| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09718278B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus comprising: a color ink applying unit configured to apply color ink to a print medium; a clear ink applying unit configured to apply a plurality of clear inks to the print medium to cover the applied color ink, each clear ink of the plurality of clear inks having a degree of glossiness that is different from each other; and a determining unit configured to determine an amount ratio of each clear ink to each other clear ink of the plurality of clear inks in accordance with the degree of glossiness indicated by the glossiness data and to determine an amount of each clear ink of the plurality of clear inks such that the determined ratio is satisfied and such that the clear inks cover the applied color ink and print medium at approximately 100% area coverage. |
| US09718277B2 |
Tank, tank unit and liquid ejection system
To solve the problem of a liquid supply unit of the related art in that liquid supply may become difficult.The invention provides a tank capable of supplying a liquid to a liquid ejection head, the tank including: a liquid containing portion capable of containing the liquid; and an atmospheric air introducing portion constituting an atmospheric air flow channel capable of introducing atmospheric air into the liquid containing portion, wherein the atmospheric air introducing portion includes a buffer chamber capable of containing the atmospheric air, a liquid retaining member is housed in the buffer chamber, and in a state in which the liquid retaining member is housed in the buffer chamber, a gap that allows the atmospheric air to move between a first communication port and a second communication port of the atmospheric air flow channel is provided within the buffer chamber. |
| US09718270B2 |
Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge device, and liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge head includes a plurality of nozzles to discharge liquid droplets; a plurality of piezoelectric elements, each corresponding to a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles and disposed along a nozzle alignment direction along which the plurality of nozzles is aligned; an actuator member on which the plurality of piezoelectric elements is aligned; and wiring disposed along the nozzle alignment direction, connected to the plurality of piezoelectric elements, and included in the actuator member, the wiring including a first wiring pattern to which the plurality of piezoelectric elements is connected, the first wiring pattern including a near side proximal to and a far side distal from a source of a drive signal for the piezoelectric elements. The near side and the far side are connected via a second wiring pattern. |
| US09718269B2 |
Multi-waveform inkjet nozzle correction
The uniformity of performance of inkjet nozzles within a print head containing a plurality of said nozzles is optimized by characterizing one or more performance attributes of the nozzles within said print head. A waveform set is generated that comprises a plurality of waveforms to compensate for variations of the one or more performance attributes among the nozzles. One of the waveforms within the waveform set is assigned to each nozzle to optimize the one or more performance attributes of each nozzle relative to each other nozzle in the print head. Based upon the waveform assigned to each nozzle, each nozzle in the print head responds substantially uniformly relative to each other nozzle in the print head. |
| US09718267B2 |
Screen printing apparatus including support bars, and methods of using same
A method is disclosed for electroforming metal screen. The method deposits photoresist over a mandrel, and then exposes the photoresist with light through a plurality of openings in a photo tool to form hardened resist pillars. Unexposed photoresist is removed without affecting the resist pillars. The method then electroforms the metal screen in areas free of the hardened resist pillars such that the metal screen forms apertures defined by each of the resist pillars, a space between at least two of the resist pillars defining a support bar that forms at a reduced thickness as compared to portions of the metal screen that are not between the resist pillars. Finally, the method detaches the metal screen from the mandrel. |
| US09718266B2 |
Label affixing machine
A label affixing machine includes a holder, a storing device, a storing device, a peeling device and a conveyer. The storing device, the peeling device and the conveyer are fixed in position on the holder. The picking device is coupled to the conveyer. The label includes a bottom board affixed under the label, the label affixing machine configured to affix the label on an object. The picking device is configured for picking the label. The peeling device includes a second fixing module fixed in position on the holder, a second moving module coupled to the second fixing module and a robotic arm fixed in position on the second moving module. The robotic arm is configured for clamping the bottom board and peeling the bottom board from the label. The conveyer moves the picking device and affixes the label on the object. |
| US09718261B2 |
Assembly process of two substrates
A method for assembling two substrates by molecular adhesion comprises: a first step (a) of putting first and second substrates in close contact in order to form an assembly having an assembly interface; a second step (b) of reinforcing the degree of adhesion of the assembly beyond a threshold adhesion value at which water is no longer able to diffuse along the assembly interface. The method also comprises a step (c) of anhydrous treatment of the first and second substrates in a treatment atmosphere having a dew point below −10° C., and control of the dew point of a working atmosphere to which the first and second substrates are exposed from the anhydrous treatment step (c) until the end of the second step (b) so as to limit or prevent the appearance of bonding defects at the assembly interface. |
| US09718258B2 |
Multi-layered film containing a biopolymer
A film that contains a core layer positioned adjacent to an outer layer is provided. The core layer contains a relatively high percentage of thermoplastic biopolymers that are both biodegradable and renewable. Despite being biodegradable and renewable, many biopolymers tend to be relatively stiff in nature. The present inventors have discovered, however, that through selective control over the components in the core and outer layers, a film can be readily formed having good mechanical properties. Among other things, this is accomplished by blending the biopolymer in the core layer with a polyolefin. A polyolefin is also employed in the outer layer. In addition to providing functionality to the film (e.g., heat sealing, printing, etc.), the polyolefin-containing outer layer also helps counteract the stiffness of the biopolymer in the core layer, and helps improve processability, stiffness, and ductility. |
| US09718257B2 |
Bending wood laminate and bent shaped part produced therefrom
A pliable bentwood laminate with an intermediate layer (2) forming a central layer, having first and second surface sides, a first outer timber layer (3) on the first surface side, and a second outer timber layer (4) one the second surface side, wherein the distance between the outer surface of the first and second outer timber layers (3, 4) is at least 8 mm, wherein the first and the second outer timber layers (3, 4) are formed from rotary cut balsawood veneer, wherein density of the first and second outer timber layers (3, 4), with a residual moisture content of 12% by weight with respect to the timber mass, is less than 200 kg/m3, wherein the first and second outer timber layers (3, 4) have lathe checks (5) on one surface side, wherein the first and second outer timber layers (3, 4) are arranged with the surface side having the lathe checks (5) faces away from the intermediate layer (2), wherein the bentwood laminate can be and/or is curved with an inner bending radius of between 100 mm and 250 mm, wherein the intermediate layer is a directional timber layer, a natural axis of the bentwood laminate runs in the intermediate layer, and wood grain of the directional intermediate layer runs at right-angles to longitudinal extent of the lathe checks (5). |
| US09718254B2 |
Moisture-resistant gypsum boards and slurries for making same
A gypsum board comprises a cover sheet and a gypsum layer disposed on the cover sheet. The gypsum layer comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate, water, and stucco. The isocyanate increases the moisture resistance of the gypsum board. A method of manufacturing the gypsum board comprises the steps of combining the isocyanate, the water, and the stucco to form a slurry, and applying the slurry to a cover sheet to form the gypsum layer on the cover sheet. |
| US09718253B2 |
Method of using a sterilization wrap system
A method of using a sterilization wrap system including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the exterior panel being substantially opaque or having a first level of translucence, and an interior panel including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the interior panel having a level of translucence that is higher than the translucence of the exterior panel, the panels being joined together over at least a portion of their surfaces. Also disclosed is inspection of the sterilization wrap system for exterior panel breaches by looking for light passing through a panel facing the viewer. |
| US09718252B2 |
Product with internal passages made of stacked sheets with compressive casing
A component (34A, 34B, 34C) has a core formed of a stack (25, 36) of sheets (20) of material with cutouts (22A) aligned to form passages (38) in the core. An outer casing (29) spans the stack axially (51), brackets at least parts of opposed ends of the stack, and holds the sheets together in axial compression (46). Respective cooperating elements (30, 31) on the casing and the stack may register the casing with respect to the stack. Pins (24) in some sheets may engage holes (23) in adjacent sheets to register the sheets with each other. The casing may be segmented (28A, 28B, 28C). A hoop (66) may be compressed around the segmented casing. A gas turbine fuel injector may be formed of a stack (36) with an inlet element (44) compressed (46) onto the stack by the casing (29). |
| US09718250B2 |
Directed assembly of block copolymer films between a chemically patterned surface and a second surface
Provided are methods of fabricating thin film structures that involve assembling block copolymer materials in the presence of condensed phase surfaces on both sides of the thin film, at least one of which is a chemically patterned surface configured to direct the assembly of the block copolymer material. According to various embodiments, the other of the condensed phase surfaces can be a chemically homogenous surface or a chemically patterned surface. Also provided are structures, morphologies, and templates formed in the domain structure of block copolymer materials. In certain embodiments, complex 3-D morphologies and related structures not present in bulk block copolymer materials are provided. |
| US09718245B2 |
Combination apparatus of cold isostatic press and general press
Provided is a combined cold isostatic press and general press capable of simultaneously performing cold isostatic pressing using pressure of fluid and general pressing using mechanically applied pressure. The combined cold isostatic press and general press includes a main frame having a center penetration region, a pressure vessel supported by the penetration region of the main frame, the pressure vessel performing cold isostatic pressing using fluid injected therein, a top lid installed to be vertically slidable from or to an upper end of the pressure vessel by the fluid filled in the pressure vessel so as to function as piston, the top lid being configured to open or close the upper end of the pressure vessel, a lower lid configured to open or close a lower end of the pressure vessel and a press unit located between the top lid and the main frame to perform pressing using pressure applied by the top lid as the top lid slides from the pressure vessel. As such, enhanced productivity and reduction in fluid consumption and manufacturing costs may be accomplished. |
| US09718241B2 |
Method of manufacturing an acetabular component
An orthopedic component having multiple layers that are selected to provide an overall modulus that is substantially lower than the modulus of known orthopedic components to more closely approximate the modulus of the bone into which the orthopedic component is implanted. In one exemplary embodiment, the orthopedic component is an acetabular shell. For example, the acetabular shell may include an outer layer configured for securement to the natural acetabulum of a patient and an inner layer configured to receive an acetabular liner. The head of a femoral prosthesis articulates against the acetabular liner to replicate the function of a natural hip joint. Alternatively, the inner layer of the acetabular shell may act as an integral acetabular liner against which the head of the femoral prosthesis articulates. |
| US09718240B2 |
Overmolding extruded profiles
An exemplary method of, for instance, forming a baffle or reinforcer includes extruding an expandable material to have a particular cross-sectional profile, inserting the expandable material into a molding tool, cutting the expandable material to a predetermined length within the molding tool, and overmolding a carrier material onto a portion of the expandable material within the molding tool. |
| US09718231B2 |
High pressure relief assembly and assembly locking device for use with extruders
The invention provides devices that are attached to an extruder making the operation thereof more efficient and convenient and allowing for a quick change over of parts used to make various products prepared in the extrusion process. A high pressure relief assembly is attached to the extruder that allows for the rapid release of pressure from the extruder at the end of the process by venting product under pressure from the extruder and the extruder also has attached thereto a quick assembly locking device that allows for the exchange of assemblies, such as a density control assembly and other assembles, without the removal of nuts, bolts, and clamps by attaching the assembly to an arm that can be moved in and out of place in front of the extruder and wherein the device has a locking mechanism that seals and releases the assembly from the extruder. |
| US09718230B2 |
Multilayer blown films for shrink applications
The present invention discloses multilayer blown films for shrink label and related applications. These multilayer blown films can comprise a core layer containing an ethylene polymer, and inner and outer layers containing conjugated diene monovinylarene block copolymers. |
| US09718228B1 |
Mold and method of making a mold
A mold for the manufacture of plastic objects has a plurality of cavities which are formed by clamping together a plurality of individual insert straps. The insert straps each have a shape corresponding to a portion of the desired cavity and the insert straps in combination form the desired cavity The insert straps may be rearranged and straps may be added or withdrawn to provide cavities of different lengths and configurations. The mold also has a sub-ejector assembly which may be positioned to accommodate changes in the size of the individual cavities formed by the combination of insert straps The method for making a mold includes the steps of forming a mold cavity using a plurality of insert straps and then clamping the individual insert straps together. |
| US09718227B2 |
Device and method for producing injection-molded parts which comprise different components
The invention relates to a device and a method for producing plastic moldings from at least two different sub-elements (15; 16) that includes first and second mold halves (3) and a rotatable center block (6) with center and third mold halves (8; 17) interposed therebetween. The center and third mold halves define first and second parting planes with the first and second mold halves. First cavities are defined in the first parting plane, into which a first plastic component is introduced to produce preforms (12). When the first parting plane is opened, the performs (12) remain on the center mold halves (8) and are brought into the second parting plane when the center block (6) is rotated, in which second parting plane second cavities are at least partially defined by the preforms (12), into which a second plastic component is introduced and first sub-elements (15) are produced. Second sub-elements (16) are produced in the additional cavities. When the second parting plane is opened, the sub-elements (15; 16) remain on the center and third mold halves (8) and are rotated into a lateral assembly position when the center block (6) is rotated. |
| US09718226B2 |
Method of injection molding
A method for an injection molded product having a molten resin containing an aluminum pigment. The injection mold includes resin reservoirs connected to both sides of a cavity, positioned where the molten resin meets as it partly flows therein. The cavity has a design surface of an injection-molded product and both side surfaces continuing from the surface forming the design surface. One of the resin reservoirs is connected to one of the side surfaces and the other resin reservoir is connected to the other side surface, across the position where the molten resin meets. When the molten resin partly flows into the resin reservoirs, flow of the molten resin, which is substantially in parallel from the surface forming the design surface to the resin reservoirs, is generated and aluminum pigment makes an orientation angle of 120° to 140° on the design surface at the position where the molten resin meets. |
| US09718225B2 |
Heat resistant toughened thermoplastic composition for injection molding
Injection molded parts with a small dimension that exhibit high heat resistance are described. Thermoplastic compositions that can be utilized to form the injection molded parts are described. The thermoplastic composition includes a polyarylene sulfide and a crosslinked impact modifier. The thermoplastic composition can also include siloxane polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, or other additives that can further improve the characteristics of the injection molded parts. |
| US09718221B2 |
Methods, systems, and devices for radio-frequency assisted removal of sealant
Cured flexible sealant may be removed from a substrate if the cured flexible sealant includes within its volume a susceptor such as metal susceptor particles. Removal proceeds by exposing the sealant with the susceptor to radio-frequency radiation sufficient to cause dielectric heating in the susceptor. The consequent heating in the cured sealant reduces the bond strength of the cured sealant. The reduced bond-strength sealant may be removed by physical methods, such as scraping etc., much more easily than the original (unexposed) cured sealant. Also disclosed are sealant compositions with susceptor, susceptor tools to introduce susceptor into cured sealant, and handheld radio-frequency heaters to apply radio-frequency radiation to cured sealant. |
| US09718216B1 |
Extruder screw
Embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter include extruder screws. Some embodiments of extruder screws include a screw body for placement in an extruder barrel, a plurality of ridges on the outer surface of the screw body that extend helically from an inlet end to an outlet end of the screw body, each adjacent pair of the ridges defining a channel, and one or more notches each extending across one of the plurality of ridges and between an adjacent pair of the channels. The notches can permit a material to flow from one channel into an adjacent channel, and the notches can define crosscuts that extend along the screw body and helically rotate in an opposite direction relative to the plurality of ridges. Furthermore, some extruder screws can further comprise one or more splitter rings. |
| US09718215B2 |
Capacitive clamping process for cleaving work pieces using crack propagation
Controllable cleavage of a work piece is achieved through the use of capacitive clamps and application of a large tensile force. Capacitive clamps are used to secure the ends of a work piece with strong electrostatic forces. The capacitive clamps secure the ends of the work piece by creating electrostatic forces like those experienced by the plates in a parallel plate capacitor. After introduction of a crack along a side surface of the work piece, the application of a tensile force along the central axis of the work piece causes the crack to rapidly propagate and cleave the work piece into two or more pieces. |
| US09718209B2 |
Table saw guide and safety guard
A guide and safety guard for a table saw, of the type having a table top and a powered saw blade with an exposed saw blade portion projecting above the table top and a movable guide fence positionable on the table top on a far side of the saw blade, has a support rail having opposite ends coupled to support members in a desired spaced relation to the guide fence of the table saw, a guard block mounted by a sleeve portion so as to be slidable on the support rail in axial directions thereon, and rotatable on the support rail so that it can be moved out of and into operative position, wherein the guard block has a height projecting above the table top in the operative position that is greater than the height of the exposed saw blade portion for protecting the hand of the user, and a guard extension fixed to a trailing side of the guard block for protecting the wrist and lower arm area of the user. |
| US09718206B1 |
Table saw mill attachment
The table saw mill trolley rolls on rails. A log holder is pivotally attached to the trolley for pivotal movement about first and second axes. A support is fixed to the holder. A log tensioner and log indexer are attached to the support. Centering pins on the tensioner and indexer engage log ends. The trolley supports a log with an indexing shaft axis transverse to the blade axis. A first slot is cut in the log. The log is pivoted about the first axis and the trolley is returned to the start. The log is rotated about the second axis and then pivoted about the first axis to support by the trolley. A second slot that intersects the first slot is cut forming a first log flat surface. |
| US09718205B1 |
Single setup shaper sander
A single station shaper sander that uses a quick change retractable shaper and a quick change retractable profile sander is described. The shaper generates a profile in a substrate, and then the sander sands the profile in the substrate without intermediate removal of the substrate. Both the shaper and sander are retractable, moving away from the substrate when retracted, and are moved into contact with the substrate when engaged. Either an operator or automatic controls may be used to engage and retract the shaper or sander, so as to minimize operator access to dangerous moving surfaces on either. Further, each sander or shaper may have removable tools that are temporarily affixed to a spindle, affording tool changes of 15 seconds or less. |
| US09718202B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring protrusion length of protrusion portion
Method and apparatus for measuring a protrusion length of a protrusion portion on each side of sheet after cutting even when there is variation in positions of cords embedded in the sheet, apparatus with imaging unit that images cross-sectional profile in width direction of sheet including protrusion portions, and generates waveform data from imaging of cross-sectional profile, detect maximum height-positions of crests and of troughs of waveform data, set, based on waveform data, a maximum height-position of crest closest to width end of sheet as maximum height-position of end crest, set a position corresponding to an edge of protrusion portion of sheet, located on more width end side than maximum height-position of end crest, as minimum height-position of a terminal trough, detect distance in width direction of sheet between maximum height-position of end crest and of the terminal trough, and measure protrusion length of protrusion portion based on detected distance. |
| US09718200B2 |
Safety razor with comb and integrated blade and associated methods
A safety razor removes hair from skin using the cutting blade comprising a sharp edge along an elongated side of a planar surface. An outer comb has a row of outer teeth running along the planar surface on an outside of the cutting blade, each outer tooth is substantially perpendicular to the sharp edge and spaced with a gap between the row of the outer teeth and the planar surface of the cutting blade. Ends of the row of outer teeth comprise outer teeth tips. An inner guard runs along the planar surface on an inside of the cutting blade. The sharp edge of cutting blade is recessed up to a skin surface contour, the skin surface contour defined by the outer teeth tips and an edge of the inner guard. The sharp edge of cutting blade longitudinally bends to cause further recess relative to the skin surface contour. |
| US09718195B1 |
Cylindrical worm drive robotic gripper
An example robotic gripping apparatus includes a robotic wrist and a motor contained within the robotic wrist. The motor includes a drive shaft that rotates about a primary axis during motor operation. The robotic gripping apparatus also includes a cylindrical worm gear, connected to the drive shaft, that encircles the motor and rotates about the primary axis during motor operation. Additionally, the robotic gripping apparatus includes two or more robotic fingers, each having a proximal end and a distal end. The robotic gripping apparatus further includes two or more spur gears corresponding to the two or more robotic fingers. Each spur gear is attached to the proximal end of the corresponding robotic finger. Each spur gear engages the cylindrical worm gear and rotates the corresponding robotic finger when the cylindrical worm gear rotates about the primary axis. |
| US09718193B1 |
Rotary transformer
Example implementations may relate to a rotary transformer configured to transmit data. In some implementations, the rotary transformer may include a primary transformer component with a primary winding magnetically coupled to a secondary transformer component with a secondary winding. The rotary transformer may also include a resonant circuit including a frequency determining element and an amplifier. The frequency determining element may consist of the primary and secondary windings connected in parallel to respective capacitors. The primary transformer component may be coupled to a fixed-frequency signal generator. The rotary transformer may include a modulator coupled to the secondary transformer component and configured to vary the phase of the resonant circuit to generate an output signal and a demodulator coupled to the primary transformer component and configured to demodulate the output signal. |
| US09718188B2 |
Networked robotic manipulators
Robotic manipulators may be used to manipulate objects. Manipulation data about manipulations performed on objects may be generated and accessed. This data may be analyzed to generate a profile indicating how an object may be manipulated. A portion of the profile may be transmitted to a particular robotic manipulator. For example, the portion may be based on a manipulation capability of the robotic manipulator. In turn, the robotic manipulator may use the portion of the profile to manipulate the object. |
| US09718186B2 |
Robot
A robot includes a work tool that performs a work to a work point, and a moving unit that moves the work tool and changes the posture thereof. A console receives an operation to designate the coordinates of arbitrary two or three points on an inclined surface. Upon this operation, a processor calculates a direction of the work tool toward the work point from a work start point based on the coordinates of the arbitrary two or three points, next, a control unit moves the work tool to the work start point, directs the posture of the work tool toward the work point in accordance with the calculation by the processor, and causes the work tool to start a process to the work point. |
| US09718179B1 |
Striking tool having improved head and handle attachment
A striking tool having an improved attachment mechanism to safely and securely attach the head of the tool to the tool handle. In one configuration, the attachment mechanism has a key at the upper end of the handle that is sized and configured to be received in and engage a cooperatively configured keyway on the lower side of the head. In another configuration, the attachment mechanism has a connecting element with an elongated body that extends through a tubular body portion at an upper section of the handle and into a passageway in the head. In yet another configuration, the striking tool has both attachment mechanisms. A striking member made out of harder material can be utilized for the striking portion of the head. The connecting element can connect to an aperture in the striking member. A side nail puller can be positioned on the outer surface of the handle. |
| US09718178B2 |
Staple remover
An automatic staple remover in a gun-shaped housing comprises a trigger that engages a series of levers and one or more springs that ultimately engage a rotating tumbler. Alternatively, the trigger engages an electric motor and gears, or a pneumatic motor and lever arrangement, or a combination of levers and motors to engage the rotating tumbler. Around the perimeter of the tumbler are one or more teeth capable of sliding under a staple. Positioned below the tumbler a removable receptacle catches removed staples. Additionally, the automatic staple remover can include stapler components side-by-side in the same housing that can be engaged by a common trigger. Stapler components comprise a series of levers and springs, a blade assembly, and a plurality of staples in a sleeve. Alternatively, stapler components can include pneumatic motor components or electric motor components. |
| US09718174B2 |
Hand tool assembly with magnetic securing device
A hand tool assembly with magnetic securing device includes a body, a sleeve, a collar and two resilient pieces. The body has a first space and a first groove. The sleeve has a first passage, a second space, a third space, a first distance and a fourth space. A magnetic part is located in the second space. A clip is engaged with the first groove and movable within the third space. A collar is secured in the fourth space to restrict the clip to prevent the body from dropping form the sleeve. The collar has two resilient pieces received therein and each resilient piece has a third engaging portion which contacts the outer periphery of the body to provide friction when the sleeve is moved relative to the body. A driving piece is connected to the body and drives a bolt or a screw which is attracted by the magnetic part. |
| US09718173B2 |
Handheld machine tool having a tool holding fixture
In a handheld machine tool having a tool holding fixture, which has a multi-faced inner receptacle and a multi-faced outer receptacle, the multi-faced inner receptacle being configured for the connection to a first tool insert, which is able to be locked in the multi-faced inner receptacle using a locking device assigned to the tool holding fixture, and the multi-faced outer receptacle being configured for the connection to a second tool insert, which has an inner multi-faced coupling that is able to be slid onto the multi-faced outer receptacle. The locking device has an actuating element, which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tool holding fixture for unlocking the first tool insert from a specified locking position into a specified unlocking position. |
| US09718172B2 |
Electric tool
An electric tool (110) is provided with an output part (112) and a grip part (113). An elastic member (133) is provided between an outer wall surface (131a) of a trigger switch (130) and a housing inner wall surface (111a) of the grip part (113). |
| US09718171B2 |
Rapid adjustable wrench
The present invention relates to a rapid adjustable wrench, the wrench is provided with a worm rotation window on the lower side of the fixed wrench head, the support holes are provided on the both sides of the window, the support holes are the elongated aperture holes that enable the pin shift can radially moving up and down, the spring locating holes are provided on the lower side face of the elongated aperture holes respectively, the spring holds up the pin shaft to prompt the engagement of the teeth of the worm with the teeth of the adjustable wrench head; the length of the spring after the depress at least ensure that the length of the radial displacement of the worm teeth does not exceed the height of the adjustable wrench head teeth, the adjustable wrench head teeth have at least one tooth on the top end of the clamping face side, which height higher than that of the subsequent other teeth. The invention has a simple structure, convenient to use, holding the handle of the wrench with hands and pinching the worm with thumb and forefinger simultaneously to pull it down, such that it can quickly adjust the opening size of the clamping face, improving the using efficiency of the adjustable wrench; the settings for the different teeth height of the adjustable wrench head, in the case of the adjustable wrench head does not removed when achieve the adjustment of the opening size of the clamping face, reducing the processing operation to the adjustable wrench, saving the expense. |
| US09718163B1 |
Eraser wheel assembly structure
The present disclosure illustrates an eraser wheel assembly structure in which an eraser wheel body is fastened with a shell cover by a fastener, so the eraser wheel body can be driven by the grinding tool to rotate for removing glue. The eraser wheel body is disposed in the shell cover and has a plurality of glue removing blocks. The shell cover has a plurality of positioning studs and configured to respectively insert positioning holes of the eraser wheel body. The shell cover has a blocking wall facing a peripheral edge of the disc-based base and a gap to tolerate a radial extension of the disc-shaped base during operation, so as to prevent the peripheral edge of the disc-shaped base from being escaped from the blocking wall and unable back to its former position because of no gap tolerable for the radial extension of deformed disc-shaped base. |
| US09718154B2 |
Slot machining
A method for cutting a blade root retention slot in a turbine engine disk element includes forming a precursor slot in the element. The precursor slot has first and second sidewalls and a base. A rotating bit is passed through the precursor slot to machine the base. The bit rotates about an axis off-normal to a direction of passing. A cutting performance of the rotating bit is modeled reflecting a chip trapping intensity parameter and a heat intensity parameter. At least one parameter of the bit and its passing is selected so as to avoid tool loading where removed chips/swarf stick onto the bit. |
| US09718151B2 |
Reactor measurement-pipe maintenance clamp apparatus
A reactor measurement-pipe maintenance clamp apparatus includes a first clamp mechanism and a second clamp mechanism. The first clamp mechanism includes clamps to fix the measurement pipe between the clamps, first clamp operation bolts that are allowed to be turned by remote control from above a reactor core, and wedge mechanisms to convert the turning of the clamp operation bolts to displacement of the clamps in a radial direction of the diffuser to generate clamping forces for securing the measurement pipe. The second clamp mechanism includes a support clamp to hold the support, a second clamp operation bolt that is allowed to be turned by remote control from above the reactor core, and a wedge mechanism to convert the turning of the second clamp operation bolt to displacement of the support clamp in a tangential direction of the diffuser to generate clamping force for fixing the support. |
| US09718149B2 |
Aluminium composite material having an internal solder layer
The invention relates to a brazable three-layered aluminum composite material having at least three layers with at least two different aluminum alloys, whereby an inner layer of the at least three layers is an aluminum brazing layer made from an aluminum brazing alloy, the other layers are configured as covering layers and include at least one further aluminum alloy, wherein the at least one further aluminum alloy has a higher solidus temperature than the liquidus temperature of the aluminum brazing alloy. The individual covering layers have a thickness which exceeds the thickness of the aluminum brazing layer by at least a factor of 1.5, preferably by a factor of 5. The brazable aluminum composite material is simply structured, has good brazing properties for the production of butt-joint brazing connections, significantly reduces the risk of a ‘burning through’ of brazed-on components and provides sufficient mechanical properties. |
| US09718147B2 |
Method and system to start and use combination filler wire feed and high intensity energy source for root pass welding of the inner diameter of clad pipe
A welding system includes at least one high intensity energy source to create a weld puddle during a root pass on a narrow joint of a workpiece with a clad layer. The system also includes a controller to control a weld ramp out process such that, as the molten puddle advances to a start of an existing root pass weld, the controller at least one of decreases an energy output of the at least one high intensity energy source and reduces an interaction time between the at least one high intensity energy source and the weld puddle. After completion of the root pass, a thickness of a root pass weld in a region that is at or near the start point of the existing root pass weld is in a range of 100 percent to 130 percent of a nominal root pass thickness of a remainder of the root pass weld. |
| US09718146B2 |
System and method for calibrating laser processing machines
A method calibrates a laser processing machine by commanding a scan head to direct a laser beam to a desired position, then senses an actual position of the laser beam directly using a position sensitive detector (PSD) after the scan head is positioned. A relative position between the scan head and PSD is altered using one or more linear actuators. A position feedback loop is closed around the linear actuators so that the relative position of the laser beam on the PSD is reduced to zero. The actual position of the laser spot is then measured indirectly by encoders attached to linear axes of the laser processing machine. The actual position is stored in a memory. An error is determined as a difference between the desired position and the actual position. Compensation coefficients are determined from the error and stored for later use during operation of the laser processing machine. |
| US09718145B2 |
Method of producing aluminum clad member
An aluminum clad member is produced by: disposing a joining assistance member at a joint interface between an Al core member and an Al skin member, which joining assistance member being formed by crossing Al wires with each other in longitudinal and lateral directions to form a grid, and having a structure in which spot-like thick portions having a thickness of 0.2-3.2 mm are formed at intersections of the Al wires and arranged in the longitudinal and lateral directions so as to be spaced apart from each other by a distance of 0.2-13 mm; and performing a hot rolling operation with respect to the thus obtained stack of the Al core member, the Al skin member and the joining assistance member, by partially fixing together those members at their peripheral portions or without fixing together those members, such that the joint interfaces is communicated with an ambient air. |
| US09718142B2 |
Method and apparatus for welding with CV control
A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length. |
| US09718136B2 |
Drill
A drill with a drill flute (12) includes symmetrical fluted lands (20) helically extend around a core, wherein grooves (18) remain between the fluted lands, said grooves having a width (72) that exceeds the spine thickness or width (24) of the fluted lands (20), and wherein the grooves (18) comprise a convex core reinforcement (22) at the groove bottom thereof. The width (24) of the fluted lands (20) at the drill head side end (16) is smaller than at the shank side end (14) of the drill helix (12), and at least increases in certain areas. The core reinforcement (22) at the drill head side end (16) is more convex than at the shank side end (14), thus has larger radii (40, 42). |
| US09718130B1 |
Illuminated and modular soft tissue retractor
A surgical retractor for illuminating a surgical field includes an ergonomic handle, a retractor blade coupled with the handle, a quick release mechanism, and an illuminator blade. The retractor blade is adapted to engage and retract tissue, and the quick release mechanism is adapted to couple the handle with the retractor blade. The illuminator blade acts as a waveguide to transmit light by total internal reflection. Light is extracted from the illuminator to illuminate the surgical field. The retractor blade is releasable from the handle without requiring uncoupling of the illuminator blade from the handle and also without requiring optical uncoupling of the illuminator blade from a light source. The retractor may also be adapted to evacuate smoke from the surgical field. |
| US09718115B2 |
Production method for a semi-finished product and semi-finished product
The production method according to the invention for creating a thread in an elongated semi-finished product comprises the following steps: shaping, especially lengthwise rolling, of at least two lengthwise grooves into a blank and lengthwise rolling of a thread into the areas circumferentially delimited by the grooves. The distance from the beds of the grooves to the axis of the blank is smaller than the distance from the root of the thread to the axis. |
| US09718113B2 |
Press-formed product
A press-formed product includes a body having a transverse cross section including a bottom portion and a shoulder portion contiguous to the bottom portion through an R end. In the transverse cross section, a first region from the R end to a position a distance away in a bottom portion extending direction, and a second region which is part of the bottom portion and is contiguous to the first region have a work-hardening distribution introduced by press-forming. The work-hardening distribution has an average hardness Hv1 of an area of the first region from a steel sheet surface to a depth obtained by multiplying a steel sheet thickness by 0.2 and an average hardness Hv2 of an area of the second region from the steel sheet surface to a position obtained by multiplying the steel sheet thickness by 0.2 to satisfy a relationship of Hv1>1.05×Hv2. |
| US09718103B2 |
Devices and methods for soil remediation
The present invention provides devices or systems and a method for remediating a soil comprising contaminants, comprising the steps of: —introducing in said soil at least one perforated column for contaminant extraction from a contaminated region of said soil; in close proximity of said at least one perforated column introducing at least one non-perforated column for providing heat to said contaminated region of said soil; providing heat to said at least one non-perforated column; extracting said contaminant vapor containing said soil contaminants out of said contaminated region of said soil into said at least one perforated column; removing said contaminant vapor from said at least one perforated column, thereby providing remediated soil; wherein said at least one perforated column and said at least one non-perforated column are connectable to at least one surface-located device comprising a combustion, a heating and control unit for heating and thereby cleaning said soil. |
| US09718095B2 |
Headlight restoration kit
A method and kit for restoration of a plastic headlight surface including the steps of conditioning a headlight surface by wet sanding with 600 grit sandpaper effective to remove a laminate coating, wiping the headlight surface with a lint free towel, cleaning the headlight surface with an alcohol treated towel, coating the headlight surface with an ultra violet light curable restoration formulation comprising aliphatic urethane acrylate in the range of 25% to 60%, a photoinitiator in the range of 1% to 5%, N-butyl acetate in the range of 5% to 25%, Toluene in the range of 3% to 15%, a Methyl isobutyl ketone in the range of 3% to 15%, a light stabilizer in the range of 1% to 5%, and includes a flow agent; and exposing the coated headlight surface to an ultra-violet light for about 2 minutes. In the preferred embodiment, the formulation includes a hydrocarbon propellant and is applied from a spray can. |
| US09718079B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating components
A dip tank is fillable with a liquid. An accommodation device accommodates components and is rotatingly drivable around an axis of rotation. The accommodation device and the dip tank are movable relative to each other to dip the components in the dip tank or to lift the components out of the dip tank. A splash guard is provided. A lifting device is arranged to move the splash guard relative to the dip tank. |
| US09718078B1 |
Piezoceramic based atomizer for high viscosity liquids
A piezoceramic based atomizer for atomizing high viscosity liquid is provided. The atomizer comprises a storing tank as a reservoir for storing the liquid, a receiving tank connecting to the storing tank, a piezoceramic based nozzle for forming micro-droplets of the liquid, and an external ultrasonic oscillation circuit. The nozzle comprises a liquid absorbing medium with at least one sunk area at one end for pumping and delivering the liquid, a holder for holding the absorbing medium, a micro-perforated membrane whose one side is attached on the side of the liquid absorbing medium having the sunk area, and an annular piezoceramic adhered to the other side of the membrane. The nozzle is configured such that the sunk area can balance the feeding rate and atomization rate of the liquid as well as hold the back pressure underneath the micro-perforated membrane, facilitating forming micro-droplets of the high viscosity liquid continuously. |
| US09718074B2 |
Spray bottle and spray bottle cap thereof
A spray bottle cap comprising a base lid, a pressing head and a protective cap. An upper end of an inner wall of the base lid is provided with a first limit rib and a first guide groove penetrating the first limit rib. The pressing head connects to the upper end of the base lid, and comprises a outlet rob, a pressing handle and a connection portion, where the outlet rod is provided with an outer thread, the lower end of the connection portion is provided with a first limit flange and a protrusion portion, and the pressing handle is provided with an anti-reversion snap parent body; the first limit flange is arranged under the first limit rib, and the protrusion portion is up-down slidable along the first guide groove and is supportable on the upper end face of the base lid. The protection cap is a double-layer structure covering the outside of the outlet rod. |
| US09718073B2 |
Pump for discharging contents
The present invention relates to a pump for discharging contents, in which a pump upper body having contents outlets formed therein is inserted into the upper part of a pump main body having a contents inlet formed therein, a pump inner body is fitted into the inside of the pump main body and the pump upper body, the pump inner body integrally includes the serving as a temporary content reservoir for temporarily storing the contents, a suction valve plate for sucking the contents, and a discharge valve protruding ring for discharging the contents, and thus the contents are discharged as the volume of the temporary content reservoir in the pump inner body is changed by vertically moving the pump upper body relative to the pump main body. |
| US09718071B2 |
Multifunctional spray machine for cold macro- and micro-spray
The invention proposed refers to a Multifunctional cold macro- and micro-spray spraying machine, techniques known as “coldspraying” and “coldfogging” done automatically and independently by a single spray machine, making it a multifunctional spray machine able to perform shock treatments and to maintain atmospheric deinsecting, disinfection, deodorizing and odorizing depending on the liquid formulation of active agents dosed. |
| US09718064B1 |
Submicron grinding mill
A vertical and horizontal mills and discs therefor for grinding particles to submicron size. The mills include two overlapping vertical barrels. Each barrel has a shaft and a plurality of circular discs attached to the shaft disposed in each barrel for grinding materials to submicron size. The discs have an open mesh design provided by overlapping rectangular blades. Each blade has at least two opposing walls orthogonal to a plane defined by the disc. Each disc on one shaft overlaps a disc on the other shaft by from 30 to 45% of the diameter of the discs. An inlet is provided for feeding material to be ground by the mill to the overlapped portion of the discs. An outlet is disposed at an end of the mill opposite the inlet for removing ground material from the mill. |
| US09718061B2 |
Instruments and method relating to thermal cycling
The present invention relates to a device for thermal cycling of biological samples, a heat sink used in such a device and a method. The heat sink comprises a base plate designed to fit in a good thermal contact against a generally planar thermoelectric element included in the device, and a plurality of heat transfer elements projecting away from the base plate. According to the invention, the heat transfer elements of the heat sink and arranged in a non-parallel configuration with respect to each other for keeping the temperature of the base plate of the heat sink spatially uniform during thermal cycling. |
| US09718059B2 |
Multi-well tray and rack therefor
System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle. |
| US09718058B2 |
Cartridges, kits, and methods for enhanced detection and quantification of analytes
Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. The reader component may communicate with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample. |
| US09718057B2 |
Microfluidic device and method thereof
A microfluidic device includes a platform with a microstructure. The microstructure include a primary channel and a plurality of chambers that open to the primary channel to enable a sample fluid that is loaded into the device via the primary channel to flow into the chambers. Each chamber has a volume that is less than tens of nanoliters and is connected by a vent to a secondary channel of the microstructure. A width of the vent is configured to enable a gas to escape from the chamber to the secondary channel while inhibiting flow of the sample fluid from the chamber into the secondary channel. |
| US09718054B2 |
Production of ethylene with nanowire catalysts
Methods for producing ethylene using nanowires as heterogeneous catalysts are provided. The method includes, for example, an oxidative coupling of methane catalyzed by nanowires to provide ethylene. |
| US09718052B2 |
Catalysts and related processes for producing optically pure beta-lactones from aldehydes and compositions produced thereby
Bi-functional cobalt-containing catalysts useful for making stereospecific compounds and compositions, along with methods of making, and uses thereof in the syntheses of optically pure β-lactones from aldehydes and ketene are described. Precursors, intermediates, compositions, and particular features of the use if the compositions, such as high enantiomeric selectivity, high yield and low mole percent of catalyst useful are provided. |
| US09718051B2 |
Zeolite SSZ-57 having enhanced large pore selectvity
The present invention is directed to an alumino-borosilicate SSZ-57 zeolite having enhanced large pore selectivity. The alumino-borosilicate SSZ-57 zeolite of the present invention is characterized as having substantially all of its aluminum atoms located within regions of the zeolite structure which form the 12 ring channels. |
| US09718049B2 |
Oxide materials and synthesis by fluoride/chloride anion promoted exfoliation
The present invention is directed to the synthesis of novel delaminated layered zeolite precursor materials prepared by fluoride/chloride anion-promoted exfoliation. The method comprises, for example, using a combination of fluoride and chloride anions at a mild pH in aqueous solution to affect delamination of a layered zeolite precursor. The method can also comprise using a combination of fluoride and chloride anions in a non-aqueous solution comprising an organic solvent. The method may be used in conjunction with either acidification or sonication, or both. The resulting delaminated zeolite precursors are then isolated. Precursors that are then isolated lack amorphous silica content. The UCB-1 product is an example of such a novel oxide material and is obtained in yields in excess of 90% without the need for sonication. |
| US09718034B1 |
Aeration device
An aeration device includes a pipe, connection members and a first connection unit which is connected to the connection member. The first connection unit includes a first connector, a first connection part, a one-way member, a second connector, a turbine unit and a shell. When air enters into the pipe, the shell guides the air and liquid in the pound into the turbine unit via the second and third rooms so as to increase the mixing feature of the air and the liquid in the pound. |
| US09718029B2 |
Serviceable bioreactor
The invention resides in an apparatus for treatment of a substance. The apparatus has a substance tube for enabling a substance to be treated to pass in to the substance tube via the substance-inlet and out of the substance tube through the substance-outlet. The apparatus also has a cleaning chamber, wherein the substance tube is configured in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber to enable a substance to diffuse the permeable membrane between the substance tube and the cleaning chamber such that a substance can be substantially cleaned by a cleaner, the substance comprising blood or plasma and the cleaner comprising a cell culture. The substance tube is removably connectable with the cleaning chamber for inter-changeability or serviceability. The apparatus can further comprise a support compartment configured to connect to, or enclosing, the cleaning chamber, which functions to carry a fluid to substantially maintain the functionality of the cleaner. |
| US09718028B2 |
Distribution plate for crossflow filtration cassettes
The invention discloses a distribution plate for supplying crossflow filtration cassettes, which comprises a surface, two opposite end walls, two opposite side walls, a feed channel in fluid communication with a feed inlet port and with a plurality of feed apertures; a retentate channel in fluid communication with a retentate outlet port, and with a plurality of retentate apertures; and a permeate channel in fluid communication with two permeate outlet ports and with a plurality of permeate apertures;wherein the feed channel, the retentate channel and the permeate channel extend in a direction essentially parallel with one or both side walls;wherein the feed apertures are grouped at a first area on the surface, the retentate apertures are grouped at a second area on the surface;wherein the permeate apertures are located at the first and/or the second area; andwherein a plurality of permeate connector channels extend inside the plate from at least one region of the permeate channel, adjacent the permeate outlet ports and the permeate connector channels provide fluidic communication between the permeate apertures and the permeate channel. |
| US09718025B2 |
Reducing hydrochloric acid in cement kilns
The description relates to reducing hydrochloric acid in cement kilns. In one aspect, an aqueous copper-based chloride remediator is introduced into contact with combustion gases from a cement kiln. Injection is made into a defined introduction zone under conditions effective for HCl emissions control wherein the temperature is within the range of from 300° F. to 800° F., preferably from 550° F. to 750° F. The resulting gases are discharged from the defined zone following sufficient reaction time to reduce the HCl concentration in the gases. |
| US09718022B2 |
Device for producing purified oxygen
A device for producing purified oxygen, has a feed (1, 1′) of a mixture of oxygen and argon, and has at least one bed (2, 2A, 2B) of oxygen adsorption material, a purge (3, 3′) for discharging the separated argon and a circuit (4, 4′) for injecting a portion of the purified oxygen produced, into the feed (1, 1′). The device has a programmable logic controller (PLC) for treating the degree of purity and/or the production flow rate that can be set by the user and a control of said purge (3, 3′) as a function of the degree of purity of the purified oxygen and/or of the production flow rate which are desired by the user. |
| US09718020B2 |
Waved filter media and elements
Various high performance, high efficiency filter media are provided that are cost effective and easy to manufacture. In particular, various filter media are provided having at least one layer with a waved configuration that results in an increased surface area, thereby enhancing various properties of the filter media. The filter media can be used to form a variety of filter elements for use in various applications. |
| US09718017B2 |
Multi-filter chemical speciation sampler and virtual impaction particle separation inlet therefore
A multi-filter chemical speciation sampler and a virtual impaction particle separation inlet therefore are provided. The inlet includes a housing having a bottom, a collection tube that extends through the bottom, and collection apertures formed in the bottom, arranged around the collection tube; a first plate disposed on top of the housing, having acceleration nozzles disposed at the perimeter thereof; a second plate disposed in the housing below the first plate, having a central aperture and separation apertures disposed around the central aperture. The sampler includes: an inlet; a virtual impaction separator to further fractionate the PM into a course fraction and a fine fraction; a first separation assembly to divide the course fraction into coarse aliquots, comprising first filters to collect the coarse aliquots; a second separation assembly to divide the fine fraction into fine aliquots, comprising second filters to collect the fine aliquots. |
| US09718016B2 |
Apparatus for extracting radioactive solid particles and method thereof
An apparatus is provided to extract radioactive solid particles. An extracting nozzle is used to extract radioactive solid particles. Then, a separator is used to separate out the radioactive solid particles into a storing container. The radioactive solid particles are avoided from entering a suction pump. Not only the suction pump is not polluted, but also the secondary waste is not increased. By designing a falling inlet of a suction channel at a position having a specific height, the amount of the radioactive solid particles being extracted is under control. There is a radiation-protection device outside of the storing container to minimize radiation dose. The separator and the storing container can be rapidly detached by remote operation, so that operators are avoided from receiving over-dose radiation. Hence, the present invention improves the level of technology and automation for handling radioactive waste. |
| US09718014B2 |
Device and method for cleaning bag filters
A device configured for cleaning bag filters with compressed air comprises a frame having a hollow interior defining a wall of the frame and openings formed through a thickness of the wall so that the hollow interior is in open communication with an environment external to the frame. A mounting member is configured to be releaseably or permanently attached to one end of the frame and is further configured to be releaseably or permanently attached to a member configured to pass air flow therethrough. |
| US09718012B2 |
Fine fiber media layer
Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials. |
| US09718007B2 |
Modular stormwater filtration
A modular drainage filtration apparatus comprising a filtration container having an open-ended structure with a shape determined by the number of walls used during assembly, each wall being formed from a generally flat sheet of a rigid material and comprising a flat body portion with a plurality of formed tabs and an upper and lower overhanging portion, the walls being assembled to form a filtration container enclose an interior region and having open and opposite upper and lower faces and a plurality of filtration units each comprising a flat filter stage configured to be placed within a filtration container. |
| US09718005B2 |
Fuel filter of an internal combustion engine, and filter element of a fuel filter
Disclosed is a fuel filter (10) for fuel, in particular diesel fuel, of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, and to a filter element of such a fuel filter. A housing (12) has at least one fuel inlet (26) for the fuel to be cleaned, at least one fuel outlet (18) for cleaned fuel, and at least one water outlet (30) for water which has been separated from the fuel. The filter element (36) is arranged in the housing (12), said filter element sealingly separating the fuel inlet (26) from the fuel outlet (18). The filter element (36) has a filter medium (38) which is designed as a hollow body and which can be permeated from the inside to the outside or from the outside to the inside in order to filter the fuel. The filter element (36) has a coalescing medium (58) designed as a hollow body for separating water contained in the fuel. The coalescing medium (58) is arranged downstream of the filter medium (38) in the flow path (78) of the fuel, around said filter medium, or in the interior (45) delimited by the filter medium. The coalescing medium (58) includes at least one regenerated-fiber coalescing system consisting of a coalescing material (60) which is suitable for coalescing water and which has at least 20 wt. % of regenerated fibers, preferably at least 50 wt. %. |
| US09718000B2 |
Apparatus and method for material treatment of raw materials
The invention relates to an apparatus for the material treatment of raw materials. The apparatus has a heating system, a distillation unit and a reaction unit to be loaded with the raw materials for treatment. The heating system can be opened and closed to be fitted with the reaction unit. The heating system comprises a top element and a jacket element firmly connected to the top element, and supporting elements. The length of the support elements can be varied in the vertical direction, between two end positions, the heating system can be opened and closed in the vertical direction of movement. The invention further relates to a method for operating an apparatus for the material treatment of raw materials. |
| US09717998B2 |
Double-sided toy car
A double-sided toy vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a driven wheel set, a first driving wheel set and a second driving wheel set, in which the transmission mechanism comprises a reverse gear, a double gear, a transition gear, a first output gear and a second output gear; the reverse gear meshes with a rotating shaft gear of an electrical motor of the driving mechanism, and provided with an axial gear protruding axially and meshing with a first gear of the double gear; the double gear is provided at a position between the first output gear and the second output gear, achieving transmission of power of the electrical motor; the first output gear meshes with a second gear of the double gear through the transition gear, and the second output gear directly meshes with the second gear of the double gear to achieve the transmission. |
| US09717997B2 |
Method to render global 5 DoF motion effect with multiple local force-feedback
In order to generate force feedback data for a haptic device for providing simulated six degrees of freedom movement, a three dimensional acceleration component corresponding to the movement to be simulated is determined, a three dimensional velocity component corresponding to the movement to be simulated is determined and control signals for controlling at least three force feedback devices are determined, wherein each of the three force feedback devices provides three dimensional force effects to a fixation point associated to each of it, the three force feedback devices being arranged at defined positions with regard to each other, and the three fixation points define a geometric plane. |
| US09717996B1 |
Single-side-clamped slide
A single-side-clamped slide has a slide body and a fixing assembly. The fixing assembly has a connecting rod mounted on the slide body, and at least one clamping unit. Each clamping unit has a hook and an abutter mounted through and screwed with the hook. When in use, the clamping unit is mounted around a rear side of a tread of an open riser stairway, and abuts downward against a top surface of the tread. Then, the abutter is rotated until tightly abutting upward against a bottom of the tread, such that the clamping unit and the abutter securely clamp the tread. Therefore, the fixing assembly can be stably connected to the tread even though only clamping the rear side of the tread. In addition, the slide can be adapted to treads with different front-rear lengths since the fixing assembly only clamps one single side of the tread. |
| US09717992B2 |
Invalidating network devices with illicit peripherals
A system and method for passively validating network game users is provided. Data indicative of game behavior and actions at one or more nodes interacting with a network game in a network game community are monitored. The data is evaluated to determine whether the one or more nodes are adhering to one or more rules associated with the network game. Data indicative of illicit game behavior may trigger various responses including invalidation of the node engaged in the illicit behavior. Alternatively, a query may be generated to further identify the nature and/or actual existence of illicit behavior at the node. Monitoring of game data may occur at a server, a peer, as part of a peer group or combinations thereof, which may be based on routine schedule or part of constant game behavior monitoring. |
| US09717990B2 |
Network game system for executing event in network game
A network game system includes a server apparatus and a plurality of video game apparatuses connected to the server apparatus. A party includes player characters of a plurality of players. When the party battles with an opponent character, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits movie playback information to each video game apparatus for starting playback of a movie. Each of the players can skip the movie at a desired timing. A screen is displayed on each video game apparatus that has skipped the movie until the battle starts. When information is received from each video game apparatus that indicates playback of the movie has ended, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits battle start information to each video game apparatus. |
| US09717984B1 |
Method of modifying locations
The subject matter discloses in a virtual location in an interactive multiplayer game of an online or mobile environment, modeling a real world area of real estate, wherein operations by players of the interactive game influence development of the real estate, a method comprising: receiving from a plurality of players of the interactive game a plurality of requests for modifying the virtual location; The requests include operation; selecting an operation from the operations included in the requests according to a rule and processing the selected operation for modifying the virtual location. |
| US09717983B1 |
Race management system
A race management system is described. In one aspect, a race is chosen and an interested/committed selection is made. If “interested” is selected, the race management system prioritizes races, updates and displays a race menu, and updates and displays an interested/committed list. A TEL (Tentative Entry List) database can notify trainers when they have horses that are interested in a race that has made the TEL. Updates are sent to and/or received from the TEL database. If “committed” is selected, the race management system executes similar steps as if “interested” was selected. In another aspect, a one-day TEL template is uploaded, protocol races are inserted into the template, and prioritized races are transferred from the TEL database to the template. Based on this prioritization, the one-day TEL is constructed. |
| US09717982B2 |
Client rendering of latency sensitive game features
Embodiments of the present invention split game processing and rendering between a client and a game server. A rendered video game image is received from a game server and combined with a rendered image generated by the game client to form a single video game image that is presented to a user. Game play may be controlled using a rich sensory input, such as three-dimensional image data and audio data. The three-dimensional image data describes the shape, size and orientation of objects present in a play space. The rich sensory input is communicated to a game server, potentially with some preprocessing, and is also consumed locally on the client, at least in part. In one embodiment, latency sensitive features are the only features processed on the client and rendered on the client. |
| US09717980B2 |
Optical system for a roulette wheel
In a first aspect, there is described an optical system for monitoring a ball play volume of a roulette wheel. The optical system comprises an electronic image detector and a reflector arranged to reflect light from a ball play volume of a roulette wheel onto the electronic image detector. The electronic image detector is configured to form an image of the ball play volume from the reflected light. In a second aspect, there is described a method of monitoring a ball play volume of a roulette wheel. The method comprises the steps of using a reflector to reflect light from the ball play volume, and forming an image of the ball play volume from the reflected light. In a third aspect, there is described a method of manufacturing an optical system for monitoring a ball play volume of a roulette wheel. The method comprises the steps of providing an electronic image detector, and providing a reflector arranged to reflect light from a ball play volume of a roulette wheel onto the electronic image detector. |
| US09717974B2 |
Pole and support base assembly
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure describe a pole and base assembly. The pole and base assembly includes a pole with an upper engagement portion and a lower engagement portion that are biased toward each other. A base includes a socket to receive the pole and a channel that allows the lower engagement portion to pass through the base. The upper engagement portion is retained on the top surface of the base. When the lower engagement portion is passed through the socket and aligned with a locking portion, the biasing force causes the upper and lower engagement portions to clamp together around the base and lock the pole to the base. |
| US09717973B2 |
Basketball stopping wall
The present disclosure provides a basketball stopping apparatus arranged for attachment to a basketball goal assembly. In some embodiments, the basketball stopping apparatus is configurable between a first position and a second position, the first position being arranged for the deflection of errant basketball shots and the second position being arranged for storage of the basketball stopping apparatus before and/or after use. Additionally, some embodiments include a wall coupled to base arms that are pivotably mounted to a bottom end of the basketball goal assembly. |
| US09717966B1 |
Golf accessory support system
A support device is formed in a Y-shaped configuration having a lower assembly and upper arms and a ring coupled to lower extents of the upper arms and to an upper extent of the lower assembly. The upper arms include two gypsy studs attached to the upper arms remote from the ring. The gypsy studs are removably attachable to a golf bag. The lower assembly includes an upper section with upper and lower ends. The lower assembly includes a lower section with upper and lower ends. The lower assembly includes a release mechanism separably coupling the upper and lower sections. A clip is attached to the lower end of the lower section for removably receiving and supporting a golf accessory. |
| US09717963B2 |
Golf club shaft
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club shaft having excellent strength. The present invention provides a golf club shaft made of a fiber-reinforced epoxy resin material comprising a cured product of an epoxy resin composition and a reinforcing fiber, wherein the epoxy resin composition comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a bisphenol A type epoxy resin, a bisphenol F type epoxy resin and a novolac type epoxy resin, and a tetraglycidyl type epoxy resin as an epoxy resin component, and the cured product of the epoxy resin composition has a swelling ratio in a range from 20 mass % to 44 mass % in methyl ethyl ketone. |
| US09717962B1 |
Golf club head with center of gravity adjustability that optimizes products of inertia
The present invention comprises a golf club head comprising a body having a crown, a sole, a front wall and a hosel, wherein the body defines a hollow interior. The golf club head further comprises a center of gravity height adjustment assembly wherein the center of gravity height adjustment assembly is positioned within the hollow interior of the body. The products of inertia (Ixz and Iyz) of the golf club head have an absolute value below 100 g-cm2. |
| US09717957B2 |
Multi-layer core golf ball
A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core consists of: a solid inner core layer formed from an unfoamed thermoplastic composition and having a diameter of 1.10 inch or less and a center Shore C hardness (Hcenter) of 50 or less, one or more optional intermediate core layers, and an outer core layer formed from an unfoamed thermoset composition and having a thickness of 0.200 inches or greater and an outer surface Shore C hardness (Houter surface) of 70 or greater, wherein Houter surface>Hcenter, and Houter surface−Hcenter≧40. |
| US09717956B2 |
Stiff core golf ball and methods of making same
A golf ball is provided that has a spherical core exhibiting a stiffness from 400 MPa to 200 GPa. The stiffness of the core may be controlled by adjusting the materials of construction and the ratio of the materials. This results in a golf ball that is legal for play and capable of drive distances essentially equivalent to those of currently-available high performance golf balls, but also provides a golf ball that has less hook and slice during play. |
| US09717953B1 |
Ergonomic swimming hand paddle
A swim training paddle for swimmer's hands having: a plate member with a first surface and an opposed second surface and a leading edge and a trailing edge; the opposed first surface and second surface being separated by a leading edge and a trailing edge on opposed ends thereof; the plate member formed to mount to the swimmer's hand with the first surface contacting the players hand; at least two elastic strips forming each forming separate arcs on the first surface and extending out of the second surface; the plate member covering all phalanges and metacarpal bones in swimmers' hands secured to the plate member have an area inset into the plate above the wrist above the ulna so flexing and pronating of the wrist does not allow the trailing edge to be forced into wrist within 2 cm of the ulna. |
| US09717952B2 |
Resistance apparatus, system, and method
A resistance exercise system having, in certain embodiments, a DC power supply system, a DC motor connected to the DC power supply system, a drive section connected to a drive element, a resistance delivery element connected to the drive element, and an extractable exercise resistance delivery section, a predetermined variable resistance section intermediate the DC power supply system and DC motor, an electrical condition sensor, and a variable resistance section control in communication with the electrical condition sensor and the predetermined variable resistance section. In some embodiments, the resistance exercise system includes a computing facility providing the ability to configure the exercise system to provide predetermined static or variable exercise resistance during exercise, and for example, during a positive or negative exercise stroke. Some embodiments allow users to create and, if desired, display varying and complex resistance exercise routines with or without use of resistance weights. |
| US09717947B2 |
Climbing exerciser machine with adjustable inclination
A climbing exercise machine with adjustable inclination includes a frame, an exercising unit including pair of arm members respectively pivotally mounted to the frame, a pedal unit including a pair of pedal shafts respectively pivotally connected to the arm members, a damper including a rotatable wheel with an axle and adapted for providing damping to the pedal unit, a guide unit including a pair of cranks respectively fixedly connected to opposite ends of the axle of the rotatable wheel and respectively pivotally connected to the pedal shafts, a pair of rockers respectively pivotally connected to the cranks and a pair of links respectively pivotally connected to the rockers, and an adjusting unit mounted to the frame and adapted for driving the links to adjust the distance between a rear pivoting portion of each rocker and the frame and to achieve adjustment of the inclination of the climbing exercise machine. |
| US09717941B2 |
Exercise device
An exercise apparatus for use by a person on a support surface comprises a base that includes a bottom side and a top side, the top side having a rigid support mechanism projecting upwardly therefrom. A weight has a first side and a second side and is adapted for rotational engagement with the support mechanism of the base between a first position on one side of the support mechanism and a second position on an opposing side of the support mechanism. Multiple standoffs projecting upwardly from the base are each adapted to contact and support the weight when in either the first position or the second position, defining a gap between the weight and the base to facilitate the gripping of the weight by the person. At least one auxiliary weight support may be included to receive at least one auxiliary weight thereon. |
| US09717938B2 |
Fire and smoke compositions and the processes of making them
A sodium polyacrylate and distilled water composition for fire and smoke prevention, suppression or extinction, and methods of making and using the same. |
| US09717937B2 |
Sprinkler deflector
A sprinkler assembly including a fluid deflecting structure including a plurality of spaced apart tines defining a plurality of slots. The tines include a first pair of symmetric tines and a second pair of symmetric tines disposed orthogonally to the first pair of symmetric tines. The plurality of slots includes a group of asymmetric slots each having a first portion with a constant width and a second portion with a variable width radially outward of the first portion of the asymmetric slot. |
| US09717936B2 |
Sprinkler assembly
A sprinkler assembly that includes a frame having a body including an inlet, an outlet and an internal passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet to define a longitudinal sprinkler axis. Two frame arms extend distally from the body, and each arm has a portion defining a cross-sectional area with a lateral surface and a medial surface spaced about a first plane bisecting the body with the sprinkler axis disposed in the first plane. An axially aligned thermally responsive glass-bulb type trigger is disposed along the sprinkler axis. The cross-sectional areas of the frame arms are asymmetrical with respect to one another about the first plane and each cross-sectional area is asymmetric about a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The lateral surface of each arm includes an undulation to provide the sprinkler assembly with substantially consistent thermal sensitivity about the sprinkler axis. |
| US09717935B2 |
Venting assembly for wet pipe fire protection sprinkler system
A wet pipe fire protection sprinkler system and method of operating a wet pipe fire sprinkler system includes providing a sprinkler system having a pipe network, a source of water for the pipe network, at least one sprinkler head connected with the pipe network and a drain valve for draining the pipe network. An inert gas source, such as a nitrogen gas source, is connected with the pipe network. Inert gas is supplied from the inert gas source to the pipe network. Water is supplied to the pipe network thereby substantially filling the pipe network with water and compressing the inert gas in the pipe network. |
| US09717929B2 |
Dentifrice compositions containing calcium silicate and a basic amino acid
An oral care composition includes an effective amount of a basic amino acid in free or salt form; and an effective amount of calcium silicate particles. The calcium silicate particles have an average diameter of less than about 5 microns, such that they can occlude dentinal tubules of the teeth. An oral care method includes applying the composition to an oral cavity of a subject to reduce or inhibit hypersensitivity of the teeth and to achieve other benefits. |
| US09717927B2 |
Electromagnetic radiation targeting devices, assemblies, systems and methods
The present application is directed to devices, assemblies, systems and methods for targeting one or more sites with electromagnetic radiation. The devices, assemblies and systems are operationally configured to transform and convey electromagnetic radiation to one or more targeted sites. The devices, assemblies and systems may also convey one or more fluids or fluid solutions to the one or more targeted sites. |
| US09717926B2 |
Double helix conductor with eight connectors and counter-rotating fields
An electrical system including a body may have a structure resembling a double helix having twisted conductive wires wound around both helical structures. The electrical system may be used to produce useful electromagnetic effects for various applications, including providing therapy and promoting growth of living organisms. |
| US09717924B2 |
External defibrillator with shock activated by cessation of precordial compressions
A defibrillator having a pair of electrodes for delivering an artifact-compensated defibrillation shock and a method thereof is provided. The defibrillator can be deployed rapidly while administering a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the patient. Upon detection of an end of the CPR operation, a correlation signal indicative of signal corruption is detected and analyzed rapidly to determine an appropriate energy level discharged across the pair of electrodes. Thereafter, a notification signal is sent to the user of the defibrillator prior to delivering the defibrillation shock to the patient. The artifact-compensated defibrillation shock is delivered if for a predetermined period of time no movement is detected. |
| US09717916B2 |
System for determination and utilization of cardiac electrical asynchrony data
One embodiment provides a system for determination and utilization of cardiac electrical asynchrony data. The system includes an analysis circuitry including a processor and a memory, the analysis circuitry configured to: obtain a plurality of sets of cardiac signals collected in at least two locations of a heart of a patient, the signals comprising at least one of surface electrocardiography signals and pseudo-surface ECG signals; detect one or more QRS complexes for each of the sets based on the cardiac signals for that set; obtain one or more cross-correlation signals, each of the cross-correlation signals being between at least two of the signal sets and being obtained using the detected QRS complexes from the signal sets; and calculate one or more asynchrony indices using one or more of the cross-correlation signals, each of the asynchrony indices being indicative of a level of asynchrony between the at least two locations. |
| US09717913B2 |
Technique for determining electrode current distribution
A system and method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient. A virtual multipole configuration is defined relative to the plurality of electrodes. The distance between each of a group of the electrodes and a virtual pole of the virtual multipole configuration is determined. A stimulation amplitude distribution is determined for the electrode group based on the determined distances, thereby emulating the virtual multipole configuration. Electrical energy is conveyed from the electrode group in accordance with the computed stimulation amplitude distribution. |
| US09717903B1 |
Electronic process to restore, improve and/or strengthen the libido; method to mend the sex drive in males and females
Methods to restore and/or improve the libido, the sex drive, in males and females, without introducing any external unnatural drugs. The process utilizes a TENS/EMS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation/Electronic Muscle Stimulation) machine to naturally generate the increased production by the human body's nerve fiber's neurotransmitters. |
| US09717902B2 |
Pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system
A pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system. The lead includes a lead body with a hollow sheath of deformable material, having a central lumen open at both ends, and at least one telescopic microcable of conductive material. The microcable slides along the length of the lead body and extends beyond the distal end thereof. The part emerging beyond the distal end is an active free part comprising a plurality of distinct bare areas, intended to come into contact with the wall of a target vein of the coronary system, so as to form a network of stimulation electrodes electrically connected together in parallel. The microcable further comprises, proximally, a connector to a generator of active implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or a resynchronizer. |
| US09717898B2 |
Systems and methods for implanting a medical electrical lead
Implant tools and techniques for implantation of a medical lead, catheter or other implantable component are provided. The implant tools and techniques are particularly useful in implanting medical electrical leads in implant locations such as substernal spaces or subcutaneous locations. The implant tools include a sheath coupled to a sealing device. The sheath includes a continuous lumen that is in fluid communication with a passage of the sealing device. The lead is advanced through the passage and the lumen for placement of the distal end of the lead at the implant location. |
| US09717894B2 |
Fixation and protection of an implanted medical device
Fixation and protective components for use with implantable medical devices, such as access ports and catheters, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve is employed about a catheter so as to distribute compressive loads and ensure patency of the catheter lumen, even in areas prone to pinch-off. A catheter assembly in one embodiment thus comprises an elongate catheter tube that defines at least one lumen. A protective mesh sleeve is disposed about an external portion of the catheter tube so as to cover at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube. The protective sleeve is configured to distribute a compressive load on the catheter tube so as to ensure patency of the at least one lumen of the catheter tube. |
| US09717892B2 |
Dispensing applicator for fluids
A liquid dispensing applicator may include a liquid source for housing a liquid. An absorbent member may be adjacent to a proximal end of the liquid source, and may be configured to deliver the liquid to an external surface. An attachment member may secure the absorbent member to the liquid source, and may include a through passage to allow the liquid to flow from the liquid source into the absorbent member. A rigid member may extend outwardly from the attachment member into the absorbent member. A shield member may be positioned adjacent to the attachment member and may extend from the attachment member so as to be positioned within the absorbent member. A capillary tube may be configured to provide fluid communication between the liquid source and the liquid dispenser upon application of pressure to the liquid source. |
| US09717889B2 |
Endovascular devices and methods for exploiting intramural space
The present disclosure is directed to a device. The device may include a distal shaft defining a central lumen and an orienting element comprising at least one inflatable member. Wherein a first portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a first direction and a second portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a second direction. Further, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction. |
| US09717888B2 |
Guidewire clamp and introducer
A guidewire for medical procedures can be maintained in a coiled configuration with a clamp. Multiple clamped and coiled guidewires may be stored in a fluid-filled, storage bowl concurrently. Different clamps may have different colors to differentiate the clamps and clamped guidewires. The clamps may be markable to provide additional differentiation. The clamps can further comprise a guidewire introduction funnel and/or a guidewire torquer. |
| US09717884B2 |
Catheter
A catheter that prevents excessive concentration of stress while providing sufficient flexibility to a distal end portion of the catheter, even when the catheter is inserted and curved in patient's a blood vessel. Thus, breakage of the catheter at a radiopaque marker is prevented/reduced. The catheter includes a catheter tube and the radiopaque marker, which is disposed in the catheter tube. The radiopaque marker is fixed in the catheter so that a gap is provided between the radiopaque marker and the catheter tube in a radial direction of the catheter tube. |
| US09717882B2 |
Multi-lumen catheters and related methods of manufacture
A method of making a multi-lumen catheter may include disposing an outer surface of a mandrel against an outer surface of a first catheter; disposing a first heat shrink material around the first catheter and the mandrel; heating the first catheter and the mandrel to form a U-shaped channel along the outer surface of the first catheter; removing the first heat shrink material and the mandrel from the first catheter; placing a second catheter into the U-shaped channel; disposing a second heat shrink material around the first catheter and the second catheter such that the second catheter is retained within the U-shaped channel; and heating the first catheter and the second catheter to cause reflow between the first catheter and the second catheter to form the multi-lumen catheter. |
| US09717880B2 |
Personal airway humidification apparatus and method
A personal airway humidification apparatus includes means for generating a heated air laden with gaseous (molecular) water. The personal airway humidification apparatus further includes an accumulator coupled to the generating means for retaining a volume of the gaseous water-laden heated air prior to being delivered by natural breathing to a user and a delivery tube coupled to the accumulator. The delivery tube has a sufficiently large diameter bore to enable the user's natural breathing to draw the gaseous water-laden heated air from the accumulator and through the delivery tube. The personal airway humidification apparatus also includes a one-way valve coupled to the delivery tube for venting exhalations of the user to atmosphere and preventing the exhalations from being exhaled back into the delivery tube and an interface device by which the gaseous water-laden heated air enters the user's mouth from the delivery tube. |
| US09717877B2 |
Apparatus for supplying high-concentration hydrogen gas for living organism
An apparatus includes an electrolytic cell having an electrolytic chamber to which subject raw water is introduced, at least one membrane that separates inside and outside of the electrolytic chamber, and at least one pair of electrode plates provided in the inside and the outside of the electrolytic chamber so as to sandwich the membrane, the electrode plate in the outside of the electrolytic chamber being provided to be in contact with the membrane; a direct-current power source that applies a direct-current voltage to the pair of electrode plates; and a diluent gas supplier for diluting hydrogen gas generated from the electrode plate that is to be a cathode, wherein the apparatus blows diluent gas supplied from the diluent gas supplier to the cathode thereby to constantly maintain a hydrogen gas concentration in the vicinity of the cathode during electrolysis at lower than 18.3 vol % so that mixed gas comprising the hydrogen gas and the diluent gas and having a hydrogen gas concentration of 0.1 to 18.3 vol % is supplied to a living organism. |
| US09717876B2 |
Dual oxygen concentrator systems and methods
Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system that includes a home oxygen concentrator system couplable to a portable oxygen concentrator system. |
| US09717871B2 |
Patient interface device having multi-chamber adjustable cushion, and apparatus and method for adjusting same
A cushion member (12, 12′, 12″) for a patient interface device (4) that includes a main body portion (34) including a plurality of chambers (48) and a self-sealing cap portion (36) coupled to the main body portion. The cap portion covers each of the chambers and forms a plurality of membrane members (52), with each membrane member being positioned over and sealing a respective one of the chambers. The cap portion is made of a self-sealing material such that that each of the membrane members is structured to self-seal responsive to having a needle inserted through and pulled out of the membrane member. Also, an apparatus and a method for selectively adjusting the internal pressure of the chambers of such a cushion. |
| US09717868B2 |
Obesity hypventilation syndrome treatment system and method
A pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered to the airway of a subject in accordance with a therapy regimen. The therapy regimen calls for maintenance of an average tidal volume. The therapy ensures that the subject breaths at a therapeutic breath rate. The breath rate may be determined dynamically based on breathing of the subject early on in a therapy session and/or based on a detected wakefulness of the subject. Inspiration for spontaneous and non-spontaneous breaths may be supported at different levels. The therapy regimen further maintains a beneficial positive end expiratory pressure, to reduce respiratory obstructions and/or for other purposes. |
| US09717867B2 |
Method for operating an aerosol inhalation device and aerosol inhalation device
In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol inhalation device (10), comprising the steps of transporting a certain amount of an aerosol to a desired location outside said device (10) and vibrating the transported aerosol when it has reached said desired location. In a second aspect, the invention relates to an aerosol inhalation device (10) comprising a pump (1) for flowing a certain amount of an aerosol to a desired location outside the device (10), a vibrator (2) for vibrating the transported aerosol in a vibration mode and a control configured to actuate the vibrator (2) for vibrating the flowed aerosol only when it has reached said desired location. |
| US09717866B2 |
Powder inhaler devices
An improved inhalation device is provided for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device includes a staple assembly comprising a plunger and staple that are securely and robustly coupled to one another. Embodiments of the inhalation device have a cap that prevents or reduces the amount of dust and grime entering into the device. The cap is additionally configured to prevent or reduce inadvertent and unintentional operation of the device. The body portion and first casing portion of certain embodiments of the inhalation device are sealably coupled, restricting or reducing undesirable flow pathways that have an adverse effect on the operation of the device. |
| US09717860B2 |
Needle changing apparatus
An apparatus is disclosed for storing and changing needles for connection with a medicament delivery device, comprising an inner housing, a reservoir disposed within the inner housing, and a needle holder disposed within the inner housing, for fluidly connecting a medicament container of the medicament delivery device with the reservoir. The apparatus also includes a plurality of patient needles displaceably disposed on the needle holder, and an outer housing displaceably disposed about the inner housing and providing a user interface to individually select one of the plurality of patient needles, connect the selected needle with the reservoir, expose the selected needle outside of the apparatus for injection, and store the selected needle. |
| US09717852B2 |
Cartridge holder and pen-type injector
A cartridge holder for a drug delivery device is presented having snap fastening connection means to fasten the cartridge holder to a housing of the drug delivery device, wherein the fastening connection means are provided with at least on basically rectangular window for receiving a locking element of said housing. The invention is further directed to a pen-type injector equipped with a respective snap fastening connection for the cartridge holder. |
| US09717851B2 |
Autoinjector
An autoinjector having a lower body receiving a tank containing fluid product and a piston and a needle. The autoinjector including a central body fastened to the lower body and an actuating sleeve provided with a contact end that contacts the body of the user, the actuating sleeve moveable between a projected position and an actuation position. The actuating sleeve is in a projected position prior to and after actuation of the autoinjector, an injection mechanism is provided to inject the fluid product through the needle when the needle is in an injection position in which it is inserted in the body of the user. The autoinjector includes a tank movement device to move the needle towards the injection position, the tank movement device triggering the injection mechanism only after the needle has reached its injection position. |
| US09717848B2 |
Data derived pre-bolus delivery
A medical therapy system to deliver a pre-bolus volume of medicant is disclosed. The medical therapy system includes an infusion pump that has a case containing a processor, memory, a drive mechanism, a reservoir, communication hardware and a sensor system. The infusion pump further includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver to determine GPS coordinates of the infusion pump. The GPS receiver is coupled to the processor that executes stored program instructions to provide notification for confirmation to deliver a pre-bolus volume from the reservoir when the GPS coordinates of the infusion pump are within a specified proximity of GPS coordinates of a saved location. |
| US09717845B2 |
Geofencing for medical devices
A medical therapy system for delivering at least two therapies based on a geographic location of the medical therapy system is disclosed. The medical therapy system includes an infusion pump having a case that contains a processor, memory, a drive mechanism, a reservoir, a radio, and a sensor suite. The sensor suite includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver to determine a location of the infusion pump. The processor receives the location of the infusion pump and executes first instructions stored in the memory. The processor executes second instructions stored in the memory only when the location of the infusion pump is within a safe zone defined around specified GPS coordinates. |
| US09717843B2 |
Packaging system for analyte sensors
A system and method are provided for packaging and sterilizing analyte sensors. The packaging system provides a structure for securing the analyte sensors in a fixed position and fixed orientation within the package. |
| US09717841B2 |
Closed-circuit device and methods for isolation, modification, and re-administration of specific constituents from a biological fluid source
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the isolation, modification and re-administration of a molecule or biomolecule, or a class of biomolecules, from the body fluid of a mammal via an extracorporeal closed circuit device. The device is able to capture and modify the biomolecule by the covalent or non-covalent attachment of a secondary molecule or protein, by cross-linking the captured molecule, or by altering the structure of the molecule (for example, by deglycosylation, peptide cleavage, or aggregation). The apparatus can be used to return the modified molecule or biomolecule to the mammalian subject. The device and methods may be utilized for the patient-specific diagnosis and/or treatment of a disease state which presents an associated molecule or protein in plasma or any other fluidized physiological system.The methods and apparatus may also be employed as a closed system allowing the on-line purification and/or modification of a target molecule or biomolecule from a fluid source such as a bioreactor or perfusion bioreactor. |
| US09717839B2 |
Extracorporeal circulation device
An extracorporeal blood circulator includes a control unit and a speed manipulation section. A rotation display section displays a lower limit rotation setting value of a pump motor in accordance with a command of the control unit. The lower limit rotation speed setting value is a minimum rotation speed for preventing backflow of blood inside a circulation circuit A manually adjusted speed setting request from the manipulation section controls the pump speed, except that the controller enforces the lower limit speed setting unless receiving confirmation from a manipulator. |
| US09717838B2 |
Method and system for collecting leukoreduced red blood cells
A method and system for collecting leukoreduced red blood cells employing a spinning membrane separator including a housing having an upper end region and a lower end region in an operating position with a red blood cell outlet in the upper end region of the housing and a whole blood inlet in the lower end region of the housing. The method and system provide for flowing additive solution into the whole blood inlet of the housing to prime the separator; flowing whole blood into the whole blood inlet of the housing; separating red blood cells from the whole blood; flowing separated red blood cells out of the red blood cell outlet of the housing; combining the separated red blood cells with additive solution: passing the separated red blood cells and additive solution combination through a leukoreduction filter; and collecting the filtered red blood cells and additive solution. |
| US09717834B2 |
Blood treatment systems and methods
Dialysis systems are disclosed comprising new fluid flow circuits. Systems may include blood and dialysate flow paths, where the dialysate flow path includes balancing, mixing, and/or directing circuits. Dialysate preparation may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and urge blood back to the patient may be included for certain emergency situations Fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, and mixers that can be actuated using a control fluid, may be included. Control fluid may be delivered by an external pump or other device, which may be detachable and/or generally rigid, optionally with a diaphragm dividing the device into first and second compartments. |
| US09717832B2 |
Axial flow rotor with downstream bearing wash flow
An implantable blood pump includes an impeller rotatable about a rotational axis, having a body with a bottom surface at a downstream end and a central opening centered about the axis extending at least partially through the body from the bottom surface. A projecting element, e.g., a shaft, extends from below the bottom surface into or through the opening to support the impeller. The body can be configured to drive a primary downstream blood flow along an exterior of the body to beyond a peripheral edge of the bottom surface, and to provide a secondary downstream blood flow through the opening and along the bottom surface to beyond the peripheral edge, the secondary flow improving washing of a bearing surface. |
| US09717820B2 |
Procoagulant peptides and their derivatives and uses therefor
The present invention is directed to a hemostatic or tissue sealing material having (a) a peptide having a sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid analog sequence thereof, and (b) a scaffold for said peptide or amino acid analogue sequence. The scaffold is preferably hemostatic, such as a natural or genetically engineered absorbable polymer, a synthetic absorbable polymer, or combinations thereof. The natural or genetically engineered absorbable polymers can be selected from the group consisting of a protein, a polysaccharide, or combinations thereof. |
| US09717819B2 |
Polyurea-based fabric glue
The present invention relates to a polyurea system, the use of such a polyurea system for sealing, linking, gluing, or covering of cellular tissue, and a dosing system having two chambers for a polyurea system such as this. The polyurea system comprises as components: A) an isocyanate-functioning prepolymer, which can be derived by reacting aliphatic isocyanates with polyoles, and B) an amino-functioning ester of aspartic acid. According to the invention, water and/or tertiary amine is added to the system, in order to increase the reacting speed of the prepolymer with the amino-functioning ester of aspartic acid while decreasing the setting time at the same time. |
| US09717817B2 |
Binary odor control system for absorbent articles
Cellulosic pulp structures integrating unreacted quantities of an inorganic peroxide and a destabilizing acid, as binary components of an odor control system, absorbent articles incorporating such structures, and various methods of forming the same, are disclosed herein. The components are adapted to react in the presence of an aqueous fluid to produce hydrogen peroxide, thereby providing an antimicrobial and odor mitigating effect. |
| US09717814B2 |
Dispensing device
A volatile material dispensing system includes a frame having a front face and a rear face. A first magnetic element is disposed on the frame. A reservoir containing a volatile material is provided. A second magnetic element is disposed on the reservoir. |
| US09717813B2 |
Electrical heating device for evaporating volatile substances with adjustable evaporation rate
An electrical heating evaporator for evaporating active substances such as perfumes and/or insecticides, in which the evaporation rate regulator includes an electrical heater resistor for which the power supplied is regulated through a potentiometer constructed on a printed circuit board. The evaporation rate can be adjusted for a wide variety of types of chemical substances, without the need of substantially modifying the design of the device. |
| US09717810B2 |
Fogging system providing atomized solution to treatment area
A system for treating an enclosed area may include a plurality of fogging devices each including a housing, a fluid reservoir, a compressor coupled to the fluid reservoir, an atomizing nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, a first wireless transceiver, and a first processor coupled to the compressor and the wireless transceiver. A wireless communications device may include a second wireless transceiver and a second processor to identify the fogging devices within the enclosed area based upon the first and second wireless transceivers, determine respective fogging times for the fogging devices based upon a size of the enclosed area and a number of the foggers identified within the enclosed area, and initiate a treatment cycle during which, on a coordinated schedule, the first processor of each fogging device causes its associated compressor to dispense fluid into the enclosed area via the atomizing nozzle for the respective fogging time. |
| US09717809B2 |
System for storing and sanitizing complex devices
A system and apparatus for sanitizing devices with complex shapes. The system is comprised essentially of a mechanism for emitting sanitizing electromagnetic radiation within an enclosed compartment. The apparatus may be light-tight such that the radiation is contained within the apparatus. It may be configured to emit a plurality of sanitizing wavelengths. The apparatus may also be sound-tight, limiting or preventing the transmission of acoustic sounds made by the devices being sanitized. The apparatus may include a series of reflective and refractive apparatuses to alter the reflection path of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, allowing the apparatus to be used for devices with complex shapes. The enclosure may include support devices, such as dividers and support plates, that may be transparent to the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus may include a locking mechanism. The system may include a control module including a user interface. |
| US09717804B2 |
Regenerating functional neurons for treatment of disease and injury in the nervous system
Methods for producing new neurons in the brain in vivo are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include introducing NeuroD1 into a glial cell, particularly into a reactive astrocyte or NG2 cell, thereby “converting” the reactive glial cell to a neuron. Methods of producing a neuronal phenotype in a glial cell are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include expressing exogenous NeuroD1 in the glial cell, wherein expressing exogenous NeuroD1 includes delivering an expression vector, such as a viral expression vector, including a nucleic acid encoding the exogenous NeuroD1 to the glial cell. |
| US09717802B2 |
Capping modules for designed ankyrin repeat proteins
Improved N-terminal capping modules for designed Ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) conferring improved thermal stability to the DARPins are described, as well as nucleic acids encoding such proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such proteins and the use of such proteins in the treatment of diseases. |
| US09717801B2 |
Glycogen-based cationic polymers
The present invention relates to glycogen-based cationic polymers, to complexes of the said cationic polymers with anionic compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the said complexes, and to the use of the said complexes for delivering or transfecting the said anionic compounds to a specific pharmacological target, such as, for instance an organ, a tissue or a cell. |
| US09717798B2 |
Polymeric colorant compositions and methods of use
A composition is disclosed. The composition comprises at least one polymeric colorant having a polymer component with a colorant component covalently bound thereto, a medicament, and a liquid vehicle. The at least one colorant component does not react directly or indirectly with the medicament. Methods of using the polymeric colorants, including a method for the preparation of skin as a site for a surgical procedure and a method of treating a medical condition, are also provided. |
| US09717788B2 |
Method of inducing an immune response against HIV employing HIV immunogens, adenoviral vectors encoding said immunogens, and adjuvant
The present invention relates to, inter alia, a method of raising an immune response against a pathogen which comprises administering (i) one or more first immunogenic polypeptides derived from said pathogen; (ii) one or more adenoviral vectors comprising one or more heterologous polynucleotides encoding one or more second immunogenic polypeptides derived from said pathogen; and (iii) an adjuvant; wherein the one or more first immunogenic polypeptides, the one or more adenoviral vectors and the adjuvant are administered concomitantly. The invention also relates to vaccines, pharmaceutical compositions, kits and uses employing said polypeptides, adenoviral vectors and adjuvants. |
| US09717786B2 |
Modified RSV F proteins and methods of their use
The present invention is generally related to modified or mutated respiratory syncytial virus fusion (F) proteins and methods for making and using them, including immunogenic compositions such as vaccines for the treatment and/or prevention of RSV infection. |
| US09717785B2 |
Recombinant antigens of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) for vaccine formulations, diagnostic kit and use thereof
The present invention relates to the preparation of the recombinant antigen of the viral capsid of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) and modifications thereof, upon expression in a prokaryotic system, purification in the monomer form, recovery of virus-like particles (VLPs) and their use in vaccine formulations, diagnostic kits and a system for quantifying in vaccine lots of the PCV-2 antigen by means of a capture ELISA assay. The antigens and vaccine formulations can be used in animal's immunization in programs for combatting PCV-2-associated diseases in conventional swine breeding systems, and represent alternatives to the commercially available vaccines. The ELISA kit can be used for testing the quality of commercial and/or experimental vaccines against PCV-2. |
| US09717784B2 |
Circovirus sequences associated with piglet weight loss disease (PWD)
The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccine, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided. |
| US09717781B2 |
Methods and compositions relating to P62 for the treatment and prophylaxis of cancer
Provided herein are novel p62 compositions for the prophylaxis and treatment of cancer and related methods. The invention also provides modified p62 compositions that increase the anti-cancer activity of p62. |
| US09717780B2 |
Sheep nematode vaccine
The present invention is based upon the identification of a number of antigens derived from species of the genus Teladorsagia, which can be used to raise immune responses in animals—particularly those animals susceptible or predisposed to infection by (or with) one or more Teladorsagia species. The antigens may be exploited to provide compositions and vaccines for raising protective immune responses in animals—the protective immune responses serving to reduce, prevent, treat or eliminate Teladorsagia infections/infestations. |
| US09717778B2 |
Combination therapy
The present disclosure relates to a method for treatment or prevention of diseases have an increased level of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The method comprises administration of a growth hormone (GH) variant having antagonistic activity in combination with an oligonucleotide targeted to growth hormone receptor (GHR) to a subject in need. |
| US09717777B2 |
Use of CCL1 in therapy
A method of treating a medical condition in which suppression of effector T cells is beneficial in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a CCL1 polypeptide, thereby treating the medical condition in the subject. |
| US09717771B2 |
Sugar extract
This invention relates to novel extracts from sugar cane and sugar beet molasses and the characterization of those extracts. The extracts are enriched in hydrophobic compounds including polyphenols, in levels 5 to 10 fold higher than found in molasses itself. Methods for extracting the extract are also described, together with new uses for the extracts as food ingredients, food modifiers and therapeutic substances. |
| US09717770B2 |
Compositions and methods for managing or improving bone disorders, cartilage disorders, or both
The present disclosure provides mixtures of prenylated flavonoids, stilbenes, or both with flavans or curcuminoids or both capable of useful for promoting, managing or improving bone health, cartilage health or both, or for preventing or treating a bone disorder, cartilage disorder or both. Such a mixture of prenylated flavonoids, stilbenes, or both with flavans or curcuminoids or both can optionally be used in combination with other bone and cartilage management agents, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, boron, vitamin D, vitamin K, glucosamine and/or chondroitin compounds, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents/analgesics, COX/LOX inhibiting agents, neuropathic pain relief agents, or the like. |
| US09717768B2 |
Bacteriophage and antibacterial composition comprising the same
The present invention relates to a bacteriophage having a specific bactericidal activity against Salmonella, a composition for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseseases comprising the bacteriophage as an active ingredient, an antibiotic comprising the bacteriophage as an active ingredient, an animal feed or drinking water comprising the bacteriophage as an active ingredient, and a sanitizer or cleaner comprising the bacteriophage as an active ingredient. The bacteriophage of the present nvention has a specific bactericidal activity against Salmonella choleraesuis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella derby, Salmonella infantis, or Salmonella newport with no influences on beneficial bacteria, as well as excellent acid- and heat-resistance and desiccation tolerance. Therefore, the bacteriophage can be used for the prevention or treatment of salmonellosis or salmonella food poisoning, which is an infection disease cuased by Salmonella choleraesuis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella derby, Salmonella infantis, or Salmonella newport, and also widely used in animal feeds, drinking water for livestock, sanitizers, and cleaners. |
| US09717766B2 |
Process for enhancing the viable counts of lactic acid bacteria and useful compositions thereof
The present invention disclosed herein describes (i) the growth promotional activity of natural plant based fibres on Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856; (ii) the combination of natural plant based fibres and Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 to inhibit Gram Negative pathogenic bacteria and (iii) the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 using plant based natural fibres. |
| US09717762B2 |
Compositions of cardiomyocyte subpopulations
The present invention provides the use of the antigens CD49e and/or CD49f as selection markers for enrichment, isolation, detection and/or analysis of atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes and a method for enrichment, isolation, detection and/or analysis of these cells from a sample comprising cardiomyocytes. In addition substantially pure compositions of these cardiomyocyte subpopulations are provided. |
| US09717757B1 |
Composition and method to treat and prevent muscle cramping
A method of treating muscle cramps and muscle pain, and to relieve swelling in and around muscles after strenuous physical activity is provided, whereby an aqueous composition is applied topically to the skin overlying the affected muscles, the composition has dissolved, suspended or dispersed therein (a) an anti-inflammatory agent; (b) an agent that stimulates or promotes cell growth; and (c) an agent that enhances or stimulates the skin's immune system, wherein components (a), (b) and (c) are different. |
| US09717751B2 |
Chitin or derivatives thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of parasitoses
The subject matter of the present invention is the use of chitin or a derivative of chitin for preventing and/or treating parasitoses, and in particular cryptosporidiosis. The present invention also pertains to a composition that comprises at least one base agent chosen from among chitin or a derivative of chitin and at least one secondary agent chosen from among an agent for stimulating immunity and an antiparasite agent, as well as the use of same for preventing and/or treating parasitoses, in particular cryptosporidiosis. |
| US09717749B2 |
Production of stable non-polyadenylated RNAs
The invention relates in aspects to hybrid RNAs lacking a poly-A tail and nucleic acid vectors for expressing the RNA. The hybrid RNAs in some instances have a 3′ terminal stabilizing triple helical structure. Related methods for expressing said RNAs in vivo and in vitro are also disclosed. |
| US09717748B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating an infection
The present application relates to compounded compositions, methods of making compounded compositions, kits comprising compounded compositions, containers comprising compounded compositions, and methods of using compounded compositions. The present application also relates to anti-infective agents and methods of using anti-infective agents. For example, disclosed herein are compounded compositions comprising an anti-bacterial agent, an anti-fungal agent, and an excipient base and methods of using a compounded composition to treat or prevent a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, or both, or a suspected bacterial infection, a suspected fungal infection, or both. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. |
| US09717744B2 |
Use of 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism or the symptoms thereof
Disclosed are methods of administering 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to treat and/or prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism and/or its accompanying symptoms in a subject having or at risk for developing secondary hyperparathyroidism. |
| US09717739B2 |
17-hydroxy-17-pentafluoroethyl-estra-4,9(10)-dien-11-aryl derivatives, method of production thereof and use thereof for the treatment of diseases
The invention relates to 17-hydroxy-17-pentafluoroethyl-estra-4,9(10)-dien-11-aryl derivatives of Formula I with progesterone antagonizing action and method of production thereof, use thereof for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and use thereof for the production of medicinal products for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular of fibroids of the uterus (myomas, uterine leiomyoma), endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeds, meningiomas, hormone-dependent breast cancers and complaints associated with the menopause or for fertility control and emergency contraception. |
| US09717737B2 |
Vacuolin-1 as an inhibitor of autophagy and endosomal trafficking and the use thereof for inhibiting tumor progression
Methods of treating autophagy related diseases, e.g. cancer and malaria, using novel autophagy inhibiting agents are described. |
| US09717736B2 |
Pyrido-, pyrazo- and pyrimido-pyrimidine derivatives as mTOR inhibitors
There is provided a compound of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. There are also provided processes for the manufacture of a compound of Formula 1, and the use of a compound of Formula 1 as a medicament and in the treatment of cancer. |
| US09717735B2 |
Tricyclic lactams for use in HSPC-sparing treatments for RB-positive abnormal cellular proliferation
This invention is in the area of tricyclic lactam compounds for and methods of treating selected Rb-positive cancers and other Rb-positive abnormal cellular proliferative disorders while minimizing the deleterious effects on healthy cells, for example healthy Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs), associated with current treatment modalities. In one aspect, treatment of select Rb-positive cancers is disclosed using specific compounds disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the compounds described herein act as selective cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitors when administered to subjects. |
| US09717734B2 |
Chewable lipid supplements containing caffeine for increasing alertness, focus and energy
Flavored chewable wafers containing caffeine suitable for increasing alertness and allow an individual to perform tasks in a more focused and energetic manner comprises, formulations of phospholipids, specifically identified concentrations of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, glycolipids and phosphatidylserine along with inulin and other desirable active ingredients. |
| US09717733B2 |
Edible plant-derived microvesicle compositions including conjugated therapeutic agents and methods for using the same
A composition is provided that includes a microvesicle derived from an edible plant and a therapeutic agent conjugated to the microvesicle. The therapeutic agent can be chemically-linked to a plasma membrane of the microvesicle with a cross-linking agent and the edible plant can be a fruit or a vegetable. Methods for treating an inflammatory disorder or a cancer are further provided and include administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition including a microvesicle derived from an edible plant and having a therapeutic agent conjugated to the microvesicle. |
| US09717727B2 |
Methods of treating and preventing leukemia and other cancers of the blood and bone
The present invention relates to preventing and treating leukemia and other cancers of the blood and bone, as well as disorders of the blood, by inhibiting gut-derived serotonin. The inhibition of the gut-derived serotonin is accomplished by inhibiting Tph1, an enzyme responsible for the production of gut-derived serotonin. The present invention also relates to preventing and treating leukemia and other cancers of the blood and bone, as well as disorders of the blood, by increasing the number, growth and proliferation of osteoblasts. |
| US09717722B2 |
Methods and agents for treating tyrosinase-positive albinism
Methods for treating a subject with tyrosinase-positive albinism; agents and compositions thereof for use in treating tyrosinase-positive albinism; and medicaments for treating tyrosinase-positive albinism are described herein. Such methods; agents and compositions thereof; and medicaments relate to chloroquine or rapamycin or compositions thereof and may further relate to nitisinone used in conjunction with the chloroquine or rapamycin or a composition of either of which. |
| US09717719B2 |
Treatment, prevention, and reversal of alcohol-induced liver disease
This invention relates to methods for treating, preventing, or reversing liver disease or damage produced by chronic alcohol intake by administering at least one peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) agonist. |
| US09717718B2 |
Anti-inflammatory compounds
Compositions comprising isolated ido-BR1 are described for use in therapy or prophylaxis, including the treatment of inflammatory diseases (for example as anti-inflammatory drugs) and to reduce inflammation. Also described are methods for monitoring the quality of a Cucurbitaceae extract, to processes for producing a Cucurbitaceae extract as well as to Cucurbitaceae extracts obtainable by such processes. |
| US09717717B1 |
Methods of treating cancer through the inhibition of USP7 and immune system modulation
Methods and compounds for treating cancer by, for example, modulating immune system activity, are provided. |
| US09717711B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating Clostridium difficile associated disease
The present invention provides methods for treating and preventing the reoccurrence of C. diff infection by administering an immunoglobulin concentrate in conjunction with a low protein diet. |
| US09717708B1 |
Process for preparing ertapenem-containing lyophilized formulation
The present invention provides a process for preparing an ertapenem-containing lyophilized formulation, comprising the use of hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin as both a cryoprotective agent and a stabilizing agent. |
| US09717706B2 |
Chromone inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase
The present invention is directed to inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such GSNOR inhibitors, and methods of making and using the same. |
| US09717702B2 |
Treatment of cancer with specific RXR agonists
A method of treating cancer is disclosed comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a RXR agonist at a level below the RAR activating threshold and at or above the RXR effective dose. |
| US09717701B2 |
Compositions for overcoming resistance to tramadol
Disclosed herein is a composition for oral administration of O-desmethyltramadol that is effective for overcoming resistance to tramadol in patients. |
| US09717695B2 |
Constructs for diagnosing and treating inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer
The present invention features, inter alia, constructs for the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents to a patient. The constructs can include a nanoparticle, a targeting agent that specifically binds a targeted tissue or cell, a therapeutic moiety, and a hydrogel. The constructs can be used in the treatment and diagnosis of bowel diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is a nucleic acid that mediates RNA inhibition (RNAi), and the invention is directed to treatments for IBD that combine the positive aspects of such agents {e.g., siRNAs) with the safety of a biodegradable polymeric delivery system to facilitate specific targeting of colonic tissues and cells. As the constructs can be formulated for oral administration, they are well tolerated and offer advantages with regard to patient compliance. |
| US09717692B2 |
Effervescent formulations comprising dexketoprofen
The present invention relates to water-soluble formulations comprising the active agent dexketoprofen and to a process for production of said formulations. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising dexketoprofen which is used in symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pains such as musculoskeletal pains, dysmenorrhoea, toothache, post-operative pains. The formulations are characterized in being in effervescent form. |
| US09717687B2 |
Lipid membrane structure including bacterial cell component having dispersibility in non-polar solvent, and method for producing same
[Problem] To provide: a lipid membrane structure which has such a particle diameter that the lipid membrane structure can be sterilized by filtration, contains a lipid that is bound to a peptide composed of multiple arginine residues as a constituent lipid, and includes a bacterial cell component having dispersibility in a non-polar solvent; and a method for producing a lipid membrane structure which has such a particle diameter that the lipid membrane structure can be sterilized by filtration and includes a substance of interest having dispersibility in a non-polar solvent.[Solution] A lipid membrane structure which has such a particle diameter that the lipid membrane structure can be sterilized by filtration, contains a lipid that is bound to a peptide composed of multiple arginine residues as a constituent lipid, and includes a bacterial cell component having dispersibility in a non-polar solvent. |
| US09717685B2 |
Lipid-coated nucleic acid nanostructures of defined shape
The invention provides nanoparticles containing a nucleic acid nanostructure, of defined shape and size, linked to a hydrophobic moiety and coated by lipids, compositions comprising the nanoparticles, and methods of producing and methods of using the nanoparticles. |
| US09717684B2 |
Stable montelukast solution
A solution that is stable at 5° C. to 30° C. for at least 24 hours, comprising: (a) water, (b) montelukast sodium; (c) a carrier material for a fast disintegrating dosage form; and (d) a component selected from a strong base, a bicarbonate salt and mixtures thereof. The solution comprising montelukast sodium is stable under conditions that are typically encountered during certain phases of the manufacturing process of fast disintegrating dosage form that contain the montelukast sodium. The solution can be used to form fast disintegrating dosage form tablets. A method of preparing a fast disintegrating dosage form tablet including preparing such solution, and forming a tablet, and a fast disintegrating dosage form that is prepared from the montelukast sodium solution are also described. |
| US09717683B1 |
Low-temperature inhalation administration of cannabinoid entities
A cannabinoid material as active agent containing formulation comprising the active agent, an HFA propellant, and optionally a co-solvent is disclosed. Also disclosed is an inhalation method of administration of the formulation without the use of heat greater than 50° C. |
| US09717681B2 |
Formulations containing substituted imidazole derivatives
Improved formulations containing substituted imidazole derivatives of the general formula 1, formula (I) wherein Y is —CH2— or —CO—, R1 is H, halo or hydroxy, R2 is H or halo, and R3 is H or lower alkyl (e.g. C1 to C4 alkyl, preferably C1 or C2 alkyl), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, such as an acid addition salt, e.g. the hydrochloride, of a compound of the general formula (I), are in solid fast-dispersing dosage form suitable for pre-gastric absorption. |
| US09717676B2 |
Amino silicone nanoemulsion
The present invention relates to amino silicone nanoemulsions. More specifically, the present invention relates to amino silicone nanoemulsions that may be used to protect surfaces from being soiled or wetted. |
| US09717675B2 |
Acne formulation having stabilized ascorbic acid and other actives
The present invention provides for an acne formulation comprising an elastomer, dispersant, active and a drug and related methods of manufacture. |
| US09717674B1 |
Skin cleansing compositions comprising biodegradable abrasive particles
A skin cleansing composition having biodegradable abrasive particles, is provided. The abrasive particles have a mean Circularity of from about 0.10 to about 0.60 and a mean particle size as expressed by the area-equivalent diameter of about 500 μm to about 2,000 μm and a Biodegradable Rate of about 30% to about 100%. The composition has a structured surfactant phase or surfactant phase having a Yield Stress of about 1 Pa to about 100 Pa or a Yield Stress of about 0.1 Pa to about 10 Pa, respectively. |
| US09717671B2 |
Composition for improving skin, hair and coat health containing flavanones
The present invention pertains to a composition for preventing, decreasing and/or treating skin and hair/coat disorders, such as is effected by inflammatory reactions, environmental factors, ageing or cancer. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of flavanones compounds or their derivatives in nutritional, cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions for improvement of human or pet animal skin and coat conditions. |
| US09717670B2 |
Cosmetic composition comprising mattifying fillers and a silane
The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous phase, at least one mattifying filler and at least one silane corresponding to formula (I) below and/or oligomers thereof: R1Si(OR2)z(R3)x(OH)y(I) in which: •Ri is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C22 hydrocarbon-based chain, which may be substituted with an amine group NH2 or NHR (R=C1-C20 and especially C1-C6 alkyl, C3-C40 cycloalkyl or C6-C30 aromatic); or with a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, an aryl group (more particularly benzyl), which is substituted or unsubstituted; Ri possibly being interrupted with a heteroatom (O, S or NH) or a carbonyl group (CO), •R2 and R3, which may be identical or different, represent a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, •y denotes an integer ranging from 0 to 3, and •z denotes an integer ranging from 0 to 3, and •x denotes an integer ranging from 0 to 2, •with z+x+y=3, The invention also relates to a cosmetic process for making up and/or caring for keratin materials comprising a step of applying a composition according to one of the preceding claims to the said materials. |
| US09717669B2 |
Topical sanitizing formulations and uses thereof
Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to formulations having antimicrobial and/or sanitizing effects, and uses of the same. In particular, the formulations and methods of using same provide, in several embodiments, an immediate and a persistent antimicrobial effect against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. |
| US09717668B2 |
Methods for treating relaxed hair
Methods and kits for treating hair or preventing damage in the relaxing of hair are disclosed herein. Hair that is damaged during a relaxing treatment with hydroxide-containing relaxing agents, can be treated with formulations containing one or more active agents. The active agent formulations can be applied simultaneously with the hair relaxing formulation, or optionally applied immediately following application of the relaxing formulation, to reduce damage and breakage. Use of the active agent formulation along with a relaxing treatment can be used to control the level of curl achieved or retained in the relaxed hair, as compared to the natural amount of curl in the untreated hair. |
| US09717666B2 |
Skin lightening composition
The invention relates to a skin lightening composition, more particularly a composition which derives synergy between an active of natural origin and an active of synthetic origin. The present inventors have judiciously combined a selective salt of a dicarboxylic acid viz. disodium fumarate along with a specific extract of a plant source e.g. Salvia officinalis rich in certain organic aromatic acids to provide for synergic skin lightening benefits. They have further found that inclusion of certain activity enhancers in the composition of the invention improves the skin lightening efficacy. |
| US09717665B2 |
Tooth desensitizing oral care compositions, devices, and methods
Desensitizing oral care composition useful for treating dentinal hypersensitivity, comprising potassium oxalate and methods of use thereof. Delivery systems including a strip of material and such oral care compositions for the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity and methods of use thereof. |
| US09717659B2 |
Liposomes for the treatment of textile materials
Liposomes with cosmetic and/or dermopharmaceutical ingredients for the care of the skin, scalp and/or hair and their use in washing agents and/or sprays for the treatment of textile materials. |
| US09717657B2 |
Composition and method of using medicament for endodontic irrigation, stem cell preparations and tissue regeneration
A composition for endodontic irrigation is provided. The composition includes a chemical depilatory during intra-canal, and chemo-mechanical instrumentation in endodontic. The composition includes calcium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and potassium thioglycolate or calcium thioglycolate to form an effective root canal medicament. Further, the composition may incorporate mineral oil, urea, cetearyl alcohol, D&C yellow No. 8, chromium hydroxide, theobroma cocoa seed butter, iron oxides, fragrances, and ceteareth-20 to enhance its functioning. The composition disinfects, lubricates, chelates, irrigants, dissolves, and facilitates removal of the pulpal tissue and debris. Furthermore, the composition reduces and even eliminates bacteria from micro-endodontic systems. Further, the composition of the present invention enhances eradicating pathogens along with chemo-mechanical debridement of the root canal system. |
| US09717651B2 |
Pill crushing cup with rotational locking lugs
A pill crushing apparatus for use with first and second nestable cups comprising a first cup holder which is moved linearly toward a second cup mounting surface holding a second cup. The first cup holder rotates relative to the rotationally fixed second cup. During the crushing process, the pills first may begin to crush against the linear load being applied thereto, and thereafter grind into a fine powder due to the rotational force of the first cup against the second cup. The first cup and second cup have different sidewall angles to promote pill crushing while inhibiting migration of the crush material to prevent the crushed material from reaching the open gap between the top perimeters of the nesting cups. Each cup includes a plurality of lugs having a curved profile configured to engage respective recesses on the cup holders. Each cup is fabricated through thermoforming or vacuum forming techniques. |
| US09717650B2 |
Child resistant packaging
A child resistant blister pack includes a blister layer which includes one or more blister cavities for receiving a product. A frangible retaining layer is attached to the blister layer over the blister cavities to retain the product within the blister cavities. A first backing layer is attached to the retaining layer on a side opposite the blister layer. The first backing layer has one or more lines of weakness aligned with the blister cavities. A second backing layer is attached to the first backing layer on a side opposite the retaining layer. The second backing layer has a plurality of removable sections. At least two removable sections are arranged over each line of weakness in the underlying first backing layer. |
| US09717649B2 |
Delamination resistant pharmaceutical glass containers containing active pharmaceutical ingredients
The present invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of a pharmaceutical container formed, at least in part, of a glass composition which exhibits a reduced propensity to delaminate, i.e., a reduced propensity to shed glass particulates. As a result, the presently claimed containers are particularly suited for storage of pharmaceutical compositions and, specifically, a pharmaceutical solution comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient, for example, Prolia® (denosumab), Xgeva® (denosumab), Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa), AMG-145, romosozumab (AMG-785), ganitumab (AMG-479), trebananib (AMG-386), brodalumab (AMG-827), and rilotumumab (AMG-102). |
| US09717647B1 |
Occupant actuated hydrotherapy jet
An occupant-actuated massager for a hydrotherapy vessel. The massager jet has an actuation point at which the occupant applies force to cause the pressurized water to flow therethrough and provide a massage via a shuttle. A valve piston is actuated to open and close based on the application of force to the actuation point. Optionally, a venturi can be used to introduce air into the water flow to provide further massage. |
| US09717642B2 |
Compression garment apparatus having baseline pressure
A compression garment apparatus including a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and maintains a baseline pressure in the therapeutic bladder to maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The baseline pressure is adjusted in response to sensed physical characteristics. |
| US09717640B1 |
Vertebral column traction device and method
A vertebral column traction device is disclosed for expanding the vertebral column of an individual. The vertebral column traction device comprises a support body having a front surface generally adjacent to a first femur and a second femur for creating a first inclined orientation and a second inclined orientation respectively. A rear surface of the support body is distanced from a first tibia and a second tibia for creating a first cantilever orientation and a second cantilever orientation respectively. A pivot area of the support body is generally adjacent to the first tibia and the second tibia for defining a first fulcrum and a second fulcrum respectively. A first lever and the second lever are defined about the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum respectively for expanding the vertebral column. |
| US09717637B2 |
Lateral support assembly
A lateral support assembly for attachment to a wheelchair includes a mounting portion for attachment to the wheelchair, a pad support portion for attachment to a pad, and a link sub-assembly including one or more links that connect the mounting portion to the pad support portion. The mounting portion includes an attachment part, a hinged part, and a sliding part. The attachment part is adapted to be affixed to the wheelchair and the hinged part is connected to the attachment part and is selectively pivotable about a first rotational axis. The pad support portion includes a pad bracket coupled to a secondary housing in which the pad bracket is selectively pivotable about a second rotational axis. The sliding part is connected to the hinged part and is selectively extendable forward. |
| US09717636B1 |
Bilaterally shifting wheelchair seat
A universal bilaterally shifting wheelchair seat assembly that uses a battery powered control unit assembly including an electrical motor to bilaterally displace a wheelchair seat a predetermined distance to help prevent pressure ulcers. The control unit assembly is connected to an actuating disk using a shaft that travels through a channel in the wheelchair seat. The actuating disk includes an actuating rod mounted to the bottom of the seat that bilaterally moves the seat upon the actuating disk's rotational movement. The wheelchair seat can include an electrical regulator that a user can adjust to modulate the frequency and speed of the seat's displacement. |
| US09717635B2 |
Absorbent medical accessory
An absorbent medical accessory ensures that the skin around a medical tube remains dry. The accessory includes an upper pad having a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge extending between the top and bottom sides. The bottom side is comprised of an absorbent material. The upper pad has an opening extending through the top and bottom sides. A lower pad is coupled to the upper pad and has a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The lower pad is comprised of an absorbent material. The lower pad has a hole extending through the top and bottom surfaces. The hole is alignable with the opening such that a medical tube is configured for being extended through each of the opening and the hole for retaining the medical tube against each of the upper and lower pads. |
| US09717631B2 |
Eyewear having multiple ventilation states
Eyewear is disclosed that can have multiple ventilation states providing different amounts of ventilation through the eyewear. The eyewear can include a lens and a frame. In some embodiments, the lens can be movable with respect to the frame to provide the multiple ventilation states. In some embodiments, the eyewear can include a gasket that removably attaches to the frame. In some embodiments, the gasket can be movable with respect to the frame to provide the multiple ventilation states. |
| US09717629B2 |
Laser scanner apparatus and method
An apparatus for ophthalmic procedures contains a source of aiming and treatment laser beams, folded mirrors and lens arrays to cause the formation of a static pupil on a delivery mirror for observation and treatment by an operator of the apparatus. |
| US09717621B2 |
Universally adjustable cervical collar
An adjustable cervical collar is in the form of a u-shaped base with a front joined to a pair of rearwardly extending wings. Left and right chin supports are pivotally connected at their distal ends to the distal ends to of respective wings with a chin piece connected between the upper proximal ends of the chin supports. An adjustable latch is individually coupled between each wing and the lower proximal end of the associated chin supports. Preferably the latch is in the form of 1) an arcuate slot in each wing arranged around the respective pivot axis with a track formed on opposite sides of the slot and 2) a retractable locking pin carried by each chin support and movable within the respective slot, the locking pins adapted to engage the ribs in the respective track to releasably lock the chin support to the respective wing. |
| US09717618B2 |
Gastrointestinal device with associated commensal microbes
A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including an inner surface and an outer surface, a plurality of at least one type of commensal microbe associated with at least a portion of at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject. |
| US09717610B2 |
Fiber reinforced composite stents
Polymeric composite stents reinforced with fibers for implantation into a bodily lumen are disclosed. |
| US09717609B2 |
Variable stiffness stent
A stent has one or more redundant crests for a ring. The redundant crest is located at a Y-crown for a peak-to-valley type stent pattern in one example. The stent may also have frangible bridges for connecting links. The stent's radial stiffness decreases when a redundant crest fractures and its axial and bending stiffness decreases when a frangible bridge breaks. |
| US09717606B2 |
Combined active and passive leg prosthesis system and a method for performing a movement with such a system
A lower limb prosthesis system and a method of controlling the prosthesis system to replace a missing lower extremity of an individual and perform a gait cycle are disclosed. The prosthesis system has a controller, one or more sensors, a prosthetic foot, and a movable ankle joint member coupled to the prosthetic foot. The movable ankle joint member comprises a hydraulic damping system that provides the ankle joint member damping resistance. The controller varies the damping resistance by providing volumetric flow control to the hydraulic damping system based on sensor data. In one embodiment, the hydraulic damping system comprises a hydraulic piston cylinder assembly, hydraulic fluid, and a valve to regulate the fluid. In one embodiment, the controller alters the damping resistance by modulating the valve to vary the hydraulic fluid flow within the hydraulic piston cylinder assembly of the movable ankle joint member based on sensor data. |
| US09717605B2 |
Spinal implant device
A spinal fusion device that is expandable. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or unexpanding the device. |
| US09717604B2 |
Spinal implant apparatus and methods
A method of inserting and positioning an intervertebral spacer is provided. The spacer includes a longitudinal axis, an on-axis interface coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis, and an off-axis interface angled to the longitudinal axis. The spacer's front end may be curved. The method may include inserting the spacer into the disc space utilizing a tool to engage an on-axis interface and then to engage one or more of the off-axis interfaces, which may be used for further modification of the spacer. The tool is moved substantially along a single insertion direction, which may be substantially parallel to a posterior-anterior axis of the disc space. The method may result in the longitudinal axis of the spacer being perpendicular to the insertion direction, or substantially parallel to a medial-lateral axis of the disc space. The spacer may also be positioned in an anterior aspect of the disc space. |
| US09717599B1 |
Method and apparatus for wrist arthroplasty
A radiocarpal wrist joint replacement includes a radial member configured to be affixed to a portion of an end of the radial bone proximal to the wrist including a fixture to be affixed over a longitudinal aspect of the radial bone and a radial resurfacing plate having a substantially concave surface configured to be located at the end of the radial bone. A carpal capitate bone insert configured to be inserted and affixed into the carpal capitate bone. A bulbous component includes a first convex head and a second convex head, substantially opposite each other and connected by a neck defining an annular groove between the first convex head and the second convex head. The carpal capitate bone insert is configured to be flexibly coupled to the first convex head of the bulbous component. The radial resurfacing plate of the radial member with the concave surface is configured to be operably coupled to the second convex head of the bulbous component so as to allow radial freedom of motion in the joint replacement. |
| US09717598B2 |
Prosthetic device for knee joint and methods of implanting and removing same
A prosthetic device for a knee joint includes a body portion and a first keel. The body portion attaches to a bone of a knee joint. The body portion can have a bearing surface configured to replace at least a portion of the bone and an implantation surface configured to face the bone upon implantation. The first keel can be configured to be inserted into a corresponding first keel void formed in the bone. The first feel can be configured to project outwardly from the implantation surface by an amount sufficient to inhibit movement of the body portion relative to the bone in both medial and lateral directions upon insertion into the first keel void. The first keel can extend along a longitudinal direction of the body portion and is offset from a longitudinal centerline of the body portion. Methods of implanting and removing the prosthetic device are also provided. |
| US09717597B2 |
Femoral component for an implantable hip prosthesis
An orthopedic prosthesis for use in a hip replacement surgery includes an implantable stem component. The implantable stem component includes a core and a shell extending over the core. The shell includes a polymeric material and is configured to receive a femoral head component. Metal foam may extend over a portion of the shell. |
| US09717593B2 |
Leaflet suturing to commissure points for prosthetic heart valve
A collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent and a collapsible and expandable valve assembly. The stent has a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of commissure points is disposed on the stent. The valve assembly is disposed within the stent and includes a plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet has a free edge. An end portion of the free edge of each leaflet is folded and sutured to a corresponding one of the plurality of the commissure points. |
| US09717590B2 |
Adjustable length ossicular prosthesis with low profile resilient joint
An ossicular prosthesis is adjustable in length and temporarily and resiliently adjustable in angular orientation. The prosthesis includes a head for contacting a tympanic membrane, and a resilient sleeve is mounted within the head. An elongate shaft extends through the sleeve, and includes a distal end adapted to engage a footplate or stapes. The sleeve forms a resilient joint that allows the shaft to undergo an angular motion relative to the sleeve when subject to a non-axial force, and then subsequently return to its original position after the force is removed. The sleeve may also be longitudinally displaceable within the head of the prosthesis such that the shaft can undergo a damped linear motion. Also as a result of the arrangement of the sleeve, the prosthesis is adjustable to a very short length. |
| US09717588B2 |
Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods
A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The first portions are separated by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the first and second ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The first end projects beyond one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the second end. The second end projects beyond the one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the first end. |
| US09717587B2 |
Multiple implant constructions and fixation methods associated therewith
Using the simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor of the present invention, a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. Particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to multi-anchor constructs. Multi-anchor constructs of the present invention may employ threaded implants exclusively, push-in implants exclusively, or a combination of threaded and push-in implants. |
| US09717586B2 |
Adjustable and fixed assembled bone-tendon-bone graft
The present invention has multiple aspects relating to a bone-tendon-bone graft and components thereof. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an intermediate bone block that is used to adjustably secure soft tissue (e.g., tendon) in a patient. The present invention further relates to an assembled bone-tendon-bone graft suitable for implantation in humans comprising the intermediate bone block and a length of soft tissue. In a preferred embodiment, a bone-tendon-bone graft comprises a length of soft tissue (e.g., tendon) extending from a first assembled bone block to a second bone block and then doubles back to said first assembled bone block. Depending upon the embodiment, the second bone block fixedly or slideably attaches to the length of soft tissue and facilitates it doubling back to the first assembled bone block. |
| US09717583B2 |
Sensors, cannulas, collars and coated surgical mesh, and corresponding systems and methods
Disclosed herein are medical products with a layer of dehydrated modified basement membrane preparation formed thereon. The basement membrane has been modified before dehydration of remove low molecular weight components. Methods of making and using the products also are disclosed. |
| US09717582B2 |
Adjustable pessary device and method
Various embodiments of an adjustable pessary device are provided. The device can include an elastic ribbon or band, such as Nitinol, encapsulated in a soft or flexible structure, such as a rubber shell. In addition to providing a conforming, comfortable shape, the rubber layer can have additional structures to interface and fit with the anatomical structures within the vagina. |
| US09717571B2 |
Dental abutment system
A dental implant screw for holding an abutment on a dental implant includes a head and a shaft. A proximal end of the shaft is coupled to the head. The shaft includes a threaded section, an outwardly tapered section leading into a recessed section, and a stop section directly between the outwardly tapered section and the recessed section. The recessed section is directly between the head and the stop section. The threaded section is directly adjacent a distal end of the shaft and is configured to engage threads of an internally threaded bore in the dental implant to hold the abutment on the dental implant. |
| US09717570B2 |
Scan body for a dental impression
The scan body for a dental impression includes a hollow member having a mounting recess configured for mounting onto a head portion of an impression coping positioned in a dental impression. The mounting recess can have an internal threaded bore for receiving a fastener to secure the scan body onto the impression coping. The scan body can have an exterior peripheral wall extending between opposing first and second ends. The peripheral wall has a first flat surface and a second flat surface. The first flat surface and the second flat surface have different dimensions. |
| US09717567B1 |
Tear-resistant dental dams
A tear-resistant dental dam is provided. The tear-resistant dental dam includes a first thermoplastic elastomeric sheet and a second thermoplastic elastomeric sheet disposed on the first thermoplastic elastomeric sheet. The first and second thermoplastic elastomeric sheets have a grid pattern of weld joint regions configured to couple together the first and second thermoplastic elastomeric sheets. The grid pattern of weld joint regions define a plurality of unwelded regions of the first and second thermoplastic elastomeric sheets. |
| US09717559B2 |
Catheter with adjustable arcuate distal section
A catheter includes an elongated body, a distal assembly with a shape-memory member defining a generally circular form, and a control handle adapted to actuate a deflection puller wire for deflecting a portion of the elongated body, and a contraction wire for contracting the generally circular form. The generally circular form which carries at least one ring electrode has an off-edge configuration relative to the elongated body such that a longitudinal axis of the elongated body does not intersect the circumference of the circular form and the generally circular form spirals about the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. Moreover, the circular form can have an on-axis configuration such that the longitudinal axis of the elongated body is axially aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the circular form, or an off-axis configuration such that these axes are axially offset from each other. In a more detailed embodiment, the catheter has a distal assembly with a helical form or a crescent form carrying a plurality of irrigated ablation ring electrodes and a plurality of smaller ring electrodes adapted for impedance recording or PV potential recording. A support member with shape memory extends through the distal assembly to provide the helical or crescent form. The support member has a varying stiffness along its length, for example, a decreasing stiffness toward a distal end of the support member. The support member can also be hollow so that it can receive a mandrel whose stiffness is greater than that of the support member. |
| US09717556B2 |
Collet for an endoscopic needle knife
An endoscopic needle knife may include a collet coupled to a distal end of a tubular member of the needle knife. A cutting wire may be disposed within a cutting wire lumen of the tubular member and a central lumen of the collet. An inner surface of the collet body may create a frictional force between the cutting wire and the inner surface so that the cutting wire is resistant to longitudinal movement relative to the tubular member caused by external forces. The frictional force may also be less than a longitudinal force exerted on the cutting wire by a handle assembly or other control mechanism that is used to longitudinally move the cutting wire within the tubular member and the collet. |
| US09717552B2 |
Electrosurgical generator
This invention relates to high-frequency ablation of tissue in the body using a cooled high-frequency electrode connected to a high frequency generator including a computer graphic control system and an automatic controller for control the signal output from the generator, and adapted to display on a real time graphic display a measured parameter related to the ablation process and visually monitor the variation of the parameter of the signal output that is controlled by the controller during the ablation process. In one example, one or more measured parameters are displayed simultaneously to visually interpret the relation of their variation and values. In one example, the displayed one or more parameters can be taken from the list of measured voltage, current, power, impedance, electrode temperature, and tissue temperature related to the ablation process. The graphic display gives the clinician an instantaneous and intuitive feeling for the dynamics and stability of the ablation process for safety and control. This invention relates to monitoring and controlling multiple ground pads to optimally carry return currents during high-frequency tissue ablation, and to prevent of ground-pad skin burns. This invention relates to the use of ultrasound imaging intraoperatively during a tissue ablation procedure. This invention relates to the use of nerve stimulation and blocking during a tissue ablation procedure. |
| US09717549B2 |
Surgical forceps
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly. |
| US09717548B2 |
Electrode for use in a bipolar electrosurgical instrument
A end-effector assembly includes opposing first and second jaw assemblies, at least one of the first and second assemblies movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw assemblies are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the jaw assemblies cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The first jaw assembly includes a first housing and a first electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structure associated with at least a portion of the first housing. The second jaw assembly includes a second housing and a second electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structure associated with at least a portion of the second housing. The end-effector assembly includes a dissector electrode coupled along at least a portion of a lateral side portion of either one of the first housing or the second housing. The dissector electrode is electrically-isolated from the first and second electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structures. |
| US09717546B2 |
Cryotherapy device and method for the treatment of cervical precancerous lesions
A device for providing a cryotherapy ablation treatment includes a piping assembly and a snow horn adapted to create a spray of snow from a pressurized source of a low-temperature liquid, a tubular applicator for collecting a mass of snow at a prescribed density that is sufficient to allow the mass to serve as the needed, low temperature, thermal reservoir for the device after the applicator's distal end has been disconnected from the snow horn end so that it can to be used during the treatment process, and an applicator tip adapted to allow it to connect to the applicator's distal end and be used to treat those specific locations which are to receive this treatment. |
| US09717541B2 |
Lamina implants and methods for spinal decompression
Lamina plates can include various features that allow a surgeon to couple the plate to a vertebra, such as a plurality of receiving holes for receiving a spinal fixation element. The plate can be shaped and the receiving holes positioned such that spinal fixation elements can be installed with reduced exposure of the spine and along a trajectory that enhances purchase with bone. The lamina plate can include one or more features for coupling at least one receiver head to the plate for receiving a spinal stabilization element. Since the receiver head can be coupled to the plate after the plate is implanted, it does not restrict the range of angles or trajectories at which the spinal fixation elements can be installed. |
| US09717539B2 |
Implants, systems, and methods for fusing a sacroiliac joint
A sacroiliac joint fusion system including a joint implant, an anchor element and a delivery tool including an implant arm, an anchor arm, and a positioning arm coupling the implant arm and the anchor arm. The implant arm includes an implant shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the implant arm. The anchor arm including an anchor shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the anchor arm. The positioning arm coupled with the implant arm at a first end and coupled with the anchor arm at a second end. |
| US09717533B2 |
Bone anchor closure pivot-splay control flange form guide and advancement structure
Open implant closure structures include a helically wound guide and advancement flange form having pivot-splay accommodating and splay control surfaces with opposing load flanks in initial non-parallel relation. |
| US09717527B2 |
External fixator system
An external fixator system comprising at least two fixation plates which are arranged at a distance to each another, at least one adjustable length strut having a first end region and a second end region which are in connection with the fixation plates and at least one actuation unit to adjust the length of the strut in order to adjust the distance and/or orientation between the fixation plates. The actuation unit is in a fixed connection with at least one of the fixation plates as well as with at least one of the end regions of the respective strut in order to connect the strut with the fixation plate. The actuation unit comprises a feedback unit which provides the user with a feedback concerning the degree of the actuation. |
| US09717526B2 |
Multiple reservoir drug delivery device and methods
Devices and methods are provided for drug delivery. The device may include a housing configured for intraluminal deployment into a human or animal subject and first and second reservoirs within the housing, each reservoir having an actuation end, an opposed release end, and a plug moveable from the actuation end toward the release end. First and second drug formulations may be contained in the first and second reservoirs, respectively. The device may also include one or more actuation systems configured to drive the first and second plugs so as to drive the first and second drug formulations from the first and second reservoirs. The housing may include a porous membrane sidewall in fluid communication with the release ends of the first and second reservoirs, the porous membrane sidewall being configured to distribute the first and second drug formulations driven from the first and second reservoirs. |
| US09717524B2 |
Vaginal cuff closure tool and method
An apparatus includes a hollow sleeve member with an open interior section and a sleeve proximal and a sleeve distal end. Two or more probes are disposed within the open interior section and extending beyond the sleeve distal end when in a deployed position. Distal ends of the probes have a lateral space between each other. One or more tissue manipulators are disposed at the distal end of each of the at least two probes. The hollow sleeve member and the two or more probes move axially relative to each other to reduce the lateral space. A method of closing a vaginal cuff of a vaginal canal is also provided. |
| US09717523B2 |
Pericardiocentesis needle component
Disclosed is a pericardiocentesis needle component (10), comprising a guide wire (13) and a puncture needle (12). The guide wire (13) extends into and through the puncture needle (12), and the guide wire (13) comprises a bent section (32) at the distal end and a straight section at the proximal end. The bent section (32) at the distal end is formed by bending the guide wire (13), and the end of the bent section is a pointed-shape structure. The guide wire (13) is made of a highly elastic material. The pointed end rotates at least 90 degrees within a range of no more than 3 mm starting from the pointed end at the bent section (32) of the guide wire. The pericardiocentesis needle component (10) of the present invention is less likely to damage a heart during a pericardiocentesis procedure. |
| US09717522B2 |
Multi-functional surgical access system
A surgical access system comprises a wound retractor comprising an outer anchor, an inner anchor, and a flexible, tubular sheath extending therebetween. Embodiments of the outer anchor comprise an outer ring rotatable around an annular axis thereof, thereby rolling the sheath therearound when retracting an incision or opening in a body wall. The sheath comprises a plurality of fibers or strands that improve the abrasion and puncture resistance thereof. Consequently, the surgical access system is useful in procedures in which damage to the sheath is likely, for example, orthopedic hip replacement, and spinal procedures. In some embodiments, the sheath tapers from the outer ring to the inner ring. |
| US09717520B2 |
Material removal device and method of use
An atherectomy catheter having an inner drive shaft which rotates a distal rotary tissue borer with a helical cutting surface which enables the catheter to cut through and cross a CTO. Additionally, the atherectomy catheter has a distal cutting element rotated by an outer drive shaft configured to cut material from the wall of a vessel at a treatment site as the catheter is pushed distally through the treatment site. The atherectomy catheter includes a collection chamber positioned proximally of the cutting element and rotary tissue borer. The atherectomy catheter directs material cut from the treatment site into the collection chamber, breaks down larger portions of material that may block or clog the collection chamber and transports the material collected from the treatment site to a proximal opening in the atherectomy catheter. |
| US09717517B2 |
Wrist assembly for articulating laparoscopic surgical instruments
An articulating laparoscopic instrument including a handle, an outer shaft, an end effector, and a wrist assembly. The wrist assembly connects the end effector to the shaft and includes torque and articulation mechanisms. The torque mechanism includes a plurality of links disposed over the rod and connected with one another in a pivotable yet rotationally locked fashion. The articulation mechanism includes a plurality of articulation member disposed over the rod to collectively define a deflection section. The links freely rotate relative to the articulation members, with the rod and links collectively bending in response to a change in shape of the deflection section. |
| US09717516B2 |
Endoscope treatment tool
An endoscope treatment tool includes a sheath; a support part; a pair of forceps members that are arranged in front of the sheath and are supported so as to be relatively rotatable around a rotation shaft provided at the support part; a linear member that is inserted through the sheath so as to be capable of advancing into and retracting from the sheath, brings opposed surfaces, which are respectively provided closer to distal end sides of the pair of forceps members than the rotation shaft, closer to each other as the linear member is separated from the rotation shaft, and separates the pair of opposed surfaces from each other as the linear member approaches the rotation shaft; an elastic member that is supported by the linear member or the support part; and a locking portion that is provided on the linear member or the forceps members. |
| US09717512B2 |
Programmable femoral pin guide
A guide for use prior to, or concurrently with, resecting a portion of a patient's bone includes a body, an anterior adjustment member, at least one posterior adjustment foot, at least one adjustable condylar alignment pin, an adjustable anterior arm, and means to direct guide pins into the femur. The body has multiple apertures configured to accept pins. The anterior adjustment member is coupled to the body and moves toward/away from the femur and contacts an anterior portion of the femur. The posterior adjustment foot is coupled to the body and moves toward/away from the femur and contacts a posterior portion of the femur. The anterior arm is coupled to the anterior adjustment member and is configured to contact the femur proximal of the anterior adjustment member. The rotation arm is coupled to the body and provides guides to drill into the femur. |
| US09717510B2 |
Patient-specific numerically controlled instrument
A method for preparing a bone of a joint of a patient includes mounting a patient-specific reference guide on a bone of a joint of a patient. A connecting portion of the reference guide is coupled to a miniaturized numerically controlled instrument having a housing including a controller, a processor and a tool driver. The patient-specific reference guide has a three-dimensional inner surface preoperatively configured to mirror and mate with a corresponding surface of a bone of a joint of a patient in only one position. The patient-specific reference guide is configured to automatically register the numerically controlled instrument to the patient's bone portion intraoperatively. The cutting tool is guided by the controlled with signals from the processor along a patient-specific tool path determined during the preoperative plan for preparing a portion of the bone. |
| US09717509B2 |
Patient-specific total hip arthroplasty
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for performing total hip arthroplasty with patient-specific guides. Pre-operative images of a pelvic region of a patient are taken in order to predefine the structure of the guides and corresponding implants. From the obtained image data an insertional vector for implanting an acetabular implant or component into an acetabulum of the patient is determined, wherein the insertional vector is coaxial with a polar axis of the acetabular component. Also from the obtained image data, a superior surface of the guides and implants can be shaped to match the acetabulum of the patient. A nub portion extending outwardly from the superior surface of the guides and implants is shaped to substantially match the shape of a fovea of the acetabulum. A guide portion of the guides forming a slot has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the determined insertional vector of a corresponding acetabular component. |
| US09717501B2 |
Methods and systems for occluding vessels during cardiac ablation including optional electroanatomical guidance
A method is provided for ablating a portion of the myocardium. The method includes inserting an occlusion catheter into a vessel on a heart, occluding the vessel using the occlusion catheter, inserting an ablation catheter into a chamber of the heart, positioning the ablation catheter against the myocardium, and ablating a portion of the myocardium while the vessel is occluded. The system includes an occlusion catheter having a catheter body including a tubular member having a distal portion and a bend located in the distal portion, a balloon located proximal of the bend and configured to contact an inner surface of the CS when positioned therewithin, a plurality of marker bands positioned on the catheter body, and a plurality of electrodes positioned on the catheter body. One or more electrodes or coils can be used as a reference for an electroanatomical system and can be disposed on the occlusion catheter. |
| US09717495B1 |
Devices and methods for surgical suturing
An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch. |
| US09717493B1 |
Devices and methods for surgical suturing
An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch. |
| US09717492B2 |
Anchor driver with suture clutch
A suture anchor driver has an elongated shaft, a handle at a proximal end of the shaft an anchor engagement at a distal end of the shaft and a clutch between the handle and the shaft. The clutch includes a slot for frictionally engaging a suture an engagement with the shaft and an engagement with the handle. The engagement with the shaft and the engagement with the handle are located with respect to one another such that driving torque applied to the handle urges open the slot to release its frictional engagement of the suture. |
| US09717491B2 |
Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to bone
A method and apparatus for securing a suture to bone can include grasping a first suture portion with a grasping member on a positioning tool. The first suture portion can be located into a first cannulation defined in the positioning tool. A cutting member can be advanced through a second cannulation defined on the positioning tool and out through a distal opening defined on the positioning tool. A first bone hole can be cut into the bone with the cutting member. A flexible member advancing tool can be advanced through the first cannulation. The first suture portion can be urged out of the distal opening and into the first bone hole. |
| US09717489B2 |
Surgical retractor
A retractor (10) for use in a surgical intervention in the area of an eye socket is described. The retractor (10) comprises two planar retraction elements (26, 28), which are movable relative to each other between an insertion position with a first surface coverage and a retraction position with a second surface coverage AI, which is smaller than the first surface coverage. A spring element (20) provides pretensioning, which presses the retraction elements (26, 28) into the retraction position. |
| US09717488B2 |
Devices and systems for inverting and closing the left atrial appendage
Devices, systems, and methods for inverting and closing the left atrial appendage. In at least one embodiment of a method for closing a left atrial appendage of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of inverting a distal portion of a left atrial appendage, and constraining the inverted distal portion of the left atrial appendage using a device configured to fit within an interior of the left atrial appendage. |
| US09717485B1 |
Ergonomic multi-functional handle for use with a medical instrument
A multi-functional handle manipulates a medical instrument and includes a body capable of being gripped by a hand of a user and further capable of being in communication with the medical instrument. In non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the handle may include one or more of a first trigger assembly, a second trigger assembly and a third trigger assembly. The body may also include a first portion and a second portion coupled thereto such that the second portion is displaced relative to the first portion. At least one of the first portion, second portion and first trigger assembly is capable of manipulating the medical instrument. Non-limiting exemplary embodiments also include one or more of a primary digit-receiving member, a secondary digit-receiving member, and a tertiary digit-supporting member for facilitating ergonomic operation of the handle. |
| US09717482B2 |
Access chamber and markers for biopsy device
A marker deployment tool may comprise a marker cannula having a lateral deployment aperture, a push rod slidably disposed within the marker cannula and a scalloped tip coupled to the distal end of the marker cannula. The scalloped tip may have a push rod recess configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the push rod such that the push rod does not appreciably extend out of the lateral deployment aperture when the push rod is actuated distally. The marker deployment tool may further comprise a magnet at or near the distal end. This magnet may be used in combination with a magnet or plurality of magnets disposed about an access chamber in a tissue sample holder to assist the user in aligning the marker deployment tool. The access chamber in the tissue sample holder may also include a valve, two valves, or a removable plug. |
| US09717479B2 |
Passive data transmission
Data is communicated from an implanted section to an external location. The implanted section includes a transducer such as a piezoelectric element with an ultrasound reflecting surface that moves in response to an applied driving signal. A sensor generates an output signal that depends on a sensed parameter, and a control circuit drives the transducer based on the sensor's output. The transducer's response to the driving signal is repeatable such that the value of the output signal can be determined by measuring the variations in the velocity of the surface using externally applied Doppler ultrasound, and computing the value of the sensor's output from the measured variations in velocity. |
| US09717474B2 |
Image processing apparatus, ultrasound diagnosis apparatus, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus of an embodiment includes a combined image generator and a controller. The combined image generator projects, on three-dimensional data indicating three-dimensional heart function information obtained from a first volume data group obtained by imaging the heart of a subject, a three-dimensional shape of blood vessels nourishing a cardiac muscle included in second volume data obtained by imaging the heart, thereby producing three-dimensional combined data, and produces combined image data in which the three-dimensional combined data is developed on a surface. The controller causes a display unit to display the combined image data. |
| US09717473B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting a dipole position marker
An apparatus, method and system for detecting a position within a body are provided. A dipole that is free to rotate or oscillate within a capsule is inserted at a target location within the body. The dipole can be either electric or magnetic, and the dipole rotates or oscillates within the capsule when an alternating or rotating electric or magnetic field is applied in the vicinity of the dipole. Ultrasound energy is impinged upon the target location and a position of the dipole is determined based on detected ultrasound reflections. |
| US09717472B2 |
Combination sensor guidewire and methods of use
The present invention provides for an improved combination sensor tip that includes an ultrasound transducer and a pressure sensor both disposed at or in close proximity to the distal end of the combination sensor tip. The present invention also provides for an improved connector to couple a guide wire to a physiology monitor that reduces torsional resistance when maneuvering the guide wire. |
| US09717471B2 |
Method and apparatus for multiple-wave doppler velocity meter
A method and system for determining a velocity of a moving object such as a body or a stream. The object is irradiated in a non-collinear configuration with multiple ultrasound waves overlapping in a region-of-interest (ROI) of the object. An response wave, resulting from the non-linear interaction among the incident waves and the object, is detected and the frequency variations of the response wave are determined. Data representing a Doppler-shift of this frequency is further determined and processed to calculate the velocity of the moving object. |
| US09717465B2 |
Vision examination system with improved visually evoked potential waveforms
A method and system for extracting important signal information is disclosed. The method examines a group of signals obtained from testing of a patient's nervous system and finds a signal area of interest. Once a cluster of signals that all have the area of interest is found—the system concludes that the area of interest is located and validated. Signals that are not within the cluster are rejected and the signals within the cluster are signal-averaged to yield a signal-averaged waveform. The signal averaged waveform represents the results of the test. |
| US09717457B2 |
Sensor, system and method for measuring and tracking impacts sustained by wearer
In an aspect, an accessory for an activity is provided, and includes an accessory housing, an impact detection device and a secondary module. The impact detection device includes at least one impact sensor selected from the group of sensors comprising an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The secondary module includes at least a battery configured for powering both the impact detection device and the secondary module. The impact detection device and secondary module together further include a microcontroller and a memory. The impact detection device is removably connectable to the secondary module and is connectable to another secondary module in another protective accessory. |
| US09717452B2 |
Handheld medical diagnostic devices with lancing speed control
A method of controlling lancing speed of a lancing structure of a portable handheld medical diagnostic device includes providing an elongated lancet structure having a skin piercing end and a blood transport portion adjacent the skin piercing end. The skin piercing end when displaced makes an incision at a skin site to produce an amount of bodily fluid from the skin site and in which the blood transport portion transports the amount of bodily fluid away from the skin site for use by a measurement system in making a physiological measurement. A spring-driven motor assembly is operatively connected to the lancet structure. The spring-driven motor assembly displaces the lancet structure toward the skin site to make the incision for producing the amount of bodily fluid and retracts the lancet structure to carry the amount of bodily fluid away from the skin cite. A speed control mechanism is engaged with the spring-driven motor assembly as the spring-driven motor assembly retracts the lancet structure thereby decelerating the lancet structure as the lancet structure is retracted away from the skin site. |
| US09717451B2 |
Device for withdrawing or administering a substance and method of manufacturing a device
A device includes a plurality of skin penetrating devices for delivering or withdrawing a substance through the skin of a patient. The device has a support formed with a top and bottom end and a plurality of channels extending axially through the support. A plurality of the skin penetrating members is positioned in the channels with a tip extending from the bottom end of the support. A coupling member is attached to the support for coupling with a fluid supply and directing the fluid to the skin penetrating members. The skin penetrating members have a length of about 100 microns to about 2000 microns and are about 30 to 50 gauge. |
| US09717448B2 |
Continuous transdermal monitoring system and method
Various embodiments of methods and systems for continuous transdermal monitoring (“CTM”) are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of a continuous transdermal monitoring system comprises a sensor package. The sensor package may include a pulse oximetry sensor having a plurality of light detectors arranged as an array. One exemplary method for continuous transdermal monitoring begins by positioning a pulse oximetry sensor system, similar to the system described immediately above, adjacent to a target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by detecting a light reflected by the target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by transmitting a pulse oximetry reading(s), based at least in part on the light reflected by the target tissue segment, of the target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by analyzing the pulse oximetry reading(s). Then, the method continues by assessing the accuracy of the pulse oximetry reading from the first light detector relative to the pulse oximetry reading from the second light detector. |
| US09717446B2 |
Non-invasive measurement of blood oxygen saturation
A method for non-invasive determination of oxygen saturation of blood within a deep vascular structure of a human or animal patient comprising locating on skin of the patient in a vicinity of the deep vascular structure of interest emitter and receiver elements of a light oximeter device, wherein optimal location of said elements is achieved through matching of a plethysmography trace obtained from the oximeter device to known plethysmography characteristics of the deep vascular structure of interest, wherein the emitter element emits light at wavelengths of from about 1045 nm to about 1055 nm and from about 1085 nm to about 1095 nm, and wherein oxygen saturation is determined from a ratio of light absorbed at these two wavelengths by haemoglobin in blood within the vascular structure of interest. |
| US09717444B2 |
Optical polarization shift measuring system
A non-invasive device for measuring concentration levels of optically active substances, such as glucose, by determination of polarization plane turn angle in the infrared spectrum. Instant embodiments, measuring optical polarization shift, include a narrow-band optical source having a first linear polarizer; substantially illuminated by the source, a sample stage capable of temporarily immobilizing a sample; proximate to the sample stage and within a predetermined angular range with respect to the source illumination of the sample, a narrow-band optical detector capable of detecting polarization angles from the illuminated sample; and in conjunction with the source and the detector, a linear polarization angle comparator for comparing a polarization of the source with a polarization maxima region measured by the detector. |
| US09717439B2 |
Patient data display
The temporal correlation between a bioelectrical brain signal of a patient and patient motion data, such as a signal indicative of patient motion or a patient posture indicator, is displayed by a display device. In some examples, the patient posture indicator comprises a graphical representation of at least a portion of a body of the patient. In some examples, the temporal correlation between a bioelectrical brain signal, a signal indicative of patient motion, and a signal indicative of cardiac activity of the patient is displayed by the display device. |
| US09717437B2 |
Atrial arrhythmia detection during intermittent instances of ventricular pacing in a cardiac medical device
A method and medical device for determining a cardiac event that includes sensing a cardiac signal, determining a predetermined number of sensed cardiac events in response to the sensed cardiac signal, determining a plurality of sensed event windows in response to the predetermined number of the sensed cardiac events, determining, for each of the plurality of sensed event windows, whether a number of paced events is less than a paced event threshold, determining whether intervals within the sensed event windows having a number of paced events less than the paced event threshold are greater than an interval threshold, determining an interval difference factor for each of the plurality of windows having intervals less than the interval threshold, and determining the cardiac event in response to the interval difference factors determined for each of the plurality of windows. |
| US09717436B2 |
Method and system for detection of biological rhythm disorders
System, assembly and method are provided to facilitate reconstruction of cardiac information representing a complex rhythm disorder associated with a patient's heart to indicate a source of the heart rhythm disorder. The complex rhythm disorder can be treated by application of energy to modify the source of the rhythm disorder. |
| US09717435B2 |
Intravenous line flow sensor for advanced diagnostics and monitoring in emergency medicine
A portable medical device having an intravenous line flow sensor integrated into a cable. The portable medical device may be a defibrillator having an ECG or electrode cable couple to ECG or electrode leads. The flow sensor may be integrated into the ECG or electrode cable. The portable medical device uses the flow sensor to capture and store information about fluids delivered to a patient being treated with the portable medical device. The information may include total volume provided, flow rate, and the like. The information may then be used to evaluate the treatment provided to the patient. |
| US09717434B2 |
Perfusion cannula with integrated sensor technology
The present invention relates to a perfusion cannula for placement of an access, having a cannula wall and a perfusion lumen which is surrounded by the cannula wall and in which a fluid flow can flow through the perfusion cannula, wherein the perfusion cannula furthermore comprises at least one sensor lumen and at least one sensor device, in particular an ECG sensor, which is arranged at least partially in the sensor lumen. As a result, it is possible to provide a particularly reliable perfusion cannula with improved functionality and for reliable handling, in particular in conjunction with an extracorporeal lung support system. |
| US09717426B2 |
Optical receiver chain for components of a photoplethysmograph signal
The circuitry of an optical receiver reduces the ambient DC component and the pleth DC component to leave a pleth signal with substantially only a pleth AC component. The circuitry also provides gain control and can provide transmit power control to change the range of the pleth AC component to occupy a desired input range of an analog-to-digital converter. |
| US09717424B2 |
System and method for generating a PPG signal
Characterization of a fitness monitor based on its operation enables a processor to account for variations in device operating modes and biometric characteristics of the user. The fitness monitor includes an emitter (e.g., LED) for transmitting light toward skin of the user, a receiver (e.g., photodiode) for receiving a reflection of the transmitted light, a photometric front end for generating a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal based on the received reflection, and a processor configured to select an intensity level for the emitter based on a comparison of a determined component of the PPG signal and a reference value. The reference value, which may characterize the fitness monitor based on a determined variability or range of the PPG signal, may be utilized by the processor to improve or maintain the signal quality of the PPG signal to enable determination of a cardiac component and/or reduction of power consumption by the fitness device. |
| US09717422B2 |
Sheath with optically interrogatable sensors
An intravascular sensor system including an array of pressure and/or temperature sensors for detecting pressure and/temperature. In one example, the sensors are interrogated with an optical catheter. In this example, the swept source is able to acquire both image and pressure/temperature data of a patient's vessel or artery. In another example, the intravascular pressure sensor system has a sheath embedded with pressure sensors in the sheath wall. Other examples include the process of making and using the intravascular pressure sensor system. |
| US09717418B2 |
Method and device for wavelength shifted imaging
A micro-camera catheter device is disclosed having at least one light source disposed on a distal end of a catheter. The light source is capable of propagating a predetermined wavelength of light with a wavelength greater than approximately 700 nanometers onto a target. The device further includes a lens system disposed on the distal end of the catheter, said lens system configured to receive light reflected from the target. The device further includes a non-linear optical media disposed about the lens system configured to reduce the wavelength of light reflected from the target. The device also includes a silicon-based solid state imaging device disposed behind the non-linear optical media configured to receive light from the non-linear optical media. |
| US09717408B2 |
Ophthalmologic imaging apparatus for stimulated eye
An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus includes: a first optical system that applies an accommodation stimulus to a subject's eye; a tomographic image forming unit that includes a second optical system that splits light from a light source into signal light and reference light, and detects interference light between the signal light having travelled via the subject's eye and the reference light, and creates a tomographic image of the subject's eye based on a detection result of the interference light; and an analyzer that compares a first tomographic image with a second tomographic image to acquire change information indicating a change in a tissue of the subject's eye due to an accommodation stimulus change. The first and second tomographic images are respectively created by the tomographic image forming unit for the subject's eye, to which first and second accommodation stimuli are respectively applied by the first and second optical systems. |
| US09717407B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing night vision
A method and an apparatus for testing night vision are disclosed. At least one visual mark is presented to a test person having an open pupil from a distance of several meters. The visual mark is configured as a light point, and a visual impression of the test person is determined by means of the visual mark. The apparatus comprises means for opening a pupil of a test person, in particular a darkened room. An examination position for the test person and a presentation apparatus for visual marks arranged at a distance of several meters from the examination position are also provided. The presentation apparatus comprises at least one point-shaped light source. A light beam thereof is directed towards the examination position. Means are provided for determining a visual impression of the test person with the help of the visual marks. |
| US09717406B2 |
Compact foldable apparatus for ophthalmology
There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of folding apparatus for ocular purposes for the first time. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing. |
| US09717405B2 |
Vitreoretinal membrane characterization using optical coherence tomography
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data is used to automatically detect and characterize vitreoretinal membranes in a spatially precise manner to generate a mask image. The mask image may characterize various aspects of a vitreoretinal membrane. The mask image is then overlaid with an optical image of the retina to enable visualization of the vitreoretinal membrane. |
| US09717404B1 |
Multifocal lens and system and method for simulating the same
An apparatus for generating simulated images includes an input device, a processor and a display device. The input device is configured to input information on a pupil of an eye and design information for a multifocal lens. The processor is configured to generate, based on the inputted pupil information and design information, a simulated image that is visible to the eye when the multifocal lens is disposed in the eye. The display device is configured to display the simulated image generated by the processor. |
| US09717399B2 |
Endoscope with multifunctional extendible arms and endoscopic instrument with integrated image capture for use therewith
An endoscope and methods of use thereof are provided, which includes at least one multi-functional extending arm supporting a plurality of imaging, lighting and other sensory elements. The arms provide a mounting platform upon which cameras, lights and sensors may be mounted to generate multiple-angled images and video, arena-like lighting and other data for performing a minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) procedure. The arms may be inserted through a single portal in the endoscope and extended outward in multiple directions from the single portal once inserted into a body cavity. The endoscope may also include support arms which support the extending arms within the body cavity and a stabilization plate which anchors the endoscope to an external surface of the body. An endoscopic tool with optical, lighting and other sensors integrated into a functional end is also provided. |
| US09717395B2 |
Suction conduit switching apparatus and endoscope
A piston is inserted into a piston passage of a cylinder. The piston is displaced between a first position of a non-contact state and a second position by a pressing operation. At the first position, a suction source connection port of the cylinder faces a circumferential groove of the piston and a suction source conduit communicates with an outside atmosphere. At the second position, the suction source connection port faces an outer peripheral surface opening and the suction source conduit communicates with a suction connection port. A V-shaped opening portion as a correction opening portion is formed in the outer peripheral surface opening. The V-shaped opening portion causes an increment of a communication opening width at which the suction source connection port overlaps with the outer peripheral surface opening to be three times or less an increment of a pressing stroke of the piston. |
| US09717393B2 |
Household appliance with bulk unit-dose dispenser
A household appliance, such as dishwasher, includes a bulk unit-dose dispenser configured to hold multiple unit doses of treating chemistry and dispense the treating chemistry at the appropriate time in a cycle of operation. The bulk unit-dose dispenser can include a multiple compartments moveable along a track, and the compartments can be sequentially moved into registry with a dispensing opening of the appliance. |
| US09717390B2 |
Steam cleaning apparatus
A steam cleaning apparatus comprising: a main body having a boiler and a pump; a main power switch; a cleaning head coupled to a main body through a joint; a yoke in the main body or the cleaning head, the yoke having an arm contacting a position sensitive switch so that when the main body is in a non-use position, the position sensitive switch prevents the main switch from supplying power, and when the main body is in an in-use position, the position sensitive switch allows the main switch to provide power. |
| US09717389B2 |
Extraction cleaner
An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt. The fluid delivery system can further include a bladder housed within a tank of the recovery system, and the bladder can be closed by a fill cap. |
| US09717386B2 |
Liquid extraction cleaning device
A liquid extraction cleaning device comprises a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a cleaning solution tank, a recovery tank, first and second spray nozzles, a spray selection switch, a vacuum inlet port, an agitator assembly, and a handle. The spray selection switch controls whether liquid is expelled from the second spray nozzle when liquid is expelled from the first spray nozzle. The agitator assembly comprises first and second agitators. The first agitator is configured to rotate. The second agitator is configured to reciprocate. The handle is pivotally connected to the rest of the liquid extraction cleaning device and is lockable in several pivotal orientations. The handle can also be pivoted forward from a rearwardly extending direction to an extent that it extends forward horizontally. |
| US09717384B2 |
Apparatus and method of controlling operation of cleaner
An apparatus controls operations of a cleaner. The apparatus comprises a network interface unit for receiving first information regarding external conditions through an external network, and a controller for setting up operating schedules of the cleaner based on the first information. |
| US09717377B2 |
System for dispensing a strip of absorbent product wound into a roll that complies therewith
A system including a roll formed from a web having at least one characteristic mark of the roll, and a dispenser which has an element for identifying this mark in order to determine whether a new roll installed in the dispenser is a compatible roll. The mark is present on a free end section of the new roll. This marked free end section is followed by at least one section that does not have a characteristic mark of the roll. |
| US09717374B1 |
Bodily scrubbing assembly
A bodily scrubbing assembly includes a housing that may be removably coupled to a wall in a shower. A sponge is removably positioned in the housing. Thus, the sponge is retained on the shower thereby facilitating the sponge to scrub a user's body. A plurality of couplers is provided and each of the couplers is coupled to the sponge. Each of the couplers engages the housing such that the sponge is removably retained in the housing. |
| US09717366B2 |
Beverage forming station door for beverage machine
A method and apparatus for opening and closing a door of a beverage forming machine, e.g., for accessing a beverage forming station. The door may be opened by retracting the door into an interior space of the housing, e.g., by moving the door rearwardly. When at the closed position, at least one edge of the door may be flush with an adjacent outer housing portion. |
| US09717363B2 |
Water tank type electric steamer
The present invention provides a water tank type steamer. The water tank type steamer includes a base which defines a recess therein. A plurality of steam racks which are hollow are inserted into the recess by stacking one by one from top to down. The bottom of a side wall of each steam rack is bent inwards to form a stage. An outside wall of the stage is nested in the top of the side wall of the lower steam rack. A rack bottom for holding food is put on the inner side of the stage. The bottom of the recess arranges a water storage pool. A through slot and a jack are disposed on the base. The through slot communicates the water storage pool and the jack. The jack connects a water tank. The outlet of the water tank orientates downwards to communicate with the jack. |
| US09717356B2 |
Anti-loose thermal insulation cup sleeve with reverse damping structure
The present invention provides a cup sleeve formed with a reverse damping structure having one or more rings inwardly bent and annularly arranged on one or both of the edge and the inner periphery of the cup sleeve, so when the mentioned cup sleeve is sleeved with a cup-shaped or bottle-shaped or can-shaped container, the anti-slip damping for enhancing the anti-loose function is provided by the reverse damping structure, thus the cup sleeve is less likely to be released from the cup-shaped or bottle-shaped or can-shaped container, and with the reverse damping structure, the interval formed between the cup sleeve and the cup-shaped or bottle-shaped or can-shaped container is enlarged thereby increasing the thermal insulation effect. |
| US09717351B2 |
Systems and methods for providing articulating point-of-sale apparatuses or devices
Embodiments of the disclosure can include systems and methods for providing articulating point-of-sale (POS) apparatuses or devices, such as displays. In one embodiment, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly may include a base and a movable arm attached to the base. The movable arm may be configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the base. The assembly may further include a pivotable display device attached to the movable arm. The pivotable display device may be configured to pivot from a third position to a fourth position with respect to the movable arm. The assembly may also include an arm joint attaching the movable arm to the base, and a pivot joint attaching the pivotable display device to the movable arm. |
| US09717350B2 |
Portable bar and accessories kit
A accessories system for a portable bar is provided, the kit comprises: at least one stool; at least one stool cover; at least one umbrella cover; and at least one bar wrap; said kit is designed to work with a portable bar and stool. |
| US09717349B1 |
Combination storage and display system
The present invention relates to a combination storage and display system, and in particular to a system that is modular, provides high density storage and easy display of mattresses. In one embodiment, the rack has a base frame with several longitudinal rails. Several display frames are also provided (one for each longitudinal rail). The display frames have a translating bar that is movable relative the longitudinal rails. The display frame has a post and an angled support. The angled support holds the mattress in a nearly vertical orientation. A mattress support is pivotally connected to the post. The mattress support has a base, two ears, a leg and a lip. The lip engages a small portion of a side of the mattress. The leg pivotally depends from an ear. |
| US09717348B2 |
Pass through shelf wall assembly
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for constructing and installing architectural walls include adjustable shelves and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism may allow the architectural wall to selectively secure a panel or shelf disposed through a hole in the wall. The clamping mechanism may also be loosened to allow the panel or shelf to be adjusted, removed, or replaced as needed. |
| US09717346B2 |
Automated reflective device for monitoring a baby in a bassinet
An automated reflective device for monitoring a baby in a bassinet enables viewing the interior of a bassinet, such as a baby, from an outside vantage point. A clamp detachably attaches the device to a mounting surface on the bassinet. The device includes a reflector that is oriented in a horizontal, vertical, swiveling, and telescoping direction to provide an optimal line of site into the bassinet. The reflector has a housing and a reflective panel made of a non-glass substrate overlaid with a reflective coating. The reflective panel is oriented in relation to the bassinet, so as to reflect the interior contents of the bassinet from an external vantage point. A motor powers an actuator in the housing. The actuator adjustably moves the reflector. An LED illuminates a cool-white light inside the bassinet and on the reflective surface for enhanced viewing. A remote control operates the actuator and LED. |
| US09717338B2 |
Anti-tip roller
A file cabinet with a roller positioned on the bottom of the cabinet in proximity to a front edge of the cabinet to prevent the cabinet from tipping over when acted on by a force generally perpendicular to the front edge. The roller also provides a method of moving the file cabinet by rolling the file cabinet. |
| US09717335B2 |
Drawer stop mechanism for sliding drawer
The present invention provides a drawer stop mechanism for a sliding drawer, and the drawer stop mechanism is assembled on a drawer panel of the sliding drawer. The drawer stop mechanism includes an upper decoration strip, a lower decoration strip, at least one spring and at least one lock hook. The upper decoration strip is fixed on the drawer panel. The lower decoration strip is movably connected with the upper decoration strip by a pivot. The at least one spring is mounted between the upper decoration strip and the lower decoration strip. The at least one lock hook is fixed at the lower decoration strip. The drawer stop mechanism provided by the present invention has a simple structure, is easy to use and can lock the drawer perfectly. |
| US09717334B2 |
Drive device for a movable furniture part
A drive device for a moveable furniture part including an ejection element, an ejection force accumulator, and a locking device for the ejection element. The locking device includes a locking journal which is subjected to force of the ejection force accumulator and can be locked in a locked position in a latch region of a guide track. The guide track is shaped like a curved heart and has a tightening section in which the locking journal can be moved when the ejection force accumulator is tightened, and a latching movement section of the locking journal prior to reaching the locked position in the latch region. The locking journal impinged upon by the tightened ejection force accumulator can be slowed down and/or dampened in the latching movement section and can be placed in the latch region. |
| US09717333B2 |
Bracket device
A bracket device is adapted for mounting an object arranged on a slide rail assembly to a post of a rack. The bracket device includes a bracket and an engagement member. The bracket is connected to the slide rail assembly and has a longitudinal wall and an end wall substantially perpendicularly connected to the longitudinal wall. The end wall is mounted to the post of the rack by at least one mounting member. The engagement member is arranged on the bracket and releasably engaged with a portion of the object. |
| US09717327B2 |
Console furniture and features thereof
The present disclosure is directed to console furniture and related features. A support structure is provided for supporting a work surface, the support structure comprising a frame defining an interior space, a frame brace receivable into the interior space of the frame, a support for supporting the work surface, and at least one fastening mechanism for extending between the frame brace and the support to clamp the frame therebetween, thereby securing the support about the frame. A console with a height adjustable work surface is also provided. |
| US09717326B2 |
Pedestal apparatus
The invention discloses a pedestal apparatus for an article of furniture. The pedestal apparatus has an elongate post formation defining a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis. The post formation immovably supports a fixed foot arrangement and also movably supports a variable foot arrangement. The variable foot arrangement is selectively movable along and around the longitudinal axis for varying a longitudinal and angular proximity between the variable foot arrangement and the fixed foot arrangement. Biasing means are provided for controlling movement of the variable foot arrangement whereby, in use, the biasing means causes both the fixed foot arrangement and the variable foot arrangement to abut an underlying surface and thereby provide a substantial stabilization of the pedestal apparatus. |
| US09717324B2 |
Method for producing a toothbrush and toothbrush produced thereby
A method for producing a toothbrush comprises providing a head, a neck portion, and a handle; providing a coupling element; and combining the neck portion to the handle by the coupling element so that an irreversible connection is formed. The individual parts of the toothbrush to be formed can be produced in parallel or successively, wherein some of the parts can be produced by injection molding. A toothbrush formed by the method comprises a head, a neck portion, and a handle; these elements can be produced as building blocks separately and may be connected to one another via a coupling element to form an inseparable connection. |
| US09717323B2 |
Split type hanging buckle
A split type hanging buckle includes a base and a connecting element, the base includes a top cover and a bottom cover, the top cover has a receiving groove, one end of the bottom cover has an accommodating groove, the accommodating groove corresponds to the receiving groove, the connecting element includes a first magnetic element, a second magnetic element, a connecting part and a fitting part, the first magnetic element is received in the accommodating groove, one end of the connecting part has an inserting part and a clamping part, one end of the inserting part has an receiving cavity, the second magnetic element is received in the receiving cavity, and after the second magnetic element is received in the receiving cavity, portions of the second magnetic element away from the inserting part attract the first magnet element, such that the connecting element is connected with the base. |
| US09717313B2 |
Sunshade and method of preparing a canopy
A sunshade includes: a support frame; and a canopy connected to the support frame and including a light-transmissible fabric sheet of undyed yarns and an opaque enamel coating coated on at least one side of the fabric sheet. A method of preparing a canopy includes: providing a light-transmissible fabric sheet of undyed yarns; coating an enamel composition on at least one side of the light-transmissible fabric sheet to form an opaque enamel coating on the light-transmissible fabric sheet; and drying the opaque enamel coating. |
| US09717310B1 |
Waterproof open-end zipper
A waterproof, open-end zipper includes a first zipper tape with a first engagement rail unit, a second zipper tape with a second engagement rail unit, a zipper slider slidable to force the first engagement rail unit and the second engagement rail unit into engagement with each other or separate them from each other, a box located at one end of the first engagement rail unit for receiving one end of the second engagement rail unit, a locating rod fixedly located at the first engagement rail unit, and a locating hole located at the second engagement rail unit for receiving the locating rod after insertion of the second engagement rail unit into the box to prohibit relative displacement between the first and second zipper tapes. |
| US09717302B2 |
Athletic positioning apparatus and applications thereof
An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section. |
| US09717301B2 |
Composite shoe sole, footwear constituted thereof and method producing the same
A water-vapor permeable shoe-sole combination (15) with an upper side (5) having at least on through hole (31) extending through the thickness of the shoe-sole combination, a barrier unit (35) with an upper side forming at least part of the upper side (50) of the shoe-sole combination, made of a water-vapor permeable barrier material (33) that forms a barrier against penetration of foreign bodies, by means of which the at least one through hole (31) is closed in a water-vapor permeable manner, a reinforcement device (25) formed for mechanical reinforcement of the shoe-sole combination (105), constructed with at least one reinforcement web (37) arranged on at least one surface of the barrier material (33) and at least partially crossing the at least one through hole (31), and at least one walking-sole part (117) arranged beneath the barrier unit (35). |
| US09717298B1 |
MEMS valve actuator system
A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) exhaust valve-based impact attenuating fluid filled cell for use in cushioning impact and decelerating of a wearer's body portion (e.g. head, shoulder, torso, etc.) after an impact. In combination with the use of accelerometers, pressure sensors, location and other electronics supply signals to a microcontroller, the controlled opening/closing of said exhaust valve (resulting in the expelling of said fluids with an optional combination with cell refill means) when certain parameters exceed a threshold. Individuals who engage in activities that carry a risk of injury to the head from impact in the normal course of the activity could, in combination with regular exams, benefit from a system that produces and updates a kinematic 3D model of the individual's head, including brain matter, cerebrospinal fluid paths, arterial and venous blood flow pathways, as well as the skull, supporting connective tissues and other biological structures in the head suitable for interaction with exogenous stimuli prepared from hypothetical or actual recorded impact events. |
| US09717296B2 |
Locking clip and anchor assembly for a tether
A locking clip and anchor assembly for a tether. The clip includes an opening with at least one tab extending into a portion of the opening. The clip is also configured to attach to a tether or strap. In exemplary embodiments, the anchor assembly includes a post, biased support, biasing mechanism, and base. The clip is configured to be connectable to the post and movable to latched and unlatched conditions with respect to the anchor assembly. In the latched condition the clip has a limited range of rotation possible about the post. |
| US09717291B2 |
Vented coveralls
A vented coveralls is disclosed. Said vented coveralls comprising a bottom portion and a top portion. Said bottom portion having two legs and a top portion having two sleeves. Said top portion having a front, a back, a first side, a second side and one or more vents. Said vents are capable of allowing an air flow to pass through said vented coveralls. Said bottom portion comprises a trouser portion and said top portion comprises a shirt portion of said vented coveralls. |
| US09717290B2 |
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. |
| US09717286B1 |
Support structure of bra cup
A support structure of a bra cup contains: a bra cup body and an underwire channel. The bra cup body includes a concave face and a convex face, and the concave face has an imaginary point defined on a central position thereof. The underwire channel is hollow and is in an arcuate strap shape, and the underwire channel is mounted on a peripheral side of a bottom of the bra cup body. The underwire channel includes an external layer, an internal layer, and a hollow portion. The hollow portion has an opening arranged on one end thereof and configured to accommodate an underwire. The underwire channel further includes a flexible mesh sheet arranged on one surface thereof facing the bra cup body. The flexible mesh sheet has a reinforcement section extending outwardly from the underwire channel to the imaginary point of the concave face of the bra cup body. |
| US09717284B2 |
Brassiere
A brassiere comprising a wing having a top edge and a bottom edge, at least one strap and at least one cup for receiving a breast, the cup having an around cup edge section, an underarm edge section, a neckline edge section and an apex, the around cup section of the cup having a wire, wherein the brassiere further comprises a control panel generally extending from the apex of the cup into the wing, the control panel having an upper edge and a lower edge and wherein the wire terminates proximal to the lower edge of the control panel. |
| US09717283B1 |
Body slimming garment system
In an embodiment, a body slimming garment system comprises a connection strip bonded to an overshirt at the yoke of the overshirt. The connection strip extends and is bonded to an inner belt around the torso of a user. One or more wings are bonded to the posterior of the inner belt extending radially from the user. The inner belt comprises one or more hook-and-eye components and one or more clasp locker components arranged adjacently. A primary wing comprises one or more hook-and-eye components, and one or more clasping lockers on a side of the primary wing. A second side of the primary wing comprises one or more hook-and-eye components and one or more clasping locker components each arranged adjacently. A secondary wing comprises one or more hook-and-eye components and one or more clasp lockers. |
| US09717281B2 |
Underwear
Underwear adapted to add an inner structure to a traditional covering comprising waistband and fabric panels conventionally covering the buttocks, hips, and genital areas. The inner structure may include a fabric panel bearing a ridge intended to occupy the cleft separating the buttocks, with the fabric panel adhering closely to the buttocks. The inner structure may also or instead include a fabric scrotum guard which covers the rear of the scrotum and which separates the scrotum from the inner thighs and separates the right and left perineal folds where inner thighs meet the lowermost trunk. The scrotum guard may include adjustment structure for adjusting tightness of the fit with the Y formed at the scrotum and the entire perineum. The front of the traditional covering may have an opening for retrieving the penis which opening is arranged horizontally rather than in the traditional generally vertical orientation. |
| US09717280B2 |
Adjustable collar stay for men and women's apparel
Embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for holding a shirt collar in a position and orientation on a shirt front. The apparatus includes a first elongate collar stay adapted for attachment to an inside surface of the shirt collar or positionable within a collar stay pocket of the shirt collar, the first elongate collar stay having a first adherence portion for removable contact with inside surface of the shirt collar or the collar stay pocket; and a second elongate collar stay moveably connected to the first elongate collar stay, the second elongate collar stay adapted for attachment to an outside surface of the shirt opposite the inside surface of the shirt collar and in relation thereto, the second elongate collar stay having a second adherence portion for removable contact with the outside surface of the shirt opposite the inside surface of the collar and in relation thereto. |
| US09717274B2 |
Smoke-free cigarette, cigar or pipe
The invention relates to a smokeless cigarette, cigar, or pipe having at least one depot (10) for storing and for defined release due to external heat input of nicotine and/or compound comprising nicotine to an airflow to be guided through the depot (10). According to the invention the depot (10) comprises at least one heat transfer segment (16) for targeted heat input for defined release of the nicotine and/or nicotine compound to the airflow. |
| US09717271B2 |
Filter segment comprising an acetate salt and glycerine
A smoking article comprising a filter segment, the filter segment comprising a tow material and triacetin, wherein the filter segment further comprises an amino acid acetate salt and glycerine. The amino acid acetate salt and glycerine stabilize the triacetin in order to maintain the structural firmness of the tow material. |
| US09717267B2 |
Beverages containing rare sugars
Beverages comprising rare sugars and sweetness enhancers are provided herein, wherein the sweetness enhancers are present at or below the sweetness recognition threshold concentration. Also provided are methods for improving the sweetness of a beverage comprising rare sugars by adding a sweetness enhancer in a concentration at or below its sweetness recognition threshold. Beverages comprising natural high potency sweeteners and rare sugars with sugar-like characteristics are also provided, wherein the natural high potency sweetener and rare sugars are present in particular weight ratios. |
| US09717265B2 |
Rumen-protected lutein product for producing high-lutein dairy products
A rumen-protected carotenoid animal feed product is described that is free-flowing, resistant to ruminal degradation and effective at raising the carotenoid level in milk produced by the animal. |
| US09717261B2 |
Roasted coffee beans
Provided are roasted coffee beans useful for producing a coffee beverage having rich body and taste and suppressed in unpleasant taste. The roasted coffee beans of the present invention have an L value of 10 to 20, a content weight ratio [(B)/(A)] of hydroxyhydroquinone (B) to hydroquinone (A) of 3.5 or less, and a content of chlorogenic acids (C) of 0.3 to 1.5 g relative to 100 g of the roasted coffee beans. |
| US09717255B2 |
Method of preparing a cake using phospholipase
The quality of a cake quality may deteriorate if the amount of eggs in the recipe is reduced. This deterioration can be counteracted by adding a phospholipase to the cake batter, as seen by an increased cake volume and improved cake properties after storage, e.g. increased cohesiveness, increased springiness, and increased elasticity. The cake quality (as measured by these parameters) can be further improved, even up to the level of the original cake, by adding a non-egg protein together with the phospholipase. Accordingly, a cake is prepared by a method, comprising: a) preparing a cake batter by mixing cake batter ingredients, said ingredients comprising non-phospholipase treated egg lecithin and phospholipase, and b) baking the cake batter to make the cake. |
| US09717253B2 |
Synergistic Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai and chlorantraniliprole mixtures for diamondback moth, beet armyworm, soybean looper, corn earworm, cabbage looper, and southwestern corn borer control
The present invention generally relates to the use of synergistic amounts of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai and chlorantraniliprole for the control of Diamondback Moth, Beet Armyworm, Soybean Looper, Corn Earworm, Cabbage Looper, and Southwestern Corn Borer. Specifically, the synergistic ratio of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai to chlorantraniliprole is from about 1:0.00003 to about 1:3. |
| US09717251B2 |
Potentiation of fixed coppers and other pesticides containing copper and supplementing plant nutrition
A pesticide, fungicidal, bactericidal, anti-pathogen or biocidal composition includes at least one biologically inert carrier; and at least one doped component including at least one fixed copper compound doped with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of iron compounds, zinc compounds, magnesium compounds, calcium compounds, and combinations and/or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the doped component has a particle size of about 0.5 nm to about 30 microns. A method for the control of pests includes the step of applying to the pests or their growth habitat the aforementioned composition. The method also includes the control of disease in citrus plants caused by vectors such as Psyllid nymphs, by applying the aforementioned composition to their growth habitat in citrus groves. |
| US09717250B2 |
Isothiazolinone biocides enhanced by zinc ions
The present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition comprising an isothiazolinone, such as 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, and a zinc compound selected from zinc salts, zinc oxides, zinc hydroxides or combinations thereof. Useful zinc salts include for example, oxides, sulfates, chlorides, and combinations thereof. In use, the zinc from the zinc compound enhances the antimicrobial activity to the isothiazolin-containing composition. This enhancement permits achieving the desired antimicrobial activity at a lower usage rate than is achieved using the isothiazolinone in the absence of the zinc compound. The antimicrobial composition can also contain co-biocides, such as pyrithiones, including zinc pyrithione or copper pyrithione. |
| US09717246B1 |
Method and related solution for protecting wood through enhanced penetration of wood preservatives employing buffered amine oxides and alkoxylated oils
The present invention provides improved solutions and related methods for effecting enhanced penetration of wood preservatives through the synergistic action of an amine oxide employed in combination with an alkoxylated oil and a buffering agent. Preferred materials and quantities are recited. The system of the present invention may be employed with artificially stiffened wood. |
| US09717245B2 |
Total foliar product for agriculture / horticulture / tissue culture and hydroponic cultivation
A foliar product for use in agriculture and horticulture comprising heterocyclic nitrogen source, chelating agent and metal salts. The heterocyclic nitrogen source is Hexamine. The chelating agent is disodium salt of Hydroxy Ethylidene Di Phosphonic Acid (Na2HEDP). The metal salts are chelated using the chelating agent Na2HEDP. The foliar product provides complete raw material requirement, which enables plants to synthesize various products. Further, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the foliar product. Advantageously, the present invention eliminates undesirable side effects in plants and helps plants survive environmental or biological stress conditions. |
| US09717243B2 |
Piperidinecarboxylic acid derivatives as fungicides
Piperidinecarboxylic acidderivatives of the formula (I) in which the symbols A, L1, L2, G, p, Q, R1, R2, T and Y are each as defined in the description, and salts, metal complexes and N-oxides of the compounds of the formula (I), and the use thereof for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi and processes for preparing compounds of the formula (I). |
| US09717239B2 |
Cellulose ether as a drift control agent and rainfastness agent
Disclosed is an agricultural composition comprising at least one agricultural chemical and at least one cellulose ether, wherein the cellulose ether is a nonionic methylethylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MEHEC) polymer as well as a method for reducing spray drift during the spraying of an aqueous solution. The method comprises combining the MEHEC polymer with at least one agricultural chemical to obtain the aqueous solution and spraying the aqueous solution. Also disclosed is a method for increasing resistance to rain wash off of an aqueous solution sprayed onto a surface. |
| US09717222B2 |
Taste independent brain nutrient sensor that mediates hunger
Provided is a gene in drosophila designated as dSLC5A1. This gene is responsible for taste independent nutrient sensing. Activation of neurons expressing this gene results in hunger behavior. Provided are compositions and methods for identifying agents that can interfere with hunger behavior. |
| US09717221B2 |
Aquatic cultivation system
An aquatic cultivation system includes a bowl and a siphon equipment. The bowl contains a liquid. The siphon equipment includes a liquid intake tube, and a liquid exit tube. At least one of the liquid tube and the liquid exit tube includes an air vent. The siphon equipment includes a water level control element corresponding to the air vent. The water level control element includes a connection portion and a brake portion located on the connection portion. The brake portion is movable on a reciprocal movement locus when subject to change of liquid water level elevation to close or release the air vent, thereby drives the siphon equipment to draw intermittently the liquid in the bowl. As a result, filths in the bowl can be removed and an intermittent turbulent current can be generated to prevent the filths from depositing at the bottom of the bowl. |
| US09717220B2 |
Aquarium filter with water stream diversion system and method of use thereof
An aquarium filter with water stream diversion system and method of use thereof, having an intake, an outlet, and a pump to draw water into the intake and discharge water from the outlet. The system further includes a water stream diversion conduit having a first open end, an opposite second open end, and a fluid channel between the first and second open ends. The first open end of the conduit can releasably connect to the intake of the pump or the outlet of the pump. When the conduit is connected to the outlet of the pump, the water is diverted from the outlet of the pump into the conduit, for discharge from the conduit. When the conduit is connected to the intake of the pump, water is drawn into the conduit and discharged from the conduit into the intake of the pump. |
| US09717219B2 |
Water inlet arrangement
The invention relates to a water inlet arrangement for the use in fish tanks in aquaculture, including a pipe to feed water into the tank, the pipe having a plurality of openings and, for a better adjustment of the flow, a surrounding second element having a plurality of openings and/or a fixed or adjustable shield are provided. |
| US09717217B1 |
Small animal restraining harness or jacket
An animal restraining harness or jacket and a method of use thereof, for protecting the shoulder and upper abdomen when experimental/surgical procedures are performed and when the experimental/surgical sites must be protected from biting, scratching, and other unwanted contact. The jacket generally includes a shoulder region and collar extensions, where the shoulder region is connected to the collar extensions. The collar extensions are wrapped and secured around the collar or neck area of the animal, and the shoulder region is wrapped and secured around the shoulder and torso area of the animal. Preferably, the collar extensions and shoulder region are secured on the dorsal side of the animal, thus providing a dorsal gap therebetween. This harnesses the animal effectively and prevents escape from the restraining jacket. |
| US09717214B1 |
Variety corn line IID5449
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated IID5449, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line IID5449 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line IID5449, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line IID5449, and plants produced according to these methods. |
| US09717208B2 |
Cotton variety 14R953B2XF
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 14R953B2XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 14R953B2XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 14R953B2XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 14R953B2XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods. |
| US09717207B2 |
Cotton variety PX5540-63WRF
The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PX5540-63WRF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PX5540-63WRF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PX5540-63WRF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PX5540-63WRF with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX5540-63WRF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX5540-63WRF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods. |
| US09717202B2 |
Tomato line PSQ9Z12-9066
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line PSQ9Z12-9066. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQ9Z12-9066, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09717196B2 |
Tomato line FIRXM12-4126
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line FIRXM12-4126. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line FIRXM12-4126, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09717191B2 |
Compensating for municipal restrictions within irrigation protocols
The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for generating and optimizing irrigation protocols that are in compliance with municipal restrictions. The disclosure also extends to methods, systems and computer program products for providing automated irrigation. |
| US09717188B2 |
Collapsible plant support
A novel collapsible plant support includes a collapsible coil adapted to rest on a flat surface. In a particular embodiment, the collapsible plant support includes a plurality of vertical support structures coupled to the collapsible coil so as to provide additional support. In another particular embodiment, a collapsible plant support includes plant receptacle receiving element that supports both a collapsible coil and also a plant receptacle. In a more particular embodiment, the plant receptacle receiving element includes fluid ducts for connecting multiple plant receptacle receiving elements into a fluid network. |
| US09717183B2 |
Grain cleaning unit with cleaning airstream vented above grain pan for a combine harvester
A combine harvester includes threshing apparatus, a grain pan and a cleaning unit. The grain pan is arranged to collect a grain/chaff stream from the threshing apparatus and is driven in an oscillating manner to convey the collected grain/chaff to a rear edge from where the grain/chaff stream falls into the cleaning unit. The cleaning unit includes a fan unit for generating an airstream directed through the grain/chaff stream falling from the rear edge and an airstream vented above the grain pan. |
| US09717181B2 |
Pivotably adjustable attachment apparatus for agricultural vehicle
A pivotably adjustable attachment apparatus for an agricultural vehicle includes an attachment connected to a mounting structure. The mounting structure is operatively connected to an adapter assembly in communication with a feed device for moving a crop from the attachment to a feed device for further processing of the crop. A frame supports the feed device over an uneven surface. An apparatus is positioned between the mounting structure and the adapter assembly. The apparatus provides a substantially non-sliding contact between the mounting structure and the adapter assembly in response to the mounting structure being directed to a pivotable movement with respect to the mounting structure, thereby providing a pivotable movement of the attachment in response to encountering the uneven surface. |
| US09717179B2 |
Hydraulic system for a header of an agricultural harvester
A hydraulic system for use with an agricultural harvester header is provided. The hydraulic system includes a reversible hydraulic pump that drives a reversible hydraulic motor in a forward or harvesting direction and a reverse or header cleaning direction. The system can further include a second reversible pump similarly driving a second reversible hydraulic motor in forward and reverse directions. The pumps and motors can be used to operate various header implements, e.g., the first pump and motor may be used to operate at least a crop cutting knife and the second pump and motor can be used to operate at least one conveyor. The pumps and motors operate within hydraulic circuits which share their hydraulic fluid with the harvester's hydraulic fluid reservoir, thereby reducing system weight, complexity and maintenance requirements. |
| US09717177B2 |
Switch control mechanism for garden tool
Disclosed is a switch control mechanism for a garden tool, the mechanism comprising handles, a switch and shift rods. Triggers are arranged on the handles, and the handles can rotate around the axes thereof. The triggers are connected to the shift rods by pull ropes, and the contact faces between the pull ropes and the triggers are spherical faces. The handles of the switch control mechanism for the garden tool can rotate within 360 degrees, so as to satisfy different operators, and can ensure that a user can control the switch of a machine wherever the handles are placed. |
| US09717174B2 |
Ergonomic rotational handle for a garden tool
A method and apparatus for an improved hand tool device wherein a handle may rotate at least 45 degrees to adjust to the user to help reduce the risk of injury and increase power application while gardening by adjusting and creating a favorable angle between the ground and the point of entry of the hand tool device into the ground. |
| US09717172B2 |
Machine turn maneuver management
A control system for a mobile machine includes one or more sensors for generating machine state data and one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices are configured to determine a first segment and a second segment of an operating path of the machine and to use the machine state data to determine an optimal speed for a turn maneuver between the first segment and the second segment of the operating path. The one or more computing devices may further be configured to determine a first optimal speed for a first portion of the turn maneuver and a second optimal speed for a second portion of the turn maneuver. |
| US09717171B2 |
System and method for automated odometry calibration for precision agriculture systems
A method including: recording a first image of a first field region; automatically treating a plant within the first region in-situ based on the first image; automatically verifying the plant treatment with a second image of the first region; and automatically treating a second region concurrently with treatment verification. |
| US09723770B2 |
Tape feeder
A second tape feeding mechanism 20B can deal with a plurality of types of carrier tapes and has a biasing mechanism 25 that brings a biasing member 30 in which a recess portion 30b is provided in an abutment surface 30a into abutment with a carrier tape so as to bring the carrier tape into engagement with an outer circumferential surface of a sprocket 21B, and with a preceding tape kept in engagement with the sprocket 21B, a leading end portion of a following tape is inserted between the sprocket 21B and the preceding tape. |
| US09723765B2 |
Perimeter ventilation system for electronic display
The exemplary embodiments herein provide an electronic display assembly having an electronic display surrounded by a front panel and a housing. An ingestion gap may be placed near a portion of the perimeter of the front panel while an exhaustion gap may be placed near an opposing portion of the perimeter of the front panel. A buffer zone may be defined between the ingestion gap and the exhaustion gap. A fan may be positioned to draw open loop fluid into the ingestion gap, through a channel behind the electronic display, and out of the exhaustion gap. This fan may also draw open loop fluid through an optional heat exchanger. A circulating fan may force circulating air through an optional heat exchanger. |
| US09723763B2 |
Computing device, method, and computer program for controlling cooling fluid flow into a computer housing
A computing device having a housing; a temperature monitor to monitor a temperature within the housing; a cooling fluid drawing mechanism to draw cooling fluid into the housing; a cooling fluid drawing controller, when the computing device is installed within an enclosure as one of plural computing devices, to obtain a value representing the temperature, and if the value is within a predetermined range, to select an operating state for the mechanism from among a first state in which the mechanism draws fluid into the housing at a first rate, and a second state in which the mechanism draws cooling fluid into the housing at a second rate lower than the first rate, and to run the mechanism in the selected state; where the selection of the state is based on demand for cooling from other computing devices from among the plurality of computing devices. |
| US09723755B2 |
Drive unit
A drive unit for driving a motor has a component assembly including a main circuit board having a component side and a solder side, one or more main circuit conductors formed in at least one layer of the main circuit board, a power component module including one or more power components, the power component module having electrical connection terminals for connecting the power component(s) to the one or more main circuit conductors of the main circuit board and a cooling plate coupled to the power component(s) in a manner enabling transfer of heat from the power component(s) to the cooling plate. The power component module is mounted to the component side of the main circuit board. The component assembly further includes a heat sink mounted on the cooling plate and a fan mounted on the heat sink. |
| US09723751B2 |
Systems and methods for vibrational isolation of information handling resources
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a vibrational isolator may include at least one supporting section and at least one attachment member mechanically coupled to the at least one supporting section and configured to mechanically couple to a chassis, such that when disposed in a chassis, the at least one supporting section suspends from the chassis and is configured to support vibration-generating equipment.In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include forming at least one supporting section and forming at least one attachment member mechanically coupled to the at least one supporting section and configured to mechanically couple to a chassis, such that when disposed in a chassis, the at least one supporting section suspends from the chassis and is configured to support vibration-generating equipment. |
| US09723749B2 |
Chassis with air guiding member
A chassis includes a base, a number of fans mounted in the base, and an air guiding member. The base includes a bottom wall and a sidewall perpendicularly connected to a side of the bottom wall. The fans are mounted on the bottom wall. The air guiding member includes a fixing portion slidably mounted to the sidewall and a guiding portion pivotably connected to the fixing portion. The guiding portion is pivotable to adjust the direction of airflow from the fans. |
| US09723748B2 |
Electronic module with removable fan assembly
A fan assembly for an electronics module is presented, the fan assembly includes a fan housing at least partially enclosing a fan, a first bracket assembly at a first end of the fan housing, the first bracket having a handle and a latching element, and a second bracket disposed on a second end of the fan housing. The handle is movable between an unlatched position for manual grasping of the handle and a latched position for allowing an air flow through the fan assembly. |
| US09723746B2 |
Slide rail assembly
A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a bracket base, and a bracket. The first rail defines a channel. The second rail is movably connected to the first rail and is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail in the channel of the first rail. The bracket base is connected to the first rail. The bracket is movably connected to the bracket base. When displaced in an extending direction from a retracted position toward an extended position relative to the first rail, the second rail drives the first rail to displace the bracket base from a first position to a second position relative to the bracket. |
| US09723744B1 |
Information technology racks with integrated data signal and power distribution
An information technology (IT) rack that includes IT appliances, housed by the IT rack, and a set of backplanes. Each backplane includes appliance-interfacing connectors. Insertion of the IT appliances into the IT rack causes mating of backplane-interfacing connectors of the IT appliances with the appliance-interfacing connectors. The IT rack further includes a centrally located interface to which the appliance-interfacing connectors are wired. The centrally located interface determines a connectivity of the IT appliances. |
| US09723743B2 |
Electrical service interface system
An electrical service interface system include an energy storage device and inverter mounted to a transformer tower, wherein each of the energy storage device and inverter include guide wheels configured to rollably mount the energy storage device and inverter to corresponding guide rails mounted to a support pad, and to align the energy storage device to the inverter, and the inverter to the transformer tower. In an installed configuration, the energy storage device electrically and mechanically couples to the inverter via a DC connector and one or more latching mechanisms, and the inverter mechanically and electrically couples to the transformer tower via an AC connector and one or more latching mechanisms. |
| US09723742B2 |
Integrated power racks and methods of assembling the same
An integrated power rack for use in a data center is provided. The integrated power rack includes a top, a base, a first side and a second side extending between the base and the top, a back member extending between the top, the base, the first side, and the second side, a divider extending from the top to the base, the divider positioned between the first side and the second side, a revenue sub-compartment defined between the first side and the divider, the revenue sub-compartment configured to receive a plurality of revenue producing devices, and a power sub-compartment defined between the second side and the divider, the power sub-compartment housing power equipment that is configured to provide direct-current (DC) power to the revenue sub-compartment. |
| US09723740B2 |
Electronic control apparatus for vehicle
The present disclosure relates to an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle, and the electronic control apparatus of the present disclosure includes: an electronic control element which includes an electronic control board which electrically controls each part of a vehicle, and a heating element which is positioned on a surface of the electronic control board; a cover and a base which accommodate the electronic control element; and a connector which is coupled to the electronic control element, in which an edge part where the cover and the base come into contact with each other is configured in a multi-step bent shape. |
| US09723737B2 |
Electronic device having waterproof structure
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an electronic component connected to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a housing comprising a recess configured to accommodate the electronic component and a hole formed in at least part of the recess to pass the PCB, and a sealing member disposed in at least part of the hole and configured to cover at least part of the PCB. |
| US09723735B1 |
Kickstand for protective case
A kickstand for an electronic device includes a standing leg, a base and an adhesive provided on a surface of the base so that the base can be attached to the protective case. The kickstand further includes a shaft and the standing leg is pivoted on the base. The base includes a first opening and a second opening to receive both ends of the shaft, and the shaft is substantially in a shape of a cylinder and includes a head, a body, and a bottom. The shaft further includes a cylindrical hole formed on the bottom and a metal pin is received in the cylindrical hole. The diameter of the head is greater than that of the body. Additionally, the diameter of the bottom is greater than that of the body. |
| US09723732B2 |
Suspended segmented display array
A suspended segmented display array in one embodiment includes multiple cables offset from a wall via standoff members. Adjacent display panels attach to cables via finger releasable clamps and present varied and unique visual displays. A versatile and cost-effective display system thus is established that accommodates a wide range of content which can readily be changed out. |
| US09723731B2 |
Electronic device for vehicle
A vehicular electronic device has a semiconductor package and a multilayer wiring board. An electrode pad of the multilayer wiring board, to which a signal terminal of the semiconductor package is soldered, has a wiring pattern in an inner layer of the multilayer wiring board. A solder resist is applied and spaced from a periphery of the electrode pad to the exterior. The signal terminal is soldered to the electrode pad to cover an upper surface and an upper end of a side surface of the electrode pad. As a result, a crack is less likely to occur in solder connected to the signal terminal. Therefore, the signal terminal can be electrically connected with high reliability even when the signal terminal is provided in the semiconductor package with a small number. |
| US09723730B2 |
Beam bar snap in an electronic device
This is directed to a hook and receiving element combination for securing components forming the shell of an electronic device. The receiving element can include a beam connected to the outer shell component and operative to deflect as the hook element approaches the receiving element. To limit deflections of the outer shell component, the beam can be restrained at opposing ends in directions perpendicular to the beam length, but free to slide along the beam axis. In some embodiments, the receiving element can include a lip for guiding the deflection of the beam as the beam contacts the hook element. In particular, the lip can ensure that the beam deflects at an angle relative to the hook element motion such that a smaller hook element motion is required to engage the beam. |
| US09723727B2 |
Modular electronic instrumentation chassis with integrated high performance reference clock and associated methods
The modular electronic instrumentation platform chassis is for use with a plurality of instrumentation modules and includes a frame defining a module area and a non-module area. The module area includes a plurality of slots open to a front of the frame and configured to receive instrumentation modules therein. A front panel may be carried by the front of the frame adjacent the plurality of slots. A chassis power unit is configured to provide power to the plurality of instrumentation modules received in the slots. A reference clock unit carried by the frame in the non-module area and is configured to provide a low phase-noise reference clock for the plurality of instrumentation modules received in the slots. The reference clock unit includes vibration dampening mounts that mount the reference clock unit to the frame, power supply circuitry, reference clock circuitry, a shield to isolate the power supply circuitry from the reference clock circuitry, and a plurality of reference clock outputs mounted in the front panel and coupled to the reference clock circuitry. |
| US09723726B2 |
Film composite having electrical functionality for applying to a substrate
A film composite with electrical functionality for application on a substrate includes at least one conductive structure, a first bonding coat, a film layer and a second bonding coat. The first bonding coat is disposed on an underside of the at least one conductive structure, wherein the first bonding coat has an adhesive effect for application of the at least one conductive structure on the substrate. The second bonding coat is disposed between an upper side of the at least one conductive structure and the film layer. The second bonding coat has an adhesive effect, by which the film layer adheres to the at least one conductive structure. |
| US09723724B2 |
Wiring substrate, method of manufacturing wiring substrate, component-embedded glass substrate, and method of manufacturing component-embedded glass substrate
A method of manufacturing a wiring substrate that has a wiring including a through glass via and is formed of a glass substrate includes forming an alteration layer that penetrates the wiring substrate and is patterned, forming the wiring on a front surface of the wiring substrate in which the alteration layer has been formed, and filling an electrode material in a hole formed by removing the alteration layer, thereby forming the through glass via that connects the wiring on the front surface of the wiring substrate and the wiring on a back surface side thereof. |
| US09723722B2 |
Selective solder mask printing on a printed circuit board (PCB)
A method for printing on a substrate, the method may include determining actual locations of substrate holes; printing a first ink on an object at locations that correspond to the actual locations of the substrate holes and curing the first ink to provide a holes mask; and wherein after the substrate is positioned on the object so that holes mask seals bottoms of the substrate holes then printing the second ink on the substrate thereby forming a predefined pattern on the substrate. |
| US09723720B2 |
Device for producing and/or processing a workpiece
In a device for producing and/or processing a workpiece, in particular circuit boards (1), in a work station (2), in particular for printing a corresponding blank or for checking finished circuit boards (1), at least one mark (15) is provided on the workpiece. In this arrangement, at least one reference (14), which can be brought into alignment with the mark (15), is provided in the work station (2). |
| US09723717B2 |
Substrate structure, semiconductor package device, and manufacturing method of semiconductor package
A substrate structure, a semiconductor package and a manufacturing method of semiconductor package are provided. The substrate structure comprises a conductive structure, an electrical component, a package body and a ring-shaped conductive structure. The conductive structure comprises a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer has a lower surface. The second conductive layer and the electrical component are formed on the lower surface of the first conductive layer. The package body encapsulates the conductive structure and the electrical component and has an upper surface. The ring-shaped conductive structure surrounds the conductive structure and the electrical component and is disposed at the edge of the upper surface of the package body to expose the conductive structure. |
| US09723716B2 |
Contact pad structure, an electronic component, and a method for manufacturing a contact pad structure
According to various embodiments, a contact pad structure may be provided, the contact pad structure may include: a dielectric layer structure; at least one contact pad being in physical contact with the dielectric layer structure; the at least one contact pad including a metal structure and a liner structure, wherein the liner structure is disposed between the metal structure of the at least one contact pad and the dielectric layer structure, and wherein a surface of the at least one contact pad is at least partially free from the liner structure, and a contact structure including an electrically conductive material; the contact structure completely covering at least the surface being at least partially free from the liner structure of the at least one contact pad, wherein the liner structure and the contact structure form a diffusion barrier for a material of the metal structure of the at least one contact pad. |
| US09723713B1 |
Flexible printed circuit board hinge
In order to limit the stress and strain applied to a printed circuit board while still maintaining flexibility, a flexible section of the printed circuit board is configured to have a non-linear portion that functions as a hinge when the flexible section is bent, flexed, twisted or otherwise subjected to a motion related force. The hinge configuration improves durability and flexibility while minimizing ripping and cracking of the printed circuit board, particularly interconnects within the flexible section and a transition region between the flexible section and a rigid section of the printed circuit board. The hinge is configured to have a non-linear shape, such as a serpentine or circuitous path that can include curved portions, different linear portions or some combination of curved and linear portions. |
| US09723711B2 |
Method for fabricating a flexible electronic structure and a flexible electronic structure
Flexible electronic structure and methods for fabricating flexible electronic structures are provided. An example method includes applying a first layer to a substrate, creating a plurality of vias through the first layer to the substrate, and applying a second polymer layer to the first layer such that the second polymer forms anchors contacting at least a portion of the substrate. At least one electronic device layer is disposed on a portion of the second polymer layer. At least one trench is formed through the second polymer layer to expose at least a portion of the first layer. At least a portion of the first layer is removed by exposing the structure to a selective etchant to providing a flexible electronic structure that is in contact with the substrate. The electronic structure can be released from the substrate. |
| US09723705B2 |
Controlling intensity of a particle beam
In an example, a synchrocyclotron includes a particle source to provide pulses of ionized plasma to a cavity; a voltage source to provide a radio frequency (RF) voltage to the cavity to accelerate particles from the plasma column outwardly; and an extraction channel to receive a beam of particles from the cavity for output from the particle accelerator. The particle source is configured to control pulse widths of the ionized plasma in order to control an intensity of the beam of particles. This example synchrocyclotron may include one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination. |
| US09723703B2 |
System and method for transverse pumping of laser-sustained plasma
A laser-sustained plasma light source for transverse plasma pumping includes a pump source configured to generate pumping illumination, one or more illumination optical elements and a gas containment structure configured to contain a volume of gas. The one or more illumination optical elements are configured to sustain a plasma within the volume of gas of the gas containment structure by directing pump illumination along a pump path to one or more focal spots within the volume of gas. The one or more collection optical elements are configured to collect broadband radiation emitted by the plasma along a collection path. Further, the illumination optical elements are configured to define the pump path such that pump illumination impinges the plasma along a direction transverse to a direction of propagation of the emitted broadband light of the collection path such that the pump illumination is substantially decoupled from the emitted broadband radiation. |
| US09723702B2 |
Liquid filament for incandescent lights
A filament for a light bulb includes a tube and a filament material within the tube, wherein the filament material is configured to be in a liquid state while the light bulb is in use. |
| US09723699B1 |
Methods and apparatus for wirelessly powered lighting
Aspects comprise apparatus and methods for wirelessly powered lighting products. One aspect comprises an apparatus that generates light from a wirelessly coupled power source. The apparatus comprises a first conductive loop configured to enclose an area, the first conductive loop configured to resonate and generate an induced current when excited by a magnetic field generated by a transmitter. The apparatus further comprises a first set of one or more capacitive elements coupled to the first conductive loop, the coupled first conductive loop and first one or more capacitive elements configured to form a first resonant circuit. The apparatus also comprises a first set of one or more lighting devices integrated with the first conductive loop, the first set of one or more lighting devices each configured to generate a light based on the induced current that flows through the first set of one or more lighting devices. |
| US09723697B1 |
System for alternating light-emitting of dynamic random access memory
A system for alternating lighting-emitting of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is provided, including a plurality of DRAMs and an application program. Each DRAM includes a processing unit and a lighting-emitting unit. The processing unit is able to trigger the lighting-emitting unit to emit light in a preset mode. The lighting-emitting units define a lighting-emitting module. The application program is installed in a mobile electronic device. The application program sends a signal to the processing units of the DRAMs via the mobile electronic device to match with and identify the DRAMs, and the application program can make each said processing unit control the light-emitting unit to emit light and make the light-emitting module emit light in a preset mode. |
| US09723696B2 |
Handheld device for controlling settings of a lighting fixture
A handheld device having a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of lighting fixtures and control circuitry is described. In one embodiment, the circuitry is configured to effect selection of a first lighting fixture in a first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; identify the first group of lighting fixtures based on information from the first lighting fixture; determine new settings for the first group of lighting fixtures; and send the new settings to each of the first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface, wherein the first group of lighting fixtures includes a defined plurality of lighting fixtures that are associated to operate in a coordinated manner. |
| US09723695B1 |
Power line communication method and apparatus using downstream current modulation
A lighting control system is provided with a communication method utilizing downstream current modulation. A primary controller is electrically coupled to a plurality of lighting devices via a mains power transmission network. Each of the respective lighting devices includes an occupancy sensor and is configured to provide full illumination when occupancy is detected in the associated area. The controller identifies occupancy by an increase in current on the mains lines, directs the other devices to fully illuminate, and activates a timer. Prior to lapsing of the timer, any of the devices may indicate continued occupancy by adjusting an operating current to a respective light source according to a predetermined pattern. Upon identifying the pattern, the controller generates control signals directing each of the other devices to remain fully illuminated, and resets the timer. The predetermined pattern may for example include amplitude modulation, threshold numbers of cycles, or both. |
| US09723693B1 |
Lighting devices configurable for generating a visual signature
A lighting device includes a light source, an image sensor, a controller, a memory, and a wireless transceiver. The light source is configured to emit light for general illumination. The image sensor is configured to acquire an image of an area illuminated by the light source. The controller is coupled to control the image sensor and to receive the acquired image of the illuminated area from the image sensor. The controller is configured to operate the wireless transceiver to receive identification information from a wireless device in the illuminated area. The controller is further configured to automatically generate a visual signature based on image information of a person or object, obtained from the image of the illuminated area. The controller also is configured to store the visual signature of the person or object in the memory in association with the wireless device identification information. |
| US09723684B2 |
LED backlight driving circuit
An LED backlight driving circuit is disclosed. The present disclosure relates to the technical field of display, whereby the technical problem of the incorrect detection of the short circuit detection module when the open circuit malfunction occurs to one LED backlight unit and the output voltage of the LED backlight driving circuit rises can be solved. |
| US09723683B2 |
Current splitter for LED lighting system
Systems and methods for controlling a light emitting diode (LED) system having a plurality of LED arrays are provided. The lighting system can include a dimmable LED driver circuit configured to provide a driver output suitable for providing a driver current to the LED arrays. A current splitter circuit can be provided between the LED driver circuit and the plurality of LED arrays to control the ratio of current from the driver output provided to each of the plurality of LED arrays. The current splitter circuit can be configured to control the current ratio provided to the plurality of LED arrays independently of the driver output according to a current ratio control curve based at least in part on a variable reference signal provided at the current splitter circuit. |
| US09723682B2 |
Luminaire for use in a system for generating non-homogenous light and associated methods
A luminaire is for use in a lighting apparatus that includes a plurality of luminaires and a computerized device. The luminaire includes a plurality of lights and a controller. The luminaire is operated to emit source light characterized by a dominant source light wavelength within a range from 390 nanometers to 750 nanometers, and with a different dominant source light wavelength than the source light of at least one other luminaire in the lighting apparatus, and such that the source light emitted by the luminaire is combined with the source light emitted by the at least one other luminaire to form a combined light. The dominant source light wavelength of the luminaire is variable with time, and the controller operates the plurality of LEDs such that a color temperature of the combined light does not vary more than 5% across the length and width of the area of illumination while the dominant source wavelength varies with time. |
| US09723680B2 |
Digitally controlled driver for lighting fixture
The present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture that is capable of providing white light over an extended range of correlated color temperatures. |
| US09723679B2 |
Computing apparatus and LED driver
A computing apparatus triggered by input signal edges from a power supply line includes an edge-triggered computing device, a charging device, and an initialization device. The edge-triggered computing device is triggered to compute by the input signal edges from power supply line, and is used to output computing results; the charging device is configured to supply power to the edge-triggered computing device based on the input signals from the power supply line; the initialization device is configured to initialize the edge-triggered computing device based on the voltage of the power supplied by the charging device. An LED driver includes the computing apparatus is to configured to control a driving device according to the computing results, thereby achieving display of light from LEDs using the power supply line and ground line without extra control signal line, and facilitating on-chip implementation of LED driving circuits. |
| US09723672B2 |
Self-identifying solid-state transducer modules and associated systems and methods
Self-identifying solid-state transducer (SST) modules and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, for example, an SST system can include a driver and at least one SST module electrically coupled to the driver. Each SST module can include an SST and a sense resistor. The sense resistors of each SST module can have at least substantially similar resistance values. The SSTs of the SST modules can be coupled in parallel across an SST channel to the driver, and the sense resistors of the SST modules can be coupled in parallel across a sense channel to the driver. The driver can be configured to measure a sense resistance across the sense resistors and deliver a current across the SSTs based on the sense resistance. |
| US09723670B2 |
Power supply device with control based on setting resistor
A power supply device includes a power conversion module and a power regulating module. The power conversion module is configured to convert an AC electric power into a DC electric power. The power regulating module includes a microprocessor, a voltage-dividing resistor, a constant-voltage regulator, and a constant-current regulator. The voltage-dividing resistor is electrically connected to the setting resistor and the microprocessor. The constant-voltage regulator is electrically connected to the power conversion module, the dividing resistor, and the setting resistor; The constant-current regulator is electrically connected to the power conversion module and the microprocessor. A constant voltage is coupled to the dividing resistor and the setting resistor to impress a first adjustment signal and a second adjustment signal based on the setting resistor such that a driving signal outputted from the power regulating module to the power conversion module is adjusted to yield a desired voltage and a desired current. |
| US09723668B2 |
Switching converter and lighting device using the same
A switching converter for supplying power to a load, includes: an output circuit including at least a switching transistor, an inductive element, and a rectifying element configured to rectify a current flowing to the inductive element according to switching of the switching transistor; a control circuit configured to drive the switching transistor; a first capacitor configured to generate a power source voltage for the control circuit between both ends of the first capacitor; a start-up circuit installed between an input line to the switching converter and the first capacitor and configured to charge the first capacitor with an input voltage of the input line; and a discharge circuit configured to discharge the first capacitor when the switching converter is started up. |
| US09723666B2 |
Lighting device and lighting fixture using same
Provided is a lighting device including two switching elements, a control circuit, a resonance circuit, a rectification circuit, and a feedback circuit. The control circuit controls two switching elements such that the two switching elements operate separately from each other. The control circuit changes the switching frequencies of the two switching elements from high frequencies to low frequencies, relative to one another, when the operation (switching operation) of the switching elements is started. The control circuit controls the feedback circuit such that the difference output from an error amplifier approaches zero within a period of time from a point of time at which the switching operation is stopped to a point of time at which the switching operation is next started. |
| US09723661B2 |
Systems and methods for powering a microprocessor from an isolated secondary side to enable off-line communication on an LED driver
An LED driver circuit includes a primary circuit and a circuit electrically isolated from the primary circuit, a transformer having a primary winding configured to receive power from an alternating current source and to generate power in a first secondary winding configured to provide power to the electrically isolated circuit, and to generate power in a second secondary winding configured to provide power to the primary circuit, and a conductor connected to an end of the first secondary winding and configured to connect a winding driver signal to the first secondary winding to generate power in the second secondary winding. |
| US09723659B2 |
Thermoelectrically powered portable light source
Provided is a portable, thermoelectrically powered device, such as a flashlight or headlamp. The device comprises at least one thermoelectric generator for extracting body heat from a user, the Thermoelectric generator located on and extending through an elongated open ended outer shell, a heat sink in contact with an inner surface of the thermoelectric generator and configured to provide an elongated first cooling channel therethrough, circuitry in electrical communication with the thermoelectric generator, the circuitry comprising a transistor oscillator, a step-up transformer and a decoupling capacitor, the circuitry in electrical communication with a power sink, such that in use, a temperature gradient across the thermoelectric generator is sufficient to result in generation of at least about 25 μW of power. |
| US09723656B2 |
Automated aerial vehicle wireless communication and networks
An automated mobile vehicle configured to autonomously provide coverage for inoperable infrastructure components at various locations. In accordance with disclosed embodiments, a plurality of automated mobile vehicles are deployed to provide emergency lighting, a wireless network, audio, video, etc., at an indoor and/or outdoor event area. |
| US09723655B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling device to device communication in a wireless communication system
A communication device includes a communication interfacing unit, a display unit, and a processor. The processor operable to perform operations includes controlling the display unit to display a user interface; controlling the display unit to display a first icon on the user interface, in which the first icon indicates a first strength of a first signal of a radio access technology (RAT) received by the communication interfacing unit; and controlling the display unit to display a second icon on the user interface corresponding to a second strength of a second signal of the RAT received by the communication interfacing unit, in which the first signal and the second signal are transmitted by different devices. |
| US09723651B2 |
Enhanced connection management for multiple access networks
Semi-connected state operation for UEs in multiple-access networks is described. In the semi-connected state, UEs may monitor system information and paging, and mobility may be UE-controlled. Base stations may determine whether to transition UEs from the connected state to the semi-connected state based on capabilities, priority, data connections, or loading conditions. Base stations may maintain context information and logical traffic connections for UEs while UEs continue to be served by the base station in the semi-connected state. Thus, when a transition from the semi-connected state to the connected state occurs, the base station does not have to re-establish security parameters, nor re-establish logical traffic connections within the network for carrying control plane and user plane data for the UE. Context information for semi-connected state UEs may be shared between neighboring base stations or base stations within a context area. The techniques may be applied to LTE/LTE-A networks. |
| US09723649B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving circuit switched service availability to user equipment
A method and an apparatus are provided for improving availability of a circuit switched (CS) service to a user equipment (UE). The UE sends at least one location area update (LAU) message, to a core network (CN), to initiate an LAU procedure. A release of a CS signaling connection between the UE and the CN is detected due to a failure in the LAU procedure. An ongoing PS signaling connection between the UE and the CN is identified, when the CS signaling connection between the UE and the CN is released. The ongoing PS signaling connection is released. A public land mobile network (PLMN) is selected for obtaining CS services from the core network, when the ongoing PS signaling connection is released. |
| US09723648B2 |
NAS connection establishment method, system and radio access network node
Disclosed are an NAS connection establishment method and a radio access network node, the method includes: a radio access network node receiving, from a machine type communication (MTC) user equipment (UE), an Access Stratum (AS) message carrying a non-access stratum (NAS) request message, wherein the AS message carries a request reason of the AS request message; the radio access network node converting the request reason in the AS message into priority indication information and sending a signaling to a core network node, wherein the signaling includes priority indication information and the NAS request message carried in the AS message; the core network node determining the priority of the NAS request message based on the priority indication information in the signaling, and when the core network has a congestion, the core network node sending a rejection response message to a UE that sends an NAS request message with a low priority. |
| US09723646B2 |
LTE+CDMA 1x hybrid
An apparatus for communicating over a circuit switched network and a packetized data network. The apparatus includes a packetized data modem, a circuit switched modem, and a hybrid processor. The packetized data modem is configured to communicate with the packetized data network over a packetized data radio link via a radio. The circuit switched modem is configured to communicate with the circuit switched network over a circuit switched radio link via the radio. The hybrid processor is configured to monitor a circuit switched sleep cycle and a packetized data sleep cycle, and is configured to direct the packetized data modem and the circuit switched modem to switch between the networks according to the sleep cycles by prioritizing communications with the circuit switched network above communications with the packetized data network. |
| US09723636B2 |
Initial access channel for scalable wireless mobile communication networks
Physical layer structures and access schemes for use in such networks are described and in particular initial access channel (IACH) structures are proposed. A spectrum efficient downlink (DL) IACH design supports different types of User Equipment (UE) capabilities and different system bandwidths. An IACH includes the synchronization channel (SCH) and broadcast-control channel (BCH). A non-uniform SCH for all system bandwidths is provided, as well as scalable bandwidth BCH depending on system bandwidth. An initial access procedure is provided, as well as an access procedure. |
| US09723635B2 |
NFC collision avoidance with controllable NFC transmission delay timing
A first near field communication (NFC) circuit includes an antenna, a charging circuit, a transceiver circuit, and a transmission delay circuit. The antenna is configured to inductively couple to signals emitted by a second NFC circuit. The charging circuit is configured to output power provided by the inductive coupling through the antenna to the signals emitted by the second NFC circuit. The transceiver circuit is configured to be powered by the charging circuit to transmit data for receipt by the second NFC circuit. The transmission delay circuit is configured to be powered by the charging circuit and control the transceiver circuit to delay transmission of the data until expiration of a defined delay time after the transceiver circuit has become sufficiently powered on to operate to transmit the data. Related accessories for user equipment, user equipment, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09723632B2 |
Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication method, and computer program
Random access operation is performed under a communication environment in which a plurality of communication modes having different transmission rate coexist with small overhead. A high-grade communication station spoofs information of a packet length and a rate in a decoding portion so that a value of (packet length)/(rate) corresponds to a duration where the communication is hoped to be stopped. The other station receiving the spoofed information receives the rest of the packet with the designated rate during the interval designated by the value of (packet length)/(rate). In this case, the packet length and the rate are not those of actually transmitted packet so that this packet is discarded. |
| US09723631B2 |
Bulk fine timing measurement allocation message
Examples disclosed herein relate to the scheduling and transmission of timing measurements between mobile computing devices in an area to determine the devices' locations. A bulk fine timing measurement (BFTM) allocation message is generated by a scheduling mobile computing device that identifies other mobile computing devices in the area. The BFTM allocation message generated by the scheduling mobile computing device indicates a time of delivery (TOD), a scheduling order for the identified mobile computing devices, and a contention-free period for the mobile computing devices to transmit the timing measurement messages. |
| US09723630B2 |
Contention-based resource allocation method and apparatus for low power D2D communication
A contention-based resource allocation method and apparatus is provided for use in a low power Device-to-Device (D2D) communication. The resource allocation method of a Device-to-Device (D2D) terminal of the present disclosure includes selecting an available resource in a frame, monitoring to detect a signal is received while a backoff timer is running, and performing, when no signal is received on the available resource before expiry of the backoff timer, a D2D communication using the available resource. |
| US09723629B2 |
Wireless communications system and method implemented in a wireless communications system
There is provided a wireless communications system (1000) including a wireless device (100) and a wireless communications node (300). The wireless communications node (300) transmits in a reference signal sequence to the wireless device (100) a first code sequence (485) and a second code sequence (486). The first code sequence (485) carries information identifying a physical resource block that carries an enhanced physical downlink control channel (ePDCCH) and the second code sequence (486) carries information identifying a control format indicator. |
| US09723627B2 |
Method and device for transmitting uplink data in support of multi-subframe scheduling
A method for transmitting HARQ for uplink data in support of multi-frame scheduling is provided. The method includes a UE receiving a multi-subframe scheduling uplink grant signaling and PHICH information sent from a base station; for one uplink subframe, the UE processes parameters of uplink transmission according to uplink grant signaling which schedules a SHARQ process of the scheduled uplink subframe and a relative position of a PHICH channel; and the UE sends new uplink data, retransmitting data of the SHARQ to which the uplink subframe belongs, or currently does not send uplink data in the uplink subframe. |
| US09723614B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication system, wireless communication method and program
A wireless communication apparatus is provided that performs wireless communication using a specified wireless channel and forms part of an ad hoc wireless network. The device includes a recording portion that records country ID information and recording-time information in to a storage medium, where the recording-time information indicates the time at which the country ID information was recorded in to the storage medium, a time determination portion that uses the recording-time information to determine whether a predetermined time period has elapsed from the time at which the country ID information was recorded, and a channel setting portion that, when the predetermined time period has not elapsed from the time at which the country ID information was recorded in the storage medium, sets a wireless channel to a frequency channel that can be used in the country indicated by the country ID information recorded in the storage medium. |
| US09723613B2 |
Carrier allocation apparatus, method and terminal
A carrier allocating apparatus including processing circuitry and a method and terminal, where the processing circuitry is configured to: determine a carrier parameter according to parameter information of the terminal, where the carrier parameter is configured to indicate a carrier needed by the terminal, and the carrier parameter includes a carrier type, the carrier type includes a Legacy Carrier Type (LCT) and a New Carrier Type (NCT), where the parameter information of the terminal includes a current carrier configuration of the terminal and a service type; perform a corresponding carrier allocation on the basis of the determined carrier parameter. A demand for a carrier is determined according to parameter information of the terminal, and then the needed carrier is allocated to the terminal. The apparatus can improve quality of service of the terminal in a system and improve user experience. |
| US09723605B2 |
Methods and nodes for controlling uplink transmissions
A network node (100), a wireless device (102) and methods therein, for controlling uplink transmission from the wireless device (102), e.g. in a time division multiplexing scheme. The network node (100) signals (1:2) an Absolute Grant Scope, AGS, bit to the wireless device (102), wherein the AGS bit indicates one of: the wireless device (102) is granted for uplink transmission (204) during a single Transmit Time Interval, TTI, and the wireless device (102) is granted for uplink transmission (206) until a next grant is signalled to the wireless device (102). |
| US09723603B2 |
Radio base station apparatus, user terminal and radio communication method
In order to prevent any increase in number of blind detections and make efficient use of radio resources even when a format of downlink control information is changed in accordance with a communication environment, the present invention provides a radio communication method for generating control information by using a predetermined DCI format out of a plurality of DCI formats including a first DCI format having an uplink scheduling grant and a second DCI format having downlink scheduling assignment. When the first DCI format is extended in size, the second DCI format is added with an information field so as to have the same size as the extended first DCI format, and information to extend an existing function of the second DCI format and/or information to add a new function is added to the information field thereby to generate the control information. |
| US09723602B2 |
Interaction between EPCFICH and EPDCCH in LTE
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. In one configuration, the apparatus may be a UE. The apparatus may receive a message (e.g., via an ePCFICH) from an eNB and may process an ePDCCH using the message. The apparatus may receive a message via an ePCFICH indicating resources for ePDCCH, the ePDCCH being a localized ePDCCH and/or a distributed ePDCCH and process the ePDCCH using the message. The apparatus may receive an ePCFICH from an eNB, where the ePCFICH is a function of at least a PCI or a virtual cell identifier. The apparatus may process an ePDCCH using a default set of resources when an ePCFICH is not detected. The apparatus may receive an ePCFICH value and may determine either a starting symbol index for an ePDCCH or one or more ePDCCH resource sets based at least on the ePCFICH value. |
| US09723600B2 |
Dynamic allocation of communication resources in a wireless system
A method of receiving information by a wireless communication device is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of wireless subframes at a periodic interval, wherein an interval duration of the periodic interval is greater than a duration of each of the plurality of wireless subframes. The method further includes determining for each wireless subframe of the plurality whether the wireless subframe includes a grant resource that indicates that a resource unit pattern of a plurality of selectively assignable resource unit patterns of resource units of the subframe includes information for the communication device. A method of transmitting information by the wireless communication device is also provided. |
| US09723598B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting uplink signal in wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for transmitting an uplink signal. A method for transmitting an uplink signal at a UE in a wireless communication system includes, when a virtual cell ID for a reference signal for demodulation of a physical uplink channel is provided, generating a sequence of the reference signal on the basis of the virtual cell ID, and transmitting the generated reference signal to an eNB. A group hopping pattern of the reference signal can be determined on the basis of the virtual cell ID. |
| US09723597B2 |
Method, device and system for transmitting control information
Disclosed are a method, a device and a system for transmitting control information, which relate to the field of communication technologies. In order to feed back response information in an application scenario of dynamic TDD subframe, the present invention provides the following technical solution: determining a subframe set corresponding to uplink subframe n, the subframe set comprising dynamic subframes; determining feedback response information according to the subframe set; and sending, in uplink subframe n, the feedback response information to a base station through a physical uplink channel, wherein n is a subframe serial number of the uplink subframe. |
| US09723594B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting control information in a wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method in which a terminal transmits control information in a wireless communication system, and to an apparatus for the method, wherein the method comprises the following steps: spreading a control information block corresponding to one single carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDMA) symbol, such that the spread control information blocks correspond to a plurality of first SC-FDMA symbols; performing a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) precoding process on the spread control information blocks on an SC-FDMA symbol basis; transmitting, in the plurality of first SC-FDMA symbols in a subframe, the DFT precoded control information blocks; and transmitting, in a plurality of second SC-FDMA symbols in the subframe, a reference signal sequence, wherein an orthogonal code is applied to the plurality of second SC-FDMA symbols in a time domain. |
| US09723590B2 |
Method for switching monitoring frequency channel number by access terminal, and access terminal
A method for obtaining a monitoring frequency channel number, and an access terminal, where the method includes, when an Evolution-Data Optimized session of an access terminal is in a closed state or in an initialization process, and when a first expected frequency channel number obtained according to a first session seed and a first sector parameters message is different from a current frequency channel number of a signal currently received by a access terminal, generating, a second session seed, receiving, a second sector parameters message, obtaining, by the access terminal, a second expected frequency channel number according to the second sector parameters message, the second session seed, and a non-coherence parameter, and setting, the second expected frequency channel number as the monitoring frequency channel number when the second expected frequency channel number is the same as the current frequency channel number. |
| US09723588B1 |
Determining a location of a wireless transmitter
A method for determining a location of a wireless transmitter includes: receiving, at data processing hardware, receiver signals from corresponding receivers located within an observation area; estimating, by the data processing hardware, the location of the rogue transmitter; and reporting the estimated location of the rogue transmitter to a remote system in communication with the data processing hardware. Estimating the location of a rogue transmitter includes, for each receiver, determining a transmitter location contour about the receiver based on the corresponding at least one receiver signal and one or more propagation path loss functions and identifying an intersection of the transmitter location contours of the receivers as the estimated location of the rogue transmitter. Each propagation path loss function is based on terrain information corresponding to the observation area. The transmitter location contour defines a collection of candidate locations of the rogue transmitter relative to the receiver. |
| US09723587B2 |
Movement information processing method and system, user equipment, and access network device
Embodiments of the present invention provide a movement information processing method and system, a user equipment, and an access network device. In one embodiment, a UE measures a characteristic parameter of a cell to be measured, and then obtains movement information of the UE according to a change of the characteristic parameter within a predetermined time. In this way, the UE can send the movement information to an access network device and the access network device executes a movement-related operation according to the movement information. |
| US09723586B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing a passive indoor localization of a mobile endpoint device
A method, computer readable storage device and an apparatus for locating a mobile endpoint device in an indoor environment are disclosed. For example, the method generates a location map having a predicted signal strength for each respective location on the location map, receives a signal strength associated with the mobile endpoint device within the indoor environment, compares the signal strength to the location map having the predicted signal strength for each respective location on the location map and locates the mobile endpoint device as being at a particular location within the indoor environment. |
| US09723582B1 |
Methods and apparatus for synchronizing beacon transmissions in a neighbor awareness network (NAN)
The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for synchronizing beacon transmissions. Synchronization beacons may be transmitted from multiple nodes during a same time slot of a discovery window with accommodation for managing potential signal interference. For certain example embodiments, a first wireless communication device includes a transceiver and a synchronization beacon transmission system. A transceiver may be configured to transmit a synchronization beacon in a neighbor awareness networking (NAN) environment, wherein the NAN environment includes multiple wireless communication devices arranged in a cluster. A synchronization beacon transmission system may be configured to determine a transmission time based at least partially on an operation that separates the wireless communication devices of the cluster into multiple groups. A synchronization beacon transmission system may further be configured to cause the transceiver to transmit the synchronization beacon responsive to the determined transmission time. |
| US09723580B2 |
Synchronization of audio channel timing
Synchronization of plural outputs of data transported by a wireless network is facilitated by bandlimiting a sample clock signal controlling a rate at which data is processed by the network's devices and/or bandlimiting wall time data controlling the real time for presenting a datum. |
| US09723579B2 |
Traffic data integration method and traffic data integration apparatus
A traffic data integration method includes: obtaining, by using a computer, pieces of frame data having a same data pattern between first and second traffic data collected respectively by first and second capture devices that capture, as traffic data, frame data communicated by a node in a network; performing, by using the computer, a time correction process by which a time of each piece of frame data in the first and second traffic data is corrected so that capturing times of pieces of obtained frame data are identical; using, by using the computer, frame data for which a same data pattern does not appear repeatedly in a same capture device, as frame data for performing the time correction process; and restricting, by using the computer, a time difference of frame data used when the time correction process is performed. |
| US09723578B2 |
Random telegraph signal identification and measurement
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for identifying a location of an integrated circuit that is sensitive to RTS noise may include applying localized heat to a scan area of the integrated circuit, observing any change in one or more electrical parameters of the integrated circuit in response to the localized heat being applied to the scan area indicative of sensitivity to RTS noise, and identifying the location sensitive to RTS noise responsive to observing change in one or more electrical parameters of the integrated circuit indicative of sensitivity to RTS noise in response to the localized heat being applied to the scan area. |
| US09723575B2 |
Wireless device and power control method
The present disclosure provides a power control method and a wireless device, in a cluster comprised of wireless devices including a first wireless device and a second wireless device, comprising: receiving power control information including a second data channel transmission power, from the second wireless device; determining a first data channel transmission power based on the second data channel transmission power; and controlling data channel transmission power of the first wireless device according to the first data channel transmission power; wherein, the first data channel transmission power is a power allowing the first wireless device to reach all wireless devices in the cluster, and the second data channel transmission power is a power allowing the second wireless device to reach all wireless devices in the cluster. |
| US09723574B2 |
Imbalanced area pilot frequency transmission power enhancement method and base station
An imbalanced area pilot frequency transmission power enhancement method and a base station are provided. In accordance with the transmission power and increment of a main public pilot frequency channel prior to power enhancement, post-power enhancement main public pilot frequency channel transmission power is obtained. The transmission power of a downlink traffic channel is the same as transmission power prior to power enhancement. In accordance with the transmission power of the main public pilot frequency channel prior to power enhancement, the downlink traffic channel transmission power is also obtained. The post-power enhancement main public pilot frequency channel transmission power and the downlink traffic channel transmission power are used to transmit data in the main public pilot frequency channel and the downlink traffic channel, respectively. |
| US09723569B2 |
Radio communication system, radio base station apparatus, user terminal and radio communication method
The present invention is designed to provide a radio communication system which can control uplink transmission power adequately even in an HetNet environment. A radio communication system having a first radio base station apparatus and a second radio base station apparatus that is configured to able to communicate with the first radio base station apparatus is provided; and, in this radio communication system, the first radio base station apparatus has a first communication quality measurement section that measures the received quality of an uplink reference signal transmitted from a user terminal, and generates first received quality information, and a reporting section that reports the first communication quality information to the second radio base station apparatus, and the second radio base station apparatus has a second communication quality measurement section that measures the received quality of the uplink reference signal transmitted from the user terminal, and generates second communication quality information, a correction value determining section that determines a correction value for the transmission power of the user terminal on the uplink based on the first communication quality information and the second communication quality information, and a reporting section that reports the determined correction value to the user terminal. |
| US09723565B2 |
Radio communication system, radio base station, and blockade control method
A radio base station (1), which is to be pre-blockaded, transmits a pre-blockade initiate notification to radio base stations (2A-2F) neighboring the radio base station (1). Further, the radio base station (1) reduces the transmission power thereof at a predetermined reduction rate at a initiation time of the pre-blockade. Meanwhile, each of the radio base stations (2A-2F) receives the pre-blockade initiate notification and increases the transmission power at a predetermined increase rate at the initiation time of the pre-blockade, the absolute value of predetermined increase rate being equal to that of the predetermined reduction rate at the radio base station (1). |
| US09723551B2 |
Method and radio network node for ranking cells in a cellular network
A method in a radio network node for ranking cells within a group of cells in a cellular network is provided. The radio network node is serving a first cell, in the group of cells. The radio network node receives (201) power level measurements from one or more user equipments. The power level measurements respectively indicate a power level in at least one cell of the group of cells where the respective one or more user equipments is active. The radio network node then ranks (202) importance of the cells in the group of cells, both based on the power level measurements, and on the number, for each cell out of the group of cells, of user equipments whose power level measurements indicate that the respective cell has the highest power level. |
| US09723549B2 |
Communication control apparatus, authentication device, central control apparatus and communication system
The present application provides a communication control apparatus, an authentication device, a central control apparatus and a communication system. The communication control apparatus controls the authentication device provided at a mobile terminal and used for authenticating identity of a mobile user, so that the mobile terminal selects different operator networks for communications, and the communication control apparatus includes: a first acquiring unit configured to acquire identification information of the authentication device; a first authenticating unit configured to transmit the identification information to a server, so that the server authenticates identity of the authentication device; a second acquiring unit configured to acquire a session key and attribute setting information encrypted by the session key from the server; and a first transmitting unit configured to transmit to the authentication device the session key and the attribute setting information encrypted by the session key, so that the authentication device obtains the attribute setting information by decrypting, and sets operator attributes of the authentication device according to the attribute setting information. The present application may help a user overwrite the authentication device on its own, so as to select and use network services of the operator. |
| US09723546B2 |
Wireless communication device, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, master device, and slave device
An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wireless communication device that is capable of efficiently searching another wireless communication device that is capable of providing a required service. A master device, when the master device receives an advertisement from a slave device, transmits, to the slave device, a scan request that includes information on a requested service that the master device requires. The slave device, which has received the scan request, decides whether or not the slave device itself is capable of providing the requested services, and transmits, to the master device, a scan response that includes a result of the decision. When the decision result included in the scan response indicates that the slave device is capable of providing the requested service, the master device establishes a connection to the slave device. |
| US09723544B2 |
Rejection notification to the UICC
Registration rejections are reported to a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). Remote access can be provide to registration rejection data stored in the UICC, the registration rejection data can be transmitted to a service provider, one or more UICC applications can be executed based on the registration rejection data, and/or the registration rejection data can be logged or tracked. In addition, action taken by the UICC can be automated based on the registration rejection using artificial intelligence. |
| US09723543B2 |
Systems and methods for managing a UE-to-network relay
Method and systems for managing a communication link. One or more indicators of an expected service interruption associated with a communication link is determined. The communication link may be a link between a relay and a communication target and/or a link between the relay and a user equipment (UE). In response, the UE initiates one or more actions to reduce or avoid the expected service interruption. |
| US09723542B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving discovery signal in wireless communication system
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for transmitting a discovery signal related to device to device (D2D) communication by a first UE in a wireless communication system comprises: mapping a codeword related to a discovery signal to two or more pairs of physical resource blocks (PRBs) on a time axis; and transmitting the mapped codeword, wherein a first pair of PRBs of the two or more pairs of PRBs includes a resource area for a first signal and whether an n-th (n>=2) pair of PRBs of the two or more pairs of PRBs includes the resource area for the first signal is determined according to whether a next subframe of a subframe including an (n−1)-th pair of PRBs is for an uplink transmission. |
| US09723538B2 |
Systematic neighbor detection in shared media computer networks
In one embodiment, a particular node in a shared media computer network may determine a set of network parameters for the network, and a timing of super-frames in the network, each super-frame having one or more frames, each frame divided into a plurality of timeslots. In addition, the particular node computes a discovery scheduling function using its own identification to determine in which particular timeslot of the frames to transmit a network discovery packet. Accordingly, the particular node may transmit the network discovery packet in the particular timeslot of the frames. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the particular node may receive a network discovery request from a requesting node. In response, the particular node determines whether it is free to reply to the network discovery request based on parameters in the network discovery request, and if free to reply, may transmit a network discovery packet to the requesting node. |
| US09723536B2 |
Wireless communication system utilizing broadcast-based blind offloading
In an Long Term Evolution (LTE) environment, LTE base stations may collect relevant data from subscribing wireless devices, as well as from nearby LTE base stations and WLAN access points. Based on the collected data, as well as data of the base station itself, the base station may make a determination as to whether to institute offloading of some or all of the subscribing UEs. Rather than independently communicating the offload command to each of the UEs, the base station may issue a broadcast notification that may be decoded by all of the UEs for performing offloading. In order to mitigate a surge of offloading, the base station can include surge prevention parameters in the broadcast message to distribute or reduce offloading. |
| US09723531B2 |
Method and apparatus for in sequence delivery of downlink local IP access (LIPA) packets
A method includes responsive to receiving a first packet of a plurality of packets at a first radio access node enabling said first radio access node to receive at least one other of said plurality of packets. The method further includes causing said first packet to be sent by said first radio access node to a user equipment before said at least one other of said plurality of packets is caused to be sent to said user equipment. |
| US09723529B2 |
Multiple network access system and method
Methods and devices for operating a wireless communication device that can communicate with at least two different wireless networks using a single radio frequency modem are described. The communication device attaches to a first wireless network through the radio frequency (RF) modem, and then detaches from the first wireless network at a predetermined time before a start time of a selected event on a second wireless network. The device attaches to the second wireless network using the same RF modem before the start time of the selected event and collects at least a portion of event data associated with the selected event. After collecting at least a portion of event data, the device detaches from the second wireless network and re-attaches to the first wireless network. |
| US09723526B2 |
Apparatus and method for forwarding handover data in wireless communication system
A technique forwards handover data in a wireless communication system. A base station apparatus includes a first buffer for storing downlink data of a terminal, a handover agent for, when the terminal performs a handover, performing scheduling on data which is stored in the first buffer for at least one terminal including the terminal that performs the handover so that an interruption time of the at least one terminal is reduced in order to forward the data to a target base station, and a communication unit for transmitting the data according to a scheduling result of the handover agent. |
| US09723522B2 |
Event context transfer in a heterogeneous communication system
The present invention provides a method involving at least one mobile node and a heterogeneous network comprising a plurality of access nodes. The method includes transferring event context information associated with a mobile node from a first access node to a second access node. |
| US09723521B2 |
Network handover method, terminal, controller, gateway, and system
A network handover method, a terminal, a controller, a gateway, and a system. The method includes: when a terminal accesses a first network, converting data including an initial TCP four-tuple into data including a first TCP four-tuple, and sending the data to a gateway; and after handing over from the first network to a second network, converting data including the initial TCP four-tuple into data including a second TCP four-tuple, and sending the data including the second TCP four-tuple to the gateway. This achieves objectives of preventing a connection from being interrupted before and after the network handover, improving use experience, and reducing complexity of a network handover process. |
| US09723520B1 |
Location based mode switching for dual mode mobile terminals
The present invention provides a dual mode mobile terminal that is capable of supporting both cellular and local wireless communications. The mobile terminal operates to determine when to switch between local wireless communication and cellular modes. To determine when to switch between local wireless and cellular modes, the mobile terminal determines its current location, uses the current location to obtain mode switching information, and switches modes as necessary based on the mode switching information. |
| US09723519B2 |
Protocol processing method applied when control is decoupled from forwarding, control plane device, and forwarding plane device
The present invention discloses a protocol processing method applied when control is decoupled from forwarding, a control plane device, and a forwarding plane device. The method includes: causing a control plane device to send an indication to a forwarding plane device according to a processing manner of a packet service processing protocol, and to deliver a negotiation parameter of the packet service processing protocol to the forwarding plane device; and causing the control plane device to receive a negotiation result of the packet service processing protocol, and to create a data path between a user equipment and a network device. The negotiation result is uploaded by the forwarding plane device and obtained according to information that includes the negotiation parameter of the packet service processing protocol. |
| US09723515B2 |
System and method for transmitting a plurality of multi-service streams over an HF band
A method and system is provided for transmitting data in a communication system operating in the HF band comprising a link layer and a physical layer. The system comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter comprises at least one scheduler. The method comprises a step of segmenting at least two data streams F1,F2 each of the streams having a service constraint, each being segmented into a plurality of data sub-blocks FjBi, a step in which the data sub-blocks are transformed into a frame then a step of coding and interleaving the first frame TF1, and of the second frame TF2, producing sub-frames STF1c, STF2c, then generating a frame to be transmitted by mixing n sub-frames STF1c of the data stream F1 with m sub-frames STF2c of the data stream F2. |
| US09723514B2 |
Method and arrangement in a wireless communication network
Method and arrangement in a first node for requesting a status report from a second node. The first node and the second node are both comprised within a wireless communication network. The status report comprises positive and/or negative acknowledgement of data sent from the first node, to be received by the second node. The first node comprises a first counter configured to count the number of transmitted Protocol Data Units, PDUs, and a second counter configured to count the number of transmitted data bytes. The method and arrangements comprises initialising the first and the second counter to zero, transmitting data to be received by the second node, comparing the value of the first and the second counters with a first threshold limit value and a second threshold limit value and requesting a status report from the second node if any of the threshold limit values is reached or exceeded. |
| US09723509B2 |
Small cell mobility enhancement
There is provided a method, an apparatus and a computer program product, wherein the method comprises applying at least one procedure for inter-frequency measurements of at least one carrier, wherein a first procedure is applied when a carrier having at least one cell deployed for providing non-continuous coverage radio access is to be measured and a second procedure is applied when a carrier having at least one cell deployed for providing continuous coverage radio access is to be measured, and performing the inter-frequency measurements according to the applied procedure, when the procedure for the inter-frequency measurements is on. |
| US09723507B2 |
Reducing rate of measurement cycles in subsequent discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles
A user device performs intra-frequency measurements and inter-frequency measurements at a specified rate when the user device in a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, and determines a signal condition of a signal received from a serving cell. The user device selects one of multiple lower intra-frequency rates for intra-frequency measurements in subsequent DRX cycles based on the signal condition and selects one of multiple lower inter-frequency rates for inter-frequency measurements in the subsequent DRX cycles based on the signal condition. The reduction in the rate may reduce a current drain by the user device when the user device is in the subsequent DRX cycles. |
| US09723506B2 |
Method and apparatus for reporting channel state information in wireless communication system
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for a terminal to report channel state information in a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of: calculating one or more pieces of channel quality information from a signal measurement resource configuration and a plurality of interference measurement resource configurations associated with the signal measurement resource configuration; and transmitting a channel state report including the calculated channel quality information. |
| US09723504B2 |
Measurement in radio communication systems
A sounding method in a cellular wireless communication system, comprising at least one mobile station and at least two base stations. One base station is a serving base station for the mobile station and the at least one further base station is a neighboring base station. The serving base station generates a schedule for measurement signals and transmits said schedule to the mobile station and to the neighboring base station. The mobile station transmits measurement signals in accordance with the schedule to the serving base station and to the neighboring base station. Furthermore, the neighboring base station calculates a mean channel state for the uplink channel from the mobile station to itself and transmits the mean channel state to at least one further base station, so that said base station can be provided with channel estimations for uplink channels between the mobile station and all base stations. |
| US09723502B2 |
Detecting cellular connectivity issues in a wireless communication network
Various embodiments manage service issues in a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, a plurality of call detail records associated with a wireless communication network is received. The plurality of call detail records is analyzed. At least one pattern from the plurality of call detail records is identified based on analyzing the plurality of call detail records. The at least one pattern indicates at least one service issue occurred during a set of calls associated with each of the plurality of call detail records. A location associated with the at least one service issue that has occurred is identified based on identifying the at least one pattern. |
| US09723499B2 |
Optimizer selection in wireless networks
Network service providers often make use of traffic optimizers, in order to balance the objectives of maximizing users' quality of experience (“QoE”) with the costs of transmitting data. Certain content providers may make use of their own optimization algorithms, which may be interfered with by network providers' traffic optimizers. As described herein, a master optimization controller (“MOC”) may be able to enable or disable traffic optimizers within a network by enhancing a Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”) three-way handshake procedure. The MOC may also perform traffic optimization, thus serving as the only device that performs optimization on traffic. Additionally, while traffic optimizers within a network are typically not visible to third party content providers, the MOC may perform optimization in a manner that may be visible to, and controlled by, a content provider. |
| US09723498B2 |
Automatically updating an access point
A method for seamlessly and automatically updating an access point or router. The method includes receiving an update for the access point and determining a status of a network traffic associated with the access point. The method further includes determining an update time for applying the update based on the determined status of the network traffic and applying the update to the access point at the determined update time. An access point receives an update for the access point, and waits for a time to apply the update. The access point waits until there is no interactive traffic in which a user is actively using the network. The access point applies the update and reboots. By waiting until there is no interactive traffic, the update process mitigates interruptions to the user's active use of the network. |
| US09723497B2 |
Network assisted interference cancellation/suppression for multiple services
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for network assisted interference cancellation (IC) and interference suppression (IS) for multiple services. According to aspects a user equipment (UE) may determine information regarding system parameters for one or more types of communications services used to transmit potentially interfering signals in one or more neighbor cells, wherein a type of the information determined depends on the type of communications service. The UE may perform interference management using the determined information to cancel or suppress interference caused by the potentially interfering signals. |
| US09723494B2 |
Augmented reality visual Wi-Fi signal
A method includes identifying a location of at least on of a plurality of electronic devices within an area of interest. The method includes, based on at least the location of the at least one of the plurality of electronic devices, determining signal strength at a plurality of points within the area of interest. The method includes providing a modification of the area of interest to improve the signal strength at one of the plurality of points. |
| US09723492B2 |
Apparatus and method for antenna management
A method and an apparatus for antenna management are disclosed. The method comprises that resource use status data are collected from managed access networks, access networks which participate in antenna scheduling are selected from the managed access networks according to the resource use status data to compose an antenna scheduling set, wherein access networks using same spectrum resources are composed in the same antenna scheduling set; radio links of each access network in the antenna scheduling set are divided into one or more radio link clusters; radio resources are allocated to every radio link cluster in the antenna scheduling set in order that mutual interferences among all the radio link clusters in the antenna scheduling set are within a preset range; and radio resource allocation results are sent to the access network that the radio link clusters belong to. |
| US09723490B2 |
Acknowledgement communication with interference detection (ACK-ID)
In some examples, a method may include determining whether a data packet is correctly received. In response to the data packet being correctly received, the method may include reading a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value, and based on the RSSI value, determining whether to transmit an acknowledgement (ACK) packet. |
| US09723489B1 |
Automated vulnerability discovery in mobile device applications
A testing system tests applications executable on a computing platform, when the app under test executes on the computing platform, the app program code refers to a tree data structure for its user interface operations. That tree data structure is accessed without needing to interrupt the app under test or without needing software hooks into the app. The testing system obtains a specification of user interface criteria from an operator, processes the tree data structure with the specification to identify nodes of the tree data structure that match the user interface criteria, and outputs a representation of the matching nodes. The matching nodes are user interface entry points capable of being used to test the app for vulnerabilities. The specification can include edge criteria, wherein an edge criterion corresponds to a characteristic of an edge in the tree data structure between at least two nodes of the tree data structure. |
| US09723488B2 |
Rogue AP detection
Methods, systems and computer readable media for rogue access point detection are disclosed. In some implementations, the method can include initiating, at one or more processors of a wireless controller, a rogue access point detection process for a wireless network, and transmitting, from the one or more processors, a signature frame to a mobility agent in a wireless switch. The method can also include receiving, at an authorized access point, the signature frame transmitted via a wireless signal from a rogue access point. The method can further include reporting reception of the signature frame to the wireless controller, and generating, at the one or more processors, a signal to shut down a port associated with the rogue access point. |
| US09723486B2 |
Method and apparatus for accessing network
A method for providing access information for accessing a network device from a first terminal to a second terminal includes obtaining, by a first terminal, access information instructing a second terminal to access the network, the access information including a service set identifier SSID and an access password, selecting a plurality of destination addresses including the access information from a designated multicast address segment, and multicasting a plurality of user datagram protocol (UDP) multicast messages including the plurality of destination addresses to the second terminal. |
| US09723485B2 |
System for authorizing access based on authentication via separate channel
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for authorizing access based on authentication via a separate channel. In this way, the invention generates and utilizes tokenized identification of user authentication into third party systems to confirm the user identification and subsequently allow authentication into an application based on receipt of the token. As such, the system creates a three way communication linkage for resource transfer which leverages the user's authentication via the merchant system. The system positions a generated token with a merchant. Once a user is identified as authenticated into a merchant system, geo-location, or other application authentication, the token is coded to distribute back to the system. The system may then allow user or merchant access to resource holdings associated with the user for distribution to the merchant without additional user authentication. |
| US09723483B2 |
Mobile electronic device
A mobile electronic device according to an embodiment has an identifier, a determiner, and a permitter. The identifier identifies the operating system of a mobile terminal to which its own device is connected and determines whether the identified operating system is a prescribed operating system. If the identifier determines that the identified operating system is the prescribed operating system, the determiner performs processing to determine whether or not authentication data held in its own device and authentication data held in an authentication data holding device that can communicate via a network match. If the determiner determines that there is a match, the permitter permits data processing using processing data held in a processing data holding device that can communicate via the network. |
| US09723479B2 |
Managing data representation for user equipments in a communication session
In an embodiment, an application server receives, from a given UE, data that is configured to visually represent physical user input detected at the given UE at a first level of precision. The application server determines data presentation capabilities of a target UE and/or a performance level associated with a connection between the application server and the target UE. The application server selectively transitions the received data from the first level of precision to a second level of precision based on the determination, and transmits the selectively transitioned data to the target UE for presentation. In another embodiment, the application server receives a request to adjust display settings of the target UE from the given UE responsive to detected physical user input. The application server selectively adjusts the target UE's display settings based on the received request. |
| US09723473B2 |
Millimeter wave communication system
The disclosure includes a system and method for a first communication device to provide a millimeter wave communication service to a second communication device. The method may be performed by the first communication device. The method includes broadcasting a service discovery message describing the availability of the first communication device to provide the millimeter wave communication service. The method includes receiving a first handshake message that describes a request of the second communication device to receive the millimeter wave communication service from the first communication device and transmitting a second handshake message acknowledging receipt of the first handshake message. The method includes determining a future location of the second communication device at a future time. The method includes aligning a beam of a first millimeter wave communication unit of the first communication device with the future location and providing the millimeter wave communication service to the second communication device. |
| US09723472B2 |
Telescopic tunneled direct link setup discovery method
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for wireless communication are described at a device. A device may utilize telescopic discovery techniques to efficiently preserve a wireless connection until a previously connected device returns within range of the connection. In one example, the device may transmit a discovery request intended for the other device according to a first interval after determining the wireless connection. If a response is not received, the device may adjust the transmission interval to be a second interval. The device may then compare the second interval with a maximum interval to determine whether the second interval is greater than the maximum interval. If the second interval is less than the maximum the device may transmit a discovery request according to the second interval. Otherwise, the device may transmit discovery requests according to the maximum interval until a discovery response is received from the other device. |
| US09723470B1 |
Selective enabling of data services to roaming wireless terminals
A system includes a network interface and one or more processors. The processors are configured to track a first pattern with which a user terminal consumes one or more data services while served by a home network specified for the user terminal, to track a second pattern with which the user terminal consumes the one or more data services while served by one or more networks other than the home network, to estimate a reduction in usage of the one or more data services between the first and second patterns, and to selectively enable at least one data service to the user terminal by the networks other than the home network, based on the estimated reduction in usage. |
| US09723463B2 |
Method and apparatus for a device identifier based solution for user identification
An approach is provided for a device identifier based solution for user identification. A device identifier component receives from a user device a request for access to a service platform. The device identifier component determines one or more identifiers associated with the user device and generates a record of the access with respect to the one or more identifiers. |
| US09723462B2 |
Cloud-based device twinning
A network-based service is utilized to facilitate twinning of two or more communication devices associated with a subscriber account. Incoming communication is intercepted by a communication device and forwarded to a network server, which in turn transmits the incoming communication to the multiple twinned devices. In addition, identifier data associated with outgoing communication is replaced with a primary identifier (e.g., customer telephone number (CTN)) of a user's primary device or a common identifier (e.g., a mobile one number (MON)) assigned to devices associated with the user's subscriber account. Communication devices can be temporarily twinned for a defined time period, during which a common bill can be generated for the twinned devices. |
| US09723461B2 |
Systems and methods for context based and socially aware call routing
When a telephone call is made to a user with a cellular telephone that has weak or no wireless signal receptions, the telephone call may be re-routed to another telephone located near the user, such that the telephone call may reach the user via another telephone. A system or method is provided to determine an alternate telephone, to which the telephone call is re-routed when the primary receiving telephone is a cellular phone that has weak or no wireless signal reception. The alternate telephone may be determined in a context and/or social aware basis. The alternate telephone may belong to a friend or family member of the user of the primary receiving telephone. Further, the alternate telephone may be located near the user of the primary receiving telephone, such that the user of the primary receiving telephone may be reached when the telephone call is re-routed to the alternate telephone. |
| US09723457B2 |
Cluster-based resource allocation for vehicle-to-vehicle communication
A vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication device manages a cluster including the V2V communication device and at least one of other V2V communication device. The V2V communication device determines a cluster description specifying one or more characteristics of the cluster indicates the cluster description over a cellular network to a network node. The network node receives the cluster description and, on the basis of the received cluster description, assigns to the cluster a set of resources for V2V communication. The network node sends a resource assignment over the cellular network to the V2V communication device. The resource assignment indicates the assigned set of resources. The V2V communication device receives the resource assignment and assigns resources from the set of resources to the V2V communication devices of the cluster. Further, the V2V communication device indicates the assigned resources to the at least one further V2V communication device of the cluster. |
| US09723455B2 |
Method of transmitting multicast signal and unicast signal simultaneously and related communication device
A method of transmitting a multicast signal and a unicast signal simultaneously for a network of a wireless communication system comprises transmitting the multicast signal to at least one first communication device in the wireless communication system during a time interval via at least one first antenna of the network; transmitting the unicast signal to a communication device in the wireless communication system during the time interval via at least one second antenna of the network; and reducing interference caused by at least one of the multicast signal and the unicast signal, when transmitting the multicast signal and the unicast signal. |
| US09723454B2 |
Freight vehicle monitoring using telecommunications data
A method for freight vehicle monitoring includes obtaining historical telecommunications data, performing vehicle location identification using the historical telecommunications data, wherein performing the vehicle location identification comprises using a machine learning based algorithm to determine one or more meaningful vehicle locations, identifying, based on the one or more meaningful vehicle locations, if one or more telecommunications devices are those of a freight vehicle occupant, and tracking a location of the one or more telecommunications devices identified as those of a freight vehicle occupant. |
| US09723452B2 |
Public service awareness of crowd movement and concentration
A method for predicting crowd formation based on movement of a plurality of mobile devices is provided. The method may include collecting a plurality of location data snapshots based on the plurality of mobile devices and a plurality of cell towers. The method may include determining a plurality of device positions based on the collected plurality of location data snapshots. The method may include determining a device movement direction based on the determined plurality of device positions. The method may include determining a device velocity based on the determined plurality of device positions. The method may include identifying a mobile device subset, whereby the mobile device subset converges on a convergence area. The method may include determining if the mobile device subset converging on the convergence area exceeds a threshold value. The method may include triggering a convergence response. |
| US09723451B2 |
Providing location information of a terminal in a communication network
The present application relates to a method for providing location information of a terminal (30) and in a communication network (10). According to the method, a location information indicating a location of the terminal (30) in the communication network (10) is determined by the terminal (30). Furthermore, a time information indicating a time at which the terminal (30) is located at the location indicated by the location information is determined by the terminal (30). The location information and time information is transmitted by the terminal (30) to a base station (20) or to another terminal (30) of the communication network (10). |
| US09723448B2 |
Tracking device, battery charger, and tracking method thereof
A tracking device, a battery charger, and a tracking method thereof are provided. The method, adopted by a tracking device, includes: upon being attached to a battery charger, scanning, by the tracking device, for a first radio environment; and transmitting, by the tracking device, a request for setting the scanned first radio environment as a home zone to a monitoring device. |
| US09723439B2 |
Apparatus, system and method of neighbor awareness networking (NAN) geo-fencing
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) Geo-Fencing. For example, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to cause a Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) device to process a plurality of geo-fencing parameters of a geofence from an application on the NAN device; and perform geo-fencing with another NAN device based on the geo-fencing parameters. |
| US09723435B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing files to electronic devices
Method and apparatus for transferring a file from a sending wireless device to a receiving wireless device in a short-range wireless system. A file to be sent to the receiving wireless device is selected on the sending wireless device. The sending wireless device has a device list of receiving wireless devices. If the receiving wireless device is absent on the device list, the sending wireless device searches and identifies new devices. A device among the identified new devices is selected as the receiving wireless device. A connection is established between the sending wireless device and the receiving wireless device; and the file is sent to the receiving wireless device. |
| US09723434B1 |
Information handling system proximity sensing
A portable information handling system multi-purposes a near field communication (NFC) antenna to detect object proximity of objects by interfacing a capacitive proximity processor with the NFC antenna and isolating the capacitive effects at the NFC antenna with a capacitive matching circuit disposed between the NFC antenna and an NFC transceiver. Comparison of the objects detected proximate the NFC antenna and proximate a conductive antenna provides a distinction of different types of objects, such as human forms versus a desktop. |
| US09723431B2 |
Close proximity transport configuration
A close proximity wireless connection is initiated between a first device and a second device, and a channel configuration module sends first data over the wireless connection to advertise one or more supported channel configurations of the first device to the second device, and receives second data over the wireless connection. The second data is to advertise one or more supported channel configurations of the second device to the first device. A particular one of a plurality of modes of the first device is determined to be used in communications with the second device over the close proximity wireless connection based on the first and second data. |
| US09723424B2 |
Making available a sound signal for higher order ambisonics signals
Audio signals are recorded with microphones receiving acoustic information from one or more directions. The corresponding audio signals can be pre-listened to in production studios. However, Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) audio signals are matrixed in such a way that the matrixing prevents listening to the matrixed sound signals without dematrixing the matrixed sound signals. For enabling a sound engineer to listen to such a matrixed signal without full HOA decoding, an informative audio signal is added together with related side information data at encoding side to a selected part of the matrixed signal. This informative audio signal is removed before the inverse matrixing process at decoding side. |
| US09723419B2 |
Systems and methods for determining metric for sound system evaluation
Provided are a system and method for evaluating sound system performance, comprising: representing an audience space is represented on a surface of a sphere. The sphere has a center that is substantially collocated with a center of a sound system. An efficiency of the sound system is calculated by determining an amount of energy produced by the sound system that reaches the audience space projected onto the sphere relative to a total amount of energy produced by the sound system. A metric is generated for a function by normalizing the efficiency by a ratio of an area of the audience space relative to a total area of the sphere to produce a score for the performance of the sound system. |
| US09723418B2 |
Media content based on playback zone awareness
Systems and methods are provided for providing media content based on playback zone awareness. In one aspect a server associated with a service provider may be configured to receive zone data identifying a name of a zone associated with a playback device, identify, based on the zone data, media content based on the zone data, and provide the media content to the playback device. In another aspect, a playback device may be configured to associate the playback device with a zone, and provide to a service provider zone data identifying a name of the zone associated with the playback device. In yet another aspect, a controller device may be configured to receive an input identifying a playback zone, and sending to a service provider, a message including zone data identifying the playback zone. |
| US09723413B2 |
Binaural hearing aid system with feedback suppression
A binaural hearing aid system includes: a first hearing aid having a first microphone, a first processing unit, a first receiver, and a first communication unit; and a second hearing aid having a second microphone, a second processing unit, a second receiver, and a second communication unit; wherein the first communication unit of the first hearing aid is configured to transmit a filtered signal for reception by the second communication unit of the second hearing aid in response to a signal associated with a phone. |
| US09723410B2 |
Speaker assembly
A speaker assembly includes a shellpot for receiving a speaker motor, the shellpot including an upstanding rim on an upper portion of the shellpot, and speaker basket including a base portion having an opening therein for receiving the shellpot. An insert member is disposed adjacent the speaker basket and the rim, wherein a plurality of sections of the rim are displaced to abut the insert member and couple the shellpot to the speaker basket. A method of assembling the speaker assembly is also provided. |
| US09723408B2 |
Electronic device and method of preventing erroneous recognizing inserting connector into earphone jack
An electronic device includes a circuit electrically connected to first and second contacts and a processor electrically connected to the circuit, wherein the circuit compares a first signal occurring by an electrical contact of the first contact and the external material with a first threshold value to generate a first comparison signal, compares a second signal occurring by an electrical contact of the second contact and the external material with a second threshold value to generate a second comparison signal, and generates a third signal based on a portion of the first and second comparison signals and provides the third signal to the processor, wherein the external material includes one of moisture and a foreign substance or the external connector, and the processor prevents recognizing a contact of the moisture or the foreign substance as a contact of the external connector based on a portion of the third signal. |
| US09723407B2 |
Communication apparatus and sound playing method thereof
A communication apparatus and a sound playing method thereof are provided. The method is adapted for a communication apparatus having a first speaker used as an earpiece and a second speaker, in which the first speaker and the second speaker are disposed at opposite sides of the communication apparatus. In the method, an event with a sound notification is detected. A left channel sound and a right channel sound of the sound notification are mixed to generate a mixed sound in response to detecting the event. The mixed sound is played by the first speaker with a fade-in effect. |
| US09723402B2 |
Audio data processing method and electronic device supporting the same
An electronic device for processing audio data includes: a plurality of microphones configured to receive audio data which has at least one sound section where sounds of a specified frequency band exist within a specified time interval; and an audio data processing module configured to divide the received audio data by each direction of the sound source and collect at least one sound section from the divided audio data of each direction. |
| US09723401B2 |
Multiple microphone switching and configuration
A mobile communications device contains at least two microphones. One microphone is designated by a selector to provide a voice dominant signal and another microphone is designated to provide a noise or echo dominant signal, for a call or a recording. The selector communicates the designations to a switch that routes the selected microphone signals to the inputs of a processor for voice signal enhancement. The selected voice dominant signal is then enhanced by suppressing ambient noise or canceling echo therein, based on the selected noise or echo dominant signal. The designation of microphones may change at any instant during the call or recording depending on various factors, e.g. based on the quality of the microphone signals. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US09723398B2 |
Speaker
A modular loudspeaker includes a plurality of chambers and a plurality of vibration plates. Each vibration plate is fixed to two chambers, to cause the chambers to be secured to each other in a certain orientation by the vibration plates. A vibrator is attached to each vibration plate. A processor and a wireless communication unit are received in each chamber. The vibrator attached to each vibration plate is electrically connected to the processor, and the processor is configured to control the vibrator to vibrate when the loudspeaker receives a wireless audio signal via the wireless communication unit, thereby causing the vibration plate to vibrate and output sound. |
| US09723395B2 |
Portable sound equipment
A portable sound equipment including a flexible band with variable curvature, a pair of housings coupled to both ends of the band, respectively, an earbud holder provided in each of the housings, an earbud detachably held in the earbud holder and outputting sounds, a controller provided in the housing and connected to the earbud to control the sound output unit, a sound signal wire configured to connect the earbud and the controller with each other and a wingtip detachably coupled to an end of the housing and having an elastic material, where the wingtip includes a rubber ring to expose the earbud holders and the earbuds and the sound cables penetrate an opening of the rubber ring. |
| US09723392B2 |
Headphones with cable management
Headphones that have one or two earphones. A headband carries the earphones such that they are held against the head of a wearer. A coupling member is located between the earphone and the headband, the coupling member pivotably mounted to the headband at a joint having a first axis around which the coupling member pivots, such that the earphone can be moved from a deployed position in which the earphone is positioned to be worn by the wearer to a stowed position in which the earphone is located closer to the headband than it is in the deployed position. A conductive cable runs from the earphone to the headband through the coupling member. The cable is held in place at a first anchor location in the headband, proximate the coupling member. There is slack in the cable between the first anchor location and the coupling member at least when the earphone is in the deployed position. The coupling member comprises a rigid loop overlying the cable and located adjacent to the slack in the cable, the loop extending away from the first axis. When the earphone is moved from the stowed position to the deployed position the rigid loop pushes the slack in the cable into the headband. |
| US09723391B2 |
Biologically fit wearable electronics apparatus and methods
Detachable wearable electronic eyeglasses and head mounted gear with a plurality of electronic functions and interchangeable electronic function, and a wearable computer with optimal weight distribution and stretchable arms. |
| US09723386B1 |
Communication device
A communication system includes a transparent refractive optical wedge, a steerable mirror, a position feedback device, and a transceiver. The transparent refractive optical wedge has first and second faces angled with respect to each other and receives first and second optical signals through both the first and second faces. The first and second optical signals travel along parallel or common paths through the first face and diverge at a deflection angle with respect to each other through the second face. The steerable mirror is in optical communication with the first face of the optical wedge, the position feedback device, and the transceiver. The position feedback device adjusts a position of the steerable mirror to maintain the alignment of the reflected signal with the position feedback device. The transceiver has an optical transmitter transmitting one of the optical signals and an optical receiver receiving the other optical signal. |