configured to be turned on or off in response to the instructions received from the microcontroller, such that the solid state relay routes the output channels of the pulse generator to different subset of the electrodes of the mesh electrode array at different points in time. |
| US09669214B2 |
Electrical stimulation of the claustrum/piriform cortex for treatment of epilepsy
An electrical stimulation device provides stimulation of a person's claustrum and piriform cortex to treat seizures for persons having epilepsy, and to improve consciousness in individuals with disorders of consciousness such as coma. The stimulation device includes a stimulator that generates a stimulation signal, and one or more electrodes located near the target brain regions (Claustrum/piriform cortex). The electrode receives the stimulation signal from said stimulator and imparts the stimulation signal to the target brain regions. |
| US09669213B2 |
Stimulation method for maintaining the responsiveness of electrically excitable cells to repeated electrical stimulation
A method of neural stimulation is described for maintaining the responsiveness of electrically excitable cells to repeated electrical stimulation. A stimulating signal (23) is applied to the electrically excitable cells. The stimulating signal is repeatedly applied (26, 29, 32, 35) with a progressively increasing signal strength. A quiescent period (44) may be interleaved between bursts (43, 45) of stimulation. The electrically excitable cells may be retinal cells. |
| US09669212B2 |
Electrical stimulation device and method for therapeutic treatment and pain management
A disposable electrical stimulation device and method for providing therapeutic treatment and pain management in a convenient, compact configuration. Electrode size and shape and relative configuration can be varied according to an intended application and use, or a universal configuration can be provided for use on almost any area of the body. The common structure of communicatively coupled dual electrodes including control circuitry and a power source accommodates a range of different sizes, configurations, stimulation treatment intensities, and other physical and electrical characteristics that can be pre-customized and packaged for specific, limited time use. The device can therefore be used in methods of providing therapy, managing pain, and achieving other treatment goals by electrical stimulation. |
| US09669206B2 |
Connector and fluid path set for a fluid delivery system
A fluid path set and method of use thereof is disclosed. The fluid path set includes a multi-patient fluid path section adapted for fluid connection to at least one pressurizing device, a per-patient fluid path section adapted for fluid connection with a patient, and a connector for removably and fluidly connecting the multi-patient fluid path section with the per-patient fluid path section. The connector includes a first connector member having an outer housing member and a first luer member recessed within the outer housing member, and a second connector member having a second threaded member and a second luer member recessed within the second threaded member. The first luer member and the second threaded member cooperate to securely and releasably connect the first connector member with the second connector member to establish removable fluid connection between the multi-patient fluid path section and the per-patient fluid path section. |
| US09669204B2 |
Medical treatment tool
A medical treatment tool includes a bendable tube configured to be inserted into a body of a patient; and an operating body disposed in the insertion tube and configured to cause bending of the bendable tube, the operating body including: a plurality of divided members that are divided from each other along axially extending edges of the divided member, portions of the divided member forming a tubular structure, and an annular connecting portion that connects distal portions of the divided members. Each divided member includes at least one cutout portion formed between the tubular structure and the annular connecting portion. |
| US09669194B2 |
Conformable balloon devices and methods
The present disclosure is directed toward a semi-compliant to non-compliant, conformable balloon useful in medical applications. Conformable balloons of the present disclosure exhibit a low or insignificant straightening force when in a curved configuration and at inflation pressures greater than 4 atm. Balloons of the present disclosure are constructed of material that can compress along an inner length when the balloon is in a curved configuration. In further embodiments, balloons of the present disclosure can be constructed of material that sufficiently elongates along an outer arc when the balloon is in a curved configuration. As a result, medical balloons, in accordance with the present disclosure, when inflated in a curved configuration, exhibit kink-free configurations and do not cause a significant degree of vessel straightening. |
| US09669192B2 |
Insertable medical devices having microparticulate-associated elastic substrates and methods for drug delivery
The present invention provides insertable medical devices having elastic surfaces associated with bioactive agent-containing microparticulates and a coating material. Upon expansion of the elastic surfaces the microparticulates can be released to a subject. |
| US09669191B2 |
Interventional catheter system and methods
An interventional catheter is adapted for treating a blood vessel. In an embodiment, the catheter includes an elongate shaft sized for insertion in a blood vessel and a stent positioned on a distal region of the elongate shaft. An expandable dilation member is coupled to a distal region of the elongate shaft. The expandable dilation member is adapted to expand outward. A stent containment member is positioned over the elongate shaft and the stent to contain the stent in a collapsed state. |
| US09669182B2 |
Nasal jet airway
The present invention provides an apparatus for nasally delivering a supraglottic jet ventilation and methods of treating breathing disorders by utilizing the apparatus for nasally delivering a supraglottic jet ventilation. |
| US09669177B2 |
Voice responsive fluid delivery, controlling and monitoring system and method
A system and methodology of delivery fluids and monitoring their status which is voice actuated. This system has application where a hands-free environment is preferred. Voice commands are given by the user via a Bluetooth® headset and received typically by the user's Smartphone. Voice recognition circuitry is programmed to recognize the simple commands and through complementing electronics, and electro-mechanical and mechanical elements, delivery at corresponding flow rates is accomplished. A further feature allows for respective voice commands to initiate a monitoring function where the status of any particular characteristic of the fluid can be relayed back to the user via the headset. |
| US09669173B2 |
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy auto-titration
Adapting a patient to an airway pressure support therapy is disclosed. An initial prescription pressure level is derived from a respiratory disturbance index diagnosis. A pressure ramping slope is generated from the initial prescription pressure level and a received initial pressure level. Increasing levels of pressure are delivered to the patient as defined by the pressure ramping slope. The pressure ramping slope is adjusted based upon derived usage duration trends, and the prescription pressure level is adjusted based upon measured apnea/hypopnea index variations resulting from the delivered increasing levels of pressure to the patient. |
| US09669171B2 |
Pressure line purging system for a mechanical ventilator
A secondary line purging system (40) having a blower (22) for pressurizing a flow of gas and a first pressure sensor (28) for measuring a first pressure of the flow of gas at or near the blower. The system also includes a secondary line (36) communicating with the blower and a subject circuit (32). The system further includes a second pressure sensor (30) for measuring a second pressure of the flow of gas within the secondary line. A valve system (42) is operable in 1) a first mode of operation to isolate the blower from the secondary line and 2) a second mode of operation to permit communication between the blower to the secondary line to purge the secondary line of obstructions with the pressurized flow of gas. A controller (16) switches operation of the valve system between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation, based on the first pressure and the second pressure. |
| US09669165B2 |
Syringe with two-stage sealing pressure
A syringe includes a barrel, a plunger, and a sealing member creating a seal between the plunger and the barrel. The barrel includes a first portion with a first inner diameter and a second portion with a second inner diameter that is larger than the first inner diameter. The sealing member engages the first portion of the barrel to give rise to a first contact pressure when the barrel is filled with product. The first contact pressure is sufficient to maintain a gas-tight seal over the expected temperature ranges −25° C. to 40° C. A first force is applied to the plunger to overcome the first contact pressure and move the plunger out of the first portion and into the second portion to dispense product. The sealing member engages the second portion of the barrel to give rise to a second contact pressure that is lower than the first contact pressure. A second force lower than the first force is sufficient to overcome the second contact pressure and move the plunger in the second portion to continue dispensing product. The syringe may include a restraining element for accommodating expansion of the product during freezing. |
| US09669161B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling an infusion pump
A system for pairing a controller and an infusion pump is disclosed. The system includes an infusion pump, a controller device and a user interface residing on both the infusion pump and the controller. The user interface includes a pairing mode for enabling wireless communication between the infusion pump and the controller device, wherein the user interface requires both the infusion pump and the controller to be in the pairing mode simultaneously. Also, a method of changing a power source in an infusion pump is disclosed. The method includes placing the infusion pump in idle mode wherein the infusion pump stops delivery. Removing the first power source from the infusion pump. Replacing the first power source with a second power source in the infusion pump, and maintaining the insulin on board during the changing of the first power source with the second power source. |
| US09669156B2 |
Infusion sets for the delivery of a therapeutic substance to a patient
Devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic substance to a patient are provided. Embodiments include infusion sets that include an active agent. Also provided are systems and kits. |
| US09669144B2 |
Catheter system and intravascular blood pump comprising said catheter system
A catheter (20), which can be part of an intravascular blood pump, possesses a kink sensor which extends over the total length of the catheter and comprises an optical fiber (28A). The optical fiber is attached to an evaluation device (100) which evaluates a preset light quantity transmitted through the optical fiber as to whether a part of the light quantity is coupled out of the optical fiber along the length of the optical fiber. This is interpreted as a kink event and displayed. The optical fiber preferably utilized for the kink sensor is the optical fiber of an optical pressure sensor. |
| US09669142B2 |
Intravascular rotary blood pump
An intravascular rotary blood pump possesses a catheter (10), a pumping device (50) fixed distally to the catheter (10) and at least one pressure sensor (30; 60) firmly connected to the pumping device (50) and having a pressure-sensitive area (32) which is exposed to the surroundings and aligned orthogonally to the general longitudinal axis of the blood pump. |
| US09669141B2 |
Tissue-engineered pumps and valves and uses thereof
The present invention provides tissue-engineered pumps and valves, methods of fabricating such pumps and valves, and methods of use of such pumps and valves. |
| US09669139B2 |
Fluid collection canister with integrated moisture trap
A moisture trap for removing liquid from fluid from a tissue site treated with reduced pressure are described. The moisture trap may include a barrier adapted to be fluidly coupled to and define an indirect fluid path between a fluid reservoir and a reduced-pressure source. The barrier may have a hydrophilic surface. The moisture trap also may include a sump adapted to receive condensation from the barrier. |
| US09669131B2 |
Methods of closing wounds
Wound closure methods and apparatuses are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of the blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing coagulated blood to the wound site to complete clotting. Methods and apparatuses for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulants and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed. |
| US09669129B2 |
Ophthalmic and contact lens solutions using carnitine
The present invention relates to a lens care solution having 0.001 to about 5 weight percent of a low molecular weight amine of the general formula: where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are —H or low molecular weight radicals, and R5 is a low molecular weight radical, or salt thereof; an effective amount of a tonicity agent; and the balance water. |
| US09669127B2 |
Air and/or fabric treatment product comprising compressed gas aerosol composition in steel can
An aqueous compressed gas aerosol formulation in combination with a lined steel can, which may also optionally be tin plated, to provide corrosion stability, fragrance stability and color stability. An aerosol formulation of particular advantage for use is an air and/or fabric treatment formulation. The combination provides a compatibility which allows for the ability to use a broader fragrance pallet for the air and/or fabric treatment formulation which is aqueous based in major proportion. The formulation includes, in addition to an aqueous carrier, a fragrance, nonionic surfactant(s) or a blend of nonionic surfactant(s) and cationic surfactant(s), a compressed gas propellant(s), pH adjuster(s), and corrosion inhibitor(s). The formulation has a pH of about 8 to less than 10. The corrosion inhibitor(s) is(are) mild in strength and used in a minor amount. |
| US09669126B2 |
Volatile material dispenser and method of emitting a volatile material
A volatile material dispenser includes a housing having at least one wall and a cavity disposed within the housing and a refill having a volatile material therein and a wick in contact with the volatile material and extending out of the refill. The dispenser further includes a heater arrangement disposed within the cavity and surrounding the wick when the refill is inserted into the dispenser. The heater arrangement provides a reduced power consumption of at least about 30% as compared to other similar volatile material dispensers that have an average rate of weight loss that is similar to or less than the volatile material dispenser. |
| US09669125B2 |
Methods of emitting a volatile material from a diffuser
A method of emitting two or more volatile materials from a diffuser includes the step of emitting a first volatile material using a first diffusion element for a first randomly determined period of time. The method further includes the step of emitting a second volatile material using a second diffusion element for a section randomly determined period of time. |
| US09669124B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for treating multiple medical devices having passageways with ozone gas
The present disclosure is generally related to devices, methods and systems for cleaning, disinfecting and/or sterilizing a medical device, medical hoses and tubes and accessories thereof with ozone gas, in particular the disclosure relates to devices, methods and systems with multiple receptacles for providing closed-loop fluid pathways to distribute ozone gas to inner passageways and the outer compartments of medical devices. The devices in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure have two or more receptacles for distributing ozone gas, a gas-tight compartment, an ozone operating system, and one or more connector units configured to fluidly migrate ozone in closed-loop treatment systems. |
| US09669122B1 |
Ultraviolet light-based disinfecting cabinet
The ultraviolet light based disinfecting cabinet is designed to be used by hair styling salons and barbershops as a replacement for dry cabinet disinfection. The ultraviolet light based disinfecting cabinet operates in a manner similar to dry cabinet disinfection but instead of the heat used in the dry cabinet disinfection method ultraviolet light is used for disinfecting the grooming tools typically used in hair styling salons and barbershops. The ultraviolet light based disinfecting cabinet comprises a cabinet and an ultraviolet disinfection system. |
| US09669116B2 |
Water-equivalent phantom
A composition for use in radiology includes glass micro bubbles, Araldite, Jeffamine, magnesium oxide, and polyethylene. Another composition or use in radiology may include glass micro bubbles, an epoxy, acrylic, or polyurethane, and polyethylene. This composition may result in an elemental composition including carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium. A composition for use in radiology may include glass micro bubbles, araldite, jeffamine, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, polyethylene, and a pigment and the composition includes an elemental composition including carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, silicon, and magnesium. |
| US09669110B2 |
Method for timing a colonoscopy
Based on the present disclosure, a minimal time interval can be achieved between the last ingestion of a picosulfate composition and the performance of the colonoscopy. For example, the present disclosure is directed to a method of timing a colonoscopy procedure performed on a patient in need thereof, comprising: administering, to the patient, a picosulfate bowel composition kit according to the kit's instructions; performing the procedure less than about 4 hours after the administration of the kit. |
| US09669109B1 |
Modified human U1snRNA molecule, a gene encoding for the modified human U1snRNA molecule, an expression vector including the gene, and the use thereof in gene therapy of familial dysautonomia and spinal muscular atrophy
The invention provides a modified human U1snRNA molecule, capable of correcting the skipping of an exon caused by a mutation localized in the sequence comprised between 50 base pairs upstream and 20 base pairs downstream of an exon, wherein a portion of a single-stranded nucleotide sequence of the 5′ region of the wild-type human U1snRNA is replaced by a single-stranded binding nucleotide sequence, wherein the binding nucleotide sequence is selected from the group consisting of: uggcgcuua, aauggcgcu, aguacaauggcgc (SEQ ID NO: 87), gcaaacaguacaau (SEQ ID NO: 88), ucgcaaacaguaca (SEQ ID NO: 89), gcaaacagu, cuagucgcaaac (SEQ ID NO: 90), uacaaaaguaagauuca (SEQ ID NO: 83), aaaccauaaaguuuuacaa (SEQ ID NO: 84) and caaaccauaaaguuuua (SEQ ID NO: 96). |
| US09669105B2 |
Liquid formulations of long-acting interferon alpha conjugates
Disclosed is a liquid formulation in which a long-acting INFα conjugate that has improved in vivo duration and stability can be stored stably for a long period of time. It comprises a stabilizer comprising a buffer, a sugar alcohol, a non-ionic surfactant and an isotonic agent. Being free of human serum albumin and other potential factors harmful to the body, the liquid formulation is free of concerns about viral infections and guarantees excellent storage stability to long-acting INFα conjugates. |
| US09669103B2 |
Metal-particle-based oral-administrating liver-specific nucleic acid delivery system and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a metal-nanoparticle-based liver-specific nucleic acid delivery system, a method of manufacturing the same, and a liver disease treatment composition containing the same. The liver-specific nucleic acid delivery system is coated with a bile acid-glycol chitosan polymer, so that it provides excellent liver-tissue specificity and high absorbance through digestive canals. Since the nucleic acid of the nucleic acid delivery system is coated with the bile acid-glycol chitosan polymer, it can be protected from decomposition of enzymes and the like inside a living organism. The liver-specific nucleic acid delivery system can be developed as an oral-administrating liver-disease treatment. |
| US09669093B2 |
Methods for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis
The invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) where a TNFα inhibitor, such as a human TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is used to treat JIA. In particular, the invention is directed to methods and compositions relating to a fixed dosing regimen for treating JIA with a TNFα inhibitor. |
| US09669087B2 |
Use of a PCV2 immunogenic composition for lessening clinical symptoms in pigs
The present invention relates to the use of an immunogenic composition that comprises a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen for treatment of several clinical manifestations (diseases). Preferably, the clinical manifestations are associated with a PCV2 infection. Preferably, they include lymphadenopathy, lymphoid depletion and/or multinucleated/giant histiocytes. Moreover, the clinical symptoms include lymphadenopathy in combination with one or a multiple of the following symptoms in pigs: (1) interstitial pneumonia with interlobular edema, (2) cutaneous pallor or icterus, (3) mottled atrophic livers, (4) gastric ulcers, (5) nephritis and (6) reproductive disorders, e.g. abortion, stillbirths, mummies, etc. Furthermore the clinical symptoms include Pia like lesions, normally known to be associated with Lawsonia intracellularis infections. |
| US09669077B2 |
Method for treating chronic colitis and systemic sclerosis and for eliciting a protective immune reaction against human IL-6
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising, by way of active ingredient, at least one polypeptide comprising, or constituted by a sequence constituted by at least 8 contiguous amino acids and from at the most 30 contiguous amino acids chosen from within the interleukin-6 sequence and from at the most 30 contiguous amino acids chosen from within the complete IL-6 sequence. |
| US09669075B2 |
Drug for preventing and/or treating polycystic kidney disease
An object of the present invention is to provide a combination drug that has remarkably excellent preventive and/or therapeutic effects on polycystic kidney disease. The present invention provides a drug for preventing and/or treating polycystic kidney disease comprising a combination of tolvaptan or a prodrug thereof with a somatostatin derivative, and a method for treating polycystic kidney disease using this drug. |
| US09669073B2 |
Use of proinsulin for immune system modulation
The present disclosure relates to a composition for promoting immune activity including a protein selected from the group consisting of dimeric proinsulin, C-peptide partially deleted mutant of dimeric proinsulin, and C-peptide partially deleted mutant of monomeric proinsulin as an effective component and a composition for immunosuppression including C-peptide site of proinsulin as an effective component, and the dimeric proinsulin, the C-peptide partially deleted mutant of dimeric proinsulin, and the C-peptide partially deleted mutant of monomeric proinsulin can be applied as immune enhancers to diabetic patients. |
| US09669070B2 |
Treatment and prevention of radiation injury using MFG-E8
Methods and compositions are disclosed for treating and preventing radiation injury using milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-factor VIII (MFG-E8). |
| US09669069B2 |
Use of a VEGF antagonist to treat angiogenic eye disorders
The present invention provides methods for treating angiogenic eye disorders by sequentially administering multiple doses of a VEGF antagonist to a patient. The methods of the present invention include the administration of multiple doses of a VEGF antagonist to a patient at a frequency of once every 8 or more weeks. The methods of the present invention are useful for the treatment of angiogenic eye disorders such as age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, central retinal vein occlusion, branch retinal vein occlusion, and corneal neovascularization. |
| US09669066B2 |
Use of kaempferia parviflora wall. ex. baker extracts or flavone compound for preventing or treating muscle diseases, or improving muscle function
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex. Baker extracts for treating muscle diseases, and more specifically to a pharmaceutical composition containing, as an active ingredient, Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex. Baker extracts or flavone compound isolated therefrom for treating muscle diseases or a dietary composition for improving muscle function. Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex. Baker extracts or flavone compound isolated therefrom according to the present invention reduces protein catabolism in the muscles and increases muscle cell differentiation and anabolism, and is thus effective for preparing pharmaceutical composition for treating muscle diseases and dietary composition for improving muscle function. |
| US09669061B2 |
Medicinal agent exhibiting antiprotozoal activity to Trichomonas vaginalis in an in-vitro model system
The invention belongs in the field of medicine and can be used in the treatment of chronic and asymptomatic trichomonas infections of the urogenital tract.The invention is consisted in development of new therapeutic substance of plant origin with minimal side effects for treatment of various forms of trichomonad infection.The new therapeutic substance, of plant origin, is an olive coloured paste. It is composed of a conifer green needle complex (CGNC) and has a coniferous smell and antiprotozoal activity against Trichomonas vaginalis (when tested in an in vitro model).At a concentration of 100 mg/ml CGNC has trichomonadocitic and trichomonadostatic properties. At 300 mg/ml it suppresses the growth of T. vaginalis and at 500 mg/ml it kills this organism. |
| US09669058B2 |
Engineering and delivery of therapeutic compositions of freshly isolated cells
The present invention relates to the transient modification of cells. In particular embodiments, the cells are immune systems, such as PBMC, PBL, T (CD3+ and/or CD8+) and Natural Killer (NK) cells. The modified cells provide a population of cells that express a genetically engineered chimeric receptor which can be administered to a patient therapeutically. The present invention further relates to methods that deliver mRNA coding for the chimeric receptor to unstimulated resting PBMC, PBL, T (CD3+ and/or CD8+) and NK cells and which delivers the mRNA efficiently to the transfected cells and promotes significant target cell killing. |
| US09669055B1 |
Methods for treating sepsis
Methods for treating sepsis are provided and include the administration an effective amount of cerium oxide nanoparticles to a subject in need thereof. The sepsis being treated can include polymicrobial sepsis and can include the administration of about 0.1 mg/kg to about 1.0 mg/kg of the cerium oxide nanoparticles. The administration of the cerium oxide nanoparticles further allows one or more of the symptoms of sepsis to be treated. Methods of treating an inflammatory disorder that make use of cerium oxide nanoparticles are further provided. |
| US09669051B2 |
Dietary fiber compositions with metformin, sitagliptin, or a combination thereof for the treatment of metabolic disease
A pharmaceutical composition composed of a dietary fiber composition composed of from about 48% to about 90% (w/w) glucomannan, from about 5% to about 20% (w/w) xanthan gum, and from about 5% to about 30% (w/w) alginate in combination with at least one of metformin or sitagliptin or a combination thereof is described. The pharmaceutical composition is effective to lower elevated blood glucose levels and total blood cholesterol levels in a subject significantly more than the dietary fiber composition alone or a composition consisting of at least one of metformin or sitagliptin or a combination thereof. |
| US09669049B2 |
Compositions comprising gamma retrovirus vectors and methods of treating proliferative disorders
This disclosure relates to replication competent viral vectors for treating cell proliferative disorders. The disclosure further relates to the use of such replication competent viral vectors for delivery and expression of a heterologous nucleic acid in normal and diseased tissues and methods and compositions that facilitate such delivery and expression to tissues in vivo and in vitro. The disclosure further relates to replication competent retroviral vectors for these uses and in conjunction with methods and compositions that facilitate in vivo therapeutics. |
| US09669045B2 |
Treatments for actinic keratoses
A composition of gentamicin and colchicine in a dermatologically acceptable cream base provided improved clearance of actinic keratoses following topical application for 1 to 3 months. The composition provides improved clearance of recalcitrant actinic keratoses. Furthermore, the treatment causes less pain and irritation than other topical treatments for actinic keratoses. |
| US09669040B2 |
Compositions for oral administration of zoledronic acid or related compounds for treating complex regional pain syndrome
Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome. |
| US09669022B2 |
Controlled release hydrocodone formulations
A solid oral controlled-release oral dosage form of hydrocodone is disclosed. The dosage form comprising an analgesically effective amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a sufficient amount of a controlled release material to render the dosage form suitable for twice-a-day administration to a human patient, the dosage form providing a C12/Cmax ratio of 0.55 to 0.85, said dosage form providing a therapeutic effect for at least about 12 hours. |
| US09669021B2 |
Sublingual apomorphine
Disclosed are methods of treating Parkinson's disease by (i) providing a pharmaceutical composition in unit dosage form that is a film having a first portion including apomorphine particles containing an acid addition salt of apomorphine and a second portion containing a pH neutralizing agent, where the film contains the acid addition salt of apomorphine in an amount effective to treat Parkinson's disease, and (ii) administering the film by placing the film sublingually in the mouth of the subject and contacting sublingual mucosal tissue with the film. |
| US09669016B2 |
Antiparasitic effect of Bis[3,5-Bis(Benzylidene)-4-Oxo-1-Piperidinyl]amide Derivatives
Embodiments are directed to compositions and methods for treating parasitic infections. Compounds have been identified from a library of anti-cancer drugs that serve as suitable agents for targeting trypanosomatids. |
| US09669010B2 |
Treatment for chronic kidney disease
A method of treating chronic kidney disease by administering to a subject a composition that includes L-arginine, glycine, L-glutamine, L-histidine, L-aspartic acid L-glutamic acid, and L-carnosine. |
| US09669009B2 |
Rapid disperse dosage form containing levetiracetam
A high dose rapidly dispersing three-dimensionally printed dosage form comprising a high dose of levetiracetam in a porous matrix that disperses in water within a period of less than about 15 seconds is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the dosage form and of treating a condition, disease or disorder that is therapeutically responsive to levetiracetam. |
| US09669004B2 |
Daidzein analogs as treatment for cancer
Provided are compositions for treatment of cancers, including breast cancer, comprising at least one novel daidzein analog, as well as methods of using the same for preventing or treating cancer or tumor growth. |
| US09669003B2 |
Use of flavone and flavanone derivatives in preparation of sedative and hypnotic drugs
Disclosed is a use of flavones derivatives and flavanone derivatives in preparation of sedative and hypnotic drugs. |
| US09668997B2 |
Ophthalmic compositions and methods for treating eyes
Ophthalmic compositions including compatible solute components and/or polyanionic components are useful in treating eyes, for example, to relieve dry eye syndrome, to protect the eyes against hypertonic insult and/or the adverse effects of cationic species on the ocular surfaces of eyes and/or to facilitate recovery from eye surgery. |
| US09668995B2 |
Treatment of motor fluctuations
The invention relates to the use of compounds that enhance 5-hydroxytryptamine 1a receptor activity, or activation (e.g. a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 1a receptor agonists) for preventing or reducing motor fluctuations associated with dopamine replacement therapy. |
| US09668991B1 |
SCFA colonic composition
The present invention is directed to a colonic composition including a core having at least one short chain fatty acid selected from the group consisting of butyrate, acetate and propionate, and combinations thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; wherein at least one of acetate or propionate is present in the core; and at least one digestion-resistant layer covering the core, the digestion-resistant layer disintegrating in the colon. The present invention is also directed to methods of treatment using the above composition. |
| US09668990B1 |
Benzenesulfonamides compositions for treatment of malignant pleural effusions
The present disclosure provides a novel pharmaceutical composition for treating a malignant pleural effusion (MPE), including a benzenesulfonamide derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The present disclosure further provides a method for treating MPE by using the pharmaceutical composition. |
| US09668988B2 |
Controlled release oral pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising MGBG
Disclosed herein are controlled-release oral pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising MGBG, and their application for the improved treatment of diseases with reduced side effects and/or longer time at maximum concentration. |
| US09668987B2 |
Compositions for nail and skin treatment
Novel topical compositions for the treatment of nail and skin afflictions comprising at least one active agent, at least one volatile solvent, at least one film-forming ingredient and at least one phospholipid, processes for their preparation and methods of treatment of nail and skin afflictions. Following application of the compositions and evaporation of volatile solvents, the composition produces a film, which has web-like structures containing the active agent(s). |
| US09668986B2 |
Ophthalmic, intra-articular or intravesical preparations containing N-acyl-ethanolamines
It is the object of the present invention a composition containing an N-acyl-ethanolamine in a solubilized form, particularly a solution for ophthalmic, intra-articular or intravesical use.Particularly, the present invention relates to a water-soluble composition comprising one or more N-acylethanolamines (NAE) in the form of an inclusion complex in methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MβCD). |
| US09668985B2 |
Pterosin derivative-containing therapeutic preparation for disease associated with cartilage loss, cartilage degeneration and/or cartilage thinning
An object of the present invention is to provide a therapeutic preparation and method for diseases associated with cartilage loss, cartilage degeneration and/or cartilage thinning. The present invention provides a therapeutic preparation comprising a pterosin derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for diseases associated with cartilage loss, cartilage degeneration and/or cartilage thinning; and a therapeutic method for the diseases. |
| US09668983B2 |
Method and composition for enhancing milk production
The present invention concerns a method of enhancing milk production by a ruminant that includes providing a feed that contains sorbitol and at least one additional feed component, and orally feeding the feed to the ruminant, the ruminant ingesting about 100 grams, or less, of sorbitol per day. |
| US09668982B2 |
Preventing whisker growth from an L-menthol composition
A pharmaceutical dosage form includes an effective amount of L-menthol for treating a gastrointestinal disorder. The L-menthol is within a plurality of particulates having a core including crystalline L-menthol dissolved in a terpene-based essential oil. A proteinaceous coating of a continuous film of proteinaceous material is over the core. |
| US09668979B2 |
Piperaquine microcapsules and compositions containing them
The present invention provides a microcapsule pharmaceutical composition of at least a bisquinoline drug. said microcapsule comprises a drug core of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a bisquinoline drug and a polymeric coating over the core. This microcapsule pharmaceutical composition has desirable pharmaceutical properties, including taste masking effect and a high stability. |
| US09668977B2 |
Coating composition suitable for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical dosage forms
The invention relates to a coating composition suitable for the coating of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical dosage form, comprising a core comprising one or more pharmaceutical or nutraceutical active ingredients, wherein the coating composition is comprising at least 20% by weight of an enteric core/shell polymer composition derived from an emulsion polymerization process, wherein the core of the core/shell polymer composition is formed by a water-insoluble, cross-linked polymer or copolymer and the shell of the core/shell polymer composition is formed by an anionic polymer or copolymer. |
| US09668976B2 |
Chewable soft capsules
A matrix formulation for a soft chewable capsule is provided which includes a gel-forming composition, a plasticizer, a polymer modifier, and water. The polymer modifier may be a carboxylic acid or other organic compound that alters the physical and/or chemical properties of the capsule formulation. A chewable soft capsule is also provided, having enhanced organo-leptic and processing properties. An active material may be delivered to a user using this dosage form. A method of forming the chewable soft capsule is also provided. |
| US09668974B2 |
Depot formulations of a local anesthetic and methods for preparation thereof
The invention provides extended release pro-liposomal, non-aqueous, pharmaceutical formulations of a local anesthetic in the form of a clear oily solution and methods for making same. The formulations can be administered by infiltration into an incision, or by injection. |
| US09668970B2 |
Film dosage form with extended release mucoadhesive particles
An orally administered dosage form that facilitates delivery of an agent locally in the buccal cavity for a sustained period of time includes mucoadhesive particles that are made of at least a mucoadhesive material combined with the agent, and which are dispersed in a disintegrating film. The dosage form is capable of delivering an agent to a patient at the desired oral mucosa site over an extended period of time while reducing patient discomfort or annoyance associated with conventional sustained release mucoadhesive films that must reside on the oral mucosa during the period of sustained release. |
| US09668967B2 |
Lipid formulations comprising a thiolated antioxidant
The present invention provides a formulation comprising: i) a lipid matrix; ii) at least one thiolated antioxidant; iii) optionally at least one bioactive agent; and iv) optionally at least one chelating agent. |
| US09668966B2 |
Cosmetic compositions comprising microalgal components
The invention provides cosmetic compositions comprising microalgal biomass, whole microalgal cells, and/or microalgal oil in combination with one or more other cosmetic ingredients, and methods of making such compositions. In preferred embodiments, the microalgal components of the cosmetic compositions are derived from microalgal cultures grown heterotrophically and which comprise at least 10% oil by dry weight. |
| US09668965B2 |
Topical composition for treatmentof skin, hair, and/or nails and method of using the same
A topical composition includes an amount of a concentrate derived from Ecklonia maxima (sea kelp) effective for treating the skin, hair and/or nails and a dermatologically acceptable carrier. |
| US09668964B1 |
Magnolia extract containing compositions
Disclosed is a method of treating skin, the method comprising topically applying to skin in need of treatment a composition comprising Michelia figo extract, wherein the composition treats the skin condition. |
| US09668950B2 |
Powdered hair dye composition
A powder hair dye composition includes component (A) to component (C). The content of the component (A) at the time of use is 1 to 5 mass %. The component (A) is sodium percarbonate. The component (B) is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The component (C) is a thickener other than the component (B). |
| US09668949B2 |
Colour changing composition in O/W emulsion form
A changing color composition for caring for and/or making up keratin materials on the form of an O/W emulsion comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least a) microcapsules containing releasable colorant(s), said microcapsules comprising: —a core comprising one organic material, —at least one layered coating surrounding said core, the layered coating comprising at least one polymer, at least one colorant, and advantageously at least one lipid-based material, b) at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 8% by weight and advantageously at least 10% by weight relative to the weight of the composition of an aqueous phase comprising water and at least one compound chosen from polyols, glycols C2-C8 monoalcohols and mixtures thereof, c) non entrapped Ti02, and d) an O/W emulsifier. |
| US09668947B2 |
Wipe for application of at least one active principle on the skin
Dry wipe for application of at least one active principle on the skin, including: an inert laminar support; a plurality of microcapsules applied to the inert laminar support, the microcapsules containing at least one active principle; at least one surfactant applied to the inert laminar support. |
| US09668942B2 |
Methods, compositions, and devices for supplying dietary fatty acid needs
Nutritional formulas comprising long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are provided, along with methods and devices for preparing and/or administering nutritional formulas. In some embodiments, a percentage of the LC-PUFAs in the nutritional formula are in the form of monoglycerides and/or free fatty acids. In some embodiments, the nutritional formulas do not comprise added lipase. Also provided are methods for providing nutrition to a subject, methods for improving fat absorption, methods for improving cognitive ability, methods for preventing chronic lung disease, and methods for reducing the length of time a patient requires total parenteral nutrition. |
| US09668939B2 |
Adaptor for coupling with a medical container
An adaptor for coupling with a vial having a collar closed by a septum, the septum having an outer surface directed towards the outside of the vial, the adaptor comprising: a gripping member for securing the adaptor to the vial, the gripping member being capable of being laterally mounted on the collar of the vial and a pierceable elastomeric piece having at least a part intended to be in contact with the outer surface of the septum when the adaptor is secured on the vial. Also, an assembly including such an adaptor and a vial. |
| US09668938B2 |
Medical container
The medical container includes a container body having a proximal end opening, a proximal-end edge portion surrounding the proximal end opening, a plug body sealing a mouth section; a bag body including an edge portion fixed in a fluid-tight manner to the proximal-end edge portion, and a flexible reversing part surrounded by the edge portion. In a first state, the reversing part expands toward a distal end side and in a second state the reversing part expands toward a proximal end side. The medical container further includes a protection cover which can take a proximal end side mounting state in which the protection cover is mounted on the container body so as to cover the proximal end opening, and a distal end side mounting state in which the protection cover is mounted on the container body so as to cover the mouth section. |
| US09668934B2 |
Female sexual stimulation device
A female sexual stimulation device includes a main body having a generally blunt first end, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first dildo that extends linearly outward from the main body in a direction that is away from the first end. A second dildo extends outward from the bottom surface of the main body, and includes a curved shaft that forms an obtuse angle. A chin cup is provided along the top surface of the main body adjacent to the first dildo, and a flap is positioned along the bottom surface adjacent to the second dildo. One or more removable and reconfigurable handles are secured to the blunt first end. |
| US09668933B1 |
Exercise and massage roller
A roller which an individual may use to perform a variety of self-applied exercises for massage, myofascial release and other exercises. The roller is cylindrical having a resilient outer surface on which are a plurality of axially spaced, circumferentially extending bands of similar projections which manipulate the body of the individual when the individual rolls against the surface of the roller. The projections are equally circumferentially spaced in each band extending around the cylindrical body. The material and shape of the projections are selected to provide greater resistance to bending or flexing to forces applied axially than to tangentially applied forces. |
| US09668932B2 |
Portable micro air pump for use in intermittent pneumatic compression therapy
A portable micro air pump includes a body, an air output port and a quick-disconnect air tube connector. The body is hand-sized, and has a user control and information panel with a power on/off button switch and a button switch for choosing which type of therapy garment is to be utilized, limb or foot. Status lights within the information panel show on/off and battery status, the therapy garment selected and alarm states of which the user needs to be aware. Within the body are an air compressor with an air output tube, a battery power source, and an electronic circuit board. The electronic circuit board has functional subunits including: a controller, a timer, a memory, an input/output interface, a pressure sensor, a status light driver and a power control driver. |
| US09668928B2 |
Person support apparatus with pivoting backrest
A chair includes a backrest that pivots with respect to the seat in a manner that improves the occupant's experience during the transition from an upright position to a reclined position. During pivoting of the backrest with respect to the seat, the backrest moves in a manner having an instantaneous center of rotation that does not remain stationary during the pivoting of the backrest. In some embodiments, the instantaneous center of rotation begins at a location lower than a height of the seat and moves backward as the backrest pivots from the upright position to the reclined position. The movement of the instantaneous center of rotation follows a smoothly curved path that has a continuous first derivative and, in some embodiments, continuous higher order derivatives as well. The movement may be effectuated via pins coupled to the backrest that ride in smoothly curved channels defined in a seat frame. |
| US09668926B2 |
Method and apparatus for making absorbent structures with absorbent material
A method and apparatus for making specific absorbent structures with an absorbent layer with absorbent material with therein substantially longitudinally extending strips that are free of absorbent material, using or having thereto a moving endless surface with receptacle(s) with specific longitudinally extending rods; and specific absorbent structures obtained therewith, suitable for absorbent articles, such as diapers and sanitary napkins. |
| US09668925B2 |
Absorbent article
A disposable diaper having: an absorbent main body having an absorber; and an exterior body including an exterior body sheet which is disposed in an outward direction than the absorbent main body. On a face of an outer direction's side of the disposable diaper, an opening unit into which a finger can be inserted is formed. The exterior body has an overlap region which overlaps with an absorber, and the opening unit is provided in the overlap region. |
| US09668924B2 |
Method of securing conductive thread in an absorbent article
A method of securing a conductive thread in an absorbent article is disclosed. The method includes: passing a thread through a first surface of the absorbent article; and anchoring a first length of the thread on the first surface by applying adhesive at a position on the first length of the thread between a point at which the thread passes through the surface and a first end of the thread to cover at least a portion of the thread and a portion of the surface. |
| US09668922B2 |
Wound or skin treatment devices with variable edge geometries
Devices, kits and methods described herein are provided for treatment to skin, including but not limited to wound healing, the treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of scars or keloids. A book-like packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device can be used to apply a dressing to a subject. The packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device applies and/or maintain a strain in an elastic dressing, and include undulating edge configurations to reduce peak stresses applied to the skin compared to traditional dressing shapes. |
| US09668921B2 |
Ear-engaging and eye-covering head assembly
The present invention relates to an eye-protector assembly. The assembly includes arcuate-shaped protective cover. The assembly includes an eye-covering member pivotably connected to the protective cover. The protective cover is shaped to receive the eye-covering member when the eye-covering member is pivoted towards the cover. The assembly includes a pair of connector mechanisms for selectively coupling the protective cover to a hearing protector. |
| US09668919B2 |
System and method for plasma-mediated modification of tissue
A method for cataract surgery on an eye of a patient includes scanning a first focus position of a first pulsed laser beam at a first pulse energy of between one-half microjoule and 50 microjoules in a first scanning pattern to photodisrupt a first tissue structure portion with a plurality of pulses of the first laser beam to form an incised surface; and afterwards, scanning a second focus position of a second pulsed laser beam having a second pulse energy being between 50 microjoules and 5,000 microjoules in a second scanning pattern that is co-registered to the first scanning pattern to further photodisrupt the same first tissue structure portion with the second laser beam to further separate segments of the first tissue structure along the incised surface. |
| US09668917B2 |
Drug delivery treatment device
Disclosed are devices and methods for treatment of eye disease. The suprachoroidal space is used as a conduit within which to place a drug delivery device. One such drug delivery device may be a tube, wicking element, bioabsorbable polymer structure, or other configuration of drug delivery substrate. The delivery device may include a port on the proximal end to assist in repeat injection, and may include a reservoir to either collect flow from the aqueous to concentrate it along the length of the device, or act as a repository for injected agent. |
| US09668915B2 |
Drug eluting ocular implant
Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. The devices are capable of controlled release of one or more drugs and may also include structures which allow for treatment of increased intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the device. |
| US09668911B2 |
Apparatus and methods for the treatment of sleep apnea
A medical apparatus for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient is provided. The medical apparatus has an elongate member with a middle portion, a first fixation element and a second fixation element. The middle portion applies a force to a segment of a patient's airway. |
| US09668904B2 |
Segmented orthosis with a pulley mechanism for fitting adjustment
A segmented lumbosacral orthosis with two side members conjoined by a cord threaded through an array of seamless tubes that are independently mounted and swivel from an axis point proximal to the end points of each tube. Each tube array is housed in a mounting bracket made from a continuous piece of material folded over to form a gap in between two sides. Each mounting bracket is attached to a side member by sliding a pin along the folded edge of the bracket through knuckles (or loops) attached to the side member similar to a hinge. A removable posterior member is connected to each posterior end of the side members using an elastic material that expands and contracts in parity with the mechanical advantage closure system. The removable posterior panel is designed to hold a rigid or semi-rigid insert stored in three separate sections: one in a center compartment juxtaposed by one on each side that sway along a vertical axis. |
| US09668903B2 |
Polymeric polycentric hinge
A polycentric hinge for an orthopedic device includes first and second hinge arms, and two cover plates, rather than numerous individual parts and fasteners. The first and second cover plates define a plurality of bearings and a plurality of recesses for receiving the bearings, whereby the hinge arms are mounted about the bearings and are pivotable relative to one another while encased by the first and second cover plates. |
| US09668902B1 |
Selectively adjustable arm and shoulder support
A contouring arm and shoulder support is provided that is secured to a supporting and stabilizing belt. The support system comprises a belt support and an arm support that are operatively interconnected and yet easily disassociated. The arm support provides dynamic support that allows the patient to move their injured arm if needed. |
| US09668900B2 |
Balloon system and methods for treating obesity
A medical system for the treatment of morbid obesity comprising an inflatable balloon implanted in a gastric cavity, a percutaneous fillant delivery tube and a control module connected to the tube for regulating the inflation and deflation of the balloon. The balloon may be individually contoured and inflated to occupy a large volume of the gastric cavity to provide a feeling of satiety. The balloon may also be deflated to give the gastric cavity lining a rest during less critical time. |
| US09668898B2 |
Stent delivery system having dynamic deployment and methods of manufacturing same
A stent delivery system for dynamic deployment of a stent loaded thereon and a method of manufacturing the system. The stent delivery system includes a balloon catheter with a balloon in a spirally twisted delivery configuration on which a stent is crimped or otherwise loaded. The stent is made from a single, continuous strand of wire formed into a sinusoidal waveform that is wrapped into a helical pattern and joined at selected crowns. Upon inflation of the spirally twisted balloon of the stent delivery system, the stent undergoes dynamic deployment such that the stent in a deployed or expanded configuration has crowns with obtuse deployment angles and crowns with acute deployment angles. |
| US09668892B2 |
Multi-component stent-graft system for aortic dissections
A generally tubular stent-graft (24) has distal and proximal stent-graft ends (36, 38) and includes a generally tubular support element (30) and a covering element (32). When the stent-graft (24) is unconstrained in a radially-expanded state: (1) the covering and support elements (32, 30) are shaped so as to together define a lateral fenestration (34) having distal and proximal fenestration ends (35, 37), (2) a perimeter (P1) of the distal stent-graft end (36) equals at least 200% of a perimeter (P2) of the proximal stent-graft end (38), and (3) the stent-graft (24) includes a dissection-reinforcement axial portion (48), which (a) has a proximal dissection-reinforcement end (52) that is disposed no more than 20 mm proximal to the proximal fenestration end (37), (b) extends along the stent-graft for a distance equal to between 5% and 32% of a greatest perimeter of the stent-graft (24) distally to the distal fenestration end (35), and (c) has a radial strength that is at least 10% greater than an average radial strength of the entire stent-graft (24). Other embodiments are also described. |
| US09668890B2 |
Anti-thrombogenic medical devices and methods
Methods for applying layers to medical devices and related devices are provided. Such devices can include stents. For example, the device can include a sidewall and a plurality of pores in the sidewall that are sized to inhibit flow of blood through the sidewall into an aneurysm to a degree sufficient to lead to thrombosis and healing of the aneurysm when the tubular member is positioned in a blood vessel and adjacent to the aneurysm. The device can have an anti-thrombogenic outer layer distributed over at least a portion of the device. |
| US09668885B2 |
Method of making self-cleaning skin-like prosthetic polymer surfaces
An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity. |
| US09668877B2 |
Nubbed plate
A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. |
| US09668875B2 |
Method and apparatus for computerized surgery
An implant for use in spinal surgery comprises a resilient element having an inflatable cavity. It is formed of a biologically compatible material and is arranged for placement between end plates of adjacent vertebra. The implant may also include a wound disc replacement element. A method of performing spinal surgery on a patient comprises securely mounting a patient onto a patient support table; imaging a spinal region of the patient; building up a three-dimensional image file of the spinal region of the patient; storing the image file; and utilizing the image file for planning and carrying out computer controlled spinal surgery on the patient utilizing the implant. A computer-controlled surgical implant system comprises a steerable endosurgical implanting assembly operative to install the implant at a desired location in a patient; and a computerized controlled, which operates the steerable endosurgical implanting assembly. |
| US09668874B2 |
Facet joint replacement
A prosthesis for the replacement of at least a portion of the bone of a facet located on a mammalian vertebra, comprising: an articulating surface that articulates with another facet; a bone contacting surface that contacts a surface of the vertebra, the articulating surface being connected to the bone contacting surface; and a fixation element that attaches the bone contacting surface to the vertebra, the fixation element being adapted for implantation into an interior bone space of a pedicle of the vertebra; wherein the prosthesis is configured so that no portion of the prosthesis contacts the posterior arch of the vertebra. |
| US09668870B2 |
Knee prosthesis including rotatable spine
A knee joint prosthesis is disclosed. The knee joint prosthesis can include a tibial baseplate, a tibial insert, and a spine. The tibial baseplate can include a tibial plateau, having a proximal surface and an opposing distal surface, and a tibial stem extending from the distal surface of the tibial plateau. The tibial insert can be located on the proximal surface of the tibial plateau and can include an aperture. The spine can extend through the aperture of the tibial insert and into a cavity of the tibial stem, from the proximal surface of the tibial plateau. The spine can be rotatable with respect to the tibial baseplate and the tibial insert. The knee joint prosthesis can further include a femoral component including a posteriorly-located femoral cam. The posteriorly-located femoral cam can engage the spine during movement of the knee joint prosthesis. |
| US09668867B2 |
Methods and devices for a surgical hip replacement procedure
Devices and methods for use in a hip replacement surgical procedure. One aspect includes methods and devices for reaming selective regions of the femoral canal. This may include reaming distal and proximal sections of the femoral canal prior to reaming a middle region of the canal. Another aspect includes a dummy implant and methods of use. The dummy implant is inserted into the femoral canal and may be used for one or more of retraction of the femur, gauging a space with the acetabulum, and further revising the femoral cut. The aspects may be used together in a single surgical procedure or separately in different surgical procedures. |
| US09668866B2 |
Method for optimization of joint arthroplasty component design
Methods and devices are disclosed for the optimization of shoulder arthroplasty component design through the use of computed tomography scan data from arthritic shoulders. |
| US09668859B2 |
Percutaneous heart valve delivery systems
Embodiments described herein address the need for improved catheter devices for delivery, repositioning and/or percutaneous retrieval of the percutaneously implanted heart valves. One embodiment employs a plurality of spring-loaded arms releasably engaged with a stent frame for controlling expansion for valve deployment. Another embodiment employs a plurality of filaments passing through a distal end of a pusher sleeve and apertures in a self-expandable stent frame to control its state of deployment. With additional features, lateral positioning of the stent frame may also be controlled. Yet another embodiment includes plurality of outwardly biased arms held to complimentary stent frame features by overlying sheath segments. Still another embodiment integrates a visualization system in the subject delivery system. Variations on hardware and methods associated with the use of these embodiments are contemplated in addition to those shown and described. |
| US09668858B2 |
Transcatheter valve with paravalvular leak sealing ring
A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent extending from an inflow end to an outflow end and a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets coupled to the stent. The prosthetic heart valve may also include a sealing ring coupled to the inflow end of the stent, the sealing ring comprising a tube extending circumferentially around the inflow end of the stent. The tube may be formed from a wire coiled into a repeating shape, such as a rectangle or a diamond, so that the tube is collapsible. A covering may at least partially surround the tube. The sealing ring may include a first filler positioned within the tube and/or a second filler positioned between the tube and the covering. |
| US09668852B2 |
Metallic implantable grafts and method of making same
Implantable medical grafts fabricated of metallic or pseudometallic films of biocompatible materials having a plurality of microperforations passing through the film in a pattern that imparts fabric-like qualities to the graft or permits the geometric deformation of the graft. The implantable graft is preferably fabricated by vacuum deposition of metallic and/or pseudometallic materials into either single or multi-layered structures with the plurality of microperforations either being formed during deposition or after deposition by selective removal of sections of the deposited film. The implantable medical grafts are suitable for use as endoluminal or surgical grafts and may be used as vascular grafts, stent-grafts, skin grafts, shunts, bone grafts, surgical patches, non-vascular conduits, valvular leaflets, filters, occlusion membranes, artificial sphincters, tendons and ligaments. |
| US09668849B2 |
Endovascular device for entrapment of participate matter and method for use
A method for filtering particulate matter from a blood vessel in a patient, including inserting a device into the blood vessel, the device including at least an outer structure capable of insertion into the blood vessel; and an inner filter anchored to the outer structure, the inner filter having a one-way valve though which a medical instrument may be passed. |
| US09668848B2 |
Method of inserting a vein filter
A method of implanting a vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a delivery sheath with a substantially straight distal tip and inserting a curved device into the sheath to move the sheath to a second configuration. In the second position, the distal tip of the sheath is curved at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method further comprises the step of rotating the sheath and pusher so a distal opening of the sheath has a more centered position within the vessel. |
| US09668847B2 |
Mesh implant for use in reconstruction of soft tissue defects
The present invention relates to a resorbable polymeric mesh implant, that is intended to be used in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The mesh implant comprises at least a first and a second material, wherein the second material is substantially degraded at a later point in time than the first material following the time of implantation. The mesh implant is adapted to have a predetermined modulus of elasticity that gradually is decreased until the mesh implant is completely degraded and subsequently resorbed. Due to the gradual decrease in the modulus of elasticity of the inventive mesh implant, the regenerating tissue may gradually take over the load applied to the tissue defect area. |
| US09668846B2 |
Textile-templated electrospun anisotropic scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
The present invention includes an anisotropic scaffold, which is prepared by electrospinning a solution of matrix material upon a textile template. The present invention further includes a method of preparing such scaffold. The anisotropic scaffold of the invention finds use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. |
| US09668841B2 |
Toothbrush having a terminal row of bristles or spikes
The invention relates to a toothbrush (1), in particular an electric toothbrush, comprising: —a support member (2), —a first tooth brushing member (3) mounted on said support member so as to be able to rotate about a rotation axis (XX′), said first brushing member having a lateral surface (3L) which extends along its rotation axis (XX′) between a proximal end (3P) and an opposite distal end (3D), said lateral surface being intended to be brought into contact with the teeth (4) in order to clean them, said toothbrush being characterized in that it has a flexible trim (20), separate from the first brushing member (3), which is arranged facing the distal end (3D) approximately transversely to the rotation axis (XXI) so as to at least partially overlap the transverse section (3S) of said first brushing member (3). |
| US09668839B2 |
Oral care systems
An oral care system that provides a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal by using a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect, where the system includes means for directing the liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, means for providing the liquid to the means for directing the liquid onto the surfaces of the oral cavity, means for providing reciprocation of the liquid over the plurality of surfaces under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect; and a reservoir for containing the liquid. |
| US09668836B2 |
Device and method for editing a virtual, three-dimensional dental model by means of a virtual tool
The invention concerns a device (1) for editing a virtual 3-D model (2) of teeth (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) positioned in a dental arch (9, 11) by means of a virtual tool (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 50). The tool (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 50) can be used on a first tooth (2.1, 2.3) of the 3-D model (2), whereby the corresponding application is carried out on a second mirrored tooth (2.2, 2.4), contralateral to the first tooth with respect to a plane of symmetry (12), that is, on the tooth on the other side of the plane of symmetry (12), which is positioned as a mirror image of the first tooth (2.1, 2.3) with respect to the plane of symmetry (12). |
| US09668830B2 |
Wisdom teeth adjusting bracket and the method for orthodontics adjusting thereof
This invention discloses an orthodontics adjusting bracket changing the traditional orthodontics logical thinking. The orthodontics adjusting bracket can reduce the chance for removing teeth, decrease the sequelae of removing wisdom teeth, avoid temporomandibular joint-pain-dysfunction syndrome and cheeks depressed, extend lifetime of dental formula, and lower down the social security expenditure. This invention can fundamentally improve dental engagement to avoid the secondary injury of traditional orthodontics treatment and improve the loading of social security expenditure. According to this invention, the difficult mission of correcting wisdom teeth in traditional orthodontics treatment will become easily and smoothly. |
| US09668828B2 |
Systems, methods, and adjunctive procedures for correcting malocclusion
Methods of inducing tooth movement and treating malocclusion, craniofacial anomalies, bony defects, and dentofacial deformities through accelerated bone remodeling as caused by the delivery non-static forces; reducing pain and discomfort in patients; and improving tissue integrity long-term results as to prevent post-orthodontic treatment relapse. The methods and apparatus include a mechanism for data capture and analysis related to patient compliance and usage behavior, as well as for establishing the invention as a component of the clinical office workflow to increase efficiency and productivity. |
| US09668826B2 |
Handheld viscous dental paste dispenser
An apparatus for dispensing a viscous dental paste that includes a barrel member, a dispensing tip, and a platform. The barrel defines a chamber for containing a viscous material. The dispensing tip extends from the barrel member to a dispensing end and defines a passageway open to the chamber. The dispensing end forms an outlet opening open to the passageway and circumscribed by a continuous wall defining an interior surface and an exterior surface. The platform projects from the dispensing end and defines opposing first and second major faces. The first major face is aligned with the outlet opening. The second major face is contiguous with a section of the exterior surface. Viscous material is dispensed from the chamber and onto the platform as a ribbon or sheet. |
| US09668824B2 |
Customized root canal obturation cores and methods of making customized root canal obturation cores
A core for obturating a root canal includes a body that has a pre-formed contour that closely matches a contour of the root canal. When the core is inserted in the root canal with or without sealer, there are essentially no voids in the root canal. A method of making a customized root canal obturation core includes generating a three-dimensional image of a root canal. The method also includes manufacturing the customized root canal obturation core based on the three-dimensional image of the root canal. The customized root canal obturation core has a preformed contour that closely matches a contour of the root canal such that when the core is inserted in the root canal with or without sealer there are essentially no voids in the root canal. |
| US09668821B2 |
Laparoscopic surgical devices having wire reducer
Laparoscopic surgical devices include a first member having a first gear, a second member having a second gear corresponding to the first gear, a connection member configured to connect the first member and the second member; first and second wire mounting pieces respectively at the first and second members, a first wire wound on the first wire mounting pieces so as to be pulled upon receiving a first drive force; and a second wire wound on the second wire mounting pieces so as to be pulled upon receiving a second drive force. The drive unit is configured to selectively transmit the first and second amplified driving forces to a respective one the first member and the second member to cause tilting of the first member and the second member. |
| US09668819B2 |
Surgical needle for a surgical system with optical recognition
A system for image-guided surgery may include a visual imaging system, a medical tool comprising a shaft and a tip, wherein the shaft of the tool includes an optically detectable feature that allows a position of the tip to be determined, and a display configured to display a real-time representation of the medical tool including the position of the tip regardless of whether the tip is obstructed or visible. |
| US09668818B2 |
Method and system to select an instrument for lead stabilization
Disclosed is a system to assist in selecting and/or suggesting an instrument for a procedure. The suggestion may be based upon or include analysis of image data of a subject. The instrument may be suggested for placement inside a tubular structure. |
| US09668817B2 |
Pressure wire detection and communication protocol for use with medical measurement systems
One aspect of the present disclosure involves a method. The method includes retrieving, from a diagnostic medical device, identification information that identifies a feature of the diagnostic medical device. A proprietary signal is generated in response to the identification information. The proprietary signal is sent to a medical measurement system to facilitate an unlocking of one or more programs to be executed on the medical measurement system. Another aspect of the present disclosure involves a method. The method includes detecting, through an electronic interface device, a coupling of a remote diagnostic medical device. Thereafter, a proprietary signal is received from the electronic interface device. An identity feature of the remote diagnostic medical device is ascertained based on the proprietary signal. One or more programs are unlocked for execution if the identity feature of the remote diagnostic medical device matches a predetermined identity feature. |
| US09668814B2 |
Infinitely rotatable tool with finite rotating drive shafts
A catheter rotation drive apparatus includes first and second drives that are engageable to an output shaft. When the first drive is engaged to the output shaft and rotated, the output shaft rotates in an output rotation direction, and when the second drive is engaged to the output shaft and rotated, the output shaft rotates in the output rotation direction. |
| US09668807B2 |
Simplified spring load mechanism for delivering shaft force of a surgical instrument
A connection mechanism and manufacturing method for a surgical instrument includes an inner shaft member that extends at least partially through an elongated shaft member of the instrument and defines proximal and distal ends and is selectively movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the elongated shaft member and includes at least one aperture that extends partially along the longitudinal direction and disposed distally from the proximal end. The inner shaft member enables a drive collar member to slide on the inner shaft member and reciprocate along the longitudinal direction. A drive collar stop member slides on the inner shaft member and moves along the longitudinal direction. The drive collar stop member then moves in a direction relative to the longitudinal axis to engage the aperture and limit further longitudinal motion of the drive collar member. An inner shaft stop member limits movement of the inner shaft. |
| US09668806B2 |
Surgical forceps including a removable stop member
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each jaw member including a tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members defines a first channel extending therethrough and an opening in the tissue sealing plate thereof that is aligned with the first channel. A stop member having a pre-determined configuration is removably engaged within the first channel. At least a portion of the stop member is configured to extend through the opening of the tissue sealing plate to define a minimum gap distance between the tissue sealing plates of the jaw members when the jaw members are disposed in the approximated position. |
| US09668802B2 |
Devices and methods for optical detection of tissue contact
An electrosurgical system includes an energy applicator adapted to direct energy to tissue, an electrosurgical power generating source, and a surface-contact detection device. The surface-contact detection device is operably associated with the energy applicator. The surface-contact detection device is communicatively-coupled to the electrosurgical power generating source. The surface-contact detection device includes at least one optical transmitter to generate optical signals, a lens member configured to reflect optical signals generated by the optical transmitter when the lens member is disposed in contact with tissue, and at least one optical receiver to receive optical signals reflected by the lens member. The electrosurgical power generating source is adapted to transmit energy to the energy applicator when it is determined that the lens member is disposed in contact with tissue. |
| US09668796B2 |
Low cost inflatable bone tamp
A surgical system and method for correction of a bone injury or disorder are provided. The device includes an elongated shaft that extends between a proximal end and a distal end and defining an interior lumen. A valve disposed with the proximal end of the elongated shaft and including a membrane. An inflatable structure is coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft. A stylet is configured for insertion through the membrane and is removably disposed in the interior lumen of the elongated shaft such that the stylet provides strength to the elongated shaft. |
| US09668794B2 |
Periprosthetic bone plates
The present disclosure relates to bone plates that are configured for use with bones having periprosthetic fractures. For example, in the event that a proximal femur is fractured in an area that is adjacent to a prosthetic component, such as a femoral stem used in a hip replacement, the periprosthetic bone plates of the present invention may be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the periprosthetic bone plates include a periprosthetic zone having a plurality of central apertures and a plurality of outer apertures that are offset from the central apertures. The periprosthetic zone may further include a plurality of indentations, each indentation extending longitudinally between adjacent outer apertures to narrow a width of the bone plate. |
| US09668793B2 |
Anatomically customized plantar bone plate and bone plate system
An anatomically customized plantar bone plate and system for an angularly stable fixation for the arthrodesis of the tarsometatarsal I joint. The bone plate has a distal plate portion which extends in the longitudinal direction and in which a distal bore is formed for receiving a bone screw at a stable angle, a proximal plate portion which extends transverse to the longitudinal direction, and a central plate portion which extends between the distal and the proximal plate portions and which is made with a curved plate portion with at least one bending zone for the purpose of anatomical customization. A plantar bore for receiving a bone screw to be fixed to the sole of the foot at a stable angle and a bore that is medially inclined for receiving a bone screw to be fixed in a medially inclined manner at a stable angle are arranged in the proximal plate portion adjacently to each other transverse to the longitudinal direction. |
| US09668792B2 |
Pectus bar stabilizer
An assembly for surgically treating a chest-wall deformity may include an implantable stabilizer member, an implantable pectus bar and an implantable stopping member. The implantable stabilizer member may include first and second base parts and a channel defined by the first and second base parts. The stabilizer member may include first and second retaining bars extending between the first and second base parts and traversing the channel. The first and second base parts may be adapted to be secured to tissue of the chest wall. The implantable pectus bar may be receivable within the channel of the stabilizer member. The implantable stopping member may be adapted to be engaged with the pectus bar between the first and second retaining bars after the pectus bar is inserted into the channel to restrict movement of the pectus bar relative to the tissue. |
| US09668789B2 |
Reduction instrument, surgical assembly including a reduction instrument and related method
A surgical instrument for reducing a rod into a saddle of a fixation member includes a distal end for engaging the saddle and a proximal end. A reducing device is disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The reducing device is operative to reduce the rod into the saddle. The reducing device defines a throughbore. The throughbore provides access there through by a first drive member to secure a plug to the saddle. |
| US09668785B2 |
Dynamized interspinal implant
An interspinous process implant for insertion between adjacent spinous processes, the implant having a flexible body having i) an upper posterior portion having an upper surface adapted to bear upon an upper spinous process, ii) a lower posterior portion having a lower surface adapted to bear upon a lower spinous process, and iii) an arcuate, flexible anterior wall connecting the upper and lower portions, wherein the anterior wall has a narrowed portion. |
| US09668781B2 |
Methods for delivery of screws for joint fusion
Procedures for the fusion of the sacroiliac joint advantageously make use of an implant selected to distract the joint upon insertion and to maintain or increase tension upon insertion. The implant can have a varying structure along its length. In some method described herein for fusing the sacroiliac joint using an implant, an implant is screwed into the sacroiliac joint between the sacrum bone and the iliac bone. The implant comprises a shaft, a tool engagement flange at top end of the shaft, a pointed tip comprising no more than about 20 percent of the length of the screw, and threads spiraling around the shaft. For screws of particular interest, the volume displacement perpendicular to the shaft increases at least about 5 percent from a point adjacent the tip to a point near the top of the shaft. Some of the desirable screw designs can be used in other orthopedic application, especially situations involving varying bone hardness. Useful filler material can be formed from a blend of bone powder and bioactive agents. |
| US09668773B2 |
Spinal implant for use in thoracic insufficiency syndrome
An implant system for correcting deformities is provided. The implant system includes A proximal extension having a hollow interior and a distal extension configured to be received within the hollow interior of the proximal extension. The implant system also includes a locking element configured to lock the distal extension from moving with respect to the proximal extension. The distal extension is configured with ratchet teeth on a top surface for interacting with a distractor instrument for contacting or distracting the distal extension with respect to the proximal extension. The proximal extension and distal extension are configured to receive clamping elements for coupling to the implant to anatomical regions of the body. |
| US09668769B2 |
Tissue separation device
A tissue separation device includes: a sheath; a tube having a deformation part; a restriction member; and an inner structure. The tissue separation device is used in an assembled state where the tube is movably inserted in the sheath, the restriction member is inserted in the tube, and the inner structure is movably inserted in the restriction member. The inner structure includes: wires and which are expandable and contractible; an operation unit which operates expansion of the wires; a tubular body; and a traction shaft. The wires are expanded by being curved so as to protrude in opposite directions. When dissecting a biological tissue, the wires in an expanded state are moved within the tube in relation to the tube, without moving the tube relative to the living body. |
| US09668765B2 |
Retractable blade for lead removal device
Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the tissue separating device includes a handle, an elongate sheath and a circular cutting blade that may extend from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The tissue separating device includes a cam mechanism at the distal portion of the sheath that allows the user of the device to more accurately control the extension and rotation of the cutting blade upon being actuated by the handle. |
| US09668756B2 |
Facet arthroplasty devices and methods
A prosthesis replaces all or a portion of a natural facet joint on a vertebral body. The prosthesis has a prosthesis body accommodating fixation to the vertebral body at or near a pedicle and without support by a lamina. The prosthesis body has a fastening element installed within the vertebral body at or near a pedicle. The prosthesis further has an artificial facet joint structure carried by the prosthesis body at a location spaced from the fastening element. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted and configured to replace all or a portion of a natural facet joint. |
| US09668752B2 |
Method for controlling and/or regulating a compressed-gas-operable medical drive device and such a drive device
Methods for controlling and/or regulating of a compressed-gas-operable medical or dental drive device and a control and/or regulating device for performing such methods are described. In one method according to a first embodiment, a rotor of the drive device is operated at an essentially constant rotational speed (n1) by adjusting the gas pressure and/or the flow rate of the compressed gas through a valve and the rotational speed is reduced on reaching a pressure value (p2) of the compressed gas which is lower than the maximum gas pressure (pmax) of the compressed gas. In the case of a method according to a second embodiment, the gas pressure of the compressed gas and the rotational speed of the rotor are altered on reaching a rotational speed limit value (n2, n3) of the rotor by adjusting the valve. |
| US09668749B2 |
Adjustable revision guide
An axial height adjustable, revision cutting in the shape of a final distal femur implant component. The revision guide includes a rod adapted for intimate contact within an intramedullary canal of a femur, and includes a threaded passageway. The revision cutting guide is adapted for removable attachment to a distal portion of the femur. A vernier-bolt is rotatably positioned through the shaped body of the revision cutting guide so as to be adjustably received within the threaded passageway thereby providing for movement of the shaped body of the revision cutting guide relative to the distal portion of the femur. |
| US09668748B2 |
Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty
Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty, including, but not limited to, bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty, are described herein. Methods and apparatus for preparing a distal femur for a femoral implant as well as methods and apparatus for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are described. These methods and apparatus, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures, while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures. |
| US09668746B2 |
Adjustable allograft templates and methods of use
Adjustable allograft templates and methods of use are disclosed where a template for resecting a tissue region may generally comprise a template frame having a surface for contacting the tissue region and which defines an open area of tissue to be resected. A frame assembly along the template frame may be translatable relative to the template to adjust a size of the open area of tissue to be resected. One or more inner guidance slots may be defined along the frame such that the inner guidance slots are spaced relative to one another to define the tissue within the open area to be resected from a patient. Additionally, one or more outer guidance slots may also be defined along the frame and aligned adjacent to the inner guidance slots. The outer guidance slots may be spaced relative to one another to define the tissue to be resected from a donor. |
| US09668745B2 |
Anatomical concentric spheres THA
Devices and methods for identifying and maintaining the concentric spherical centers of a femur and acetabulum during revision or joint replacement surgery so that post surgery the anatomical spherical centers are maintained. Also disclosed are novel techniques and devices to project images onto an anatomical feature, such as exposed bone, to virtually fit trial prosthetic components, establish bone cut markings, and establishing the anatomical spherical center of a joint. |
| US09668742B2 |
Occlusion device
An occlusion device for placement within a body vessel may include a wire constructed support structure having a covering applied thereto. The covering includes a mixture of PET and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The covering is applied to the support structure via an electrospinning process to produce a non-woven fiber covering having increase strain capabilities relative to an electrospun PET covering without UHMWPE. The device has a nominal state that is radially expanded and a delivery state that is radially compressed and longitudinally extended for disposal within a low-profile delivery sheath. The covering increased strain capability allows for the device to have relative large diameter in the nominal state while still being capable of low-profile delivery. This occlusion device can provide faster occlusive capability when deployed and does not rely on delayed embolization. The covering extends across the vessel upon deployment to provide instant occlusion. |
| US09668741B2 |
Aortic occluder with tensioned balloons
An aortic occluder catheter with expandable balloons for increasing cerebral blood blow has one or more balloons on a catheter shaft. To assist the balloon in bearing up against arterial blood flow while positioned retrograde in the aorta, the balloon is bonded to the catheter shaft in tension. |
| US09668740B2 |
Anvil assembly with sliding sleeve
An anvil assembly having a sliding sleeve is provided. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod assembly, a head assembly pivotally secured to the anvil center rod assembly, and a sleeve member slidably disposed about the anvil center rod assembly. The sleeve member is configured to slide relative to the anvil center rod assembly as the head assembly pivots relative to the anvil center rod assembly. |
| US09668738B2 |
Endoluminal fundoplication device and related method
A distal assembly of an endoscopic surgical device, and a related method, having a first arm and a second arm pivotal relative to the first arm. Each arm is configured to hold a part of a two-part fastener at a distal end of the arm. A closing mechanism is positioned proximate a proximal end of each of the first and second arms opposite the distal end of each of the first and second arms. The closing mechanism is configured to move in relation to the first and second arms so as to close over at least one of the first and second arms to cause the distal ends of the arms to come together. An actuation member is also attached to the closing mechanism actuable to cause the closing mechanism to move in relation to the first and second arms. |
| US09668735B2 |
Surgical instruments employing sensors
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrument for operating on tissue is provided. The surgical instrument includes an end effector including a first tissue engaging member and a second tissue engaging member in juxtaposed relation to the first tissue engaging member; a gap determination element operatively associated with each of the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member for measuring a gap distance between the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member; and a tissue contact determining element operatively associated with a respective tissue contacting surface of at least one of the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member. The present disclosure also relates to methods of using the surgical instrument. |
| US09668732B2 |
Surgical stapler handle assembly having actuation mechanism with longitudinally rotatable shaft
A handle assembly for a surgical stapler can comprise a rotatable actuation shaft. The actuation shaft can have a first rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a repeatable open and close mode, a second rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a staple firing mode, and a third rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a reversing mode. The handle assembly can include a rotational mechanism arranged to discretely position the rotatable actuation shaft in one of the rotational orientations. The rotational mechanism can be arranged for single handed operation such as by including a slidable switch or selector to rotate the actuation shaft. |
| US09668729B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus
A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. |
| US09668727B2 |
Needle and snare guide apparatus for passing suture
A trocar wound closure system includes a suture passing needle and a guide for directing the needle through the wound site. A distal portion of the needle includes a capture rod with a slot. An obturator tube with a cutout section can be axially actuated to align the cutout section with the slot, and then moved out of alignment so as to capture the suture. The guide includes at least two tracks for directing the needle through the tissue track. A snare loop is located adjacent to the exit of each track, and configured to be actuated from a radially extended configuration to a retracted configuration so as to capture the suture section inserted through each loop. Radially expandable arms at distal section are movable between an expanded configuration and a slender configuration. |
| US09668725B2 |
Laparoscopic wound closure device
A laparoscopic wound closure device includes an elongated body portion including a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of vertical suture channels. Each vertical suture channel has an entrance at the proximal end and an exit near the distal end for passing a suture needle through, and travels parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion of the device. The vertical suture channels are designed to cause a suture needle to deflect laterally as it exits the wound closure device. The wound closure device can be an obturator or a sheath of a trocar assembly, and can be used to inject local anesthetic at the conclusion of surgery. |
| US09668719B2 |
Vascular closure devices comprising force management features and related methods
A vascular closure device may comprise an elongate shaft, a vascular sealing structure, and a carriage. The vascular sealing structure may be located on the elongate shaft and configured to apply a pressure to an interior wall of a lumen. The carriage may be slidably coupled to the elongate shaft, and at least one elastically deformable structure may be configured to transfer at least a portion of a force applied to the carriage to the elongate shaft. A method of vascular closure may comprise positioning a vascular sealing structure located on the elongate shaft within a lumen, transferring at least a portion of a force applied to a carriage to the elongate shaft via at least one elastically deformable structure, and applying a pressure to an interior wall of the lumen with the vascular sealing structure to close a vascular opening. |
| US09668718B2 |
Methods and apparatus for tissue removal
A tissue removal apparatus and needle assembly for extracting a tissue portion from tissue or the like, the needle assembly comprising an inner tube having an interior cavity, an outer cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and an interior cavity, the interior cavity of the outer cannula having an interior diameter to slidably receive the inner tube and a collapsible section operably engaged with the inner tube and the outer cannula whereby a forward movement of a portion of the inner tube within the interior cavity of the outer cannula changes the collapsible section from a neutral position to a collapsed position to engage the tissue portion. In some embodiments, the outer cannula further comprises an aperture configured to allow a tissue portion from within the needle assembly to pass through or otherwise be expelled outside of the needle assembly. |
| US09668709B2 |
Barrier envelope for an imaging plate
Examples include an envelope for an imaging plate. The envelope can include an opaque film partially hermetically sealed with a transparent film defining a cavity between the opaque film and the transparent film; the cavity configured to receive an imaging plate; an adhesive disposed on the opaque film or the transparent film along an unsealed portion of the opaque film and the transparent film; and a notch defined by the opaque film and the transparent film along a tab portion of the opaque film and transparent film that is hermetically sealed. |
| US09668708B2 |
X-ray imaging device
When an X-ray detector is removed from a storage part, a sensor senses this, and transmits to an up and down control part a signal indicating that the X-ray detector has been taken out of the storage part. Upon receipt of the signal, the up and down control part releases braking force by electro permanent magnets. In doing so, sticking force of the electro permanent magnet on a fixing part, and sticking force of the electro permanent magnet on a stopper plate are released. The weight of a counter weight is larger than the total value of the weights of the arm, X-ray tube, collimator, and the like, and therefore in a state where the arm is released from being fixed by the electro permanent magnets, the arm starts to move up together with the X-ray tube and the collimator. |
| US09668707B2 |
Mobile radiation imaging apparatus, method for controlling mobile radiation imaging apparatus, and storage medium
A mobile radiation imaging apparatus includes: an irradiation unit that emits radiation; a moving unit that moves with the irradiation unit; an imaging unit that takes an image of an object irradiated with radiation and is able to transmit the image via the wireless communication or the wired communication; an obtaining unit that obtains information indicating in which area the moving unit is located among a wired communication area, a wirelessly communicable area, and a switching area for switching between the wireless communication and the wired communication; and a control unit that switches the communication with the imaging unit depending on the obtained information. |
| US09668702B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for using descriptors to identify when a subject is likely to have a dysmorphic feature
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for identifying when a subject is likely to be affected by a medical condition. For example, at least one processor may be configured to receive information reflective of an external soft tissue image of the subject. The processor may also be configured to perform an evaluation of the external soft tissue image information and to generate evaluation result information based, at least in part, on the evaluation. The processor may also be configured to predict a likelihood that the subject is affected by the medical condition based, at least in part, on the evaluation result information. |
| US09668698B2 |
Monitoring device and method for compensating non-linearity effects in vital signs monitoring
The present invention relates to a monitoring device (10) comprising a light source (14) for emitting light into a body part (12) of a living being; a light sensor (18) for receiving light (16) including an ambient light component (30) and a measurement light component (32) resulting from interactions of said emitted light with said body part (12) and for generating an output signal (34), wherein a transfer function describes the relation between the output signal (34) and the received light; an ambient light cancellation unit (20) for separating the output signal (34) into a first signal portion (36) corresponding to the ambient light component (30) and a second signal portion (38) corresponding to the measurement light component (32); and an ambient light modulation removal unit (22) for compensating a variation of the ambient light component (30) by demodulating the second signal portion (38) based on the transfer function (f) and the first signal portion (36) to generate a measurement signal (40). |
| US09668693B2 |
Method for improving psychophysiological function for performance under stress
A method of improving psychophysiological function of a subject performing a stress-inducing activity using a computer includes, after a plurality of sensors that monitor stress-indicating physiological parameters have been coupled to the subject and to the computer, providing, by the computer to the subject, a set of training segments that each present the subject with one or more visual, audible, or tactile prompts, wherein in at least one of the training segments, the prompts induce the subject to simultaneously perform both the stress-inducing activity and a relaxation-inducing protocol. The computer provides the set of training segments until a value of at least one physiological parameter that indicates stress in the subject is within a pre-defined range of a baseline value of the parameter, thereby indicating that the subject has successfully performed the stress-inducing activity while maintaining alertness with a relative minimum of stress. |
| US09668692B2 |
Apnea and hypopnea detection
The identification of obstructed breathing, including an apnea condition and a hypopnea condition, is disclosed. A signal representative of a flow rate of therapeutic gas being delivered to the patient is received. A peak flow value and a minimum flow value over a predetermined time window encompassing a plurality of respiration cycles is derived. A polynomial difference equation from the peak flow values and the minimum flow values is generated, and a respiration index from a minimum of the polynomial difference equation is derived. The apnea and/or hypopnea condition is indicated based upon a comparison of the respiration index to a predefined obstruction threshold over a predefined obstruction time period. |
| US09668685B2 |
Analyte sensors comprising hydrogel membranes
Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have improved signal response and stability by inclusion of a coating including a hydrogel, a crosslinker, and a swelling modulator, where the coating is disposed proximate to a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring. |
| US09668681B2 |
Measuring device for measuring cerebral parameters
The invention relates to a measuring device and to a method for measuring parameters of a body tissue using an elongate probe (1) for insertion into the body tissue, comprising at least one optical waveguide (2) for transmitting light beams that runs along the longitudinal axis of the probe within the probe, an exit region (5) from which light beams emitted from the optical waveguide exit into the body tissue, and at least one receiving region (6) through which light beams reflected and/or scattered in the body tissue enter the probe as input light beams on a photodetector or in an optical waveguide (2; 3). The exit region (5) is provided at the distal end of the probe (1) and is oriented at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the probe (1). At least some of the emitted light beams exit the probe in the longitudinal direction of the probe. The at least one receiving region (6) is located at a distance from the distal end of the probe on a lateral circumferential region of the probe. The input light beams entering a receiving region (6) are subject to a deflection of more than 90° relative to the light beams emitted from the exit region (5). |
| US09668677B2 |
Analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
| US09668672B2 |
Method and system for non-invasively monitoring biological or biochemical parameters of individual
A system and method are presented for use in monitoring one or more conditions of a subject's body. The system includes a control unit which includes an input port for receiving image data, a memory utility, and a processor utility. The image data is indicative of data measured by a pixel detector array and is in the form of a sequence of speckle patterns generated by a portion of the subject's body in response to illumination thereof by coherent light according to a certain sampling time pattern. The memory utility stores one or more predetermined models, the model comprising data indicative of a relation between one or more measurable parameters and one or more conditions of the subject's body. The processor utility is configured and operable for processing the image data to determine one or more corresponding body conditions; and generating output data indicative of the corresponding body conditions. |
| US09668667B2 |
Method and apparatus to measure bioelectric impedance of patient tissue
A device to measure tissue impedance comprises drive circuitry coupled to calibration circuitry, such that a calibration signal from the calibration circuitry corresponds to the current delivered through the tissue. Measurement circuitry can be coupled to measurement electrodes and the calibration circuitry, such that the tissue impedance can be determined in response to the measured calibration signal from the calibration circuitry and the measured tissue impedance signal from the measurement electrodes. Processor circuitry comprising a tangible medium can be configured to determine a complex tissue impedance in response to the calibration signal and the tissue impedance signal. The processor can be configured to select a frequency for the drive current, and the amount of drive current at increased frequencies may exceed a safety threshold for the drive current at lower frequencies. |
| US09668664B2 |
Focal point identification and mapping
A method can determine one or more origins of focal activation. The method can include computing phase for the electrical signals at a plurality of nodes distributed across a geometric surface based on the electrical data across time. The method can determine whether or not a given candidate node of the plurality of nodes is a focal point based on the analyzing the computed phase and magnitude of the given candidate node. A graphical map can be generated to visualize focal points detected on the geometric surface. |
| US09668663B2 |
Implantable dual sensor bio-pressure transponder and method of calibration
A bio-pressure sensor system is disclosed, comprising a first sensor configured to provide a reference pressure measurement and second sensor configured to measure a fluid pressure within a human body. The bio-pressure sensor system also comprises a first reference element and second reference element. The first and second sensors share the first reference element. The second reference element is coupled to the first sensor and configured to provide a reference pressure. The first and second sensors each comprise independent output signals. |
| US09668661B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for plethysmographic monitoring at the nose
The present invention relates to novel lip/cheek probes for detection of pulse-based differences in light absorbence across the vascularized tissue of a lip or cheek of a patient. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to estimate arterial oxygen saturation, and/or to obtain other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined probe/cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel lip/cheek probes. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe. |
| US09668660B2 |
Active medical device for monitoring the status of a patient suffering from a risk of heart failure
An active medical device is configured to receive inputs and to calculate a hemodynamic parameter representative of myocardium contractility determined from an endocardial acceleration signal. The microcontroller acquires heart rate and hemodynamic parameter pairs of values during a plurality of cardiac cycles. The microcontroller is configured to distribute the pairs of values into discrete bins to develop a profile for analysis. The microcontroller is configured to conduct an analysis comprising calculating an index representative of the patient's clinical status. The hemodynamic parameter representative of the myocardial contractility is a time interval separating the first and the second peak of endocardial acceleration. |
| US09668654B2 |
Ultrasound monitored continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method by bolus injection
The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation. |
| US09668650B2 |
Ophthalmologic apparatus
An ophthalmologic apparatus includes a two-dimensional scanning optical system, a refractive optical system, and a concave mirror. The two-dimensional scanning optical system deflects light from a light source in a first angle range. The refractive optical system deflects the light deflected by the two-dimensional scanning optical system in a second angle range that is wider than the first angle range. The concave mirror includes a reflective surface in at least part of the rotational symmetry surface, and reflects the light emitted from the refractive optical system. The exit-side optical axis of the refractive optical system substantially coincides with the rotational symmetry axis of the rotational symmetry surface. The pupil location in the refractive optical system and the exit focus of the concave mirror are located at optically conjugate positions or in the vicinity of the positions. The exit focus is located at a subject's eye position. |
| US09668649B2 |
System and methods for mitigating changes in pupil size during laser refractive surgery to maintain ablation centration
Devices, systems, and methods perform diagnostic and/or treatment procedures on an eye using a pupilometer to determine a change in pupil size, a processor and a variable illumination source. In response to a change in pupil size as determined by the pupilometer, the processor may determine an optical light output sufficient to induce a pupillary response and mitigate the change in pupil size. The system directs the desired optical light output to the eye with the variable illumination source optionally to prevent the pupil size from exceeding certain limits so as to improve torsional tracking of markers of the eye. |
| US09668648B2 |
Spectacles and method for determining the pupil center of both of the wearer's eyes
The invention relates to a pair of spectacles (1) comprising a frame (2), said frame (2) having at least one lens-receiving opening (3) for a lens, and having a right nose section (5) of the frame and a left nose section (6) of the frame, wherein a right eye-capturing camera (7) is arranged in the right nose section (5) of the frame, and a left eye-capturing camera (8) is arranged in the left nose section (6) of the frame. |
| US09668645B2 |
Imaging probes and associated devices, systems, and methods utilizing electrostatic actuators
Devices, systems, and methods that utilize at least one charged electrode to impart motion to an optical fiber positioned within an imaging probe by an electrostatic force are provided. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic imaging probe can include a handle; a cannula coupled to the handle; an optical fiber positioned at least partially within the handle and the cannula, the optical fiber configured to receive an imaging light from an imaging light source and guide the imaging light to an optical element positioned within the cannula; and an actuator system configured to impart motion to the optical fiber, the actuator system including an electrode positioned within the cannula and configured to impart motion to the optical fiber by selectively imparting an electric charge to the electrode and/or the electrically conductive layer of the optical fiber. |
| US09668644B2 |
Floatation-volume adequacy determining system and floatation-volume adequacy determining method
A floatation-volume adequacy determining system including a receiving unit; an image processing unit; an adequacy determining unit; and a display unit. The receiving unit receives an actual image that is taken by a capsule medical apparatus that is floating in a liquid in the direction toward the liquid level. The image processing unit generates a determination reference image that represents an adequate range of a floatation volume of the capsule medical apparatus adjusted to the actual image that is taken by the capsule medical apparatus. An adequacy determining unit compares the determination reference image and the actual image with each other and determines whether the floatation volume of the capsule medical apparatus is adequate. The display unit displays a result of determining whether the floatation volume of the capsule medical apparatus is adequate. |
| US09668641B2 |
Articulating torqueable hollow device
An articulating mechanism for use in a medical device, such as an endoscope or a catheter, includes a series of stacked links disposed adjacent to one another and movable with respect to each other. Each link includes a front face tapered to a pair of pivot points and a rear face defining a wedge shaped recess for receiving the pivot points of the adjacent link. Pull-wires provide tension and hold the staked links together while also allowing for controlled bending of the distal portion by movement of one or more of the pull-wires. |
| US09668636B2 |
Method and apparatus for dishwasher with common heating element for multiple treating chambers
A dishwasher with multiple physically separate treating chambers includes an air supply system selectively supplying drying air to the treating chambers, and a drying air exhaust system selectively removing drying air from the treating chambers. A method for operating a dishwasher selectively supplies heated drying air to and exhausts drying air from at least one treating chamber. |
| US09668635B2 |
Dishwasher with rack corner spray system
A dishwasher includes a rack provided with interior and exterior corner nozzles to direct washing fluid onto interior and exterior surface portions of an object placed in a corner of the rack. |
| US09668634B2 |
Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher
A dishwasher includes a wash container for receiving items to be washed and a front frame which has an open bottom and an upper frame run and is disposed in surrounding relationship to a front loading opening of the wash container. The front frame has a cross-sectional profile and is provided with at least one height stop that projects beyond the cross-sectional profile in height and is configured as a tab in the upper frame run. |
| US09668633B1 |
Portable mop cleaning apparatus
Mop cleaning apparatus including a mobile cart, a mop cleaning assembly including two rollers attached to a tank on the cart, and a handle used to move the cart and also operable to change the distance between two rollers of the mop cleaning assembly to receive a mop head and form a nip for wringing the mop head. |
| US09668630B2 |
All in the head surface cleaning apparatus
An all in the head surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet and first and second laterally opposed sidewalls. The surface cleaning head may include a brush motor drivingly connected to a moveable brushing member, the brush motor having a brush motor axis. The surface cleaning head may include a cyclone assembly having a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber and positioned forward or rearward of the cyclone chamber. The cyclone may have a longitudinal cyclone axis. The surface cleaning head may include a suction motor having a first end, a second end and a suction motor axis extending between the first and second ends. An upper portion may be mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, and may include drive handle. |
| US09668626B2 |
Nozzle for a vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner
A nozzle for a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner are provided. The nozzle may include a main nozzle; at least one movable nozzle rotatably coupled to the main nozzle; and a rotary cleaner provided inside of the main nozzle and the movable nozzle that cleans a floor surface using a rotary motion. The rotary cleaner may include a main shaft rotatably provided inside of the main nozzle, and at least one auxiliary shaft provided inside of the movable nozzle and connected to the main shaft. The at least one auxiliary shaft may rotate using a rotational force transmitted from the main shaft. |
| US09668625B2 |
Vacuum having a metal drum and a polymer base
A vacuum appliance comprising a drum and a vacuum head. The drum may include a base and a cylinder sealed to the base. The vacuum head may include a lid and a blower. The lid preferably includes a portion that is detachably mounted to an open upper end of the drum. The blower may be mounted to, atop, or within the lid. In any case, the blower induces a vacuum within the drum and moves through the vacuum. The base or the cylinder may include a drain to drain fluid and debris contained within the drum. The lid may include a lower portion sealed to and defining the open upper end of the drum. The cylinder or the lid may include an air inlet through which the blower draws air and entrained debris. |
| US09668624B2 |
All in the head surface cleaning apparatus
An all in the head surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head having a brush positioned in a brush chamber. The brush chamber may have a dirty air inlet and a brush chamber outlet. The surface cleaning head may include a cyclone assembly comprising a cyclone chamber, the cyclone having a longitudinal cyclone axis, a cyclone air inlet and a cyclone air outlet. The surface cleaning head may include a first air flow path extending rearwardly from the brush chamber outlet to the cyclone chamber, and a suction motor having a suction motor air inlet, and a suction motor axis. The surface cleaning head may include a second air flow path extending laterally from the cyclone air outlet to the suction motor air inlet. |
| US09668621B2 |
Stack of folded web material for hygiene products
A stack of folded web material for hygiene products, such as paper or nonwoven products, said stack including: at least two webs, the webs including: a first web divided into individual sheets by means of lines of weakness; and a second web divided into individual sheets by means of lines of weakness; said first and second webs being interfolded with one another so as to form said stack; and wherein the first web and the second web are arranged in said stack such that the lines of weakness of the first web and the lines of weakness of the second web are offset with respect to one another along the webs; each line of weakness having a separation strength, being the force required to separate an individual sheet from the web along said line of weakness. |
| US09668619B2 |
Baffled chamber bathing device and methods
A baffled chamber bathing device and a method of making same are provided. The baffled chamber bathing device includes a generally elongated piece of porous fabric having a length. The piece of porous fabric can be folded along its length along a first fold and a second fold to form a tri-folded structure having a width. The bathing device includes a plurality of dividers each extending laterally across the width of the tri-folded structure and which define a plurality of baffled chambers. At least one of the plurality of baffled chambers created by the tri-folded structure and the plurality of dividers includes an opening into which a soap segment is capable of being inserted and securely held within the respective baffled chambers by the tri-folded structure. |
| US09668617B1 |
Utensil holder for chafing dishes and the like
Means attachable to any serving vessel, such as a pan, chafing dish or the like for holding utensils adjacent the particular serving vessel to keep the utensils immediately and safely available for use, while discouraging the utensils from one serving vessel from being used to serve food from a different serving vessel. |
| US09668615B2 |
Apparatus for converting kettle or kamado style cooking grills for cooking pizza
The invention pertains to an accessory for adapting cooking grills, especially kettle and kamado style grills for better cooking of pizzas and other foods not typically thought of as appropriate for grilling. The accessory is an insert that is adapted to sit between the bottom and the top of the grill and is generally shaped with a horizontal cross-section substantially similar to the horizontal cross section at the junction of the bottom and the top of the grill with which it is adapted to work. The insert increases the height of the cooking chamber. The insert includes a side opening or window through which food may be inserted and removed from the expanded cooking chamber without the need to open or remove the top of the grill. |
| US09668612B2 |
Roaster
A food roasting apparatus. A main body has a heating chamber housing provided with a heating line, a rotating unit to rotate food, a water tank, and a falling substance guide for guiding oil falling from the food into the water tank. A steam control unit induces evaporated moisture to circulate in the heating chamber housing. A medicinal substance guide container disposed adjacent the steam control unit contains medicinal substances therein. An aroma of the medicinal substances permeates the food. |
| US09668603B2 |
Systems, methods and devices for remote fuel level detection
Embodiments described herein relate to systems, methods, and devices for remote fuel level detection. A weighing instrument may couple to a propane tank for determining measurement values for a weight of the propane tank, wherein the propane tank is for coupling to a cooking apparatus to provide the fuel to the cooking apparatus. A computing device may receive, via a wireless communication link, measurement values for the weight of the propane tank; correlate the measurement values to data values stored in a database to determine an amount of fuel in the propane tank; and provide the amount of fuel in the propane tank to a user interface. A temperature instrument may determine a temperature of a region proximate to the propane tank to generate a safety factor for the propane tank. A temperature instrument may determine temperatures for regions proximate to the cooking apparatus. A temperature control may control the cooking apparatus. A temperature instrument may determine temperatures for food items cooking on the cooking apparatus, wherein the temperature instrument comprises a plurality of probes, each probe coupled to a food item cooking on the cooking apparatus. Other variations are described. |
| US09668602B2 |
Cooking appliance
A method of heating an item in a cavity of a cooking appliance including the steps of detecting the size of the item at a first time during a cooking cycle and detecting the size of the item at a second time during the cooking cycle. The cooking cycle is then controlled at least partially based on the size of the item at the second time during the cooking cycle. A cooking appliance for carrying out the method is also provided. |
| US09668599B1 |
Drinking container with spinner mechanism
A drinking container has a spinner mechanism that includes a spinner housing for providing a spinner chamber. A spinner disk fits securely within the spinner chamber when rotatably mounted therein. The spinner mechanism includes a fluid input through the chamber perimeter surface, and a fluid outlet for allowing the liquid out of the spinner chamber once it has contacted the spinner disk. A jet nozzle directs a liquid from the fluid input across top and bottom surfaces of the spinner disk. The spinner disk does not include paddles, but relies primarily on viscous and adhesive forces to transfer energy from the flowing liquid to the surface of the spinner disk. |
| US09668596B2 |
Hanging system for installation on an interior surface of a frame
A frame hanger including a substantially planar fixed section, wherein a portion of the perimeter of the fixed section defines a substantially linear mounting guide edge. A single arm is rotatably mounted to the fixed section between a fully extended state and a fully retracted state. While in the fully retracted state, no portion of the arm extends beyond the mounting guide edge of the substantially planar fixed section. In a fully extended state, a pointed end of the arm extends beyond the mounting guide edge of the planar fixed section. A barrier prohibits rotation of the arm, when in the fully extended state, greater than a predetermined acute angle relative to the mounting guide edge. The arm and fixed section lie either in a common single plane or two planes substantially parallel to one another. Alternatively, the arm is integral with and non-rotatable relative to the fixed section. |
| US09668594B2 |
Multi-position tray support
A tray support device includes a base and a front face extending upward from a front edge of the base. At least one support member is movable from a collapsed position on the base to a deployed position spaced above the base. At least one prop may be selectively positionable relative to the base and the support member to move the at least one support member between the collapsed position and the deployed position. A tray is supported on the at least one support member and abuts the front face. In the deployed position, the support member holds the tray at a forward angle, to facilitate access to the goods in the tray by customers. |
| US09668589B2 |
Portable changing table
A portable changing table is disclosed. The portable changing table comprises a flexible support material and a support pocket disposed within the flexible support material. A rigid planar material is disposed within the support pocket and rigidly supports the flexible support material. An extension extends from the flexible support material and forms a securing envelope configured to attach to a child safety seat or a child stroller. Securing straps attach to the flexible support material and are configured to attach the flexible support material to a child safety seat or a child stroller. The securing straps and securing envelope provide tension across the flexible support material to provide a rigidly supported substantially horizontal surface where a caregiver can change a diaper or clothes of the infant or small child. |
| US09668584B2 |
Meditation support
Mediation sitting cushions and mats allow the user to meditate in comfort for great lengths of time, avoiding stress and pain often caused by traditional meditation cushions and mats. The layered mediation sitting cushions and mats combine a slow recovery visco-elastic foam (“VEF”), having load deformation properties and densities, with one or more base layers of a batting support. The sitting cushions and mats enable a person seated in traditional meditative positions to achieve a comfortable posture, regardless of the meditator's size or weight. The sitting cushions and mats also allow people to meditate in traditional cross-legged or kneeling postures comfortably, without irritation or pain. The mediation sitting cushions and mats also maintain of the pelvis in a neutral or slightly anterior position, resulting in proper alignment of the pelvis and spine, which minimizes the muscular and ligamentous strain caused by sitting in stillness for long periods of time. |
| US09668582B2 |
Linear adjustment mechanism
According to embodiments described in the specification, a linear adjustment mechanism for a chair includes first and second structural members adapted to be connected to a chair seat and chair back respectively and coupled to one another for relative sliding movement along an axis. The mechanism further includes a rack on the first structural member extending in a direction of the axis and a pin member positioned in an opening of the second structural member for engaging with the rack. The pin member includes one or more bore openings. One or more spring members are carried by the second structural member for moving the pin member between respective limits of travel of the first and second structural members with respect to one another along the axis. The spring members are disposed through the bore opening for coupling the spring members relative to the pin member. |
| US09668580B2 |
Load support structure
A body support structure including a pair of laterally spaced apart supporting arms defining a gap therebetween, wherein each of the supporting arms includes an upper support having an upwardly extending upright and a forwardly extending seat support defining a seat part, and a lower support having an upwardly extending upright spaced apart from the upright of the upper support in a vertical plane. The uprights of the upper and lower supports define a backrest part. A pair of armrests each includes an upwardly extending portion connected to a respective one of the forwardly extending seat supports and a forwardly extending portion pivotally connected to the backrest part. A cross brace extends between and is coupled to the supporting arms proximate the pivotal connection. A flexible membrane extends between and is coupled to the supporting arms. |
| US09668578B2 |
Profile element for furniture, in particular shelves
The instant invention relates to a profile element for connecting plate-shaped elements, which are oriented orthogonally, parallel and in a line relative to one another, for constructing free-standing or wall-mounted, expandable storage furniture, in particular shelves. |
| US09668577B2 |
Slide rail mounting mechanism
A slide rail mounting mechanism includes a rail element and an adjustment element. The rail element has an upper wall, a lower wall and a middle wall connected between the upper wall and the lower wall. A receiving slot is formed between the upper wall and the middle wall. The adjustment element is movably mounted to the rail element. The adjustment element has an upper part located adjacent to the upper wall of the rail element, and a lower part located adjacent to the lower wall of the rail element; wherein when the adjustment element is adjusted to move to a position, the adjustment element extends to be in the receiving slot. |
| US09668576B2 |
Cabinet hanging and aligning system and method
A wall rail system for hanging and aligning cabinets has a wall mounting rail and a cabinet mounting bracket. The wall mounting rail is mounted to a wall. The cabinet mounting bracket is mounted to an upper back portion of a cabinet. An upper portion of the cabinet mounting bracket is constructed and arranged for receiving a portion of the wall mounting rail. The upper portion of the cabinet mounting bracket is retained within the portion of the wall mounting rail, which aligns the cabinet for mounting to the wall. |
| US09668574B2 |
Fixtures for retaining or storing objects
A fixture adapted for attachment to a movable surface, for retaining or storing elongated objects, includes a set of two fixture members. Each fixture member has (a) at least a leg portion for attaching to the movable surface; and (b) a body portion adapted to include one or more openings extending therethrough. At least one opening is adapted for receiving one end of an elongated object. The surface is movable from a first position that is within reach of a user to a second position that is out of reach of, but is accessible by, the user such that the fixture allows for utilization of limited space. |
| US09668572B2 |
Height adjustable desktop work surface
In one example, a height adjustable desktop system is described that can include a work surface, a foot assembly and a linkage assembly that adjustably connects the work surface to the foot assembly allowing vertical adjustment of the work surface. The linkage assembly can include a pair of adjustment assemblies, each having a transverse linkage that maintains the work surface in a horizontal orientation as the work surface is elevated or lowered. A biasing mechanism, such as an extension spring or a torsion spring, biases the work surface toward the elevated position. |
| US09668569B2 |
Method of making a brush and brush obtained in this way
Described is an industrial brush (1) comprising a brush body (2) obtained by the solidification of a metal in which the metal wires are locked in a rigid fashion for a first portion (3) thereby having a rigid body.The second portion of metal wires (4) is, on the other hand, free to perform brushing when the brush body (2) is rotated about a relative axis (5).The brush body (2) incorporates the metal wires with a structural coupling (with zero tolerance) which keeps unaltered the relative characteristics over time, with heat variations and at high speeds of rotation.It is also possible to construct the elements of traditional brushes with the same metal and a process is described for constructing new geometrical shapes for producing brushes with synthetic and natural wires with the traditional systems.Also described is a process for making a brush (1) comprising the steps of feeding in a mold (8) a metal in the molten state (melting temperature less than 2000° C.), in such a way that the first portion of the metal wires (3) is immersed in the metal which, when solidifying, forms a brush body with a rigid structure with a high mechanical strength such as to render perfectly stable the operation of the brush at high speeds and at high temperatures.During solidification of the molten metal there is also a heat treatment on the metal wires which improves their mechanical characteristics.Flanges, outer cups and inner cups with innovative embodiments can also be made with the same molding process, improving the characteristics of the traditional brushes. |
| US09668564B2 |
Cosmetic product applicator, device and associated method
This applicator comprises a tip (22) with a central axis (A-A′) and a product application body (24), in a single piece with the tip (22). The body (24) includes a first curved segment (40) with a local axis moving away from the central axis (A-A′) seen in a plane parallel to an axial median plane of the applicator. The body (24) has a second curved intermediate segment (42) with a local axis approaching the central axis (A-A′), and defining, with the first segment (40), a first hollow area. The body (24) has a third end segment (44) defining, with the second intermediate segment (42), a second hollow area (58) opposite the first hollow area. |
| US09668563B2 |
Deodorant product application device
A device and method for drying a substance applied to a surface as it is being applied to the surface. The device is designed to apply a form of energy including air movement, heat, or light and can be designed to apply combinations of energy forms. The energy form is applied to the surface during or after the substance has been applied to the surface. A design for the shape of the enclosure and features included in the enclosure for the device are disclosed which enhances the drying efficiency. |
| US09668558B2 |
Contact lens packaging
Disclosed is a stack of individually separable packages for a plurality of contact lenses, each individual lens being packaged between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is provided by a first one of the individually separable packages and the second surface is provided by a second one of the individually separable packages. |
| US09668556B2 |
Adjustable display housing assembly
Implementations of the present disclosure disclose an adjustable display housing assembly. According to one implementation, the adjustable display housing assembly comprises a base housing and a display panel housing. Furthermore, a first hinge is attached to the base housing and a moveable arm extends from the first hinge at a first end to a second hinge at an end opposite the first end. In addition, a flexible mounting plate is included to attach the second hinge to the display housing. When the display housing is placed in a closed position, a pivot point associated with the second hinge is retracted by the flexible mounting plate. And when the display housing is placed in a first viewing position, the pivot point associated the second hinge extends away from the display housing. |
| US09668555B2 |
Water resistant protective device case
A water resistant device case includes a front and back assembly that mate to enclose an electronic device. The front assembly includes a rigid front frame, a touch screen cover bonded to the front frame, an inner bumper attached to the rigid front frame and an elastomeric main seal attached around a periphery of the rigid front frame. The back assembly includes a rigid back frame, an elastomeric over mold formed on an exterior of the black frame and an inner bumper attached to the rigid back frame. A snap tab attached to the rigid back frame mates with a snap hook on the front assembly to hold the front and back assemblies together when the device is enclosed within the case. A main water resistant seal is formed around a perimeter of the front and back assemblies by the elastomeric main seal on the front assembly being held against an inner surface of the rigid back frame. A secondary water resistant seal is formed around a perimeter of the front and back assemblies by an elastomeric secondary sealing member attached around a periphery of the rigid front frame that mates with an exterior surface of the back assembly to form a secondary water resistant seal. A closed cell foam is used to seal apertures associated with the device's audio inputs and outputs. |
| US09668553B2 |
Umbrella having an anti-inversion mechanism
An umbrella has a plurality of ribs attached to a runner by main struts. The umbrella has an anti-inversion mechanism formed of a plurality of anti-inversion struts. Each anti-inversion strut is pivotally coupled to one respective main strut and is pivotally connected to a floating joint member that is freely movable along a length of one respective rib. The anti-inversion mechanism also includes a stop that is fixedly attached to the rib and restricts the degree of travel of the floating joint member along the rib and is positioned to prevent the respective rib from inverting in response to an applied force. |
| US09668552B2 |
Ski pole shaft inclinometer as sticker or image
One embodiment of an inclinometer is disclosed comprising lines on a sticker applied to a ski pole shaft. Each line represents a unique slope angle, and may be identified by a number to indicate the slope angle, such that the lines can be used to visually identify slope angle when the ski pole shaft is held vertically. Slope angle measurements can be taken by sighting a side profile of the slope, or by sighting up or down the slope, or by direct contact measurement with the slope. Other embodiments are described and shown, including one with lines printed directly onto a ski pole shaft, and one that's applied to the cylindrical surface of a water bottle rather than to that of a ski pole shaft. |
| US09668551B2 |
Clasp system
A clasp system for attaching two elements, comprising first and second parts (A, B) each having a body (10, 11) for attachment to a respective one of the elements. The first and second parts having a fastening means comprising first and second fastening portions (1, 6), the first part including the first fastening portion and the second part including the second fastening portion. The first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are respectively configured for clipping engagement to fasten the first and second parts together. The unfastening comprises a relative twist movement of the first and second parts to unclip the first and second fastening portions. The first and second parts further comprise magnetic material (2, 3, 4, 5) arranged to pull the first and second parts together into the clipping engagement when the first and second parts are relatively oriented in a predetermined manner and spaced less than a predetermined maximum distance apart. |
| US09668544B2 |
Last system for articles with braided components
A last system and a method of making the last system are disclosed. The last system includes a last member and an exterior layer. The exterior layer becomes deformable when heated above a characteristic temperature. The method can include forming a braided footwear component on the last system. The exterior layer may be joined with the braided footwear component by heating the last system above the characteristic temperature. |
| US09668542B2 |
Sole structure including sipes
An article of footwear may include a sole structure with a plurality of sipes. The plurality of sipes may extend from the forefoot region to the heel region. Additionally, the plurality of sipes may extend across the sole structure from a medial edge toward the lateral side and from a lateral edge toward the medial side. Further, the sole structure may include longitudinal sipes that extend longitudinally along the sole structure. |
| US09668537B2 |
Orthotic insole for footwear with an attachable angle insert for correcting over pronation or supination of a foot
An orthotic device for insertion into footwear for correcting over pronation or supination of a foot is disclosed herein. The orthotic device may include an insole comprising an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the insole may receive and support at least a portion of the foot. The orthotic device also may include a removable angle insert attachable to the lower surface of the insole. The removable angle insert may increase an angle about a side of the insole to correct over pronation or supination of the foot. |
| US09668531B2 |
Dynamic materials integrated into articles for adjustable physical dimensional characteristics
Integrating dynamic materials into articles for adjustable physical characteristics (e.g., aesthetic, functional) can include various systems and methods. For example, in response to a human's body heat, a dynamic material may change shape to allow additional permeability in an article of clothing. Similarly, in response to the presence of moisture, an article of clothing may change shape to prevent the introduction of rain into an internal portion of the article. Additionally, it is contemplated that the shape changing material may change shape that affects a geometric structure of the article as a whole (e.g., protrusions, dimples, vents, etc.). |
| US09668530B2 |
Resilient prominence fabric and articles made therefrom
A fabric having resilient prominences on at least one surface is described for improved thermal protection, drag reduction and quick drying. Resilient prominences are bulges that extend outward from a fabric surface and trap some volume of air or other material therein. For example, a resilient prominence may be dome shaped and extend outward from the fabric plane. A resilient prominence is resilient in shape, whereby the resilient prominence may be compressed and then popped back into substantially the original shape. Reflective and/or absorptive materials may be configured on the surface of the fabric to provide camouflage from IR cameras. Reflective material may be configured on the fabric to reflect heat back to the wearer of a garment made with the fabric described. |
| US09668529B2 |
Head covering
Provided is a covering adapted for the head that includes a generally rectangular shaped fabric sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface, the fabric sheet having at least one evaporative cooling fabric secured to the inner surface of the fabric sheet, and a first and second elastic fabric panel located on or within the fabric sheet. A method of aiding thermoregulation of the human body and a kit including a covering and instructions for use is also provided. |
| US09668523B2 |
Electronic cigarette
A device includes a casing extending in a longitudinal direction, a vaporizer configured to generate, a vapor, a mouth-end insert at an end of the casing, and a power supply configured to supply power to the vaporizer. The mouth-end insert includes a single, non-recessed end surface, and a plurality of non-diverging outlets in the mouth-end insert. The outlets are generally coplanar at the single, non-recessed end surface of the mouth-end insert. |
| US09668521B2 |
Heated aerosol-generating device and method for generating aerosol with consistent properties
There is provided a method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device, the device comprising: a heater comprising at least one heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; and a power source for providing power to the heating element, comprising the steps of: controlling the power provided to the heating element such that in a first phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases from an initial temperature to a first temperature, in a second phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element drops below the first temperature and in a third phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases again. Increasing the temperature of the heating element during a final phase of the heating process reduces or prevents the reduction in aerosol delivery over time. |
| US09668519B2 |
Gamma cyclodextrin flavoring-release additives
Electrically heated cigarettes used in an electrical smoking system include a flavoring-release additive and sorbent effective to remove one or more gas-phase constituents of mainstream tobacco smoke. The flavoring-release additive includes gamma cyclodextrin and at least one flavoring. Flavoring is released in a cigarette upon the flavoring-release additive reaching at least a minimum temperature during smoking. The flavoring-release additive can have various forms including, for example, powder and films. |
| US09668512B2 |
Continuous food frying device, continuous food frying method, and method for producing fried food
A continuous food frying device includes a first heating unit, a conveyance unit, a uniformizing unit, and a second heating unit. The first heating unit stirs and heats a food charged therein from a charging port of a drum member. The conveyance unit conveys a food discharged from a discharging port of the drum member. The uniformizing unit makes the thickness of the food substantially uniform. The second heating unit blows hot air onto the food from injection ports. |
| US09668509B2 |
Retort agitation system
A retort agitation system (100) for thermal processing of products includes product carriers 102a and 102b mounted on a low friction support system 104 for reciprocal movement of the carriers along the interior of a retort. The product carriers are driven in reciprocating motion by a drive actuator system 106 that can be positioned between the carriers 102a and 102b or endwise of the two carriers 102a and 102b. A drive actuator system 106 is linked to the carriers to cause the carriers to move along opposite reciprocating paths lengthwise of the retort. Reaction actuators 108 act on the carriers in opposition to the drive actuator system 106 to apply forces on the carriers for accelerating the carriers along the reciprocating paths of travel when such carriers reach the distal and proximal ends of the reciprocating travel paths. |
| US09668508B2 |
Dietary supplement dosing device
The present invention relates to a dietary supplement dosing device that can be connected to a source of water to enable dosing of dietary supplement to water at the time of dispensing. The dietary supplement dosing device is capable of dosing controlled amounts of the dietary supplement to water upon being dispensed for consumption by fitting it to a faucet and the dietary supplement dosed water is free of color, taste and odor and with beneficial amounts of dietary supplement. A dietary supplement dosing device comprises a flow distribution unit and a dietary supplement cartridge and the dietary supplement cartridge can be designed to deliver the dietary supplement from a source which is either in the solid or liquid form. |
| US09668506B2 |
Powder for coloring a food product when heated
The present invention relates to a powder for coloring a food product or a food product surface when heated, the powder having a plant extract, a chemical base, and a carrier; wherein the plant extract includes a compound with at least one aromatic ring having at least two hydroxyl groups borne by two adjacent carbon atoms of that aromatic ring. Further aspects of the invention are the use of said powder for coloring a food product when heated for example in a microwave oven and to food products having said powder. |
| US09668502B2 |
Increased alpha-prime beta-conglycinin soybeans
The invention overcomes the deficiencies of the art by providing a soybean plant with non-transgenic mutations conferring decreased α-subunit of β-conglycinin content and increased α′-subunit content of β-conglycinin in seed. Moreover, the invention provides an agronomically elite soybean plant with non-transgenic mutations conferring a gyclinin null phenotype, increased β-conglycinin content, and increased α′-subunit content of β-conglycinin in the seed. The invention also provides derivatives, and plant parts of these plants and uses thereof. Methods for producing such plants are also provided. |
| US09668501B2 |
Use of bacterial amylases in feed for bovine animals
The invention relates to the use of at least one bacterial amylase in feed for ruminant animals of the subfamily Bovinae in particular for improving milk yield, apparent digestibility of the diet fed, feedstuff dry matter disappearance, weight gain, and/or Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). Examples of bovine animals are dairy cows and beef cattle. The invention also relates to the use of such amylases in feed and feed additives such as premix, concentrates and total mixed ration (TMR). The amylase may be used in combination with cellulase for improving milk yield and/or back fat thickness. Preferred amylases are derived from Bacillus halmapalus, licheniformis, and stearothermophilus and are preferably homologous to Bacillus stearothermophilus amylase. |
| US09668498B2 |
System and method for moving a dispenser from a closed mode into a dispensing mode for use with a mobile confectionary edifice or vehicle
The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and devices for producing a shaved ice or snow cone products and providing toppings thereto. The system may comprise an ice shaving or snow cone machine, a mobile edifice, and a topping dispenser attached to the mobile edifice. |
| US09668496B1 |
Method of brewing a beverage with an electric, automatic beverage maker
A method of brewing a beverage, such as freshly brewed coffee, in an electrical, automatic beverage brewer (10) with a rotatable mixing chamber (12) for mixing water (109) from a hot water tank (28) with dry beverage ingredient (108) having a closed top (7) and an open bottom (3, 66) to which is releasably mounted a brew basket (14) with an open top (19) for fluid communication with the mixing chamber (12) through the open bottom (3, 66). Before mounting, the brew basket (14) is loaded with a filter (105) and dry beverage ingredient (109). The mixing chamber (12) with the brew basket (14) attached is then automatically turned upside down (FIG. 6) to dump the dry beverage ingredient (109) out of the filter (105) and onto the closed top (7) of the rotatable mixing chamber (12). A preselected amount of water (109) is then infused into the mixing chamber (12) to a level beneath the open bottom (3) and filter (105) and onto the dry beverage ingredient (109) for mixing therewith. After a preselected mixing time period is passed the mixing chamber (12) and mounted brew basket (14) is automatically turned right side up to pass the beverage (110) through the filter (105) and out of the drain hole (90) of the brew basket (14). After the mixing chamber (12) has been returned to an upright position, pressurized air (44, 46, and 48) is automatically injected into the mixing chamber (12) to hasten the passage of beverage (110) through the filter (105) and out of the drain hole (90). |
| US09668493B2 |
Shashlyk machine and method for making shashlyks
In order to produce shish kebab skewers (100) in a substantially automated manner, the individual ingredients (98) are individually provided in cups (6) of a cup arrangement (7) including sequential cup rows (8a, b) and cup lines (12a, b) so that a skewer holder (3) in which plural skewers (99) are received in a row adjacent to one another respectively prongs the same ingredient (98) onto all its skewers (99) simultaneously in that it lowers relative to the cups in whose bases (17) pass through openings (32) are arranged so that the ingredients (98) in the cups (6) are pronged onto the skewers (99). |
| US09668491B2 |
Direct current/alternating current poultry stunning and immobilizing apparatus and method
A poultry stunning apparatus and method, the apparatus including an electrical control module configured to apply a DC current to the poultry at a voltage sufficient to stun the poultry and to apply AC current to the stunned poultry at a voltage and for a period of time sufficient to immobilize and relax the muscles of the stunned poultry, while at the same time avoiding or minimizing damage to the poultry tissue. In the method, DC voltage/current is applied for initial stunning, followed by an AC voltage/current to immobilize poultry and to further relax the muscles of the stunned poultry, such that the poultry does not exhibit involuntary motions, while at the same time avoiding or minimizing damage to the poultry tissue. |
| US09668490B2 |
Device and method for the condensation of a vapor in a vacuum chamber
A vacuum cooling device for the cooling of foodstuff, in particular hot bakery products comprises a vacuum chamber (2) containing a product chamber (7) for receiving the foodstuff for its cooling and a separation chamber (28), a vacuum source (3), such as a vacuum pump which is connected to the separation chamber (28) and a vapor condenser (4) for condensation of vapor generated during the cooling process in the product chamber. The vapor condenser comprises a cooling medium in a sump (11) and comprises a vapor introduction element (8, 9, 10) for introducing the vapor into the cooling medium. |
| US09668489B2 |
Method and apparatus for making a low density wafer product
The present invention relates to the production of wafers and more particularly to the use of a batter aerating system to obtain wafers with an effective density of at most 0.16 g/cm3, and with sufficient strength to be able to remove them from the wafer baking plates. |
| US09668488B2 |
Calorie reduction-taste retention food products
A food product having in the range of about 1 to 3.25 calories per gram, on a dry weight basis, and comprising resistant starch with a maintained granular structure, preferably, with a chemically modification to obtain the maintained granular structure. With a type II resistant starch, the total dietary fiber within the food product arising from the resistant starch comprises 14-20% of the final food product by weight. With a type IV resistant starch, the total dietary fiber within the food product arising from the resistant starch constitutes 14-60% of the final food product by weight. The food product may be cookies, cakes, crisps, instant noodles, cheese crackers, pasta, and egg noodles. |
| US09668487B2 |
Cake leveler
A portioning device is provided for use in cutting or leveling a food product. The portioning device comprises a handle section that is configured to be manipulated by a user, a leg section and a blade. The handle section includes an arm configured to receive a leg, a sleeve configured to slide over a portion of the arm, and an arm connector pivotally coupled to the arm. The leg section is configured to support the portioning device on a surface. The leg section includes a blade holder configured to hold an end of a blade portion, and a leg lock configured to adjustably lock the leg in a position. The blade is configured to cut an object. |
| US09668484B2 |
Synergistic herbicidal composition and use thereof
A herbicidal composition is provided, the composition comprising: (A) the crystalline modification I of 2-(4-mesyl-2-nitrobenzoyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione (mesotrione); and (B) the crystalline modification I of 1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-(3-ethylsulfonyl-2-pyridylsulfonyl)urea (rimsulfuron). A method of controlling plant growth at a locus comprises applying to the locus herbicidally effective amounts of both (A) the crystalline modification I of 2-(4-mesyl-2-nitrobenzoyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione (mesotrione); and (B) the crystalline modification I of 1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-(3-ethylsulfonyl-2-pyridylsulfonyl)urea (rimsulfuron). |
| US09668482B1 |
Fused heterocyclic compound and pest control application thereof
Provided are: a fused heterocyclic compound by formula (1) or an N-oxide thereof, having excellent control effects against pests: a pest control composition containing the abovementioned compound and an inert carrier; and a pest control method for applying an effective dose of the abovementioned compound to a pest or pest habitat. |
| US09668480B2 |
Method for treating plants against fungi resistant to fungicides using carboxamide or thiocarboxamide derivatives
The invention relates to the use of N-cyclopropyl-N-[substituted-benzyl]-3-(difluoromethyl)-5-fluoro-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide or thiocarboxamide derivatives and/or salts thereof for improving growth in crops, comprising preventively and/or curatively controlling resistant strains of fungi, particularly for controlling strains of fungi resistant to SDHI fungicides. The invention further relates to associated methods. |
| US09668477B2 |
Active compound combinations
The invention relates to active compound combinations, in particular within a composition, which comprises (A) an amidine compound of formula (I) and a further fungicidally (B). Moreover, the invention relates to a method for curatively or preventively controlling the phytopathogenic fungi of plants, to the use of a combination according to the invention for the treatment of seed, to a method for protecting a seed and not at least to the treated seed. |
| US09668476B2 |
Removable antimicrobial coating compositions and methods of use
This invention relates to a method for controlling microorganisms comprising coating a surface with a removable, antimicrobial film-forming composition. |
| US09668466B2 |
Apparatus for attaching and detaching a cover of a bait casting reel
Disclosed is an apparatus for attaching and detaching a cover of a bait casting reel piezoelectric drive circuit. The apparatus includes a reel main body which is formed with an opening portion on one side, and inside which a spool is rotatably installed; a reel cover which supports the rotation of the spool, and opens and closes the opening portion by horizontally moving from one side of the reel main body so that the spool is separated from the reel main body; and a holder which connects the reel main body with the reel cover, projects from the reel main body to guide an opening and closing path of the reel cover when the opening portion is opened, and is coupled with the reel cover by a magnetic body internally provided to fix a separation position of the reel cover. |
| US09668465B2 |
Dual-bearing reel
A dual-bearing reel, includes a reel body, a handle, a spool, a spool shaft, a friction material an operating portion. The reel body has a first reel body portion and a second reel body portion. The handle is attached to the first reel body portion. The spool is disposed between the first reel body portion and the second reel body portion. The spool shaft is configured to integrally rotate with the spool. The friction material is configured to brake rotation of the spool shaft by frictional force. The operating member is rotatably disposed about the spool shaft in the second reel body portion, a portion of the operating member being exposed from an outer perimeter surface of the second reel body portion, and the operating member is configured to adjust the braking force by the first friction material by being rotated. |
| US09668464B2 |
Fishing lure system and kit having replaceable features and construction
Adaptable fishing lure kits, systems, and devices are provided. An adaptable fishing lure system may include a fishing lure body having a generally cylindrical shape, a fin member replaceably attachable to the fishing lure body, via a slot formed within an outer periphery surface of the lure body, and a channel chamber longitudinally extending through and within at least a portion of a length of the fishing lure body. The slot providing access to the channel, at least one cartridge providing an attractant into the chamber formed within the fishing lure body. Alternative use of an adhesive and means for securing a fin member and attractant are provided. |
| US09668463B2 |
Mouse model for engraftment potential
Disclosed herein is the generation of a permissive murine strain (NSGW) that exhibits enhanced levels of human chimerism without pre-conditioning. |
| US09668462B1 |
Fish stringer
A fish stringer. The device comprises a rope with a spear on one end and a tie-off loop on the other end. A tubular casing is included for sheathing the spear in a safety position when not in use. The locking assembly includes a J-shaped slot in the side of the casing that receives a knob on the side of the spear. A biasing member, such as a spring inside the casing urges the spear into the locked position to prevent accidental removal of the spear from the casing. After the first caught fish is speared, the spear is threaded through the tie-off loop. There is no need to tie off the rest of the fish in the string, making the stringing of the rest of the caught fish faster and easier. |
| US09668461B1 |
Skimmer assembly for ponds and water features
An easy to install and fish safe skimmer assembly for ponds and other water features is provided. The skimmer assembly includes a skimmer housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is substantially open and in fluid communication with the water feature in a manner such that fish in the water feature can swim in and out of the upper portion of the skimmer housing without being trapped by a physical barrier. The lower portion is enclosed and is in fluid communication with a conduit for transporting filtered water back into the water feature. The skimmer assembly further includes a barrier that separates water within the skimmer, a debris collector, and a floating weir disposed in the debris collector and moves in a vertical direction relative to the skimmer housing when a suction force is applied to force water to flow through the skimmer housing. |
| US09668459B2 |
Wireless animal fitness training, monitoring and remote control system
An animal fitness monitoring system and an animal-worn device that is capable of receiving and sending various inputs and outputs, respectively, from/to a wireless mobile device. The wireless mobile device has a software application that allows a human user to wirelessly communicate with the animal-worn transceiver via direct, networked or cellular wireless protocols. The animal-worn device interacts with the applications on the wireless mobile device to allow for a variety of functions, such as the transfer of commands or stimuli to the animal, the transfer of data regarding the fitness or activity level of the animal to the wireless mobile device, and/or the transfer of instructions from the animal-worn device to an external device. |
| US09668457B1 |
Disjoinable loop to drop waste
A disjoinable loop is disclosed. The loop is curvilinear with a flat side, the flat side being separable from itself to disjoin the loop. On the other side of the disjoinable flat side are flanges which are mechanically connected to, and operable by, a switch which causes the loop to either join or become disjoined. In some embodiments, the default position is to have a joined loop, while in others the default position is to have a disjoined loop. An extension arm separates the switch from the loop. A bag placed over the loop is used to catch excrement falling from an animal and, upon joining the loop together, the bag falls from the loop. In this manner, one can easily collect pet or other waste into a bag. |
| US09668456B2 |
Interactive data retention and display pet ball launcher
The invention relates to a novel interactive pet ball launcher wherein digital circuitry in the ball and launcher will wirelessly track and record throw data, allowing a User to view the data on a readout in the launcher handle, or to transfer the data to a smartphone or computer via wireless technology or a data dongle that connects via USB in the handle of the launcher. |
| US09668453B2 |
Animal litter, process for preparing animal litter, and method of removal of animal waste
An animal litter, process for preparing the animal litter and a method for removal of animal waste using the animal litter are provided. The animal litter generally includes corn cob, a lubricant, and a cohesiveness agent. The animal litter is in the form of discrete plural particles which tend to agglomerate when wetted. |
| US09668452B2 |
Device for production of dairy products, especially milk foam
A process for producing milk foam includes pumping milk through a milk line with a milk pump having an adjustable speed for adjusting the capacity of the milk pump. Milk from the milk line and air are mixed inside a first mixing chamber to produce a milk foam. Properties of the milk foam, including a consistency of the milk foam, are a function of the speed of the milk pump. A device for producing the milk foam includes a milk container; an outlet; a milk line connected between the milk container and the outlet; a first mixing chamber installed in the milk line to mix milk and air to produce milk foam; and a milk pump having an adjustable speed coupled into the milk line. |
| US09668451B2 |
Stevia Cultivar ‘814011’
A stevia cultivar, designated ‘814011’, is disclosed. The invention relates to the plant parts of stevia cultivar ‘814011’, to the plants of stevia ‘814011’ and to methods for producing a stevia plant produced by crossing the cultivar ‘814011’ with itself or another stevia variety, including methods using marker assisted breeding. The invention further relates to hybrid stevia seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar ‘814011’ with another stevia cultivar. |
| US09668447B2 |
Cotton variety 14R941B2XF
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 14R941B2XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 14R941B2XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 14R941B2XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 14R941B2XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods. |
| US09668446B1 |
Sorghum hybrid PHLQVZQ
A novel sorghum variety designated PHLQVZQ and seed, plants, plant parts and plant cells thereof are produced from a cross of inbred sorghum varieties. Methods for producing a sorghum plant by crossing hybrid sorghum variety PHLQVZQ with another sorghum plant and methods for producing a sorghum plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHLQVZQ through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the sorghum seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Sorghum variety PHLQVZQ, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of sorghum variety PHLQVZQ are provided. |
| US09668440B1 |
Soybean variety XB21A14
A novel soybean variety, designated XB21A14 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB21A14, cells from soybean variety XB21A14, plants of soybean XB21A14, and plant parts of soybean variety XB21A14. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB21A14 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB21A14, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB21A14, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB21A14. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB21A14 are further provided. |
| US09668438B2 |
Tomato hybrid SV5685TD and parents thereof
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV5685TD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV5685TD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09668437B2 |
Pepper hybrid SV1175PS
The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV1175PS and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV1175PS and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09668436B2 |
Pepper hybrid SV2947PS
The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV2947PS and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV2947PS and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09668433B2 |
Sub-surface irrigation system and method
An irrigation system and method is provided that includes a set of longitudinal perforated tubing members, with each tubing member having a tubing proximal end attached or attachable to a proximal lateral fluid conduit and having a tubing distal end attached attachable to a distal lateral fluid conduit to form an irrigation array. Two types of cross members are provided, a spacer cross member and a tubing cross member. The cross members hold each of the perforated tubing members in a grid-like pattern forming a tubing/spacer array or a tubing/tubing array. The longitudinal perforated tubing may be cut to accommodate the shape of a landscape format. Methods are provided for joining or ending the cut portions. The irrigation array is created, attached to a water supply, and buried below the surface of the ground. |
| US09668432B2 |
Subsurface irrigation mat
A subsurface irrigation mat includes at least one perforated tube, a web made of a first capillary textile, and a casing made of a second capillary textile. The casing surrounds substantially an entire circumference of the perforated tube along at least a portion of a length of the tube. At least one attachment secures the casing to the web so that the casing extends across the web. Water leaving through the holes in the perforated tube can saturate the casing, seep into the web from the casing, and then be carried across the web by capillary action. The result is a substantially uniform discharge of water from the web into a root zone of plants growing in a layer of a growing medium located above the web. |
| US09668426B2 |
Square baler
A square baler having a baling chamber of which the side walls are movable by respective hydraulic cylinders. The supply of hydraulic fluid to and from the two hydraulic cylinders is effected by a common control circuit that ensures that the two sides walls are displaced in synchronism with one another by equal and opposite amounts. |
| US09668420B2 |
Crop sensing display
Signals representing a sensed crop attribute are received for a least one forage plant in at least one row being harvested by one of a plurality of portions of a harvesting width engaged in harvesting. Control signals are generated causing the display to present information for plants harvested by the portion of the harvest width based on the sensed crop attribute. |
| US09668419B2 |
Automatic load control for self-propelled windrower
A windrower has a hydrostatic header drive system with a header drive pump and one or more header drive motors. The windrower also has a chassis with wheels coupled thereto, an engine, and a ground drive system coupled to the wheels and the engine. A control system has plural sensors having first, second, and third sensors, wherein the first sensor monitors engine load, the second sensor monitors hydrostatic header drive pressure, and the third sensor monitors ground speed. The control system has one or more controllers configured to receive input from the plural sensors, compare the input with respective target values for engine load, header drive pressure, and ground speed throughout a range of ground speeds defined based on an operator configured maximum ground speed, and automatically adjust the ground speed based on the comparison. |
| US09668416B2 |
Scale with a stop rim for a collecting table of a harvester head for harvesting small fruits, and harvester head using same
A scale for a collecting pass-through table used in a small fruit harvesting machine has a plate and a stop rim affixed to the plate and extending upwardly above an upper face of the plate. The stop rim has a flexible lip that is elastically deformable. The stop rim extends in a direction outwardly of a free distal end of the plate. The stop rim has height that prevents the small fruit from moving beyond the free distal end of the plate. The stop rim has a forward end portion that is stiff. The stop rim is removably fastened to the plate at the free distal end thereof. |
| US09668409B2 |
Cutting system for a harvester and a sugar cane harvester having a cutting system
A cutting system for a harvester, the cutting system including a knockdown roller, at least two row dividers, at least two base cutting elements, and at least two inner base cutting discs. Each of the at least two base cutting elements is disposed in the structure of a respective one of the at least two row dividers. Each of the at least two inner base cutting discs is disposed behind the knockdown roller. The cutting system further includes two arms and a lifter roller. Each of the two base cutting elements is connected to a respective one of the two row dividers by a respective one of the two arms. Each of the two base cutting elements is positioned entirely forward of the knockdown roller and the lifter roller. |
| US09668408B2 |
Knife drive cleaning apparatus for a header of an agricultural harvester
A cutterbar knife drive cleaning apparatus for a header of an agricultural harvester is disclosed. The apparatus cleans the knife drives by discharging pressurized air from an apertured conduit toward the knife drive. Movement of a cutterbar supporting arm causes rotation of the conduit to produce a sweeping action of an air curtain over the knife drive in order to blow dirt and debris from the knife drive as the harvester traverses a field. |
| US09668405B2 |
Smart ignition system
A lawn care device may include an engine to selectively power the device, a frame supporting the engine and an operator of the device, and an ignition interface having processing circuitry configured to define a plurality of operating modes. The operating modes may include at least a starting mode in which the ignition interface is usable by the operator to start the engine, and a running mode in which the engine is running. The ignition interface may include code entry keys configured to, responsive to entry of a code via the code entry keys, enable use of the ignition interface to shift from the starting mode to the running mode without a physical starting key. |
| US09668403B2 |
Apparatus to improve field application of anhydrous ammonia in cold temperatures
An apparatus and method to improve delivery of liquid anhydrous ammonia from a portable liquid NH3 tank in cold temperatures includes an air compressor coupled to the vapor port of a portable liquid NH3 tank used to supply liquid anhydrous ammonia to an anhydrous ammonia fertilizer applicator. The apparatus can include an actuator to relieve the tank of compressed air after the tank is empty of liquid anhydrous ammonia. |
| US09668401B2 |
Down stop for agricultural closing discs
A planting apparatus includes a chassis and a row unit carried by the chassis. The row unit includes a unit body carried by the chassis; a metering device carried by the unit body; at least one furrowing disc carried by the unit body; at least one pressing wheel carried by the unit body behind the furrowing disc in a direction of travel; a travel arm carried by and pivotally movable relative to the unit body that defines a travel path; at least one closing disc positioned behind the at least one furrowing disc and in front of the at least one pressing wheel in the direction of travel and pivotally movable along the travel path by the travel arm; and a stop placed in the travel path of the travel arm that is configured to limit a vertical travel of the at least one closing disc. |
| US09668398B2 |
Agricultural system for field preparation
An agricultural system includes a tow bar, a first row-cleaning device, and a second row-cleaning device. The first row-cleaning device is attached to the tow bar via a first frame and includes a first roller device in a trailing position relative to a first furrow-opener disk and configured to crush standing residual plant matter along a first path on a field. The second row-cleaning device is attached to the tow bar via a second frame and includes a second roller device in a trailing position relative to a second furrow-opener disk and configured to crush standing residual plant matter along a second path on the field. The second roller device is offset longitudinally from the first roller device. |
| US09674990B2 |
Devices and methods for cooling bus capacitors
An apparatus for cooling power components includes a first clamping portion, the first clamping portion having a first arcuate engagement surface, and a first interface. A second clamping portion, the second clamping portion having a second arcuate engagement surface, and a second interface. A flexible heat transfer pad and a power component. The power component is coupled to the flexible heat transfer pad, such that the flexible heat transfer pad substantially surrounds the power component, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion configured to be coupled, such that the first arcuate engagement surface and the second arcuate engagement surface form an opening contoured to receive the power component, and the first interface and the second interface are adjacent to each other. |
| US09674989B2 |
Apparatus for cooling server cabinet and server cabinet apparatus
Disclosed are an apparatus for cooling a server cabinet and a server cabinet apparatus. The apparatus for cooling a server cabinet includes: a bracket a heat-exchange device, and an air-ducting device; where the bracket is positioned below one or a plurality of server cabinets, the heat-exchange device is installed on a side surface of the bracket, the air-ducting device is installed in the bracket, the heat-exchange device and the air-ducting device are parallelly arranged, the heat-exchange device cools hot air produced by the server cabinet to obtain cold air, and the air-ducting device blows the cold air to the server cabinet to cool the server cabinet. The server cabinet apparatus includes: an apparatus for cooling a server cabinet and at least one server cabinet. With the apparatus for cooling a server cabinet, each of the servers in a data center are effectively cooled, and resources are saved. |
| US09674987B2 |
Heat dissipation device
Provided is a heat dissipation device. The heat dissipation device includes a thermal conductive plate (1), a shape of which is the same as a shape of a Secure Digital (SD) card. The thermal conductive plate (1) is used to be inserted into an SD card connector, and partially contacts with at least one inner surface of the SD card connector; the thermal conductive plate (1) is made of thermal conductive metallic material, and one or more contacting parts (10) of the thermal conductive plate (1) that contact with the SD card connector are set to be thermal conductive metallic material, and outer surfaces (12), other than the one or more contacting parts (10), of the thermal conductive plate (1) are set to be insulating material. The present technical solution solves the problem that the implementing effect of heat dissipation schemes already existed for terminals is fairly bad in the related technologies, and improves heat conduction and heat dissipation speed. The heat dissipation device occupies less space in the terminal, and enhances heat dissipation efficiency. |
| US09674986B2 |
Parallel heat spreader
A heat spreader including multiple layers of anisotropic material to conduct thermal energy. Multiple graphite sheet layers may be laminated and each sheet may be thermally connected to one or more thermal energy sources in a portable electronic device. Methods for making a heat spreader are also disclosed. |
| US09674984B2 |
Plastic chassis for liquid cooled electronic components
A system for mounting liquid cooled electrical components includes a plastic chassis having a plurality of mounting sites. The plastic chassis defines at least one fluid circuit that extends through at least a portion of a length of the plastic chassis. The at least one fluid circuit includes an inlet configured to receive a cooling fluid from a fluid source, an outlet configured to return the cooling fluid to the fluid source, and at least one fluid channel extending between the inlet and the outlet. The system also includes a plurality of electrical components. Each of the plurality of electrical components is coupled with one of the plurality of mounting sites. Each of the plurality of mounting sites is in contact with the at least one fluid channel. |
| US09674983B2 |
Tool-less air baffle
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include heat-rejecting media thermally coupled to one or more information handling resources, a connector for receiving a modular information handling resource, the connector having a latch for facilitating insertion or removal of the modular information handling resource to or from the connector, and a removable baffle for directing a flow of air proximate to the heat-rejecting media. The removable baffle may have two substantially planar sides and an edge substantially perpendicular to the two planar sides, such that when the removable baffle is located within a chassis including the heat-rejecting media and the connector, the latch engages with the edge to mechanically maintain a location of the removable baffle within the chassis. |
| US09674978B2 |
Plug-in mechanism, subrack including plug-in mechanism, and finished board
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a plug-in mechanism, a subrack including the plug-in mechanism, and a finished board, and relate to a power mechanism, so as to implement fast and reliable plug-in and plug-out by using a lever assistance effect, and a gearing effect of a parallelogram mechanism. The plug-in mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention is configured to be disposed between a sub-carrier frame and a parent carrier frame to implement plug-in and plug-out of the sub-carrier frame in the parent carrier frame, and the plug-in mechanism includes a driving part and a gearing part. |
| US09674973B1 |
Coupling and fixing structure of panel and casing of power supply
A coupling and fixing structure of a panel and a casing of a power supply is provided. The power supply further includes a frame. The casing has an opening and a plurality of raised studs. The casing, the frame and the panel have a plurality of penetrating holes and a plurality of through holes. The frame and the panel have a plurality of positioning holes corresponding to the raised studs. The frame and the panel are engaged with each other and positioned at the opening of the casing through the positioning holes and the raised studs and locked with screws so as to complete the assembly of the panel and the casing. The present invention can strengthen the connection of the panel and the casing, decrease the times of locking, lower the risk of damaging components, and improve the efficiency of disassembly and maintenance. |
| US09674968B2 |
Rigid flexible printed circuit board and method of manufacturing the same
There are provided a rigid flexible printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same. The rigid flexible printed circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a flexible board including a flexible region, a first rigid region formed at one side of the flexible region, and a second rigid region formed at the other side of the flexible region; a first rigid board formed on the flexible board and formed in the first rigid region and the second rigid region; and a second rigid board formed below the flexible board and formed in the first rigid region. |
| US09674966B2 |
Process of depositing a metallic pattern on a medium
Process of depositing a metallic pattern on a medium, said process comprising: generating pulsed laser beams from a pulsed laser source, wherein the laser beams have a wavelength for which the medium is substantially transparent, focussing the laser beams onto a target layer comprising inorganic particles, dispersed in a laser light degradable/combustible organic matrix, said target layer producing ejecta in response to an interaction of said laser beams and said target layer, accumulating at least a portion of said ejecta on said medium within the desired pattern, providing the pattern by electroless metal plating. The invention further relates to a transparent medium comprising a metallic pattern wherein the adhesion between the metallic pattern and the medium is at least 5N/cm. |
| US09674961B2 |
Flexible display device
A flexible display device includes a flexible display panel, a driving circuit film, and a spacer. The flexible display panel includes a terminal part configured to receive a driving signal. The driving circuit film includes a base film and a driving chip on the base film. The driving chip being configured to generate the driving signal. The driving circuit film is coupled to the terminal part, is configured to apply the driving signal to the display panel, and bent toward a lower surface of the display panel. The spacer is on the driving circuit film and is configured to maintain a gap between the driving chip and the lower surface of the display panel. |
| US09674956B2 |
Method of manufacturing an intermediate product for an interposer and intermediate product for an interposer
A method of manufacturing an intermediate product for an interposer including a glass substrate having a plurality of through holes is provided. The method includes a step of forming a resin layer on a support substrate, and a step of forming a laminated body by adhering the glass substrate having the plurality of through holes on the resin layer. The glass substrate having the plurality of through holes has a thickness within a range of 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm. |
| US09674955B2 |
Tape carrier package, method of manufacturing the same and chip package
Provided are a tape carrier package and a method of manufacturing the same, the method, including: forming through holes by performing a drill process using a laser to an insulating film of a flexible copper clad laminate (FCCL) film consisting of the insulating film and a copper layer; forming a circuit pattern layer by performing an etching process to the copper layer of the FCCL film; and selectively forming a plating layer on the circuit pattern layer. The method of manufacturing the tape carrier package according to the present invention is advantageous because a punching process, and processes for laminating and drying the copper layer which are necessary for the conventional method of manufacturing the tape carrier package can be omitted, a production cost of the tape carrier package is reduced, and the time required for the drying process is saved. |
| US09674948B2 |
Rigid-flex electronic module
Rigid-flex-type circuit-board structure and manufacturing method, in which a flexible membrane and a sacrificial-material piece are attached to an insulator membrane in the location of the flexible zone. An insulator layer, which encloses within itself a sacrificial-material piece is manufactured on the surface of the conductor membrane. The flexible zone is formed in such a way that an opening is made in the insulator layer, through which the sacrificial-material piece is removed. The flexible zone comprises at least part of the flexible membrane as well as conductors, which are manufactured by patterning the insulator membrane at a suitable stage in the method. |
| US09674947B2 |
Transparent conductor, method for preparing the same, and optical display including the same
A transparent conductor, a method of fabricating the same, and an optical display, the transparent conductor including a base layer; and a conductive layer on the base layer, the conductive layer including metal nanowires and a matrix, wherein the matrix is prepared from a matrix composition, the matrix composition including inorganic hollow particles, a fluorine-containing monomer, or a mixture thereof. |
| US09674944B2 |
Printed circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
A printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A printed circuit board having conductive patterns formed in multilayers on an insulating material laminated on both surfaces of a glass core is provided. The printed circuit board includes a first insulating material disposed on a first surface and a second surface of the glass core. and a second insulating material disposed on the first insulating material. The first insulating material surrounds a first portion of a side surface of the glass core and the second insulating material surrounds a second portion of the side surface of the glass core, the second portion being a portion of the glass core not surrounded by the first insulating material. |
| US09674942B2 |
Structure, wiring board and electronic device
A structure comprising: a first and a second conductor planes which are arranged in different layers and in a manner to face to each other; a first transmission line (103) which is arranged in a different layer from those of the first conductor plane and of the second conductor plane, faces to the second conductor plane, and has its one end being an open end; a first conductor via (104) which connects the other end of the first transmission line (103) with the first conductor plane; a second transmission line (105) which is formed in the same layer as that of the first transmission line, runs parallel to the first transmission line (103), and has its one end being an open end; and a second conductor via (106) which electrically connects the other end of the second transmission line (105) with either of the first and second conductor planes. |
| US09674936B2 |
Superconducting accelerating cavity and electropolishing method for superconducting accelerating cavity
Provided is a superconducting accelerating cavity 30 including: a cavity main body 10 formed of a superconducting material into a cylindrical shape; and a refrigerant tank 20 installed around the cavity main body 10 and storing a refrigerant which is supplied from the outside through a supply port 20a into a space formed between the refrigerant tank and the outer circumferential surface of the cavity main body 10, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the cavity main body 10 is coated with a metal coating layer 10a having a higher conductivity than the superconducting material. |
| US09674935B2 |
Radiation signal processing device, radiation imaging system, and radiation signal processing method
A radiation signal processing device including: a reception section that receives as a digital signal a signal representing a detection result from a radiation imaging device that captures an image according to irradiated radiation, and that detects a radiation irradiation amount and outputs the signal representing the detection result; and a conversion section that converts the digital signal representing the detection result received by the reception section into an analog signal recognizable by a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation onto the radiation imaging device and stops radiation irradiation in cases in which radiation has reached a specific irradiation amount. |
| US09674927B1 |
Method and apparatus to address inadvertent deactivation of devices
A method and apparatus for preventing inadvertent deactivation of an illumination device or other device are provided. The method includes detecting a first input to deactivate an active illumination device; determining whether the first input to deactivate is inadvertent based on context information; and performing a function if the determining determines that the first input to deactivate the active illumination device is inadvertent. The apparatus and method may be used in a vehicle or other apparatus to prevent inadvertent deactivation of devices at inopportune times. |
| US09674925B2 |
Low voltage coupling design
Apparatus and associated methods relate to an electrical interface design architecture to independently excite each of a network of light strings and/or light string controllers with any of a number of independent excitation signals. In an illustrative example, each of the light strings may receive a selected one of the excitation signals conducted via a wiring assembly to an interface formed as a plug or a corresponding socket. In some embodiments, the interface may galvanically connect one or more of the excitation signals to a corresponding load according to user-selection of a relative orientation between the plug and the socket. In some implementations the load may include a down-stream controller that draws operating power through a selected one of the conductors at the interface. In various implementations, the interface may supply a load such as a multi-channel cable or single channel light string, for example. |
| US09674923B2 |
Lighting circuit and lamp
A lighting circuit (1) includes a controller integrated circuit (U1) for on and off control of a switching element (Q1), a transformer (T1) having a primary coil (T11) that is connected in series to the switching element and a secondary coil (T12), a first voltage supply circuit supplying a voltage that occurs across both ends of the primary coil to an LED module (2), and a second voltage supply circuit supplying a voltage induced in the secondary coil to a power source terminal (Vcc) when the switching element is on. A turns ratio N of the primary coil to the secondary coil satisfies Equation 1, where X1 V denotes a voltage that an AC power source supplies, Y V denotes the maximum value of a power source voltage of the control unit at which normal operation is guaranteed, and Z V denotes the minimum value of the power source voltage. |
| US09674921B2 |
Method for operating an organic light-emitting component and lighting device for implementing the method
A method can be used for operating an organic light-emitting component. The organic light-emitting component has a first electrode and a second electrode, between which an organic functional layer stack with at least one organic light-emitting layer is arranged. The first and second electrodes and the organic functional layer stack have a large area. Electrical contact is made with the first electrode via at least two electrical connection elements in the peripheral regions, in which different electric voltages are applied to the at least two electrical connection elements and the different electric voltages vary over time. A lighting device for implementing the method is also specified. |
| US09674919B2 |
Lighting fixture with touch-sensitive light emitting surface
Disclosed are methods and apparatus related to a LED-based lighting fixture having a touch-sensitive light emitting surface that may be touched by a user to change light output characteristics of LEDs of the lighting fixture. The LED-based lighting fixture may include a flexible touch-sensitive layer and a flexible light emitting layer having a plurality of individually controllable LED groups. Touch events may be detected via input from the flexible touch-sensitive layer and at least one light output characteristic of the LED groups altered in correspondence with the touch events. |
| US09674917B1 |
Illumination system and method that presents a natural show to emulate daylight conditions with smoothing dimcurve modification thereof
An illumination system and method is provided for readily mapping a plurality of scenes along a dimcurve form a natural show for one or more groups of LED illumination devices. Mapping can be performed using a graphical user interface on a remote controller wirelessly linked to the illumination devices. A keypad is preferably configured for button control of changes to color temperature as a function of brightness along each of the various dimcurves for each of the various groups of illumination devices controlled by a corresponding keypad to allow momentary or persistent override and reprogram of the natural show. Modification to a scene further comprises modifications to scenes before and after the currently modified scene to provide a smoothing dimcurve modification. Global keypad can be used to control multiple zones arranged throughout a structure to switch between a natural show that emulates outdoor sunlight conditions to a panic show when an intruder is detected. |
| US09674916B2 |
Lighting control device, lighting apparatus and luminaire
A lighting control device includes: a power supply circuit and a first controller. The first controller includes a first control circuit, a signal output circuit and a first interface. The first control circuit is configured to allow the signal output circuit to output a light control signal to the power supply circuit. The signal output circuit is configured to output the light control signal for indicating magnitude of the output power to the power supply circuit. The first control circuit is configured to transmit control information to and receive the control information from a second controller through the first interface. When the control information is received from the second controller through the first interface, the first control circuit is configured to allow the signal output circuit to output the light control signal corresponding to the control information to the power supply circuit. |
| US09674914B2 |
Driver unit and driving method for driving a load
Embodiments described herein comprise a driver unit for driving a load including a plurality of load elements. In one example, the driver unit comprises a plurality of driver devices connected to the load elements for driving the load elements individually. The driver unit comprises a control interface for receiving a power control signal. Each driver device comprises a driver interface connected to the control interface for receiving the power control signal including single general power demand to be set by the driver unit, and each driver device is adapted to determine an individual power level on the basis of the single general power demand and to drive the load elements according to the individual power signal, so that at least one of the plurality of driver devices is configured to be switched off when the single general power demand is decreased. |
| US09674912B2 |
LED luminescence apparatus and method of driving the same
A light-emitting diode (LED) driving circuit configured to drive LED units includes a rectification circuit unit to receive an alternating current (AC) power voltage and rectify the AC power voltage to output a unidirectional ripple voltage, a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal generation unit to generate PWM decision signals. The PWM signal generation unit is configured to sequentially drive the LEDs according to the PWM decision signals. |
| US09674908B1 |
Secondary-side bucking and current-stabilizing flyback power converter
A secondary-side bucking and current-stabilizing flyback power converter adopts a dual-stage isolated circuit architecture and outputs a constant output current to drive a low-power LED module, and its primary stage adopts a flyback circuit architecture with a primary regulated voltage, and its secondary stage adopts of a buck circuit architecture of the current stabilizer, so that after the primary stage converts the constant voltage, the current stabilizer senses the load effect of the output current at the LED module to regulate the output cycle and maintain the total output of the output current constant and reduce the ripple amplitude, so as to achieve a non-strobe output result and improve the illumination effect of the LED module. |
| US09674903B2 |
Cooking apparatus and operating method thereof
Provided herein are a cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus includes a cavity, and a microwave generator to generate and output microwaves of a plurality of frequencies to heat an object within the cavity, wherein the microwave generator includes a controller to calculate heating efficiencies based on microwaves reflected by the inside of the cavity from among the output microwaves and to calculate heating modes consisting of microwaves for heating, during a scanning session and to control the heating modes so as to achieve the equal heating time during a heating session. Thereby, the object within the cavity is uniformly heated. |
| US09674900B2 |
Induction heating apparatus for a beverage can
An induction heating apparatus heats content efficiently while measuring a temperature of the heated content accurately. The induction heating apparatus includes a can holder, a heating coil disposed around the can holder, and a temperature measuring unit. A resealable metal beverage can having a thread formed on a neck portion and a cap screwed onto the neck portion is held by the can holder. The can holder holds the metal beverage can in a manner such that the cap of the can inserted thereto is exposed on an axially upper side. The temperature measuring unit measures a surface temperature of the cap of the metal beverage can held in the can holder. |
| US09674895B1 |
Glazing perimeter anticondensation coating production technology
The invention provides a glass pane that has a transparent electrically conductive coating on a surface of the glass pane, such that the glass pane has a coated surface. The coated surface has a central region and a perimeter region. The transparent electrically conductive coating has a higher electrical conductivity at the central region than it does at the perimeter region. In some embodiments, the coated glass pane is part of an IG unit. Also provided are methods of producing a coated glass pane having an anti-condensation perimeter region. |
| US09674885B2 |
Efficient communication for devices of a home network
Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network. |
| US09674883B2 |
System, an object and a method for grouping of objects in a body area network
A method, performed in a Body Area Network (BAN) enabled communication device, for grouping of at least one BAN enabled object. A connection between at least one BAN enabled object and the BAN enabled communication device is created by using BAN and grouping of the at least one BAN enabled object and the BAN enabled communication device is initiated by creating a group of the at least one BAN enabled object. |
| US09674880B1 |
Method and apparatus for a smart vehicle gateway with connection context aware radio communication management and multi-radio technology
An information handling system functioning as a smart vehicle gateway includes a wireless adapter for communicating with a plurality of wireless links and a storage device for storing a spatial-temporal user profile comprising wireless device usage trend data for a plurality of locations where the smart vehicle gateway has operated. The smart vehicle gateway further includes a positional detector to detect a location of the smart vehicle gateway and an application processor to correlate the wireless device usage trend data to a location and to determine a list of optimal wireless service carriers and available wireless protocols at the location based on a mobile wireless traffic report with a spatial-temporal radio frequency profile indicating signal quality for the plurality of wireless links and the wireless device usage trend data for the location. The smart vehicle gateway application processor selects an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) for one of the optimal wireless links for an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) programmable to switch between multiple available wireless service carriers and then switches the wireless adapter to the selected optimal wireless link. |
| US09674877B2 |
Mobile communication system, user terminal, processor, and base station
A mobile communication system, which supports D2D communication that is direct device to device communication, comprises: a user terminal that transmits a discovery signal that is used for discovering a communication partner terminal in the D2D communication, wherein the user terminal transmits the discovery signal when the user terminal accepts start of communication and the user terminal has difficulty to establish a connection with a base station. |
| US09674875B2 |
Small base station apparatus, base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus, and mobile communication system
A mobile station apparatus receives an indication and access restriction information, where the indication indicating whether the cell is a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) cell, where the CSG cell configured to restrict an access of the mobile station apparatus that are not being registered, and where the access restriction information indicating an access restriction related to an emergency call. The mobile station apparatus also transmits a connection request message for the emergency call based on the access restriction information, where the cell on which the mobile station apparatus camped being the CSG cell and where the mobile station apparatus not registering the cell. |
| US09674874B2 |
MAC reset and reconfiguration
A method and apparatus for reconfiguring a medium access control (MAC) entity in a wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU). The method and apparatus includes the WTRU transmitting a MAC reconfiguration request, the WTRU receiving a MAC reconfiguration command including updated MAC parameter values and the WTRU reconfiguring a MAC entity based on the updated MAC parameter values in the MAC reconfiguration command. |
| US09674873B2 |
Method for informing identification of a UE and device therefor
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a device for informing identification of a UE (User Equipment) in the wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving information related to a size of data to be transmitted to or from the UE, determining whether the UE is considered as the MTC_UE (Machine Type Communication _UE) or not based on the information; and informing a network that the UE is the MTC_UE by performing the MTC_UE specific access. |
| US09674872B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for processing very-high-speed random access
The present invention discloses a method, an apparatus and a system for processing very-high-speed random access. The method includes: selecting a ZC sequence group according to a cell type and a first cyclic shift parameter Ncs, and setting N detection windows for each ZC sequence in the ZC sequence group, where N≧5; sending the cell type, a second Ncs, and the ZC sequence group to a UE; receiving a random access signal sent by the UE, and obtaining the random access sequence from the random access signal; performing correlation processing on the random access sequence with each ZC sequence in the ZC sequence group, detecting a valid peak value in the N detection windows of each ZC sequence, and determining an estimated value of an RTD according to the valid peak value, so that a UE in a very-high-speed scenario can normally access a network, thereby improving network access performance. |
| US09674863B2 |
Methods and systems for distributed coordination
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of scheduling communications in a network having a plurality of base stations covering cells, respectively. The method includes obtaining a first coordination matrix, by a first base station, based on channel state information from at least one user equipment (UE), the first coordination matrix indicating scheduling information and first weights associated with subband transmissions for the first base station, transmitting the first coordination matrix to at least another base station of the plurality of base stations, receiving, by the first base station, a second coordination matrix from the at least another base station, the second coordination matrix indicating second weights associated with subband transmissions for the second base station, and transmitting, by the first base station, in subbands where the associated first weights are greater than the associated second weights. |
| US09674860B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficient aggregation scheduling in wireless local area network (WLAN) system
Provided is a method and apparatus for efficient aggregation scheduling in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the apparatus including a delay setting unit to set a required delay time for each access category (AC), a storing unit to store a traffic identification (TID) of a packet in a queue of a corresponding AC when the packet arrives, a delay time calculator to calculate a maximum delay time predicted when the packet arriving at the queue is configured to be an A-MPDU and the configured A-MPDU is transmitted, and an A-MPDU configuring unit to compare the calculated maximum delay time and the required delay time, and configure a corresponding A-MPDU when the calculated maximum delay time is greater than the required delay time. |
| US09674856B2 |
Method of handling device-to-device communication and communication device thereof
A method of handling device-to-device communication for a user equipment (UE) of a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises during a period of transmission of a first plurality of data blocks, periodically triggering at least one feedback request with a predetermined period, and transmitting a second plurality of data blocks only after receiving at least one feedback in response to the at least one feedback request from at least one other UE. |
| US09674855B2 |
H-ARQ timing determination under cross-carrier scheduling in LTE
Techniques are provided for carrier aggregation and H-ARQ timing in LTE or the like. For example, there is provided a method, operable by a mobile device, that may involve identifying a first component carrier and a second component carrier among a plurality of component carriers to be aggregated, wherein a first number of subframes of a subframe type in the first component carrier is less than a second number of subframes of the same subframe type in the second component carrier. The method may further involve receiving a configuration to monitor a control channel for the second component carrier on the first component carrier. The method further may further involve determining a reference uplink-downlink subframe configuration for the second component carrier based at least in part on the subframe type and the received configuration for the control channel. |
| US09674853B2 |
Techniques for managing wireless network connections for traffic aggregation
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to communicating with one or more wireless networks using multiple radio access technologies (RATs). A device can communicate with a first access point using a first RAT over a first connection to access a first wireless network, and communicate with a second access point using a second RAT over a second connection, wherein the second connection is configured to implement traffic aggregation with the first connection based at least in part on a configuration received from the first access point. The device can also manage the second connection based at least in part the implementation of the traffic aggregation with the first connection. |
| US09674852B2 |
Radio link failure handling for dual connectivity
Embodiments of an evolved Node B (eNB) and methods for radio link failure handling for dual connectivity are generally described herein. A method performed by circuitry of a User Equipment (UE) may include connecting, at a UE, to a Master eNB (MeNB) and connecting to a Secondary eNB (SeNB). The method may include determining, at the UE, that one of the connections has a Radio Link Failure and determining at the UE, that the other of the connections remains connected to the UE. The method may include refraining from initiating a Radio Resource Control (RRC) re-establishment procedure while at least one of the connections does not have a radio link failure. |
| US09674851B2 |
Systems and methods for managing PDP contexts in a wireless data communications network
Systems and method are for managing packet data protocol (PDP) contexts in a wireless data communications network. A plurality of real-time applications are prioritized within a single, shared PDP context or allocated a second PDP context based upon priority levels logically assigned to the plurality of applications such that high priority applications are delivered before lower priority applications. Lower priority applications are suspended and interrupted by higher priority applications and are set to resume after the higher priority applications are completed. Priority levels are established by a priority management engine (PME) that may reside in one or more network elements, such as a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node or a network probe system. The priority management engine establishes the priority levels based upon one or more factors including, for example, PDP utilization characteristics at a given time and/or given network location, and/or user preferences. |
| US09674849B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting signals via MISO broadcast channel with imperfect CSIT
A system and method for transmitting signals via multi-input single-output (MISO) broadcast channel with imperfect channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT). The transmitter receives each CSI of from the plural receivers, determines a transmit power and a transmission rate based on the CSI qualities of the plural receivers calculated from the each CSI, and transmits the signal using the transmit power and the transmission rate. The signal comprises a user specific message, a first common message and a second common message to compensate imperfect CSIT. |
| US09674842B2 |
Communication control method, base station, and user terminal
A communication control method in a mobile communication system, comprises: a step A of transmitting, from a first base station, a first synchronization signal at a first frequency band in the center of a particular carrier, the first synchronization signal being for use to establish synchronization; and a step B of transmitting, from the first base station, a second synchronization signal in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band within the particular carrier, the second synchronization signal being for use to establish synchronization. |
| US09674839B2 |
White space utilization
The concepts relate to radio white space utilization. One example can measure a potential radio white space frequency. The example can also communicate results of the measuring for other devices and receive other results from the other devices relating to the potential radio white space frequency. The method can further determine whether the potential radio white space frequency is actually an available radio white space frequency based upon the results and the other results. |
| US09674836B2 |
Method and system for coexistence of radar and communication systems
A method for coexistence with a pulsed interference source in a communications network includes identifying transmission time intervals (TTIs) that are affected by pulses from the pulsed interference source and changing a transmission parameter for the TTIs that are affected by pulses. |
| US09674833B2 |
Authorizing IUT replication and distinguishing requests for replication from transfers
A method comprising: a Service Centralized and Continuity Application Server (SCC AS) receiving, from a first WTRU, a collaborative session request to replicate a media flow to a second WTRU; the SCC AS authorizing the request; the SCC AS allocating a media resource at a media resource function (MRF) for the media flow; the SCC AS establishing a second-WTRU access leg; the SCC AS updating a first-WTRU access leg for the first WTRU; and the SCC AS updating a remote leg to communicate the replicated media flow to the MRF, wherein, unless the remote party rejects the replication of the media flow, the media flow then flows from the remote party to the MRF, from the MRF to the first WTRU, and from the MRF to the second WTRU. |
| US09674832B2 |
Method and apparatus for layer 2 ARQ for packets
A method and an apparatus are provided for transmitting data by a transmitting apparatus in a communication system. The transmitting apparatus segments a radio link control (RLC) packet data unit (PDU), if an amount of available resources is less than an amount of resources required for retransmitting the RLC PDU. The transmitting apparatus includes polling information in the segmented RLC PDU, if the segmented RLC PDU is a last segmented RLC PDU. The transmitting apparatus transmits the segmented RLC PDU to a receiving apparatus. |
| US09674831B2 |
Multiple point transmissions
A communication method, a base station, a radio communication node, and a user equipment are provided. A base station determines first resource configuration information, where the first resource configuration information is used for indicating N radio resource sets that are used when N radio communication nodes separately perform communication with a user equipment UE, and the radio resource includes a time domain resource and/or a frequency domain resource. The base station sends the first resource configuration information to the UE, where the UE communicates with a corresponding transmission point by using respective radio resource sets of transmission points, and the respective radio resource sets of the transmission points do not intersect. Therefore, a base station does not need to schedule a radio resource, thereby lowering a delay requirement on a backhaul link and eliminating interference. |
| US09674826B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving control channels by restricting a set of the control channels in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting control information in a base station for a wireless communication system. The method includes receiving, from a terminal, a channel quality indicator (CQI); determining at least one control channel element (CCE) for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) based on the received CQI and an identifier (ID) of the terminal; and transmitting, to the terminal, control information on the PDCCH including the determined at least one CCE. A number of the at least one CCE is determined based on the CQI. |
| US09674823B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting control information
A method is described for transmitting uplink control information at a communication apparatus configured with a plurality of cells including a Primary Cell (PCell) and a Secondary Cell (SCell) in a wireless communication system operating in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode. One or more downlink signals requiring Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback are received in a set of subframes. Reception response information about the one or more downlink signals is transmitted through a Physical Uplink Control CHannel (PUCCH) on a subframe configured for Scheduling Request (SR) transmission. When a predetermined condition is not satisfied, the reception response information and SR information are multiplexed and transmitted using a first HARQ-ACK PUCCH resource. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, for a positive SR, the reception response information includes information about an ACK count for the one or more downlink signals and is transmitted using a SR PUCCH resource. |
| US09674819B2 |
Systems and methods for sharing context information in a neighbor aware network
Systems and methods share context information on a neighbor aware network. In one aspect, a context providing device receives a plurality of responses to a discovery query from a context consuming device, and tailors services it offers to the context consuming device based on the responses. In another aspect, a context providing device indicates in its response to a discovery query which services or local context information it can provide to the context consuming device, and also a cost associated with providing the service or the local context information. In some aspects, the cost is in units of monetary currency. In other aspects, the cost is in units of user interface display made available to an entity associated with the context providing device in exchange for the services or local context information offered to the context consuming device. |
| US09674818B2 |
Sending control information over a shared channel in a wireless network
In a wireless network an indication of High Speed Downlink Shared Channel (HS-DSCH) resources may be sent to user equipment (UE) by a Node B. A message on an indicator channel may be sent by the Node B to indicate that the HS-DSCH resources are to be used in a subsequent time interval to send control information. |
| US09674814B2 |
Failure conditions for fine timing measurement (FTM) protocol
Techniques for positioning with Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) messages are disclosed. An example of a wireless transceiver system for providing a FTM response message is configure to receive a FTM request from an initiating station, the FTM request may include a minimum delta FTM value, a number of bursts exponents value, and a As Soon As Possible (ASAP) value. The transceiver may send a first FTM response message indicating the FTM session is terminated if the wireless transceiver is incapable of meeting the minimum delta FTM value and the number of bursts exponents value, and send a second FTM response message including a status value based on the ASAP value in the FTM request if the wireless transceiver is capable of meeting the minimum delta FTM value and the number of bursts exponents value. |
| US09674810B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program for search and synchronisation
Disclosed is an apparatus, method and computer program which frequency shifts a received signal by a first frequency value and low-pass filters the frequency shifted received signal at a first cutoff frequency to filter out a plurality of adjacent carrier frequencies. Parallel baseband processing is then performed on two or more adjacent carrier frequencies among the plurality of adjacent carrier frequencies based upon an adjacent carrier power criterion. In certain examples, the parallel baseband processing is adapted for detecting a frequency correction burst in two or more adjacent Global System for Mobile Communications carrier frequencies or an Enhanced Data Rates for Global System for Mobile Communications Evolution carrier frequencies. |
| US09674804B2 |
Apparatus and method for synchronizing communication between systems with different clock rates
An apparatus and method for synchronizing communication between systems having different clock rates, is described. The apparatus includes a communication unit, a synchronization unit, and an interface unit. The communication unit receives upstream information and generates a first sample stream representative of the upstream information based on a first clock rate. The synchronization unit converts the first sample stream to a second sample stream based on a second clock rate and in accordance with a predetermined burst plan. The interface unit receives the second sample stream at the second clock rate and outputs it based on the predetermined burst plan. |
| US09674803B2 |
Out-of synchronization detection and correction during compression
Methods and apparatus are described for synchronizing compression for communication between a user equipment (UE) and a serving node. The methods and apparatus include determining that a compressor memory of a compressor and a decompressor memory of a decompressor are out-of-synchronization based on a checksum failure. Further, the methods and apparatus include resetting the compressor memory and the decompressor memory to a predetermined state in response to determining that the compressor memory and the decompressor memory are out-of-synchronization, wherein the compressor memory and the decompressor memory are synchronized at the predetermined state. |
| US09674799B2 |
Apparatus and method for device to device communication based on application program requirements in a wireless network
A method for supporting an application by Device to Device (D2D) communication in a wireless network includes acquiring range control information from an application upon selection of the application installed in the source device, controlling transmission power of a discovery signal for discovering a target device to conduct D2D communication, based on range control information defined for the selected application, and transmitting the discovery signal with the controlled transmission power. An apparatus includes a controller configured to acquire range control information from an application upon selection of the application installed in the source device, and control transmission power of a discovery signal for discovering a target device to conduct D2D communication, for the selected application based on range control information defined for the selected application, and a transmitter configured to transmit the discovery signal with the controlled transmission power. |
| US09674798B2 |
Transport format combination selecting method, wireless communication system, and mobile station
Methods of selecting a transport format combination are provided. For example, a method comprises calculating the transmission power of a first physical channel using each of first TFCs, and determines whether a mobile station is in a transmission capable state. The method also comprises calculating the sum of the transmission power of first and second physical channels using first and second TFCs, with respect to each of combinations of first and second TFCs, and determines whether the mobile station is in the transmission capable state. The method also comprises selecting first TFC from the first TFCs wherein the mobile station is in the transmission capable state and selecting a second TFC from the second TFCs which are included in combinations wherein the mobile station is in the transmission capable state among the combinations including the selected first TFC. The data is transmitted using the selected first and second TFCs, respectively. |
| US09674796B2 |
Physical random access channel enhanced transmission method, network device, and terminal
A physical random access channel enhanced transmission method, a network device, and a terminal are disclosed, where implementation of the terminal is used as an example, and the terminal includes: a processor, configured to determine level information of physical random access channel (PRACH) enhanced transmission; and to determine a first characteristic parameter that is of PRACH enhanced transmission and that is related to the determined level information of PRACH enhanced transmission, where the first characteristic parameter includes transmit power and a preamble format; and a transmitter, configured to perform PRACH enhanced sending according to the first characteristic parameter determined by the processor. |
| US09674792B2 |
System and method for modulation and coding scheme adaptation and power control in a relay network
A method for determining a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) and power control includes determining an error rate of a communication channel between the UA and at least one of the base station and the RN. When the error rate is below a first threshold, the method includes at least one of increasing the MCS, and reducing a transmission power of the UA. When the error rate is above a second threshold, the method includes at least one of decreasing the MCS, and increasing a transmission power of the UA. |
| US09674789B1 |
Method and apparatus for uplink power adjustment
Uplink power control is an essential part of wireless communication systems. The transmit power control operation in the uplink of a wireless communication system is a combination of the algorithms used at the base station and the reception and processing of the power control commands at the client terminal. An important aspect for the effectiveness of transmit power control is the timeliness of the changes made to the uplink transmit power at the client terminal. Sometimes the transmit power control loop may take longer time to respond to real time dynamics and may lead to inferior performance. A method and apparatus are disclosed that enable the power control adjustments at the client terminal such that the uplink transmit power is within the specified limits of the wireless communication network and yet enhance the performance of the client terminal and the wireless communications network. |
| US09674788B2 |
Devices and methods for transmit concurrency by conditioned signal combining
Embodiments pertain to systems, methods, and component devices for Tx-Tx transmit concurrency by combining signals before power amplification. One example embodiment includes validity check circuitry configured to check a transmission power for a Bluetooth signal against a first threshold transmission power, a Bluetooth Power Amplifier, and a WLAN power amplifier. A switching network controlled by the validity check circuitry and configured to couple the Bluetooth input to Bluetooth power amplifier input when the transmission power for the Bluetooth signal is above the first threshold transmission power and to couple the Bluetooth signal with a WLAN signal for input to the shared WLAN power amplifier when the transmission power for the Bluetooth signal is less than the first threshold transmission power. |
| US09674785B2 |
Terminal management apparatus, terminal, communication system, terminal management method, and program
To provide a terminal management apparatus capable of improving convenience in a state that power consumption is suppressed. A communication section 501 receives reporting information notifying the presence of a notification utilizing a first communication function directed to a terminal 510. When the communication section 501 has received the reporting information, a control section 502 transmits a message indicating the presence of the notification, to the terminal 510 by using a second communication function different from the first communication function. |
| US09674783B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving physical layer convergence procedure protocol data unit in wireless local area network system supporting power save mode operation and apparatus for the same
A method of transmitting a data frame in a wireless local area network (WLAN) is provided. The method includes transmitting, by an access point (AP), a scheduling information element including information on a time period for data frame transmission to a first station (STA) and a second STA, wherein the scheduling information element includes an offset field indicating a start time point of the time period and transmitting, by the AP, the data frame to the first STA and the second STA by using a multi user-multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) transmission scheme after the start time point indicated by the offset field. |
| US09674778B2 |
Network selection control method and user terminal
A network selection control method according to a first aspect is a method of controlling a network selection operation for selecting an access network in which traffic of a user terminal is exchanged from among a cellular RAN and a wireless LAN. The network selection control method comprises: a step A of transmitting, by the cellular RAN, RAN assistance information utilized for the network selection operation; a step B of receiving, by the user terminal, the RAN assistance information; and a step C of performing, by the user terminal, the network selection operation based on the RAN assistance information. The RAN assistance information includes predetermined information for determining whether or not the selection of the wireless LAN is permitted. The predetermined information is associated with a load status of the cellular RAN. |
| US09674776B2 |
Communications methods and apparatus that facilitate discovery of small coverage area base stations
A communications system includes a plurality of different types of small coverage area base stations, e.g., femto cell base stations, WiFi access points and Bluetooth access points within a macro cell. Different user equipment (UE) devices, e.g., different smartphones, include different capabilities. In order for UE devices and small coverage area base stations with compatible capabilities to efficiently discover one another, the various small coverage area base stations and various UE devices utilize the macro cell communications band and macro cell communication protocol to coordinate device discovery and exchange discovery information and control information which allows a UE device to access a compatible small coverage area base station and subsequently communicate user data, e.g., traffic data, with the UE device. |
| US09674773B2 |
Method and apparatus for reporting proxy information
Provided are a method and a wireless device for reporting proxy information in a wireless communication system. As the wireless device enters the proximity of a first target cell on a target frequency, the wireless device reports first proxy information indicating entering the proximity to a serving cell. Before the wireless device transmits proxy information indicating leaving the proximity after reporting the first proxy information, the wireless device does not report proxy information on entering the proximity of any other target cell on the target frequency. |
| US09674771B2 |
Connection locator in a power aggregation system for distributed electric resources
Systems and methods for power aggregation are described. One method includes charging an electric resource or vehicle over a power connection to an electric network, obtaining, with a processor, a unique identifier of a device associated with the electric resource or vehicle at the power connection, and determining, with the processor, a location of the electric resource or vehicle from the unique identifier. |
| US09674763B2 |
System and method for optimizing a media gateway selection in mobile switching center pool architecture
A system and method to allow call traffic localization within a mobile switching center server pool (MSS pool) or between MSS pools, provides a trunk group identifier mapped to an originating media gateway. An originating mobile switching center server (MSC server) initiates a call session with a terminating MSC server by sending a session initiation protocol (SIP) message that includes a trunk group identifier mapped to an originating media gateway identity. The terminating MSC server examines the mapping received in the SIP message, and uses the trunk group identifier to select a terminating media gateway for call routing to realize call traffic localization. |
| US09674761B2 |
Techniques and apparatuses for improved cell transfer during call setup procedure
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communications. In some aspects, a wireless communication device may determine, in a particular state, that a wireless communication device is performing a connection establishment procedure. The wireless communication device may refrain from transferring from a first radio access technology (RAT) to a second RAT until completing the connection establishment procedure. The second RAT may satisfy a set of transfer criteria associated with performing a transfer from the first RAT to the second RAT. |
| US09674759B2 |
Integrating mobile femto-cell access point into home appliance network
A system including vehicle based mobile femto-cell Access Point (mAP) operating within a wireless cellular network in communication with the home based femto-cell Access Point (hAP) and a home appliance network (hAN) controller is described. This system provides an autonomous control of “smart-home” functionality by utilizing handovers and a set of dedicated in-band messages. |
| US09674754B2 |
Method and system for handover of a user equipment in cell based networks
A method for handover of a user equipment in cell based networks includes: Detecting a deterioration of a predetermined connection quality for an application on the network connection path between the user equipment and the core network device via the connected base station; Providing backhaul connection information about at least one alternative base station providing at least the predetermined connection quality on its backhaul connection for the application; Blacklisting the connected base station on the user equipment; Providing a removing condition when to remove the connected base station from the blacklist; Requesting a handover of the user equipment from the connected base station to the alternative base station; Handover of the user equipment to the alternative base station if the handover request is accepted; and Handing back the user equipment to the previously connected base station if the removing condition is fulfilled. |
| US09674752B2 |
Communication system, mobile station apparatus, and base station apparatus
A mobile station apparatus receives information indicating an event and parameters for evaluating a condition of the event using a first cell or a second cell wherein the condition of the event is evaluated for a neighboring cell on associated frequency of the second cell. A base station apparatus configures the first cell and the second cell. The mobile station apparatus also determines whether the neighboring cell is an applicable cell based on one or more cell identifications and evaluates the condition of the event, where the second cell is not an applicable cell when the first cell and the second cell are used for a carrier aggregation. |
| US09674750B2 |
Handling of access capability information in a mobile network
In a mobile network with a plurality of access networks, a control node controls access of a user equipment to that one of the access networks which is currently used by the user equipment. The control node determines an access capability of the user equipment in the access network. The access capability includes whether an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) voice over Packet Switched (PS) session is supported. The control node provides an indication of the determined access capability to a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) associated with the user equipment. The indication may then be retrieved from the HSS and used to control termination of a connection to the user equipment. |
| US09674749B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting dedicated core network
Various communication techniques and related systems for a fusion between a 5th generation (5G) communication system and Internet of Things (IoT) technology are provided. A user equipment (UE) is required to select a dedicated core network so as to receive a suitable service. In a method for transmitting and receiving a signal, an enhanced Node B (eNB) of a mobile communication system transmits a first request message to a first mobile management entity (MME), receives a reroute command message based on the first request message from the first MME, and transmits a second message to a second MME based on the reroute command message. Herein, the reroute command message contains the first request message, at least one MME identifier, and a UE identifier. |
| US09674747B2 |
Attachment, handover, and traffic offloading between 3GPP RANS and wi-fi RANS
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method (150) is implemented by a base station (42, 700) that supports a 3GPP RAN (56) and has an associated Wi-Fi RAN (58) that is either supported by the base station (42, 700) or is supported by an access point (710) colocated with the base station (42, 700). The base station (42, 700) receives a request from a UE (54, 800). If the request is for a current Wi-Fi service capability of the base station (42, 700), the base station (42, 700) determines whether the Wi-Fi RAN has sufficient available resources to support QoS requirements of the UE (54, 800), and transmits a corresponding response to the UE (54, 800). If the response indicates that the Wi-Fi RAN (58) has sufficient available resources, the base station (42, 700) also transmits Wi-Fi credentials to the UE (54, 800) to enable the UE (54, 800) to access the Wi-Fi RAN (58). If sufficient available resources to support the QoS requirements are not available, Wi-Fi credentials are not sent to the UE (54, 800). |
| US09674741B2 |
Network side device and macro base station-to-micro base station switching method
A network-side device and a macro base station to micro base station switching method relate to a universal mobile telecommunications system. The method includes: multiplexing part of scrambling codes in reserved scrambling codes to micro base station cells, and configuring them to a user equipment; a network side creating a SNF−SFN relation list between various base station cells according to existing determined neighbor cell relations and cell synchronization information in a measurement report by the user equipment; when the user equipment reports a switching measurement report of a target cell, the network side determining a target cell in actual switching and performing the switching according to the scrambling code information in the switching measurement report, TM and OFF information in the cell synchronization information and the SFN−SFN relation list. The embodiment of the present invention further discloses a network-side device. |
| US09674737B2 |
Selective rate-adaptation in video telephony
A system and method for rate-adaptation of a video telephony (VT) session is disclosed. In one example, there is provided a method that includes receiving a first information set indicative of a start of a handover of a device from a first Radio Access Technology (RAT) to a second RAT. The method further includes receiving a second information set indicative of an end of the handover. The method further includes adjusting a rate-adaptation protocol for the VT session based at least in part on the first and second information sets. |
| US09674735B2 |
Systems and methods for managing connectivity in a network of moving things
Systems and methods for managing connectivity in a network of moving things. As non-limiting examples, various aspects of this disclosure provide systems and methods for managing connectivity in a network in which at least a portion of the network access points are moving. |
| US09674732B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocation of information to channels of a communication system
Methods and apparatus are described for improving the transmission of information over wireless communication channels. These techniques include determining available communication channels for transmitting information and determining possible physical layer packet sizes of the available channels. An information unit is partitioned into portions wherein the size of the portions are selected so as to match one of the physical layer packet sizes of the available communication channels. Another aspect is partitioning the information into a number of slices that correspond to the number of transmissions that occur during the information unit interval and assigning each partition to a corresponding transmission. The techniques can be used for various types of information, such as multimedia data, variable bit rate data streams, video data, or audio data. |
| US09674724B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting measurement report in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting a measurement report in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The method for transmitting a measurement report at a UE in the wireless communication system includes measuring received strengths and reception frequencies of first and second signals, and transmitting a measurement report including a frequency offset between the first and second signals, if the received strength of the second signal is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold. The frequency offset is used to support cooperative transmission of transmission points transmitting the first and second signals. |
| US09674723B2 |
Systems and methods for maintaining time stamping accuracy to meet a non-linear time drift constraint
Systems and methods for maintaining time stamping accuracy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wireless device in a cellular communications network logs data to provide a log. The wireless device maintains an accuracy of time stamping for the log to meet, or satisfy, a non-linear time drift constraint. In one embodiment, the log is one or more of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection establishment failure log, a radio link failure log, a random access failure log, a paging channel failure log, a broadcast channel failure log, data related to failure of one or more specific channels, and a radio measurement. In another embodiment, the log is a Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) log. |
| US09674722B1 |
Method for testing a GSM (global system for mobile communications) handset with reduced signaling requirements
Method for establishing a mobile terminated call between a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) test system and a GSM mobile transceiver device under test (DUT) with reduced signaling via a call control (CC) sublayer of layer 3. |
| US09674718B2 |
Microwave link control
Data packets in a communications signal on a microwave link are received by a microwave link modem. One or more link performance degradation indicators in the data packets are detected by processing the communications signal. The microwave link modem provides to a packet control unit information relating to the one or more link performance degradation indicators such that control of the microwave link is facilitated. |
| US09674716B2 |
Wireless communication device, wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and program
There is provided a wireless communication device including a control-message creation/transmission-instruction unit which sends notification information via a wireless communication network and also sends response information in the case of receiving notification information sent from another device, a reception/interpretation processing unit which receives, from another device which has received the notification information of the wireless communication device, response information of such other device and also receives the notification information sent from such other device, and an operation mode determination unit which determines, based on operation mode determination information included in the notification information of such other device or the response information of such other device, that the wireless communication device is caused to operate as one of a master device and a slave device. |
| US09674714B2 |
Systems and methods for providing services
Systems and methods for providing services are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving data having a first format and transmitting the data to a first device. The method may also comprise detecting a second device, automatically recognizing a supported second format of the detected second device, converting the data to the second format, and transmitting the converted data to the second device via wireless communication. |
| US09674707B2 |
Facilitating a secure session between paired devices
A wearable device can establish a verified session with a host device. For example, if a user wearing the wearable device unlocks the host device (e.g., by entering a credential), the devices can create a verified session, which can persist across lock and unlock events at the host device. For the duration of the verified session, a host device can request session confirmation from the wearable device at any time to confirm that the verified session is still in progress. While the session is in progress, the host can make features available such as bypassing re-entry of a credential during unlock operations. |
| US09674701B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling access to location information about user equipment executing application
The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method and a User Equipment (UE) for controlling access to location information about the UE are provided. The UE includes a controller configured, upon sensing access to the location information about the UE by an application operating in an operating system (OS) of the UE, to match a rule defining access authorization of the application to the location information, and to determine whether to allow or deny access of the application to the location information based on the access authorization, and a display configured to display a screen under control of the controller. |
| US09674699B2 |
System and methods for secure communication in mobile devices
A system and a method for secure communication in a mobile computing device involve obtaining, by a first program installed on the mobile computing device, an access credential from an authentication server on behalf of a second program installed on the mobile computing device. The second program submits the access credential to a remote resource as proof that the second program has been authenticated by the authentication server. Upon successful verification of the access credential, the remote resource allows the second program to access data. |
| US09674694B2 |
Systems and methods for group communication using a mobile device with mode transition based on motion
Methods and systems of communication using a mobile device that include detecting a movement of the mobile device associated with transitioning from speaker phone mode to earpiece mode, or vice versa, and in response to detecting such movement, automatically transitioning the device to a different mode of operation. The detected action may be the motion and/or positioning of the device handset, such as the movement of the handset towards or away from the user's ear, and/or the placement of the handset on a surface in a face-up or face-down position. Further methods and systems for transitioning between communication pathways and security modes in response to a detected movement of the mobile device. |
| US09674693B2 |
State-efficient network function support
This disclosure relates to supporting handling of state information for a stateful network function of a communication network. The network function of the communication network is provided by a network function environment including a set of network function instances configured to provide the network function, a scheduler configured to receive messages of subscribers of the communication network and to distribute the messages to the network function instances for processing by the network functions instances in accordance with the network function, and a state information storage device configured to store state information of the subscribers. The network function instances are configured to temporarily store state information of the subscribers locally at the network function instances while subscribers are associated with the network function instances and to transfer state information of the subscribers to the state information storage device when the subscribers are no longer associated with the network function instances. |
| US09674692B2 |
Hotel communication systems and methods
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for communicating with a hotel, for example, by establishing calls from a mobile communication device as an extension of a PBX of the hotel. The mobile communication device can receive, by a network interface, guest registration data for a guest of the hotel, including the room assignment and one or more guest service extensions on the PBX. The mobile communication device can store the guest registration data in electronic memory to configure the one or more guest service keys with the one or more guest service extensions. The mobile communication device can based on a selection of a key of one or more guest service keys, communicate directly with the PBX, by the network interface, to place and receive calls as an extension of the PBX associated with the hotel room assignment. |
| US09674691B2 |
Polling by universal integrated circuit card for remote subscription
In some implementations, a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) of a computing device activates a primary mobile network operator (MNO) subscription profile associated with a primary MNO based on: (i) whether the computing device is connected to a network, (ii) whether the primary MNO subscription profile is active, and (iii) a number of unacknowledged messages to a message that is periodically sent from the computer to a server associated with the primary MNO. The primary MNO may provide network services to a first geographic area and a secondary MNO may provide network services to a second geographic area. After the computing device moves to the second geographic location from the first geographic location, the eUICC received a secondary MNO profile associated with the secondary MNO, activates the secondary MNO profile, and deactivates the primary MNO profile. |
| US09674690B2 |
Method for control and enforcement of policy rule and EUICC
The present invention relates to a method for the control and enforcement of a policy rule in eUICC. The present invention relates to a method for the control and enforcement of a policy rule and to an eUICC, the method providing a function of controlling (defining, setting, updating, etc.) the policy rule for profiles on the eUICC according to the requirement of a business operator or a service provider, and providing a function of enforcing such as activating, deactivating, loading or deleting the profiles based on the thus-controlled policy rule. |
| US09674689B2 |
System and method for mitigating the effects of interferers while performing conditional device scan
A method, a personal area network device operating as a slave, and a short range communications device operating as a slave are disclosed. A data storage 208 may store at least one protocol-specific channel criterion for a connection with a master short range communication device 104. A short range transceiver 108 may execute a preliminary device scan of a scanning set of communication channels for radio frequency energy. A processor 204 may decide to execute a full device scan based in part on the protocol-specific channel criterion. |
| US09674683B2 |
Method and system for transmitting vehicle data using an automated voice
A vehicle communication system includes one or more processors configured to output a computer generated speech signal for at least a portion of vehicle parameter data based on at least one condition detection signal. The one or more processors are further configured to output the speech signal to a call center over a voice channel via a wireless communication. The one or more processors are further configured to receive a geographic location of a vehicle so that the speech signal is in a selected language based on a language associated with the geographic location of the vehicle. |
| US09674682B2 |
Enabling D2D functionality for public safety applications
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe apparatuses and methods for enabling device-to-device (D2D) functionality for public safety applications. Various embodiments may include an eNB with a radio transceiver to communicate with a UE that includes D2D operation capabilities, and processing circuitry to send the UE a System Information Block (SIB) message to activate one or more public safety functionalities of the UE related to D2D operation. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09674680B2 |
Communication apparatus, method for controlling communication apparatus, and program
A communication apparatus includes a search unit that searches for another communication apparatus identified by information obtained from a captured image, a communication parameter control unit that provides another communication apparatus with a communication parameter for performing wireless communication with an access point, and a control unit that, if the information obtained from the captured image conforms to a predetermined format, performs control based on the information obtained from the captured image such that the search unit searches for another communication apparatus identified by the information and the communication parameter control unit provides another communication apparatus detected by the search with the communication parameter, and if the information obtained from the captured image does not conform to the predetermined format, perform control such that the search unit does not search for another communication apparatus and the communication parameter control unit does not provide another communication apparatus with the communication parameter. |
| US09674661B2 |
Device-to-device relative localization
Techniques for generating a real-time 3D position of one device relative another device are described herein. In one embodiment, a first device may be equipped with one or more transmitters and receivers to collect location information based on direct localized signal transmission between the first device and a second device. The first device may also be equipped with an accelerometer and/or digital compasses to assist in resolving ambiguous locations when the first device and the second device are not at an alignment position. Each device may transmit part or all of its collected location information to another device to assist in obtaining the relative location. Alternatively, a separate server may receive the location information from the devices and calculate the relative location of each device based on the received location information. |
| US09674657B1 |
Techniques for remote tracking
Techniques for remote tracking may be realized as a method including: receiving tracking parameters comprising one or more restrictions, wherein each restriction of the one or more restrictions includes a property other than a position; monitoring a position of a client device; receiving location information for the monitored position of the client device, the location information including one or more properties other than position; and determining that the monitored position of the client device transgresses a restriction of the one or more restrictions, wherein the determination includes determining that location information of the monitored position satisfies a property of the restriction other than position. |
| US09674656B2 |
Wireless-based localization using a zonal framework
Disclosed herein are techniques and systems for performing wireless-based localization using a zonal framework. An area (i.e., surface or space) may be partitioned into multiple zones, and one or more signal propagation models for one or more wireless access points (APs) may be generated for each zone. The result is a set of zonal signal propagation models that allow for improved model fitness on a per-zone basis. A process includes receiving a location query associated with a wireless communication device, selecting a target zone among multiple available zones of an area, and estimating a location of the wireless communication device based at least in part on one of a signal propagation model associated with the target zone or a fingerprint-based localization. The signal propagation model associated with the target zone may be generated based on training samples observed exclusively within the target zone. |
| US09674652B2 |
Positioning devices
An apparatus configured at least to perform: receiving a signal constituting a positioning packet at a positioning device; processing the signal by: demodulating a header of the positioning packet from the signal; extracting an identifier from the header of the positioning packet; part processing samples of the signals; and forming a message from the part-processed samples; in response to receiving the signal, deactivating a receiver circuit of the positioning device for a period of time, the period of time constituting a sum of a time taken by the positioning device to process the signal and a preconfigured or random delay time; and activating the receiver circuit of the positioning device immediately subsequent the period of time. |
| US09674647B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information providing method, and information providing system
An information processing apparatus uses a display device to provide display information. The information processing apparatus includes processing circuitry configured to store information relating to a position of an output device that outputs information relating to the output device, and information relating to the display device corresponding to the position of the output device; receive information of a transmission source and the information of the output device acquired by the transmission source, from the transmission source capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus; identify a position of the transmission source, based on the received information; and control the display device corresponding to the position of the transmission source to display the display information, according to the information of the transmission source. |
| US09674644B2 |
Method for determining directionality using bluetooth low energy communications
A method and system detect directionality between two objects by measuring angles of signals incident on antenna arrays on at least one side to determine angle of incidence. The methods utilize Bluetooth Low Energy communications for both the control protocol and for providing updated information for deriving directionality. Directionality information is broadcast on selected BLE advertising or data channels, or broadcast using a hopping pattern over the BLE data channels, both at a specific interval duty cycle. If a hopping pattern is selected to transmit directionality information, then anchor information is simultaneously broadcast on the BLE advertising or data channels at a different, asynchronous duty cycle. In additional embodiments, signals incident on antenna arrays located on both target and tracking sides are used to determine angle of incidence, separate antennas are combined to form new antennas and antenna models are used to anticipate known antenna structure responses. |
| US09674642B2 |
Method and system for real-time monitoring of operating condition at an infrastructure
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for real-time monitoring of operating condition at an infrastructure. The method comprises receiving data from one or more sensors wherein the data is associated with monitoring parameters of the infrastructure like environment condition, operator health condition and working condition of the infrastructure. The data is received by one or more mobile devices associated with one or more operators of the infrastructure. Based on the received data, the each of the mobile devices detects status of the operating condition of the infrastructure. The status is either safe or unsafe. The mobile device receives input from each of the one or more operators if there is any modification in the detected status. Based on the received input the detected status is updated. The mobile device provides one or more measures associated with the one or more monitoring parameters based on the updated status. |
| US09674641B2 |
Base station device
A base station device uses a first card as an M2M card, second cards as general cards, and a third card as a spare card from among call process cards included in a signal processing unit. A call control unit allocates, to the M2M card, a call that is received from an M2M terminal and in which the service type determined by a service type determination unit is an M2M service. Furthermore, the call control unit allocates, to a general card, a call that is received from a general terminal and in which the service type determined by service type determination unit is a general service. |
| US09674636B2 |
System, method and computer software product for providing interactive data using a mobile device
A method of providing interactive services to a mobile device, comprising: transmitting programming over-the-air to a mobile device by a first facility in communication with a service provider; and receiving by a second facility comprising a wireless access point in communication with the service provider first information based on the programming from the mobile device is provided. A method of providing interactive services to a mobile device, comprising: receiving programming over-the-air by a mobile device from a first facility in communication with a service provider; and transmitting by the mobile device to a second facility comprising a wireless access point in communication with the service provider first information based on the programming is provided. |
| US09674632B2 |
Filtering with binaural room impulse responses
A device comprising one or more processors is configured to determine a plurality of segments for each of a plurality of binaural room impulse response filters, wherein each of the plurality of binaural room impulse response filters comprises a residual room response segment and at least one direction-dependent segment for which a filter response depends on a location within a sound field; transform each of at least one direction-dependent segment of the plurality of binaural room impulse response filters to a domain corresponding to a domain of a plurality of hierarchical elements to generate a plurality of transformed binaural room impulse response filters, wherein the plurality of hierarchical elements describe a sound field; and perform a fast convolution of the plurality of transformed binaural room impulse response filters and the plurality of hierarchical elements to render the sound field. |
| US09674628B1 |
Providing binaural sound to localize at an image during a telephone call
A method executed by one or more electronic devices in an electronic system provides binaural sound of a voice of a person to localize at an image during a telephone call. During the telephone call, a wearable electronic device displays an image of a calling party, and a voice of the calling party externally localizes as the binaural sound to the image of the calling party. |
| US09674627B2 |
Sound transducer with interdigitated first and second sets of comb fingers
A sound transducer includes a substrate with a cavity with extending from a first surface of the substrate, a body at least partially covering the cavity and being connected to the substrate by at least one resilient hinge, a first set of comb fingers mounted to the substrate, and a second set of comb fingers mounted to the body. The first set of comb fingers and the second set of comb fingers are interdigitated and configured to create an electrostatic force driving the body in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the substrate. The body and the at least one resilient hinge are configured for a resonant or a near-resonant excitation by the electrostatic force. |
| US09674625B2 |
Passive proximity detection
Techniques and devices are disclosed for utilizing passively received audio signals to determine proximity of devices to other objects. In one embodiment, a method of passive proximity detection is provided that includes sensing a first sound wave using a first audio transducer and generating a first signal representative of the first sound wave. A second sound wave is also sensed and a second signal is generated. The method includes comparing characteristics of the first and second signals using a processor to determine if differences between the first and second signals indicate the first audio transducer is proximately located to another object. |
| US09674624B2 |
System and method for resetting amplifier of AVN system for vehicle
A system and method for resetting an amplifier of an AVN system are provided. The system includes a microphone that is configured to sense whether a non-audible frequency is output from the amplifier through the speaker. In addition, a reset controller is configured to receive a signal from the microphone and determine whether to reset the amplifier. |
| US09674618B2 |
Acoustic sensor and manufacturing method of the same
An acoustic sensor is provided for improving shock resistance performance, along with a method for manufacturing the acoustic sensor. In the acoustic sensor, a fixing plate is provided by a semiconductor manufacturing process, a frame wall has a curved shape in at least a portion of the periphery of the fixing plate, the frame wall being coupled to the semiconductor substrate. A sacrifice layer removed from the inner side of the fixing plate in the manufacturing process remains at least on a portion of the inner side of the frame wall. Roughness of the remaining sacrifice layer is smaller than roughness of a sound shape reflecting structure in which a shape similar to the external shape of sound holes is repeated. Roughness of the sound shape reflecting structure is formed when removing the sacrifice layer using etching liquid supplied from the plurality of sound holes in the semiconductor manufacturing process. |
| US09674617B2 |
Electronic apparatus comprising a piezoelectric vibration module configured to vibrate a cover panel, storage medium storing control program that controls the electronic apparatus and information notification method of the electronic apparatus
When a driving module is performing processing of vibrating a piezoelectric vibration module based on a sound signal in an electronic apparatus, a determination module determines whether or not an ear putting position specified by an ear putting position specifying module is close to a reference position. When the processing is being performed, a notification module notifies the user at least one of that the ear putting position is appropriate and that the ear putting position is inappropriate, based on a determination result of the determination module. |
| US09674616B1 |
Dynamic acoustic impedance matching device and method
A dynamic acoustic impedance matching device for an acoustic signal transmitted or received in a medium by a transducer includes a particle flow in an acoustic signal path of the transducer. The particle flow has an acoustic impedance between an acoustic impedance of the transducer and an acoustic impedance of the medium. |
| US09674614B2 |
Speaker unit
A speaker unit includes a magnet having poles and generating magnetic flux, and a yoke part forming a path of the magnetic flux and including a first yoke extending from one of the poles, a second yoke extending from another one of the poles, and magnetic gaps disposed between the first yoke and the second yoke. The speaker unit further includes a voice coil disposed between the magnetic gaps and moving when applied with an electric current, and a diaphragm generating sound pressure while vibrating according to the movement of the voice coil. The first yoke includes magnetic plates protruding toward the second yoke, and the magnetic plates have thicknesses different from each other. |
| US09674609B2 |
Speaker device and audio signal processing method
A speaker apparatus includes an input portion to which audio signals of a plurality of channels are input, a plurality of speakers, a directivity controlling portion that delays the audio signals of the plurality of channels input to the input portion and distributes the delayed audio signals to the plurality of speakers so that the plurality of speakers output a plurality of sound beams, and a localization adding portion that applies a filtering processing based on a head-related transfer function to at least one of the audio signals of the plurality of channels input to the input portion and inputs the processed audio signal to the plurality of speakers. |
| US09674607B2 |
Sound collecting apparatus, correction method of input signal of sound collecting apparatus, and mobile equipment information system
A small-signal power acquisition unit defines a threshold for each of a plurality of input signals based on a long-term average of a minimum power of the corresponding input signal, each of the input signals being obtained by a microphone, sets a power value of each input signal that is smaller than the corresponding defined threshold to be a small-signal power of the input signal. A correction amount setting unit obtains each correction amount for correcting the input signals based on the small-signal power of the corresponding input signal. A correction unit corrects each of the input signals based on each of the correction amounts for correcting the input signals. |
| US09674605B2 |
Loudspeaker with pressure compensation element
A loudspeaker includes a sound transducer, a housing and a unit configured to influence the temperature, such as a pressure compensation element. The sound transducer includes a membrane, the membrane enclosing a gas volume along with the housing. The sound transducer is configured to cause the membrane to vibrate, so that the gas volume is changed in accordance with the vibration. The unit configured to influence the temperature is configured to counteract a change of state, which is due to the membrane vibration, by means of a change in temperature of the gas volume. |
| US09674604B2 |
Dual cartridge directional microphone
The invention relates to a microphone (10). A first (14a) and a second (14b) diaphragm are provided in a housing (12). A first chamber (24a) is delimited by a first side of the first diaphragm (14a) and an inner surface of the housing (12). A first opening (18a) extends from the first chamber (24a) to surroundings of the microphone (10). A second chamber (24b) is delimited by a first side of the second diaphragm (14b) and an inner surface of the housing (12). A second opening (18b) extends from the second chamber (24b) to the surroundings. A common chamber (22) is delimited by a second side of the first diaphragm (14a), a second side of the second diaphragm (14b) and an inner surface of the housing (12). A third opening (20) extends from the common chamber (22) to the surroundings. |