| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09669324B2 |
Versatile robust construction toy
A cost effective, structural building set, suitable as a toy, uses post connectors (10) comprised of a post (12) with attached disks (14), or similar devices that insert into cutouts (31) in geometric shaped component parts (30, 80, 180). More than one component part can be connected to the same post connector, and such component parts can rotate relative to the post axis. The connector design allows construction of stable structures of many sizes, shapes, and types, and readily facilitates hinging between different sections of such assembled structures. |
| US09669323B2 |
Children's toy
A children's toy drum having a drum head that is partially reflective and partially light transmissive. Lights inside of the drum are visible through the drum head when illuminated, and when the lights are not illuminated the drum head acts as a mirror reflecting external light and obscuring visibility of the drum's interior. A second reflector can be positioned toward the base of the drum to generate a light tunnel or other visual effect. |
| US09669322B2 |
Toy top
A toy top equipped with a motor having a battery as a power source, wherein a main body is furnished with: a first wheel and a second wheel provided a specified distance from each other in a wheel axis direction; and a motive power transmission mechanism, for transmitting motive power from the motor and for rotating the first wheel in a first direction while rotating the second wheel in a second different direction The toy top is stable with respect to external forces and with which a range of top games can be broadened. |
| US09669321B2 |
System for providing a virtual reality experience
Provided is a system for providing a virtual reality experience, the system including a vehicle controlled to follow a pre-determined path; a virtual reality controller; one or more headsets each including a virtual reality generator and at least one screen, wherein the virtual reality generator is controlled by the virtual reality controller; and a synchronization sensor, wherein the controller includes a memory adapted to store data relating to the path, the synchronization sensor is connected to the controller and includes at least one accelerometer adapted to sense movement of the vehicle, the controller includes a processor adapted to compare data from the synchronization sensor to the data stored in the memory of the controller to calculate the location of the vehicle on the path, and the controller is adapted to synchronize the virtual reality generator with the location of the vehicle on the path. |
| US09669320B2 |
Observation wheel type ride with auxiliary bearings to support the main shaft in case of failure of the main bearings
An observation wheel type ride includes a wheel, multiple passenger cabins supported by the wheel, a drive mechanism for rotating the wheel about its rotational axis, and a support structure that supports the wheel. The wheel furthermore includes two first bearings, provided with a first bearing locking mechanism, and two second bearings, provided with a second bearing locking mechanism. Each bearing locking mechanism can selectively be converted between a locking condition, in which it prevents rotational movement of a bearing inner ring relative to a bearing outer ring, and an unlocking condition, in which it allows for rotational movement of the first bearing inner ring relative to the first bearing outer ring. Providing the second bearings allows for rotational movement of the wheel about the rotational axis of its support axle when the first bearing locking mechanisms are in their locking condition. |
| US09669315B1 |
Providing leaderboard based upon in-game events
An approach to facilitate providing leaderboards based upon in-game events within a game space. The leaderboards based on user progress to achieving one or more administrator defined objectives within the game space, where each objective requires the completion of one or more activities. An objective metric for the first user, indicating the first user's progress toward achieving the objective may be determined, based upon one or more activity metric values for the first user. The activity metric values providing an indication of the first user's progress toward completing activities required to be completed to achieve the objective, as defined by an administrator. |
| US09669313B2 |
System and method for providing dynamic and static contest prize allocation based on in-game achievement of a user
One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing dynamic and static contest prize allocation based on in-game achievement of a user in an online game in order to encourage players to continue to purchase items to improve their tournament metrics even if they may be unable to improve their tournament rank. For example, calculation of a dynamic prize may comprise for rank x, the player may gain 1 prize unit for every y Glory gained (when Glory may be the measured by the tournament). The y value may increase for lower ranks achieved in the tournament. |
| US09669310B2 |
Gaming assistance system and method
A method of assisting a first player of a videogame is provided. The method includes making a game state of the first player accessible to a second player. The game state describes a state of the videogame as played by the first player. The method also includes executing the videogame for the second player using the game state of the first player to define the initial state of the videogame for the second player, allowing the second player to play the videogame based upon the game state of the first player until a first predetermined criterion is met, and providing to the first player data for updating their game state in response to the play of the second player. |
| US09669309B2 |
Method for managing league point of point lapsing league mode and server for providing point lapsing league mode
A method for managing league points of a point lapsing league mode includes: by a point lapsing league mode providing server, providing a point lapsing league mode that is a mode in which predetermined league points are allocated for a predetermined period and progress of a game is restricted when all the league points are consumed to the user terminal; outputting a game character information selecting interface that is an interface for accessing the user terminal to select a game character for progressing a game of the point lapsing league mode from among at least one game character to the user terminal; consuming predetermined league points of the user when the user terminal finishes playing the game of the point lapsing league mode through the game character selected by the user; determining whether all league points of the user having participated in the point lapsing league mode are consumed; and outputting information for notifying that the game cannot be progressed in the point lapsing league mode to the user terminal when all the league points of the user having participated in the point lapsing league mode are consumed. |
| US09669304B2 |
Methods for controller pairing with assigned differentiating color/player
Methods of pairing a controllers for game play is presented. In one example, a method of pairing controllers to a base computing device for playing a game executed on the base computing device is provided. The method includes receiving a pairing request from one of a first or a second controller. The pair request is generated in response physical contact between the first and second controllers. The method assigns the first and second controllers as a first pairing for a first player and assigns the first pairing to a first color. The method includes transmitting the first color to the first or second controllers, such that at least one of the first and second controllers for the first pairing is configured to illuminate in the first color. Additional pairs of controllers will be assigned a different color, so that each player has a color differentiated color on their respective controller. |
| US09669303B2 |
Computer game interface
A computer game interface is disclosed, having controller inputs configured to receive an input signal from a user interface controller and to enable the user to control a user controllable element of a game on a computer. The computer game interface also has a controller output that sends an output signal to the computer, the output signal having information to control the user controllable element of the game. Another element of the computer game interface is a switching module in communication with the controller inputs and the controller output. The switching module selects an input signal from the input signals received by the controller inputs and communicates the input signal to the controller output. An additional element of the computer game interface is a timer controlling the switching module to switch the input signal communicated to the controller output based on a time period. |
| US09669302B2 |
Digital image processing apparatus and controlling method thereof
A digital image processing apparatus and a controlling method thereof are disclosed. The digital image processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to receive information on a real travel path, a sensor unit configured to detect position change information of the digital image processing apparatus, a display unit configured to play a scene image of a virtual travel path, and a controller configured to control the input unit, the sensor unit, and the display unit, wherein the controller may detect similarity levels of virtual travel paths in accordance with a predetermined reference based upon the real travel path, select one virtual travel path respective to a highest similarity level among the detected similarity levels or respective to a user selection, and control the play of a scene image of the selected virtual travel path based upon the information on the real travel path and the detected position change information. |
| US09669301B2 |
Peripheral device for use with a gaming machine to image the face of a player
The present application provides a game peripheral device including an auxiliary light device available for long-time use. An emission brightness determination device for determining emission brightness of illumination light determines the emission brightness at first emission brightness under the condition where a brightness determination signal has been detected and determines the emission brightness at second emission brightness under the condition where an imaging device has taken an image of a player's face. |
| US09669294B1 |
Method and system for inter-headset communications via data over in-game audio
A gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game. The plurality of audio channels comprises game audio channels that convey audio for the game, and a chat audio channel that conveys chat audio. The gaming headset includes an integrated analog voiceband modem that modulates data for communication over the chat audio channel, and transmits the modulated data on the chat audio channel that conveys the chat audio. The modulated data may be communicated, via the chat audio channel, to one or more devices associated with one or more other gamers that are engaged in the play of the particular game. The modulated data includes one or more dual tone multi-frequency tones. The gaming headset may also receive data, via the chat audio channel, from one or more devices associated with one or more other gamers that are engaged in the play of the particular game. |
| US09669287B2 |
Universal speed control system for a wheeled board conveyance
A braking system for a wheeled apparatus and an improved wheeled apparatus, such as a skateboard, are described where the braking system allows for easy, quick and universal mounting onto the deck of a typical board. |
| US09669286B2 |
Process and tool for application of wax onto watersport boards
A process and tool for the application of wax onto watersport boards including, but not limited to, surfboards, longboards, foam top boards, skim boards, standup paddle boards, boogie boards, wake skateboards, and wake surfboards. The process includes shredding wax with the use of a handheld grating device having a cutting blade with grating holes. The process further includes distributing the grated wax fragments onto the surface of the watersport board while continuing to rub the wax over the cutting blade of the grating device and layering the grated wax fragments over areas of the board surface where grip is needed, and then gently pressing the wax fragments onto the surface of the board to create a texture for ideal grip and traction needed to stand on and control the watersport board. One or more scraper edges on the grating device allow for removal of the wax from the board surface. |
| US09669285B2 |
Snow sports equipment
A piece of snow sports equipment comprises a sliding board with a sheetlike central part (110) which extends in a longitudinal direction, and two sheetlike side parts (120, 130) which are fastened to the central part (110) on both sides. The central part (110) has a sliding coating (115) on a lower side. The side parts (120, 130) can be folded over from a first position, in which a first main surface of the side parts (120, 130) is substantially co-planar with the lower side of the central part (110), into a second position, in which the side parts (120, 130) are folded under the central part (110) such that the first main surfaces of the side parts (120, 130) are supported on the lower side of the central part (110). Second main surfaces of the side parts (120, 130), which second main surfaces lie opposite the first main surfaces, have a climbing skin (125, 135). |
| US09669283B2 |
Sport gloves
According to the various features characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partially fingered gloves intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but limited to football and golf. Primarily because of its unique finger configurations, and/or grip enhancers, and/or hand protective properties, the present invention makes a glove more operable in various sports activities. |
| US09669282B2 |
Baseball glove and liner
A glove liner includes a pad running diagonally across the palm of the hand. When the glove liner is inserted into a baseball fielder's glove, the pad underlies a heel of the glove and/or a palm of the glove and promotes catching a baseball in the webbing or pocket of the fielder's glove. |
| US09669279B2 |
Bicycle trainer with a position changeable damper unit
A bicycle trainer includes a base frame, a damper unit pivotally connected to the base frame and including a rotating wheel set, a swivel frame pivoted to the base frame and biasable between an inclined position where the swivel frame and the damper unit are capable of supporting a bicycle wheel and a collapsed position where the swivel frame is received in the base frame and the rotating wheel set of the damper unit is disposed adjacent to the swivel frame, and a locking device for locking the damper unit to the base frame or allowing the damper unit to be biased relative to the base frame. Thus, the composition of the invention allows the bicycle trainer to be folded up and received in a compact condition to minimize the dimension convenient for carrying with less effort. |
| US09669278B1 |
Exercise bench and attachments
An adjustable declined exercise bench and adjustable punching or striking attachments for the exercise bench that attach to the upper end of the bench. The bench is segmented into an upper stationary end segment and a lower pivotable end segment. The lower end segment of the bench where the user's back or will rest can swivel with the movement of the user's torso. Movement of the lower segment of the bench is in opposition to a resistance band that keeps the lower segment under tension and tends to hold the lower segment in an aligned position relative to the upper segment of the bench. |
| US09669277B1 |
Bat with performance governing barrel and vibration dampening connection
A bat for striking a ball comprises an axis, a handle, and a barrel. The handle includes a knob end, an attachment end, and a length separating the knob end from the attachment end. The barrel includes an end cap end, a barrel portion, a barrel length, and a transition section. The transition section is operatively attached to the attachment end of the handle. The bat can include a joint connecting the transition section to the attachment end while separating the barrel from the handle. Further, the bat can include an internal tubular member operatively attached to the end cap end and positioned within the barrel. A knob can be attached to the knob end of the handle while an end cap can be attached to the end cap end of the barrel. A grip can be attached to the handle adjacent the knob. |
| US09669276B1 |
Golf green divot repair tool
A golf green divot repair tool includes a body portion and a single elongate prong attached to the body portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion has opposed upper and lower surfaces, with the upper surface including a thumb pad, the thumb pad defined by an arcuate recess, opposed side walls located on either side of the recess, and a stop located adjacent the prong, the recess, side walls and stop smoothly merging with each other. The prong includes a tip and a shaft, the shaft being attached to the body portion, the shaft including at least two upper faces that merge at a plough edge, the plough edge being centered on the shaft parallel with the longitudinal axis. |
| US09669273B2 |
Golf bag
A golf bag is provided with a lower frame, an inner frame, two positioning support members, an upper frame, an outer support member and a cover. The two slots are provided at two opposite sides of the inner frame, the magnetic member is disposed on the inner surface of each of the slots, the first receiving cavities are formed on the lower frame, the magnetic end of the positioning support members are inserted in the slots and attracted by the magnetic members, and another end of the positioning support members are inserted in the first receiving cavities, all these arrangements contribute to strengthening the connection between the inner and lower frames, consequently stabilizing the structure of the golf bag. |
| US09669272B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head includes a primary component and a secondary component, wherein the secondary component is rotatably or pivotally associated with the rear surface of the primary component. The secondary component is adjustable between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the primary component such that the golf club head has a first sole contour when the secondary component is in the first orientation and a second sole contour when the secondary component is in the second orientation, the first sole contour being different from the second sole contour. |
| US09669270B2 |
Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads
Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. A golf club head may include a body portion having a face portion with regions of varying thickness. In one example, the golf club head may include a center portion with a first thickness, an outer wall portion with a second thickness less than the first thickness, and a plurality of inner wall portion with a third thickness less than the second thickness. The golf club head may include a body portion and a plurality of weight portions. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09669268B2 |
Dual core golf ball having positive-hardness-gradient thermoplastic inner core and positive-hardness-gradient thermoset outer core layer
A golf ball includes a thermoplastic inner core and a thermoset outer core layer. The inner core has a surface hardness of about 40 to 80 Shore C and a center hardness of about 30 to 75 Shore C, the center hardness being less than the surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient. The cover includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The thermoplastic inner core comprises a highly-neutralized ionomer including an acid copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid; a plasticizer; an organic acid or salt thereof; and a cation source present in an amount sufficient to neutralize from about 70 to 100% of the acid groups present. The outer core layer includes a polybutadiene rubber and has a surface hardness greater than an interior hardness to define a positive hardness gradient of less than about 25 Shore C. |
| US09669265B2 |
Three-cover-layer golf ball having transparent or plasticized polyamide intermediate layer
A golf ball includes a core and a three-layer cover disposed adjacent the core. The three-layer cover includes an inner cover, an intermediate cover, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes a non-ionomeric E/Y copolymer where E is an olefin and Y is a carboxylic acid. The inner cover has a hardness of about 45 to 68 Shore D. The outer cover includes a castable thermoset polyurethane and has a hardness of about 40 to 62 Shore D. The intermediate cover layer, disposed between the inner and outer cover layers, is formed from a polyamide composition, where the polyamide composition includes a transparent polyamide having a light transmission of about 50% or greater. |
| US09669264B2 |
Multi-layer golf ball
Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer. |
| US09669260B2 |
Apparatus and method for tracking the position of each part of the body for golf swing analysis
A position tracking apparatus includes: a depth image obtaining unit for obtaining a depth image; a database created by collecting depth images received from the depth image obtaining unit; a feature extracting unit for extracting features from each pixel of the depth image; a classifier training unit for training a classifier in order to determine the position of the parts of the body by receiving a feature set for each part of the body as inputs which are extracted by using the feature extracting unit from all of the depth images in the database; and a position determination unit for extracting features for each pixel of the depth image received by the depth image obtaining unit using the feature extracting unit in a state in which the classifier training unit trains the classifier, and for tracking the three-dimensional position of each part of the body through the classifier. |
| US09669256B2 |
Gait tread simulation fitness equipment
Gait tread simulation fitness equipment is provided, which utilizes a multi-linkage mechanism disposed on a main body and a suspending side frame to make an action track of a pedal to match the natural gait tread well. In addition, the relative position of the movable pivot can be adjusted to obtain different exercise modes for training different muscle groups, so as to achieve the objective of exercise training. |
| US09669255B2 |
Glute ham developer
A glute ham developer comprising a pad assembly and a foot retention assembly. The pad assembly includes a retention sub-assembly coupling a base pad portion to an existing box. The foot retention assembly including a base plate having a foot surface and a support surface. A mating channel extends from the support surface of the base plate. The mating channel is releasably coupled to an existing outside support spaced apart from the existing box. A roller assembly extends from the foot surface of the base plate. The roller assembly has a pair of roller axles in a spaced apart orientation relative to each other defining a foot receiving region therebetween. |
| US09669254B2 |
Integrated exercise mat system
An integrated exercise mat system can include: a user device having a display for displaying an application, providing a metric, and enabling user inputs; an exercise mat coupled to the user device, the exercise mat having a sensor to detect an article on the exercise mat and to obtain a force measurement exerted by the article through a movement, and the exercise mat having a communication module to communicatively connect the exercise mat with a processor and provide the force measurement to the processor; and wherein the processor performs a plurality of calculations based on the force measurement. |
| US09669253B2 |
Fold and roll exercise mat
A yoga mat comprising a folding hinge, said yoga mat designed to be folded and then rolled up while it is folded. |
| US09669250B1 |
Abdominal exercise belt
An apparatus adapted to function as an exercise belt having two (2) adjustable ends formed as hooks and operable to be secured about sides of a chair or a seat in a motor vehicle. The adjustable ends further include a threaded means to allow both adjustable ends or either adjustable end to be threaded in or out to achieve a desired length. The desired length is selectively adjustable so that a user may isometrically push against the exercise belt while seated and have the exercise belt provide resistance to exertion provided by the user. |
| US09669249B2 |
Range of motion improvement device
An end range of motion improving device is disclosed including, first and second link members to independently rotate an upper leg and a lower leg of a patient, having a controller to selectively rotate the link members, and a networked computing system to facilitate communication between the controller and other networked devices. |
| US09669243B2 |
Delivery of hydrophobic benefit agents from bodywashes and the like onto a keratinous substrate
This invention relates to a delivery system for hydrophobic benefit agents to keratinous substrates. The delivery system comprises amphiphilic block copolymers, and a hydrophobic benefit agent, which amphiphilic block copolymers comprise a siloxane segment and a cationic segment. The invention also relates to methods of delivering the hydrophobic benefit agents to the keratinous substrate. Furthermore, the delivery systems and methods of delivery are effective in retaining an hydrophobic benefit agents on the keratinous substrate after rinsing.More particularly, the delivery systems are especially suitable in personal cleansing, body wash or rinse off lotion compositions and comprise certain amphiphilic polymers which effectively deposit the hydrophobic benefit agents onto a keratinous substrate, such as skin or hair. |
| US09669240B2 |
Therapy system for depositing energy
A therapy system includes a therapy module to perform successive deposits of energy in a target zone. The therapy system further includes a control module configured to, prior to deposits of energy, produce an a priori estimate of the induced heating. A thermometry module is configured to measure temperature in a measurement field. The induced heating may be derived based on a tissue model from the settings of a therapy module. The therapy module includes a high-intensity focused ultrasound transmitter. A magnetic resonance examination system configured for thermometry is employed as the thermometry module. |
| US09669239B2 |
Device for treating the sensory capacity of a person and method of treatment with the help of such a device
A system for treating at least one sensory capacity of a person with the help of a stimulation device comprises an electronic converter of a sensory signal into an electronic signal for controlling at least one transducer for emitting signals that are images of the sensory signal. The stimulation device for direct ultrasound stimulation of the sensory cortex of a brain comprises at least one support that is implantable in a skull and that includes at least one internal wall and at least one ultrasound transducer carried by the support. Means for emitting focused ultrasound waves through the internal wall of the support towards a determined zone of the sensory cortex of the patient's brain in order to generate modulation of the brain activity in the cortex are provided. The ultrasound transducer is driven by the electronic converter to emit focused ultrasound signals that are images of the sensory signal. |
| US09669235B2 |
Phototherapy system that adapts to the position of an infant in neonatal care
Systems and methods for providing phototherapy to an infant use the determined position and/or posture of an infant to provide effective phototherapy through a set of light sources, to avoid electromagnetic radiation from the light sources directly impinging on the eyes of the infant, and to reduce or limit the level of electromagnetic radiation leaked into the environment. |
| US09669233B2 |
Method and system for wound care
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a wound-care assembly The wound-care assembly includes a base layer. A film layer is operatively coupled to the base layer and a fluid conductor is in fluid communication with a wound and a vacuum source. The wound-care assembly further includes a fiber-optic patch comprising a plurality of fiber-optic strands. The fiber-optic strands are pressed into contact with an interior surface of the wound by the fluid conductor. The fiber-optic patch provides ultraviolet light to the wound and the relative vacuum is applied to the wound via the vacuum source and the fluid conductor. |
| US09669232B2 |
Method for non-invasive brain stimulation
Magneto-electric nanoparticles in a subject interact with an external magnetic field to cause stimulation of neural networks in the subject. Electric signals in the neural network are coupled to magnetic dipoles induced in the nanoparticles to cause changes in electric pulse sequences of the subject's brain. |
| US09669231B1 |
Apparatus and method for hyperthermic treatments
A medical apparatus operable to induce localized hyperthermia in a patient via an electromagnetic field emitted by an antenna connected to an output of the medical apparatus includes a signal generator, a bidirectional coupler, and a controller. The signal generator generate radios frequency signal as a function of an operating parameter. The bidirectional coupler provides the radio frequency signal generated by the signal generator to the output and receives a reflected signal from the output. The controller receives the generated radio frequency signal from the signal generator, determines a power of the radiofrequency signal generated by the signal generator, receives the reflected signal from the bidirectional coupler, determines a power of the reflected signal, and determines delivery efficiency of the medical apparatus as a function of the power of the radiofrequency signal generated by the signal generator and the power of the reflected signal received from the bidirectional coupler. |
| US09669229B2 |
Automatic external defibrillator for adult and pediatric patients
An AED unit is operable to selectively switch to a pediatric rescue protocol by inserting a key-like device into an aperture of the AED unit. A sensor inside the case of the AED unit senses the presence of the device in the slot and responds by executing the pediatric rescue protocol. A separate electrode pad mating connector on the AED unit receives an electrode pad connector, the associated electrode pads being suitable for either adult or pediatric patients. |
| US09669228B2 |
Medical devices including metallic connector enclosures
Medical devices provide metallic connector enclosures. The metallic connector enclosures may be constructed with relatively thin walls in comparison to polymer connector enclosures to aid in miniaturizing the medical device. The metallic connector enclosures may be constructed with interior surfaces that deviate less from an ideal inner surface shape in comparison to polymer connector enclosures to allow for better concentricity of electrical connectors. The metallic connector enclosures may include a panel that allows access to the cavity of the connector enclosure where set screw blocks, lead connectors, spacers, seals, and the like may be located. Furthermore, the lead connectors within the metallic connector enclosures may be separated from the metallic connector enclosure by being positioned within non-conductive seals that reside within features included in cavity walls of the connector enclosure. Similarly, set screw blocks may be separated from the metallic connector enclosure by non-conductive spacers present within the cavity. |
| US09669226B2 |
Methods and systems for reducing interference in stimulation treatment
Systems and methods are provided for reducing stimulation interference between two stimulation modules positioned on a user's body, which may be used in stimulation systems without a central treatment controller. Systems and methods are also provided for stimulation treatment using multiple independent stimulators wirelessly managed by a remote management device. |
| US09669225B2 |
Cardiac rhythm management system selecting between multiple same-chamber electrodes for delivering cardiac therapy
A cardiac rhythm management system selects one of multiple electrodes associated with a particular heart chamber based on a relative timing between detection of a depolarization fiducial point at the multiple electrodes, or based on a delay between detection of a depolarization fiducial point at the multiple electrodes and detection of a reference depolarization fiducial point at another electrode associated with the same or a different heart chamber. Subsequent contraction-evoking stimulation therapy is delivered from the selected electrode. |
| US09669224B2 |
Triggered pacing system
A medical device system is configured to sense physiological events by a first device and control a transducer to emit trigger signals in response to the sensed physiological events. A second device detects the trigger signals and delivers therapeutic stimulation pulses in response to the trigger signals. The therapeutic stimulation pulses have a combined total time duration over the sensed physiological events that is greater than the combined total time duration of the trigger signals. |
| US09669223B2 |
System for leadless pacing of the heart
Devices for use in providing stimulation to cardiac tissue are provided. One device is configured for implantation in or near the heart and includes a flexible, elongate body. The body is configured to be positioned across two different sections of the vasculature such that (a) the first end can be positioned in a first section of the vasculature through which the device can stimulate a first chamber of the heart and (b) the second end can be positioned in a second section of the vasculature through which the device can stimulate a second chamber of the heart. The device further includes a receiver circuit configured to receive signals wirelessly from a transmitter device and to convert the signals into electrical power. The device also includes at least a first set of one or more electrodes configured to stimulate the heart using the electrical power. |
| US09669222B2 |
Automatic anode and cathode fractional control and location to selectively avoid dorsal root stimulation
A therapeutic neurostimulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient. The neurostimulation system comprises a neurostimulation lead having an array of electrodes arranged along a longitudinal axis configured for being implanted along a spinal cord of a patient, a neurostimulation device configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to active ones of the electrode array, and control/processing circuitry for instructing the neurostimulation device to configure an active electrode as a cathode, and two active electrodes longitudinally flanking and laterally offset from the cathode as anodes, selecting a ratio of stimulation amplitude values for the two anodes based on a known longitudinal location of the implanted neurostimulation lead relative to the spinal cord, and instructing the neurostimulation device to distribute the electrical stimulation energy between the two anodes in accordance with the selected stimulation amplitude value ratio. |
| US09669210B2 |
Electrical stimulation leads and systems with folding anchoring units and methods of making and using
An electrical stimulation lead includes at least one anchoring unit and each anchoring unit includes a lead attachment element. Some anchoring units include one or more anchoring fins attached to the lead attachment element and extending away from the lead attachment element when in a deployed position for contact with patient tissue to anchor the lead within the patient tissue. Each anchoring fin also has a retracted position in which the anchoring fin folds down and lies next to the lead attachment element. Other anchoring units include one or more anchoring tabs defined by the lead attachment element. Each anchoring tab is partially separated from a remainder of the lead attachment element by at least one cutout and extends away from the remainder of the lead attachment element when in a deployed position for contact with patient tissue to anchor the lead within the patient tissue. |
| US09669209B2 |
Method of making a flexible circuit electrode array
A flexible circuit electrode array with more than one layer of metal traces comprising: a polymer base layer; more than one layer of metal traces, separated by polymer layers, deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; and a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces. Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, or cortical stimulation many purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow. |
| US09669202B2 |
Drug delivery device and set of a drug delivery device and a plurality of mountable elements
A drug delivery device is configured to receive a cartridge containing a drug. The drug delivery device comprises a content display for displaying information related to one of the cartridge and the drug contained in the cartridge. The content display is configured to selectively display at least two different pieces of information and is configured to be adjusted mechanically to display one of the pieces of information. Furthermore, a set of the drug delivery device and a plurality of mountable elements is provided, wherein the mountable elements differ in their shapes and wherein the displayed piece of information is specific for the shape of the mountable element. |
| US09669201B2 |
Applicator for use with ointment and method of use
One applicator for use with ointment includes a housing defining a holding chamber. The holding chamber has a single entrance distinct from a single exit and is flexible such that deformation of the housing reduces capacity of the holding chamber and forces contents of the holding chamber to pass through the exit. A one-way valve is at the entrance for allowing the ointment to enter the holding chamber through the entrance and restricting the ointment from exiting the holding chamber through the entrance. A tip extends from the housing adjacent the exit. The tip has a proximal end meeting the housing and a pliant distal end spaced apart from the housing. The tip distal end is flared from the tip proximal end and has a generally planar leading surface. A channel in the tip extends from the exit to the leading surface, and is flared at the leading surface. |
| US09669200B2 |
Systems and methods for the treatment of pelvic disorders including magnetic particulates
Systems and methods of localizing or delivery cells, biologics and/or drugs to a specific target area to treat pelvic health disorders are provided. A treatment composition including cells, biologics and/or drugs are associated with magnetic particulates, and the positioning of these materials is facilitated through use of a magnetic field-generating device that is configured to be placed on or into a pelvic anatomical structure. Certain embodiments directed to the treatment of ED in male patients can include a cell based therapy system. |
| US09669199B2 |
Biosynchronous transdermal drug delivery for longevity, anti-aging, fatigue management, obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of nutraceuticals, and the treatment of hyperglycemia, alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, parkinson's disease, aids, epilepsy, attention deficit disorder, nicotine addiction, cancer, headache and pain control, asthma, angina, hypertension, depression, cold, flu and the like
Systems and methods for longevity, anti-aging, fatigue management, obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of nutraceuticals, and treating hyperglycemia, Alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, Parkinson's disease, Attention Deficit Disorder and nicotine addiction involve synchronizing and tailoring the administration of nutraceuticals, medications and other substances (for example, stimulants) in accordance with the body's natural circadian rhythms, meal times and other factors. Improved control of blood glucose levels, extended alertness, and weight control, and counteracting of disease symptoms when they are at their worst are possible. An automated, pre-programmable transdermal administration system is used to provide pulsed doses of medications, pharmaceuticals, hormones, neuropeptides, anorexigens, pro-drugs, stimulants, plant extracts, botanicals, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, enzymes, antioxidants, essential oils, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, coenzymes, or other physiological active ingredient or precursor. The system can utilize a pump, pressurized reservoir, a system for removing depleted carrier solution, or other modulated dispensing actuator, in conjunction with porous membranes or micro-fabricated structures. |
| US09669197B2 |
Expandable member dissection port and related methods
Embodiments of the disclosure may include a method for providing access within a patient that may include inserting a medical device through an opening of the patient. The medical device may include an overtube having a lumen and a slot and an elongate member disposed within the lumen of the overtube, wherein the elongate member may include an expandable member configured to expand and collapse. The method may further include positioning the medical device proximate a site in the patient, positioning the overtube relative to the elongate member such that a portion of the expandable member faces the slot, and the slot faces the site, and expanding the portion of the expandable member out of the slot and toward the site. |
| US09669196B2 |
Robust multi-layer balloon
A multilayer balloon catheter is formed to have an inner layer and an outer layer, where the outer layer is adapted to resist shredding and premature rupture. The outer layer is formed of a material having a glass transition temperature that is lower than the transition or melting temperature of the inner layer. By forming the balloon on a mold at a temperature between the glass transition temperature of the outer layer and the glass transition or melting temperature of the inner layer, the outer layer will undergo a thermal relaxation that will alleviate some of the axial orientation of the polymer chains that develop during the formation of the multilayer balloon. This relaxation leads to a resistance to shredding when the balloon is expanded during operation. |
| US09669193B2 |
Stretch valve balloon catheter and methods for producing and using same
A safety balloon catheter includes a flexible, multi-lumen balloon catheter and a hollow barbell-shaped stretch valve. The balloon catheter has a proximal catheter end, a balloon defining a balloon interior to be inflated with an inflation fluid, a hollow inflation lumen extending through the catheter to the balloon interior and shaped to convey the inflation fluid to and from the balloon interior, and a hollow second lumen parallel to the inflation lumen; and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon interior to the second lumen. The stretch valve is shaped to permit a fluid to pass therethrough and positioned in the second lumen to at least partially slide therein such that, in a steady state, a distal barbell end of the stretch valve prevents the inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port and, in an actuated state, the distal barbell end slides within the second lumen to permit the inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the second lumen. |
| US09669189B2 |
Medical delivery systems and apparatus
A catheter proximal section is preferably formed from a relatively soft part and a relatively rigid part, and includes a proximal terminal end that defines a perimeter of an opening into a lumen of the catheter. The proximal section may further include a feature for interlocking engagement with an accessory tool. An inner surface of each of the relatively soft and rigid parts may be located opposite one another, on either side of the catheter lumen. The relatively soft and rigid parts may be included in a sealing assembly that further includes an attachment feature for removable connection of the assembly to the proximal section catheter. |
| US09669187B2 |
Male urinary catheter package
Package (10) for holding an intermittent, male urinary catheter (1). The package (10) has a vessel (5) which is tubular in shape allowing the urinary catheter (1) to be movably arranged in an inner volume of the vessel (5). An enveloping housing of the package entirely encloses the urinary catheter (1) when packaged. The enveloping housing has three tubular parts (2, 3, 6) of which a first and second straight part (2, 3) are of a hard plastic material, and a third part (6) is of a flexible material. The first straight (2) part is closed off at a bottom end thereof and the second straight part (3) is closeable by the cap (4) and comprises the vessel (5). |
| US09669186B2 |
Method of manufacturing a peelable atraumatic tip and body for a catheter or sheath
A method of manufacturing a splittable/peelable tubular body of a catheter or sheath wherein the tubular body has a splittable/peelable atraumatic tip is disclosed. The atraumatic tip is generally softer than the tubular body. The tubular body and atraumatic tip each comprise a peel mechanism longitudinally extending along their respective lengths. The peel mechanisms are formed by longitudinally extending regions of interfacial bonding between first and second longitudinally extending strips of polymer material. Each strip forms at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the tubular body and atraumatic tip. A region of stress concentration extends along the region of interfacial bonding. The stress concentration facilitates the splitting of the tubular body and atraumatic tip along their respective peel mechanisms. |
| US09669178B2 |
Flexible member adjustable forehead support
A patient interface device includes a patient sealing assembly having a cushion and a frame member having a faceplate portion and an extension portion extending from the faceplate portion. The cushion is coupled to the faceplate portion. A forehead member engages the forehead of the patient, and a flexible elongated member is coupled to the extension portion. A drive assembly selectively causes the second end portion of the flexible elongated member to move relative to the extension portion in a first direction. Movement of the flexible elongated member relative to the extension portion in the first direction causes movement of the frame member relative to the forehead member in a second direction transverse to the first direction. |
| US09669176B2 |
Mask
A mask for supplying gas under pressure to the nasal airway of an infant human includes a manifold for supplying air to an aperture in the mask. A shaped membrane structure formed from a thin walled membrane defines an enclosure for receiving at least the nares of an infant human nose and a generally trapezoidal aperture adapted to fit around the nasal area of the infant human. Part of the membrane around the aperture is sufficiently flexible to mold to the shape of the infant human's nasal area or is contoured to generally match the contours around that nasal area while the membrane structure itself has sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the backing plate without collapsing. The provision of a generally trapezoidal rather than the generally triangular apertures for fitting around the nares provides a substantially improved fit when the mask is used with infants. The molding or contouring of the membrane structure around the aperture to match the shape of the infant's facial contours around the nasal area including the provision of a generally planar portion surrounding the aperture is also important in ensuring a comfortable fit and an effective seal. The mask is entirely formed from a flexible elastomeric material for reason of comfort and function. |
| US09669174B2 |
Oral airways
An oral airway includes a first component having a first guiding surface and a second component having a second guiding surface. The first component and the second component are adapted to be removably coupled together such that the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct, for example, a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. The first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient's mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. The first and second components may be maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The first and second components also may be maintained in coupled disposition by magnetism. |
| US09669172B2 |
Discreet respiratory therapy system
A device provides respiratory treatment such as for sleep disordered breathing and other respiratory conditions in a discreet configuration to provide a minimally invasive system. The system may include a flow pressurizer apparatus configured to generate a pressurized flow of air through a fine bore delivery conduit toward a patient interface. The system may further include a treatment compensator coupled with the fine bore delivery conduit. The treatment compensator may be configured at the patient interface to reduce pressure for patient inspiration. A processor may control adjustments to the pressure generated by the flow pressurizer apparatus. |
| US09669169B2 |
Safety syringe assembly
A syringe assembly includes a syringe, a locking element and a protective sleeve. The syringe includes a needle connected to a cylinder. The protective sleeve is located on and around the cylinder and movable from a first position into a second position. The protective sleeve only covers the cylinder in the first position. The protective sleeve covers the needle in the second position. The locking element is adapted to keep the protective sleeve in the first position in a resilient manner. The locking element is further adapted to keep the protective sleeve in the second position. That is, after the protective sleeve is moved to the second position, return of the protective sleeve to the first position is prevented by the locking element. |
| US09669163B2 |
Apparatus for dispensing medicinal fluids and method of making same
A dispensing device and the method of making same for dispensing medicaments to a patient that includes a housing, a first assembly connected to the first end of the housing that includes a body portion, and a penetrating sub-assembly. The first assembly also includes a rate control chip of novel construction that is connected to the penetrating sub-assembly and functions to control the rate of flow of medicinal fluid to the patient. Disposed within the housing is a second assembly that includes a shuttle, a collapsible container carried by the shuttle and a plurality of variable force springs that function to thrust the collapsible container into penetrating engagement with the penetrating member of the penetrating assembly and then to collapse the collapsible container to deliver the medicinal fluid to the patient. Connected to the second end of the housing is a novel third assembly that includes an operating member that functions to controllably move the shuttle forwardly of the housing. |
| US09669160B2 |
Temporary suspension for closed-loop medicament therapy
A portable infusion pump can communicate with continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to receive continuous feedback relating to a user's blood glucose level during insulin or other medicament therapy and can automatically deliver insulin to a user when the CGM data indicates a need for additional insulin. Because patient behavior can interfere with the accuracy and efficacy of such closed loop or semi-closed loop therapy, a system can employ various mechanisms for manual temporary suspension of closed-loop therapy when a patient is aware that current or future behavior may inhibit therapy. |
| US09669157B2 |
Skin securable drug delivery device with a shock absorbing protective shield
Disclosed is a skin securable therapeutic fluid dispensing device that includes a reservoir adapted to retain therapeutic fluid, a pump driving mechanism, and at least one housing configured to accommodate the reservoir and the pump driving mechanism, with at least a portion of the at least one housing defining at least a portion of the reservoir. The device also includes a shield coupled to the at least one housing, the shield configured to protect, at least in part, the reservoir from application of external forces thereon. |
| US09669148B2 |
Method of treating COPD with artificial arterio-venous fistula and flow mediating systems
A method for treatment of COPD, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic hypoxia including creation of an artificial arterio-venous fistula and installation of a flow mediating device proximate the fistula. The flow mediating device is operated to limit flow as medically indicated to provide the optimum amount of bypass flow. |
| US09669140B2 |
Drying rack
A drying rack includes a first rack, a second rack and a movable core member. The second rack is pivotally connected with the first rack. The movable core member includes a receptacle configured to receive an associated cleaning device. The movable core member is operatively connected for pivotal movement with and pivotal movement with respect to each rack so as to change a relative location of the receptacle with respect to at least one of the first rack and the second rack based on a relative position of the first rack with respect to the second rack. |
| US09669137B2 |
Modified polylactide polymers
It is provided herein modified polylactide (PLA) polymers comprising biocompatibile functional group(s) on the polymers and methods of making and using the modified PLA polymers. |
| US09669136B2 |
Tissue regeneration membrane
The present invention relates to a membrane comprising at least one positively charged, synthetic, hydrophobic polymer, at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one plasticizer; wherein said membrane is flexible and is capable of supporting at least one of cell adherence, cell proliferation or cell differentiation. The invention further relates to use of a membrane of the invention in the preparation of an implantable devices including cell delivery systems, cell growing surfaces and scaffolds. The invention further provides methods for promoting tissue regeneration in a defected tissue region applying membranes of the invention. |
| US09669135B2 |
Mixed-phase biomaterials
A method of preparing a mixed-phase thermoplastic biomaterial comprises contacting and reacting a diol and a graft pre-polymer comprising a diol and at least one covalently bonded unsaturated monomer with an organic diisocyanate compound. The reaction is conducted within an aprotic solvent and for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to produce the mixed-phase thermoplastic biomaterial. The diol may be selected from the group consisting of siloxane diols, polyether diols, polyester diols and polycarbonate diols while the at least one covalently bonded unsaturated monomer may be selected from the group consisting of a fluorinated monomer, a siloxane monomer, an aliphatic ester of methacrylic acid, a cyclic ester of methacrylic acid, a charged monomer, a sulfonium salt, a vinyl monomer with phenol or benzoic acid, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, an aminoglucoside, and a therapeutic agent. The mixed-phase thermoplastic biomaterial may further include an anti-microbial, a therapeutic agent or both. |
| US09669130B2 |
Absorbent article with lotion
An absorbent article, such as a catamenial device, having a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet is disclosed. The absorbent article has a lotion composition applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of the topsheet, the lotion composition including a rheology structurant selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline wax, alkyl dimethicone, ethylene glycol dibehenate, ethylene glycol distearate, glycerol tribehenate, glycerol tristearate, and ethylene bisoleamide. |
| US09669128B2 |
Process for producing TiO2 based photocatalytic coating, the TiO2 photocatalytic coating obtained by the process, and articles with TiO2 based photocatalytic coating applied thereon
A water soluble photocatalytic material capable of being adhered to an article by a conventional coating process is described. The photocatalytic material includes a doped metal oxide substrate capable of exhibiting photocatalytic behavior on being exposed to visible light, wherein particle size of doped metal oxide substrate ranges from about 18 nanometer (nm) to about 35 nm. Further, the photocatalytic material includes a polymeric adhesive for improving the adhering property of the doped metal oxide substrate on the article. In addition, a process for producing the water soluble photocatalytic material is described. Further, an air purifying article, such as a sheet, on which the said photocatalytic material is applied to is also described. |
| US09669123B2 |
Deodorizing and sanitizing container
Improved, portable apparatus for ozone deodorizing and sanitizing of clothing items such as shoes is provided having a housing sized to receive an item to be treated, together with an ozone generator and a ventilation assembly operable to deliver ozone-laden air currents into the housing. In preferred forms, the ozone generator is located within a compartment separate from the housing, and a fan assembly is used to draw ambient air currents adjacent the generator for ozone supplementation, followed by delivery of the ozone-laden air currents into the housing. |
| US09669121B2 |
Ultraviolet light source and methods
A method for a hand-held device comprising illuminating, with a first UV LED associated with the hand-held device, a surface of an object with UV light, acquiring with a visible-light image sensor on the hand-held device, a first image of the surface of the object while the surface of the object is illuminated by the first UV LED, performing with the processor in the hand-held device, a function upon the first image to determine a type of contaminant disposed upon the surface of the object, determining with the processor in the hand-held device, sanitation techniques to perform in response to the type of contaminant that is determined, and displaying with a touch-screen display on the hand-held device, the sanitation techniques to the user. |
| US09669119B2 |
Sterilizer
A sterilizer for sterilizing medical instruments, the sterilizer having a pressurizable chamber having an opening communicating therewith. A door is provided for closing and sealing the opening to the chamber. A sterilant inlet and a sterilant outlet communicate with the chamber. A container holds medical instruments to be sterilized.The container is comprised of a tray and a lid dimensioned to rest on the tray. The tray and lid define an interior area for holding medical instruments. The tray has connection means for connecting the sterilant inlet to the interior area of the tray when the tray is inserted in the chamber, and the lid is movable from the tray when pressurized sterilant is introduced into the cavity. |
| US09669118B2 |
Method of labelling a biologically active molecule with 5-fluoro-5-deoxypentose or a 3-fluoro-3-deoxypentose
The invention provides a conjugate of a biologically active molecule and a 5-fluoro-5-deoxypentose or a 3-fluoro-3-deoxypentose, wherein the biologically active molecule is selected from the group consisting of proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. |
| US09669114B2 |
Contrast medium composition and method of bio imagination using the same
The present invention relates to contrast medium composition and a method of bio imagination using the same. The contrast medium composition of the present invention includes a biomolecule, DNA nanostructure, as an active ingredient, is fundamentally non-cytotoxic and non-immunogenic and is not likely to induce safety problems that may be observed in other organic or inorganic contrast medium composition. In addition, the contrast medium composition of the present invention not only facilitates diagnosis of disease through sufficient contrast enhancement effect by showing excellent cellular uptake and intracellular stability and can visualize even SLNs which is difficult to be visualized traditionally, so can judge metastasis of cancer easily and apply lower invasive treatment. |
| US09669113B1 |
Device and method for safe location and marking of a biopsy cavity
Cavity and sentinel lymph node marking devices, marker delivery devices, and methods are disclosed. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammography, echogenic, or other noninvasive imaging techniques. A composition and method are disclosed for locating the sentinel lymph node in a mammalian body to determine if cancerous cells have spread thereto. The composition is preferably a fluid composition consisting of a carrier fluid and some type of contrast agent; alternatively, the contrast agent may itself be a fluid and therefore not need a separate carrier fluid. This composition is capable of (1) deposition in or around a lesion and migration to and accumulation in the associated sentinel node, and (2) remote detection via any number of noninvasive techniques. Also disclosed is a method for remotely detecting the location of a sentinel node by (1) depositing a remotely detectable fluid in or around a lesion for migration to and accumulation in the associated sentinel node and (2) remotely detecting the location of that node with a minimum of trauma and toxicity to the patient. The composition and method may serve to mark a biopsy cavity, as well as mark the sentinel lymph node. The marking methods also may combine any of the features as described with the marking device and delivery device. |
| US09669112B2 |
Animal model of neuronal injury
The present invention provides non-human animal models of neuronal injury and/or cognitive dysfunction and methods of making and using such animal models. The animal models of the invention are particularly suited to assessing neurodegeneration in selected regions of interest in the CNS, and thus especially useful for testing the therapeutic efficacy of agents targeting neurodegeneration associated with aging, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmunity and trauma (e.g., ischemia). |
| US09669100B2 |
Polymer support for the distribution of a naturally crystalline substance and production method
The invention relates to the implementation of a method for loading, without a vehicle, a naturally crystalline substance solubilized by a solvent mixture in a lipophilic medium in a mixture of granulated polymers, for forming, without a plasticizer, a polymer support for the long-term controlled distribution of the naturally crystalline substance in the stable solubilized state, without permanent crystallization on the surface of said support. Said substance according to the invention can be insecticides and pesticides of the group of pyrethroids (e.g. deltamethrin), formamidines (e.g. amitraz) and carbamates (e.g. propoxur), or the mixture thereof, or cosmetics of the group of alkaloids (e.g. caffeine), or medicaments (e.g. ibuprofen). The permanent non-crystallization state on the surface of the polymer support is only ensured when said substance is solubilized in the solvent mixture consisting of an oxygenated solvent of dibasic esters of methylenic fatty acids and an oxygenated methylenic cosolvent in an active lipophilic solution incorporated into a polymer mixture consisting of a polyether block amide (PEBA) and a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU). Said support can be shaped as a collar, as an ear tag for animals, a band, a patch, a tag, a polymer block or any other device for the distribution of the active substances. It is shaped by any one of the plastic processing techniques known by a person skilled in the art. It is advantageous in that it is loaded with a quantity of active substance of between 30% and 50% less than the previous devices for at least the same active efficiency. |
| US09669098B2 |
Metal-organic frameworks with exceptionally large pore aperatures
The disclosure relates to metal organic frameworks or isoreticular metal organic frameworks, methods of production thereof, and methods of use thereof. |
| US09669089B2 |
Nucleic acid comprising or coding for a histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal for increasing the expression of an encoded pathogenic antigen
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence, comprising or coding for a coding region, encoding at least one peptide or protein comprising a pathogenic antigen or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof, at least one histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. Furthermore the present invention provides the use of the nucleic acid for increasing the expression of said encoded peptide or protein. It also discloses its use for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine, e.g. for use in the treatment of infectious diseases. The present invention further describes a method for increasing the expression of a peptide or protein comprising a pathogenic antigen or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof, using the nucleic acid comprising or coding for a histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. |
| US09669088B2 |
Vaccination with multiple clades of H5 influenza A virus
H5N1 influenza viruses isolated from animals and humans since 2003 separate into distinct clades based on hemagglutinin amino acid sequences. According to the invention, multiple clades are used in influenza immunization. Thus there is a prime-boost immunization schedule where a subject receives a priming dose of a first clade of H5 influenza A virus and a boosting dose of a second clade of H5 influenza A virus. There is also an immunogenic composition comprising hemagglutinin antigens from more than one clade of H5 influenza A virus. |
| US09669086B2 |
PCV2 Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae immunogenic compositions and methods of producing such compositions
Multivalent combination vaccines are provided which include an immunological agent effective for reducing the incidence of or lessening the severity of M. hyo infection, preferably M. hyo bacterin, or an immunogenic composition comprising M. hyo bacterin, and at least one immunogenic active component of another disease-causing organism in swine, preferably PCV2 wherein the preferred PCV2 antigen for such a multivalent vaccine is PCV2 ORF 2 protein. |
| US09669085B2 |
Needle-free administration of PRRSV vaccines
The invention provides novel methods and compositions for the vaccination of porcine animals against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Described herein are immunological and/or vaccine compositions comprising a DNA vector encoding a PRRSV protein, particularly a truncated ORF7 protein, which are administered to porcines using needle-free delivery. The plasmid can include more than one nucleic acid molecule such that the plasmid can express more than one antigen. Also disclosed are methods for using and kits employing such compositions. |
| US09669084B2 |
Pneumococcal dosing regimen
Methods of immunizing older adult subjects against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection are provided. Provided methods comprise immunization of naïve adult subjects with a conjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Optionally, initial immunization may be followed by additional immunization doses comprising conjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or unconjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine composition. |
| US09669083B2 |
Immunogenic composition comprising elements of C. difficile CDTb and/or CDTa proteins
The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising isolated Clostridium difficile CDTb and/or CDTa protein. In particular the isolated Clostridium difficile CDTb protein is suitably a truncated CDTb protein comprising the receptor binding domain or a mutated CDTb protein incapable of binding to CDTa, and the isolated Clostridium difficile CDTa protein is suitably a truncated CDTa protein which does not comprise the C-terminal domain. In particular the invention also relates to fusion proteins comprising a CDTa protein and a CDTb protein and also fusion proteins between an isolated Clostridium difficile toxin A protein and/or an isolated Clostridium difficile toxin B protein fused to a CDTb protein. |
| US09669082B2 |
Proteinase-engineered cancer vaccine induces immune responses to prevent cancer and to systemically kill cancer cells
The present invention provides a method of making a proteinase-engineered cancer vaccine for treating a cancer patient, especially for cancer patient at advanced/metastatic stage. The cancer vaccine comprises dead cancer cells with unbroken plasma membrane wherein the extracellular proteins and extracellular portion of membrane proteins are cleaved by proteinase digestion. The cancer vaccine may be derived from cancer cell lines or patients' cancer cells. The present invention provides a method of treating a cancer patient by administrating an effective amount of the cancer vaccine to the patient. In a clinical trial with 35 cancer patients, the cancer vaccine therapy brings cancer-free lives (no detectable tumor, micro tumor or cancer cells after treatments of customized cancer vaccines) back to 40% of these patients. The present invention further provides a method of obtaining cancer-specific immune components from blood of individuals treated with the cancer vaccine. |
| US09669081B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating prostate cancer or inducing a humoral immune response against prostate cancer
The present invention relates to prostate cancer markers, compositions comprising such markers, and methods of using such markers to induce or increase an immune response against prostate cancer. An immune response against the markers correlates with an immune response, in particular a humoral immune response, against prostate cancer cells which immune response is preferably associated with prophylaxis of prostate cancer, treatment of prostate cancer, and/or amelioration of at least one symptom associated with prostate cancer. |
| US09669080B2 |
Universal cancer peptides derived from telomerase
The invention relates to a peptide of 15 to 20 amino acids deriving from TERT protein, which peptide is capable of (i) binding to HLA class II and (ii) stimulating a CD4 Th response. These universal cancer peptides are especially useful in anti-tumor immunotherapy and immunomonitoring. |
| US09669078B2 |
PD-L1 based immunotherapy
The present invention relates to the field of prophylaxis and therapy of clinical conditions including cancer, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases. In particular there is provided vaccine compositions comprising PD-L1 or peptide fragments thereof that are capable of eliciting immune responses useful in treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases or infectious diseases. |
| US09669068B2 |
Methods for the treatment of cancer using gliadin peptides
Kits and methods for treating cancer comprising administration of a gliadin peptide to a patient are disclosed herein. A kit according to the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising a gliadin peptide and instructions for administering the peptide to a patient. The kit may further comprise a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one chemotherapeutic agent such as a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor and instructions for co-administering the compounds. A method of treating cancer according to the invention comprises administering a gliadin peptide to a patient and may further comprise co-administering at least one chemotherapeutic agent such as a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Co-administration of a gliadin peptide and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor to a patient with cancer is effective to decrease or prevent resistance of the cancer to the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. |
| US09669067B2 |
Use of des-aspartate-angiotensin I in inflammation-related pathologies and diseases
The present disclosure generally relates to the use of des-aspartate-angiotensin I and/or its derivatives in medicine. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of des-aspartate-angiotensin I and/or its derivatives for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of inflammatory diseases or pathologies, for inducing anti-inflammatory actions and/or reducing inflammation, and/or for treatment of inflammation-related conditions. |
| US09669060B2 |
Compositions for preventing and treating uterine disease
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing and treating uterine disease, and in particular to vaccines and bacteriophage compositions for treating or preventing puerperal metritis, clinical endometritis and/or subclinical endometritis. |
| US09669053B2 |
Compositions and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of systemic, HIPEC, IP, and related cancer treatments
Methods for treating cancers, tumors, and neoplasms using a composition comprising one or more generally regarded as safe (GRAS) compounds selected from the group of components consisting of vitamins, selenium, fatty acids, fatty acid salts, and fatty acid esters, and mixtures of two or more said components, either as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with one or more anti-cancer drugs or devices or other anti-neoplastic agents, treatments, or devices are provided. In some instances, concomitant hyperthermia therapy is employed. Also provided are compositions and kits containing the compositions, for implement various aspects of the invention. |
| US09669052B2 |
Meningococcal vaccine based on lipooligosaccharide (LOS) originating from modified Neisseria meningitidis strains of immunotype L6
The invention especially relates to multivalent vaccine compositions that can treat or prevent at least 60, preferably 75% of infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis especially of serogroup B. To this end, the invention in particular provides a lipooligosaccharide (LOS) of N. meningitidis in particular constituted by a lipid A, an inner core, an α chain of L6 or L8 type, in which the heptose II residue of the inner core bears in position O-3 and in position O-6 or O-7 a phosphoethanolamine (PEA) substituent, and also to the construction of the strain of N. meningitidis that is capable of expressing such an LOS. The invention also relates to a strain of N. meningitidis of serogroup A that bears a lipooligosaccharide (LOS) in particular constituted by a lipid A, an inner core, an α chain of L6 type, in which the heptose II residue of the inner core bears in position O-3 a phosphoethanolamine (PEA) substituent and does not bear a PEA substituent in positions O-6 and O-7. The LOSs cited or originating from the mentioned strains may be used as vaccine antigens, especially in multivalent, e.g. divalent compositions, so as to offer protection against the major epidemiological complexes of N. meningitidis, especially of serogroup B. |
| US09669044B2 |
Aminoglycoside and azole compositions and methods
The present invention relates to novel fungicidal compound including an aminoglycoside analog having certain substituents at the 6 position of ring III that exhibit improved antifungal activity but possess minimal antibacterial properties in combination with fungicidal azoles. The aminoglycoside compounds are analogues of kanamycin A. Also provided are methods of synthesizing and methods of using the compounds of the present invention. The compounds of the present invention are useful in treating or preventing fungal disease. |
| US09669043B2 |
Synergistic pharmaceutical composition for serotonin reuptake inhibition and process of preparation thereof
The present invention relates to a novel pharmaceutical composition for serotonin reuptake inhibition, wherein the composition comprises pentacyclic terpenoid glycosides, preferably asiaticoside and madecassoside optionally along with excipients. Also the present invention relates to a process of preparation of novel pharmaceutical composition for serotonin reuptake inhibition, wherein the process comprising steps of: (a) obtaining extract from the plant Centella asiatica; (b) treating the extract with the solvents to remove fatty substances, chlorophyll and other colorants; (c) purifying the extract through HPLC to obtain the eluted solvent; and (d) concentrating the eluted solvent to arrive at the composition. The invention also relates to the use of a composition comprising pentacyclic terpenoid glycosides, preferably asiaticoside and madecassoside optionally along with excipients to manufacture a medicament for serotonin reuptake inhibition in a subject in need thereof. |
| US09669042B2 |
Compositions and formulations of glucosamine for transdermal and transmucosal administration
Disclosed are compositions and formulations comprising glucosamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment of joint conditions and adapted for use in a bath or soak or bath beads, powders, salts, and oils, kits, and methods of treatment using the same. Also disclosed are lozenges, suppositories, patches, and topical creams comprising glucosamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment of joint conditions and methods of treatment using the same. In some embodiments the joint conditions include osteoarthritis. |
| US09669038B1 |
Heterocyclic compounds and uses thereof
Disclosed herein are novel heterocyclic compounds, their salts, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and salts, and their uses in modulating protein-protein interactions and for treating diseases resulting from aberrant protein-protein interactions. |
| US09669036B2 |
Modulation of reactivation of a latent virus
The disclosure relates to methods of controlling the state of a virus (lytic or lysogenic) in an individual, such as a method of reactivating a latent virus in an individual, comprising administering one or more agents that modulates the activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) or any of p300, CBP or p300/CBP. Also contemplated are methods further comprising administering an HDAC modulating agent, such as an HDAC inhibiting agent or an HDAC activating agent. |
| US09669035B2 |
Combinations comprising PDE 2 inhibitors such as 1-aryl-4-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo-[4,3-A]]quinoxaline compounds and PDE 10 inhibitors for use in the treatment of neurological of metabolic disorders
The present invention relates to combinations of phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) inhibitors with inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE10). In particular, the invention relates to combinations of 1-aryl-4-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]-quinoxaline derivatives which have been found to inhibit phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2), with inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE10). Particular PDE10 inhibitors are selected from the group of MP-10, PQ-10, TP-10, papaverine, and the compounds disclosed in WO 2011/051324 and in WO 2011/110545. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such combinations, to processes for preparing such compositions, to the use of PDE2 inhibitors, in particular of 1-aryl-4-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]-quinoxaline derivatives for the potentiation of said PDE10 inhibitors, and to the use of said PDE10 inhibitors for the potentiation of the effect of said PDE2 inhibitors, in particular, 1-aryl-4-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]-quinoxaline derivatives, and to the use of such combinations and compositions for the prevention and treatment of disorders in which PDE2 and PDE10 are involved, such as neurological and psychiatric disorders, and endocrinological or metabolic diseases. |
| US09669034B2 |
4-aryl-N-phenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-amines containing a sulfoximine group
The present invention relates to 4-aryl-N-phenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-amines containing a sulfoximine group of general formula (I) or (Ia) as described and defined herein, and methods for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders, in particular of hyper-proliferative disorders and/or virally induced infectious diseases and/or of cardiovascular diseases. The invention further relates to intermediate compounds useful in the preparation of said compounds of general formula (I) or (Ia). |
| US09669033B2 |
Selective PI3K delta inhibitors
The present invention relates to selective inhibitors of PI3K delta protein kinases, methods of preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and methods of treatment and/or prevention of kinase mediated diseases or disorders with them. |
| US09669030B2 |
Hydantoin derivatives as Kv3 inhibitors
The present invention relates to the prophylaxis of acute noise-induced hearing loss by administering a compound of formula (I): wherein: W is group (Wa), group (Wb) or group (Wc): |
| US09669028B2 |
Substituted 5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo [3, 4-B] pyridine and pyrazolo [3, 4-B] pyridine derivatives as protein kinase inhibitors
Substituted 5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, 5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivatives according to formula I, II and VII, and methods for making same, which are inhibitors of constitutively activated Tyrosine Kinase-Like (TKL), CMGC protein kinases family members and can be useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Down's Syndrome, Huntington's disease, other neurodegenerative and central nervous system disorders, cancer, metabolic disorders and inflammatory diseases. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds and methods of inhibiting wild type and/or mutated protein kinase activities of these families and the treatment of disorders associated therewith using compounds and pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds. |
| US09669025B2 |
Use of levocetirizine and montelukast in the treatment of vasculitis
The embodiments described herein include methods and formulations for treating vasculitis. The methods and formulations include, but are not limited to, methods and formulations for delivering effective concentrations of levocetirizine and montelukast to a patient in need. The methods and formulations can comprise conventional and/or modified-release elements, providing for drug delivery to the patient. |
| US09669024B2 |
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. |
| US09669019B2 |
Sublingual apomorphine
Disclosed are sublingual formulations of apomorphine in unit dosage form formulated for sublingual administration, where the unit dosage form is a mucoadhesive film containing a pH neutralizing agent and apomorphine particles containing an acid addition salt of apomorphine, and where the mucoadhesive film is formed by the steps of: (i) combining a film-forming mucoadhesive polymer, apomorphine particles comprising an acid addition salt of apomorphine, and a solvent to form a mixture; and (ii) pouring the mixture onto a surface and evaporating some of the solvent to form a first film comprising the apomorphine particles, where the steps further include contacting or impregnating the first film or mixture with a pH neutralizing agent to produce the mucoadhesive film containing the apomorphine particles and the pH neutralizing agent. |
| US09669011B2 |
Methods of use of cyclopamine analogs
The invention provides methods for treating various conditions using derivatives of cyclopamine having the following formula: |
| US09669008B1 |
Enalapril formulations
Provided herein are stable enalapril oral liquid formulations. Also provided herein are methods of using enalapril oral liquid formulations for the treatment of certain diseases including hypertension, heart failure and asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. |
| US09669001B2 |
Antimicrobial composition
A composition for use on skin and wounds, comprising a photo-catalyst which is capable of preferentially staining biofilms the composition being for use in the diagnosis and treatment of biofilms in wounds. |
| US09668998B2 |
Solid molecular dispersion of fesoterodine hydrogen fumarate and polymeric binder
The present invention relates to a solid molecular dispersion of from 3:97 to 12:88 weight % ratio of fesoterodine hydrogen fumarate and a polymeric binder selected from the group consisting of an alkyl hydroxyalkylcellulose ether, a hydroxyalkylcellulose ether, an ester of either thereof, and a mixture of any two or more thereof. |
| US09668996B2 |
Methods of treating chronic dry eye disease using C16:1n7-palmitoleate and derivatives thereof
The present technology provides methods for preventing or treating dry eyes in a subject in need thereof. The methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising C16:1n7-palmitoleate, its derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or a combination thereof. |
| US09668994B2 |
Methods and compositions for increasing the anaerobic working capacity in tissues
Provided are compositions comprising beta-alanylhistidine peptides and/or beta-alanines, and methods for administering these peptides and amino acids. In one aspect, the compositions and methods cause an increase in the blood plasma concentrations of beta-alanine and/or creatine. |
| US09668989B2 |
Materials and methods for controlling infections
The subject invention provides materials methods for reducing infections in subjects. The materials methods utilize chlorhexidine, which has been found to be surprisingly non-toxic. The lack of toxicity facilitates the use of chlorhexidine in contexts that were not previously thought to be possible. |
| US09668984B2 |
Use of compounds to inhibit 5 α-reductase enzyme activity, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic compostions containing them
The object of the present invention is the use of compounds designed to inhibit the activity of the enzyme 5α-reductase. This is a novel use of compounds of general formula (I): CH3(—CH═CH)n—R (I) where n=from 2 to 7, and R is chosen from among: CHO, CH2OH, CH2O—CO—R′, CO—O(−), where R′ is chosen from among H, and the alky from C1 to C22, each compound of general formula (I) being used as such or in mixtures with other compounds, as the active principle in a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition designed to inhibit the action of the enzyme 5α-reductase, and of the pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions deriving therefrom. |
| US09668981B2 |
Device for transdermal administration of drugs including acrylic based polymers
A transdermal delivery system is provided where the drug delivery rates, onset and profiles of at least one active agent are controlled by selectively manipulating the monomeric make up of an acrylic-based polymer in the transdermal drug delivery system. The drug carrier composition may be comprised of (a) one or more acrylic-based polymers having one or more different monomers selected from the group consisting of hard and soft monomers; (b) one or more silicone-based polymers; and (c) one or more active agents where the device provides a desired solubility for the active agent and controls drug delivery rates, onset and profiles of at least one active agent. |
| US09668978B2 |
Method for producing enteric alginate microcapsules via ionic gelation containing diclofenac or one of the salts thereof and multiparticled pharmaceutical composition containing them
Method for producing enteric microcapsules without coating, containing diclofenac or one of the salts thereof with satisfactory anti-inflammatory activity and low gastric aggressiveness; and a pharmaceutical composition containing them. The method comprises a) preparing a mixture in water-ethanol with an alginate salt, adding diclofenac or one of the salts thereof previously diluted with a surfactant and sodium bicarbonate; b) adding the previous solution to a solution with a calcium salt; c) resuspending the microcapsules obtained and isolated in an aqueous solution of the alginate salt; and d) isolating, drying and sieving through 1000 and 250 micron meshes the microcapsules obtained; and selecting the fraction comprised between both meshes. The pharmaceutical composition can be an oral composition, tablets, chewable tablets, or a powder for suspension in water. |
| US09668973B2 |
Components for producing amphoteric liposomes
The invention suggests amphoteric lipids wherein one or more amphoteric groups having an isoelectric point between 4 and 9 are substituted on a membranous or membrane-forming amphiphilic substance, as well as liposomes containing such compounds. |
| US09668971B2 |
Immediate-release bolus
The subject of the invention is a veterinary product or a nutrition product intended in particular for the prevention and treatment of hypocalcaemia in ruminant animals. The product is in the form of a bolus comprising calcium chloride and an effervescent mixture. Advantageously, the bolus enables a high bioavailability of the calcium and does not cause lesions on the digestive tract of the animal. |
| US09668969B1 |
Methods of using QIAPINE
Uses of QIAPINE™ to treat internal bleeding, such as subdural hematoma and subarachinoid hemorrhage, and ocular bleeding, such as such as hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage, in a subject are described. Also described are uses of QIAPINE™ to treat vision loss resulting from hyphema or vitreous hemorrhage. |
| US09668968B2 |
Process for making controlled release medical implant products
A multi-step method of making a mammalian subcutaneous medical implant for releasing self-contained drugs on a controlled basis over at least a 3 day period includes depositing at least portions of one or more individual layers of the implant by at least one computer controlled 3-D printer. The 3-D printing method may be accomplished via an array of 3-D nozzles that deposit materials (such as plastics, thermoplastics, coating materials, drug-containing matrix materials, non-drug containing matrix materials, bonding materials, biodegradable materials and/or the like) in very small, precise portions. The materials may be deposited in liquid, powder, sheet or other forms. Non-implant forms may also be provided by the techniques disclosed herein. |
| US09668963B2 |
Topical skin care formulations comprising plant extracts
Disclosed is a method of treating skin, the method comprising topically applying to skin a composition comprising at least one aqueous and/or alcoholic plant extract. |
| US09668959B2 |
A3 adenosine receptor ligands for modulation of pigmentation
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating melanin production, secretion and/or accumulation in human skin cells. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of A3 adenosine receptor antagonists in compositions and methods for the treatment and amelioration of hyper-pigmentation conditions and for the lightening of skin, and to the use of A3 adenosine receptor agonists in compositions and methods for the treatment and amelioration of hypo-pigmentation conditions and for the tanning of skin. |
| US09668958B2 |
Noncarious material and anticarious agent containing rare sugar
To provide a composition for preventing periodontal diseases (prophylactic agent of periodontal diseases), the composition having an excellent cariostatic property, being safe and stable for prolonged use and having less effects on flavor. A non-cariogenic material prepared by blending a rare sugar in the D form as selected from the group consisting of D-psicose, D-sorbose and D-tagatose, a rare sugar in the L form as selected from L-fructose, L-psicose and L-tagatose, or allitol as a rare sugar derivative, singly or in combination. A cariostatic agent comprising D-psicose, D-sorbose, D-tagatose, L-fructose, L-psicose and/or L-tagatose. A cariostatic agent in combination with catechins. |
| US09668957B2 |
Cosmetic compositions
Suggested is a cosmetic composition, comprising(a) menthone compounds according to formula (Ia) or (Ib) and (b) at least one oil body or wax, and optionally (c) at least one emulsifier and/or (d) at least one active principle |
| US09668955B2 |
Compositions comprising metathesized unsaturated polyol esters
Disclosed are petrolatum-like compositions that include metathesized unsaturated polyol esters. Also disclosed are emulsions that include metathesized unsaturated polyol esters. The petrolatum-like compositions may be used as substitutes for petroleum-based petrolatum. The emulsions may be water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions and may be suitable for a variety of end uses. |
| US09668953B2 |
Anti-aging antioxidant nutritional supplement for the improvement of the integumentary system
A liquid anti-aging antioxidant nutritional supplement comprising collagen, carnosine, CoEnzyme Q10 and Resveratrol particularly suitable for reducing oxidative damage to the integumentary system. |
| US09668952B2 |
Sunscreen formulations
Disclosed are stable sunscreen compositions and corresponding methods for their use that are effective in protecting skin from UVA and UVB radiation. The composition uses a combination of ingredients to effectively and stably solubilize sunscreen agents to create a stable formulation. |
| US09668951B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising renewably-based biodegradable 1,3-propanediol
Biodegradable pharmaceutical compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol and its esters are provided. The 1,3-propanediol and its esters in the pharmaceutical composition are biologically derived, and as such, the pharmaceutical compositions exhibit a low anthropogenic CO2 emission profile. |
| US09668944B2 |
Dental composition
Dental composition comprising (i) a particulate filler; (ii) a polymerizable hydrolysis-stable compound of the following formula (1) AXn wherein A is a linker group containing at least n nitrogen atoms and optionally one or more acidic groups, X are moieties containing a polymerizable double bond and forming an amide bond with a nitrogen atom of A, which X may be the same or different and are represented by the following formula (2) wherein R1 and R2 are independent from each other and represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-6 alkyl group or a group —(CH2)m—Z, wherein Z is COOM, OPO3M2, PO3M2, SO3M, and M is independently a hydrogen atom or a metal atom, and m is an integer of from 0 to 6, L is a bond, a C1-6 alkylene group; and n is an integer of at least 1; provided that at least one X cannot be a (meth)acryl group; and (iii) an initiator system. |
| US09668941B2 |
Method of using an electronic pill box prefill system which uses a blister pack
An electronic pill box having a housing with a base and grid and into which a blister pack is selectively engaged. The blister pack includes a plurality of vials prefilled with medication and sealed with a cover imprinted with pertinent information. Each vial is received in a chamber in the base having an LED and a sensor for determining whether medication has been removed therefrom. The LED and sensor are operatively engaged with a microprocessor including programming for dispensing medication from the pill box. An alert is issued if medication is not removed from an illuminated vial after a predetermined time interval. When all medication has been dispensed therefrom, the blister pack is replaced with another prefilled blister pack A card with patient information thereon may be provided on the prefilled blister pack and is detached and stored in the housing prior to loading the blister pack therein. |
| US09668940B2 |
Systems and methods for compounding a preparation using a premix solution
Computer systems and non-transitory computer readable media for determining an amount of an ingredient for a preparation for a requested therapy (e.g., an order or a prescription) includes an identifier, volume, and amounts of first and second compounds in each of a plurality of premix solutions. A predefined formulary comprising a formulary concentration of each of a plurality of additions is provided. A premix solution is selected. An amount of a first additions to be added to the premix solution may be selected. A number of bags of the premix solution, needed to satisfy a volume associated with the selected premix solution, are optionally reserved. An additive volume is determined at least by the specified first amounts of the first addition and a corresponding formulary concentration. |
| US09668937B2 |
Packaging
A package includes a container having an open end and a closed end, and a slider slidably mounted within the container. A releasable locking feature is provided at a side of the package, which comprises a pair of locking edges, one associated with a sidewall of each of the slider and container respectively, and a release area for releasing a locking abutment between the locking edges. The release area is provided in the sidewall of the container having the locking edge, and the locking edge of the slider comprises two or more plies of a material used to provide the slider. |
| US09668936B2 |
Glass articles with low-friction coatings
Coated pharmaceutical packages are disclosed. In embodiments, a coated pharmaceutical package may include a glass body comprising a first surface. A low-friction coating may be positioned on at least a portion of the first surface of the glass body. The low-friction coating may include a polymer chemical composition. The coated pharmaceutical package may be thermally stable at a temperature of at least about 260° C. for 30 minutes. The low-friction coating may have a mass loss of less than about 5% of its mass when heated from a temperature of 150° C. to 350° C. at a ramp rate of about 10° C./minute. |
| US09668931B2 |
Post stroke stimulation device and treatment method
A post-stroke stimulation device including a garment to be applied to a portion of a body of a stroke patient to be treated. The post-stroke stimulation device includes at least one tactile actuator adapted to supply tactile stimulation to the skin of the stroke patient. The tactile actuators are controlled to be activated and deactivated in a random pattern or a pattern selected by a medical professional. |
| US09668929B2 |
Patient transfer device with differential belt-table speed control
A patient transfer device includes a table assembly having upper and lower tables with counter-rotating upper and lower belts. Means are provided to move the table assembly toward an extended position with the upper belt moving at a rotational speed which is greater than a translational speed of the table assembly. Faster movement of the upper belt may be in response to a determination that the patient has a characteristic whose value is within a predetermined range. The patient characteristic may be patient weight, e.g., with the predetermined range being less than 250 pounds. In the illustrative implementation a patient transfer device of the present invention includes a control system having a keyboard for receiving user input indicating that the upper belt should be moved faster, and control logic responsive to the user input which controls speeds of motors that independently drive the upper belt and the table assembly. |
| US09668923B2 |
Apparatus for attaching discrete web segments
Apparatus for attaching discrete segments together to form a continuous web include a first segment transfer device adapted to receive a first continuous web at a first pick-up location and to release a first discrete segment cut from the first web at an application location. The first segment transfer device has a first speed profile. A second segment transfer device is adapted to receive a second continuous web at a second pick-up location and to release a second discrete segment cut from the second web at the application location such that the second discrete segment is attached to the first discrete segment. The second segment transfer device has a second speed profile that is different than the first speed profile. |
| US09668920B2 |
Apparatus and method for corneal marking
A corneal marking system and methods for its use, has a first tilt-detecting device attached to a corneal marker, adapted to produce a signal when the corneal marker is in a horizontal position. In another version, the first tilt-detecting device is adapted to produce a signal when the corneal marker is in tilted to a pre-selected value and a second tilt-detecting device is attached to the patient's head to measure the tilt of the head and is adapted to produce a signal when the head is tilted to match the pre-selected value of the first tilt-detecting device. In a third version, the first and second tilt detectors send signals to a signal detector which emits a signal when the first and second tilt detectors indicate substantially the same amount of tilt. In each case, the cornea is marked when the appropriate signal is emitted. |
| US09668913B2 |
Biodegradable disposable hand warmer
An object of the present invention is to provide a disposable body warmer that exhibits sufficient physical properties (strength) of the inner bag during use, and that is excellent in biodegradability after use. The disposable body warmer is prepared by allowing an exothermic composition comprising potassium chloride and/or sodium chloride to be contained in an inner bag comprising an oxidative degradation agent. |
| US09668910B2 |
Drainable ostomy pouch
A drainable ostomy pouch includes a collection portion and a drain chute portion extending from the collection portion and having a discharge opening for permitting emptying of contents from the pouch. The drain chute is foldable between an open condition in which the drain chute portion is extended from the collection portion, and a closed condition in which the drain chute portion is folded towards the collection portion. At least one flap retains the folded drain chute portion. |
| US09668901B2 |
Intragastric implants with duodenal anchors
Intragastric fluid transfer devices and related methods for operation thereof are disclosed. The intragastric fluid transfer devices and related methods are intended to assist a patient in maintaining a healthy body weight by stimulating the inner stomach walls and/or the inner duodenum walls. Features of the intragastric fluid transfer device include insertion of the devices transorally and without invasive surgery, without associated patient risks of invasive surgery, and without substantial patient discomfort. The life span of these intragastric fluid transfer devices may be material-dependent upon long-term survivability within an acidic stomach, but is intended to last one year or longer. |
| US09668899B2 |
Rapid exchange sheathless predilatation angioplasty and stent deployment catheter
A coronary predilatation and stent deployment catheter assembly includes a single sheathless unitary catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, a predilatation balloon located at the distal end of the body, and a stent inflation balloon located along the body a distance of between about 5 millimeters and about 15 millimeters proximally of the predilatation balloon. An expandable stent is disposed over the stent balloon. A predilatation balloon inflation connection is located proximally of the stent inflation balloon and in fluid communication with the predilatation balloon through a predilatation inflation lumen. A stent balloon inflation connection is located proximally of the stent inflation balloon and in fluid communication with the stent inflation balloon through a stent balloon inflation lumen. At least one radiopaque marker is disposed on the predilatation balloon and at least one radiopaque marker is disposed on the stent inflation balloon. A guidewire lumen extends through the body distal of the predilatation balloon inflation connection and extending through the body to the distal end of the body. |
| US09668897B2 |
Stent cover member and stent apparatus
Present invention is a stent apparatus wherein a stent covering member holds a stent, which scaffolds a blood vessel from the inside when implanted in the blood vessel, in contracted state. The stent is formed of a biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) as a tubular shape, shape memorized to a size capable of, when implanted in a vessel, scaffolding the blood vessel from the inside. This stent is held by the stent covering member in contracted state and mounted on a balloon of a balloon. The covering member is formed of a biodegradable polymer having elasticity as a cylindrical shape having an inner diameter to keep the stent in contracted state and, when the stent is expanded to the shape memorized shape, plastically deformed to release the holding of the stent. The stent and the stent covering member disappear in a vessel after they are implanted in the vessel. |
| US09668896B2 |
Method of fabricating stents from blow molded tubing
Methods to expand polymer tubing with desirable or optimum morphology and mechanical properties for stent manufacture and fabrication of a stent therefrom are disclosed. |
| US09668893B2 |
Intravascular functional element and system for such a functional element
The invention relates to an intravascular functional element with a tubular grid structure (12) that has a wire (10) or several wires (10) respectively of an alloy with nickel and titanium as alloying elements, wherein a mixed oxide layer with a layer thickness of 15 nm to 100 nm and containing TiO2 and at least one nitride, especially titanium oxynitride and/or titanium nitride, is formed on the surface of the wire or on the surface of the wires (10)/of the wires (10), wherein the grid structure forms cells of mutually crossing wires (10) or wire segments of the wire (10) in longitudinal direction and in circumferential direction respectively and in circumferential direction there are disposed at least 6 cells, especially at least 12 cells, especially at least 16 cells, especially at least 24 cells, especially at least 36 cells, especially at least 48 cells. |
| US09668888B2 |
Active ankle foot orthosis
An Active Ankle Foot Orthosis (AAFO) is provided where the impedance of an orthotic joint is modulated throughout the walking cycle to treat ankle foot gait pathology, such as drop foot gait. During controlled plantar flexion, a biomimetic torsional spring control is applied where orthotic joint stiffness is actively adjusted to minimize forefoot collisions with the ground. Throughout late stance, joint impedance is minimized so as not to impede powered plantar flexion movements, and during the swing phase, a torsional spring-damper (PD) control lifts the foot to provide toe clearance. To assess the clinical effects of variable-impedance control, kinetic and kinematic gait data were collected on two drop foot participants wearing the AAFO. It has been found that actively adjusting joint impedance reduces the occurrence of slap foot, allows greater powered plantar flexion, and provides for less kinematic difference during swing when compared to normals. |
| US09668887B2 |
Foot prosthesis with resilient multi-axial ankle
The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support. In another embodiment, the foot includes a gap between a lower front edge of an attachment adapter and the upper element. The gap may be filled with a resilient material. |
| US09668884B2 |
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. |
| US09668883B2 |
Trial kit for knee prosthesis system
A trial kit for a hinged knee implant system is disclosed. The trial kit includes a tibial base plate trial, an adaptor and a tibial bearing insert trial. The adaptor and insert trial can be assembled and the assembly mounted on the tray trial by sliding the assembly in an anterior-posterior direction on the tray trial. The adaptor has a post with a cross-piece. The insert trial has openings and channels to receive the post and cross-piece. The openings are sized, shaped and oriented so that the cross-piece of the elongate post must be oriented in different directions to pass through the different openings. |
| US09668882B2 |
Biomedical implant inserters and related apparatus, systems, and methods
Embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods relating to spinal implants. In some embodiments, the spinal implant may comprise a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite from the first sidewall, a pair of opposed frictional surfaces each comprising a plurality of raised structures, a first end wall joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, and a second end wall joining the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The second end wall may comprise a recess formed by a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged at an angle to one another to form a fish-tailed structure configured to be engaged with an inserter instrument. The interface between the recess and the inserter instrument may be configured to at least substantially eliminate any point or line contacts between the inserter instrument and the spinal implant during a flip maneuver of the spinal implant within an intervertebral space of a patient. |
| US09668881B1 |
Bone graft delivery system and method for using same
A bone graft delivery system can include an elongate tube and a handle having a trigger and a ratcheting mechanism. The trigger is actuated to deliver bone graft material through the tube. The bone graft delivery system can further include a distal tip at a distal end of the tube. The tip has one or more openings to deliver the bone graft material to a desired location and includes a surface suitable to act as a rasp for decorticating bone. A method for delivering bone graft material to a desired surgical location includes providing a bone graft delivery device, positioning the device adjacent the surgical location, decorticating bone, and delivering bone graft material to the surgical location. |
| US09668880B2 |
Systems and methods for providing an asymmetrical tibial component
Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a tibial component that has an asymmetrical articular plateau that includes a medial tibial condylar surface and a lateral tibial condylar surface. In some cases, at least one of the medial condylar surface and the lateral condylar surface includes a concave articulation surface having a lowest point that disposed from a posterior edge of the tibial component by between about 18% and less than about 35% of a total anteroposterior dimension of the tibial component. Other implementations are also discussed. |
| US09668879B2 |
Expandable intervertebral cage
An expandable intervertebral cage device includes a first base plate and a second base plate, a proximal block with internal threading that mechanically couples the first base plate and the second base plate, and a distal block comprising an internal passage. The device has exactly two arm assemblies, one on each side. Each arm assembly includes a first arm mechanically coupled to the first base plate and the distal block, and a second arm is mechanically coupled to the second base plate and the distal block. A screw is arranged partially within the internal threading of the proximal block and passes through the internal passage of the distal block, such that rotation of the screw relative to the proximal block causes a change in distance between the proximal block and the distal block, and a corresponding change in the spacing and lordosis of the device. |
| US09668876B2 |
Expandable interbody device
An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device. |
| US09668869B2 |
Elbow prosthesis
An elbow prosthesis includes a stem structure and an articulating component. The stem structure is operable to be positioned in a bone of a joint and includes a stem portion and a C-shaped body portion. The stem portion is operable to be positioned in the bone. The C-shaped body portion includes a first articulating surface bound by a medial wall and a lateral wall. The medial and lateral walls are separated by a first distance. The articulating component includes a second articulating surface positioned between a medial side surface and a lateral side surface. The medial and lateral side surfaces are separated by a second distance that is less than the first distance. The second articulating surface is configured to slidably communicate in a medial/lateral direction along the first articulating surface of the C-shaped body portion. |
| US09668868B2 |
Apparatus and methods for treatment of patellofemoral conditions
Prostheses, methods and related instrumentation for treating disorders of the knee by displacing a connective tissue acting on the patella to alter the location, angle or magnitude of forces exerted by the tissue on the patella so as to achieve a therapeutic effect in patellofemoral compartment of the knee. |
| US09668864B2 |
Aspheric hip bearing couple
A prosthetic ball for use in a ball and cup joint system includes a spherical cap articulation portion defined by a first radius of curvature, and a toroidal articulation portion defined by a second radius of curvature having a circular origin such that the toroidal articulation portion is defined by a portion of the inner surface of a spindle torus. |
| US09668857B2 |
Paravalvular leak sealing mechanism
A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent body with a generally tubular annulus section, which may include one or more circumferential rows of cells. One or more prosthetic valve elements mounted to the stent body operate to allow blood flow in an antegrade direction but to substantially block flow in a retrograde direction. A cuff is attached to the stent body and positioned on a luminal surface of the stent body. At least one sealing member is attached to the cuff. The sealing member may be patch with an open side facing in a first axial direction and a closed side facing in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. Flow of blood in the second axial direction will tend to force blood into the sealing member and cause the sealing member to billow outwardly relative to the stent body. |
| US09668854B2 |
Ophthalmic lens having enhanced optical blending zone
An intraocular lens with a lens comprises a main lens part having a main lens surface and a main optical axis defining radial, tangential and axial directions; and a recessed part having a recess surface and extending between said main optical axis and a circumference of said lens, the recessed part comprising a secondary lens part with a secondary lens surface having a positive relative optical power with respect to an optical power of said main lens surface. The main lens surface extends in an outward radial direction towards a main lens outer circumference section remote from said the optical axis. The main lens outer circumference section and the main lens surface define an imaginary main lens outer circumference section that would have at least partially provided a main lens outer circumference together with the main lens outer circumference section in case the recessed part would have been absent; and an imaginary main lens surface section that would have been part of the main lens surface in case said recessed part would have been absent, the recess surface being recessed with respect to the imaginary main lens surface section. The recessed part extends in an outward radial direction to an outer recess boundary remote from said main optical axis, the outer recess boundary extending along or beyond said imaginary main lens outer circumference section as seen in an outward radial direction. |
| US09668851B2 |
Artificial stomach
An artificial stomach for replacing the normal stomach of a patient includes a food reservoir adapted to collect food, an inlet connected to a first opening of the food reservoir and further being adapted to upstream connect to the patient's gastrointestinal tract, and an outlet connected to a second opening of the food reservoir and further being adapted to downstream connect to the patient's gastrointestinal tract. |
| US09668850B2 |
Conical vena cava filter with jugular or femoral retrieval
A removable intravascular filter having a filtering configuration for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel and a retrieval configuration for removal from the blood vessel. The filter may be implanted in a patient's vena cava and may be removed from the vena cava through the patient's jugular or femoral vein. A method of removing an intravascular filter from a patient's vena cava through the patient's femoral vein is also provided. |
| US09668838B2 |
Dental block
A system, method and composition for making a dental ceramics block. The system, method, and composition resulting in natural color matching without drying time between color layers. The system, method and composition also resulting in good color preparation on restorations of about 0.001 mm-1.000 mm thickness. |
| US09668837B2 |
Creating a translucent effect within one half of a green body zirconia blank
A dental block for producing a dental prosthesis comprises a green body including zirconia and having a chemical composition including increasing amounts of a chroma component, such as manganese, through a thickness of the green body. The green body is substantially white with a substantially consistent optical characteristic of chroma across the thickness, and is subsequently millable and sinterable to form the dental prosthesis with an optical characteristic of decreasing gray color through a thickness of the dental prosthesis. |
| US09668834B2 |
Dental system for developing custom prostheses through scanning of coded members
A virtual three-dimensional model for use in developing a patient-specific prosthesis to be coupled to an implant installed in a mouth of a patient includes one or more virtual teeth, virtual gingival tissue, and a floating virtual proxy abutment. The virtual gingival tissue includes a virtual gingival aperture leading to a location for a virtual implant. The floating virtual proxy abutment is positioned relative to the virtual gingival aperture and is virtually detached from the rest of the virtual three-dimensional model. The floating virtual proxy abutment has known characteristics for determining a location and an orientation for the patient-specific prosthesis to be attached to the implant. |
| US09668833B2 |
Abutment and method of attaching an abutment to a dental implant
The present invention relates to an abutment (10, 100), comprising: a ceramic part (12, 112); and a metal adapter (14, 114) removably attachable to the ceramic part, wherein the metal adapter has a conical connection interface (16) for attachment to a dental implant (18). The present invention also relates to a method of attaching an abutment (10) to a dental implant (18). |
| US09668831B2 |
Dental prosthesis, in particular on implants, optionally for the replacement of an entire dental arch, method and kit for making it
The invention concerns a dental prosthesis (1), in particular on implants, for the replacement of an entire dental arch and a method and a kit for making it. The dental prosthesis (1) comprises a structure (2) having a chewing portion (4) which can be substantially in the shape of a tooth or in the shape of a dental arch. The chewing portion (4) develops according to a direction of main development (X) between a contact edge (4a) suitable for engaging the tissues of the patient and a chewing edge (4b) opposite the contact edge (4a). The dental prosthesis (1) further comprises a plurality of hooking elements integrated in the structure (2) and can be engaged in respective endosteal implants applied in the mouth of a patient. The structure (2) is made through a plurality of fibers (5), of the carbon and/or glass and/or graphene type, which develop transverse to the main development (X) of the chewing portion (4), so as to distribute the chewing loads in the same way on the hooking elements (7) and, consequently, on the endosteal implants provided in the mouth of the patient. |
| US09668829B2 |
Methods and systems for dental procedures
A device including a coded pattern for use in dental procedures is provided. Related methods and systems are also provided. |
| US09668827B2 |
Composite oral appliances and methods for manufacture
Oral appliances adapted to for spacing the occlusal surfaces of the teeth of a user are disclosed. The oral appliances have an integral retention band interconnecting a first bite pad and a second bite pad. The first bite pad can include a first spacer and the second bite pad can include a second spacer that are configured to maintain the spacing of the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth of a user during clenching or upon an impact to the jaw. Methods for the manufacture of composite oral appliances are also disclosed. The methods include forming a composite oral appliance over a model of a user's mouth. |
| US09668822B2 |
Medical drape
A medical drape is disclosed. The drape comprises a base drape portion and an insert drape portion removably attached to the base drape portion. A plurality of independently configured insert drape portions may be used, each insert being configured differently for a different procedure. The base drape portion may be made of environmentally friendly biodegradable material. |
| US09668816B2 |
Lever actuated output gimbals
A force transmission transmits a force to a primary output gimbal plate and a secondary output gimbal plate. The secondary output gimbal plate supports the primary output gimbal plate. Each of three primary levers is supported by a primary pivot. Each primary lever is coupled to the primary output gimbal plate such that the three couplings are not collinear. Each of three secondary levers is supported by a secondary pivot. Each secondary lever is coupled to one of the primary levers by a force applying connector. Each secondary lever is coupled to the secondary output gimbal plate such that the three couplings are not collinear. The output gimbal plates may be coupled to the levers by flexible cables. The cables may be substantially contained within a tube. The output gimbal plates may be substantially smaller than the input gimbal plate. |
| US09668811B2 |
Minimally invasive access for renal nerve ablation
An elongated flexible medical device is inserted into a patient's body via a natural orifice, and advanced through the natural orifice to a location proximate innervated tissue that influences renal sympathetic nerve activity. The medical device can be advanced into a body organ and to a location within the organ proximate the innervated tissue. The organ may comprise an organ of the gastrointestinal tract or urinary tract. The medical device may be advanced through and beyond an access hole in a wall of the organ, and situated at a location proximate the innervated tissue. One or both of imaging and ablation energy is delivered from a distal end of the medical device to the innervated tissue. Innervated renal tissue can be ablated using various forms of energy, including RF energy, ultrasound energy, optical energy, and thermal energy. |
| US09668810B2 |
Modular surgical instrument with contained electrical or mechanical systems
A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft module and a handle module selectively separable from one another. The elongated shaft module includes an elongated shaft member and a pair of jaw members supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft member, at least one of the jaw members moveable relative to the other jaw member between open and closed positions. The handle module includes a housing including an opening extending longitudinally therethrough. The opening is dimensioned to permit passage of the pair of jaw members in the closed position. The handle module also includes a movable handle movable relative to the housing to move the pair of jaw members between open and closed positions, and a lock to secure the elongated shaft module in place within the housing. |
| US09668809B2 |
Systems, assemblies, and methods for treating a bronchial tree
Systems, assemblies, and methods to treat pulmonary diseases are used to decrease nervous system input to distal regions of the bronchial tree within the lungs. Treatment systems damage nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. The treatment systems are capable of heating nerve tissue, cooling the nerve tissue, delivering a flowable substance that cause trauma to the nerve tissue, puncturing the nerve tissue, tearing the nerve tissue, cutting the nerve tissue, applying pressure to the nerve tissue, applying ultrasound to the nerve tissue, applying ionizing radiation to the nerve tissue, disrupting cell membranes of nerve tissue with electrical energy, or delivering long acting nerve blocking chemicals to the nerve tissue. |
| US09668803B2 |
Impedance computation for ablation therapy
This disclosure describes impedance computation techniques that may reduce the effect of crosstalk, thus generating more accurate impedance measurements. In particular, an ablation system models the electrical interaction among the active electrodes and a common return electrode using a star-configuration resistor model. The ablation system computes one or more parameters of the star-configuration resistor model and adjusts the therapy based on at least the computed parameters of the star-configuration resistor model. |
| US09668801B2 |
Method and device for operating an RF surgical assembly
A method and device for operating an RF surgical assembly for the RF surgical removal of pathological tissue in hollow organs of a patient wherein the RF surgical assembly includes an RF surgical device having an RF generator for generating an RF current and a bipolar loop having two mutually insulated loop sections which can be brought electrically in contact with the tissue and wherein the RF generator has a first and an antipolar second output. |
| US09668797B2 |
Bidirectional ramped disposable torque limiting device
A bidirectional torque limiting driver with a handle, internal wall, movable head and a tool mounted thereon, with flexible torque limiting flex ramp(s) formed on said internal wall, whereby said ramps move under sufficient force to impart a predetermined torque to a tip is disclosed. |
| US09668795B1 |
Bone plate system configurable as static or dynamic implant
Bone plate systems and methods for implanting. A bone plate system includes a bone plate having a first surface, a second, bone contacting surface opposed to the first surface, and at least one aperture extending through the first and second surfaces. The system includes a bone screw having a threaded shank along a distal end portion thereof, the threaded shank configured to pass through the aperture. A dynamic member is configured to fit between portions of the screw and the bone plate and allow movement of the dynamic member and the screw relative to the bone plate in a first direction, while preventing movement of the dynamic member relative to the bone plate in a direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US09668788B2 |
System and method for aligning vertebrae in the amelioration of aberrant spinal column deviation conditions
A system for applying a manipulative force to a target region of a spinal column during a surgical procedure is provided with at least four pedicle screws, at least four elongated levers configured to temporarily engage with the pedicle screws, a linking member configured to link at least two of the elongated levers in a axial direction such that they move in unison, and a cross-linking member configured to link at least two of the elongated levers in a transverse direction such that they move in unison. When the system is assembled, it permits an operator to move the at least four elongated levers in unison to simultaneously rotate the at least four pedicle screws about a spinal column roll axis. Related methods are also provided. |
| US09668784B2 |
Facet screw system and method
A facet screw system and method includes an implant assembly having a screw with a removable head, a locking nut, and a collet. An insertion instrument is used to insert the screw, compress the facet joint, locks the implant, and breaks off the head of the screw providing a lower profile implant. |
| US09668782B2 |
Revisable anterior cervical plating system
An improved anterior cervical plating system and methods of cervical fusion using such a system are provided. The cervical plating system includes an interlocking mechanism that integrated into each of the plates such that any two plates may cooperatively engage through the interlocking mechanism such that a new cervical plate can be interconnected with a pre-existing plate during revision surgery without removal of the pre-existing plate. |
| US09668780B2 |
Spinal Cross-connector and method for use of same
A spinal cross-connector for connection between adjacent first and second rods and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a coupling member including a bar extends from a body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a c-shaped arm. A second coupling member which includes a rack extends from a body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a another c-shaped arm. The rack is superposed in a selectively adjustable overlapping mechanical engagement with the bearing surface. Each c-shaped arm includes an arcuate extension extending substantially parallel to the bar to define a gripping pocket. A set screw includes a conical profile that extends substantially perpendicular to the arcuate extension. The advance of the set screw is operable to urge the rod into pressing contact with the gripping pocket to secure the rod therein. |
| US09668779B2 |
Transverse vertebral connector
Devices are adapted for interconnecting first and second longitudinal members extending along a spinal column of a patient. The devices are particularly suited for use in the cervical region of the spine. |
| US09668778B2 |
Instrument system for carrying out a surgical procedure on the vertebrae comprising temporary immobilization means
An instrument system for carrying out a surgical procedure on vertebrae by a posterior or posterolateral approach, made up of at least one tube and at least one spinal screw capable of engaging with the proximal end of said tube and having a head with multi-axial mobility, characterized by also comprising a wedge for temporarily blocking the position of the screw head. |
| US09668777B2 |
Pedicle screw fixation system and method for use of same
A pedicle screw fixation system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tulip is provided for holding a head of a pedicle screw substantially along a longitudinal axis. The tulip includes opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots aligned along a transverse axis. A rod is received by the opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots. A coupling collar includes a plurality of resilient fingers circumferentially disposed therearound such that a snap fit engagement with the head of the pedicle screw formed. The coupling collar includes a first deformable face operable for contact with the rod. A set screw is for adapted for driving engagement through the tulip along the longitudinal axis such that a second deformable face is positioned for contact with the rod. The first and second deformable faces conform to the shape of the rod in response to forceful engagement therewith. |
| US09668774B2 |
Bone fixing system
This disclosure provides a system for securing a bone to a rod, the system comprising a ligature, a body, and two fasteners. The ligature has two free ends and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion being configured to engage a bone. A portion of a rod can be fastened to the body using one of the fasteners. The ligature can be fastened to the body using another one of the fasteners. The two fasteners are distinct from one another and are adapted to fasten two free end portions of the ligature to the body independently from fastening the portion of the rod to the body. |
| US09668771B2 |
Soft stabilization assemblies with off-set connector
A spinal longitudinal connecting member includes a soft stabilization assembly segment having a tensioned cord and a hard rod segment. A connector in fixed engagement with the hard rod also captures the tensioned cord of the soft segment, the connector being in fixed or sliding relation with the tensioned cord. The connector places the soft assembly segment in lateral or off-set and staggered relation to the hard rod segment. The connector may be integral to a bone anchor. |
| US09668768B2 |
Intelligent positioning system and methods therefore
System and methods are provided for adaptively and interoperatively configuring an automated arm used during a medical procedure. The automated arm is configured to position and orient an end effector on the automated arm a desired distance and orientation from a target. The end effector may be an external video scope and the target may be a surgical port. The positions and orientations of the end effector and the target may be continuously updated. The position of the arm may be moved to new locations responsive to user commands. The automated arm may include a multi-joint arm attached to a weighted frame. The weighted frame may include a tower and a supporting beam. |
| US09668766B2 |
Needle and guidewire holder
Device and method for puncturing blood vessels while using fluoroscopy. The disclosed device enables improved needle orientation control and avoids direct exposure of the clinician's hand to X-ray during the puncturing procedure. |
| US09668761B1 |
Medical device for sleeve gastrectomy surgery
A dual-purpose surgical bougie is disclosed for vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) procedures, and other related operations, that can serve the purpose of both operating as a guide or dilator for stapling and resecting a stomach and also securing, containing, and trans-orally extracting the resected stomach, thereby promoting faster patient recovery, minimizing and reducing the size and number of incisions, and further minimizing VSG procedure related complications, among other advantages. In one aspect of the disclosure described herein, the dual-purpose medical device can include a surgical bougie having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the bougie can be made of at least one of rubber, silicone, plastic, and metal. In addition, the bougie can include a channel or passage disposed within its central axis extending from its distal end to the proximal end, and a securement member coupled to the bougie. Here, the securement member can extend from the distal end of the flexible member, such that the securement member securely couples to a resected body tissue thereby allowing the bougie to trans-orally extract the resected body tissue. |
| US09668760B2 |
Methods and systems for preparing the acetabulum to receive an acetabular component in a hip replacement surgical procedure
Methods and devices for preparing an acetabulum for receiving an acetabular component in a hip replacement procedure. The methods may include aligning a first guide in an acetabular notch of the acetabulum and determining a reference point in the acetabulum. The first guide is removed from the acetabulum and then a second guide is positioned in the acetabulum and oriented with the reference point. While the second guide is positioned in the acetabulum, the acetabular margin is reamed with a reamer. During reaming, the reamer is contacted against a rim of the second guide which prevents additional reaming of the acetabular notch below the rim of the second guide. |
| US09668757B2 |
Devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for repair of articular surface and/or articular rim
Embodiments of devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for repairing and/or augmenting the articular surface and/or articular rim of a joint (e.g., repairing the anterior glenoid rim after an anterior shoulder dislocation). |
| US09668755B2 |
Surgical instrument for the removal of bone with sharp teeth and the method of formation thereof
Surgical instrument for the removal of bone material with a surface from which at least one tooth projects, preferably teeth made from plastic material designed to come into contact with bone to remove a portion thereof, characterized in that the width (1) of the tooth or each tooth (5), that is the smallest width dimension at the level of the said one surface of the instrument from which it projects, is between 1 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 4 mm. |
| US09668754B2 |
System, apparatus, and method for grafting tissue
Systems, apparatus, and methods may be adapted for grafting tissue at a tissue site that may include an elongate housing and a plurality of elongate cutting members. The plurality of elongate cutting members may define a cutting surface at a distal end of the elongate housing. The cutting surface may be adapted to contract from a first diameter to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The contraction of the cutting surface from the first diameter to the second diameter may define a tapered profile between the first diameter and the second diameter suitable for obtaining a tapered graft. |
| US09668753B2 |
Motor assembly for a powered surgical instrument
A surgical instrument is provided for cutting bone and other tissue. The surgical instrument is powered by a pressurized fluid and includes a rotatable shaft connected to a dissection tool. The instrument includes a housing member comprising a one-piece base. A rotor housing chamber is defined by the base, and the rotatable shaft is located in the rotor housing chamber. A first hearing housing is defined by the base, located adjacent the rotor housing chamber, and houses a first bearing that engages the rotatable shaft. A second bearing housing is defined by the base, located on an opposite side of the rotor housing chamber from the first bearing housing, and houses a second bearing that engages the rotatable shaft. A passage is defined by the base and operable to direct a pressurized fluid through the base to the rotor housing chamber in order to rotate the rotatable shaft. |
| US09668750B2 |
Bone material removal devices
The present invention in some embodiments thereof, relates to bone material removal devices (2100), for example, devices which change effective diameter. In some embodiments, a bone removal device comprises an expandable portion. In some embodiments, the expandable portion comprises one or more bone removing elements such as cutting teeth (2106). In some embodiments, a cutting tooth is movable between an open position, in which it is configured to widen a bore in a bone, and a closed position. In some embodiments, a cutting tooth of the bone removal device is formed with a curved, such as convex, cutting face (2114). |
| US09668747B2 |
Patient-specific-bone-cutting guidance instruments and methods
An orthopedic device for cutting or resurfacing an outer bone surface of a bone of a patient includes first and second guides. Each guide has a patient-specific surface preoperatively configured as a negative surface of a portion of the outer bone surface of the bone and a plurality of elongated slots. The elongated slots of the second guide are offset relative to the elongated slots of the first guide and configured for guiding a tool to resurface the outer bone surface. |
| US09668744B2 |
Apparatus and method to stop bleeding
A hemostatic device is provided to stop bleeding at a puncture site on the wrist of a patient, the device comprising a transparent flexible band to be wrapped at the site where the bleeding is to be stopped, a curved frame having an inner peripheral side and possessing a first curved portion in its first half and a second curved portion in its second half, a first balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the first half of the curved frame and a second balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the second half of the curved frame. The bleeding from a first artery is stopped by compressing the first artery at the puncture site using inflation of the first balloon and the blood flow in the first artery is increased by compression of a second artery using inflation of the second balloon. |
| US09668743B2 |
Single access flow-reversal catheter devices and methods
Embodiments herein include devices and methods directed toward creating reverse flow within a vessel and thereby providing protection against embolic debris. Embodiments comprise a catheter and a plurality of occluders that are expandable and adjustable within a lumen to create low-pressure areas that reroute blood flow and embolic debris therein. |
| US09668739B2 |
Self-cinching surgical clips and delivery system
A device and method for deploying self-cinching surgical clips. The device accesses at least two layers of tissue or material from only one side of the tissue or material and punctures through the two layers of tissue or material. The various configurations of clips disclosed herein are made of a superelastic material such as Nitinol, and have a constrained and a relaxed state, and no sharp edges or tips so as to reduce tissue irritation following deployment. The clip is disposed within the housing of the delivery device and held in a constrained state by a tube assembly until deployment wherein the clip assumes its relaxed state, where the ends of the clip are brought into close approximation, thereby securing the layers of tissue or material together. |
| US09668733B2 |
Stapling device with features to prevent inadvertent firing of staples
A surgical device includes a handle assembly, an elongated body, and a tool assembly. The handle assembly includes an actuation assembly operatively associated with an actuation shaft to advance the actuation shaft and configured to prevent advancement of the actuation shaft when the actuation shaft is in a fully retracted position and a moveable handle is in a non-compressed position and/or to prevent advancement of the actuation shaft when a grasping pawl is extended within a grasping slot of the actuation shaft. The actuation shaft including a vertical pawl locking surface near a distal end configured to engage a locking notch of a vertical pawl. The actuation assembly including a grasping pawl having a radial detent configured to engage a proximal surface of a grasping slot of the actuation shaft when the grasping pawl is positioned within the grasping slot. |
| US09668731B2 |
Powered surgical instrument
A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function. |
| US09668730B2 |
Articulating apparatus for endoscopic procedures with timing system
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a handle assembly including a drive mechanism actuatable by a trigger; and an endoscopic assembly including a proximal end portion extending from the handle assembly; a distal end portion pivotably connected to the proximal end portion of the endoscopic assembly; and a rotatable inner actuation shaft extending from the handle assembly and into the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly, the inner actuation shaft including a flexible portion extending across the pivot connection. The surgical device includes an end effector selectively connectable to the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly and to a distal portion of the rotatable inner actuation shaft. The end effector includes a splined inner tube rotatably supported in an outer tube; and a plurality of surgical anchors loaded in the inner tube of the end effector. A timing system allows removal of the end effector at a defined trigger position. |
| US09668726B1 |
Suture passing instruments and methods
An apparatus for passing one or more sutures in tissue repair and/or other surgical procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a curved needle mounted on the hand assembly and through a shaft. The curved needle remains within the jaw assembly and can be actuated out of the jaw assembly without deformation of the needle and by linear advancement of a needle linkage. |
| US09668720B2 |
Systems, devices, components and methods for displacing and repositioning the esophagus away from the heart during atrial ablation surgical procedures
Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for re-positioning or displacing a patient's esophagus a safe distance away from the patient's heart during an atrial ablation surgical procedure. An esophageal displacement catheter is disclosed that is configured to reposition a patient's esophagus 20 mm or more away from the ablation location in the patient's heart. The catheter is easy to use, and according to some embodiments may be configured to transmit torque on substantially a 1:1 basis between its proximal and distal ends if a distendable section of the catheter needs to be re-positioned in the patient's esophagus. |
| US09668717B2 |
Biopsy device with variable side aperture
A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue. |
| US09668716B2 |
Ultrasound imaging system and method for ultrasound imaging a three dimensional volume
A method of ultrasound imaging includes acquiring plural groups of ultrasound data sets in an imaged volume that at least partially encompasses an object. The groups of ultrasound data sets include ultrasound image data obtained by transmitting one or more ultrasound pulses from one or more transducer elements into different zones of the imaged volume. The method also includes arranging the ultrasound data sets into one or more temporal groups based on when the ultrasound data sets are acquired. The ultrasound data sets in each temporal group are acquired during a common time period. The method further includes constructing a three-dimensional image of the object based on the ultrasound data sets in at least one of the temporal groups. |
| US09668715B2 |
Acoustic probe and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are an acoustic probe and a method of manufacturing the acoustic probe including a chip module substrate, a piezoelectric unit for cross-converting ultrasound and an electric signal while the piezoelectric unit is vibrating, and a connection unit for supporting the piezoelectric unit and electrically connecting the piezoelectric unit and the chip module substrate. |
| US09668714B2 |
Systems and methods for improving ultrasound image quality by applying weighting factors
Systems and methods for improving the quality of ultrasound images made up of a combination of multiple sub-images include giving more weight to sub-image information that is more likely to improve a combined image quality. Weighting factor information may be determined from the geometry (e.g., angle or path length) of a location of one or more specific transducer elements relative to a specific point within a region of interest or a region of an image. In some embodiments, any given pixel (or other discrete region of an image) may be formed by combining received echo data in a manner that gives more weight to data that is likely to improve image quality, and/or discounting or ignoring data that is likely to detract from image quality (e.g., by introducing noise or by increasing point spread). |
| US09668712B2 |
Method and system for quantitative imaging
A system and method for digital x-ray imaging. The method includes emitting a first and second collimated x-ray beam from an x-ray source disposed in a first and second position, respectively. The first and second collimated x-ray beam is directed onto an identified region of interest (ROI) wherein a first and second ROI image is captured, respectively, when the x-ray source is disposed in the first and second position, respectively. The first and second ROI images are processed to extract features from each of the first and second ROI images. The extracted features are analyzed, and an indicator of a disease is generated responsive to the extracted features. The indicator can be stored, displayed, or transmitted. The first and second x-ray sources can be the same or different x-ray sources. |
| US09668711B2 |
X-ray breast tomosynthesis enhancing spatial resolution including in the thickness direction of a flattened breast
Systems and methods for breast x-ray tomosynthesis that enhance spatial resolution in the direction in which the breast is flattened for examination. In addition to x-ray data acquisition of 2D projection tomosynthesis images ETp1 over a shorter source trajectory similar to known breast tomosynthesis, supplemental 2D images ETp2 are taken over a longer source trajectory and the two sets of projection images are processed into breast slice images ETr that exhibit enhanced spatial resolution, including in the thickness direction of the breast. Additional features include breast CT of an upright patient's flattened breast, multi-mode tomosynthesis, and shielding the patient from moving equipment. |
| US09668706B2 |
X-ray detector, X-ray imaging apparatus and method of controlling the same
The X-ray imaging apparatus may include at least one X-ray detector including a storage unit configured to store ID information and a mounting position detecting unit; at least one mounting unit in which the X-ray detector is mounted; and a control unit configured to determine which X-ray detector among the at least one X-ray detector is mounted in which mounting unit among the at least one mounting unit based on the ID information and an output value of the mounting position detecting unit. |
| US09668705B2 |
X-ray tomogram imaging device
An X-ray tomographic imaging apparatus includes an X-ray and a direct conversion type of detector. The X-ray tube and the detector are supported by the support means so as to be rotatable along curved orbits mutually independently. Under instructions from a computer, scans and image reconstruction are performed. The X-ray tube and the detector are moved along the orbits mutually independently so that X-ray beams are always transmitted through a desired tomographic plane of an object at desired angles. Acquired frame data are used to produce a panoramic image of the plane, while the frame data and the panoramic image are used to produce a tomographic image in which structural components of the object are optically focused and distortions caused due to differences in X-ray paths are suppressed. The apparatus can be used as devices for dental, medical diagnosis and nondestructive inspection, and can have a CT imaging function. |
| US09668704B2 |
Method and device for visually assisting an electrophysiological use of a catheter in the heart
The invention relates to a device and to a method for visual assistance during the electrophysiological use of a catheter in the heart, enabling electroanatomic 3D mapping data relating to an area of the heart to be treated to be visualized during the use of the catheter. Before the catheter is used, 3D image data of a body region containing the area to be treated is detected by means of a method for tomographic 3D imaging. The area to be treated or significant parts thereof are extracted from said 3D image data, in order to obtain selected 3D image data. The electroanatomic 3D mapping data and the selected 3D image data obtained are then classed in terms of position and dimension, and are adjacently visualized, for example, during the catheter ablation. The inventive method and associated device enable the orientation of the operator to be improved during the use of a catheter in the heart. |
| US09668700B2 |
Method and system for quantifying limitations in coronary artery blood flow during physical activity in patients with coronary artery disease
Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient with coronary artery disease. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart and create a model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create, for a given level of physical activity, a physics-based model of blood flow through the patient's heart simulated during a selected level of physical activity; determine and normalize one or more values of at least one blood flow characteristic within the patient's heart during the simulated level of physical activity; and compare the one or more normalized values of the at least one blood flow characteristic to a threshold to determine whether the level of physical activity exceeds an acceptable level of risk. |
| US09668699B2 |
Method and system for anatomical object detection using marginal space deep neural networks
A method and system for anatomical object detection using marginal space deep neural networks is disclosed. The pose parameter space for an anatomical object is divided into a series of marginal search spaces with increasing dimensionality. A respective deep neural network is trained for each of the marginal search spaces, resulting in a series of trained deep neural networks. Each of the trained deep neural networks can evaluate hypotheses in a current parameter space using discriminative classification or a regression function. An anatomical object is detected in a medical image by sequentially applying the series of trained deep neural networks to the medical image. |
| US09668697B2 |
Catheter and catheter system
A catheter comprising an elongated and axially rigid catheter body which has a distal end and a proximal end in respect of an operating position, wherein a movable and/or deformable protection element or a corresponding protection section of the catheter body, which is provided with predetermined motion or deformation resistance, is disposed on the distal end, and transducer elements of a converter device for converting displacement into a non-mechanical quantity are provided in a stationary manner on the protection element or protection section, and corresponding pick-up elements of the converter device are provided on the catheter body, or vice versa, and wherein the catheter body comprises a lead for transmitting a measurement signal generated by the converter device to the proximal end, and a measuring connector on the proximal end. |
| US09668696B2 |
Indicator and analytics for sensor insertion in a continuous analyte monitoring system and related methods
The present embodiments provide systems and methods for, among others, tracking sensor insertion locations in a continuous analyte monitoring system. Data gathered from sensor sessions can be used in different ways, such as providing a user with a suggested rotation of insertion locations, correlating data from a given sensor session with sensor accuracy and/or sensor session length, and providing a user with a suggested next insertion location based upon past sensor accuracy and/or sensor session length at that location. |
| US09668694B2 |
Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
Example apparatus and methods for gathering electroencephalographic signals are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a band to be worn on a head of a person and a first strip adjustably coupled to the band. The example apparatus also includes a first set of electrodes coupled to the first strip to gather a first set of signals from the head and a magnetic fastener to couple the first strip to the band. |
| US09668690B1 |
Submucosal gastric implant device and method
A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating gastric disorders is provided. A submucosal gastric implant device is placed within the submucosal layer of a patient's stomach wall. The device in one embodiment provides electrical stimulation of the stomach wall and may use multiple electrode pairs for sequential stimulation. The device may also have other functional aspects such as a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or a therapeutic delivery device. The implant may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals. The device may be modular with a portion of the device accessible outside the stomach wall for removal and replacement. An endoscopic delivery system prepares and delivers the functional device through the esophagus and into the stomach where it is placed through an opening in the mucosa into the submucosal layer of the stomach wall. The endoscopic instruments may be used to prepare a cavity in the submucosal layer of the stomach wall and deliver the device to the prepared cavity and if appropriate close the opening in the mucosa. |
| US09668689B2 |
Event dosimeter device and methods thereof
A method including a dosimetry device having at least one sensor in a housing and a dosimetry processing device with a memory. The dosimtery processing device is coupled to the at least one sensor in the housing. The dosimetry processing device is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory comprising: obtaining readings from the sensor; storing the readings; conducting an analysis of the stored readings to determine an injury risk assessment; and outputting at least one of the conducted analysis of the determined injury risk assessment or the stored readings. |
| US09668688B2 |
Methods and systems for content response analysis
A data processing device controls the image-recording device to capture a video, turn the video into a time series of luminance values, and analyzes the frequency spectrum of this time series. The device determines whether said series of images depicts a test subject. The device extrapolates the emotional response of a detected test subject to choices displayed on the display device during a time period encompassed by said series of images. The extrapolation of the emotional response measures the subject's time between heart rate events, the associated frequency spectrum, and where said captured video comprises a close-up depiction of a region of the subject's exposed skin. |
| US09668687B2 |
Lancet magazine for puncturing aids
The invention relates to a device for storing and supplying lancets for obtaining bodily fluids, the device comprising a lancet magazine having a lancet storage unit for a plurality of needle-shaped lancets and a drive unit for carrying out a piercing process of a lancet, and there being a retraction unit which moves the lancet back from the piercing position to the rest position thereof after the piercing process is carried out. |
| US09668684B2 |
Self-powered analyte sensor
Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to self-powered analyte determining devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that include a working electrode, a counter electrode, and an optional resistance value, where the working electrode includes analyte sensing components and the self-powered analyte determining device spontaneously passes a current directly proportional to analyte concentration in the absence of an external power source. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring. |
| US09668682B2 |
Transcutaneous 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. |
| US09668679B2 |
Method for data reduction and calibration of an OCT-based physiological monitor
The present invention relates to a method and system for estimating blood analyte levels using a noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) based physiological monitor. An algorithm correlates OCT-based estimated blood analyte data with actual blood analyte data determined by other methods, such as invasively. OCT-based data is fit to the obtained blood analyte measurements to achieve the best correlation. Once the algorithm has generated sets of estimated blood analyte levels, it may refine the number of sets by applying one or more mathematical filters. The OCT-based physiological monitor can be calibrated using an Intensity Difference plot or the Pearson Product Moment Correlation method. |
| US09668673B2 |
System for the automatic detection of respiratory diseases and for the prediction of future acute airway instabilities
A system for automatically predicting acute airway events in patients, comprising: a device for measuring the respiratory impedance of a human subject during a plurality of respiratory cycles of said human subject; said respiratory impedance comprising a real part and an imaginary part; said device measuring said respiratory impedance two times per day to provide a plurality of measurements; means for calculating the relative variation of said plurality of measurements; means for evaluating the probability of respiratory pathology presence in the subject under examination when the value of the imaginary part of said impedance is greater than 35%; means for predicting a relapse in the patent under examination within an established future time window, once the presence of the pathology has been ascertained, if the variation coefficient of the real part of said impedance is greater than 0.4. |
| US09668669B2 |
Systems, methods and devices for sensing EMG activity
Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods, systems and probe devices for detecting EMG activity. In some embodiments, such methods, systems and devices are used in aiding the diagnosis of Obstruction Sleep Apnea (OSA). In some embodiments, a probe is provided and comprises an elongated member configured with a size and shape for placement adjacent at least one of the soft palate and pharyngeal wall of the patient after insertion of the probe into the patient. The probe may also include at least one sensor configured to sense at least EMG activity of muscle layers of at least one of the soft palate and pharyngeal wall and output sensor signals corresponding thereto. |
| US09668662B2 |
Method and device for detecting and assessing reactive hyperemia using segmental plethysmography
A method for measuring reactive hyperemia in a subject is disclosed. The method includes performing a first segmental cuff plethysmography to generate a baseline arterial compliance curve and/or a baseline pressure-area (P-A) curve, performing a second segmental cuff plethysmography to generate a hyperemic arterial compliance curve and/or a hyperemic P-A curve, and calculating an area between the baseline and the hyperemic curves. The size of the area can be used as an indication of endothelial dysfunction (ED) and ED-related diseases. |
| US09668658B2 |
Measurement apparatus
A first calculation unit receives phase characteristics Pa(f) and Pb(f) outputted from frequency transform units, calculates a propagation time difference based on a phase difference between the two phase characteristics in a high-frequency component thereof, and calculates a pulse wave velocity by dividing a difference in the distances of vascular pathways from the heart to respective measurement areas. Meanwhile, a second calculation unit calculates a pulse wave velocity by dividing the stated difference in the distances by a appearance time difference at a predetermined position in respective pulse waveforms obtained by rendering the measurement signals Pa(t) and Pb(t) on a time axis. A comparison unit compares the pulse wave velocities, and in the case where the ratio thereof is outside a predetermined range, an evaluation result indicating that it is possible that a predetermined pathologic change is present in the vascular pathway is outputted to a display processing unit. |
| US09668655B2 |
Large surface area temperature sensing
A temperature probe for monitoring temperatures of a surface of a tissue or organ within the body of a subject includes a section with a substantially two-dimensional arrangement and a plurality of temperature sensors positioned across an area defined by the substantially two-dimensional arrangement. Such an apparatus may be used in conjunction with procedures in which thermal techniques are used to diagnose a disease state or treat diseased tissue. Specifically, a temperature probe may be used to monitor temperatures across an area of a surface of a tissue or organ located close to the treated tissue to prevent subjection of the monitored tissue or organ to potentially damaging temperatures. |
| US09668653B2 |
Quantification of under-eye skin color
Methods for quantitative measurement of under eye dark circles and other color related phenomena in eye area skin are described. The methods can be used to quantify the clinical efficacy of skin care products. |
| US09668652B2 |
System, apparatus and method for utilizing optical dispersion for fourier-domain optical coherence tomography
An apparatus can be provided which can include a laser arrangement which can be configured to provide a laser radiation, and can include an optical cavity. The optical cavity can include a dispersive optical first arrangement which can be configured to receive and disperse at least one first electro-magnetic radiation so as to provide at least one second electro-magnetic radiation. Such cavity can also include an active optical modulator second arrangement which can be configured to receive and modulate the at least one second radiation so as to provide at least one third electro-magnetic radiation. The optical cavity can further include a dispersive optical third arrangement which can be configured to receive and disperse at least one third electro-magnetic radiation so as to provide at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation. For example, actions by the first, second and third arrangements can cause a spectral filtering of the fourth electro-magnetic radiation(s) relative to the first electro-magnetic radiation(s). The laser radiation can be associated with the fourth radiation(s), and a wavelength of the laser radiation can be controlled by the spectral filtering caused by the actions by the first, second and third arrangements. |
| US09668646B2 |
Devices and methods for a contact lens with an inward facing light source
An eye-mountable device can include a transparent material and a substrate at least partially embedded in the transparent material. The transparent material can have a concave surface and a convex surface, with the concave surface configured to removably mount the eye-mountable device on a corneal surface overlaying a pupil. A light source can be disposed on the substrate and configured to emit light through the concave surface and towards the corneal surface such that the emitted light is viewable through the pupil. The light source can be controlled by circuitry disposed on the substrate. The circuitry can be configured to modulate the light emitted by the light source to provide modulated light. |
| US09668640B2 |
Medical drive device
An object is to detect the pressing force of a tip driven unit. In the controller 22, a motor control circuit 85, a load change detection unit 86, a moving speed calculation unit 87 that calculates the moving speed of a rotating body 41, a pressing force detection unit 88 that obtains the pressing force of the rotating body 41 based on the moving speed which is calculated, a CPU 89, and an alarm 91 are disposed. The pressing force is obtained based on the cycle of load change by the joint 41a in which a front end and a rear end overlap with each other is formed in the rotating body 41. |
| US09668637B2 |
Nozzle assembly for a dishwasher
A nozzle assembly for spraying wash water at an inside a washing tub and a dishwasher having the same, the nozzle assembly including a nozzle configured to rotate on a rotating axis thereof, an inside rotor having a shape of a cylinder and configured to rotate according to a rotation of the nozzle while coupled to the rotating axis, and an outside rotor case having a larger radius than a radius of the inside rotor to accommodate the inside rotor therein, and having an opening hole through which the rotating axis passes, and the rotating axis of the nozzle revolves around a circumference of the opening hole. |
| US09668629B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body and a dust container separably mounted on the cleaner body. The dust container includes a dust collection body including a first chamber in which air and dust are separated from each other and a second chamber in which the dust separated in the first chamber are stored and a pressing member rotatably reciprocated between the first and second chambers within the dust collection body to compress the dust stored in the second chamber in one direction while moving from the first chamber to the second chamber. |
| US09668628B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a suction nozzle, a source of suction in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating a working air stream through the housing, an agitator provided within the housing, and a roller provided in front of the agitator which rolls over larger debris while creating a seal for picking up smaller debris. |
| US09668627B2 |
Robot cleaner
A robot cleaner drives various brushes using a single motor. The robot cleaner includes a main body having a suction port, a main brush rotatably disposed in the suction port, an auxiliary brush rotatably disposed adjacent to the main brush and at least one side brush rotatably installed to move dust to the suction port, wherein the main brush, the auxiliary brush, and the at least one side brush are driven by a single motor in an interlocking fashion. |
| US09668622B2 |
Smooth and bulky towel
The present disclosure provides high bulk tissue products, as well as an apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. The tissue products provided herein not only have high bulk, but they also have improved surface smoothness, particularly compared to tissue products of similar basis weights. |
| US09668620B2 |
Toilet paper production method and toilet paper
To solve problems such as tearing in using or manufacturing sanitary thin paper for household use that is embossed and applied with aqueous chemicals. The problem is solved by a method for manufacturing toilet paper, comprising: a chemicals applying step of printing and applying aqueous lotion chemicals onto band-like continuous crepe paper by a printer, while a pattern with a non-chemicals-application portions and chemicals-application portions is formed; and an embossing step where the embossing convex portions are brought into press-contact only to the non-chemicals-application portions of the continuous crepe paper so that the continuous crepe paper is embossed. |
| US09668614B1 |
Disposable insert oven grate system
A disposable pan has an imperforate bottom in a rectangular configuration with front, rear, and side edges. Sides extend upwardly from the bottom. The sides have free upper ends forming an upper opening. A grill has a periphery in a rectangular configuration. The periphery has a front wire, a rear wire, and side wires. The grill has a plurality of central wires. The central wires extend between the front wire and the rear wire and between and parallel with the side wires. The grill has support wires extending between the front and rear wires adjacent to and parallel with each side wire. Each support wire has downwardly extending bends forming legs positioned on the bottom of the pan. The grill has transverse wires with ends coupled to the side wires. Each wire is formed of aluminum foil in a spiral cross sectional configuration. |
| US09668613B2 |
High efficiency apparatus and method for cooking, heating and drying
An apparatus and method for cooking, heating, or drying in which, as items or materials are conveyed through a heating chamber by a linear, spiral, or other type of conveyor, hot combustion product gases are delivered upwardly through an upwardly extending first annulus or other flow gap which is closest to the conveyor. The hot combustion product gases are then delivered downwardly through the heating chamber into contact with the items or materials on the conveyor. Next the combustion product gases are delivered from the lower portion of the heating chamber into the lower portion of a second annulus or other flow gap or passage. The second flow gap or passage is separated from the heating chamber by the first annulus or other flow gap. Subsequently, the combustion product gases are delivered upwardly through the second flow gap or passage. |
| US09668610B2 |
Tankless beverage brewing apparatus
A tankless beverage brewing apparatus that includes a digital controller for dynamically varying the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate of the dispensed beverage is shown. In some embodiments, a main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus includes a pressure reducer, a pressure sensor, a linear heater, a temperature sensor, and a spray valve; all supplying a hot water spray head and/or a hot water spigot. The inlet of the main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus may be connected directly to the local cold water supply. The controller uses feedback from the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor to dynamically vary the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate depending on the type of beverage being brewed. |
| US09668609B2 |
Individual frozen drink dispenser
An individual frozen drink dispenser includes a bottom shelf configured to support a blender cup. The bottom shelf has a blender drive to drive the operation of blades provided in the blender cup. The dispenser further includes a dispensing chamber including a cartridge receptacle configured to receive a frozen beverage cartridge, and a dispense plunger. The dispenser further includes a water reservoir having a water pump to drive the movement of water from the water reservoir to the dispense plunger of the dispensing chamber and into the blender cup. A controller coupled to the blender drive, the dispenser plunger, and the water pump controls the operation of the individual frozen drink dispenser. Other embodiments of the dispenser and methods of dispensing frozen drinks are further disclosed. |
| US09668608B2 |
Beverage machine with removable liquid supply reservoir
A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises: a beverage preparation module (2); a removable reservoir (4) assembled to the beverage preparation module and disassemblable therefrom for removal; and a lid (41) for covering the reservoir. The lid has a fastening arrangement (46) for securing the reservoir against the beverage preparation module when the reservoir is assembled to the module. |
| US09668607B2 |
Manually operated in-cup milk frothing appliance
A milk frothing appliance including a water reservoir; a steam generator; a milk frothing device that is fluidly connected to the steam generator; and a hand pump that is fluidly connected to both the water reservoir and the steam generator. The hand pump including a manually operable actuator that is moveable between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, and that upon movement from the first actuator position into the second actuator position causes displacement of fluid from the water reservoir to the steam generator. The actuator is further moveable between a third actuator position and a fourth actuator position. |
| US09668605B2 |
Beverage mixing device
The present invention describes a beverage production apparatus (1), comprising:—a mixing chamber (21) for producing a beverage from a soluble ingredient and a liquid, and—a chamber receiving area (22) for receiving the mixing chamber (21), the mixing chamber (21) being removable from the chamber receiving area (22), wherein the chamber receiving area comprises an upper part (22a), said upper part being removable from the beverage production apparatus (1). |
| US09668601B1 |
Glove dispensing device
The glove dispensing device enables the placement of a glove on a glove retainer. The placement of the glove on the glove retainer at least partially seals the glove with the glove retainer. The user activates a vacuum that draws the glove into a housing of the glove dispensing device. The vacuum inverts the glove thus opening the glove to allow placement of the user's hand within the glove. The user may then remove his hand with the glove from the glove retainer. To assist with removing the glove from the glove retainer, the glove dispensing device provides a release toggle stored within the glove retainer. The user adjusts the release toggle to break the seal of the glove with the glove retainer. Breaking the seal overcomes the pressure applied to the glove from the vacuum. Thus, the glove is applied to the user's hand and ready for use. |
| US09668600B1 |
Multi-level serving tray carrier
A multi-level serving tray carrier is disclosed providing a means of transporting food trays as well as a means of providing a service if such food. The tray carrier, although capable of transporting and providing service access from multiple food trays, only requires an area of counter space ordinarily consumed by a single food tray. The tray carrier opens in such a manner as to provide access to all levels of food trays carried thereby while simultaneously providing great stability. |
| US09668597B2 |
Beverage bottle with accessible station for portable electronic device
A beverage bottle for a portable electronic device, includes a hand-held container comprising a surrounding wall and having a fluid compartment formed within the surrounding wall, and an accessible station integrated with the hand-held container, wherein the accessible station has a window cavity for accommodating the portable electronic device therein so as to allow the portable electronic device through the window cavity. Therefore, the portable electronic device is carried and protected by the container and is accessible through the accessible station. |
| US09668593B2 |
Modular display tower
A snap-in card top riser is provided having a riser and a display module. The riser has a hook profile that is adapted to be received into a channel on the display module so that the riser is secured to the display module in a manner that restricts removal of the riser from the display module. The channel has one or more tabs that are configured to cause the hook profile to compress while the tabs are engaging with the hook profile. A modular display tower is also provided that includes a base and one or more vertical display portions that are configurable to display different types of cards, items, and merchandise. The vertical display portions may interchangeably include curved display modules that receive one or more risers, or flat display portions, and the vertical display portions may be joined at respective edges with a bridge coupling. |
| US09668592B1 |
Multipurpose display fixture
A display fixture mounted on wheels and having a panel that can be pivoted between a horizontal and a vertical position may be easily position and configured for use as either a table or a gondola style store fixture to display merchandise by a single person in a store. Latch and stop assemblies may be provided to lock the panel in either the vertical or the horizontal position and to stabilize the fixture against tipping. |
| US09668590B1 |
Retail product display unit having gravity operated front barrier for product loading
A product display unit includes a base having a forward end cap at one longitudinal end. At least one pusher track extends in a longitudinal direction from the end cap. The pusher track includes a locking feature for retaining a pusher rail therein. The pusher rail has a corresponding locking feature such that the pusher rail is locked into the pusher track by compression of the pusher rail against the pusher track. The display has at least one pusher having a wound spring. The forward end cap has a retaining groove for a retaining tongue at one end of the wound spring. The pusher has inwardly projecting side rails defining a channel for insertion therein of the pusher rail. |
| US09668588B2 |
Adjustable mattress retainer bars
A mattress retention assembly is disclosed that includes a mattress retainer system for retaining a mattress in place that is supported by an adjustable platform assembly and more particularly to a mattress retainer system that includes mattress retainer bars. The mattress retainer system is attached to the adjustable platform assembly. In order to secure the mattress relative to the adjustable platform assembly, one or more mattress retainer bars for the head and foot of the bed along with the corners of the bed are provided. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the mattress retainer bars are movable or removable to allow the mattress retainer bars to be positioned flush or below the top surface of the adjustable platform assembly to enable easy and convenient rotation, maneuverability, or otherwise sliding of the mattress relative to the platform. After the mattress is rotated, maneuvered, or slid, the mattress retainer is re-positioned to restrain movement of the mattress with respect to the adjustable platform assembly. |
| US09668587B1 |
Detachable bed base
A detachable bed base contains: a first connection assembly, a second connection assembly, multiple support rods, two frames, and multiple screw elements. The first connection assembly includes multiple first hollow tubes, and the second connection assembly includes multiple second hollow tubes. Each of multiple first C-shaped slats has two first through holes for accommodating each of multiple fixing bolts, and each of multiple second C-shaped slats has two second through holes for accommodating said each fixing bolt, wherein said each fixing bolt houses each of multiple pins. Two frames hold the first connection assembly and the second connection assembly, and each frame includes a first extension and two second extensions. The first extension has two hooks, and each of the two second extension has a coupling holder, a fitting trench, and a positioning member. Furthermore, multiple supporters lock the first column, the second column, and the coupling holder together. |
| US09668585B2 |
Foldable articulated sofa bed
A convertible furniture piece has a compact profile while folded with the seat cushions residing at a comfortable and ergonomic height and an esthetically pleasing streamlined appearance. The convertible furniture takes advantage of a leg assembly that is anchored within the thickness of the mechanism panels so as to stack the foot and body panels closer to each other. The leg assembly is also anchored at a position other than the edges of the panels to help conceal the leg assembly below the bed. |
| US09668583B2 |
Chair with coupling companion stool base
A desk chair includes a seat with a back rest and a rigid frame joining the seat and backrest, and a pedestal base preferably with tilt and rotational capabilities. The chair is securely coupled to the base in the desk chair configuration but may be decoupled from the base and placed on the floor beside the base. To accomplish this arrangement, the chair is equipped with a set of four-and-aft extending rails that are integral with the frame which is attached to the seat. These rails rest on the floor only when the chair portion is decoupled from the pedestal base. |
| US09668571B1 |
Adjustable-foldable desk
An adjustable-foldable desk to be mounted on top of stationary desks, tables and counters with no attachments. Desk comprises leg(s) assemblies on left and right sides whereby connect desktop to the base of the desk. Spring-loaded buttons at upper portion of the leg(s) assemblies allow to release the engagement of the desktop in order to adjust the tilt of the desktop. Also, spring-loaded buttons at lower portions of the leg(s) assemblies allow to release the engagement of the leg with the base in order to swing the leg and substantially desktop in order to adjust the height of the desk. |
| US09668565B2 |
Applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular mascara, and method of manufacturing such an applicator
An applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular mascara, comprises a twisted core and fibres which extend from the core and are retained by the core, the core extending in a main longitudinal direction, referred to as the main axis (X), the core being rectilinear along the main axis (X), and the fibres forming an envelope (E) with their free ends. The envelope (E) has four faces (F1-F4), the faces (F1-F4) each having a plane of symmetry comprising the main axis (X), each of the four faces (F1-F4) being generated by a straight line, referred to as a generating line, orthogonal to the main axis (X) and orthogonal to the plane of symmetry of the face (F1-F4), at least two consecutive faces (F1, F2) of the four faces (F1-F4) having a curved profile along the main axis (X). |
| US09668557B2 |
Protective cases
Protective cases for transporting a planar-shaped object includes a body including side, front, rear, and bottom walls coupled at edges thereof to define a housing having a cavity therein, an opening defined by uppermost edges of the side, front, and rear walls, and a lid secured to at least one of the uppermost edges of the side, front, and rear walls. The side, front, and rear walls and the lid each comprise a multilayer construction including an exterior layer, an interior layer, and at least one protective layer enclosed therebetween. The side, front, and rear walls include at least an impact-absorbing layer and optionally a rigid layer, and the lid includes at least an impact-absorbing layer. |
| US09668550B2 |
Wearable device
A wearable device that may transform between an annularly bent state and a flat state is provided. The wearable device includes a plurality of segment members including a top portion and a bottom portion having a shorter length than the top portion; a plurality of connecting members that are disposed to correspond to the plurality of segment members, wherein each of the plurality of connecting members is connected to be mutually rotatable with two segment members disposed respectively on both sides thereof; a bistable spring that is supported on a plurality of segment members to provide elasticity in a direction into the annularly bent state and retentivity of the flat state; and a flexible display device that is supported on the top portion of the plurality of segment members. |
| US09668548B2 |
Slider for slide fastener
A slider for a slide fastener is provided which is capable of quickly fastening and unfastening the slide fastener in a remote operation manner. A string having pull tabs on longitudinally opposite sides is fixed to a body of the slider for a slide fastener such that the string is not moved in the longitudinal direction. |
| US09668545B2 |
Conditionally visible bite lines for footwear
A conditionally visible bite line may be demarcated on a shoe upper using at least one of a fluorescent or an Infrared (IR)-responsive material. Such a conditionally visible bite line may be observable only under particular conditions, such as when illuminated by an ultraviolet light source or an IR light source, as appropriate. A light may be projected to intersect the conditionally visible bite line under conditions rendering the conditionally visible bite line detectable. The intersection(s) of the projected light and the conditionally visible bite line may be used to create a virtual bite line for use in generating a tool path to process the surface of a shoe upper bounded by the conditionally visible bite line. |
| US09668543B2 |
Footwear component for an article of footwear
A lasting board for an article of footwear. The lasting board has a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion and includes a first material and a second material that is different from the first material. The forefoot portion is monolithic and is constructed of the first material that is a non-woven fabric. The midfoot portion and the heel portion have an upper layer, a lower layer, and an intermediate layer between the upper layer and the lower layer. The intermediate layer is constructed of the second material, and the upper layer and the lower layer are constructed of the first material. A cushioning member made of a third material different from the first material and the second material is disposed within the heel portion of the lasting board. |
| US09668540B2 |
Footwear having a flex-spring sole
Footwear and soles for footwear are disclosed. The sole may include an energy transfer base. The energy transfer base may include top and bottom surfaces, and opposed first and second side surfaces. The energy transfer base may include at least one cavity. The at least one cavity may define upper and lower portions of the energy transfer base. The upper portion may be configured to move away from a nominal position and toward the lower portion when a force applied to the upper portion toward the lower portion has a magnitude that is above a predetermined value, and to move back to the nominal position when at least one of (1) the force is no longer applied or (2) the magnitude of the applied force is at or below the predetermined value. |
| US09668539B2 |
Footwear with sole protection
The present disclosure relates to an item of footwear with sole protection. The footwear has an upper adapted to receive a foot of the wearer; a sole secured to the upper and adapted to be the interface between the wearer and the ground; and a puncture resistant layer embedded into the sole so as to provide the sole protection for the foot of the wearer, the puncture resistant layer having an outer edge exceeding an inner perimeter of the item of footwear defined by a junction between the upper and the sole. |
| US09668538B2 |
System and method for coloring articles
A method and apparatus for coloring an article includes fastening an article to a container which at least partially encloses the article. The article fastens to the container in a fixed position. A portion of the container is inserted into a liquid by an actuator. The liquid enters the container through an open end. An air pocket is created in the container when it is inserted into the liquid. A first portion of the article is contained within the air pocket and a second portion of the article is dipped into the liquid and thereby is colored from a dye in the liquid. The actuator also removes the container and the article from the liquid. The process can be repeated with the article in an inverted position and with another liquid to color another portion of the article a second color. |
| US09668534B2 |
Footwear
A shoe including a sole assembly; an upper including a first envelope that includes a lower portion designed to surround the foot of a user; and an upper portion designed to surround the ankle or the ankle and a portion of the lower leg of the user; and an information transmission band that includes a first portion affixed to the sole assembly and/or the lower portion of the first envelope by a connection device, such as stitches; and a second portion designed to wrap around the upper portion of the first envelope, extending the first portion and including a first fastening device that cooperates with a second fastening device affixed to the upper portion of the first envelope. |
| US09668532B2 |
Helmet chin curtain
A helmet chin curtain add-on for effectively preventing wind, cold temperature and noise from entering into a helmet, thereby removing inconveniences when wearing a helmet, is disclosed. The chin curtain is preferably made from a resilient flexible solid material providing for an adequate elastic adjustment, allowing a fit to a wide variety of different helmets. The single piece nature of the chin curtain preferably allows for the prevention of leaks for adequate wind and noise reduction. The elastomeric nature of the material allows the chin curtain to retain its shape even when distorted from putting on and the removing the helmet. |
| US09668527B2 |
Promotional and convertible mitten to glove
A pair of disposable hand coverings has a body formed of a front film layer and back film layer sealed together about a periphery to form a pair of opposing hand coverings each having a finger section at opposite closed ends and each having a wrist section with at least one line of weakening at the wrist sections to ease separating each of the pair of hand coverings. |
| US09668526B2 |
Disposable padded tape
Disclosed herein are devices for preventing or treating an injury to an individual. Also provided are devices and methods for alleviating pain or discomfort caused by equipment or other padding or articles of clothing or uniform. The device can include a disposable padded tape having a plurality of force absorbing zones. It can also include an adhesive layer for attaching the device to a body contacting surface. |
| US09668525B2 |
Pants including selectively located stretch panels
Pants can include a waist portion including a waist band; first and second legs extending from the waist portion, each of the first and second legs including a front panel and a rear panel formed at least partially of a woven fabric, and a side stretch panel extending lengthwise along at least a portion of the wearer's leg between the front panel and the rear panel. Each side stretch panel can include a knitted fabric having fore and aft side edges joined to the front panel and rear panel, respectively. First and second front pockets can be located below the waist band, and each of the first and second front pockets can have a pocket welt formed of a woven fabric, the pocket welt extending from the woven fabric of the front panel to the woven fabric of the rear panel of the respective leg. |
| US09668522B2 |
E-cigarette personal vaporizer
A portable, personal storage and carrying case for an e-liquid e-cigarette PV which is operable to re-fill the PV with e-liquid if the PV is inserted, fully or in part, into the case, while maintaining the PV whole and intact. |
| US09668520B2 |
Method and unit for filling a disposable electronic-cigarette cartridge with a liquid substance
A method and unit for filling a disposable electronic cigarette cartridge with a liquid substance; a conveyor feeds the disposable cartridge along a filling path; a coupling device fits the disposable cartridge with a metering chamber, which is placed on top of the disposable cartridge, is of sufficient volume to contain a full measure of the liquid substance, and has a bottom outlet conduit terminating inside the disposable cartridge; a feed device feeds the liquid substance into the metering chamber so that the liquid substance falls by gravity from the metering chamber, along the outlet conduit, into the disposable cartridge; and a removing device removes the metering chamber from the disposable cartridge once all the liquid substance has fallen by gravity from the metering chamber, along the outlet conduit, into the disposable cartridge. |
| US09668517B2 |
Electronic cigarette
An electronic cigarette is provided, and the electronic cigarette comprises an outer sleeve, a battery and a controlling module both mounted inside the outer sleeve; the electronic cigarette further comprises a mounting seat which the controlling module is mounted on, and an electrode terminal mounted on the mounting seat and electrically connected to the controlling module; an end of the electrode terminal, aloof from the controlling module, is connected to a conductive wire by soldering. By implementing the electronic cigarette in the present application, the following advantages can be achieved. The electronic cigarette adopts that the conductive wire is soldered on the first electrode terminal, the second electrode terminal or the third electrode terminal, so that the conductive wire is electrically connected to the controlling module, and soldering operation can be easily achieved, which can improve production efficiency of the electronic cigarettes and decrease product defective rate. |
| US09668516B2 |
Banded cigarette wrapper with opened-area bands
A wrapper of a smoking article comprising a base web and banded regions comprising a leading edge, a trailing edge and a plurality of material-free openings between said leading edge and said trailing edge. The openings establish a predetermined, nominal opened-area within said banded regions to control diffusivity. The add-on material can be applied by a gravure roller comprising a surface region with cells, cell-free areas and a chevron shape. |
| US09668514B2 |
Synthesis and incorporation of high-temperature ammonia-release agent in lit-end cigarettes
A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200° C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid. |
| US09668507B2 |
Method of manufacturing a stabilized egg composition
The present technology may include a stabilized mass of egg composition having both yolk and albumin components whipped together and stabilized against separation by highly refined cellulose fiber material. The yolk and albumin components may be whipped into a foam in which at least 1% by volume of the foamed material comprises a gas, such as air, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen. The mass may flow as a liquid at 20 C and 760 mm Hg atmospheric pressure and 40% relative humidity. The mass may be in a frozen state. The mass may be in a dried powder state or dried solid mass. |
| US09668503B2 |
Capsule clusters for oral consumption
A method of manufacturing an oral product includes creating a matrix from a plurality of capsules, a powdered component, a viscous component and a binder and molding the matrix into a shape. In a preferred embodiment, the capsules provide functional and flavorful ingredients. In an embodiment, the matrix is enclosed in a porous material that forms a pouch. |
| US09668495B2 |
Green tea beverage with sugar alcohols and catechins and process packed in container
Disclosed is a green tea beverage packed in a container which has a strong fire odor (savory odor), yet gives a refreshing aftertaste and can be drunk delectably even in a cold state. Specifically disclosed is a green tea beverage packed in a container characterized in that the saccharide concentration thereof, which is the sum of the monosaccharide concentration and the disaccharide concentration, is 100 to 300 ppm and the ratio of the disaccharide concentration to the monosaccharide concentration (disaccharides/monosaccharides) is 10 to 28. It is preferred that the ratio of catechins with electron localization to said saccharide concentration (catechins with electron localization/saccharides) is 1.0 to 2.5. |
| US09668494B2 |
Preserved cut fresh produce with true-to-nature flavor
The flavor loss that occurs after a cut piece of fresh fruit or vegetable is preserved with calcium ascorbate and then stored is remedied by adding flavor augmenting chemicals to the cut piece of fruit or vegetable along with the calcium ascorbate. The types and amounts of flavor augmenting chemicals are selected to just compensate for this flavor loss and not introduce any new, foreign flavor notes into the fruit or vegetable. |
| US09668492B2 |
Method for manufacturing coextruded food products
In a device for manufacturing co-extruded food products with a filling machine, including a pump for an inner mass coupled to a drive and a control unit at least for the drive, to which a coextrusion unit disposed at the outside is connected, and to which a pump being coupled to a drive at least for delivering the outer mass to the coextrusion unit is connected. The drive of the outer mass pump is integrated into the inner mass filling machine. |
| US09668486B2 |
Dough kneader machine and related method of making an alimentary dough
The invention relates to a kneader machine for alimentary doughs including a container provided with a tight lid and a rotor rotatably arranged in the container about a vertical rotation axis (A), wherein the rotor has a flat base consisting of a plurality of arms and a plurality of mixing paddles which extend from the arms in a vertical direction (V), and wherein the arms of the rotor have beveled surfaces formed along their peripheries on the sides intended to face a rotation direction of rotation (R) of the rotor. The mixing paddles have first and second mixing paddles configured so as to generate between them a whirling motion of the particles of the solid ingredients on a plane (P) passing through the rotation axis (A) of the rotor and perpendicular to its base. The invention also relates to a method of making an alimentary dough by using the kneader machine. |
| US09668485B2 |
Modified biological control agents and their uses
Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents. These modified biological agents can be used as an inoculant or seed coating for plants and seeds. |
| US09668481B2 |
Triazole derivatives
The present invention relates to novel triazole derivatives, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds, and to the use thereof as biologically active compounds, especially for control of harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials and as plant growth regulators. |
| US09668475B2 |
Photocatalytic film for soil fumigation
The present invention relates to a photocatalytic film including at least one polymer layer (1) including at least one photocatalyst, said layer being pervious to both the vapors of at least one fumigating compound and ultraviolet radiation capable of activating the photocatalyst. The present invention also relates to a method for treatment by fumigation using said photocatalytic film and at least one fumigant. |
| US09668472B2 |
Polyamide and polyimide sticker adjuvants
A sticker adjuvant that may be used in agrochemical compositions is disclosed. The sticker adjuvant is a polyether amide or a polyether imide formed by the reaction of a polyether polyamine with a polyfunctional monomer. The polyfunctional monomer may be a polyacid, a di-functional acyl halide, an acid anhydride, a poly(acid anhydride) and a mixture thereof. |
| US09668470B2 |
Method for producing a liquid emulsifiable formulation comprising a pyripyropene pesticide
The present invention relates to a method for producing a liquid non-aqueous emulsifiable formulation comprising a pyripyropene pesticide of the formula (I) as defined below which is dissolved in an aromatic hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon mixture containing surfactants, which stabilize the emulsion upon dilution with water, which method comprises the steps i) and ii) as described hereinafter: i) dissolving the at least one surfactant and the compound of formula (I) in the organic solvent or solvent mixture to obtain a clear solution of the at least one surfactant and the compound of the formula (I); ii) heating the solution to a temperature of at least 40° C. |
| US09668467B2 |
Systems and methods for trapping animals
A system and methods for trapping animals including an enclosure adapted to be suspended above a trap area. The enclosure may be movable from the suspended position to a lowered position to enclose a trap area. The system further includes a user-directed control system to remotely control the position of the enclosure in order to trap animals within the enclosure. |
| US09668460B2 |
Reduced weight live poultry hauling system
A reduced-weight poultry cage is used in conjunction with a reduced-weight trailer to transport live poultry for maximizing the poundage of poultry being transported while reducing the number of trips and fuel expenses. The poultry cage includes a combination of aluminum and plastic elements that reduce cage weight, provide for nesting of cages in stacks as well as easy replacement of failed parts. Furthermore, a drop-deck aluminum trailer with a reduced floor and guide rail alignment stops allows for a durable yet lightweight trailer that can haul a plurality of stacks of these poultry cages, thereby maximizing cubic feet availability while being compliant with various road and bridge laws. |
| US09668454B2 |
Livestock feeding device
A livestock feeding device is provided. The feeding device has a body member including a base portion, side walls and a top portion. The device also includes an inner volume defined between the side walls, the base portion and the top portion, wherein the inner volume receives hay for feeding livestock. The feeding device includes an aperture extending through the top portion to provide feeding access to the inner volume. The feeding device also comprises an consumption restriction plate for metering the amount of hay eaten by livestock, wherein the consumption restriction plate is adjustable up and down within the inner volume in response to the amount of hay within the inner volume. |
| US09668448B1 |
Maize inbred PH2DNB
A novel maize variety designated PH2DNB and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2DNB with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2DNB through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2DNB or a locus conversion of PH2DNB with another maize variety. |
| US09668445B1 |
Sorghum hybrid PHLQVBM
A novel sorghum variety designated PHLQVBM 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 PHLQVBM with another sorghum plant and methods for producing a sorghum plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHLQVBM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the sorghum seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Sorghum variety PHLQVBM, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of sorghum variety PHLQVBM are provided. |
| US09668442B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH151282
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH151282. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH151282, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH151282 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH151282. |
| US09668441B1 |
Soybean variety XB23W14
A novel soybean variety, designated XB23W14 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB23W14, cells from soybean variety XB23W14, plants of soybean XB23W14, and plant parts of soybean variety XB23W14. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB23W14 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB23W14, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB23W14, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB23W14. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB23W14 are further provided. |
| US09668431B2 |
Conduit with connector and assembly thereof
A fluid supply line is provided to reduce the labor and cost required for dripline system installations by providing predetermined fitting locations where driplines can be attached. The supply line consists of a conduit having a side wall, a connector extending through the side wall of the conduit, the connector having a conduit connecting segment extending outside the conduit and an inlet segment extending into the conduit, and the inlet segment being connected to the side wall of the conduit. |
| US09668429B2 |
Portable multi-purpose log skidder
A multi-purpose portable log skidder that is a self propelled log skidder that does not require a vehicle to tow it. |
| US09668427B2 |
Battery-powered blower
The battery-powered blower includes a housing assembly including a first housing portion having a first inner surface, a second housing portion having a second inner surface, and connected to the first housing portion, and a third housing portion connected to the second portion. The third housing portion has a side outer surface configured to receive a battery. The battery is mountable to the side outer surface of the third housing portion. The second housing portion in connection with to the first housing portion forms an inner chamber therebetween. A fan is provided in the inner chamber to facilitate airflow through the housing assembly and out an outlet, and a motor is provided intermediate to the second housing portion and the third housing portion. The center of gravity with respect to the overall blower is provided proximate to a handle portion. |
| US09668418B2 |
Agricultural combine with windrow control circuit
An agricultural combine (100) has a windrow control circuit that controls the profile of windrow (154) based upon signals received from a sensor (152). |
| US09668417B2 |
Agitated harvester conveyor
A conveyor system includes a conveyor with openings, a conveyor motor coupled with the conveyor, and an agitator that is configured to impart an agitating motion to the conveyor motor to aid in the separation of materials. |
| US09668414B2 |
Stalk roll with series of flutes having decreasing lengths
One embodiment of a stalk roll to be mounted upon a stalk roll drive shaft of a corn harvesting header comprises a hybrid flute, a full flute positioned adjacent the hybrid flute, a reduced flute positioned adjacent the full flute, a second reduced flute positioned adjacent the reduced flute, and a short flute positioned adjacent the second reduced flute. |
| US09668411B2 |
Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring yield and vehicle weight
Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring yield while harvesting. In one embodiment a mass flow rate sensor measures the mass flow rate of the harvested grain. A weight sensor measures the weight of the harvested grain. The measured mass flow rate is correlated with the weight of the harvested grain. Processing circuitry calculates any error in the measured mass flow rate using the measured weight. The calculated error is used to correct any inaccuracy in the measured mass flow rate. |
| US09668410B2 |
Method of mower including supporting member for cutting around or near obstacles
A method for mowing around an obstacle. A mower arm is pivotally connected to a supporting member supportively connect to a supporting vehicle. A pivotal arm is pivotally connected to the mower arm. A cutter head is connected to the pivotal arm, the cutter head comprising a first cutter and a second cutter. A release mechanism comprising a holding plate is located on the pivotal arm and an actuator is located on the mower arm, the holding plate comprising at least one hole, the actuator engaging the at least one hole in the holding plate to hold the pivotal arm in a first position such that the first cutter is in a relatively leading position to the second cutter. |
| US09668407B2 |
Pivoting action low profile sickle drive
The pivoting action sickle drive has a low profile allowing incorporation in or below a floor of a header of a plant cutting machine to allow passage of cut plant material thereabout. The drive includes a substantially flat rotatable input element, and a drive arm connected eccentric thereto for eccentric rotation along an epicyclical path. The arm extends to a connection with a pivot arm of a pivot element that connects to a knife arm that drives a sickle knife assembly, such that the pivot element, knife arm and knife assembly will be reciprocatingly driven by the eccentric rotation of the drive arm. A second drive can oppositely drive a second sickle knife assembly, such that opposite forces generated by the drives will cancel. The drives can be packaged in a forwardly tapered or curved enclosure, and the pivot elements can be correspondingly shaped to streamline the drives. |
| US09668406B2 |
Sectional yield measurement on row independent harvesting head
A system for sectional yield measurement includes a draper frame (106); a reciprocating knife (112) fixed to a forward edge of the draper frame (106); rollers (122, 126) spaced apart from one another across the width of the draper frame (106); a first endless belt (120, 124) supported on the plurality of rollers (122, 126); load sensors (300) disposed to sense a cut crop load applied to the plurality of rollers (122, 126); and an ECU (204) coupled to the load sensors to calculate a sectional yield of the row independent harvesting head (102) based at least upon signals indicative of the cut crop load. |
| US09668402B2 |
Seed bounce flap for agricultural seeder
A seed bounce flap for an agricultural seeder is provided for preventing bouncing of seeds in a furrow created by a furrow opener assembly with a seed channel defined by a rearwardly angled seed tube and seed boot. The seed bounce flap has a first mounting portion attached to an upper wall of the seed boot and a second flexible portion extending generally downwardly from the first portion. The second portion of the seed bounce flap is angled relative to the first portion so that the second portion is more vertical than the first portion. The seed bounce flap is flexible in a fore-and-aft direction and has tapering right and left sides that converge toward each other at a lower end of the seed bounce flap to conform to the shape of the furrow. The seed bounce flap can be made of an injection molded plastic material. |
| US09668400B2 |
Automatic guidance system for pull-type agricultural implement
An agricultural implement with ground-engaging implements tracks in a direction down slope when pulled by a traction vehicle over uneven, or sloped, terrain. The implement's path from the track of the vehicle depends upon, among other things, the slope of the terrain. To compensate for this tendency to drift down slope away from the pulling vehicle's track, the implement frame is provide with controllable forward and aft pivoting wing sections to which the ground engaging implements are attached. Using a GPS receiver, precise positioning information is used to position the wing sections so that the ground engaging members are directed up slope to move the implement's track upwardly in correcting its track, with the wing sections then automatically re-positioned when the implements are on the proper track. |
| US09674993B2 |
Flame retardant, electrically conductive adhesive materials and related methods
Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of a flame retardant, electrically conductive adhesive material. In an exemplary embodiment, a flame retardant, electrically conductive adhesive material suitable for use as tape generally includes a layer of adhesive. A layer of electrically conductive fabric is on the layer of adhesive. A flame retardant coating is on the layer of electrically conductive fabric. The flame retardant coating includes a carbon-containing resin. |
| US09674992B2 |
Electromagnetic interference shielding film
The invention relates to an electromagnetic interference shielding film comprising an electromagnetic wave absorptive layer which contains electromagnetic wave absorptive particles; a conductive layer which contains conductive particles, and the conductive layer is disposed on a surface of the electromagnetic wave absorptive layer; a metallic layer disposed on another surface of the electromagnetic wave absorptive layer; and an insulating layer disposed on the metallic layer. The electromagnetic interference shielding film according to the invention can prevent the circuits and components from the electromagnetic interference. |
| US09674988B2 |
Method and device for reducing the energy consumption of a center comprising energy-intensive apparatuses
A center includes a main room having a number of rows of bays, which hold functional energy-intensive pieces of equipment having air intake passages located functionally beside their front surface and air discharge passages located beside their rear surface, and cooling elements associated with passages, with the arrangement of the bays and functional equipment being such that a pair of two rows, whose back-to-back surfaces are the rear surfaces, defines a hot passage where the air discharge passages, in which the air is hot, are accessible at a temperature T3 that is higher than the temperature T2 of the tempered air found in the portion of the main room that is outside the hot passage and from which the front surfaces and the air intake passages are accessible, and air-conditioning elements for providing filtered air, whose flow rate, temperature T2, and hygrometric degree are suitable for optimal operation of functional. |
| US09674981B1 |
Rack sidecar for additional IT equipment and cable management
A structure of a server rack and sidecar combination. The structure may include; a server rack having an opening and a server door on a front side of the server rack; a sidecar mounted to a side of the server rack, the sidecar has an access area on a front side of the sidecar, wherein the server rack opening and the access area are accessible form a common side; an adapter mounted to the accessible common side, wherein the adapter does not restrict access to the server rack opening and the access area, the adapter has at least three vertical sides; and a cable management bar located within the at least three vertical sides. |
| US09674979B2 |
Variable-depth multi device chassis
A multi device system includes a rack with a rack slot. A device chassis is positioned in the rack slot. The device chassis includes first device slot with a first device entrance, and a second device slot with a second device entrance. A first device stop member extends from the device chassis and into the first device slot. The distance between the first device stop member and the first device entrance is adjustable, and the first device stop member is configured to move a first device in the first device slot through the first device entrance. A second device stop member extends from the device chassis and into the second device slot. The distance between the second device stop member and the second device entrance is adjustable, and the second device stop member is configured to move a second device in the second device slot through the second device entrance. |
| US09674976B2 |
Wireless process communication adapter with improved encapsulation
A wireless process communication adapter for field devices is provided. The adapter includes a metal housing having a first end and a second end. A chamber is defined between the first and second ends. A radio-frequency transparent radome is coupled to the first end. The second end has a field device coupling configured to attach to a field device. At least one circuit board is disposed within the chamber. The circuit board supports at least wireless process communication circuitry. A plurality of wires is coupled to the at least one circuit board and extends through the field device coupling. A silicone potting fills substantially all volume within the chamber not occupied by the at least one circuit board and wireless process communication circuitry. |
| US09674975B2 |
Protective enclosure for touch screen device
A protective enclosure adapted to hold a touch screen device and allow operation of both the touch screen and actuators on a side of the device, the enclosure formed of a tray having a rim surrounding an interior device seating surface; a lid having a rim corresponding to the rim of the tray and surrounding a window aperture; a protective membrane having a transparent membrane forming an interior window portion positioned in the viewing aperture of the lid, and a resiliently pliable skirt about the interior window portion, the skirt projecting the interior window portion outwardly of the rim around the aperture of the lid; a continuous pliable seal adapted to be compressible between the corresponding rims of the lid and the tray; and a mechanism for clamping the rim of the lid and the rim of the tray with the pliable seal forming a continuous seal therebetween. |
| US09674974B1 |
Detachable anti-write device for a memory card
A detachable anti-write device for a memory card includes: an insulated housing including an upper cover and a lower cover which are connected to each other; and an anti-write switch disposed a lateral edge of the insulated housing and connected to the insulated housing by a break away connecting member. The anti-write device can be irreversibly broken and detached from the memory card, therefore is capable of improving the security of the data stored in the memory card. |
| US09674971B2 |
Terminal device
A terminal device includes a device housing and a printed wiring board, accommodated within the device housing, having a display element mounted thereon. The device housing includes an opening formed at a position corresponding to the display element, a partition wall provided between the opening and the printed wiring board. The partition wall is formed into a tubular shape with the opposite ends thereof opened, and the partition wall has one open end which faces the opening and the other open end which faces the display element. |
| US09674969B2 |
Flexible printed circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
A flexible printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A flexible printed circuit board having a flexible region and a rigid region includes an inner board layer, an outer board layer laminated on the inner board layer and having a cavity formed in the rigid region, and a laminate exposing a pad in the cavity and laminated on the inner board layer in the rigid region where the pad is formed. The laminate includes a coverlay layer and a copper foil layer arranged so that the coverlay layer faces the inner board layer. |
| US09674967B2 |
Via in a printed circuit board
A via in a printed circuit board is composed of a patterned metal layer that extends through a hole in dielectric laminate material that has been covered with catalytic adhesive material on both faces of the dielectric laminate material. The layer of catalytic adhesive coats a portion of the dielectric laminate material around the hole. The patterned metal layer is placed over the catalytic adhesive material on both faces of the dielectric laminate material and within the hole. |
| US09674965B1 |
Hybrid bonding techniques for electronic devices
Utilizing a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) for assembling an electronic device can have certain benefits, such as ease of automation and instant handling or short handling time that may save time, effort, and costs during manufacturing. A liquid adhesive, on the other hand, can provide superior bond strength relative to a PSA such that a device manufactured using a liquid adhesive may perform better with respect to structural rigidity, dynamic response, impact resistance, and other reliability testing. An electronic device manufacturer can take advantage of the benefits of each type of adhesive during device assembly by incorporating both a PSA and a liquid adhesive to bond two substrates of the device, such as a cover glass or sheet and a housing structure or frame. |
| US09674964B2 |
Method and structure for directly connecting coaxial or micro coaxial cables to the interior side of pads of a printed circuit board to improve signal integrity of an electrical circuit
A method and an apparatus for connecting a coaxial (or a micro coaxial) cable to the bottom side of a printed circuit board (PCB) in order to improve signal integrity of a test circuit. A coaxial or a micro coaxial cable is directly connected to a coaxial cable to the bottom sides of pads located on an exterior later of the PCB. |
| US09674963B1 |
Multilevel machine to process coatings
A machine can include a first conveyor configured to receive and convey a circuit assembly; a second conveyor configured to receive and convey a circuit assembly; a first set of opposing side panels adjacent to opposing sides of the first conveyor; a second set of opposing side panels adjacent to opposing sides of the second conveyor; a first mechanism that selectively raises and lowers the first set of opposing side panels; and a second mechanism that selectively raises and lowers the second set of opposing side panels. |
| US09674962B2 |
Methods for continuously moving a fluid dispenser while dispensing amounts of a fluid material
Methods for applying fluid materials to a substrate, such as circuit board, while continuously moving the fluid dispenser. Some methods generally involve correcting the dispense location for each of the dispensed amounts of fluid material by executing a statistical comparison of either the predicted and actual landing locations on the substrate, or the predicted and actual positions of the dispenser at each of the dispense locations. Other methods generally involve initiating the dispensing of amounts of the fluid material at dispense locations corrected by a correction factor specified in terms of the servo cycle for the movement of the dispenser or by a correction factor specified in terms of partial servo cycles courtesy of a timer. |
| US09674957B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes a first supporting member disposed in the first pad area of the first base substrate and spaced apart from the sealing member to define a predetermined space. A second supporting member is filled in the predetermined space by filling and curing liquid material. This protects the display panel from harsh ambience, such as light, heat and moistures, reducing the sealing and black matrix area. Such improvement can decrease the bezel size, effectively increasing viewable area of the display, which becomes more important in the mobile device. |
| US09674954B2 |
Chip package connector assembly
This disclosure relates generally to a chip package assembly arranged to be electrically coupled to a circuit board including a plurality of circuit board contacts. The chip package assembly may include a chip package including a first side and a second side, the second side including a first plurality of contacts arranged to be electrically coupled to the plurality of circuit board contacts and a second plurality of contacts arranged to be electrically coupled to a remote device via a connector assembly. |
| US09674946B2 |
Conductive laminate, transparent conductive laminate with patterned wiring, and optical device
In a conductive laminate, a transparent conductive thin film laminate 2 including at least two transparent conductive thin films and a metal layer 3 are formed in this order on at least one surface of a transparent base. In the transparent conductive thin film laminate 2, a first transparent conductive thin film 21 that is closest to the metal layer 3 is a metal oxide layer, or a composite metal oxide layer containing a principal metal and at least one impurity metal. Transparent conductive thin film 22 other than the first transparent conductive thin film is a composite metal oxide layer containing a principal metal and at least one impurity metal. The content ratio of impurity metal in the first transparent conductive thin film is not the highest of content ratios of impurity metal in the transparent conductive thin films which form the transparent conductive thin film laminate 2. |
| US09674945B2 |
Heterogeneous integration of microfluidic devices in package structures
Methods of forming a microelectronic packaging structure and associated structures formed thereby are described. Those methods may include attaching a microfluidic die to a package structure, wherein the microfluidic die comprises a plurality of asymmetric electrodes that may be coupled with signal pads disposed within the package structure. |
| US09674943B2 |
Actuation mechanisms for electrical interconnections
Some embodiments described herein include apparatuses and methods of forming such apparatuses. In one such embodiment, an apparatus may include an electronic arrangement, a first die, and a second die coupled to the first die and the electronic arrangement. The electronic arrangement may include an opening. At least a portion of the die may occupy at least a portion of the opening in the electronic arrangement. Other embodiments including additional apparatuses and methods are described. |
| US09674940B2 |
Electronic device and semiconductor package with thermally conductive via
An electronic device and semiconductor package include a printed circuit board and a semiconductor device mounted thereon. The printed circuit board includes one or more thermally conductive vias for dissipating heat. |
| US09674939B2 |
Method for producing a mechanically autonomous microelectronic device
The invention relates to a method for producing a mechanically autonomous microelectronic device comprising at least one electric via enabling an electric connection from at least one first face of the device, characterized in that it comprises the following sequence of operations: from a first substrate comprising a first portion of the electric via exposed to a first face of the first substrate, and from a second substrate comprising a second portion of the electric via exposed to a first face of the second substrate, a step of bonding of the first substrate onto the second substrate, by bonding the first faces thereof so that the first portion and the second portion of the electric via are in electrical continuity, step of partially removing a part of the first substrate from a second face of the first substrate, opposite the first face of said first substrate, so as to reach the first portion of the electric via. |
| US09674938B2 |
Flexible LED device for thermal management
Provided is a flexible light emitting semiconductor device (26), such as an LED device, that includes a flexible dielectric layer (12) having first and second major surfaces and at least one via (10) extending through the dielectric layer from the first to the second major surface, with a conductive layer (19, 20, 18) on each of the first and second major surfaces and in the via. The conductive layer (18) in the via supports a light emitting semiconductor device (26) and is electrically isolated from the conductive layer (19) on the first major surface of the dielectric layer. |
| US09674937B2 |
Circuit board and method of manufacturing the same
A circuit board including a core layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first build-up layer and a second build-up layer formed on the first surface and the second surface of the core layer, respectively, and including a conductive pattern and a conductive via; and an outer layer formed on the surface of the first build-up layer and the second build-up layer, wherein at least one build-up layer of the first build-up layer and the second build-up layer comprises a photosensitive insulating layer in which a cavity is disposed and a thermal dissipation unit disposed in the cavity. |
| US09674929B2 |
Methods and apparatus for illumination control
In exemplary embodiments of this invention, one or more I/O devices accept input from a human user. The input is indicative of a value for each control variable in a set of separate control variables. A computer analyzes the input and outputs control signals to specify a set of separate setpoints. Dimmers adjust the intensity or color of a set of luminaires according to the setpoints. The number of separate control variables is much less than the number of separate setpoints. Having a human control a small number of control variables, in order to control a much larger number of separate luminaire setpoints of luminaires, has at least two advantages: control is faster and control is more intuitive. In illustrative implementations, the luminaire setpoints that are being controlled are not functions of each other. |
| US09674928B2 |
Reproduction device and reproduction method
A reproduction device includes a plurality of speakers each of which reproduces a sound corresponding to an audio signal, a plurality of light emission elements, a detection unit that analyzes the audio signal, and outputs a timing signal corresponding to an analysis result, a light emission control unit that allows the light emission elements to emit light in a first light emission mode or a second light emission mode, and a switching control unit that provides a switchable period for switching one of the light emission modes to the other of the light emission modes, and determines whether to switch the current light emission mode in response to a trigger of the timing signal input in the switchable period. |
| US09674926B2 |
Street lighting control, method, device and system
Method for controlling street lighting over a plurality of interconnected road segments, in which a road class is dynamically assigned to each road segment on the basis of, at least, stored road type data associated to each road segment and traffic parameters determined for each road segment for a current time period. At least a corresponding maximum lighting level is associated to each road class. In this method, signals comprising speed and direction of travel data of road users, and an identification of the road user are propagated through series of adjacent road segments starting from each road user's road segment, and a new lighting level equal to said maximum lighting level is set at each road segment whose distance to the road user's road segment is not greater than a first distance. A control device for implementing the above method is also disclosed. |
| US09674920B2 |
Illumination system and method for developing target visual perception of an object
An illumination system that includes a light source device and an algorithm unit is provided. The algorithm unit is coupled to the light source device and outputs a control signal to the light source device according to a reflection spectrum of an object, a visual color matching function, a visual preference correction function, or a combination of the above. The light source device outputs an illumination beam according to the control signal, so as to develop target visual perception of the object while the object is being irradiated by the illumination beam. A method for developing target visual perception of an object is also provided. |
| US09674918B2 |
Illumination system and luminaire
An illumination system includes: a first light-emitting element column including one of a single first light-emitting element or a plurality of first light-emitting elements connected in series; a second light-emitting element column connected in parallel with the first light-emitting element column, and including one of a single second light-emitting element or a plurality of second light-emitting elements connected in series; a constant current supply that supplies a constant current to the first light-emitting element column and the second light-emitting element column which are connected in parallel; a resistor that is connected in series with the first light-emitting element column, and detects a magnitude of current flowing through the first light-emitting element column; and a current adjuster circuit that adjusts the magnitude of the current flowing through the first light-emitting element column, according to the magnitude of the current detected by the resistor. |
| US09674911B2 |
Arbitrary pulse alignment to reduce LED flicker
An arbitrary alignment is provided for a series of pulses controlling a switch that in turn controls a current in an LED. Each pulse is generated according to a target time responsive to a reference time in a corresponding cycle of a synchronization clock. Each pulse has a leading portion that precedes its target time and a trailing portion subsequent to its target time. The arbitrary alignment defines the relative size of the leading portion to the trailing portion such that these relative sizes are incrementally changed across successive ones of the pulses. |
| US09674909B2 |
Driving circuit for light-emitting element with burst dimming control
A detection resistor is arranged on a path of an LED string. A controller generates a gate pulse signal having a duty ratio adjusted such that the voltage drop at the detection resistor matches a predetermined reference voltage. Furthermore, the controller receives a dimming control signal which indicates the duty ratio of the burst dimming operation, and generates a corresponding burst dimming pulse. According to the gate pulse signal, the first driver drives an output circuit configured to generate a driving voltage. A second driver switches a path of a driving current between connection and disconnection according to the burst dimming pulse. A duty ratio detection unit controls the frequency of the gate pulse signal according to the duty ratio indicated by the dimming control signal. |
| US09674907B1 |
Input surge protection circuit and method for a non-isolated buck-boost LED driver
An LED driver is provided with input surge absorbing capacity. A surge protection circuit branch is coupled across output lines from a DC power source, in parallel with and between a filtering capacitor and a non-isolated buck-boost PFC circuit. A variable impedance device such as a spark gap is coupled to a first power line and having a breakdown voltage to operate as an open circuit during normal operating conditions with respect to a peak input voltage across the capacitor. Responsive to a surge condition with respect to excess energy across the capacitor, the spark gap operates as a closed circuit, and a second capacitor coupled between the spark gap and the second line absorbs the excess energy. Responsive to a return to normal operating conditions, the spark gap reverts to an open state and the accumulated surge energy is discharged from the second capacitor to circuit ground. |
| US09674904B2 |
System and method for controlling dimming of solid state lighting device
Determining an amount of light output from a solid state lighting (SSL) unit based on a dimmer setting includes determining the dimmer setting of the dimmer during a readout mode by analyzing a power signal received from the dimmer, the dimmer setting indicating a desired level of light, determining power needed at input terminals of the SSL unit for an SSL load to output the desired level of output light, and determining a value of an adjusting signal for adjusting the power at the input terminals of the SSL unit during a power reception mode, based at least in part on the determined dimmer setting, causing the SSL unit to output the desired level of light. |
| US09674901B2 |
High-frequency heating device with range hood
A high-frequency heating device with a range hood is equipped with a heating chamber, a magnetron for supplying high-frequency power, a chamber illumination device disposed adjacent, from outside, to a wall of the heating chamber, and an LED illumination device which is disposed in a bottom portion of the main body and illuminates a heat-cooking device. The LED illumination device uses light-emitting diode elements, and illumination light emitted from the LED illumination device is concentrated by a reflection plate whose surface is plated. |
| US09674898B2 |
Induction heating apparatus and induction heating method
A semiconductor substrate thermal treatment apparatus enables excellent heating control in suppressing influence of mutual induction between induction heating coils even when the induction heating coils are arranged in the vertical direction while providing horizontal magnetic flux to susceptors. The apparatus indirectly heats wafers mounted on horizontally-arranged susceptors including induction heating coils to form alternate-current magnetic flux in a direction parallel to a mount face of the susceptor. The wafer are arranged at an outer circumferential side of the susceptor. The induction heating coils are structured with at least one main heating coil and subordinate heating coils electromagnetically coupled with the main heating coil. Inverse coupling coils inversely-coupled to the subordinate heating coils are provided to the main heating coil, and zone control means separately controls a power ratio while synchronizing frequencies and current waveforms of current to the main heating coil and adjacent subordinate heating coils. |
| US09674894B2 |
Heating assembly for an aerosol generating system
A heating assembly for heating an aerosol-forming substrate is provided, including: a heater including an electrically resistive heating element and a heater substrate; and a heater mount coupled to the heater; wherein the heating element includes a first portion and a second portion configured such that, when an electrical current is passed through the heating element, the first portion is heated to a higher temperature than the second portion as a result of the electrical current; and wherein the heater mount surrounds the second portion of the heating element. |
| US09674892B1 |
Exclusive preshared key authentication
Preshared keys are assigned to client devices, users, or user groups. The set of valid preshared keys or keys derived therefrom is distributed to network devices such as wireless access points. A client device attempts to establish a secure network connection with a network device using its assigned preshared key. A network device identifies the client device's preshared key by selecting a candidate key from its set of valid preshared keys. The network device determines a validation cryptographic checksum based on the selected candidate key. If the validation cryptographic checksum matches the client's cryptographic checksum, the network device establishes a secure network connection with the client device using this candidate key. If the validation cryptographic checksum does not match the cryptographic checksum provided by the client device, the network device repeats this comparison using different candidate keys selected from its set of valid preshared keys until a match is found. |
| US09674890B2 |
Method of link adaptation in wireless local area network and apparatus for the same
A method of link adaptation in a wireless local area network is provided. The method includes requesting, by a requester, modulation and coding scheme (MCS) feedback to a plurality of responders, by transmitting a MCS request (MRQ) indicator, and, receiving, by the requester, feedback frames from each of the plurality of responders, wherein each of the feedback frame comprises MCS feedback (MFB) information. |
| US09674887B2 |
Submissive mobile network connection regime of field device in machine-to-machine network
A method is provided for a remotely-deployed field device to automatically select one of different mobile network modes to communicate with a server computing device. The field device is configured to maintain consistent and reliable connection with the server computing device by automatically switching between different mobile network modes that are selectively open and active based on various criteria, such as technical and/or business considerations. The automatic selection of mobile network modes is achieved in a submissive mobile network connection regime in which the remotely deployed field device autonomously operates to submit to whichever mobile network mode is open and active under preset criteria. |
| US09674878B2 |
Apparatus and methods for accessing a data network
A packet data network gateway, P-GW, is located in a second network for supporting user plane data to terminal devices in a wireless communications system that additionally comprises a first network having a first packet data network gateway, P-GW operably couplable to the P-GW. The P-GW comprises a processor arranged to: check a destination address of received packets from the first P-GW to determine whether the received packets are destined for any of the terminal devices, and in response thereto: extract one or more properties of said received packets if they are destined for any of the terminal devices served with user plane data; or discard said received packets if they are not destined for the terminal device(s). |
| US09674876B2 |
Local data bi-casting between core network and radio access
The invention relates to a method for setting up a connection between an originating mobile entity and a terminating mobile entity connecting to the same radio access network of a mobile communications network, the radio access network accessing a core network through a serving access gateway serving one of the two mobile entities the method performed by the serving access gateway comprising the steps of receiving a connection setup message for establishing the connection between the originating and the terminating mobile entity, wherein the connection setup message transmitted along a signalling path in the core network comprises an information element storing media plane access needs of at least one network node in the signalling path of the core network, wherein the media plane access needs indicate the needs of a network node in the signal path of the core network to access a media plane of the connection to be set up. Additionally it is checked whether any of the network nodes in the signalling path of the core network needs access to the media plane of said connection to be set up, wherein, if none of the network nodes needs access to the media plane and if the serving access gateway needs access to the media plane at least the following steps are carried out: a media gateway that is handling a media stream of the serving access gateway is instructed to provide an uplink endpoint for the connection to the originating mobile entity and an uplink endpoint for the connection to the terminating mobile entity for the connection to be set up, and the radio access network is informed to transmit the media stream of the originating and the terminating mobile entity to the media gateway of the serving access gateway needing access to the media plane. |
| US09674870B1 |
Mobile gateway having reduced forwarding state for anchoring mobile subscribers
In general, techniques are described for aggregating, within a network device, internal forwarding routes for multiple control protocols and allocating next hops for the routes among individual service units of a decentralized control plane for the network device. The techniques may also include aggregating internal forwarding routes for data protocols and allocating next hops for the routes among individual forwarding units of a decentralized data plane for the network device. In one example, a mobile gateway includes a plurality of subscriber management service units that present a uniform interface to nodes within a mobile service provider network. An allocation manager apportions a control protocol session identifier namespace into a plurality of contiguous, non-overlapping protocol session identifier ranges and allocates the ranges among the service units. The service units execute the control protocol by utilizing respective allocated ranges, which the aggregate internal forwarding routes use to identify the associated service units. |
| US09674869B2 |
Apparatus and method for fast access in a wireless communication system
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate a fast access in a wireless communication system, such as OFDMA. According to various aspects, the system and methods are described for transmitting an access probe, receiving a first grant message, wherein the first grant message comprises a portion representing a first identification, transmitting a message using a second identification, wherein the second identification is not equal to the first identification. Also, generating an access grant in response to receiving the access probe wherein the access grant comprising a portion representing a first identification. |
| US09674868B2 |
Leveraging multiple access technologies simultaneously
Systems and method are provided that allow a mobile device to communicate over multiple access technologies at the same time, including a cellular access technology, such as LTE, and via an untrusted WLAN access. The untrusted access is initiated via internet key exchange. The mobile device uses the same IP address over both access technologies. |
| US09674866B2 |
Subframe scheduling method and system, network device and terminal
Disclosed is a subframe scheduling method, which includes: a network side configures a transmission mode, wherein the transmission mode includes at least a multi-subframe scheduling transmission way; the network side selects a corresponding control information format according to the transmission mode, transmits Downlink Control Information (DCI) corresponding to the control information format, and then performs subframe scheduling according to the DCI. Further disclosed are a subframe scheduling system, a network device and a terminal. By means of the disclosure, the multi-subframe scheduling can be used under the condition in which user channel state information is relatively stable, thereby being able to reduce control signalling overheads, save system resources and improve the scheduling flexibility. |
| US09674864B2 |
Apparatus and method for communicating uplink signaling information
A User Equipment, UE, of a cellular communication system transmits scheduling assistance data to a base station comprising a base station scheduler which schedules uplink packet data. The scheduling assistance data relates to uplink packet data transmission from the UE. The UE comprises a channel controller which is operable to cause the scheduling assistance data to be transmitted from the UE to the base station in a first physical resource of an uplink air interface. The first physical resource is not managed by the base station based scheduler. The scheduling assistance data may specifically be transmitted in a first transport channel multiplexed with other transport channels on a physical resource. The transport channels may be individually optimized and may have different termination points and transmission reliabilities. Specifically, the transport channel supporting the scheduling assistance data signaling may have a high reliability and be terminated in the base station. |
| US09674861B1 |
Systems and methods for scheduling transmissions from an access node in a communication network
Systems and methods are described for scheduling transmissions from an access node. A traffic distribution and usage pattern associated with an access node may be determined based on an inspection of packet transmission data. A scheduling algorithm may be assigned to a particular set of usage characteristics based on the determined traffic distribution and usage pattern. The traffic distribution and usage pattern associated with the access node may be monitored for a set of criteria. The scheduling algorithm may be selected based on the monitored traffic distribution and packet data for at least one wireless device may be transmitted using the selected scheduling algorithm. |
| US09674859B2 |
Method and apparatus for virtual channel station information based wireless radio access network virtualization
Disclosed within is a communication architecture for medium access control (MAC) layer virtualization, where the architecture is made up of: a MAC layer, a plurality of physical resource blocks (RBs) associated with the MAC layer, a plurality of virtual medium access control (vMAC) layers (each vMAC layer corresponding to a separate service group, where each service group programs its own scheduling logic in each vMAC instance), a plurality of virtual resource blocks (vRBs) associated with each vMAC layer (the vRBs filled with data packets according to the scheduling logic in each vMAC instance), where the MAC layer virtualizes the RBs as vRBs and assigns them to each vMAC layer. |
| US09674858B2 |
Receiver scheduling in wireless networks
A wireless apparatus may receive scheduling definitions from a networking device. The wireless apparatus may determine, from the scheduling definitions, downlink transmission times and to start a timer at one of the determined downlink transmission times. The wireless apparatus may discontinue reception at expiration of the timer. The wireless apparatus may also, in response to reception of a downlink transmission, transmit an acknowledgement and to discontinue reception before the timer has expired. |
| US09674857B2 |
Method and device for data scheduling
A method and apparatus for data scheduling are provided. The method includes: when data arrive at a device, the device judging whether the arrived data have a delay-tolerant characteristic or not; if the arrived data have the delay-tolerant characteristic, then the device delaying scheduling and transmission of the arrived data; and if the arrived data do not have the delay-tolerant characteristic, then the device immediately initiating a call process or immediately initiating a data transmission process. Wherein, the device is a user equipment or a base station. When the device is the user equipment, the arrived data are uplink data, and when the device is the base station, the arrived data are downlink data corresponding to the user equipment. The technical scheme of the present application delays the scheduling of service data with the delay-tolerance characteristic, thus alleviating resource pressure of PUSCH and PDSCH and optimizing system efficiency. |
| US09674848B2 |
Method and apparatus for acquiring downlink quality information
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for acquiring downlink quality information, which relate to the communications field and are used to resolve a problem in the prior art that a base station cannot learn interference caused by a UE to a neighboring cell. The method provided in the present invention includes: measuring the downlink quality information; and reporting the downlink quality information to a network-side device. The present invention is applicable to the communications field, and is used for acquiring the downlink quality information by the base station. |
| US09674847B2 |
Device to-device communication
An apparatus is provided for a device-to-device, D2D, communication enabled user equipment, UE, comprising a processing section to determine, based on a signal received from another UE, a channel condition between the UE and the another UE; the UE to report the determined channel condition to an evolved Node B, eNB. The processing section is to initiate D2D communication based on a communication from the eNB, received in response to the report. Also, an apparatus is provided for a network element, comprising An input to receive a describing a channel condition between a first UE and a second UE; a processor to determine, based on the channel condition, whether or not D2D communication between the first UE and the second UE is to be enabled; and an output to output a result of the determination when the processor determines D2D communication is to be enabled. Related methods are also provided. |
| US09674843B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining transmission power of preamble in wireless communication system
Provided are a method and an apparatus for determining transmission power of a preamble in a wireless communication system. A terminal estimates secondary cell (SCell) path loss with respect to a downlink (DL) component carrier (CC), which is in a linkage relationship with an uplink (UL) component carrier inside the SCell; decides the transmission power of a physical random access channel (PRACH) preamble based on the SCell path loss that is estimated; and transmits the PRACH preamble to a base station through the UL CC inside the SCell, based on the transmission power that is decided, wherein the SCell and a primary cell (PCell) comprises a carrier aggregation (CA) system, the PCell is a cell from which the terminal performs radio resource control (RRC) connection with the base station, and wherein the Scell is at least one cell from residual cells in the carrier aggregation excluding the PCell. |
| US09674841B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing resource allocation and communication in a wireless communication system, and system using same
Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting and receiving data in a wireless communication system. Resource allocation information is received and hopping-related information is identified. A resource for transmitting data is determined based on the resource allocation information and hopping-related information, and data is transmitted on the determined resource. A sub-band is determined from a plurality of sub-bands based on the first hopping parameter and a resource in the determined sub-band is determined based on the second hopping parameter. |
| US09674835B2 |
Method and device for transmitting reception acknowledgement information in a mobile communication system
The present invention and embodiments thereof relate to a method for transmitting a signal of a base station in a wireless communication system using a carrier merge. The method includes transmitting to a terminal a Physical Downlink Shared CHannel (PDSCH) on a downlink secondary cell and a Physical Downlink Shared CHannel (PDSCH) indicating the PDSCH on a downlink primary cell; and receiving a reception acknowledgement response on the PDSCH, which is transmitted from the terminal to an uplink primary cell. The PDSCH is transmitted when the downlink secondary cell becomes available, and the transmission timing of the reception acknowledgement response is determined by one of the PDSCH transmission timing or the PDCCH transmission timing. |
| US09674830B2 |
Method for processing data associated with session management and mobility management
A method and a user equipment (UE) for processing data in a communication system are discussed. The method according to an embodiment includes receiving a deactivate bearer context request message; deleting a bearer context identified by a bearer identity in the deactivate bearer context request message; and if a cause code in the deactivate bearer context request message indicates that reactivation is requested, stopping a session management back-off timer associated with a previously-established data connection if the session management back-off timer is running. The session management back-off timer is a timer starting if a session management back-off time value is received at the UE and. The previously-established data connection is associated with an access point name (APN). The method further includes re-initiating a packet data network (PDU) connectivity procedure for the APN after stopping the session management back-off timer. |
| US09674828B2 |
Terminal apparatus
A terminal apparatus, which performs communication with a first base station apparatus and a second base station apparatus which has a smaller maximum transmit power than that of the first base station apparatus, includes a control unit that extracts control information from signals received from the first base station apparatus and the second base station apparatus and sets communication parameters of an uplink data signal, in which a bit number of information which is extracted by the control unit as the control information from the signal from the second base station apparatus is smaller than a bit number of information which is extracted as the control information from the signal from the first base station apparatus. |
| US09674827B2 |
Control channel transmission method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the communications field and provide a control channel transmission method and apparatus. The method includes: grouping REs except a DMRS in each physical resource block pair of L determined physical resource block pairs used to transmit a control channel into N eREGs, and calculating the number of valid REs except other overheads in each eREG of the N eREGs; and then mapping each of the eCCEs onto M eREGs according to the number of valid REs included in each eREG of the N eREGs of each physical resource block pair, and sending the eCCE by using the resource elements included in the eREG. |
| US09674816B2 |
Node and method for priority of application based handling of a paging request
Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a device, mobility management node and/or a serving gateway, and corresponding methods there, for providing application, service or priority based paging. According to some of the example embodiments, the decision whether or not to issue or accept a paging request may be made based on a priority, application or service (or type of service) associated with the paging request. |
| US09674808B1 |
Method and apparatus for early frequency synchronization in LTE wireless communication systems
In a wireless communication system, a client terminal may first establish time and frequency synchronization with the network. While establishing the time and frequency synchronization, a client terminal may need to detect additional parameters about the network, such as physical cell identity, before it can initiate communication with the wireless communication system. Detecting the network parameters in presence of time and frequency offsets increases the complexity of the initial cell search procedure that includes time and frequency synchronization as well as detection of network parameters. A method and apparatus are disclosed that achieve frequency synchronization using frequency domain cross-correlation earlier in the cell search procedure, which in turn reduces the complexity and improves the performance of the latter stages of cell search procedure and the overall performance of the client terminal. |
| US09674806B2 |
Method and apparatus for applying a time alignment timer in a wireless communication system using a carrier aggregation technique
The present invention involves defining the operation of a terminal for determining which time alignment timer is to be applied to a certain condition when specific time alignment timers operate for each carrier-wave group in the event a wireless communication system uses a carrier aggregation technique. According to the present invention, a terminal may perform communication without malfunctions using a time alignment timer suitable for a certain condition. A method for a terminal to operate a time alignment timer according to the present invention comprises the steps of: operating a first time alignment timer for a first timing advance group (TAG) including a first cell; operating a second time alignment timer upon receipt of a timing advance command for a second TAG that does not include the first cell; and, if the first time alignment timer has expired, deeming the second time alignment timer to also be expired. |
| US09674805B2 |
Method and apparatus for applying a time alignment timer in a wireless communication system using a carrier aggregation technique
The present invention involves defining the operation of a terminal for determining which time alignment timer is to be applied to a certain condition when specific time alignment timers operate for each carrier-wave group in the event a wireless communication system uses a carrier aggregation technique. According to the present invention, a terminal may perform communication without malfunctions using a time alignment timer suitable for a certain condition A method for a terminal to operate a time alignment timer according to the present invention comprises the steps of: operating a first time alignment timer for a first timing advance group (TAG) including a first cell; operating a second time alignment timer upon receipt of a timing advance command for a second TAG that does not include the first cell; and, if the first time alignment timer has expired, deeming the second time alignment timer to also be expired. |
| US09674801B2 |
UE power allocation according to scheduler utility metric for DL MU-MIMO and DL CoMP
A system is provided for allocating downlink transmit power in a wireless multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. During operation, the system identifies a set of receivers for receiving signals from one or more transmitters on a same time-frequency slot, receives channel state information (CSI) for communication channels between the identified receivers and the transmitters, and constructs a precoder based on the CSI. The system further derives a set of power-scale factors for the precoder based on a utility function associated with the identified receivers such that the power-scale factors optimize the utility function. A respective power-scale factor scales power transmitted to a corresponding receiver. |
| US09674790B2 |
Method of transmitting uplink control information in wireless communication system supporting change of usage of radio resource and apparatus therefor
The present invention relates to a method of transmitting uplink control information (UCI), which is transmitted by a user equipment in a wireless communication system. In particular, the method includes the steps of receiving first offset information associated with uplink control information (UCI) transmission in uplink subframes according to uplink-downlink configuration of a serving cell and receiving a power control parameter configuring a first uplink power control subframe set and a second uplink power control subframe set for the uplink subframes. In this case, the first uplink power control subframe set and the second uplink power control subframe set are configured to be independently applied by an offset for transmitting the uplink control information. |
| US09674787B2 |
Information processing method and electronic device
An information processing method and an electronic device are provided. In the method, when an event to be processed is received by an electronic device, a control instruction is generated. The electronic device generates prompting information and controls a display unit of the electronic device to be in a dark state in response to the control instruction. Finally the electronic device outputs the generated prompting information by a first prompting unit in the electronic device. |
| US09674786B2 |
Using DTX and DRX in a wireless communication system
Systems, methodologies, and devices are described that can facilitate reducing power consumption associated with mobile devices. A mobile device can utilize a sleep mode controller that can facilitate selecting and/or switching to a desired sleep mode based in part on predefined sleep mode criteria. The sleep modes can include a non-sleep mode, light sleep mode, and/or deep sleep mode. The mobile device can employ an analyzer to evaluate information related to explicit signals, implicit signals, and/or the current sleep mode to determine whether a condition is met based in part on the predefined sleep mode criteria such that a transition to a different sleep mode is to be performed. If such a condition is met, the sleep mode controller can facilitate transitioning from the current sleep mode to a different sleep mode to facilitate reducing power consumption by the mobile device. |
| US09674782B2 |
Reducing battery consumption at a user equipment
The present disclosure presents a method and an apparatus for reducing battery consumption at a user equipment (UE). For example, the method may include configuring a 10 ms transmission mode on an uplink (UL) channel at the UE, indicating configuration of the 10 ms transmission mode to a base station in communication with the UE, compressing a 20 ms transmission associated with a 20 ms transmission time interval (TTI) into a 10 ms compressed transmission, transmitting the 10 ms compressed transmission during a first 10 ms of the 20 ms TTI, and performing a discontinuous transmission (DTX) of the UL channel during a second 10 ms of the 20 ms TTI. As such, reduced battery consumption at a UE may be achieved. |
| US09674781B2 |
Systems and methods for waking up devices of a fabric network
Systems and methods for waking a fabric network of devices and communicating messages among the devices are described herein. An electronic device can communicate with other electronic devices of a fabric network broadcasting a wake message to the fabric network in response to an awakening event. The wake message can include a reason for triggering a wakeup of each device in the fabric network and a wake time signaling period. After the wake time signaling period lapses, a fabric message can be broadcasted to the fabric network, and the fabric message can be selectively rebroadcasted. |
| US09674779B2 |
Methods for deciding when to switch between communication channel states, and network nodes therefor
A method is carried out by a network node of a telecommunication network for deciding whether to change the state of a communication channel to a communication terminal. A characteristic of the traffic associated with the terminal is determined based on data collected in the network over a first time interval of length L. Then, based on the traffic characteristic, the traffic activity expected to be associated with the terminal during at least a second time interval of length L is predicted. The second time interval follows the first time interval. The network node then decides, based on the predicted traffic activity for the second time interval, whether to change the state of the communication channel. The invention also relates to a network node or set of network nodes for carrying such a method. The invention further relates to computer programs and computer program products. |
| US09674775B2 |
Device and method for performing cell search
A method for performing a cell search in a multi-subscription device is provided. The method includes estimating, by a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of multiple SIMs of the multi-subscription device, search time information required for identifying one cell and margin time information for cell search, where the first SIM is associated with a first radio access technology (RAT); obtaining a discontinuous reception (DRX) period of a second SIM associated with a second RAT in the multi-subscription device; determining a number of cells to be searched during the DRX period based on the estimated information; performing a measurement for one or more cells to be searched based on the number of the cells; ranking the one or more cells based on the measurement; and initiating a cell search on one or more cells having a highest signal strength during the DRX period. |
| US09674774B2 |
Method and device for binding information
The embodiments of disclosure disclose a method and device for binding information. In the method, when an HGW is in a power-on state, first identification information from an subordinate device of the HGW is received; when it is determined that the HGW executes a BOOT operation and a business worksheet corresponding to the subordinate device of the HGW exists currently, second identification information is acquired from the HGW, wherein the second identification information is relevant configuration information which is registered in the HGW when the subordinate device of the HGW is connected to the HGW in the power-on state; and after the first identification information is successfully matched with the second identification information, logical identification information of the HGW is bound with the first identification information. |
| US09674772B2 |
Method and apparatus for acquiring information on access point in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for acquiring information on an access point (AP) in a wireless communication system is provided. An AP information management entity of a cellular system transmits a request for information on an AP, which is located within coverage of an eNodeB (eNB), to an AP server which is located outside of the cellular system, and receives a response, which includes a result code of the request, from the AP server. The AP information management entity is one of an eNB, mobility management entity (MME), or a new entity of the cellular system. |
| US09674767B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming a tiered wireless local area network (WLAN) server topology
A method, apparatus and computer program product for forming a tiered Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) server topology is presented. A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) having a plurality of Mobile Virtual Local Area Network (MVLAN) servers is broken into a plurality of zones, each zone including at least one MVLAN server. An Identifier (ID) is assigned to each zone. A MVLAN server in each zone is designated as a MVLAN gateway server, wherein MVLAN servers within a zone communicate with each other within the zone, wherein the MVLAN servers within a zone communicate directly with the MVLAN gateway sever within the zone, wherein MVLAN gateway servers communicate directly with each other, and wherein a MVLAN server within a first zone communicates with a MVLAN server in a second zone by way of the MVLAN gateway sever of the first zone and the MVLAN gateway server of the second zone. |
| US09674766B2 |
Data throughput for cell-edge users in a LTE network using down-link repeaters and up link HARQ relays
A combination of repeaters and relays is used to improve the data throughput for user equipment (“UE”) near the cell edge in a LTE network. Amplify-and-forward repeaters and decode-and-forward relays enhance the down-link and up-link, respectively. Relay assistance on the up-link occurs when the evolved Node B (“eNB”) requests a retransmission (HARQ) from the UE at which point the UE and relay transmit simultaneously in a cooperative fashion. The quality of the up-link signal received by the eNB is improved due to a favorable channel through the relay. An analysis shows that relay assistance improves the throughput for a cell-edge user when the average delay per data transport block is allowed to increase. |
| US09674765B2 |
Quality-based phone routing
Disclosed are various embodiments for a call routing application. Routes are evaluated according to aggregated call quality data with respect to a call endpoint. A route is selected according to the evaluation, call costs, or other criteria. A call is then routed via the route to the call endpoint. |
| US09674760B2 |
Method and device for performing device-to-device communication in wireless communication system
A method for performing device-to-device (D2D) communication in a wireless communication system is provided. A master user equipment sets a D2D link with a slave user equipment. The master user equipment performs D2D communication with the slave user equipment through the D2D link. The master user equipment receives handover information of the slave user equipment from the slave user equipment. The master user equipment transmits the handover information of the slave user equipment to an evolved NodeB of a handover source cell. |
| US09674758B2 |
Multi-SIM user equipment and wireless communication method thereof
A wireless communication method and Multi-SIM user equipment are provided. The wireless communication method for Multi-SIM dual standby (DSDS) technology is applied on Multi-SIM user equipment (UE) which is capable of carrier aggregation (CA) or dual connectivity (DuCo). The wireless communication method includes the steps of determining whether a packet switch (PS) or circuit switch (CS) paging is received on a second SIM card when a first PS call is ongoing in a first SIM card; and suspending the first PS call which is ongoing on the first SIM card if the packet switch (PS) or circuit switch (CS) paging is received on the second SIM card. |
| US09674757B2 |
User equipment and methods for cell reselection using scaled time-to-trigger and A3 offset values
Embodiments of user equipment (UE) and method for handover enhancement using a scaled time-to-trigger (TTT) and a time-of-stay are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the TTT is scaled based on at least one of a measured reference signal received quality (RSRQ) value of a serving cell and a time-of-stay in the serving cell. |
| US09674753B2 |
Channel state information feedback scheme for cooperative multi point transmission and carrier aggregation scenario
Embodiments of a system and method for reporting uplink control information (UCI) are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a first and second component carrier (CC) is provided for a user equipment (UE). The first and second CC are configured with transmission mode (TM) 10 and TMs 1-9, respectively. A first channel state information (CSI) report for the first CC with TM 10 and a second CSI report for the second CC with at least one of TMs 1-9 are scheduled for transmission in a subframe. A collision is detected between the first and second CSI reports. Priority is assigned to the first CSI report or the second CSI report based on a prioritization parameter. The prioritized CSI report is transmitted based the prioritization parameter. |
| US09674748B2 |
Method and apparatus for network handover
A method for network handover includes sending a first message that includes first information to a second network, where the first information is used to indicate that a user equipment needs to be handed over from a first network to the second network, so that a target gateway device allocates, to the user equipment according to at least the first information sent by the second network, a second Internet Protocol (IP) address that is the same as a first IP address and used when a second packet data network (PDN) connection is established by using the second network and the target gateway device, where the first IP address is an IP address used when the user equipment establishes a first PDN connection by using the first network and the target gateway device. Therefore, service continuity is ensured after a network handover. |
| US09674745B2 |
Communications system
A target communications device receiving from a source communications device a notification that a user communications device is to be handed over from that source communications device, provides the source communications device with multiple component carrier information for use by the user communications device. The multiple component carrier information includes information indicating to the user communications device which of the multiple component carriers is to be used for initial access. The multiple component carrier information may be component carrier indexes. Communication devices may exchange component carrier indexes during a setup or updating procedure such as an X2 setup or updating procedure. |
| US09674744B2 |
Techniques for wireless communication channel management in shared frequency bands
Various aspects are provided for wireless communication channel management. For instance, aspects of an example method are provided, the method including detecting a trigger condition for changing an operating frequency of a wireless communication link between a first device and a second device. In addition, the example method may include obtaining a target operating frequency for the wireless communication link based on detecting the trigger condition. Moreover, the example method may include tuning a transceiver to the target operating frequency. In an example, the first device may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the second device may be a controller associated with the UAV. Additionally, example apparatuses and computer-readable media are provided for wireless communication channel management, the example apparatuses and computer-readable media being configured to perform, or store computer-executable code to perform, the disclosed example methods. |
| US09674743B2 |
Method for performing measurement of objects and a device therefor
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a device for performing measurement objects in the wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving measurement configuration indicating an object to be measured; determining activating or deactivating measurement of the object depending on an activation condition; and measuring the object when the measurement of the object is activated. |
| US09674739B2 |
Sending an identifier of a wireless local area network to enable handoff of a mobile station to the wireless local area network
In a wireless communications network, the presence of a wireless local area network in a cell segment is determined. An identifier of the wireless local area network in the cell segment is sent to at least one mobile station in the cell segment to enable the at least one mobile station to hand off to the wireless local area network. Optionally, information identifying geographic boundaries of cell segments and the wireless local area network can be sent to the at least one mobile station. |
| US09674738B2 |
Method and device for maintaining neighbor information of mobile relay
A maintenance method and device for neighbor information of a mobile relay are provided. The above-mentioned method includes: neighbor relation information is acquired when the MR resides in a designated station, wherein the neighbor relation information includes: information about a cell to which one or more user equipment (UE) dominated by the MR can be migrated; and a neighbor list of the MR is maintained according to the neighbor relation information. By using the above-mentioned technical solution provided in the disclosure, the technical problems that, in the related art, there is not yet a solution for the MR to achieve the automatic generation and optimization of neighbor cells in a mobile environment (such as high-speed rail environment) etc. are solved, thereby enabling the UE of the MR to be quickly migrated to an appropriate neighbor cell, optimizing the MR switching process and the network performance. |
| US09674734B2 |
Method for accessing a service unavailable through a network cell
In an access device associated with a first network cell, a method for enabling user equipment (UE) to obtain a service unavailable through the first network cell includes receiving a request for the UE to access the service, and identifying, in a message to the UE, a plurality of second network cells providing the service. |
| US09674728B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing a degree of parallelism of streams
A method, computer readable medium and apparatus for managing a degree of parallelism of streams are disclosed. For example, the method analyzes wireless traffic to determine a profile of the wireless traffic, determines an amount of available processing resources, and manages the degree of parallelism of streams based on the profile and the amount of available processing resources in a probe server. |
| US09674726B1 |
Methods and systems for improved bandwidth estimation
Provided are methods and systems for estimating bandwidth in a communications network in which time slotting is occurring. A pre-filter is used to alter the distribution of transit deltas between data packets transmitted over the network to a receiver. By calculating the differences between arrival times of consecutive data packets received at a receiving end, and comparing the differences between the arrival times of the packets to the differences between corresponding send times for the packets, a determination is made as to whether such packets should be logically grouped together so as to constitute a single arrival event. The sum of the payload sizes of data packets within a group, together with timestamps for the arrival time and send time of the last packet included in the group is used as input to a bandwidth estimator. |
| US09674725B2 |
Method and terminal for performing measurements in coverage extension area of small-scale cell when macro cell and small-scale cell coexist
The present specification provides a method for performing measurements, by a terminal, in a coverage extension area of a small-scale cell in a wireless communication system in which macro cell and the small-scale cell coexist. The method for performing measurements can include the steps of: receiving information about a first subframe on which measurements for the small-scale cell can be performed and information about a second subframe on which measurements for the macro cell can be performed; when an interference cancellation function is set, measuring reference signal received power (RSRP) and a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for the small-scale cell by driving the interference cancellation function on the first subframe; and measuring RSRP on the second subframe for the macro cell by driving the interference cancellation function and measuring the RSSI for the macro cell without driving the interference cancellation function. |
| US09674720B2 |
Wireless communication link debugging
Provided herein is a system and method for determining the status of one or more wireless communication links in a network such as a personal area network. One or more nodes within the PAN substantially continuously monitor a plurality of quality of service (QoS) communication indicators and generate a first application link quality indicator (ALQI) based on a first subset of the plurality of QoS communication indicators according to a first time period. The node can then modify the first ALQI with a second subset of the plurality of QoS communication indicators only when a first predetermined threshold number of occurrences of the second subset of the plurality of QoS communication indicators has occurred without regard to the first time period to form a first modified ALQI. The node can then report the modified ALQI to a coordinator node that can then act upon the modified ALQI to possibly correct one or more communication link problems to which the reported ALQI pertains to. |
| US09674719B2 |
Method for performing measurement and terminal
There is provided a method for performing measurements. The method may be performed by a user equipment (UE) and comprise: receiving measurement configuration information including a measurement timing configuration for a discovery signal; and performing measurements for a first cell and measurements for a second cell. The measurement timing configuration for the discovery signal may be applied to the measurements for the second cell, but not to the measurements for the first cell. |
| US09674709B2 |
Method and device for activating capacity station by using wave beams
The embodiments of the present invention provide a method and device for activating a capacity station by using wave beams. In some feasible embodiments of the present invention, by setting a set of wave beams to be transmitted for a capacity station in a dormant state, and by transmitting the wave beams in the set of wave beams to be transmitted, load information is collected. According to the covering relation of the capacity station in a dormant state and the set of wave beams to be transmitted and the load information, the capacity station needing to be activated is determined and activated. |
| US09674706B2 |
Database coordinator processor and method for providing certification information
According to an embodiment, a database coordinator processor is described comprising a memory configured to store, for a plurality of databases storing hardware certificates or software certificates an indication, for each certificate, of the database of the plurality of databases in which the certificate is stored; a receiver configured to receive, for a certificate, a request from a communication device for an indication of a database in which the certificate is stored; a determiner configured to determine from the memory a database in which the certificate for which the request has been received is stored; and a transmitter configured to transmit a message to the communication device indicating the determined database. |
| US09674705B2 |
Method and system for secure peer-to-peer mobile communications
A system and method for secure peer-to-peer mobile communications using cryptographic mobile unlock tokens (“CK tokens”) in conjunction with mobile devices. Each CK token integrates an entire cryptosystem. Executing these cryptographic based functions entirely in the token have significant operational advantages over the typically memory-only tokens. A more secure, scalable, and lower overall system cost are just a few advantages of the CK token over executing these functions within the smartphone. Of the many uses discussed for the CK token, mobile phone enabling, stored value and medical applications, most have centered on the use of the card in conjunction with a smartphone as the touch point in the transaction. |
| US09674703B2 |
Wireless association table denial of service prevention
Described herein are systems, devices, techniques and products for managing the dynamic assignment of media access control (MAC) addresses to wireless network devices, such as by identifying a dynamically assigned MAC address before, after, or during a wireless association process and communicating the dynamically assigned MAC address to a wireless network device. Also disclosed are systems, devices, techniques and products for preventing a denial of service attack on a wireless access point's association table, such as by requiring devices that associate with a wireless access point to respond to a query from the wireless access point shortly after association. |
| US09674698B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing an anonymous communication session
An approach is provided for generating and/or sharing of at least one key upon registering communication identifiers associated with one or more devices for an anonymous communication session. The approach involves causing, at least in part, a generation of at least one key associated with at least one anonymous communication session. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, a transmission of the at least one key to one or more devices. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, a registration of one or more actual communication identifiers associated with the one or more devices to the at least one anonymous communication session based, at least in part, on receiving the at least one key from the one or more devices, wherein the registration does not expose the one or more actual communication identifiers to the one or more devices of the at least one anonymous communication session. |
| US09674697B2 |
Method for operating mobile device, mobile device using the same, wearable device using the same, and computer readable medium
The present disclosure provides a method, electronic devices, and a computer readable medium for operating a mobile electronic device based on motion coherence between movements of the mobile electronic device and a wearable electronic device without providing an input. In the disclosure, the mobile electronic would receive a first motion data representing a movement of the wearable electronic device through a transceiver. The mobile electronic device would detect a second motion data representing a movement of the mobile electronic device. Then, the mobile electronic device would calculate a difference between the first motion data with the second motion data. If the difference between the first motion data and the second motion data is within a predetermined threshold, the mobile electronic device would execute an operation in response to the motion coherence between the mobile electronic device and the wearable electronic device. |
| US09674695B2 |
Method, terminal, and base station for transmitting information
Embodiments of the present application provide a method, a terminal, and a base station for transmitting information. In the embodiments of the present application, subframe configuration information of a first carrier is obtained, where the subframe configuration information is used to indicate a type-1 subframe of the first carrier and a type-2 subframe of the first carrier, the type-1 subframe is used for the base station to transmit, in system bandwidth, first information including a first CRS, the first CRS is used for demodulation, and the type-2 subframe is not used for the base station to transmit a CRS used for demodulation, so that the terminal can receive, according to the subframe configuration information and on the first carrier, information sent by the base station. |
| US09674686B2 |
Apparatus and method for pairing mobile devices
An apparatus and method for pairing mobile terminals are provided. The method includes detecting, by a first mobile terminal, a touch input corresponding to a request to pair a first mobile terminal with at least one other mobile terminal, broadcasting, by the first mobile terminal, pairing information, and connecting the first mobile terminal with the at least one other mobile terminal. |
| US09674679B2 |
Pico-cell extension for cellular network
A pico-cell is located within a facility. The pico-cell has a wireless protocol for carrying calls placed to and from mobile devices in the facility. A call distributor is in communication with the pico-cell and handles calls carried by the pico-cell. The call distributor includes an embedded wireless switch for routing calls to and from mobile devices in the facility using the wireless protocol. |
| US09674678B2 |
Architecture for signal and power distribution in wireless data network
An architecture is provided for coupling wireless local area network (WLAN) signals between an internetworking device and a remotely located access point using a transport network. The access point is coupled to the transport network for communicating with the internetworking device. The access point includes a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point and an access point remote converter. The WLAN access point receives wireless local area network signals from wireless computing equipment and converts such signals to local area network compatible signals. The access point remote converter receives the local area network compatible signals from the WLAN access point and converts the signals to transport modulated format signals suitable for transmission over the transport network. |
| US09674676B2 |
Push to talk system with wireless interface
A communication system includes a headset including a microphone and an audio speaker installed on the headset, the headset including an RF transceiver configured to perform wireless communication with a two-way radio having a push-to-talk communication channel. The RF transceiver is further configured to perform wireless communication with an information handling system. The headset includes processing electronics configured to process an input signal from the microphone and output a first processed signal to the RF transceiver and to process an input signal from the RF transceiver and output a second processed signal to the speaker. A remote control unit is configured to perform wireless communication with the headset, the remote control unit including a remote control unit interface disposed thereon for selectively configuring the headset to function as an audio interface for the push-to-talk communication channel and an audio interface for the information handling system. |
| US09674675B2 |
Synchronizing floor control and media sharing in a half-duplex PTT system
The disclosure is directed to synchronizing media sharing in a communication group. An embodiment transmits one or more media files to one or more members of the communication group, receives, after the transmitting, a selection of one of the one or more media files, and transmits, in response to the receiving, a request to start a group call with the one or more members of the communication group or a request to acquire the floor of the group call. An embodiment receives, at a user device, one or more media files from a member of the communication group, receives, after the receiving the one or more media files, a talk spurt from the member and a reference to one of the one or more media files, and displays the one of the one or more media file during the talk spurt. |
| US09674674B2 |
Unicast and broadcast reception policy and enforcement
Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable the use of a broadcast bearer (such as a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (“MBMS”) bearer), unicast bearer, or both a unicast bearer and a broadcast bearer to deliver content to a receiver device. In various embodiments, network policy governing delivery of one or more service or one or more classes of services via a unicast bearer and a broadcast bearer may be provided to one or more devices in the network. In various embodiments, network policy may be applied to the unicast or broadcast delivery selections of a service to control use of a unicast bearer and/or the broadcast bearer to provision the service. |
| US09674671B2 |
Message processing based on the reception condition of satellite signals
A method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may be a mobile device. The apparatus receives signals from one or more satellites. The apparatus determines an indoor/outdoor classification attribute of the apparatus among a plurality of indoor/outdoor classification attributes based on a number of satellites from which the apparatus receives the signals. The apparatus receives a message. The apparatus determines whether to forward the message based on the indoor/outdoor classification attribute and a type of the message. |
| US09674669B2 |
Determining and navigating to a target location
Methods and systems for detecting the location of a target, such as an event or another device, and navigating a device to the target are described herein. The device may be located inside of a building, and the target may be located inside the same building (or a nearby building). The location of the device and/or the location of the target may be determined using, for example, short-range wireless sensors, such as Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy) sensors, Near Field Communication sensors, or other indoor location sensors. The device may navigate a user of the device to the target location. |
| US09674668B2 |
Method, electronic apparatus and computer readable medium for determining relative position of apparatus
A method, an electronic apparatus, and a computer readable medium for determining a relative position of an apparatus, adapted for a first electronic apparatus to determine a relative position of a second electronic apparatus, are provided. In the method, a distance between the first and the second electronic apparatus is computed according to a wireless signal transmitted between the first and the second electronic apparatus. After one unit time and two unit time, distances between the first and the second electronic apparatus are computed according to the wireless signal and a displacement that the second electronic apparatus moves within each unit time is computed, respectively. Finally, a relative position of the second electronic apparatus relative to the first electronic apparatus is computed according to the distances and the displacements by using a current position of the first electronic apparatus as a reference point. |
| US09674666B1 |
Zone-based away messages
One embodiment provides a system for generating shopping incentives for users based on purchasing patterns of the users. The system performs operations including determining one or more zones within a venue based on wireless signals transmitted by one or more wireless sensors. The operations further include, for at least one zone, determining a current state associated with the zone, monitoring the zone, and, in response to detecting a device entering the zone, notifying the device of the current state associated with the zone. Each zone is assigned to a zone owner. A current state associated with a zone is based on a real-time location of a device carried by the zone owner. |
| US09674665B2 |
System and method for automated location-based widgets
Systems and methods relating to location-based applications, such as widgets, are disclosed. In general, in one embodiment, location-based application service obtains an anticipated location of a mobile device and determines whether the anticipated location of the mobile device is associated with one of a plurality of non-adjacent geographic locations associated with an establishment. An application identifier associated with the plurality of non-adjacent geographic locations associated with the establishment is provided based on the determination, wherein the application identifier at least one of identifies an application for the mobile device to activate and references a remote source for the mobile device to obtain the application. |
| US09674664B1 |
Mobile device in-motion proximity guidance system
This disclosure describes an in-motion proximity guidance system that may alert a mobile device user of a likelihood that a projected pathway of an in-motion mobile device will intersect with a projected pathway of another in-motion mobile device or a location of a stationary object. The in-motion proximity guidance may further trigger visual and/or audible alerts to indicate an imminent collision. These alerts may be emitted from the in-motion mobile devices or stationary sensor devices physically coupled to stationary objects. Further, the in-motion proximity guidance system may transmit a corrective action to a collision avoidance system of a vehicle that is communicatively coupled to a mobile device in order to reduce a likelihood of an imminent collision. The in-motion proximity guidance system may also interact with a smart traffic light system, such that a sequence of traffic light indications may be altered to avoid an imminent collision between vehicles. |
| US09674659B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining whether a subscriber is located within a preset area
A method of determining whether or not a subscriber is located within the vicinity of a Home Zone defined by a geographical coordinate set. The method comprises receiving from a mobile positioning system a shape specifying a location of the subscriber taking into account a degree of uncertainty, and scaling the received shape to account for an extent of the Home Zone vicinity. It is then determined whether or not the Home Zone lies within the scaled shape. |
| US09674658B2 |
Use of geofences for location-based activation and control of services
Disclosed herein is a geofence service that enables various remote control and automatic operations based a user's current geographic position as determined by the user's mobile device's current geographic location. The geofence service enables the user to define one or more geofences based on specific geographic locations. Such geofences may be applied against several geofence applications for remote and automatic control of devices. In one embodiment, the mobile device's volume or power control settings are adjusted based on the user's location inside or outside a geofence. In one embodiment, temperature setting of a building or house is controlled based on user's proximity to a geofence. In one embodiment, electrical appliances within a home are activated and controlled automatically based on user's current geographic location. |
| US09674655B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamic detection of consumer venue walk-ins
Methods and systems for detection of venue walk-in events by consumers in possession of wireless mobile devices. Received signal strength indication (RSSI) information is received from a plurality of wireless base stations. The RSSI information relates to mobile devices that communicate with the wireless base stations. Based on the RSSI information, it is determined whether a venue walk-in event has occurred for a particular mobile device. |
| US09674653B2 |
Techniques to manage client location detection
Techniques to manage client location detection are described. In one embodiment an apparatus may comprise a location-based services support component and a client management component. The location-based services support component may be operative to determine that a network service is scheduled for a location update from a mobile device, determine a location accuracy based on the network service, and update the network service with a received location of the mobile device. The client management component may be operative to transmit a location request to the mobile device, the location request specifying the location accuracy determined based on the network service and receive a response to the location request from the mobile device, the response comprising the location of the mobile device conforming to the specified location accuracy. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09674650B2 |
Familiarity measure to group objects
In one embodiment, grouping, organization, or storage locations are defined for digital objects based on a user's familiarity with the geographic location where the digital objects were generated. For example, a mobile device generates the digital objects. The digital objects are received or collected at the mobile device or at a server. A first digital object is generated at a first time stamp and assigned a geographic location to the digital object according to a current location of the mobile device. Familiarity data is accessed according to the current geographic location, and a time period is set based on the familiarity data. The digital object is associated with at least one additional digital object generated within the time period to the first time stamp of the collected digital object. For example, photographs are grouped together in a digital photo album according to familiarity and collection times. |
| US09674649B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing location information with private expressions
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided in connection with providing location information with expression information announced in a wireless network. In one example, a UE is equipped with applications that can request announcement of an expression. In an aspect, the expression may be associated with expression information to be announced over the air. In an aspect, the request indicates to provide location information with the expression information during announcement. Further, the UE may be equipped to generate Peer-Discovery (PD) data including the expression information and the location information. In an aspect, the location information may be included along with the expression information in a data section of the announced PD data. Still further, the UE may be equipped to announce the PD data. |
| US09674646B2 |
Near field communication chip embedded in a wearable electronic device and wearable electronic device
A wearable electronic device according to example embodiments includes a display panel configured to display an image, a main board including a processor configured to control an operation of the wearable electronic device, a metal frame defining a perimeter of the wearable electronic device, the metal frame including a metal material, the metal frame having first and second terminals, the first terminal being adjacent to the second terminal with a slit therebetween, a loop antenna between the display panel and the main board, the loop antenna configured to connect to the first and second terminals of the metal frame, and a near field communication (NFC) chip configured to connect to the metal frame and the loop antenna, the NFC chip configured to perform a near field communication by transmitting or receiving an NFC signal using the metal frame and the loop antenna. |
| US09674645B2 |
Method and apparatus for unifying proximity services groups in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for unifying proximity services (ProSe) groups in a wireless communication system is provided. A first user equipment (UE), which is a group owner of a first proximity services (ProSe) group determines ProSe group unification of the first ProSe group and the second ProSe group based on at least one of the measurement results, priorities of the first UE and a second UE which is a group owner of a second ProSe group, or priorities of the first ProSe group and the second ProSe group. If it is determined to perform ProSe group unification, the first UE determining a new group owner of a unified ProSe group with the second UE, and transmits information on the ProSe group unification to members of the first ProSe group. |
| US09674639B2 |
Method and apparatus for virtualized network function chaining management
A method for vNF chaining management includes receiving virtualized network function (vNF) information from a chaining client associated with a particular vNF. A service chaining catalog is updated based on the vNF information and chaining information is transmitted to peering vNFs of the particular vNF. The vNF information can indicate instantiation of a vNF and identify peering vNFs. Updates received from vNFs can be used to update the chaining catalog. Updated vNF information can then be sent to peering vNFs of the vNF which sent the update. |
| US09674638B2 |
Dynamic mobile device feedback methods, systems, and apparatus
A dynamic mobile device feedback system is described. Feedback may be obtained using a device feedback client residing on the mobile device and a feedback server remote to the mobile device. The device feedback client may receive feedback solicitation inquiries (invitations/queries) and presentation rules from the feedback server, monitor the mobile device, identify trigger events associated with the mobile device, present the feedback solicitation inquiries in accordance with the presentation rules, and receive feedback from the user of the mobile device. The feedback may be sent to the feedback server for further processing. |
| US09674634B2 |
User interface device, sound control apparatus, sound system, sound control method, and program
A user interface device includes: a display unit that displays a user interface screen associated with a first coordinate axis, the first coordinate axis corresponding to a first attribute of a sound field and being allocated with a plurality of parameters related to the first attribute; a first specification unit that specifies a coordinate value of the first coordinate axis corresponding to a position in the user interface screen specified by a user; and a second specification unit that specifies a value of each of the plurality of parameters, based on the specified coordinate value. |
| US09674633B2 |
Virtual simulation of spatial audio characteristics
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for demonstrating spatial performance of a demonstration speaker model to consumers in order to evaluate different speakers. The system and method comprise a microphone array for recording the output of the demonstration speaker model. The system and method comprise acoustic input samples for processing to an acoustic output and a processor for determining characteristics of each microphone recording, and processing an acoustic input sample and characteristics of each microphone recording corresponding to a selected demonstration speaker model. The system and method further comprise a reference speaker model for outputting an acoustic signal based on the result of the processing. The processing compensates for the performance characteristic of the reference speaker and the performance characteristic of the selected demonstration speaker so as to mimic the spatial characteristics of the demonstration speaker while avoiding bias from the reference speaker. |
| US09674620B2 |
Speech processor headpiece
A cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea; an internal processor in communication with the electrode array; an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor; and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna; and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core. A modular speech processor headpiece includes a core comprising a microphone and sound processor for producing a signal representing ambient sound to be transmitted to a cochlear implant, the core further comprising a number of electrical contacts; and a modular component containing a number of electrical contacts corresponding to the electrical contacts of the core; wherein the core is configured to engage with the modular component such that electrical communication is made between the core and the modular component. |
| US09674619B2 |
MEMS microphone and forming method therefor
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone and a forming method therefore. The MEMS microphone comprises: a first substrate, the first substrate is provided with a first bonding face, the first substrate comprises an MEMS microphone component and a first conductive bonding structure arranged on the first bonding face, a second substrate, the second substrate is provided with a second bonding face, the second bonding substrate comprises a circuit and a second conductive bonding structure arranged on the second bonding face; the first substrate and the second substrate are oppositely fitted together via the first conductive bonding structure and the second conductive bonding structure. Embodiments of the present invention have a simple packaging technique and a compact size; the MEMS microphone packaging structure formed has a great performance on signal-to-noise ratio, and a great anti-interference capability. |
| US09674615B2 |
Moving coil module comprising a substrate patterned with a conductor trace
A linear moving coil magnetic drive system includes a continuous loop coil of flat, thin, rigid construction which levitates inside a quadrupole permanent magnet assembly with minimum gap. The linear coil may be a flat, racetrack-shaped, continuous loop, which may be constructed with single or multilayers PCB, flex-circuit, or other membrane process. The linear coil may include a coating of permeable magnetic material along the insulated conductor traces. The linear coil may be sandwiched between carbon fiber fabrics and cured to create a long, flat, thin and perfectly straight, extremely stiff, light-weight, load-bearing tee-shaped structure. This structure is levitated inside a quadrupole permanent magnetic assembly with minimum air gap between the high gauss magnets. In additional to the bare conductor traces inside this coil, also integrated into this PCB structure, is simple second-order equalizer electronic circuitry, comprised of surface-mounted resistors, capacitors, and IC chips. Either a close loop or open loop control may be included to tune the voltage amplitude at the resonance frequency of this magnetic drive system. |
| US09674613B2 |
Speaker box
The present disclosure discloses a speaker box. The speaker box includes a housing which has a receiving space and a side wall having a sound hole, and a sound generator received in the receiving space and including a diaphragm including a dome and a periphery connected to the dome. The periphery includes a near-end which is near the sounding hole and a far-end which is farther the sounding hole. A width of the near-end of the periphery perpendicular to a vibration direction of the diaphragm is smaller than a width of the far-end of the periphery perpendicular to the vibration direction. |
| US09674608B2 |
Vehicle, apparatus for generating driving sound of vehicle, and apparatus and method for controlling driving sound of vehicle
Disclosed are a vehicle, an apparatus for generating a driving sound of the vehicle, and an apparatus and method for controlling a driving sound of the vehicle. The present invention intends to provide a driving sound of a vehicle having a characteristic desired by a driver. The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a voice signal input unit configured to receive a voice signal; a filter generation unit configured to extract a characteristic of the voice signal and generate a driving sound filter considering the characteristic of the voice signal; and a driving sound control unit configured to generate a default driving sound based on a driving state of the vehicle and generate a new driving sound obtained by applying the driving sound filter to the default driving sound. |
| US09674603B1 |
Coaxial speaker
A coaxial speaker includes a frame, a magnetic steel component, a magnetic component, a magnetic conductive component, a first cover, a first speaker assembly, and a second speaker assembly. The magnetic steel component, the magnetic component, and the magnetic conductive component are disposed inside the frame sequentially. A first accommodating space is formed among the magnetic component, the magnetic conductive component, and the magnetic steel component. A second accommodating space is formed among the magnetic component, the magnetic conductive component, the magnetic steel component, and the frame. The first speaker assembly is fixed between the first cover and the frame and is disposed in the first accommodating space for producing low and middle audio frequencies. The second speaker assembly is fixed on the first cover and disposed in the second accommodating space for producing high audio frequencies. In such a way, the coaxial speaker has enhanced sound quality. |
| US09674601B2 |
Personal audio equipment provided with air vent unit and noise cancellation function
A personal audio equipment provided with an air vent unit and a noise cancellation function, comprising: a sound reproduction unit in a form modified to have an air vent unit that may partly open an ear canal; a speaker cover unit; the air vent unit; a noise cancellation unit; and a sound wave sensor. Due to having the air vent unit penetrating the center of the audio equipment, the personal audio equipment provided with an air vent unit and a noise cancellation function is capable of discharging moisture, easily sensing outside sounds when not in use, effectively blocking the outside sounds by automatically operating the noise cancellation function during a phone conversation, and sensing sound waves, such as alert or horn sounds that require a user's attention, to thereby block the noise cancellation function when necessary. |
| US09674600B2 |
Earphones with air release valves
The utility model relates to an earphone with air release valve, comprising a shell, the shell is provided with an earphone rear cavity for accommodating a sounding unit, the sounding unit is placed in the earphone rear cavity and fixedly connected with the shell, the side of the shell facing the human ear is connected with an ear pad, the earphone is provided with an air release hole on the earphone shell between the earphone rear cavity and the earphone sound chamber cavity, and the air release hole is provided with an air release valve which automatically opens due to the increase of pressure. Therefore, when the people wear the earphone or transmit the earphone, the instantaneous pressure wave produced in the sound chamber cavity can be discharged from the air release valve. As for the earphone of the utility model, the vibrating diaphragm is less affected by the airflow interference such that the earphone is characterized by higher sound purity and better hearing experience compared with those earphones only having the air release hole rather than the valve. |
| US09674599B2 |
Headphones for receiving and transmitting audio signals
Headphones capable of receiving audio signals, playing the audio signals, and transmitting the audio signals to other headphones are disclosed. The headphones comprise a capacitive touch user interface panel and an LED lighting system that optionally can pulse with music played on the headphones. The headphones are coupled to a computing device, such as a smartphone, and can interface with a software application running on the computing device. The computing device in turn can be coupled to a server over a network. |
| US09674597B1 |
Electrical circuit board with embedded acoustic channel
An electrical circuit board assembly that can be used in a headphone includes acoustic elements incorporated into a rigid or flexible circuit board. The electrical circuit board assembly permits the convenient routing of electrical circuitry and acoustic elements, such as an acoustic port, between acoustic chambers in the headphone. The acoustic port includes a channel embedded in in the circuit board. Control of the dimensions of the channel is achieved using conventional circuit board assembly techniques. Advantageously, the circuit board assembly enables convenient and repeatable assembly into headphones, such as earbuds, and results in more consistent acoustic performance from the headphones. |
| US09674594B2 |
Speaker
A speaker including one or multiple transducers, an enclosure, and a suspension mounted on the enclosure, wherein the suspension and the enclosure are configured such that the enclosure is capable of vibrating as a result of operation of the transducer so as to produce audible sound. |
| US09674591B2 |
Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network
Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network. Current optical fiber-based access network technologies are multiplexed onto the same fiber for delivery via a common Optical Distribution Network (ODN). Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to combining (using optical multiplexing and power splitting) two or more optical user-technologies onto a single Passive Optical Network (PON) while maintaining an independent serving group size and operational independence for each of the combined user-technologies. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow the so-called “outside plant” architecture (i.e., the fiber optic infrastructure from the headend to the customer premises) to be independent of the user-technologies and network architecture that are provided via the outside plant. |
| US09674573B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing communication services
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gateway having a controller operable to receive media content from first and second service providers where the first and second service providers deliver the media content to the gateway using different transport protocols, provide the media content from the gateway to a plurality of display devices without utilizing a set top box, receive a request for a service associated with a third service provider where the request is received at the gateway, receive an application resource bundle at the gateway to implement the requested service where the application resource bundle is received from a server associated with one of the first, second and third service providers, and implement the service without identifying the third service provider. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09674568B2 |
Audio/video signal synchronization method and apparatus
Disclosed is an audio/video signal synchronization method which includes: acquiring a delay data value of an audio signal formed by a wireless module of an audio/video signal synchronization apparatus and a wireless audio device; according to a display format of a video data to be played, calculating playing time of each frame of the video data to be played; according to the delay data value and the playing time of each frame, calculating the number of frames to be buffered, and generating and buffering the frames with the corresponding number; and according to an audio/video playing instruction, playing the buffered frames and the video data to be played sequentially, and transmitting audio data corresponding to the video data to be played to the wireless audio device to play the audio data while playing the buffered frames. Also disclosed is an audio/video signal synchronization apparatus. |
| US09674560B1 |
Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming. |
| US09674551B2 |
Video encoding and decoding method using an intra prediction
A method performed by an apparatus for intra-predicting a current block in the unit of subblocks, comprises: determining an intra prediction mode of the current block among a plurality of intra prediction modes; identifying the subblocks split from the current block; and sequentially reconstructing the identified subblocks using an intra prediction mode identical to the determined intra prediction mode of the current block, wherein a subblock to be reconstructed is predicted using at least one pre-reconstructed neighboring subblock in the current block. |
| US09674547B2 |
Method of stabilizing video, post-processing circuit and video decoder including the same
To stabilize video (an image sequence), reconstructed block data and decoding information of a video frame are received by unit of macroblock from a decoding circuit. Global affine parameters are determined and provided based on the reconstructed block data and the decoding information, and the global affine parameters represent an affine transform of a frame. Stabilized block data are provided based on the global affine parameters by compensating the reconstructed block data for an affine motion corresponding to the affine transform. |
| US09674546B2 |
Method and apparatus for interpolating reference picture and method and apparatus for encoding/decoding image using same
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for interpolating a reference picture and a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding a video using the same. The apparatus for interpolating the reference picture selects a plurality of filters for interpolating the reference picture and generates a reference picture having a target precision through a multi-stage filtering of the reference picture by using a plurality of filters. The compression efficiency of the video may be improved by interpolating a reference picture through the determination of a filter of a filter coefficient for interpolating the reference picture according to characteristics of the video and interpolating the reference picture through a multi-stage filtering or adaptively changing resolutions of motion vectors in the unit of predetermined areas. |
| US09674545B2 |
Moving picture encoding device, moving picture encoding method and moving picture encoding program, and moving picture decoding device, moving picture decoding method and moving picture decoding program
In inter prediction that is performed by partitioning a first block, which is obtained by partitioning each picture, into one or more second blocks, a spatial merge candidate generating unit derives a spatial merge candidate without referring to a block included in a first block that includes a second block. In case of a mode where a coding block is divided by a horizontal border into prediction blocks arranged vertically, the reference index derivation unit of a time merge candidate sets reference index information of a time merge candidate to a value of reference index information of an encoded prediction block adjacent to a left edge of a prediction block subject to encoding. |
| US09674536B2 |
Technique for visualizing elements in images by color coding
A technique for visualizing elements in images by applying a color coding procedure to data which comprises an initial image and segmentation results based on N labels. The segmentation results comprise information on segmentation uncertainty. The color coding procedure constructs a resulting colored image based on the initial image and N pre-selected base colors, and in such a manner that colors in the resulting colored image are modified by using intensity of the initial image and the information on segmentation uncertainty. |
| US09674534B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding multi-view video prediction capable of view switching, and method and apparatus for decoding multi-view video prediction capable of view switching
Video encoding and decoding accompanying inter prediction and motion compensation in a multi-view video prediction structure. A multi-view video prediction restoring method includes receiving a base view image stream and additional view image streams for two or more additional views; restoring base view images including base view anchor pictures that are I-picture type images by performing motion compensation referring to the base view images by using the base view image stream; and restoring images of a first additional view by performing at least one of disparity compensation referring to the restored base view images and motion compensation referring to images except for an anchor picture having a preceding reproduction order among the images of the first additional view by using an image stream of the first additional view among the additional view image streams. |
| US09674533B2 |
Picture alignments in multi-layer video coding
A video encoder generates an encoded video bitstream comprising a plurality of layers. At least one access unit of the encoded video bitstream includes one or more Instantaneous Decoding Refresh (IDR) pictures and one or more non-IDR pictures. The IDR pictures include only slices that are decoded using intra prediction only. The video encoder outputs the encoded video bitstream. A video decoder decodes the encoded video bitstream. |
| US09674527B2 |
Implicit derivation of parallel motion estimation range size
The method may comprise receiving an indication of a size of a parallel motion estimation (PME) area, performing a motion vector prediction process on coding units having a size smaller than or equal to the PME area using a PME style candidate list construction process and the PME area, deriving an implicit PME area for coding units having a size larger than the PME area, and performing the motion vector prediction process on coding units having the size larger than the PME area using the PME style candidate list construction process and the implicit PME area. |
| US09674521B2 |
Prediction method and apparatus for chroma component of image using luma component of image
Provided are a method and an apparatus for predicting a chrominance signal from a luminance signal by using a correlation between the luminance and chrominance signals. A method of predicting a chrominance component image generates a down-sampled luminance signal matching a chrominance signal by independently applying various down-sampling methods according to a location of a luminance signal, and predicts a chrominance signal from the down-sampled luminance signal, while considering a size of a luminance prediction unit and a size of a chrominance prediction unit corresponding to each other according to a color format. |
| US09674520B2 |
Method and apparatus for effective encoding/decoding using detailed predictive unit
An apparatus for encoding images includes: a predictor to determine a prediction unit (PU) mode among a plurality of PU modes indicating types of partition of a current coding unit (CU) into one or more prediction units (PUs), and generate a predicted block of the current CU by performing an intra prediction or an inter prediction for each PU of the determined PU mode, wherein a size of the current CU is 2N×2N, and the plurality of PU modes includes 2N×hN or hN×2N PU mode in which the current CU is partitioned into PUs respectively having a size of 2N×hN or hN×2N, h being a fractional number smaller than 1; a subtractor to subtract the predicted block from the current CU to generate a residual block; a transformer to transform the residual block into a frequency domain to generate a frequency one or more transform blocks. |
| US09674515B2 |
Endpoint information for network VQM
Video quality management (VQM) may be provided. First, transmitter metrics corresponding to a video stream may be determined by a transmitting endpoint. The determined transmitter metrics may then be transmitted from the transmitting end point and received by a receiver. The receiver may then determine receiver metrics for a video stream received at the receiver. A quality score may then be determined by the receiver. The quality score may be based on the received transmitter metrics and the determined receiver metrics. |
| US09674512B2 |
Method, apparatus and cell for displaying three-dimensional object
A method, an apparatus and a cell for displaying three-dimensional object are provided. The method is adapted to a display having a plurality of cells. In the method, a three-dimensional image data is retrieved. Depth information and color information of each of pixels in the three-dimensional image data are analyzed. Deformation voltages are correspondingly generated according to the depth information and respectively outputted to the cells, so that the cells are deformed to form a three-dimensional object. Discoloration voltages are correspondingly generated according to the color information and respectively outputted to the cells, so that colors of the cells are changed. |
| US09674511B2 |
Stereoscopic image display device
The invention can provide a stereoscopic image display device, which achieves advantages of both a “glasses” device and a “naked-eye” device, while having a small size. When a right-eye image is displayed, a light blocking region forms on the left side of the center line, and when a left-eye image is displayed, a light blocking region forms on the right side of the center line. When the viewer is located in the regions, the right eye views the right-eye image, and the left eye views the left-eye image. Thus, even when the viewer faces stereoscopic display device with naked eyes, the viewer can view the stereoscopic image as long as the eyes of the viewer are located in the light blocking regions. The right and left images are mixed in the region other than the light blocking regions. However, multiple viewers can view the stereoscopic image when wearing the glasses. |
| US09674509B2 |
Multi-view 3D image display apparatus using modified common viewing zone
Disclosed is a multi-view three-dimensional (3D) image display apparatus using a modified common viewing zone. The multi-view 3D image display apparatus may use a modified common viewing zone between a central viewing zone (common viewing zone) of the multi-view 3D image display apparatus and a central viewing zone (parallel viewing zone) of a 3D image display apparatus employing an integral photography method, or form a common viewing zone at an optimum viewing distance (OVD) of the multi-view 3D image display apparatus and use a modified common viewing zone in an area beyond the OVD. |
| US09674508B2 |
Display apparatus and a method of displaying a three-dimensional image using the same
A display apparatus includes a display panel, a light converting element and a display panel driver. The display panel includes a plurality of two-dimensional (“2D”) pixels. At least one of the 2D pixels includes a plurality of 2D subpixels. The light converting element is disposed on the display panel. The light converting element includes a three dimensional (“3D”) pixel. The 3D pixel corresponds to the plurality of 2D pixels. The 3D pixel includes a plurality of 3D subpixels. The display panel driver is connected to the display panel. The display panel driver renders grayscale data of the 2D subpixels such that the 3D pixel disposed at a first position in a first frame is shifted to a second position in a second frame. |
| US09674506B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing three dimensional media content
A system that incorporates teachings of the exemplary embodiments may include, for example, means for generating a disparity map based on a depth map, means for determining accuracy of pixels in the depth map where the determining means identifies the pixels as either accurate or inaccurate based on a confidence map and the disparity map, and means for providing an adjusted depth map where the providing means adjusts inaccurate pixels of the depth map using a cost function associated with the inaccurate pixels. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09674496B2 |
Method for selecting metering mode and image capturing device thereof
A method for selecting metering mode and an image capturing device thereof are provided. The method includes: obtaining a first exposure compensation value, a first white balance compensation value and a first focus distance corresponding to a first image; determining whether a first color temperature corresponding to the first white balance compensation value is greater than a predetermined color temperature; if yes, determining whether an ambient brightness corresponding to the first exposure compensation value is greater than a predetermined brightness, and if yes, setting a metering mode to be an average metering mode, while if not, setting the metering mode to be a center-weighted average metering mode; and if not, determining whether the first focus distance is greater than a predetermined focus distance, and if yes, setting the metering mode to be the center-weighted average metering mode, while if not, setting the metering mode to be the spot metering mode. |
| US09674495B2 |
Projection device, projection control method, and computer-readable medium
A projection device includes: a projection part configured to project an image; a shape acquisition part configured to acquire a shape of a screen on which the image from the projection part is projected; a first projection control part configured to project a first image using a part of a projectable area by the projection part in accordance with the shape of the screen; a determination part configured to determine whether there is a projection target in an area outside the screen; and a second projection control part configured to project a second image by the projection part to the projection target in the area outside the screen in accordance with a result of the determination by the determination part. |
| US09674491B2 |
Audio/video entertainment system and method
The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for programming and/or charging one or more audio/video devices such that the audio/video devices will be programmed and charged to receive transmitted audio and video signals associated with an event, allowing a user to use the audio/video device to observe the sights and sounds of the event. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cart with a docking port for each of a plurality of personal audio/video devices, a charger configured to charge the power source of each personal audio/video display device, and programming logic configured to program each of the personal audio/video devices. |
| US09674490B2 |
Vision system for vehicle with adjustable cameras
A vision system of a vehicle includes a forward viewing imager, a rearward viewing imager and sideward viewing imagers. The forward viewing imager is disposed at a forward portion of the vehicle and has a forward field of view. The rearward viewing imager is disposed at a rearward portion of the vehicle and has a rearward field of view rearward of the vehicle. The sideward viewing imagers are disposed at respective sides of the vehicle and have respective sideward fields of view sideward of the vehicle. At least one of the forward viewing imager, the rearward viewing imager and the sideward viewing imagers is dynamically adjustable via a respective stepper motor. The fields of view of the imagers may be adjustable via the respective stepper motors responsive to actuation of a user input and/or a speed input indicative of the traveling speed of the vehicle. |
| US09674489B2 |
Systems and methods for location-based multimedia
Systems and methods for receiving location indications of a communication terminal engaged in a communication session with a communication network, and selecting from a plurality of cameras having different respective fields of view within a geographical region that contains the geographical location, at least one camera whose field of view covers the geographical location. Images are output of the geographical location captured during the session by the at least one selected camera. The images may be correlated with the location indications by a switch in the communication network. |
| US09674481B2 |
Television camera
A first video signal having a first frame rate optionally settable is generated by an image pickup device, and the first video signal is memorized in a memory and outputted from the memory. A write control device controls the write of the first video signal with respect to the memory, and a read control device controls the read of the video signal with respect to the memory. The write control device writes respective first frame data constituting the first video signal in the memory in each cycle determined by the first frame rate of the first video signal. The read control device reads the first frame data as a second video signal. The second video signal is formed from sequentially arranging the first frame data in a partially duplicating manner in a standard video signal having a standard frame rate based on a determined arrangement rule. The predetermined arrangement rule is an arrangement rule employed when respective frame data constituting a video signal having a second frame rate equal to or lower than the standard frame rate are arranged in a duplicating manner in the standard video signal. In the foregoing manner, an time elongation/contraction effect on an image can be speedily and inexpensively obtained. |
| US09674476B2 |
Personalized multimedia content driven by user preferences
One embodiment may take the form of an apparatus for providing personalized multimedia content to a user of a television system based on the user's preferences. In one implementation, a television receiver of a television system may monitor the habits and usage of the users of the system. The information gathered concerning the usage of the system may be stored in a database and accessed by the television receiver to provide multimedia options to a user that may be of interest to the user. These options may be presented to the user through any number of on-screen guides accessible by the user on the television system. In other implementations, the multimedia options based on the user's preferences may be automatically presented to the user as part of a favorite channels list at least partially constructed by the user. |
| US09674475B2 |
Using closed-captioning data to output an alert indicating a functional state of a back-up video-broadcast system
In one aspect, an example method for outputting an alert indicating a functional state of a back-up video-broadcast system involves a computing device receiving first closed-captioning data that corresponds to a first video-stream; the computing device receiving second closed-captioning data that corresponds to a second video-stream; the computing device making a determination that the received first closed-captioning data and the received second closed-captioning data lack a threshold extent of similarity; and responsive to the determination that the received first closed-captioning data and the received second closed-captioning data lack the threshold extent of similarity, the computing device outputting an alert. |
| US09674474B2 |
Image transfer apparatus
A video transmitting apparatus including: a first register that is set when receiving a CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) message which is transmitted by a video signal source and is reset in response to a leading edge of a predetermined voltage that is supplied from said video signal source; and a second register which reads an EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) of a video displaying apparatus, is set when a decision is made that said video displaying apparatus is a predetermined video displaying apparatus, and is reset when a state where an HPD (Hot Plug Detect) is in a state of low has continued for a predetermined period of time or longer, wherein when both of said first and second registers have been set, a determination is made that said video signal source, said video transmitting apparatus, and said video displaying apparatus have been connected. |
| US09674467B2 |
Image processing device, imaging device, image processing method, and image processing program
The invention provides an image processing device, an imaging device, an image processing method, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium recorded with an image processing program that can instantaneously correct shading characteristics. A correction unit calculates a shading characteristic correction coefficient based on a first comparison result and a second comparison result and corrects the shading characteristics of a subsequent frame based on the calculated coefficient. The first comparison result indicates the result of the comparison between a phase difference image and a normal image included in a preceding frame acquired first a pair of frames acquired at different times. The second comparison result indicates the result of the comparison between a phase difference image and a normal image included in the subsequent frame. A control unit directs a display device to continuously display the subsequent frame, of which the shading characteristics have been corrected, as a moving image. |
| US09674465B2 |
Non-visible illumination scheme
Embodiments of an apparatus and process are described. The process includes capturing a first image frame using an image sensor, the image sensor including a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns and a color filter array optically coupled to the pixel array. A region of interest within the first image frame is determined, and the exposure time of the image sensor is adjusted to eliminate a substantial fraction of the visible light captured by the image sensor. A rolling shutter procedure is used with the pixel array to capture at least one subsequent frame using the adjusted exposure time, and a source of invisible radiation is activated while the rolling shutter enters the region of interest and deactivated when the rolling shutter exits the region of interest. Finally, an image of the region of interest is output. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US09674464B2 |
News production system with DVE template feature
In one aspect, an example method involves: accessing, by a computing system, data associated with an election; using, by the computing system, the accessed data to make a determination that a status of the election satisfies each condition in a condition set; based, at least in part, on the determination, selecting, by the computing system, a particular digital video-effect (DVE) template configured to facilitate generation of a DVE having a particular attribute; and executing, by the computing system, the selected DVE template, thereby causing the computing system to generate a video stream representing video content. |
| US09674461B2 |
Imaging device and imaging method
The imaging device 1 has an image sensor 14 and an electronic diaphragm section. In the image sensor 14, a plurality of pixels having an organic layer for photoelectric conversion is two-dimensionally arranged. Each pixel of the image sensor 14 is divided into a plurality of regions. The pixel has an on-chip microlens 15, which forms a pupil image of a photography optical system 12 on the plurality of regions, and reading sections 16 which respectively read photoelectrically converted signals of the divided regions. The electronic diaphragm section electronically controls an aperture value, and selects divided regions, which are read by the reading sections 16, on the basis of the aperture value, or selects a signal from the signals of the plurality of divided regions, which are read by the reading sections 16, on the basis of the aperture value. |
| US09674460B1 |
Generating high-dynamic range images using varying exposures
Systems and methods are provided for generating high-dynamic range images. In particular, a signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio objective associated with an imaging platform configured to capture one or more images of a region of interest can be determined. The SNR objective can specify a desired signal-to-noise ratio behavior as a function of a brightness of the region of interest. An exposure profile associated with the imaging platform can then be determined based at least in part on the SNR objective. Data indicative of a plurality of image frames, each depicting at least a portion of the region of interest, can then be obtained. The plurality of image frames being captured by the imaging platform in accordance with the exposure profile. |
| US09674456B2 |
Control of exposure of camera
A device for controlling exposure of a camera is provided. An image of an area ahead of a vehicle is acquired by a camera provided in the vehicle. A traveling speed of the vehicle is acquired. An exposure area in the acquired image is set by a setting section, in which the exposure area is used for exposure control of the camera. By a calculating section, a control value for performing the exposure control is calculated based on pixel values of pixels included in the exposure area. The setting section changes a size of the exposure area based on the traveling speed, such that, when the traveling speed is a first speed, the size of the exposure area in the acquired image is smaller compared to that when the traveling speed is a second speed that is lower than the first speed. |
| US09674455B1 |
Programmable manual mode for digital cameras
“Programmed manual modes” mimic the processes a digital camera user goes through manually, but at the speed of the processor built in the camera. Each program preferably includes an exposure condition and a set of shooting parameters, with each parameter having a range and a priority. The processor automatically applies the parameters in sequential fashion within their ranges based upon their priorities, causing the camera to take a picture if and when the exposure condition is met. The shooting parameters may include one or more of ISO, aperture and shutter speed, and the ranges generally include upper or lower limits. The program may be created in the camera or downloaded into the camera from an external device, and the program may be written in a format that can be shared with other camera users. The program preferably includes one or more pre-compose settings to establish a set of initial shooting conditions. |
| US09674453B1 |
Using local talker position to pan sound relative to video frames at a remote location
At a video conference endpoint including a microphone array and a camera, different camera framings are established to frame different views of a talker based on different sets of pan, tilt, and focal length settings of the camera. Different video frames of the different views are captured using the different camera framings, respectively. A sound source direction of the talker relative to the microphone array in a fixed three-dimensional (3D) global coordinate system is determined for the different views based on sound from the talker detected by the microphone array. The sound source direction relative to the microphone array is converted to different sound source positions in planar coordinates relative to the different video frames based on the different sets of pan, tilt, and focal length settings, respectively. The different video frames, the sound, and the different sound source positions in planar coordinates are transmitted. |
| US09674446B2 |
Imaging apparatus and display control method thereof
An imaging apparatus includes: a first display panel unit for executing display toward a user side; a second display panel unit for executing display toward a subject side; an imaging processing unit for subjecting incident light from the subject side to photoelectric conversion to obtain a captured image signal; a recording processing unit for executing a recording process to a recording medium regarding the captured image signal obtained at the imaging processing unit; and a control unit for controlling the display states of the first display panel unit and the second display panel unit for each of a plurality of various types of operation periods changing along with the operation of the imaging processing unit or the recording processing unit, and executing display control wherein the first display panel unit and the second display panel unit can have different display content during at least a single operation period. |
| US09674443B2 |
Imaging module, electronic device, and imaging-module manufacturing method
An imaging module, an electronic device, and an imaging-module manufacturing method capable of relatively easily adjusting a relative position between an imaging element unit and a lens unit with high accuracy are provided. An imaging module 1 includes an imaging element unit 3, a lens unit 2 which includes a lens group 10, a first image-blur correction driving unit 30x, a second image-blur correction driving unit 30y, a focus driving unit 30z, and a connection portion 41 which is electrically connected to a circuit of the imaging element unit by a conductive joining material, and a flexible wiring portion 12 which includes a wiring group which connects the circuit of the imaging element unit to at least one driving unit among the first image-blur correction driving unit, the second image-blur correction driving unit, and the focus driving unit, and extends between the imaging element unit and the lens unit. |
| US09674440B2 |
Systems and methods for digital video stabilization via constraint-based rotation smoothing
Systems and methods for digital video stabilization via constraint-based rotation smoothing are provided. Digital video data including a set of image frames having associated time stamps and a set of camera orientation data having associated time stamps may be provided. A smoothed set of camera orientation data may be generated by minimizing a rate of rotation between successive image frames while minimizing an amount of empty regions in a resulting set of smoothed image frames reoriented based on the smoothed set of camera orientation data. |
| US09674434B2 |
Imaging apparatus, imaging method, and program
An image processing apparatus including an interface that receives an input identifying a subject, and a processor that generates a panoramic image based on captured image data so that the subject is positioned in a reference position in the panoramic image. |
| US09674433B1 |
Image center calibration for a quadric panoramic optical device
A calibration method can begin by positioning a calibration image source around and substantially proximate to the exterior surface of a panoramic optical device that utilizes a conical quadric reflector having an aperture in its apex. The calibration image source can be made of a material that is substantially transparent to allow the passage of environmental light and can utilize a predetermined color palette having a calibration feature, such as a geometric shape and/or a line, which is in a known location. A quadric image of the calibration image source can then be captured. Coordinates for a visual image center of the calibration image can be determined by an image center calibration program using the location of the calibration feature. The visual image center can be the point around which a quadric image is transformed into a visually-correct panorama. The determined visual image center coordinates can be stored. |
| US09674431B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, image processing apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element which obtains an original image, a storage unit which stores a first optical transfer function different depending on an image pickup condition and on a position in the original image and an image restoration filter or a function designed to generate a second optical transfer function, a data obtaining unit which obtains the first optical transfer function when the aperture value is less than a predetermined value, and the image restoration filter or the second optical transfer function generated based on the function designed to generate the second optical transfer function when the aperture value is not less than the predetermined value, a filter generating unit which generates an image restoration filter based on the first or second optical transfer function, and an image processing unit which generates the restored image by using the image restoration filter. |
| US09674429B2 |
Conversion between aspect ratios in camera
A camera system captures an image in a source aspect ratio and applies a transformation to the input image to scale and warp the image to generate an output image having a target aspect ratio different than the source aspect ratio. The output image has the same field of view as the input image, maintains image resolution, and limits distortion to levels that do not substantially affect the viewing experience. In one embodiment, the output image is non-linearly warped relative to the input image such that a distortion in the output image relative to the input image is greater in a corner region of the output image than a center region of the output image. |
| US09674427B2 |
Image processing method and apparatus
An image processing method operable in a hand held image acquisition device comprising at least one camera comprises obtaining an image with the camera and identifying at least one face region detected within the image. A mean intensity of intensity values for pixels of at least one identified face region is determined. Responsive to the mean intensity for a face region being less than a threshold amount, at least some of the pixels of the image are lightened. A contrast of pixels of the image is enhanced as a function of pixel intensity distribution within the image and a contrast of pixels of the face region is enhanced as a function of pixel intensity distribution within the face region. The contrast enhanced pixels of the face region are blended with pixels of the image which have been lightened and/or whose contrast has been enhanced to provide a processed image. |
| US09674423B2 |
Surveying apparatus with function for calibrating focusing optical unit positions to be set in a distance-dependent manner
Surveying apparatus such as, for example, a video theodolite or video tachymeter, is disclosed. In some embodiments, the surveying apparatus may include a base, a support pivotable about a first axis relative to the base, a targeting unit pivotable about a second axis relative to the support and comprising a telescope optical unit comprising at least one objective and a motorized-adjustable focusing optical unit and also an eyepiece and/or a camera chip for recording an image through the objective, goniometers for measuring pivoting positions of the support and the targeting unit, an electro-optical distance measuring device, an evaluation and control unit, which provides a calibrated autofocusing functionality for automatically setting the focusing optical unit in a manner dependent on a target distance measured by the distance measuring device and contains for this stored calibration coefficients with regard to focusing optical unit positions to be set in a target-distance-dependent manner. |
| US09674411B2 |
Portable cameras and related methods
A wireless camera system and related methods are disclosed in which the camera system has a camera body and a mounting base. The camera body has electronics to create a wireless connection hotspot that can be connected to wireless connection enabled device. The mounting base can be positioned on any surface and can include one or more magnetic inserts to mount the camera system on a magnetic surface, such as to a car chassis. |
| US09674409B2 |
Image capturing system and method of use
Image capturing systems and methods of capturing images, especially in contact prone environments are provided. The image capturing systems includes an optical sensor and output device adapted to receive the electrical signals from optical sensor and transmit a corresponding signal, and a housing retaining the optical sensor and the output device. The housing is adapted to mount to a surface, for example, inside or on top of a helmet, and includes a low profile above the surface and a footprint in contact with the surface. The size of the footprint is selected whereby and impact loads on the housing are minimized or attenuated before being transmitted to the surface to which the housing is mounted. The invention is uniquely applicable to head gear mounting, but may be used on a broad range of article and a broad range of fields. |
| US09674408B2 |
Image pickup apparatus that utilizes a refocusable range, image processing method, and recording medium
An image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor, and a controller configured to drive a focus unit so that a first position is focused, to acquire first information on a first refocusable range that is available in an image that is captured while the first position is being focused by the focus unit, to acquire second information on a second refocusable range that contains the first position, to acquire information on a second position on which the focus unit is to be focused so as to provide the second refocusable range using the first information and the second information, and make the image sensor capture an image while the second position is being focused by the focus unit. |
| US09674406B2 |
Using dynamic mode decomposition for real-time background/foreground separation in video
The technique of dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) is disclosed herein for the purpose of robustly separating video frames into background (low-rank) and foreground (sparse) components in real-time. Foreground/background separation is achieved at the computational cost of just one singular value decomposition (SVD) and one linear equation solve, thus producing results orders of magnitude faster than robust principal component analysis (RPCA). Additional techniques, including techniques for analyzing the video for multi-resolution time-scale components, and techniques for reusing computations to allow processing of streaming video in real time, are also described herein. |
| US09674400B2 |
Image data clustering and color conversion
Methods and systems herein provide for color conversion of image data to another color space. Such color conversion includes converting image data to a color space by identifying color regions in the image data. One color conversion system herein includes a color region identifier operable to select color values in the image data, determine numerical centers of the selected color values, and generate color regions, or color value “clusters”, based on the selected color values and the numerical centers. The color conversion system also includes an optimization module operable to refine the numerical center of each color region, determine a boundary for each color region based on the refined center, and remove a portion of the color cluster centers to optimize a number of the color regions for color conversion processing. |
| US09674393B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive image data obtained by reading the document by a first reading unit or a second reading unit, a storage unit configured to store the image data received by the reception unit, a determination unit configured to, while the reception unit is receiving the image data of the document obtained by the first reading unit, determine whether the second side is a blank page from the image data of the document read by the second reading unit, and a control unit configured to, in a case where the determination unit determines that the second side is a blank page, control the reception unit not to reserve a storage area for storing the image data of the document read by the second reading unit in the storage unit. |
| US09674385B2 |
Electronic apparatus, operation mode controlling method and operation mode controlling system
There is provided a further saving in power consumption which is achieved by establishing an optimal transition from an ordinary operation mode to a power consumption saving mode. A mode switching management part (11c) as a mode switching part, while a communication of a managing part (11a) as a communication part to a mobile terminal (20) is being established, maintains an ordinary operation mode and when the communication of the management part (11a) to the mobile terminal (20) terminates, switches from the ordinary operation mode to a power consumption saving mode before an elapse of a specified power consumption saving time period. |