| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09937254B2 |
Water-soluble supramolecular complexes
Water-soluble supramolecular complexes formed from a water soluble block copolymer and at least one associative gelling adjuvant. The copolymer includes at least two blocks of polyethylene oxide and at least one block of polypropylene oxide. The adjuvant has a water solubility less than 0.5 g/100 ml at 20° C. When combined with water, the complexes form a transparent reversely thermo-reversible hydrogel or solution that may be repeatedly hydrated and dehydrated. The hydrogel exhibits improved gelling efficiency and enhanced solubility and/or stability for sparely soluble and insoluble pharmaceutical agents. The complexes are useful in a variety of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and applications and may be combined with an effective amount of a cosmetic, medicament, or diagnostic in a solid dosage form. |
| US09937252B2 |
Induction of cross-reactive cellular response against rhinovirus antigens
The present invention concerns: a) an isolated peptide comprising an amino acid sequence which is at least 90% identical to the VP4 amino acid sequence of a rhinovirus, or an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding said peptide, placed under the control of the elements necessary for its expression in a mammalian cell; and/or b) an isolated peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of at least 100 amino acids which is at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence located in the last 363 C-terminal amino acids of the RNA polymerase of a rhinovirus, or an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding said peptide, placed under the control of the elements necessary for its expression in a mammalian cell; and c) a Th1 adjuvant when said immunogenic composition comprises one or more of said isolated peptides. |
| US09937246B2 |
Therapeutic acid ceramidase compositions and methods of making and using them
The present invention relates to a therapeutic composition including a ceramidase mixture and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, where the ceramidase mixture includes an inactive acid ceramidase precursor and an active acid ceramidase. The invention also relates to a method of acid ceramidase treatment, including formulating the acid ceramidase used in said treatment as a ceramidase mixture, where the ceramidase mixture includes an inactive acid ceramidase precursor and an active acid ceramidase. The invention further relates to a method of producing a therapeutic composition including providing a medium containing an inactive acid ceramidase precursor; incubating the medium under conditions effective to transform a portion of the inactive acid ceramidase precursor to active acid ceramidase; and recovering the incubated medium as a ceramidase mixture comprising the inactive acid ceramidase precursor and an active acid ceramidase. The present invention also relates to preparation of a therapeutic composition of a ceramidase lacking acid sphingomyelinase. |
| US09937241B2 |
Degradation resistant HSP70 formulations and uses thereof
The present invention relates to novel therapies that utilize stabilized exogenous HSP70 for the treatment of disorders or conditions regulated by HSP70 through administration of degradation resistant formulations of HSP70. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to methods comprising the administration of stabilized exogenous HSP70 for use in the treatment of HSP70 related disorders or conditions, for example, for increased endurance or alleviating fatigue syndrome. |
| US09937233B2 |
Engineered nucleic acids and methods of use thereof
Provided are compositions and methods for delivering biological moieties such as modified nucleic acids into cells to modulate protein expression. Such compositions and methods include the use of modified messenger RNAs, and are useful to treat or prevent diseases, disorders or conditions, or to improve a subject's heath or wellbeing. |
| US09937232B2 |
Particles containing a growth factor, and uses thereof
The present invention concerns particles containing at least one covalently cross-linked polysaccharide and at least one growth factor, a method of preparation, and uses thereof. |
| US09937230B2 |
Ophthalmic uses of toxin-based therapeutic peptides and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
Disclosed herein are methods of treating ophthalmic conditions such as dry eye and uveitis by administering a pharmaceutical composition including a toxin-based therapeutic peptide. The peptide can include an acid or amide at the C-terminus and can be attached to an organic or inorganic chemical entity that has an anionic charge. |
| US09937227B2 |
Humanin, analogs and cancer treatment methods and uses thereof
Described herein are methods of enhancing chemotherapeutic treatment of a hyperproliferative disorder by, in part, administering a composition comprising one or more humanin polypeptides to a subject receiving chemotherapy. |
| US09937226B2 |
Use of immunomodulatory protein from ganoderma in inhibiting cancer stem cells
The present invention relates to a new use of an immunomodulatory protein derived from Ganoderma or a recombinant or a composition thereof in inhibiting cancel stem cells. Particularly, the immunomodulatory protein is derived form Ganoderma microsporum and the cancel stem cell is oral cancer stem cell. |
| US09937220B2 |
Anti-diabetic nutraceutical composition from palm leaf extract
A comestible composition with anti-diabetic property which is effective in lowering the blood glucose and help reduce oxidative stress in diabetics and have anti-diabetic properties that protect against diabetic complications, retarding diabetes related organ degeneration and effective to hinder or prevent ailments or conditions resulting from, or exacerbated by, a chronic increase in blood sugar including: tissue degeneration, cardiovascular disease, kidney degeneration, loss of cognitive function, weight loss, visual impairment, and vasomotor symptoms which contains extract from palm leaf. |
| US09937209B2 |
Glycosaminoglycan compositions in combination with stem cells
A pharmaceutical preparation for treating connective tissue damage in man and in animals, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a glycosaminoglycan composition comprising chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronan, in combination with isolated stem cells. Methods of use and kits containing the glycosaminoglycan composition and materials for isolating stem cells and for treating connective tissue damage and repair of cartilage in man and in animals are also provided. |
| US09937199B2 |
Materials and methods for preventing and treating anastomotic leaks
Materials and methods for preventing and treating anastomotic leaks are disclosed. Data establishes that pathogenic microbes interfere with establishing epithelial cell barriers in anastomoses and, more generally, with the reconnection of any two portions of like or different tissues comprising epithelia. Suitable prophylactic and therapeutic composition comprise, e.g., a phosphorylated high molecular weight polyethylene glycol compound. |
| US09937196B2 |
Genomic sequence of avian paramyxovirus type 2 and uses thereof
In this application is described the complete genomic sequence of avian parmyxovirus type 2, strains Yucaipa, England, Kenya and Bangor. The sequences are useful for production of recombinant infective virus, a virus vector, for vaccine development and for therapeutic compositions. |
| US09937194B1 |
Compounds and methods for treating inflammatory diseases
Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating inflammatory diseases. |
| US09937193B2 |
Method for treating a cancer
The present invention relates to a method for treating a cancer with the combination of a topoisomerase II inhibitor (TOP2 inhibitor) and a histone deacetylation inhibitor (HDACi), provides synergistic cancer cell-killing effects, and prolonged overall survival, especially when the expression of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK-1) is low. |
| US09937191B2 |
Inhibition of HIV infection through chemoprophylaxis
A process is provided for protecting a primate host from a self-replicating infection by an immunodeficiency retrovirus. Protection is achieved by administering to the primate host a combination of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor prior to exposure to the immunodeficiency retrovirus. The administration is effective if provided in a single dose within 24 hours of the exposure. A regime of regular daily doses is also effective in providing protection against an immunodeficiency retrovirus becoming self-replicating after infecting a primate host. A process for controlling retrovirus transmission within a population includes the administration to a subpopulation at high risk for contracting an immunodeficiency retroviral infection the detailed combination prior to sexual exposure to a source of immunodeficiency retrovirus so as to preclude the immunodeficiency retrovirus from becoming self-replicating in a member of the subpopulation. |
| US09937189B2 |
Stable fixed dose pharmaceutical composition comprising mometasone and olopatadine
The present invention relates to a stable fixed dose aqueous pharmaceutical composition (e.g., contained in a container) for nasal administration to a human, comprising mometasone or its salt, olopatadine or its salt. The composition may further include a hydrocolloid. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the pharmaceutical composition, and the use of the pharmaceutical composition in the treatment of rhinitis in a subject. |
| US09937188B2 |
Non-irritating testosterone emulsions
Disclosed herein are emulsions comprising testosterone or related androgens, castor oil, cyclodextrin, Pemulen TR-2, Polyoxyl 40, and other ingredients. The compositions are useful for treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca and meibomian gland disease. |
| US09937187B2 |
Platinum compounds, compositions, and uses thereof
The present teachings relate to compounds and compositions for treatment of cancers. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a platinum (IV) complex having at least one reacting group for reacting with a functional group on a protein, engineered protein, antibody, antibody fragment, peptide, agonist, antagonist, aptamer or ligand which may be capable of recognizing a selected target cell population, and/or derivatives/analogs/mimics thereof. |
| US09937186B2 |
Sulfonamides derived from tricyclyl-2-aminocycloalkanols as anticancer agents
A genus of arylsulfonamide derivatives of aminocycloalkanols is disclosed. The compounds are of the following genus: The compounds induce FOXO1 transcription factor translocation to the nucleus by modulating PP2A and, as a consequence, exhibit anti-proliferative effects. They are useful in the treatment of a variety of disorders, including as a monotherapy in cancer treatment, or used in combination with other drugs to restore sensitivity to chemotherapy where resistance has developed. |
| US09937183B2 |
Antimicrobial compounds and methods of making and using the same
Methods and compounds for treating, preventing, reducing the risk of and/or delaying the onset of a microbial infection in a subject are disclosed herein, wherein the microbial infection is caused by one or more microorganisms (e.g., one or more bacteria) which can be used as a biological weapon, such as Bacillus anthracis, Franciscella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, Burkholderia mallei, and Burkholderia pseudomallei. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions or kits for treating, preventing, reducing the risk of and/or delaying the onset of a microbial infection. |
| US09937182B2 |
Therapeutic strategies for the treatment of preeclampsia
Compositions and methods for treating preeclampsia in a subject in need thereof are disclosed. |
| US09937181B2 |
Tofacitinib oral sustained release dosage forms
The present invention relates to oral sustained release formulations of tofacitinib and pharmaceutical acceptable salts thereof. The formulations described herein have desirable pharmacokinetic characteristics. |
| US09937179B2 |
Combined treatment for cancer resistant to an epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor
The present invention provides a method for treating a cancer, comprising (a) identifying a patient with acquired resistance to an EGFR kinase inhibitor; and (b) administering to the patient an anti-cancer agent, and treating the patient with radiation therapy. |
| US09937176B2 |
Pyrazolothiazole compound and medicine comprising same
The invention provides a pyrazolothiazole compound of the formula [I], or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: The compound of the invention has JAK1 inhibitory activity, and thus, immunosuppressive effect, anti-inflammatory effect and anti-proliferative effect, and is useful in the treatment of the diseases, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and vasculitis, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and eosinophilic sinusitis, nasal polyp. |
| US09937172B2 |
Mixtures of heteropolycycles
A mixture of heteropolycycles has preferably two particular heteropolycycles and more preferably, no more than 10 wt. %, 5 wt. %, 2.5 wt. %, 1 wt. %, 0.5 wt. %, 0.1 wt. %, 0.01 wt. %, 0.001 wt. %, or no more than a detectable amount of one of the two. |
| US09937158B2 |
Benzoheterocyclic compounds and use thereof
Disclosed are compound of formula (I) and pharmaceutically accepted salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, X1, and X2 is as defined in the description. These compounds are protein kinases inhibitors, especially the inhibitors of Mek, which are useful in the treatment of cancers and inflammation of mammals. Disclosed are the treatment methods of cancers and inflammation of mammals as well as pharmaceutical expositions comprising the compounds described herein. The preparation of benzoheterocyclic compounds are disclosed. Disclosed are the preparation of potential drug candidates, such as benzooxazol, benzothiazol, benzothiadiazol and the like. |
| US09937156B2 |
Modulation of MRTF-A activity in pathologic fibrosis and wound healing
The present disclosure concerns uses for isoxazole compounds or salts or analogs thereof for the treatment of wounds. The present disclosure also concerns devices for delivering a isoxazole compound or salts or an analogs thereof to a wound site. |
| US09937152B2 |
Derivative of styrene-maleic acid copolymer
The present invention provides a group of novel SMA derivatives and a covalent conjugate of the derivatives and an active substance. More specifically, the present invention provides: an SMA derivative which contains (i) a styrene-maleic acid copolymer (SMA) and (ii) a side chain (b) that contains a functional group (a) selected from among —NH2, —SH, —OH, —COOH, —NH—(C═NH)—NH2 and —C(CH2—OH)3 and introduced into a carboxyl group of a maleic acid residue of the SMA via an amide bond or an ester bond, and wherein when a plurality of side chain (b) is introduced into the SMA, the side chains (b) may be identical or different from each other; and a conjugate of this SMA derivative and an active substance. |
| US09937147B2 |
Edible base product composition
A composition of an edible base product, the composition comprising a cannabis concentrate containing at least one cannabinoid, a starch concentrate containing tapioca maltodextrin, a rice concentrate, and a lipid concentrate containing lecithin. The method of producing the composition comprises sheering the ingredients at a proper temperature in a dry environment. Preferably, the rice concentrate acts as a natural desiccate and silicate and also an anti-caking agent. The lecithin is added to the powdered cannabis concentrate to enhance the absorption of THC into the blood stream of the individuals. |
| US09937145B2 |
Sulfamate derivative compound for use in preventing or treating epilepsy
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing epilepsy containing a sulfamate derivative compound and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for treatment or prevention epilepsy comprising administering a sulfamate derivative compound in a pharmaceutically effective amount to a subject in need of treatment or prevention of epilepsy. |
| US09937144B2 |
Treatment of drug abuse by preventing GAPDH nitrosylation
The present invention relates to the field of drug abuse. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for treating drug abuse by preventing GAPDH nitrosylation. In one specific embodiment, a method for preventing the stimulant and neurotoxic effects of cocaine comprises the step of administering a compound that prevents the nitrosylation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) by nitric oxide (NO). In another embodiment, a method for preventing the stimulant and neurotoxic effects of cocaine comprises the step of administering a compound that prevents the binding of GAPDH to Siah. |
| US09937137B2 |
Magnesium compositions and uses thereof for cancers
Compositions and methods that are useful for treating a subject suffering from one or more cancers are provided herein. Such compositions and methods can contain an effective amount of magnesium threonate to be used to support or improve the mental state of a subject. The composition and methods comprising magnesium threonate can also be used to support a cancer treatment. |
| US09937135B2 |
Methods and compositions for preventing and relieving muscle cramps and for recovery from neuromuscular irritability and fatigue following exercise
Described herein are compositions comprising capsaicin and methods of treating muscle cramping in a subject, comprising orally administering to the subject a composition comprising capsaicin and an excipient. |
| US09937134B2 |
Hyaluronate compositions
The present invention provides compositions suitable for topical administration to a mammalian subject including sodium hyaluronate and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The present invention also provides methods for making and using the same. |
| US09937132B2 |
Formulation of doxylamine and pyridoxine and/or metabolites or salts thereof
A dual release oral dosage system/dosage form comprising an immediate release component/composition and a delayed release component/composition is described. Each of the immediate release component/composition and delayed release component/composition comprises one or more of doxylamine, an analog thereof, a derivative thereof, a prodrug thereof, a metabolite thereof and/or a salt thereof, and one or more of pyridoxine, a salt thereof, a metabolite thereof and/or a salt of the metabolite. The dual release oral dosage system/dosage form exhibits an improved pharmacokinetic profile relative to the current Diclectin® formulation and is useful for example for the alleviation of the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, for example in the case of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP). |
| US09937130B2 |
Sustained delivery of therapeutic agents to an eye compartment
Compositions and methods for treating eye disorders by administering a drug delivery system into an eye compartment of the patient, wherein the drug delivery system contains a particle containing a core; a coating associated with the particle, wherein the coating is covalently or non-covalently associated with the particle and presents a hydrophilic region to the environment around the particle; and a therapeutic agent are disclosed. The eye compartment can exhibit reduced inflammation or IOP after administration of the drug delivery systems to a patient than if a drug delivery system including an uncoated particle were administered to the patient. |
| US09937127B2 |
Method of producing fine particles surface-modified with water-soluble substance
An object of the present invention is to provide a method of easily producing fine particles comprising a lipid, a fatty acid, or a derivative thereof, surface-modified with a water-soluble substance, etc. There are provided a method of producing a fine particles, surface-modified with a water-soluble substance, which contains the process of dispersing fine particles comprising a lipid, a fatty acid, or a derivative thereof, and dissolving or dispersing a surface modifier which is a lipid derivative, a fatty acid derivative, or an aliphatic hydrocarbon derivative of a water-soluble substance, in a liquid containing a polar organic solvent, and the like. |
| US09937126B2 |
Wnt compositions and methods for purification
Disclosed herein are methods, processes, compositions, and kits for generating bone graft materials for use at a site of bone defect that utilizes a composition which contains liposomal Wnt polypeptide, such as liposomal Wnt3a polypeptide, liposomal Wnt5a polypeptide, or liposomal Wnt10b polypeptide. Also disclosed herein are methods, processes, compositions, and kits for enhancing mammalian bone marrow cells that utilizes a composition which contains liposomal Wnt polypeptide, such as liposomal Wnt3a polypeptide, liposomal Wnt5a polypeptide, or liposomal Wnt10b polypeptide. |
| US09937125B2 |
Intradialytic parenteral nutrition compositions
The invention provides intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) solutions with low carbohydrate for the treatment of malnutrition in dialysis patients. The IDPN solutions of the invention are particularly advantageous for the treatment of malnutrition in patients who are diabetic or suffer from other glucose management related pathologies or patients who require strict fluid management. |
| US09937122B2 |
Palonosetron oral transmucosal film or patch
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for delivering palonosetron through the buccal mucosa or sublingual mucosa. The pharmaceutical composition comprises 0.05-35% (w/w) of palonosetron, 40-90% of a film forming agent, 1-10% (w/w) of a plasticizer, 5-25% (w/v) of an adhesive agent, and 0.1-5% of a penetration enhancing agent. A preferred plasticizer is a polysorbate. A preferred adhesive agent is polyvinylpyrrolidone or carboxymethylcellulose. A preferred penetration enhancing agent is peppermint oil or menthol. |
| US09937121B2 |
Hydrophilic external gel formulation capable of enhancing skin permeability of tacrolimus
The present invention relates to a formulation for external application to the skin containing tacrolimus, which is a poorly soluble drug used as a second therapeutic agent for atopic dermatitis and, more specifically, to a composition of a hydrophilic external gel formulation capable of enhancing skin permeability of tacrolimus, and a preparation method therefor. The hydrophilic external gel formulation loaded with tacrolimus of the present invention is in an easily preparable practical form with excellent moisturizing performance, and is excellent in spreadability and has improved drug delivery, skin permeability and skin residual capacity when applied to the skin, compared to conventional ointments, and thus can be usefully used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other immune diseases. |
| US09937118B2 |
Clear suspending personal care cleansing compositions
Compositions of the present invention include an anionic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, a superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer, an organic acid; and a polymer selected from the group consisting of a non-hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion polymer and a non-crosslinked hydrophobically modified acid-swellable emulsion polymer, wherein, when the composition contains the non-hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion polymer, the non-hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion polymer is present in an amount of about 0.1% to 5% by weight, and when the composition contains the non-crosslinked hydrophobically modified acid-swellable emulsion polymer, the non-hydrophobically modified acid-swellable emulsion polymer is present in an amount of about 0.1% to 5% by weight, and wherein the composition has an NTU value of 95 or less, a yield value of about 0.1 Pascal or more and pH of from about 3 to about 6.5. |
| US09937117B2 |
Method of reducing hair loss associated with chemotherapy
A method of reducing hair loss (alopecia) in a patient undergoing or scheduled to undergo chemotherapy is claimed. The method involves administering brimonidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to the site of the hair follicles. |
| US09937115B2 |
Oral care compositions with improved flavor
Oral care compositions having improved taste, said compositions comprising: a carrier material; from about 0.001 to about 10%, by weight of the composition, of an oral care component selected from metal salts, antimicrobial agents, bad breath reduction agents, bleaching agents, surfactants, or a combination thereof; and from about 0.0001 to about 1%, by weight of the composition, of a TRPA1 agonist selected from vanillin esters; benzoate esters; hydroxybenzoate derivatives; methoxy benzoate derivatives; hydroxybutanedioate derivatives; benzamidobenzoate derivatives; methylpropanoate derivatives; phenyl acetate derivatives; hex-3-enoate derivatives; 2-(furan-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)-3-methylpyrazine; phenylmethoxymethylbenzene; (2R)-2-azaniumyl-3-[(2R)-2-azaniumyl-3-oxido-3-oxopropyl]disulfanylpropanoate; (3E)-2-hydroxy-4,8-dimethylnona-3,7-dienal; (2R)-2-azaniumyl-3-[(2S)-2-azaniumyl-3-oxido-3-oxopropyl]disulfanylpropanoate; (3Z)-3-butylidene-2-benzofuran-1-one; 3-methyl-N-(3-methylbutyl)butan-1-imine; 2-(furan-2-ylmethyldisulfanylmethyl)furan; and combinations thereof. Uses thereof and methods of improving the taste of an oral care composition. |
| US09937105B2 |
High strength dental material
The invention provides a high strength dental composition including polymerizable dental resins. The dental composition is useful as restorative material and for making various dental devices, such as artificial teeth, crowns and bridges of high strength dental polymeric material. |
| US09937100B1 |
Methods and systems for labeling and loading pharmaceutical containers
A pharmaceutical order filling system receives pharmaceutical orders and uses a loading device to label containers and load the labeled containers onto a pallet. The loading device is configured with at least one container drop assembly that receives containers to be labelled and loaded onto the pallet and that is in communication with a label assembly configured to print and apply labels to the containers. The loading device also includes at least one loading rotary wheel configured to receive the labelled containers and hold the labelled containers in a pick position to be moved from the pick position to a predetermined position on the pallet. The loading device may be configured to accommodate multiple sizes of containers and to consolidate multiple sizes of labelled containers into a single loading rotary wheel for loading onto the pallet. |
| US09937099B2 |
Trilayer coated pharmaceutical packaging with low oxygen transmission rate
An article is described including an article surface and a coating set comprising an optional tie coating or layer, a barrier coating or layer, and a pH protective layer. The respective coatings or layers can be applied by chemical vapor deposition of a polysiloxane or polysilazane precursor in the presence of oxygen. Examples of such an article are a prefilled thermoplastic syringe or thermoplastic pharmaceutical vial with a coated interior portion containing a pharmaceutical preparation or other fluid with a pH of 4 to 8, alternatively 5 to 9. The barrier coating or layer prevents oxygen from penetrating into the thermoplastic syringe or vial. The tie coating or layer, if present, and the pH protective coating or layer protect the barrier layer from the contents of the syringe or vial. |
| US09937098B1 |
Spa jet replacement system and method for its use
A spa jet replacement system uses a hollow tubular positioning sleeve having an opening located proximate a first end thereof. A spa jet is inserted into the first end of the sleeve and the sleeve is inserted into the nozzle system of a spa until the opening of the sleeve aligns with an air inlet of the nozzle system, thereby positioning the spa jet upstream of the air flow of the spa fluid system. The outside diameter of the sleeve approximates the pipe(s) of the nozzle into which the sleeve is inserted so that the sleeve is friction held in place after insertion. A longitudinal slit may be located on the sleeve for ease of insertion. |
| US09937096B2 |
Range of motion flexibility device and method of use
A stretching device comprises a wearable body harness with an adjustable central hold arranged around the upper body connected with an adjustable extension strap configured to engage a foot at a distal end. The extension strap is slidably connected to the central strap to move along the length of the central strap. The extension strap comprises a non-elastic material, divided by a single elastic segment. The extension strap having incremental markings designating amount of adjustment. The device and method of using the device provides a comfortable tension, facilitates hands free stretching in the supine position, improving duration of stretching and range of motion. An independent adjustable stretching strap for upper body and shoulder stretching, further comprises a non-elastic material looped at each distal end, divided by a discrete elastic segment and having incremental visual markings designating amount of adjustment. |
| US09937094B2 |
Patient positioning support structure with trunk translator
A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient supports in an approximated position during such movements. A longitudinal translator provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. A patient trunk translator provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the patient supports are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression. |
| US09937093B2 |
Bedpan assembly
A bedpan assembly includes a bedpan that may be placed on a bed. Thus, a bedridden user may urinate and defecate into the bedpan. A cushion is coupled to the bedpan and the cushion enhances comfort of the bedridden user. A valve is coupled to the bedpan to receive the bedridden user's urine. The valve is selectively positioned between an open position and a closed position. Thus, the valve inhibits the urine from back splashing onto the bedridden user. |
| US09937090B2 |
Patient support apparatus communication systems
Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers, that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects. |
| US09937084B2 |
Absorbent body and absorbent article using the same
[Object]To provide an absorbent article and an absorbent body having excellent absorption performance.[Solution]The present invention provides an absorbent body having at least two or more layers, the absorbent body comprising: a water absorption layer having a water absorption region where a water absorbent resin powder is disposed and a thickness-direction-penetrating opening region; and a layer having a diffusion region where a diffusibility improvement material having an under-load liquid passing rate of 15 seconds or less is disposed, as a lower layer of the water absorption layer, wherein the lower layer has the diffusion region disposed at least a part of a portion located below the opening region. |
| US09937083B1 |
Anti-channeling stool management system
A stool management and collection system for acutely and chronically ill patients that prevents stool channeling and the consequential breakdown of patient skin. It comprises a bandage unit, a contour pad, a backing member, an easily connectible and releasable fastener, and a stool holding bag with a tapered upper portion. In addition, a diaper is used to collect patient urine and support the stool holding bag in approximately the same area where an incontinence pad is worn, instead of on the patient's backside as in the prior art. Furthermore, the opening in the bandage unit should leave a minimum distance of approximately three-sixteenths of an inch around the patient's rectal opening for the application of barrier cream or other skin-protecting substance. Super absorbent polymer (SAP) resin may be employed as a part of the system's structure, and a liner may be added to the stool collection bag. |
| US09937079B2 |
Medical drape having an ultra-thin drape film and a thick adhesive coating
A system for treating a tissue site includes a pressure source to apply reduced pressure, and a manifold in fluid communication with the pressure source to provide reduced pressure to the tissue site. The system includes a drape for adhering to the tissue site to cover the tissue site and the manifold. The drape has a film layer having a thickness less than about 15 microns, and an adhesive coupled to the film layer. The adhesive seals the film layer to the tissue site to create a sealed space having the manifold therein. The adhesive is sufficiently thick to limit leaks between the film layer and the tissue site. |
| US09937076B2 |
Vitrectomy apparatus
A vitrectomy apparatus comprises a containment body (3), at least one supply device (4), (5) which can be fixed to an eyeball (6) and/or moved by an operator, feeding means (7) for the controlled feeding of at least one operating fluid, at least partly mounted in the containment body (3) and in turn comprising at least one main pipe (8) which is or can be connected to the supply device (4), (5), and at least one control unit (21) operatively connected at least to the feeding means (7) for controlling their operation. The vitrectomy apparatus (1) also comprises means for varying the temperature (11) of the operating fluid, being coupled with the feeding means (7) and/or with the supply device (4), (5), for varying the temperature of the operating fluid, the control unit (21) also being connected to the means for varying the temperature (11) in order to control their operation. In particular, the means for varying the temperature (11) can act as heating means (12), and comprise one or more Peltier cells (15). |
| US09937073B2 |
Ocular insert apparatus and methods
A comfortable insert comprises a retention structure sized for placement under the eyelids and along at least a portion of conjunctival sac of the upper and lower lids of the eye. The retention structure resists deflection when placed in the conjunctival sac of the eye and to guide the insert along the sac when the eye moves. The retention structure can be configured in many ways to provide the resistance to deflection and may comprise a hoop strength so as to urge the retention structure outward and inhibit movement of the retention structure toward the cornea. The insert may move rotationally with deflection along the conjunctival sac, and may comprise a retention structure having a cross sectional dimension sized to fit within folds of the conjunctiva. The insert may comprise a release mechanism and therapeutic agent to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time. |
| US09937072B2 |
Devices and methods for therapeutic heat treatment
Devices and methods for providing therapeutic heating are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a device body configured to provide heat to a portion of skin. The device body also includes a low-level heating region and a high-level heating area. The low-level heating region provides a continuous amount of heat at a first temperature, and the high-level heating area provides an intermittent amount of heat at a second temperature greater than the first temperature. |
| US09937071B2 |
Method for expressing genes activating homeostasis
A method for expressing a homeostatic function activating gene, comprising a step of applying a thermal stimulus, which is lower than 50 degrees Celsius, to at least a stimulus application origin part, which is a part between first and second toes of left or right foot sole, and which is located at an intersection of an extended line of a medial edge and a vertical line of the medial malleolus, by using an electric type warm temperature heating stimulus apparatus, thereby increasing a blood volume. |
| US09937070B2 |
Delivery device handle assembly for the sequential deployment of a prosthesis
A prosthesis delivery device and method of using the same is described. The delivery device comprises a rotatable inner cannula extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a prosthesis releasably coupled to the proximal end. A delivery handle assembly is disposed at the distal end of the delivery device. The handle comprises a first handle disposed about the inner cannula, a rotary dial rotatably disposed about a distal end of the first handle and a second handle disposed about at least a portion of the distal end of the first handle. The second handle is longitudinally moveable relative to the first handle between a first position wherein the sheath is coaxially disposed about the prosthesis and rotation of the rotary dial is prevented, and a second position wherein the sheath is retracted distally to expose at least a portion of the prosthesis and rotation of the dial is permitted. |
| US09937065B2 |
Method and apparatus of a liner interface with neural receptors
A liner interface and method of making the liner interface comprising attaching non-compressible deformable electrically conductive receptors to an inner surface of a fabric layer, placing the fabric layer into a female part of a molding machine, axially deforming the deformable receptors from their initial thickness with a male part of the molding machine, injecting a molten gel elastomer into the molding machine to completely surround and adhere to the receptors and inner surface of the tubular fabric layer, allowing the molten gel to cure, and removing the male part from the molding machine and allowing the axially deformed receptors to axially expand beyond the inner surface of the cured liner interface. |
| US09937061B2 |
Implant inserter
An apparatus for inserting an implant between vertebrae includes a body having a through bore, a central shaft movable within the through bore, the central shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus includes a pair of distractor arms having proximal portions and distal portions, the proximal portions pivotally coupled to the body and distal portions for engagement between the vertebrae. Tracking slots are formed in and extend through surfaces of and along a longitudinal axes of the distractor arms and an attachment tip is operably connected to the central shaft, the attachment tip is configured to grip the implant. The apparatus includes a single guide member projecting outward from the attachment tip and the attachment tip is removably connectable to the central shaft in multiple configurations. |
| US09937060B2 |
Prosthesis holder and application thereof
Prosthesis holder (1) made of a radiolucent material for a disc prosthesis (2) constituted by at least two parts which are mobile in relation to each another, including, on one side an element (9) for coupling to a sleeve and on the other side, an element for reversible coupling to a disc prosthesis, the reversible coupling element is arranged in order to allow decoupling, by simple traction exerted perpendicularly to a spinal column when the disc prosthesis has been correctly impacted between two vertebrae and the retention force of the reversible coupling element on the disc prosthesis is adjusted so as not to allow decoupling by simple traction when the disc prosthesis has not been correctly impacted, and an assembly including a prosthesis holder and a disc prosthesis. |
| US09937057B2 |
Delivery device
The present disclosure provides a delivery device for delivering a tissue repair composition in paste form, such as a bone graft extender and substitute in paste form, for use in surgical procedures including minimally invasive spine (fusion) surgery, open spine surgery and other orthopedic procedures. |
| US09937054B2 |
Expandable implant and insertion tool
An expandable implant includes a body portion, a carriage portion, a deployment assembly, and an expandable portion. The deployment assembly and the expandable portion are attached to the carriage portion, and portions of the carriage portion are moveable out of and into the body portion. When the expandable implant is inserted into a disc space, the expandable portion is expandable to push the upper vertebral body and the lower vertebral body away from one another. |
| US09937052B2 |
Methods and apparatus for implanting an interbody device
A delivery device for inserting an interbody implant into an intervertebral space in a patient has an elongate tube with a channel and is sized to fit in an intervertebral space. The elongate tube has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a longitudinal axis, and a window with a longitudinal axis. The window is disposed adjacent the distal portion of the elongate tube and the longitudinal axis of the window is offset from the longitudinal axis of the elongate tube. The channel is sized to receive the interbody implant, and also the channel is configured such that the interbody implant is advanced therealong from the proximal region toward the distal region. The interbody implant is deployed into the intervertebral space from the window. |
| US09937050B2 |
Vertebral implant, vertebral fastening device of the implant and implant instrumentation
This disclosure provides vertebral implants, fastening devices for vertebral implants, and implant instrumentation, and various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the implant comprises a peripheral wall extending according to a vertical axis between upper and lower surfaces of the implant, with each such surface configured to be placed in contact with a vertebral structure, respectively, at the top and the bottom of the vertebral segment replaced by the implant. Some embodiments comprise fastening means, deployment of which anchors the implant in the lower and upper vertebral structures. Some fastening means may be deployed by sliding parallel to the vertical axis of the implant, and may comprise a plate with at least one part remaining in contact with the peripheral wall of the implant when deployed and a pointed end projecting from one of the upper and lower surfaces of the implant to enter a vertebral structures on completion of deployment. |
| US09937049B2 |
Orthopaedic knee prosthesis having controlled condylar curvature
An orthopedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The femoral component includes a posterior cam configured to contact a spine of the tibial bearing and a condyle surface curved in the sagittal plane. The radius of curvature of the condyle surface decreases gradually between early-flexion and mid-flexion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the condyle surface may be increased during mid-flexion. |
| US09937046B2 |
Method of generating a patient-specific bone shell
The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described and illustrated below to encompass methods and devices for designing patient specific prosthetic cutting jigs and, more specifically, to devices and methods for segmenting bone of the knee and the resulting cutting guides themselves. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for manufacturing customized surgical devices, more specifically, the present disclosure relates to automated systems and methods of arthroplasty cutting guides, systems and methods for image segmentation in generating computer models of knee joint. |
| US09937042B2 |
Multiple anchor delivery tool
An anchor deployment tool is provided that includes a flexible tube, which defines an anchor storage area in which tissue anchors are stored before deployment, and a distal anchor manipulation area that has a length of at least 3 cm. The tool also includes a rotating deployment element, which is positioned within the flexible tube, and is configured to, while the distal anchor manipulation area is disposed within a lumen defined by a wall of a sleeve, (i) directly engage the anchors in the anchor storage area a single one at a time, (ii) advance each of the anchors, while thus directly engaged, in a distal direction into the anchor manipulation area, and (iii) anchor the sleeve to tissue of a subject by deploying each of the tissue anchors through a distal end of the flexible tube, through the wall of the sleeve, and into the tissue. |
| US09937031B2 |
Ureteral stent with anti-migration features
Ureteral stents include a tubular body defining a lumen and have (i) a distal kidney section to be placed in or near a patient's kidney, (ii) a proximal bladder section to be placed within or near the patient's bladder, and (iii) a ureter section between the distal and proximal sections to be placed within the patient's ureter. A first anti-migration feature may be provided at the proximal bladder section and may include one or more projections extending outward from the tubular body. The first anti-migration feature may extend less than a total length of the proximal bladder section, and may be configured to not enter the patient's bladder. Furthermore, a second anti-migration feature may be provided at the distal kidney section, the proximal bladder section, or both. |
| US09937020B2 |
Patient-specific three-dimensional dentition model
A method and system for generating a color-textured three-dimensional dental model is specific to a patient is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a three-dimensional dental model that is deficient of volumetric data for a three-dimensional anatomical landmark is obtained. A two-dimensional anatomical landmark of a two-dimensional intra-oral photograph that corresponds to the three-dimensional anatomical landmark of the three-dimensional dental model is identified. The two-dimensional intra-oral photograph is projected onto the three-dimensional dental model. The three-dimensional anatomical landmark is calculated from the projection of the two-dimensional anatomical landmark of the two-dimensional intra-oral photograph. |
| US09937018B2 |
Tooth positioning appliance with curved interconnecting elements
A removable, thin-shell tooth positioning appliance having a plurality of tooth-clasping elements for removably engaging attachments bonded onto selected teeth, with flexible curved interconnecting elements connecting the tooth-clasping elements on nearby teeth. |
| US09937017B2 |
Dental handpiece
A dental handpiece and a dental cleaning procedure are disclosed. The dental handpiece includes an inner barrel for rotatably retaining an ultrasonic insert, the inner barrel configured for contacting the ultrasonic insert with a cooling fluid in the inner barrel, a coil unit arranged and disposed to apply an alternating magnetic field to the ultrasonic insert when positioned in the inner barrel, at least one contact retention clip that contacts a drive coil of the contact unit, an outer sheath extending around at least a portion of the coil unit. The dental handpiece includes flow regions permitting steam, chemicals, and heat to flow into the inner barrel and out of the inner barrel during a sterilization technique. The dental cleaning procedure includes operating the dental handpiece and autoclaving the dental handpiece. |
| US09937015B2 |
Surgical drape configured for peripherally inserted central catheter procedures
A medical drape includes a patient drape (100) and a radial drape attachment (200). The radial drape attachment can be coupled to the patient drape by way of an adhesive coupling (202). The radial drape attachment includes defines one or more fenestrations (205) or apertures through which a central line may be inserted. Some or all of the radial drape attachment (200)can be transparent or pellucid. Portions of the radial drape attachment can be opaque as well. A support layer can be configured to be absorptive, fluid impenetrable, or both. A tourniquet (1801) may be integrated with the radial drape attachment, as can one or more tool-less removal features (209). Pouches (901,902) can be added to catch fluids or hold medical implements during a procedure. |
| US09937013B2 |
Device and method for assisting laparoscopic surgery—rule based approach
A surgical controlling system comprising: a location estimating means to real-time locate the 3D spatial position of surgical tools, a movement detection means and movement database in communication with the location estimating means and with a control database and controller to control the position of surgical tools. The movement database stores 3D spatial positions of the surgical tools at the present time and at at least one previous time; movement has occurred if a present position is different from a previous position. In the control database are rules identifying tool movement as allowed or restricted, selected from: most used tool rule, right or left tool rule, field of view rule, no fly zone rule, route rule, environmental rule, operator input rule, proximity rule, collision prevention rule, history-based rule, tool-dependent allowed and restricted movement rule, preferred volume zone, preferred tool, movement detection rule, tagged tool rule, and change of speed rule. |
| US09937012B2 |
Surgical arm
A surgical robot comprising an articulated arm, the arm having a terminal portion comprising: a distal segment having an attachment for a surgical instrument; an intermediate segment; and a basal segment whereby the terminal portion is attached to the remainder of the arm; a first articulation between the distal segment and the intermediate segment, the first articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the intermediate segment about a first axis; and a second articulation between the intermediate segment and the basal segment, the second articulation permitting relative rotation of the intermediate segment and the basal segment about a second axis; wherein: the intermediate segment comprises a third articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the basal segment about third and fourth axes; and the first, second and third articulations are arranged such that in at least one configuration of the third articulation the first and second axes are parallel and the third and fourth axes are transverse to the first axis. |
| US09937007B2 |
Angled instrument shaft roll actuator
A force transmission includes an input axle having an input axis of rotation that receives a rotational input. An input capstan is fixed to the input axle. An output capstan is fixed to a main tube bushing. The output capstan and main tube bushing have an output axis of rotation that is at an angle to the input axis of rotation. A cable couples the rotation of the input capstan to rotate the output capstan and the main tube bushing. At least one of the input capstan and the output capstan is tapered such that the overall path length of the cable remains substantially the same throughout the range of motion of the capstans. |
| US09937004B2 |
Hair shortening device
A method, system and device for shortening hair with the method including generating a plurality of laser pulses overlapping in time; focusing the laser pulses into spatially separated focal spots having a peak power density at least equal to a first threshold at which a laser induced optical breakdown phenomenon occurs in the hair and below a second threshold at which a laser induced optical breakdown phenomenon occurs in skin. Generating the plurality of laser pulses includes an act of generating the plurality of laser pulses to reach the first characteristic threshold value after a start of each corresponding laser pulse in a time span of less than half of the pulse duration; and positioning the respective at least three focal spots into respective target positions within a single hair such that only one of the plurality of laser pulses occur in each of the at least three focal spots. |
| US09937001B2 |
Therapeutic treatment apparatus
A therapeutic treatment apparatus includes a first heat transfer unit, a second heat transfer unit, a first heat generating element, a second heat generating element, a temperature acquisition unit which acquires a first temperature of the first heat generating element and a second temperature of the second heat generating element, a control unit and an electric power input unit. The control unit determines a first control value and a second control value concerning the electric power input to the first and second heat generating element based on a lower one of the first temperature and the second temperature. The electric power input unit inputs an electric power to the first and second generating element based on the first and second control value. |
| US09936999B2 |
Spray nozzle design for a catheter
A catheter-based medical device including controlled refrigerant dispersion is disclosed. The device includes a fluid injection tube that carries refrigerant from a coolant supply to the distal portion of the device. A fluid dispersion unit is disposed on the distal end of the fluid tube to control the angle of distribution for refrigerant that is expelled from the fluid injection tube. Controlling the angle of distribution for the refrigerant facilitates dispersion of the fluid in a predetermined spray pattern. The disclosure further relates to cryoablation treatment systems incorporating such a catheter, and to cryoablation treatment methods for tissue treatment to address various conditions suitably treatable with cryoablation. |
| US09936998B2 |
Thermocouple-controlled catheter cooling system
The present invention provides a medical system, including a catheter defining an injection lumen, a chamber in fluid communication with the injection lumen, and an exhaust lumen in fluid communication with the chamber; a first temperature sensor positioned in the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber; a second temperature sensor positioned in the chamber; and a console in electrical communication with the first and second temperature sensors, the controller modifying coolant flow through the medical device based at least in part upon a signal received from the first and second temperature sensor. The system may further include a thermally-conductive element circumscribing a substantial portion of the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber, where the first temperature sensor is mounted to the thermally-conductive element, and the thermally-conductive element may include at least one of a braid, coil, and band. |
| US09936997B2 |
Cryogenic kyphoplasty instrument and methods of use
A surgical instrument includes an outer shaft defining a passageway. An inner shaft is disposed within the passageway and defines a lumen. An expandable structure has a first end coupled to a second end of the outer shaft and a second end coupled to a second end of the inner shaft. The expandable member defines a chamber. A delivery shaft includes a first end positioned within the passageway and a second end positioned within the chamber. The delivery shaft defines a channel configured to deliver a coolant out of an opening in the second end of the delivery shaft and into the chamber to move the expandable structure from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. A variable exhaust valve is in communication with the passageway and is configured to regulate pressure within the chamber. Systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US09936996B2 |
Cryoprobe having internal warming fluid capabilities
A medical device including elongate probe defining proximal and distal ends and a thermally-transmissive region at its distal end, the elongate probe including a first fluid supply line in fluid communication with the thermally-transmissive region. A second fluid supply line is provided in fluid communication with the thermally-transmissive region, the second fluid supply line being connected to the elongate probe separately from the first fluid supply line. An exhaust line in fluid communication with the first and second fluid supply lines. |
| US09936994B2 |
Bone positioning guide
A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal. |
| US09936993B2 |
Expandable device and methods of use
A surgical system including an expandable device is provided, including an inflatable body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inflatable body has at least one folded segment, which are housed in a distal portion of the outer shaft. The inflatable body is tethered to a portion of the outer shaft. The inner shaft is affixed to a portion of the inflatable body, and is configured to control an axial and/or a radial inflation pattern of the folded inflatable body. |
| US09936992B2 |
Bone screws and methods of use thereof
The invention features bone screws having a threaded screw body and a screw head attached to one end of the screw body, the bone screw further including: a) an interior channel extending longitudinally through the screw head and through at least a portion of the screw body, wherein the interior channel has a width of less than 5.0 millimeters; and b) a plurality of radially-disposed delivery channels connecting the interior channel to the exterior of the screw body, each delivery channel having exterior openings. The invention further features devices that include a bone screw and a delivery manifold detachably attached to the screw head of the bone screw. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone defect by using a bone screw described herein. |
| US09936991B2 |
Bone fracture treatment apparatus and method
A tubular mesh implant is provided for fracture fixation. The implant has a rest length between first and second opposite ends, and a central opening defining a rest inner diameter. The diameter of the central opening is reducible over a bone by elongation of the implant and securable to maintain fracture reduction. A method of setting a fractured bone comprises providing the tubular implant having a rest length and a central opening defining a rest inner diameter, introducing the fractured bone through the central opening in the implant, elongating the implant and reducing the inner diameter about the fractured bone, and securing the first and second ends of the implant to the fractured bone. |
| US09936988B2 |
Surgical system and method
A surgical instrument includes a body having an actuator and being connectable with a pressurized fluid source. A first member is connected with the body and the fluid source. The first member is configured for connection with an implant disposable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. A second member defines a cavity configured for disposal of the first member and the expandable implant. The second member is connected with the actuator for selective translation relative to the first member to position the implant in the contracted configuration. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed. |
| US09936986B2 |
Systems and methods for spinal rod insertion and reduction
A guide assembly includes a spinal screw assembly having a bone screw and a spinal rod holder; and a spinal rod guide having first and second elongated arc portions defining a pair of longitudinal slots extending along the first and second arc portions, each of the first and second arc portions further defining at least one recess extending transversely from each of the longitudinal slots, the at least one recess configured to receive at least a portion of a reduction tool to enable reduction of a spinal rod received within the spinal rod holder. |
| US09936982B2 |
System and method for translateral linking of bilateral spinal fixation rods
A connector assembly for translateral linking of bilateral spinal fixation rods includes first and second components. The first component has an elongated body having first and second ends, and the first end of the first component is configured to connect to a first spinal fixation rod. The second component has an elongated body having first and second ends, and the first end of the second component is configured to connect to a second spinal fixation rod. The second end of the first component is configured to be slidably connected to the second end of the second component. |
| US09936980B2 |
Device for fixing surgical implants in place and relative assembly procedure with anchoring means
A device is for fixing surgical implants in place. The device may include a central body having an axially hollow upper zone, and an axially hollow lower zone. The upper and lower zones may form a single body being open at the bottom and at the top. A central through cavity may extend inside the upper and lower zones. The upper zone may have two portions projecting axially from the upper zone, divided from each other by two through U-shaped slots and forming, in conjunction with part of the central cavity, a channel for housing a connection rod. The lower zone may include a slot for the lateral access to the central cavity of an anchoring device. The slot may be in a conformation such as to permit the lateral insertion of the anchoring device inside the central cavity. |
| US09936964B2 |
Retrieval devices and related methods of use
A retrieval device may include a sheath including a distal end and a proximal end, and an end effector at the distal end. At least a portion of the end effector may be movable relative to the sheath between extended and retracted states. The end effector may include a support member extending from the distal end of the sheath, and a movable member extending from the distal end of the support member. The device may include a handle assembly at the proximal end of the sheath, having an actuation member for transitioning the end effector between the extended and retracted states. The device may include a biasing member coupled to at least one of the actuation member and the sheath that may control a force, exerted by one of the movable members and the support member on the other, generated by relative movement between the movable and support members. |
| US09936963B2 |
Stone fragment suction device
Methods and apparatus for a stone fragment suction device. An apparatus includes a steerable access sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, a tip at the distal end, and a suction conduit positioned within a central lumen of the steerable access sheath from the distal end to the proximal end, the steerable access sheath containing an outer lumen surrounding the central lumen with one or more channels therethrough, an outer circumference of the outer lumen and an outer circumference of the central lumen forming concentric circles, the steerable access sheath further including a radiopaque material at the distal end or along a length of the steerable access sheath to enable tracking with a remote fluoroscopic device. |
| US09936962B2 |
Patient specific glenoid guide
A patient-specific guide tool for guiding an object toward a glenoid face of a scapula of a patient for implantation of a shoulder prosthetic device is disclosed. The guide tool includes a guide portion that includes a guide surface. The guide surface is configured to guide movement of the object toward the glenoid face. Furthermore, the guide tool includes a patient-specific portion that is operably coupled to the glenoid portion. The patient-specific portion includes at least one patient-specific surface that is three-dimensionally contoured and that is configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the scapula to thereby position the guide surface at a predetermined position relative to the glenoid face. |
| US09936960B2 |
Detachable orthopaedic reamer handle
An orthopedic reamer includes a drive train having a drive shaft, a reamer head connector driven by the drive shaft and a locking structure surrounding at least a portion of the drive shaft; and a handle assembly configured to detachably connect to the locking structure. The handle assembly includes a grip; a connecting structure connected to the grip that is configured to slide over the locking structure; a bridge connecting the grip to the connecting structure; a stop having a first interface feature connected to the bridge between the grip and the connecting structure; and a knob assembly at least partly surrounding the bridge having a second interface feature that is mateable to the first interface feature. The knob assembly is configured to prevent detachment of the handle assembly from the locking structure unless the second interface feature is mated with the first interface feature. |
| US09936959B2 |
Hemostatic device
A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment. |
| US09936957B2 |
Micro-coil assembly
Disclosed is a micro-coil assembly including a micro-coil unit which is inserted into an aneurysm or other vascular malformation of a patient and prevents inflow of blood by inducing thrombus, a coil pusher unit which is arranged adjacent to the micro-coil unit and delivers the micro-coil unit to the aneurysm or other vascular malformation of the patient, a tensile wire which is relatively movably arranged in the coil pusher unit, a tie which connects the micro-coil unit and the tensile wire, and a tie cutting unit which is arranged adjacent to the coil pusher unit such that at least a part of the tie cutting unit is movable between a setting position for maintaining the tie in a tied state and a cutting position for cutting the tie, and cuts the tie when moved to the cutting position. |
| US09936956B2 |
Devices and methods for left atrial appendage closure
Surgical and percutaneous devices for closing tissue, for example, the left atrial appendage, may have an elongate body with a stiffened proximal portion, a flexible middle portion, a distal portion, a closure element with a loop having a continuous aperture therethrough, and a suture loop. The closure devices may have a malleable member attached to the elongate body that may be configured to retain a curve after a force is applied to the malleable member. System and methods for closing the left atrial appendage may utilize a closure device and a curved guide device, and the closure device and curved guide device may be self-orienting. |
| US09936954B2 |
Devices and methods for sealing staples in tissue
Devices and methods for sealing staples in tissue using a plurality of adjunct segments are described herein. In one embodiment, an end effector for a surgical instrument is described that can include first and second jaws, where the first jaw has a cartridge body removably attached thereto and the cartridge body has a plurality of staple cavities configured to seat staples therein. The second jaw can have an anvil with a plurality of staple forming openings formed therein, and at least one of the first and second jaws can be movable relative to the other jaw. The end effector can also include a plurality of sealing adjunct segments coupled to one another and at least one of the first and second jaws such that a staple ejected from the cartridge body passes through one of the plurality of sealing adjunct segments and tissue disposed between the first and second jaws. |
| US09936953B2 |
End effectors, surgical stapling devices, and methods of using same
An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure includes an anvil and a cartridge. The ends of the cartridge are coupled to the ends of the anvil. Each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar. The end effector is operable from outside the patient. A stapling device includes the end effector coupled to a manipulator via a shaft. The manipulator is accessible to the surgeon. The surgeon uses a clamping mechanism to selectively move the anvil and the cartridge to clamp the anatomical structure. A flexible member extends through the shaft and is coupled to at least one of the anvil and the cartridge and to the clamping mechanism. Operating the clamping mechanism withdraws the flexible member (46) from the end effector and clamps the anatomical structure between the anvil and the cartridge. |
| US09936952B2 |
Introducer assembly for a surgical fastener applying apparatus
An introducer assembly can be releasably coupled to a surgical instrument and includes a collar, a tip, and an elongated body portion disposed between the collar and the tip. The tip may be configured to releasably engage a dissecting device. The collar may releasably couple the introducer assembly to a shaft of a surgical fastener applying apparatus. The tip may have an opening to receive a distalmost end of an end effector of a surgical fastener applying apparatus. |
| US09936951B2 |
Interchangeable tip reload
A surgical device including an end effector that is configured and adapted to receive an interchangeable tip is disclosed. Also disclosed are several interchangeable tips that are configured and adapted for different surgical procedures. The interchangeable tips facilitate the performance of different surgical procedures while using the same device. |
| US09936948B2 |
Systems and methods for increased operating room efficiency
Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle. |
| US09936947B2 |
Systems for deploying knotless suture anchoring clamps
Suture locking clamps for securing prostheses such as heart valves or annuloplasty rings with sutures and without knots improve the ease of implantation. The clamps have opposed clamp halves separated by a slot opening to one side and surrounded by a biasing member such as one or more C-clip springs. Sutures pass laterally into the slot which is held open by a retention member positioned between the clamp halves. The locking clamp slides along the sutures into position, the tension of the sutures is adjusted, and the retention member removed to allow the biasing member to clamp the sutures between the clamp halves. A delivery tool used to deliver and deploy the locking clamps contains a number of clamps within a delivery tube in a stack and bonded together for safety and a common retention member. The tool has a longitudinal channel on one side for entry of sutures. |
| US09936943B1 |
Suture passing surgical device with atraumatic grasper preventing accidental perforations
A suture passing device includes a grasping mechanism and cannula having a sharp edge on a distal end. The grasper mechanism includes a hollow shaft slidably disposed within the cannula, with a first jaw fixedly secured thereto, and a second jaw pivotally coupled thereto, to pivot between a closed position wherein the second jaw engages the first jaw, and an open position. The slidable shaft permits the jaws to occupy a retracted position within the cannula, and an extended position. A plunger is slidably disposed within the hollow shaft, and pivotally coupled to the second jaw. A first handle is secured to the shaft, while a second handle is secured to the plunger, for jaw engagement/disengagement. The device also include means for locking sliding travel of the shaft relative to the cannula, after a full cycle of the slidable travel of the jaws between the extended and retracted positions has occurred. |
| US09936939B2 |
Tissue repair devices
The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes an anchor defining a cavity and an opening to the cavity; and a headless insertion member configured for arrangement within the anchor cavity, the insertion member including a body having a threaded proximal portion, a non-threaded distal portion, and a cannulation extending a partial length of the insertion member. Other anchor assemblies, anchors, and delivery devices are also disclosed. |
| US09936938B2 |
Balloon with shape control for spinal procedures
In intervertebral operative spinal procedures, using separate or pre-attached spreader blocks to control the directional growth of a distracting balloon. |
| US09936936B2 |
Method and system for PDA-based ultrasound
A method and system are disclosed for a compact, inexpensive ultrasound system using an off-the-shelf personal digital assistant (PDA) device interfacing to a hand-held probe assembly through a standard digital interface. The hand-held probe assembly comprises a detachable transducer head attached to a beamforming module that performs digital beamforming. The PDA runs Windows applications and displays menus and images to a user. The PDA also runs ultrasound data processing software to support a plurality of imaging modes. An internal battery is provided in the PDA to power the system. The transducer head is detachable from the beamforming module. |
| US09936926B2 |
System and method of small field of view X-ray imaging
A system and method of X-ray imaging includes an X-ray emitter that projects X-rays. An X-ray receiver receives X-rays from the X-ray emitter to produce a plurality of projection images. A filter with at least one filter leaf absorbs at least a portion of the X-rays from the X-ray emitter to define a limited field of view within a full field of view, wherein the X-rays are attenuated in at least one attenuated portion of the full field of view. A processor reconstructs a three dimensional image based upon the projection images of the full field of view. The limited field view is located within the reconstructed three dimensional image. At least one corrective parameter is determined from the reconstructed three dimensional image. A three dimensional image is reconstructed based upon the limited field of view and the at least one corrective parameter. |
| US09936924B2 |
Task-based source-detector trajectories for tomographic imaging
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method for applying task-based performance predictors (measures of noise, spatial resolution, and detectability index) based on numerical observer models and approximations to the local noise and spatial resolution properties of the CBCT reconstruction process (e.g., penalized-likelihood iterative reconstruction). These predictions are then used to identify projections views (i.e., points that will constitute the scan trajectory) that maximize task performance, beginning with the projection view that maximizes detectability, proceeding to the next-best view, and continuing in an (arbitrarily constrained) orbit that can be physically realized on advanced robotic C-arm platforms. The performance of CBCT reconstructions arising from a task-based trajectory is superior to simple and complex orbits by virtue of improved spatial resolution and noise characteristics (relative to the specified imaging task) associated with the projection views constituting the customized scan orbit. |
| US09936920B2 |
Device and method to improve dependability of physiological parameter measurements
Self measurements of physiological parameters such as blood pressure are prone to errors and artifacts since they are often not done according to established and standardized protocols i.e., such that predetermined conditions for a reliable measurement are not met. To determine whether the predetermined conditions for a reliable measurement are met one or more physiological and environmental sensors are used to determine a measurement context. The obtained sensor data is compared with predetermined thresholds to determine whether the context allows a reliable self test. In case the predetermined conditions are not met based on the obtained sensor data instructions are given to guide the subject that wants to do a self test. |
| US09936918B2 |
Insulation of micro structures
A method of providing a metal coating on a substrate (10), and electrically insulating sections/parts of the metal coated substrate from each other. A substrate is provided with an insulating material in the substrate, the insulating first material extending through the thickness of the substrate and protruding above one surface of the substrate. It forms an enclosed section/portion (14) of the substrate. A protective structure (15) is provided on the insulating material such that it covers the entire circumference thereof. The insulating material is selectively etched to create an under-etch (18) under the protective structure. Finally conductive material (19) is deposited to provide a metal coating over the substrate, whereby the under-etch will provide a disruption in the deposited metal coating, thereby electrically insulating the enclosed section from the surrounding substrate. |
| US09936912B2 |
Device for measuring a cycling cadence
The present invention relates to a device (100) for measuring a cycling cadence, a method (500) of operating a device (100) for measuring a cycling cadence, and a cycling cadence computer program. The device (100) comprises a motion sensor (such as, e.g., an accelerometer) for detecting a movement of the device (100) and for generating a motion signal (x, y, z) corresponding to the movement; a cadence determination unit (300) for determining cycling cadence based on the motion signal (x, y, z). The device (100) can be worn on the cyclist's wrist or arm (110). The motion sensor in the device is able to pick up the tiny movements of the arm or wrist that correspond to the cadence. Optionally, an algorithm is applied that can derive the cadence from a noisy signal. |
| US09936909B2 |
Zwitterion surface modifications for continuous sensors
Devices are provided for measurement of an analyte concentration, e.g., glucose in a host. The device can include a sensor configured to generate a signal associated with a concentration of an analyte; and a sensing membrane located over the sensor. The sensing membrane comprises a diffusion resistance domain configured to control a flux of the analyte therethrough. The diffusion resistance domain comprises one or more zwitterionic compounds and a base polymer comprising both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. |
| US09936908B1 |
In vivo analyte detection system
A light source emits light into a first portion of a living body. Functionalized particles within the body are configured to specifically bind to a target analyte, and upon receiving the emitted light, undergo a reaction that separates a detectable label from the functionalized particle. A sensor device is configured to detect a response signal from a second portion of the living body that is indicative of an abundance of the detectable label in the second portion. A control system uses the sensor device to obtain sensor data indicative of the response signal from the second portion of the living body detected by the sensor device during a measurement interval, and determines a presence or absence of the target analyte within the first portion of the living body based in part on the obtained data. |
| US09936906B2 |
System and methods for managing blood loss of a patient
One variation of the method for managing blood loss of a patient includes: receiving an image of a physical sample; extracting a feature from an area of the image corresponding to the physical sample; estimating a blood volume indicator of the physical sample according to the extracted feature; estimating a patient blood loss based on the blood volume indicator; estimating a euvolemic patient hematocrit based on an estimated patient blood volume and the estimated patient blood loss; receiving a measured patient hematocrit; and generating a volemic status indicator based on a comparison between the measured patient hematocrit and the estimated euvolemic patient hematocrit. |
| US09936904B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated measurement of chiral analyte concentration
Perioperative patient blood glucose concentrations are determined by imposing patient effluent ultrafiltrate through a sample cell incorporated in an automated polarimeter. The device includes an optical platform, fluid handling subassembly, controlling electronics, and integration software. A stable collimated light source of known intensity and distinct specified wavelength is passed through an optical platform including a polarizer, retarder, bandpass filters, sample flow cell, analyzer and detector. The angular rotation of the transmitted light resulting from the glucose contained in patient ultrafiltrate collected in the sample flow cell is recorded and provides a measure of the glucose concentration. |
| US09936903B2 |
Detection of contamination at sensor contacts
Embodiments herein provide detection of contamination at one or more contacts of a sensor system. The sensor system includes a sensor assembly and an electronics assembly communicatively coupled together by one or more contacts. The sensor assembly passes a sensor signal to the electronics assembly for further processing. The electronics assembly includes a detection contact for detecting contamination on or near one or more contacts of the sensor assembly and/or the electronics assembly. A switch selectively couples the detection contact to a bias voltage during a measurement mode and to a reference voltage during a detection mode, the reference voltage being different from the bias voltage. A method of contamination detection includes switching the electronics assembly between the measurement mode and the detection mode, and monitoring for a change in the output signal received by the electronics assembly. |
| US09936897B2 |
Breath end-tidal gas monitor
An improved apparatus and method for capturing and analyzing the end-tidal portion of an exhalation. The CO2 level of air drawn into the system (10) is monitored to distinguish inhalation and exhalation of breath. Upon detection of a decrease in the CO2 level in the air drawn into the system (10), indicating a transition between exhalation and inhalation a pair of flow selector valves (26, 28) are operated to capture the end-tidal volume of air drawn into the system (10) immediately prior to the detection of the decrease in the CO2 level. Incoming air is diverted around the captured volume of air, and the CO2 levels are continually monitored to ensure that the captured volume of air corresponds to the end-tidal portion of an exhalation. Once the captured volume of air is positively identified as the end-tidal portion of an exhalation, the captured volume is routed through a gas analyzer (44) for analysis of one or more predetermined gas levels. |
| US09936893B2 |
Device for detecting electric potentials
A device for detecting electric potentials includes a plurality of measuring inputs (9) for connecting to measuring electrodes (11), which can be placed on the body of a patient (3), a plurality of measuring amplifiers (Op1, . . . , OpN), and a potential output (27) for connecting to an additional electrode (31), which can be placed on the body of the patient (3), to which a preset voltage can be applied. A summing unit (17) sends a signal, which is an indicator of the mean value of the signals sent by the measuring amplifiers (Op1, . . . , OpN). A current-measuring device (29) sends a current signal, which is proportional to the current flowing through the potential output. An analyzing unit (35) is connected to receive a potential output voltage signal, the summing unit output (19) signal and the current-measuring device signal. The analyzing unit is configured to generate an impedance signal from the fed signals. |
| US09936890B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting a threshold during atrial arrhythmia episode detection in an implantable medical device
An implantable medical device and method for determining an atrial arrhythmia event that includes a cardiac sensing device comprising a housing having circuitry positioned therein, a plurality of electrodes electrically coupled to the circuitry to sense a cardiac signal, and a processor configured to generate an initial detection of an atrial arrhythmia event in response to an atrial arrhythmia threshold, determine whether a P-wave occurs during the initial detection, determine an adaptive threshold in response to the P-wave being detected, adjust the atrial arrhythmia threshold in response to the adaptive threshold, and generate a subsequent initial detection of an atrial arrhythmia event using the adjusted atrial arrhythmia threshold. |
| US09936889B2 |
Apparatus and method of controlling threshold for detecting peaks of physiological signals
A method of controlling a threshold for detecting peaks of physiological signals includes: obtaining a physiological signal measured from a person being examined; determining whether a peak of the physiological signals is detected based on a result of comparing the physiological signals with a threshold; and controlling the threshold based on a minimum threshold and either the threshold or a feature value of the detected peak based on a result of the determining. When a threshold for detecting peaks of physiological signals is controlled, even if an interval between the peaks is irregular or there is a large difference in values of the peaks, the peaks can be accurately detected. |
| US09936882B2 |
Blood pressure monitor coordinated with a cardiovascular health condition monitoring module
A blood pressure monitor equipped with a cardiovascular health condition monitoring module includes: a blood pressure measurement device measuring a user's blood pressure signal; a host including a blood pressure monitor microprocessor that processes blood pressure correlated signal; a control panel equipped to the host and configured to control blood pressure measured by the blood pressure monitor and heart rhythm analysis; a first display device displaying blood pressure result; and a second display device displaying heart rhythm analysis from the cardiovascular health condition monitoring module. |
| US09936879B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for adaptive image acquisition
A method of adaptive image acquisition includes obtaining a guide image of patient tissue; receiving an intraoperative image of a portion of the patient tissue from an imaging instrument; and storing the intraoperative image. The method includes comparing the intraoperative image with the guide image to identify at least one region of the guide image matching the intraoperative image; and determining whether the at least one region identified meets at least one accuracy criterion. When the at least one region meets the at least one accuracy criterion, the guide image is rendered with an indication of the at least one region on a display. When the at least one region does not meet the at least one accuracy criterion, the method includes receiving and storing a further intraoperative image; combining the further intraoperative image with the intraoperative image; and repeating the comparing and determining. |
| US09936871B2 |
Non-sliding and non-sutured contact lens system for ophthalmic procedures
A non-sliding, non-sutured hands-free contact lens assembly for ophthalmic procedures utilizes a number of microstructures strategically placed on the bottom of either the contact lens or the bottom of a contact lens holder ring. After the contact lens, or the contact lens assembled with the contact lens holder ring, is placed on the cornea of the eye and centered, a surgeon applies downward pressure either on the contact lens itself or on the lens holder ring. This secures the lens assembly to the cornea due to increased friction between the microstructures and the tissues of the eye when the microstructures penetrate through the tear film and, optionally, viscous solution film and into the contact with superficial layer of cornea or other parts of the eye, thus temporarily anchoring the contact lens, or lens holder, to the desired surgical site. |
| US09936869B2 |
Ocular fundus camera system and methodology
An ocular fundus camera system and an associated methodology. The system includes (a) an image sensor disposed along a fundus-image reflection path adjacent that path's downstream end, and in optical communication with light carried in this path, (b) an aperture centered on the reflection path's long axis, operatively associated with, and stationary with respect to, the sensor at a location which is upstream from the sensor, and (c), for accomplishing (1) precision fundus-image focusing on the sensor, and additionally (2) autorefraction, optical, light-content shifting structure, operable selectively for producing, within that portion of the reflection path which is disposed downstream from the shifting structure, relative trans-axial displacement solely of any non-collimated light carried in that portion of the main path which is disposed upstream from the shifting structure. |
| US09936868B2 |
Systems and methods for obtaining low-angle circumferential optical access to the eye
A system for obtaining low-angle circumferential optical access to an eye of a subject. The system includes a light source to generate a beam of light; a beam steering mechanism to steer the beam of light a focusing lens to focus the beam of light; and a contact lens to direct the beam of light into the eye of the subject, the contact lens including a tapered reflective surface to direct the beam of light into the eye of the subject. |
| US09936860B2 |
Bending apparatus
A bending apparatus includes: a bending portion; an operation element erected vertically from an operation portion having a longitudinal axis and has a shaft portion in which a tilt direction and tilt angle are changeable; a pulling member having one end connected to the bending portion; a pulley on which a rotary body around which the pulling member is wound is arranged; a motor that generates a driving force that rotates the pulley to pull the pulling member wound around the rotary body in a winding direction; a hanging frame that extends in a diameter direction of the shaft portion, and includes an attachment portion to which the other end of the pulling member is attached; and an attachment path setting member provided inside the operation portion, which changes a path of the pulling to the longitudinal axis direction and guides the pulling member to the attachment portion. |
| US09936859B2 |
Medical system
A medical system includes an endoscope apparatus including a plurality of insertion portions and a main unit supporting them; a sheath unit attachable to a biological subject and having a through-hole through which the insertion portions can be passed; a monitor; barcodes from which the insertion portions issue identification information; an identification-signal generating unit that acquires the identification information from the barcodes and outputs this to the main unit every time the insertion portions pass through the through-hole; wherein the main unit includes an image selector that displays, on the monitor, an image acquired by the insertion portion identified by the main unit as having being have passed through the sheath unit on the basis of the identification information from the identification-signal generating unit. |
| US09936856B1 |
Wine glass drying rack
Systems and methods of using a wine glass drying assembly. The wine glass drying rack assembly includes a tray with a bottom, sides, and a vertical lock. The wine glass drying rack assembly further includes a support with a locking element, stems and a top extending between the stems, where the support is coupled to the vertical lock via the locking element and where the support is rotatable about the vertical lock of the tray. The wine glass assembly also includes a rack with two wine glass supports, where the two wine glass supports define a slot for receiving wine glasses, where the rack is coupled to the top of the support via loops and where the rack is rotatable about the top of the support. |
| US09936852B2 |
Method for filling a wash tub of a dishwasher with water
A method for filling a wash tub (12) of a dishwasher (10) with water, wherein the wash tub (12) comprises a water-collecting sump pot (16) that is fixed to an opening in its bottom and said method forms part of a program cycle for the operation of the dishwasher, said method comprising the subsequent steps of: (i) opening a water inlet (13) of the dishwasher and executing a static filling of the wash tub wherein a circulation pump of the dishwasher is kept deactivated, (ii) detecting a predetermined lower water level (22) inside the sump pot (16), and (iii) starting to measure the time for the static filling when said lower water level (22) is detected. |
| US09936840B2 |
Vented refill units and dispensers having vented refill units
Exemplary embodiments of vented refill units and dispensers having vented refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes a non-collapsing inverted container. The container has a neck located at the bottom of the container. A pump is secured to the neck. The pump has a housing that has a cylindrical outside surface. In addition, the housing has an attachment mechanism for attaching the pump to a venting insert. The venting insert has a cylindrical inside surface and a cylindrical outside surface. At least a portion of the venting insert is located within the neck. An air passage is located between the pump housing and the cylindrical inside surface of the venting insert. One or more apertures are located through the venting insert. A one-way air inlet valve is located proximate the one or more apertures. |
| US09936839B1 |
Bilaterally collapsible bathing receptacle
A bilaterally collapsible bathing receptacle, includes a contiguous expanse of a resilient plastic material having a first concavely curved surface and an opposing convexly curved surface; and a first hinge extending from a first end to an opposing second end of the expanse, wherein the first hinge longitudinally bisects the expanse and defines opposing longitudinal bilateral halves thereof, and the expanse is configured to assume an open, bowl-like configuration in a relaxed state, and when inwardly compressed laterally, flexes along the first hinge and places the respective first surfaces of the opposing bilateral halves into confrontation with one another. The expanse may possess a generally uniform thickness throughout excepting the first hinge. The first surface of the expanse may be less concavely curved at a central region aligned with the first hinge than at a lateral region lying outwardly relative to the central region. |
| US09936838B2 |
Countertop device having retention feature
A countertop device and related methods of use in food preparation for rotatably coupling a kitchen utensil to an anchored retention member. The countertop device can include a kitchen utensil having a manipulation end and a retaining end. The retention member can have a retention body defining a suction cup on a mounting surface. The retention member can be anchored to a flat surface using the suction cup. A retaining ball and socket mount can be utilized to rotatably attach the kitchen utensil to the retention member. The kitchen utensil can include a manipulation member and a mounting member capable of positioning a food item there between. |
| US09936836B2 |
Beverage preparation machine
The present invention concerns a beverage preparation machine (1) comprising: a reservoir (2) for a fluid, a brewing head (3) adapted to receive at least one ingredient capsule (100) comprising at least one beverage preparation ingredient (104), a pump (6) for pumping a predetermined volume of said fluid from said reservoir (2) to said brewing head (3), such that said fluid can be injected into said capsule (100), when said capsule (100) is received by said brewing head (3), to mix with said ingredient (104) under pressure and produce a predetermined volume of beverage, wherein the reservoir (2), the pump (6), and an inserted ingredient capsule (100) in use are in fluidic communication and form a fluid system (800), and wherein the beverage preparation machine (1) further comprises a pressure sensor (301; 302; 303; 304) adapted to measure internal pressure (P) within an ingredient capsule (100) inserted inside said brewing head (3), and a locking mechanism (401) adapted to prevent disconnection of the inserted ingredient capsule (100) from the fluid system (800) if the measured internal pressure (P) exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure value (Pt). |
| US09936835B2 |
Coffee maker and coffee brewing method based on color
A coffee maker and a method of brewing coffee are disclosed. The coffee maker includes a first roaster fitted, a second roaster fitted, and a funnel detachably attached to the first roaster providing a passage for a first amount and a second amount of coffee beans. Further, a grinder including a discharge door and a blade is detachably attached to a bottom of the funnel, a brewing container detachably attached to the bottom of the grinder. A color panel is included with a plurality of buttons, each of the plurality of the buttons corresponds to a color of a coffee desired after brewing, and a coffee-color controller configured to control the first temperature and the second temperature of the first roaster and the second roaster, respectively, based on the color of the coffee selected from the color panel. |
| US09936830B2 |
Sealing pitcher assembly
A pitcher is provided having a container body and a lid sealing assembly. The container body has a liquid retaining cavity. A pour aperture is fluidly associated with the cavity to allow liquid to be poured from the pitcher. The lid sealing assembly is removably connected to the container body. The lid sealing assembly has an actuation assembly having a push-button actuated actuator that operates a seal member. The actuator is moveable between a normal position and a use position. The seal member is positioned outside the cavity and adjacent the pour aperture. The seal member seals the pour aperture when the actuator is in the normal position and the seal member is moved from the pour aperture to open the pour aperture when the actuator is in the use position. When the seal member is moved from the pour aperture liquid can be poured from the pitcher. |
| US09936822B2 |
Garnish dispenser
A self-replenishing garnish dispenser comprising a carrier base and a plurality of separate bins receivable in the carrier base, the carrier base having a horizontally elongated channel for receiving and aligning bins side-by-side, each bin having walls forming a J-shaped space open at an upper end and a mid-height open end, the bin space being adapted to temporarily store condiments or garnish pieces received at the open upper end and dispensed at the mid-height end. |
| US09936821B2 |
Collapsible breathable mattress
A support surface assembly comprising four corner elements; at least four elongated rigid frame sections; a first air permeable layer suspended between the at least four elongated rigid frame sections; and a second air permeable layer suspended between the at least four elongated rigid frame sections; wherein the four corner elements include at least one lock element, the lock element having a first position that engages at least one elongated frame section and prevents relative movement between the four elongated rigid frame sections; the lock element having a second position that permits relative movement between the four elongated rigid frame sections. |
| US09936819B2 |
Foldable play enclosures
An enclosure that lies flat when side panels are lowered for storage. The enclosure can have play elements for small animals or infants. |
| US09936812B2 |
Leg support assembly
A leg support assembly includes a lower frame including a pair of arms orientated parallel to each other. A pad is attached to the arms. An upper frame has an open end and an open central area. The open end is directed towards the pad. A plane of the upper frame is orientated parallel to a plane of the lower frame. A flexible material is attached to the upper frame and extends across the open central area. The flexible material supports an elevated leg of a person. A plurality of supports is attached to and extends between the upper and lower frames and retains the upper frame vertically above the lower frame. The plurality of supports is hingedly coupled to the lower and upper frames to allow lowering or raising of the upper frame relative to the lower frame. |
| US09936810B2 |
Rocking chair
The present invention relates to a rocking chair, which comprises a chair framework and a chair cover installed on the framework, wherein arc-shaped bottom pipes, a back pipe, a seat frame pipe, front foot pipes, rear foot pipes, armrest pipes, armrest supporting pipes and connecting pipes are arranged on the framework; the back ends of the armrest pipes are rotatably connected with the middle part of the back pipe; the front ends of the armrest pipes are rotatably connected with the armrest supporting pipes; seat frame connecting pieces are fixedly arranged on the lower end of the back pipe which is rotatably connected with the rear part of the seat frame pipe and rotatably connected with the upper parts of the rear foot pipes through the seat frame connecting pieces; the lower parts of the rear foot pipes are rotatably connected with the rear parts of the arc-shaped bottom pipes; one end of the connecting pipe is rotatably connected with the rear foot pipes; the other end is rotatably connected with armrest fixing pieces and the front end of the seat frame pipe; one end of the front foot pipes is rotatably connected with the front parts of the arc-shaped bottom pipes; the other end is rotatably connected with the seat frame pipe through the armrest fixing pieces; the upper ends of the armrest supporting pipes are rotatably connected with the armrest pipes; the other end is rotatably connected with the armrest fixing pieces; a safety lock is positioned at the armrest supporting pipes and the armrest fixing pieces for locking the rotating freedom between the armrest supporting pipes and the armrest fixing pieces; and the front foot pipes and the rear foot pipes are rotatably connected with the arc-shaped bottom pipes directly for determining the rigidity and the stability of a bracket. |
| US09936807B2 |
Support rack and methods of making and use
A rack support and method of use. The support rack can include a plurality of support slats mounted to a support base. The support slats cooperatively provide a plurality of article mounting channels, and article mounts can be slidably mounted in the channels in order to provide a variety of orientations of the article mounts with respect to the support base. In one embodiment, the support channels are T-shaped, and the article mounts have T-shaped mounting ends that may slidably mount with the T-shaped support channels. Other support channel and mounting end shapes may be used. In some embodiments, the rack support may be used to store articles on a wall with increased article density, economy, reliability, safety, and/or usability. |
| US09936798B2 |
Tooth brush and flossing aid combination
An oral hygiene device adapted for use in the oral cavity comprises a toothbrush at one end and a flossing device at the opposite end. The flossing device comprises first and second arms and first and second floss-anchoring buttons. Each arm has a floss-receiving slot defined in a distal end. The first floss-anchoring button projects from the first arm and the second floss-anchoring button projects from the second arm. Each floss-anchoring button has two or more floss-receiving channels defined in a peripheral wall thereof. |
| US09936794B2 |
Portable wrench holder
A wrench holder for holding and carrying a set of wrenches, each wrench having an elongated handle and an open jaw extending from the handle, comprises a frame having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. There is a spring coiled about the first side of the frame. The spring has coils which receive the handles of the wrenches. The second side of the frame engages the open jaws of the wrenches when the handles of the wrenches are received between the coils of the spring to restrict outward rotation of the wrenches relative to the wrench holder. |
| US09936793B2 |
Signal cable lanyard
A lanyard comprises a signal cable, a first fastener, a second fastener and third fastener. The signal cable comprises a first end, a second end, a center portion, a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion is between the center portion and the first end. The second portion is between the center portion and the second end. A first signal connector is at the first end of the signal cable. The second signal connector at the second end of the signal cable. The first fastener is configured to constrain the first portion. The second fastener is configured to constrain the second portion. The third fastener is configured to hold an independent article and connect with the first fastener and the second fastener. |
| US09936792B2 |
Facial lift
A facial lift device to be placed behind the lips and above the gums disposed alongside the buccal and facial surface of a living human maxilla or a human mandible no further than the most posterior tooth of one side to the most posterior tooth of the opposite side of said maxilla or mandible. The facial device embodies an outward lifting force when placed within the human mouth under the lips and alongside the anterior vestibule centered on the frenulum, such that when said facial lift device is forced behind the maxilla or mandible lips, the facial lift will forcibly lift out the dermal layer reducing and removing lower facial wrinkles within the perioral region. |
| US09936789B2 |
Diffuser
A diffuser includes an air inlet for receiving an airflow from a hair dryer, an external grille having a plurality of air outlets for emitting at least part of the airflow from the diffuser, and an internal grille located between the air inlet and the external grille. |
| US09936776B2 |
Collapsible retaining structure for body piercing jewelry
Flexible retaining structures for body jewelry and method for their use. |
| US09936773B2 |
Molded hook and loop fastener and method of manufacturing cushion body
There is provided a molded hook and loop fastener having at least one hook and loop fastener member which includes a flat plate-shaped base material and a plurality of engaging elements erected on a first surface of the base material in a center region in a width direction thereof, and configured to be integrated with a cushion body upon foaming of the cushion body. A flexible sheet-shaped resin material infiltration-blocking member is fixed to right and left side edge portions of the first surface of the base material and arranged along a longitudinal direction. Right and left support members are erected on the inside of fixation portions of the resin material infiltration-blocking member with respect to the base material, to support the resin material infiltration-blocking member. An upper end of the resin material infiltration-blocking member is configured to protrude above an upper end location of the support members. |
| US09936759B2 |
Footwear and foot support member configured to allow relative heel/forefoot motion
A shoe can include support members for a plantar surface of a foot that include: (a) a heel support plate; (b) a forefoot support plate; (c) a heel securing strap component for securely engaging a heel supporting component with a wearer's heel; and (d) a unidirectional hinge, wherein the hinge allows the heel support plate to rotate internally with respect to the forefoot support plate and limit the heel support plate from rotating externally with respect to the forefoot support plate. The support member allows the shoe to twist and move with the foot, allowing the ankle to remain neutral, rather than the shoe fighting the foot's natural motion. The unidirectional nature of the hinge plate also prevents the shoe from rotating externally beyond a predetermined limit point. |
| US09936758B2 |
Article of footwear having a textile upper
An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction with varying stitch configurations. The upper may also incorporate non-textile elements, including non-textile elements on the lateral side and in the heel region. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element. |
| US09936756B1 |
Concussion sensing system with cloud-based prediction model update
A system to monitor hit impact force and to predict the likelihood of a concussion which includes a wearable device with an impact sensor and an application processor for prediction, a smartphone mobile application, a cloud-based data storage system, and an algorithm improvement system. The wearable device is mounted to the player's helmet or other locations where the impact force to the head is measured and a prediction algorithm is used to predict the potential risk of concussion. The wearable device wirelessly communicates with a smartphone, where data is viewed and associated information is managed. The impact force data and all related information are also automatically uploaded from the smartphone to a cloud-based database for storage. An algorithm improvement system will periodically analyze the data in order to build a better prediction model between impact force measured and the concussion diagnosed. Once a better prediction algorithm for such model is identified, such algorithm will be sent to the smartphone and hence downloaded to each athlete's wearable device automatically for a better prediction of concussion risk. |
| US09936753B2 |
Decorative mask
A decorative mask is used as face covering in masquerade, comprising an inverted U-shaped headband with resilient and holding function configured to wear around a user's head; a covering piece positioned on and connected with the headband by a connector; said covering piece defined as a mask; the connector including a first end arranged in one end thereof and connected in a center of a bottom end of the headband; a second end arranged in the other end thereof and connected in a center of a top end of the covering piece; and an resilient part integrally connected between the first end and the second end; the covering piece tended to return to its original position by the connector after opening it, thereby wearing securely, quickly reducing its volume, and compacting for easy storage. |
| US09936752B2 |
Clothing personalization technologies
A personalization attachment mechanism is disclosed herein. The personalization attachment mechanism, in some examples, includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer is configured to be shown and worn on the outside of clothing, bags, apparel, and other accessories. The outer layer can include indicia, markings, designs, decorations and the like. The outer layer is removably attachable to the inner layer. The inner is configured to be worn on the inside of clothing, bags, apparel, and other accessories. |
| US09936745B2 |
Composite garment wearable in a multitude of outfit variations
A composite garment includes a skirt, being a loose piece of material of a bell-shaped longitudinal configuration fitting around the body of a wearer from the waist downward to proximate the knees, and a bodice, being a tubular-shaped piece of material of an hour-glass longitudinal configuration fitting around the body from below the hips upward to the arm pits. Button holes are spaced apart in one of front and back portions of a hem of the skirt. Buttons are spaced apart on the other of front and back portions of the skirt hem so as to allow fitting some buttons through some button holes and thereby closing of the skirt at the hem either between the wearer's legs so as to convert the skirt into either trousers or along the wearer's shoulders and arms so as to convert the skirt into blouse. |
| US09936739B2 |
Multi-panel support foundation garment
A multi-panel support foundation garment includes a front panel, a rear panel, a left side panel, and a right side panel. The front panel is constructed of a first piece of non-stretch fabric having a larger degree of mechanical ease in a first direction than a second direction, the rear panel is constructed of a second piece of non-stretch fabric having a larger degree of mechanical ease in the first direction than the second direction, the left side panel is constructed of a first piece of stretch fabric having a larger degree of elastic stretch in the first direction than the second direction, and the right side panel constructed of a second piece of stretch fabric having a larger degree of elastic stretch in the first direction than the second direction. |
| US09936736B2 |
Battery system for electronic vapor communication device
A system, method, and device comprising a hybrid electronic communication vapor device comprising an electronic communication device and an electronic vapor device wherein the electronic vapor device is powered by at least one of battery, charging, and power system. |
| US09936733B2 |
Accessory configured to charge an aerosol delivery device and related method
An aerosol delivery device accessory is disclosed. The accessory may include a housing defining a cavity. An electrical power source and a connector may be engaged with a drawer assembly. The drawer assembly may be moveable with respect to the housing between extended and retracted configurations. In the extended configuration an aerosol delivery device may be engaged with the connector. In the retracted configuration the aerosol delivery device may be protected by the housing and recharged by the electrical power source. The drawer assembly may include a storage compartment configured to receive cartridges for the aerosol delivery device. Further, a slider may engage and move a cartridge between recessed and extended positions to store and provide access thereto. A related assembly method is also provided. |
| US09936726B2 |
Food-grade encapsulate and process for the production thereof
A food-grade encapsulate which comprises gelled proteins associated with a micronutrient, preferably a dietary mineral, as well as a process for producing the encapsulates are disclosed, with low micronutrient leakage during storage. |
| US09936725B2 |
Method, metering device and metering valve for the aseptic measured delivery of a liquid additive into a forced flow of a base product
A metering device with a product conduit section, through which a base product forcibly flows, with at least one storage container for an additive, which is connected with an associated metering point respectively via a removal conduit, which is arranged on or respectively in the product conduit section, with a mechanism for forcibly conveying the additive, with quantity-based capturing of the base product and of the additive, with sterile steam and with a control device assigned to the metering device. The metering point is provided within a metering valve, which forms a product chamber, into which the product conduit section opens and from which it exits, an initial chamber and a partial chamber as well as a receiver of an end section and of a terminal side. |
| US09936724B2 |
Sweetener compositions
The use of 3-phenyl-1-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)propan-1-one in an edible composition for suppressing, eliminating or reducing undesirable off-tastes. |
| US09936721B2 |
Drink stabilizer composition and stabilized drink compositions
Provided is a composition containing an admixture of xanthan gum and konjac mannan in a specific weight ratio that is useful for making a stable aqueous hydrocolloid. Also provided is a stabilized drink composition containing an admixture of a specific weight ratio of xanthan gum to konjac mannan, protein solids, water and optionally a salt. Also provided is a method for stabilizing aqueous colloid suspensions. Also provided is a method for stabilizing drink compositions. |
| US09936720B2 |
High fat poured feed block
Methods form high fat feed blocks having a total fat content of about 7 wt % to 33 wt %. The blocks are formed by blending a pourable composition having a viscosity of at least 1000 cP at 57° C. with high fat pellets having total fat content of at least 40 wt % based on pellet weight, where the pellets include at least one fat having a melt temperature of greater than 60° C. Also disclosed are feed blocks formed by the methods. |
| US09936719B2 |
Semi-solid animal feed blocks and method of making and using same
A semi-solid animal feed block is provided to an animal as a feed supplement or as a complete feed. The feed block is formed of a liquid binder containing denatured wheat flour protein and sugar, and a nutrient mixture of at least one animal feed component. The denatured protein and the sugar bind the nutrient mixture to form the semi-solid animal feed block as a single mass. The nutrients may be formulated to promote digestive tract development of a recently weaned livestock animal, such as a piglet. |
| US09936716B2 |
Physical method for maintaining freshness of vegetables and fruits via technology of optical signal and optical signal generator
A physical method for maintaining the freshness of vegetables and fruits via the technology of the optical signal and optical signal generator are disclosed. By adopting the computer programmable pulsed scanning signal generator, it controls the light-emitting device mounted with red, green and blue light sources group to generate optical signal with pulsed or pulsed periodical scanning combined spectrum. The optical signal irradiates the fresh-cut fruits and vegetables preserved in the storage assembly at room temperature or at controlled temperature and humidity. By regulating the optical signal with periodical pulsed spectrum or pulsed scanning spectrum or periodical pulsed scanning combined spectrum, the irradiated vegetables and fruits obtain photon energy needed in light reactions of photosynthesis from the lighting environment of artificial optical signal which is in bright and dark periodic variation. The metabolism of the cellular tissue is recovered and maintained, and the growth inertia is kept at slow speed. It effectively prolongs the freshness state of vegetables and fruits which are preserved in the storage assembly. |
| US09936712B2 |
Antimicrobial-antibiofilm compositions and methods of use thereof
Compositions comprising chelating agents, metal ion salts, gelling agents or a buffer, antimicrobials, antibiofilm agents and a pH adjuster or a buffer for the prevention and treatment of wound infections and food-borne diseases involving bacterial biofilms are disclosed. The anti-infective properties of a composition include reduction or killing of anaerobic/aerobic/facultative gram-negative and gram-positive wound infection associated bacteria occurring in polymicrobial biofilms. The composition may be in the form of lotion, cream, ointment, dressing, bandage, rinse, soak, gel, spray, or other suitable forms, including certain devices. Additionally, the invention offers an efficient method of delivering the formulated composition containing one or two chelating agents or chelating agents alone or in combination with a metal ion salt using either a nanoparticle or other efficient delivery systems. |
| US09936704B2 |
Antimicrobial colloidal silver products and method of making same
Gelatinous materials combined with the Colloidal Silver additive to formulate an antimicrobial product having cushioning properties. Embodiments of the present invention can include gelatinous materials selected from a group consisting of thermosetting polymer, Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene polymer (SEBS), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), and Polyurethane (PU) gelatin with and without a raised geometry on an outer surface. |
| US09936702B2 |
Suspension concentrate composition comprising isothiazoline insecticide and activated charcoal
Subject matter of the present invention is a suspension concentrate composition comprising an a) isothiazoline insecticide and b) activated charcoal, wherein the composition is substantially free of a non-polar solvent. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of said composition; a suspension obtainable by mixing water, an isothiazoline insecticide and activated charcoal; and to a method for controlling undesired attack by insects or mites, where the suspension concentrate composition or the suspension is allowed to act on the respective pests, their environment or on the crop plants to be protected from the respective pests. |
| US09936693B2 |
Efficacy-enhancing agent composition for amino acid-based agrochemicals
The present invention is an efficacy-enhancing agent composition for amino acid-based agrochemicals, which contains 3 kinds of specific quaternary ammonium salts having an ester group in a specific mass ratio. |
| US09936689B2 |
Methods and devices for preserving tissues
Methods and apparatus for preserving detached tissues, especially digits and limbs, which are detached as a result of traumatic amputation. By using the methods and apparatus, detached tissues can be preserved for greater lengths of time and are ultimately in a better condition for replantation surgery. |
| US09936687B1 |
Deer scent stake
Devices, apparatus, systems, and methods for providing deer scent stakes with removable caps to access reusable cylinders that can hold scented balls that can replenished with deer scents. The stakes can be placed at pre-determined distances in order to be used as yardage type markers for hunters to estimate the shooting distance to the deer target that approaches the stake(s). |
| US09936686B2 |
Method and apparatus for the management of a soil pest
A method and apparatus for the management of a soil pest is disclosed and which includes a source of high voltage electricity; at least one capacitor for storing the high voltage electricity; a multiplicity of electrodes inserted into a soil location having a soil pest to be managed, and an electrical switch which is controllably opened and closed so as to form a pulse of electricity which is passed through the soil location and between the electrodes so as to effect the management of the soil pest. |
| US09936685B2 |
Hooded field crop spray apparatus for spraying crops
An apparatus comprises an upper air guide hood and a lower air guide hood spaced from each other. Spray nozzles are arranged between these two air guide hoods. The air guide hoods hang above or just in the tops of the crops. During the migration of the apparatus the crop is as it were torn open by the wind and/or by contact with the apparatus, so that the spray liquid is distributed among the crop. |
| US09936684B2 |
Furniture piece with insect control barrier and method relating thereto
A furniture piece including an insect control barrier comprising a plurality of insecticide strips is provided. The insecticide strips are strategically located on the furniture piece to intersect travel paths from a support surface to prime harborage or feeding locations on the furniture piece. |
| US09936682B1 |
Go anywhere fishing reel line loader
A device for loading a fishing reel with line from a line supply spool by a single person. This device has a base with two side walls with corresponding holes, a plastic bendable tension rod, and suction cups attached to the bottom of the base. The tension rod produces downward pressure on supply spool when threaded through side wall hole, then through center hole of supply spool, then through corresponding through hole on the other side wall, holding it in place. The tension rod when in place as above also produces tension on fishing line which can be loaded to reel by attaching line to reel through rod guides and turning reel crank. The suction cups attached to base allow line loader to be used by one person anywhere you have a non-porous surface. |
| US09936681B2 |
Fishing lure system and kit having replaceable features and construction
A flexible fishing lure is provided that includes a outer shape having a transverse opening for receiving a plurality of alternatively formed lure fin members allowing a user to change the action of a lure by fin selection without replacing the lure. Multiple internal channels within the lure are adaptively provided for receiving a variety of scent sticks, sound generators, light generators, flavor generating means. Flow internal channels extend from a front opening to gill openings allowing a water flow along an inserted scent or flavor stick member to pass through the lure body and exit proximate fin, nair, belly, or other locations simulating an injured or wounded fish leaking bodily fluids or blood. Other features to simulate wounded features. Replacement fins and weighting constructions allow a user to tailor a weight and action enabling a circling or injured motion during retrieval. The lure includes a flexible holographic-type attractive film and physical shape having a level-maintaining physical shape. |
| US09936680B2 |
Method and system for remote monitoring, care and maintenance of animals
A system for remote care of an animal includes a robotic animal caregiver that includes a housing, a wireless data communication system disposed within the housing and wirelessly communicatively coupled with an external data communications system, and a microprocessor in communication with the wireless data communication system disposed within the housing. The system further includes a smart collar to be worn by the animal operable to determine a geo-location information of the animal and communicate with the microprocessor. |
| US09936679B2 |
Pet leash accessory assembly
A pet leash accessory assembly may be utilized with a variety of off-the-shelf accessories including, but not limited to, flashlights, pet waste bags and personal attack deterrents. The pet leash accessory assembly allows an off-the-shelf accessory to be attached at different locations on the lease, for example attached to the leash handle or strap, and to be attached to many different types of leashes, for example, flat, thin leashes and round, rope-like leashes. |
| US09936675B2 |
Method of promoting efficient water drinking by animals
A method of promoting efficient water drinking by animals uses any one of a number of container embodiments. A first embodiment of container contemplates five sub-chambers separated from one another by parallel partitions, with each partition having a small weep hole near its bottom to equalize water level in each sub-chamber. Each sub-chamber has an elongated length dimension and a width that is relatively narrow and designed to approximate the width of an animal's tongue. When an animal is drinking water from one of the sub-chambers of this embodiment, as the tongue is lapping, the sides of the tongue are close to the inner walls of the sub-chamber, thereby precluding some of the water resting on the tongue from falling off the tongue as the water is lifted into the animal's mouth. In this way, the efficiency of drinking using the lapping technique is enhanced. In a further embodiment, a second sub-chamber provides a reservoir for replenishing the first sub-chamber as it drains down through a small weep hole near the bottom of a common wall between the sub-chambers. The second sub-chamber may be designed to receive an inverted bottle filled with water so that continuous replenishment of the drinking sub-chamber through a weep hole connecting the supply sub-chamber may be accomplished. |
| US09936673B2 |
Locking device for a livestock head gate
An improved locking device is provided for one a livestock head gate in which two doors rollingly engaged on an overhead guide shaft for roving movement of said two doors toward one another into a closed position bracing a livestock animal between said doors and away from one another into an open position releasing said livestock animal. Primary and secondary shaft-receiving and locking members have respective first and second through-holes therein for receipt of the overhead guide shaft. A spring-receipt member is fixed to the primary shaft-receiving member for cooperation with a spring that tilts the primary shaft-receiving member into a locking position. The secondary movable locking member is retained beside the primary member in a manner enabling both tilting therewith and displacement relative thereto so as to bite onto the shaft at the perimeter of the second through-hole in the locking position. |
| US09936663B1 |
Maize hybrid X13K484
A novel maize variety designated X13K484 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13K484 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13K484 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13K484, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13K484. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13K484. |
| US09936661B1 |
Maize inbred PH2R72
A novel maize variety designated PH2R72 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2R72 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2R72 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2R72 or a locus conversion of PH2R72 with another maize variety. |
| US09936655B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH977140
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH977140. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH977140, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH977140 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH977140. |
| US09936654B2 |
Dendrobium in vitro crossbreeding method
The invention discloses a Dendrobium in vitro crossbreeding method. The method can be used to greatly shorten the maturation period of fruits, to enable a hybrid to bloom in vitro in a short period so as to observe flower shapes and colors, and to cultivate a novel variety, thus accelerating Dendrobium breeding, the first such report internationally. Since in vitro Dendrobium blooms annually, it enables crossbreeding of varieties having different inflorescences in nature. In addition, the medium used at each stage of the invention utilizes Hyponex which has a unique composition and costs little, thus allowing for a high blossoming rate and rapid fruit development. Also, only simple plant tissue culture equipment is required for implementing the invention, thus the entire breeding method is simple and low cost, and provides conditions for cultivating of high-quality Dendrobium varieties. |
| US09936650B2 |
Secure and externally controllable growing enclosure
A securable enclosure for growing controlled plants including walls forming an environmentally isolated interior and securable entrance to prevent unauthorized access. An environmental control system regulates environmental conditions in the enclosure's interior in order to control levels of potential contaminants such as dust, mold, pollen, insects and chemical pollutants. A control unit is positioned on the exterior of the enclosure allows control of the environmental conditions without the need for physical access to the interior. |
| US09936648B2 |
Packing element particularly for cut flowers and potted plants
A packing element having a trapezoidal front panel (1) and trapezoidal rear panel (2), wherein the front panel (1) and the rear panel (2) each have a first pair of two opposite, parallel base edges (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), and a second pair of nonparallel side edges (1c, 2c) bridging ends of the two base edges (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), and wherein the front panel (2) and the rear panel (1) are connected to each other at their side edges, preferably in the edge region of their overlapping side edges (1c) such that an inner edge face of the front panel (2) facing the rear panel (1) is glued to an inner edge face of the rear panel (1) facing the front panel (2) and a space for receiving an article, preferably a conical article, preferably a flower pot or a flower bouquet, can be formed between the front panel (2) and the rear panel (1) by moving the panels away from each other, thereby forming an opening at least between the long base edges at the top, characterized in that a grab formation (4), particularly a strap (4) that can be gripped by hand, is provided on the front panel (1) above a tear line (3) provided in the front panel (1) between the side edges (1c, 2c), preferably running parallel to the base edges (1a, 1b) of the front panel (1) so that an upper region (1d) of the front panel (1) above the tear line (3) can be separated from a lower region (1e) of the front panel (1) below the tear line (3). |
| US09936647B2 |
Automated trimming apparatus and method
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for trimming product in a mobile unit. |
| US09936644B2 |
Round baler with apparatus for guiding a pressing belt
A round baler is provided with a bale-forming chamber that is surrounded by a pressing apparatus in the form of a single pressing belt or several pressing belts arranged one next to the other, wherein the pressing apparatus contacts a roller that can be driven and freely co-rotating rollers, of which at least one pre-tensioned roller is loaded by pre-tensioning apparatus in the sense of tightening the pressing apparatus such that it pre-tensions the pre-tensioned roller more strongly the farther this roller moves in a direction for loosening the pressing apparatus. The two ends of the pre-tensioned roller are each pre-tensioned by the pre-tensioning apparatus and can move independently of each other. |
| US09936643B1 |
Helical auger flight assemblies and thresher formed therewith
A helical auger flight has an inner edge, an outer edge, an inner face, an outer face, and a leading extremity that includes a prominence and a leading edge that extends from the outer edge to the prominence. The prominence extends outward from the leading edge of the leading extremity to an outer end having an upturned jut. A wear plate is releasably connected to the inner face of the helical auger flight. The wear plate extends from the outer edge of the helical auger flight to the prominence. A front extremity of the wear plate extends forwardly of the leading edge of the helical auger flight so as to be in a shielding relationship with respect to the leading edge of the helical auger flight, and a nose of the front extremity of the wear plated is seated in direct contact against a contact surface of the jut. |
| US09936632B2 |
Agricultural dry chemical tube and delivery system
A dry chemical delivery tube and its surrounding nutrient applicator system are located in a narrow space in a soil working implement in an agricultural setting. Between an inlet end and an outlet end, the chemical delivery tube transitions from a circular cross section to an oval cross section. In one embodiment, the soil working implement includes soil opening/closing disks and liquid or gaseous delivery tubes that closely surround the chemical delivery tube. |
| US09936631B1 |
Device and method for detecting and reporting seed placement
A seeding machine includes a main frame and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit has a row unit frame and a seed firmer coupled to the row unit frame. The seeding machine also includes a seed detection sensor coupled to the seed firmer. The seed detection sensor is configured to detect seed position within an open furrow. |
| US09936630B2 |
Mounting assembly for an agricultural product conveying system
A mounting assembly for an agricultural product conveying system includes a mount having a seed tube mounting feature and a biasing member mounting feature. The mounting assembly also includes a biasing member configured to support a powered agricultural product conveyor. The seed tube mounting feature is configured to engage a corresponding mounting feature of a seed tube to support the seed tube on the mount, and the biasing member mounting feature is configured to engage a corresponding mounting feature of the biasing member to support the biasing member on the mount. |
| US09936629B2 |
Sectioned metering system and method
A sectioned metering system and method is provided. One metering system for distributing an agricultural product in a field includes a drive input and a rotary shaft assembly coupled to the drive input and configured to be driven in rotation by the drive input. The metering system also includes a first metering section driven by the rotary shaft assembly and at least two additional metering sections. Each additional metering section is selectively engageable to drive the respective additional metering section by the rotary shaft assembly. Each additional metering section is also selectively disengageable to interrupt driving of the respective additional metering section by the rotary shaft assembly while the first metering section remains driven. |
| US09936627B2 |
Air seed meter with internal drive
A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system provides for allowing the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor. |
| US09936626B2 |
System and method for independent calibration of meter rollers
An agricultural product distribution system includes first and second product meters configured to meter first and second amounts of agricultural product from a product tank over first and second periods of time, respectively. The system also includes first and second motors coupled to the first and second product meters, respectively, and configured to turn the first and second product meters a first number of turns and a second number of turns, respectively, over the first and second periods of time to meter the first and second amounts of agricultural product. Further, the system includes a controller configured to receive inputs indicative of the first amount of agricultural product, the first number of turns, the second amount of agricultural product, and the second number of turns and to compare the signals to determine first and second calibration rate of the first and second product meters. |
| US09936625B2 |
Multiple seed-type planting system with seed delivery speed control
A system for planting multiple types of seed and automatically switching between the varieties during planting in a single planting pass of a planting session of row-crop planting of an agricultural field while controlling seed delivery speed to mitigate seed bounce and/or provide desired seed spacing distances. The system may include a bulk storage system, an on-row storage system, and a charging system that selectively delivers seeds of different varieties from the bulk storage system to the on-row storage system and a seed delivery speed control system that regulates seed delivery speed. |
| US09936624B2 |
Lift assist system for agricultural tools
A lift assist system to assist an tool including a toolbar; a pair of casters affixed to the articulated arms to provide support on a ground surface; and articulated arms constructed to be articulated from a work position, wherein the tool is in contact with the ground surface to a transport position wherein the tool is not in contact with the ground surface. The articulated arms includes a limiter rotatably affixed to the support bars, and an adjuster that connects the limiter, wherein the limiter regulates the articulated arms and maintains the gauge wheel pivot axis in a near vertical position, and the adjuster maintains a precise positioning relationship of the articulated arms. |
| US09936621B2 |
Cultivator
A cultivator can have a frame with a tow assembly so that the cultivator can be towed by a tractor. A cultivating assembly can be pivotally attached to the rear of the frame. The cultivating assembly can have a plurality of discs that engage and penetrate the soil beneath the cultivating assembly. The cultivating assembly can have a center section pivotally connected to the rear end of the frame, a first wing section pivotally connected to one side of the center section, a second wing pivotally connected to the other side of center section where all the sections have discs connected to them. A pair of ground wheels can be connected to the center section so that the ground wheels are positioned in front of the cultivating assembly when it is being used to cultivate a field. |
| US09943014B2 |
Manifolded heat exchangers and related systems
Some modular heat-transfer systems can have an array of at least one heat-transfer element being configured to transfer heat to a working fluid from a heat dissipator. A manifolded heat exchanger can be configured to receive heated working fluid from a plurality of heat-transfer elements and to reject heat to a working fluid of a second fluid circuit. In some embodiments, the heat exchanging manifold can split an incoming flow of working fluid from the second fluid circuit into two or more streams having different bulk flow directions. In some instances, heat exchanger portions of the heat exchanging manifold are configured to provide counter flow heat exchange between the working fluid of the first fluid circuit and the working fluid of the second fluid circuit. |
| US09943013B2 |
Server rack-dedicated vertical vortex airflow server cooling
A vortex-producing fan controller uses a variable-speed vortex-producing fan positioned above a server rack to create a helical airflow within the server rack that couples with cooled air entering a data center through a floor opening situated near a bottom of the server rack. A speed of the variable-speed vortex-producing fan and a flow rate of the cooled air coupled within the helical airflow up through the server rack are adjusted responsive to changes in input air temperature of air entering the variable-speed vortex-producing fan detected using a fan input air temperature sensor positioned above the server rack. |
| US09943009B2 |
Current sensor with cooling
An electrical assembly includes a heat conducting housing. A conductor is supported by the housing and conducts electrical current. An electrical insulator member surrounds the conductor. A core surrounds the insulator member and the conductor so that current flowing through the conductor induces a magnetic field in the core. A transducer is coupled to the core for generating a signal representing current in the conductor. A thermal interface member engages the core and engages the housing. The interface member conducts or can conduct heat to the housing. |
| US09943004B2 |
Positive pressure-applying latch mechanism
A latch mechanism is provided for latching a field-replaceable unit within an enclosure. The latch mechanism includes a pivotable latch coupled to the field-replaceable unit via a pivot, at a first side of the unit, and a spring member associated with the enclosure. The spring member is engaged by the latch and deflects with rotating of the latch from an open position to a latched position. The pivotable latch includes the first end and a second end, with the pivot being disposed closer to the first end than the second. The deflecting spring member facilitates provision of positive pressure on the unit directed towards a second side of the unit opposite to the first side to facilitate, for example, fixedly coupling a first connector at the second side to a second connector associated with the enclosure when the unit is latched within the enclosure. |
| US09943003B2 |
Electronics cabinet
Embodiments of the present invention relate to network cabinets and components thereof. In an embodiment, the present invention is a system that includes a network appliance, and a network cabinet having a bottom portion, a center portion providing a plurality of rack unit spaces, a top portion, and a network appliance mounting kit positioned in the top portion. The network appliance mounting kit includes a mounting feature for attaching the network appliance to the network cabinet such that the network appliance does not interfere with any one of the plurality of rack unit spaces. |
| US09942999B2 |
Electrical connector assembly with holding member
An electrical connector assembly, adapted for electrically connecting an IC package to a printed circuit board, includes a first housing used for soldering on the printed circuit board and a frame surrounding the first housing. The first housing includes a longitudinal body and a protrusion projecting forwardly from the body. The frame defines a base and two supporting arms extending from two ends of the base, each supporting arm defines a latching bent from a top edge of a free end thereof for locking the protrusion of the first housing. The electrical connector assembly includes a longitudinal holding member, the holding member has two ends respectively connecting to the free ends of said two supporting arms so that the dimension of the opening formed between the free ends of said two supporting arms is fixed. |
| US09942994B2 |
Connection using conductive vias
In one embodiment, a meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a conductive vertical interconnect access structure (vias) associated with each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or similar operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed conductive vias. |
| US09942992B2 |
Methods for assembling LED connector board
Systems and methods for assembling an LED connector board wherein the assembly can be provided with a metal track with an integrated recess for receiving an injection molded base, onto which a set of leaf spring connectors with extended insulating bosses for electrical wires can be secured. |
| US09942988B2 |
Circuit board and power supply apparatus
A circuit board includes a base substrate, a busbar disposed on a mounting surface of the base substrate; and an electronic component disposed on the mounting surface and including a plurality of terminals. At least one of the terminals is soldered to a component connecting end portion extending from the busbar. The base substrate has an opening into which the component connecting end portion is inserted. A first insertion portion is provided in the component connecting end portion. The terminal is inserted through the first insertion portion. The busbar is fixed to the base substrate so that the component connecting end portion is inserted into the opening with a soldering surface positioned closer to a rear surface of the base substrate than the component mounting surface. The soldering surface is on a side of the component connecting end portion where the terminal inserted through the first insertion portion protrudes. |
| US09942984B1 |
Attenuation reduction structure for flexible circuit board
A signal attenuation reduction structure for a flexible circuit board includes a conductive paste coating zones formed on surfaces of high-frequency signal lines and an insulation layer formed on a dielectric layer of the flexible circuit board such that the conductive paste coating zone corresponds to a pair of high-frequency signal lines or covers a plurality of pairs of the high-frequency signal lines. An anisotropic conductive film is formed on surfaces of the insulation layer and the conductive paste coating zone of the flexible circuit board. The anisotropic conductive film is pressed to bond between the conductive paste coating zone and a shielding layer such that the conductive paste coating zone and the shielding layer achieve electrical connection therebetween in a vertical direction through the anisotropic conductive film. |
| US09942983B2 |
Suspension board with circuit and producing method thereof
A suspension board with circuit includes a metal supporting board, a conductor layer, a first insulating layer disposed between the metal supporting board and the conductor layer and having a first thickness, a second insulating layer having a second thickness in a portion disposed on the first insulating layer, and a pedestal disposed on the metal supporting board. The pedestal includes a first layer prepared from the same material as that of the first insulating layer and a second layer prepared from the same material as that of the second insulating layer. The thickness of the pedestal is different from any one of the first thickness, the second thickness, and the total sum of the first thickness and the second thickness. |
| US09942982B2 |
Electrical device with teeth joining layers and method for making the same
A multilayer electrical device, such as a printed circuit board, having a tooth structure including a metal layer set in a dielectric. The device includes a base; a conductive layer adjacent to the base; a dielectric material adjacent to conductive layer; a tooth structure including a metal layer set in the dielectric material to join the dielectric material to the metal layer; and wherein the metal layer forms a portion of circuitry in a circuit board having multiple layers of circuitry. |
| US09942980B2 |
Wavy interconnect for bendable and stretchable devices
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a wavy interconnect for bendable and stretchable devices and associated techniques and configurations. In one embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible substrate defining a plane and a wavy interconnect disposed on the flexible substrate and configured to route electrical signals of an integrated circuit (IC) device in a first direction that is coplanar with the plane, the wavy interconnect having a wavy profile from a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and coplanar with the plane. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09942977B2 |
Heatsink-less electronic unit
A heatsink-less electronic unit includes a metal coreless electronic substrate, a heatsink-less microcomputer and various semiconductor relays. The heatsink-less microcomputer and the various semiconductor relays are mounted on the metal coreless electronic substrate. The heatsink-less microcomputer is arranged on the metal coreless electronic substrate. Among the various semiconductor relays, the one which may reach the highest temperature is separated at a longest distance from a location where the heatsink-less microcomputer is arranged, and the various semiconductor relays are arranged separately from one another. |
| US09942974B2 |
Hybrid generators and methods of using them
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to generators that can be used to sustain a plasma in a driven mode and in an oscillation mode and optionally in a hybrid mode. In some embodiments, the generator is configured to switch between the two modes during operation. In certain instances, the plasma may be ignited when the generator is in a driven mode and may be used to analyze samples when the generator is in an oscillation mode or driven mode or hybrid mode. |
| US09942973B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus
An extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus may be configured to generate extreme ultraviolet light by irradiating a target with a pulse laser beam outputted from a laser apparatus to generate plasma. The extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus may include a chamber; a target supply device configured to supply a target to a plasma generation region inside the chamber; a target sensor located between the target supply device and the plasma generation region and configured to detect the target passing through a detection region; and a shield cover disposed between the detection region and the target supply device, having a through-hole that allows the target to pass through, and configured to reduce pressure waves that reach the target supply device from the plasma generation region. |
| US09942970B2 |
Method for automatically mapping light elements in an assembly of light structures
One variation of a method for automatically mapping light elements in light structures arranged in an assembly includes: defining a sequence of test frames—each specifying activation of a unique subset of light elements in the assembly—executable by the set of light structures; serving the sequence of test frames to the assembly for execution; receiving photographic test images of the assembly, each photographic test image recorded during execution of one test frame by the assembly; for each photographic test image, identifying a location of a particular light element based on a local change in light level represented in the photographic test image, the particular light element activated by the set of light structures according to a test frame during recordation of the photographic test image; and aggregating locations of light elements identified in photographic test images into a virtual map representing positions of light elements within the assembly. |
| US09942968B2 |
Entrance ticket with lighting effect
An apparatus having an embedded processor in a substrate for creating a synchronous lighting effect at a controlled access venue and a method for creating a lighting effect at a controlled access venue while controlling access to the venue simultaneously using a apparatus that coordinates with the performance allowing a holder of the apparatus to perform with the performance. |
| US09942961B2 |
Backlight module and display apparatus
A backlight module and a display apparatus are provided. The backlight module comprises a backlight source and optical sheets, wherein the backlight source is an organic electroluminescent device, the optical sheets are directly adhered to a light emitting side of the organic electroluminescent device facing a display panel. The light emitted by the organic electroluminescent device is directed emitted after passing through the optical sheets. The display apparatus comprises such a backlight module. A thickness of such backlight module can be efficiently reduced. |
| US09942959B1 |
Phase-cut dimmable power supply with wide input voltage
The present invention discloses a wide input voltage phase-cut dimming power supply, which is embedded in an overall dimming circuit. The overall dimming circuit includes an electric network power supply, a phase-cut dimmer, a dimming power supply, and an LED light. The dimming power supply includes an anti-interference circuit, an active power factor correction circuit, a power conversion circuit, a dimmer current maintaining circuit, a wide input voltage phase-cut dimming control circuit, and a filed effect transistor. Compared to the prior art, the present invention can realize a wide input voltage within 90-305V, which is suitable for most of electric networks around the world. Furthermore, the present invention uses a PWM control mode, so that it can control brightness of the LED lights with different colors, and be compatible with a leading edge dimmer or a trailing edge dimmer. |
| US09942952B2 |
Method for manufacturing graphene electromagnetic wave blocking plate and microwave oven using same
The present invention relates to graphene and, more particularly, to a method for manufacturing a graphene electromagnetic wave blocking plate capable of blocking electromagnetic waves by using graphene, and a microwave oven using same. The present invention includes: a step of forming a first graphene layer and a second graphene layer above and below a catalytic metal layer; a step of attaching a supporting substrate onto the second graphene layer; a step of forming a pattern on at least either one of the first graphene layer or the catalytic metal layer; and a step of removing the supporting substrate. |
| US09942950B2 |
Method for detecting dark discharge and device utilizing the method
A method of applying RF energy to an object in a cavity is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may include applying to the object a first amount of RF energy at power increasing from an initial power level to a final power level; and if an electrical discharge occurs, stopping RF energy application for a period sufficient to allow the electrical discharge to decay. The method may further include applying to the object a second amount of RF energy after the period ends. The second amount of RF energy may be applied at intermediate power, higher than the initial power level and lower than the final power level. |
| US09942949B2 |
Control unit of induction heating unit, induction heating system, and method of controlling induction heating unit
A control unit of an induction heating unit controls AC power output to a heating coil of a transverse type induction heating unit that allows an alternating magnetic field to intersect a sheet surface of a conductive sheet that is being conveyed to inductively heat the conductive sheet. The control unit includes: a magnetic energy recovery switch that outputs AC power to the heating coil; a frequency setting unit that sets an output frequency in response to at least one of the relative permeability, resistivity, and sheet thickness of the conductive sheet; and a gate control unit that controls a switching operation of the magnetic energy recovery switch on the basis of the output frequency set by the frequency setting unit. |
| US09942946B2 |
Device for generating vapor from solid or liquid starting material for CVD or PVD apparatus
In a device for generating a vapor for a CVD or PVD apparatus, at least two thermal transfer bodies are arranged successively in the direction of flow of a carrier gas. The device also includes an inlet pipe for feeding an aerosol to one of the thermal transfer bodies for vaporization of the aerosol by bringing the aerosol particles into contact with thermal transfer surfaces of the thermal transfer body. At least one of the thermal transfer bodies has an opening for an inlet pipe that has a first flow channel for feeding the aerosol in and a second flow channel for feeding a carrier gas in. Gas passage openings are provided through which the carrier gas flows out of the second flow channel into the first flow channel. The second flow channel is sealed in the area of the mouth of the inlet pipe. |
| US09942944B2 |
Network-initiated discovery and path selection procedures for multi-hop underlay networks
Described herein are processes related to discovering and establishing suitable multi-hop communication paths for (endpoint) user equipments (UEs). A network-initiated discovery and path selection processes may utilize periodically transmitted reference signals along with optional assistance information. A network node, such an eNodeB, and other relaying-capable nodes, such as relay UEs, may transmit periodic reference signals. Based on these transmitted reference signals and optional assistance information, the relay UEs and/or an endpoint node (e.g., the eNodeB or the endpoint UE) may make a selection decision for previous hop paths for communication. The endpoint UE or the eNodeB may make the selection decision for the end-to-end path in order to provide coverage extension for the end UE using multi-hop transmission paths. |
| US09942940B2 |
Wireless communications system, wireless station, base station, and communications method
A wireless communications system that includes a base station; and a wireless station. The base station, after receiving a first control signal of Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol including classifying information, configures transition to an RRC connected mode by a second control signal of RRC protocol transmitted from the base station to the wireless station or from the wireless station to the base station, and the wireless station transitions to the connected mode by the second control signal, and upon transition from the connected mode to a state other than the connected mode, stores a wireless parameter and a security parameter that are set by the RRC protocol and used in data communication in the connected mode. |
| US09942939B2 |
Coding scheme selection for 5G air interface
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium that stores instructions to store one or multiple instances of first data that indicate one or multiple types of forward error correction (FEC) coding schemes supported by an end device; generate a radio resource control connection request; select one of the one or multiple instances of first data during the generation of the radio resource control connection request; include the one of the one or multiple instances of first data in the radio resource control connection request in response to the selection; and transmit the radio resource control connection request to a wireless station of a wireless network in response to the inclusion. |
| US09942937B1 |
System and method for reattachment to a network
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium provide storing context information pertaining to an end device and previous attachments of the end device to the network; receiving an indication that the end device requests an attachment to the network subsequent to the storing and subsequent to previously occurring detachments of the end device; authenticating the end device using the context information during the attachment; and causing a creation of a bearer connection between the end device and the network using the context information and during the attachment. |
| US09942936B2 |
Quick-start method, terminal and system for radio communication
A mobile communication terminal includes a narrow-band communication module, a broad-band communication module, a first operating module and a second operating module, the first operating module being configured in order to establish a communication through a narrow-band communication network via the narrow-band communication module, the second operating module being configured to establish a communication through the narrow-band communication network via the narrow-band communication module and in order to establish a communication through a broad-band communication network via the broad-band communication module. |
| US09942934B2 |
Wireless ad hoc network assembly using network coding
A method of setting up a wireless ad hoc network includes constructing an initial network graph by a source device. The network graph represents the source device, at least one intermediate device, and at least one communication path between the source device and the intermediate device. The initial network graph is sent from the source device to the intermediate device along with an update request. The source device receives a second network graph from the intermediate device in response to sending the initial network graph, and determines an updated network graph by performing a union of the initial network graph and the second network graph. The process is performed by each intermediate device required to reach a destination device. |
| US09942932B2 |
Terminal-to-terminal communication
A method of performing a terminal-to-terminal communication includes performing a terminal-to-terminal transmission via a portion of a radio spectrum licensed for transmission of wireless data. The terminal-to-terminal transmission is transmitted without performing terminal-to-terminal discovery associated with the terminal-to-terminal transmission. The terminal-to-terminal transmission is configured to be received by a terminal without being routed through a base station. The method further includes checking for an acknowledgement sequence and checking for a negative acknowledgement sequence. |
| US09942930B2 |
Communication apparatus, control method thereof, and program
A communication apparatus capable of transmitting data to an external device transmits transmission data-related information relating to data to be transmitted to the external device before joining a wireless network, receives a response from the external device after the transmission data-related information has been transmitted, joins a wireless network after the response has been received, and, after joining a wireless network, establishes communication with the external device so that data can be transmitted, and first information is transmitted as the transmission data-related information before the transmission data to be transmitted to the external device is determined. |
| US09942924B1 |
QSO confirmation system and method thereof
The present invention provides a system and a method for confirming a “QSO” between two amateur radio stations. The invention provides a unique ID code that is encoded and transmitted from one of the radio stations to the other radio station, which in turn decodes said encoded unique ID code using a previously assigned decoding key. A server is connected to both radio station to assign, encode, transmit, received, decode and retrieve the transmitted code completing a cycle (loop) between two stations validating their radio connection and the reach of each other over the radio waves. |
| US09942922B2 |
Restricting enhanced distributed coordination access (EDCA) in a high efficiency wireless local-area network
Apparatuses, computer readable media, and methods for restricting enhanced distributed coordination access (EDCA) in a high-efficiency wireless local-area network (HEW) are disclosed. The apparatus of a HEW station may include processing circuitry and transceiver circuitry. The processing circuitry and transceiver circuitry may be configured to configure the HEW station for operation in enhanced distributed coordinated access (EDCA) restricted mode, where in EDCA restricted mode the HEW station is configured to refrain from EDCA packet transmission. The processing circuitry and transceiver circuitry may be further configured to configure the HEW station for operation in non-EDCA restricted mode where in non-EDCA restricted mode the HEW station is configured to: increase a EDCA attempt failure counter when acknowledgement of an EDCA-transmitted packet is not received within a predetermined period of time, and enter EDCA restricted mode when the EDCA attempt failure counter equals a EDCA threshold. |
| US09942914B2 |
Communication of security key information
Technology for communicating security key information from a macro eNB is disclosed. Security key information associated with the macro evolved node B (eNB) may be determined. The security key information may be used to cipher information communicated at the first eNB. A small eNB may be identified at the macro eNB to generate the security key information associated with the macro eNB for ciphering information communicated at the second eNB. The security key information may be communicated, from the macro eNB, to the small eNB for inter-Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) evolved node B (eNB) carrier aggregation. |
| US09942910B2 |
Method for transmitting data on wireless local area network, user equipment, and access point
The present invention discloses a method for transmitting data on a wireless local area network (WLAN), user equipment (UE), and an access point (AP). The method includes: receiving first indication information sent by an AP, where the first indication information is used to indicate that UE can preferentially send data to the AP when the UE obtains a transmission resource through contention; determining, according to the first indication information, a first moment for sending current data to the AP, where an interval between a second moment at which the UE receives a first feedback message sent by the AP and the first moment is a first sending interval, the first feedback message is used to indicate whether a previous piece of data is successfully received, and the first sending interval is less than a distributed interframe space (DIFS); and sending the current data to the AP at the first moment. |
| US09942907B2 |
Resource sharing among multiple service providers in a wireless network cloud
Techniques for resource sharing among wireless service providers in a wireless network cloud (WNC) are provided. In one aspect, a method for spectrum sharing in a WNC that hosts multiple wireless service providers is provided. The method includes the following steps. A spectrum usage is predicted for each of the wireless service providers during a given future time-window. An excess amount of spectrum, if any, each of the wireless service providers will have during the given time-window is determined. The excess amount of spectrum is allocated from the wireless service providers having the excess amount of spectrum to those of the wireless service providers having a spectrum usage that will exceed an allocated spectrum capacity during the given time-window. |
| US09942905B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting device-to-device related message in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for establishing a device-to-device (D2D) connection in a wireless communication system is provided. A first mobile device transmits a D2D related message including an identity of a second mobile device, which is connected with the first mobile device, to a network. Or, a first mobile device receives a D2D related message including an identity of a second mobile device, which is connected with the first mobile device, from a network. |
| US09942902B2 |
Method and system for accessing a wireless communication network using a navigation route of user equipment
A method and apparatus for operating a communication system that includes a plurality of base stations. The method includes receiving a route, the route including an array of locations and times. The method further includes determining a plurality of modulation schemes by determining at least one modulation scheme for each of the plurality of base stations. The method further includes determining a quality of service having a guaranteed bit rate. The method further includes determining an allocation scheme based on the route, at least one of the plurality of modulation schemes, and the guaranteed bit rate. Wherein determining the allocation scheme includes allocating an amount of resources such that a consumed bit rate is substantially constant with respect to the guaranteed bit rate. |
| US09942898B2 |
Uplink transmission in a wireless device and wireless network
The wireless device receives one or more messages comprising configuration parameters for a logical channel in a plurality of logical channels. The configuration parameters indicate a mapping restriction of the logical channel to one or more radio resource types in a plurality of radio resource types. The wireless device triggers a buffer status report (BSR) transmission when data becomes available for the logical channel with the mapping restriction and when a selected set of one or more logical channels with the same mapping restriction meet a first criteria. The wireless device receives an uplink grant indicating radio resources of a first radio resource type. The wireless device constructs a transport block comprising the BSR. The wireless device transmits the transport block via the radio resources of the first radio resource type. |
| US09942897B2 |
Method and apparatus of receiving different types of subframes in mobile communication system
A method and base station in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes transmitting, to a terminal, system information including information associated with a sub-frame configuration of multimedia broadcast multicast service single frequency network (MBSFN) sub-frames, identifying whether the transmission mode of the terminal is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, transmitting, to the terminal, dedicated message including configuration information of the identified transmission mode of the terminal, transmitting, to the terminal, control information in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and data in a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in a first sub-frame of the MBSFN sub-frames, if the terminal is configured in the first transmission mode, and transmitting, to the terminal, the control information in the PDCCH and the data in the PDSCH in a second sub-frame of a non-MBSFN sub-frames, if the terminal is configured in the second transmission mode. |
| US09942895B2 |
Burst grouping with reduced overhead
In a telecommunication system, a gateway receives a first burst packet and a second burst packet, both encoded with a unique word associated with a color, a value, and an associated time slot. The gateway associates the second burst packet to the first burst packet based on the color and value associated with the unique word used to encode the second burst packet and a received time slot at which the second burst packet is received. A terminal generates the burst packets by generating the first burst packet with a group header and the second burst packet without the group header, encoding the first burst packet and the second burst packet with the unique word, and transmitting the encoded first burst packet and the encoded second burst packet to the gateway. |
| US09942888B2 |
Sending method and apparatus for enhanced physical downlink control channel
Disclosed in the present disclosure are a sending method and apparatus for enhanced physical downlink control channel. The method comprises: a start position of the ePDCCH in a subframe is determined according to a high-level signaling and/or preset rule; and a pilot signal for ePDCCH and data carried on the ePDCCH are sent. By applying the present disclosure, the interference between the ePDCCH and the downlink control channel is reduced, and the efficiency of downlink transmission is improved. |
| US09942887B2 |
System and method for downlink transmission in a wireless network
A method of communicating in a wireless network includes transmitting, by a station, a null data packet (NDP) power save (PS)-Poll frame including a short training field and a long training field. Also, the NDP PS-Poll frame includes a signaling field including a message type indicator, a transmitter address (TA), a receiver address (RA), and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). Additionally, the method includes receiving, by the station, buffered data in accordance with the NDP PS-Poll frame. |
| US09942885B2 |
Resource allocation method and apparatus
By using a method for coordination between base stations, one base station allocates a resource to user equipment in a better manner with reference to resource configuration information saved in the base station and resource configuration information of another base station. The method provided in the embodiments of the present invention includes: acquiring, by a first base station, resource configuration information of a first cell, where the first cell is a cell served by the first base station; receiving resource configuration information of a second cell sent by a second base station, where the second cell is a cell served by the second base station; and allocating a resource to user equipment according to the resource configuration information of the first cell and the resource configuration information of the second cell, so that the user equipment communicates with the first cell and the second cell. |
| US09942883B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating bandwidth of wireless network where both wide-band and narrow-band signals are transmitted, and method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data on the network
Provided are a bandwidth-allocation method and apparatus for a wireless network based on a time division transmission mechanism, and a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data on the wireless network. The data transmission method includes at least one wireless device belonging to the wireless network transmitting a frame to a network coordinator, the frame including a transmission mode of data and used to request a time slot, receiving a beacon frame containing information about the transmission mode and a time slot duration from the network coordinator, and transmitting the data in the transmission mode to other wireless devices belonging to the wireless network during the duration of the time slot, wherein the transmission mode indicates whether the data is transmitted by a wide-band signal or a narrow-band signal. |
| US09942881B2 |
Uplink multi-TTI scheduling in TDD system
Systems and methods are disclosed for transmission and reception of an uplink grant during a gap created in radio resources assigned by a previous multiple Transmit Time Interval (multi-TTI) uplink grant in a system operating according to a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) scheme. In one embodiment, a method of operation of a radio network node in a cellular communications network is provided. The method includes transmitting a first uplink grant that assigns radio resources for a multi-TTI uplink transmission, and transmitting a second uplink grant during a gap in the radio resources assigned by the first uplink grant. In one embodiment, by utilizing the gap to transmit the second uplink grant, uplink radio resources assigned for uplink transmission can be maximized, which is particularly beneficial in high uplink traffic conditions. |
| US09942879B2 |
Method and apparatus for avoiding resource collision in mobile communication system
Different resources are selected based on QoS, emergency class, location, and SA count. A method for avoiding resource collision by a first User Equipment (UE) in a mobile communication system is provided. The method includes listening to Scheduling Assign (SA) information of a second UE; and selecting different resources between UEs based on the SA information. |
| US09942877B2 |
Multicasting method and system
Technologies are generally described for providing multicasting services. In some examples, a method performed under control of a first user equipment may include receiving a first level of signal and a second level of signal from a base station during a first time slot and transmitting the second level of signal to a second user equipment during a second time slot. |
| US09942870B2 |
Determining wireless coverage information using wireless access points
Aspects of the disclosure relate to various approaches to gathering information about access nodes serving in an area and using the information to generate a coverage map. The coverage map may be generated by detecting broadcasted signal strengths from a plurality of access nodes as detected by other access nodes. The broadcasted signal strengths can be used in combination with the location of the access nodes receiving the broadcasted signal to estimate a location of each of the plurality of access nodes. A coverage map may be generated based on the estimated locations of each of the plurality of access nodes using an effective coverage range for each access node based on the access node type. The coverage of each access node may be refined by analyzing signal data received by neighboring nodes. The coverage map may be used to identify unauthorized devices. |
| US09942869B2 |
RF carrier synchronization and phase alignment methods and systems
A method comprising generating a baseband information signal by mixing a received modulated carrier signal with a local oscillator (LO) signal having an LO frequency; obtaining baseband signal samples of the baseband information signal having a baseband signal magnitude and a baseband signal phase; determining a cumulative phase measurement associated with baseband signal samples having a baseband signal magnitude greater than a threshold; and, applying a correction signal to compensate for an LO frequency offset of the LO frequency based on the cumulative phase. |
| US09942868B2 |
Synchronization control method within wireless network, wireless network and smart home device
The present disclosure relates to the smart home field, disclosing a synchronization control method within wireless network, a wireless network and a smart home device. In the present disclosure, controlling a terminal to broadcast a control command directed at multiple smart home devices; characterized in, the control command carries a count-down time duration for command execution time; continuing to broadcast the control command by a smart home device which receives the control command within its wireless broadcast coverage area, and carrying in the broadcasted control command the processing time for the smart home device to process the control command; determining command execution time by respective smart home devices to execute the control command according to the count-down time duration in the received control command, as well as the total processing time of respective smart home devices which the control command passes on its transmission path. The present disclosure enables respective devices in smart home system to achieve synchronization control, greatly improving user experience. |
| US09942867B2 |
Cellular network synchronization methods and apparatus under separation architecture
A synchronization apparatus in a control base station is disclosed. A GNSS synchronization unit receives a GNSS signal through a GNSS antenna to obtain time information. A clock generation unit adjusts a clock of the control base station based on the time information provided by the GNSS synchronization unit. A traffic base station synchronization unit transmits and receives information with a traffic base station through a wired connection. A user data sample generation unit generates data required by a mobile user including network time information, and transmits the data to the mobile user equipment through a control base station antenna. |
| US09942865B2 |
Method and device for synchronously counting MBMS service
Disclosed are a method and a device for synchronously counting a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) service. Through technical solutions of embodiments of the present invention, synchronization time point information is carried in a message sent to a base station by an MBMS coordinating entity (MCE), so that the base station counts the MBMS service at the corresponding synchronization time point, collects the counting information and feeds back the counting information to the MCE. Whereby, the base station can count the MBMS service for each terminal device served by the base station at the same time point and collect and transmit the MBMS service counting information to the MCE, thereby ensuring synchronization of MBMS service counting time, ensuring synchronization of multicast control channel (MCCH) contents at the air interface, and solving the problem that synchronization of MBMS service counting time cannot be ensured in the prior art. |
| US09942862B2 |
User terminal, radio base station and radio communication method
The present invention is designed to control inter-cell interference adequately even when a plurality of cells are placed at a high density. A user terminal can connect with a plurality of radio base stations, and has a receiving section that receives a downlink signal from each radio base station, and a power control section that, when an uplink grant or a downlink assignment and a control signal for power control are detected at the same time from the downlink signal, prioritizes a TPC command contained in the control signal for power control, and changes transmission power. |
| US09942861B2 |
Facilitation of link loss reduction for radio antennas
A more efficient antenna can be facilitated by accounting for the cable link loss associated with the distance from antenna base equipment to the antenna. As an antenna transitions between various link layers of a telecommunications network, the cable link loss can be accounted for to determine a compensation value. The compensation value can then be used to account for the cable link loss to allow for a more efficient antenna. |
| US09942856B2 |
Cell configuration method, device and system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a cell configuration method, a device, and a system. The method includes: configuring reference uplink signal-to-interference ratios, UL SIRs/a reference uplink signal-to-interference ratio, UL SIR, for the UE in the first cell and/or the second cell, so that a first reference UL SIR for the UE in the first cell is different from a second reference UL SIR for the UE in the second cell. When the UE is located in a soft handover area and a serving cell is the first cell, power control performed by the first cell on the UE is enhanced so that uplink transmit power of the UE can meet a requirement of the first cell. |
| US09942851B2 |
Dynamic power management in a wireless device
A power management device of a wireless communication assembly receives respective signals indicative of respective voltage supply levels required by respective hardware devices among a plurality of hardware devices of the wireless communication assembly, where the respective required voltage supply levels vary over time. The power management device selects a voltage supply level corresponding to a maximum voltage supply level indicated by the respective received signals, adjusts, based on the selected supply voltage level, a supply voltage supplied to the wireless communication assembly so that the selected voltage supply level is supplied to all of the hardware devices of the wireless communication assembly. |
| US09942844B2 |
Communication control method and communication device for enabling power saving
To save power consumed due to reception of frames destined to other communication devices and enable power saving by prolonging a sleep state.A communication device is provided including a communication unit which communicates with a base station, a switching unit which switches an operation mode of the communication unit from a normal mode for communicating with the base station to a power saving mode for uncommunicating with the base station, when the communication unit receives data from the base station in a state in which the communication unit does not transmit a data transmission request to the base station, and a determination unit which determines a duration time of the power saving mode, based on a data length of the data received. |
| US09942843B2 |
Determining a network allocation vector setting and a response to a multi-user transmission opportunity
An apparatus comprising: a memory and processing circuitry coupled to the memory, where the processing circuitry is configured to: associate with a master station, decode a trigger frame or a multi-user request-to-send (MU-RTS) frame from the master station, where the trigger frame or the MU-RTS frame comprises a first duration and a transmitter address, and respond to the trigger frame or the MU-RTS frame if a network allocation vector (NAV) is not set, or if the NAV is set and a saved transmission opportunity (TXOP) holder address for the NAV is the same as the transmitter address of the MU-RTS or trigger frame and the trigger frame or MU-RTS indicates the station is to respond. |
| US09942839B2 |
Reducing wireless reconnection time of a computing device
Technologies for reducing connection time to a wireless access point includes recording wireless connection information in a log, computing parameters as a function of past wireless connection information in the log, generating an ordered list of wireless access points most likely to be available for reconnection at a desired time as a function of recent wireless connection information in the log, and directly probing a wireless access point instead of initiating a wireless access point scan. In some embodiments, computing parameters as a function of past wireless connection information in the log comprises performing genetic programming operations to generate prediction programs for later prediction of wireless access points most likely to be available for reconnection at a desired time. |
| US09942838B2 |
Method and device for discovery operation of UE in wireless communication system
A method and device for a discovery operation of User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system are provided. The method in which a network node supports a discovery operation of a UE includes: receiving, by a network node within a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) of the UE, a Discovery Request message from the UE, wherein the Discovery Request message includes a candidate frequency list including an available plurality of carrier frequencies for announcing by the UE and an announcing PLMN ID including a PLMN Identifier (ID) of each of the carrier frequencies included in the candidate frequency list; and transmitting, by the network node within the HPLMN, a Discovery Response message to the UE, wherein the Discovery Response message includes carrier frequency information that indicates a carrier frequency selected for announcing by the UE among the carrier frequencies included in the candidate frequency list. |
| US09942835B2 |
Method of selecting access
An example of the present disclosure provides a method of selecting access. The method of selecting access may include the steps of: selecting a first access point name (APN) that does not support IP flow mobility and seamless offload (IFOM) according to a first setting related to APN-based routing; checking a preferred flag when wireless local area network (WLAN) access for the IFOM is selected according to a second setting related to routing resulting in a collision between the first setting and the second setting; and using any one of the first setting and the second setting according to the preferred flag. |
| US09942833B2 |
Mobile terminal devices, mobile baseband modems, and methods of detecting network access points
A mobile terminal device includes a radio processing circuit and a baseband processing circuit adapted to interact with the radio processing circuit. The mobile terminal device is configured to detect network access points on one or more carrier channels using a first radio scan and a second radio scan by obtaining one or more scan results of the first radio scan, each of the scan results of the first radio scan corresponding to a carrier channel targeted for radio scan by the first radio scan, identifying one or more selected scan results from the one or more scan results of the first radio scan, each of the one or more selected scan results of the first radio scan corresponding to a carrier channel targeted for radio scan by the second radio scan, and selecting the one or more selected scan results of the first radio scan as scan results of the second radio scan, and performing mobile communications using the scan results of the first radio scan or the scan results of the second radio scan. |
| US09942822B2 |
Directed station roaming in cloud managed Wi-Fi network
Directing station roaming in a cloud-managed Wi-Fi network. Management messages are received from a controller that is located remotely from the Wi-Fi communication network by an access point. When an RSSI (received signal strength indication) value between the station and the access point falls below a threshold, the access point (i.e., controller access point) determines which neighboring access point would be a best fit for a hand-off, with limited real-time input form the cloud-based Wi-Fi controller. One of the two or more of the plurality of access points is selected for handing-off the station based on the RSSI values received from the interrogation. Responsive to the selection, a message is sent to the selected access point instructing the one of the at least one of the plurality of access points to respond to messages from the station. |
| US09942821B2 |
Wireless communication terminal, communication system, control apparatus, communication method and program
The wireless communication terminal includes: a plurality of communication interfaces each of which corresponds to at least one of a plurality of wireless access systems; a first unit receiving an instruction from a prescribed control apparatus, the instruction including a wireless access system determined by the control apparatus based on a status of the wireless communication terminal, which changes along with movement of the wireless communication terminal; and a second unit communicating by using a communication interface corresponding to the instructed wireless access system. |
| US09942820B2 |
Systems and methods for cross-cell carrier aggregation for coverage balance improvement
A system and methods that are performed by a macro cell and a user equipment (UE) to implement a carrier aggregation mode in a network. The system includes a macrocell including a first coverage area and a plurality of small cells, each of the small cells including a second coverage area wherein the plurality of second coverage areas substantially cover the first coverage area. The macro cell operates a first component carrier as a primary component carrier in a carrier aggregation enabled network and one of the small cells operates a second component carrier as a secondary component carrier in the carrier aggregation enabled network. |
| US09942813B2 |
Coordinating inter-satellite handoff in a telecommunications system
A system is provided for coordinating inter-satellite handoff in a telecommunications system that includes first and second communication satellites and a communications apparatus. The communications apparatus is configured to generate commands for transmission to the first communication satellite and the second communication satellite to steer respectively first and second spot beams to track and communicate with a user terminal during respective time intervals. The communication interface is also configured to determine a trajectory of the user terminal and a predicted handoff point on the trajectory for handoff between the satellites in which the second spot beam is automatically steered to the handoff point or a point proximate thereto no sooner than the user terminal is within the second spot beam when steered to the predicted handoff point. |
| US09942809B2 |
Method for accessing network by user equipment, and access device
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for accessing a network by a UE, and an access device. The method includes: sending, by a source side access device, an access indication message to a UE, where the access indication message is used to instruct the UE to access a target side access device; or sending, by a source side access device, a first notification message to a target side access device, where the first notification message is used to instruct the target side access device to send, to a UE, access information used to instruct the UE to access the target side access device; and in a process in which the UE accesses the target side access device, maintains a connection between the UE and the source side access device, therefore, a service interruption is not caused. |
| US09942808B2 |
Identifying a subframe containing information relating to an uplink grant
A user equipment (UE) receives, from a wireless access network node of a source cell, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message identifying a subframe containing information relating to an uplink grant to be sent by a target cell. The UE detects the uplink grant in the identified subframe transmitted by a target wireless access network node of the target cell. The UE sends, in response to the UE successfully accessing the target cell or detecting the information relating to the uplink grant, an RRC message to the target cell to handover from the source cell to the target cell. |
| US09942806B2 |
Mobile communication method and radio base station
In Inter-eNB handover with “full configuration”, UL-PDCP-PDUs are handled appropriately. A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes, in Inter-eNB handover of a mobile station UE from a radio base station eNB#1 to a radio base station eNB#2, the step of causing the radio base station eNB#1 to discard all the UL-PDCP-PDUs having been successfully received, if the radio base station eNB#2 instructs the mobile station UE to once delete all the configuration set between the mobile station UE and the radio base station eNB#1. |
| US09942805B2 |
UE handling of stale or incomplete PDUs after cell reselection or reconfiguration
The disclosure provides for a UE handling messages in wireless communication. The disclosure provides for a UE partially exchanging a first signaling-related message associated with a first UE configuration with a network entity and triggering a state transition message that initiates a change to a second UE configuration different from the first UE configuration. In an aspect, the UE determines that the first message has not been successfully received or successfully transmitted. In an aspect, the UE sends an indication message to coordinate discarding of the first message with the network entity and receives, after sending the indication message, a second signaling-related message associated with the second UE configuration. In another aspect, the UE, after partially sending a signaling-related message, receives a reconfiguration request associated with a second UE configuration. In an aspect, the UE determines that the message has not been successfully transmitted and causes a reconfiguration failure. |
| US09942803B2 |
Switching to/from voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) for a voice call
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may determine that a voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) service has encountered a threshold quantity of failures within a particular period of time. The apparatus may transfer from a VoLTE mode associated with the VoLTE service to another mode for a voice call based on determining that the VoLTE service has encountered the threshold quantity of failures within the particular period of time. |
| US09942799B2 |
Communication method and device for wireless communication network and wireless communication network
A communication method and device for a wireless communication network and a wireless communication network. In the communication method, to one cell cluster in at least one cell cluster included in the wireless communication network, an Uplink-downlink ratio configuration scheme of the cell cluster during the next ratio configuration adjusting period is determined based on un-allocatable prediction amount for un-allocatable services of each cell in the cell cluster, and allocatable prediction amount for the services, which can be allocated to other cell(s), of each cell in the cell cluster, thus utilization efficiency of communication resource is optimized, and the cells in the cell cluster have the same communication frequency and Uplink-downlink ratio configuration scheme. |
| US09942797B2 |
Permitting coexistence of data transfer of interfering wireless signals
A system and method of permitting coexistence of WiFi and Bluetooth® data transfer on a single chip in UE including a transceiver includes using CTS data packets to protect Bluetooth® signals for SCO communication links; using only WiFi circuitry in the chip to determine when Bluetooth® data transfer is required by the UE; establishing a specified period of the Bluetooth® data transfer; and starting WiFi medium contention only upon an end of the specified period of the Bluetooth® data transfer on the single chip. The power save mode of the WiFi circuitry may be used with Bluetooth® ACL data packets in WiFi periodic data transfer gaps. The WiFi data transfer has no timing constraints, whereas the Bluetooth® data transfer has timing constraints and can only occur during the specified period. The WiFi data transfer does not occur when the Bluetooth® data transfer is occurring. |
| US09942793B2 |
Systems and methods for contention management and quality of service estimation in heterogeneous wireless networks
A user equipment (UE) is configured to receive a maximum probability of accessing a wireless local area network (WLAN) for communication. The maximum probability is received via a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication link with an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (eNB). The UE is further configured to determine that there is a queued transmission for the UE and, in response to determining that there is a queued transmission, to determine whether the UE is authorized to access to the WLAN using a probability less than or equal to the maximum probability. The UE is further configured to delay contention for access to the WLAN for at least a pre-backoff duration in response to determining that the UE is not authorized. |
| US09942792B2 |
Network migration queuing service in a wireless network
In embodiments of the present disclosure improved capabilities are described for increasing the bandwidth in a wireless communication network, where centralized optimization servers with publish-subscribe broker services are utilized in conjunction with a queuing service application that provides packet service continuity when a mobile device moves between different access control nodes of the wireless communication network, and wherein the queuing service application is connected to a publish/subscribe broker network to receive service packets matching the service packets directed to the mobile device, wherein the service application makes the matching service packets available to the mobile device to replace service packets that the mobile device did not receive during a time in which the mobile device is in transition between being connected to any of the access nodes. |
| US09942787B1 |
Virtual private network connection quality analysis
A first network packet directed from one VPN endpoint to a second VPN endpoint is received at an intermediary network processing component. Metadata indicating that the first network packet is a candidate for monitoring is stored. In response to determining that a second packet received at the intermediary comprises an acknowledgement to the first packet, a traffic quality metric is stored at a location accessible to a VPN traffic analyzer. The VPN traffic analyzer responses to a traffic quality query using the metrics collected at the intermediary. |
| US09942781B2 |
Method for transmitting status report of PDCP layer in mobile telecommunications system and receiver of mobile telecommunications
A status report transmission of the PDCP layer for a PDCP status report can reduce radio resources by transmitting the reception success or failure of a series of PDCP SDUs in the form of a bitmap when configuring the PDCP status report for reporting a reception status of the PDCP SDU to another party in the PDCP layer in the LTE system. |
| US09942778B2 |
Virtual base station apparatus and communication method
A virtual base station apparatus (virtual AP) formed by a plurality of base station apparatuses (APs) requests a terminal apparatus (STA) to start beamforming training. The terminal apparatus transmits a plurality of first training frames to the virtual base station apparatus. The virtual base station apparatus receives the plurality of first training frames by using the plurality of base station apparatuses, and transmits a plurality of second training frames including information on a training frame received under the best conditions from a first base station apparatus that has received the training frame received under the best conditions to the terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus receives the plurality of second training frames, and transmits to the virtual base station apparatus a second frame including information on a frame received under the best conditions among the plurality of second received training frames. |
| US09942775B2 |
Signal localization and mapping
Transmitter localization and signal mapping may be accomplished by receiving measurement data from a plurality of nodes, the measurement data including a signal strength value and a geographic location for the signal strength value, triangulating the plurality of measurements using triangulation, and establishing at least one contour representing a level of signal strength. A system may receive measurement data from a plurality of user equipment, and use that data to localize an interference source and create a contour map. |
| US09942774B2 |
Methods, devices and systems for separating overlappingly transmitted signals and enabling joint spectrum access
In one example embodiment, a device includes a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions therein and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to receive a mixture signal, and determine a first signal and a second signal from the mixture signal, the first signal being a signal of a first technology and the second signal being a signal of a second technology, the first and second signals being overlappingly transmitted signals, at least one of the first signal and the second signal being used for processing of information associated with the at least one of the first signal and the second signal. |
| US09942770B2 |
Detection and blocking of cloned mobile devices
A method is disclosed for blocking a cloned mobile device by a processor of a network. The processor receives a first registration from a first mobile device at a first location. The first registration includes a device identifier and a phone number. The processor then confirms that a second registration from a second mobile device at a second location includes the device identifier and the phone number and calculates a first fraud score for the first mobile device and a second fraud score for the second mobile device. The processor then determines that the second mobile device is the cloned mobile device, when the second fraud score exceeds the first score, and blocks the cloned mobile device from registering on the network. |
| US09942768B1 |
Verifying a user utilizing gyroscopic movement
A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes requesting input from a user of a mobile device, receiving gyroscope data at the mobile device, in response to the requesting, verifying the gyroscope data, and performing one or more actions, in response to the verifying. |
| US09942766B1 |
Caller validation for end service providers
Examples disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and software to validate calls to end telephone numbers. In one implementation, a method of operating a call state service includes obtaining and storing call state information for one or more communication in at least one data structure. The method further provides receiving a call state request for a communication of interest, wherein the request includes relevant call state information. The method also provides determining whether the relevant call state information matches a communication in the one or more communications based on the at least one data structure, and, if a match is identified, returning a call state match notification to the requesting end service. |
| US09942763B2 |
Method and apparatus of triggering applications in a wireless environment
Method for authenticating and automatic transmission of user information between a mobile device and a wireless router, establishing communication to the mobile device for authentication, transmitting the device identifier and pre-stored user information of an application to the wireless router, determining the match between the received information and an encrypted database of the wireless router, establishing a link between the user's information and the mobile device's information, logging in the application with received user information, and triggering the service provided by the application. |
| US09942762B2 |
Provisioning credentials in wireless communications
Aspects described herein relate to obtaining provisioned credentials for wireless network services. It can be determined that credentials have not been configured for accessing a network. In this case, a provisioning server supported by the network for obtaining credentials is selected, and a request to establish a connection with the network is transmitted. The transmitted request can indicate the provisioning server. |
| US09942760B2 |
Wearable device and a method for storing credentials associated with an electronic device in said wearable device
The disclosure relates in general to a wearable device for serving as a personal id towards electronic devices. In particular the disclosure provides a wearable device for storing credential data or password from an electronic device, which device is configured for serving as personal id towards an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or other smart devices. |
| US09942756B2 |
Securing credential distribution
Methods, systems and apparatus for securing credential distribution are disclosed. One method includes receiving notification from a credential management system that a wireless device is associated with an authenticated user of the credential management system. The method further includes receiving the private network credentials of the authenticated user, storing the private network credentials and the identifier of the wireless device, receiving an authentication request from a router, returning a response to the authentication request to the router, wherein the response includes internet domains and connection bandwidths the wireless device is allowed to use, authenticating the wireless device, ensuring that the wireless device is authorized to receive private network credentials; and distributing, by the cloud system, the private network credentials to the wireless device, thereby allowing the wireless device to obtain local network access with the private network credentials. |
| US09942755B2 |
Enforcing service policies in embedded UICCs
The embodiments set forth techniques for an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) to conditionally require, when performing management operations in association with electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs), human-based authentication. The eUICC receives a request to perform a management operation in association with an eSIM. In response, the eUICC determines whether a policy being enforced by the eUICC indicates that a human-based authentication is required prior to performing the management operation. Next, the eUICC causes the mobile device to prompt a user of the mobile device to carry out the human-based authentication. The management operation is then performed or ignored in accordance with results of the human-based authentication. |
| US09942753B2 |
Method and system for monitoring and restricting use of mobile devices
A system and method for promoting safe usage of a mobile device. The system allows one or more administrators (or patents) to transparently and automatically implement preconfigured use restriction policies (e.g., restricted time periods, restricted features of the device, restricted vehicle speed) on multiple managed devices. The restriction policies may be stored locally at a managed mobile device and/or remotely at a remote server and database. The mobile device can be controlled locally by a client application or remotely by the remote server based on the restriction policies. |
| US09942751B2 |
Audio proximity-based mobile device data sharing
At least two mobile devices introduce one another and select data for transfer to and receipt by at least one receiving mobile device using audio communications. Each of the devices uses its speaker(s) and its microphone to introduce and select the data. Once secure audio communications are confirmed between the devices, the selected data is acquired by the at least one receiving mobile device using audio communications or a different out-of-band communication wired or wireless network. |
| US09942745B1 |
Proxy server and method thereof for forwarding location requests to a position determining entity
A method, system and server comprise determining, at a server, an appropriate Position Determining Entity (PDE) to forward data to based on a network in which a mobile station is roaming and forwarding the data from the server to the PDE. |
| US09942743B2 |
User terminal and base station for a device to device proximity service
A user terminal exists in a first cell operating at a first frequency, in a mobile communication system that supports a D2D (Device to Device) proximity service. The user terminal includes a transmitter configured to transmit a D2D interest indication indicating that the user terminal has an interest in the D2D proximity service, to a base station forming the first cell. |
| US09942740B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing customization of public safety answering point information delivery
A method and system for providing emergency call (e-call) services is disclosed. A third-party service center receives a communication from a vehicle over a communication pathway. Signaling is automatically sent to the vehicle from the third-party service center over the communication pathway. Location information is received from the vehicle at the third-party service center in response to the signaling. Information is forwarded from the voice call and the location information to a public safety answering point (PSAP) determined by the third-party service center. |
| US09942731B2 |
Radio alert system and method
Various embodiments include a system and method that automatically communicate data using a nonlinear, time-varying voice channel. The system may include one or more sensors, a controller, and a radio transmitter. The one or more sensors may be operable to detect a condition. The controller may be configured to receive an indication of the detected condition from the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to generate a message including information of the detected condition based on the received indication of the detected condition. The radio transmitter may be configured to wirelessly transmit the generated message on the voice channel. |
| US09942729B2 |
Method and apparatus for establishing communication between terminals
Provided is a method of establishing communication between a plurality of terminals by a first client terminal of the plurality of terminals, the method including: receiving an initiation signaling message comprising a communication initiation tag and a terminal list of terminals from a host terminal of the plurality of terminals; determining whether to establish communication with the host terminal, based on a communication state of the first client terminal; generating connection information indicating whether to establish communication with the host terminal; determining a second client terminal of the plurality of terminals as a next priority terminal based on the terminal list of terminals; and transmitting the connection information and a trigger signaling message comprising a communication extension tag to the second client terminal. |
| US09942726B2 |
Group trigger method, apparatus, and system
A group trigger method, apparatus, and system include an interworking function IWF entity, configured to send a trigger delivery request to an entity that has a trigger function; and the entity that has a trigger function, configured to, after receiving the trigger delivery request sent by the IWF entity, return a trigger delivery acknowledgement message to the IWF entity, and delivers, according to the trigger delivery request, an acquired group trigger payload to a user equipment UE. The entity that has a group trigger function delivers the group trigger payload to the UE, so as to effectively implement group trigger, avoid point-to-point trigger, and save system resources. |
| US09942724B2 |
Method and system for automatically developing a content-based floor map
A system creates a content-based mapping of a physical space based on data received from beacons positioned at various locations in a physical space. Each beacon transmits a unique beacon identifier. When a mobile device detects a beacon identifier, the mobile device may also detect the signal strength of the transmitted identifier. If, with or shortly after detecting the beacon identifier, the mobile device is used to view content that is present in the physical space, the system may use the content information, the beacon identifier and the signal strength to build content-based floor map of the physical space. |
| US09942722B2 |
Tracking a mobile unit in a housing facility for mobile units
A mobile unit in a housing facility for mobile units may be tracked by activating a first reading device at a first location of the housing facility upon detecting a first mobile unit arriving at or departing from the first location, wherein the first mobile unit has a first tag having an identification code (ID) readable by the first reading device. A set of readings may be performed by the first reading device to read a set of tag IDs during a time interval. Upon an ending of the time interval, tag IDs, in the set of tag IDs, that correspond to the first tag ID are identified based on the set of readings. A record is updated to associate the first tag ID with the first location. |
| US09942720B2 |
Location determination, mapping, and data management through crowdsourcing
Mapping through crowdsourcing includes determining, using a processor, segments for a plurality of trajectories, wherein each trajectory includes radio frequency (RF) data from a communication device, determining, using the processor, RF features for the segments, and forming, using the processor, clusters of the segments according to the RF features. One or more routes of a map are generated from the clusters using the processor. |
| US09942719B2 |
OTDOA positioning via local wireless transmitters
Example methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate and/or support one or more operations and/or techniques for improving OTDOA positioning via one or more local wireless transmitters, such as for use in or with mobile communication devices, for example. |
| US09942710B2 |
Determination of location of a mobile device
Determination of a current location of a mobile device based on exchange of messages between the mobile device and a remote device. The determination can be originated from the remote device and can be performed, in certain embodiments, by a system within a network that provides services to the mobile device. The location of the mobile device can be determined without reliance on a dedicated location service module (e.g., software or firmware) at the user equipment. The system can utilize signals from a global navigation satellite system or signals time-of-flight terrestrial signals emitted and/or received at the mobile device. In addition, the system can provide location information associated with the mobile device in response to a prompt from the remote device in instances in which the remote device is authorized to receive location information. An authorized remote device can be or can include a device associated with the user equipment or a third-party device. |
| US09942698B2 |
Harvesting communication parameter observations in GNSS-denied environments
A method includes receiving location information from a mobile device, the location information indicating a location of a mobile device operating the mobile device in a global positioning navigation satellite system (GNSS)-location-denied environment. One or more communication parameters associated with communications between the mobile device and a network can be identified. The communication parameters can be associated with the location of the mobile device. The mobile device can provide the location information using a social networking site, for example, using a check-in feature or drop-down location menu. |
| US09942694B2 |
Information transmission/reception system and terminal apparatus
An information transmission apparatus 2 makes transmission objective data redundant using a predetermined method, divides the redundant data into N (N≥2) data elements, the transmission objective data being reproducible on the basis of any arbitrary combination of m (m |
| US09942692B2 |
One touch machine to machine device connection
A computing device may execute a device connection application on a processor of the computing device to provide operations including establishing an ad-hoc data connection between the computing device and a machine-to-machine device, the computing device configured to set up the machine-to-machine device to interact with a network-based service using a user account of the network-based service; receiving device information from the machine-to-machine device over the established ad-hoc data connection; and connecting the machine-to-machine device to the network-based service based on the device information received from the machine-to-machine device and according to authentication of the computing device as being associated with the user account. The computing device may further be configured to authenticate and authorize a user to configure the machine-to-machine device to join the network and network-based service. |
| US09942690B2 |
Method and device for information push
Method and device for information push are provided in the disclosure, which may include: obtaining a keyword input by a user, identifying an Application Program (APP) package name corresponding to the keyword input based on a first data table stored in the smart device, the first data table including correspondence relationships between APP package names and keywords, determining whether the APP corresponding to the APP package name is installed in the device, pushing the keyword to the APP if the APP is installed in the device. The technical solutions of the disclosure may push the keyword related with the user behaviors to an APP, so that the APP may locate operations related with the keyword, and push the operations to the user in the form of operation prompt messages, and thus facilitate the user quickly starting the related operations of the APP with simple action. |
| US09942687B1 |
System for localizing channel-based audio from non-spatial-aware applications into 3D mixed or virtual reality space
Rendering audio for applications implemented in an MR or AR system, in a 3D environment. A method includes determining a location of a user device in the 3D environment. The method further includes accessing a set of spatial mapping data to obtain spatial mapping data for the determined location. The spatial mapping data includes spatial mapping of free-space points in the 3D environment. Data for each free-space point includes data related to audio characteristics at that free-space point. The spatial mapping data is based on data provided by users in the 3D environment. The method further includes applying the spatial mapping data for the determined location to one or more acoustic simulation filters. The method further includes using the one or more acoustic simulation filters with the spatial mapping data applied, rendering audio output for one or more applications implemented in the MR or AR system to a user. |
| US09942679B2 |
Using single-channel/multi-channel transitions to output an alert indicating a functional state of a back-up audio-broadcast system
In one aspect, an example method for outputting an alert indicating a functional state of a back-up audio-broadcast system involves: a computing device receiving a first audio-stream that represents first audio-content; the computing device generating a first signature based, at least in part, upon an extent of single-channel/multi-channel transitions included within the first audio-content; the computing device receiving a second audio-stream that represents second audio-content; the computing device generating a second signature based, at least in part, upon an extent of single-channel/multi-channel transitions included within the second audio-content; the computing device making a determination that the generated first-signature and the generated second-signature lack a threshold extent of similarity; and responsive to the determination that the generated first-signature and the generated second-signature lack the threshold extent of similarity, the computing device outputting an alert. |
| US09942677B2 |
System and method for a transducer
According to an embodiment, a transducer system includes a transducing element and a symmetry detection circuit. The transducing element includes a signal plate, a first sensing plate, and a second sensing plate. The symmetry detection circuit is coupled to a differential output of the transducer element and is configured to output an error signal based on asymmetry in the differential output. |
| US09942676B1 |
Method and system of throttling a pilot tone for thermal monitoring of an electro-mechanical actuator
Method of throttling a pilot tone for thermal monitoring of an electro-mechanical actuator starts by computing a power estimate based on a driving signal. A first temperature estimate is then computed based on the power estimate. The pilot tone may be generated by adjusting a level of the pilot tone based on at least one of the power estimate or the first temperature estimate. The pilot tone is injected into the driving signal to generate a driving output signal that is outputted by an electro-mechanical actuator. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US09942674B2 |
Method for operating a hearing device as well as a hearing device
A method for operating a hearing device for a user having tinnitus includes converting an acoustic input signal into a corresponding converted input signal, applying a transfer function to the converted input signal for generating a processed input signal, generating a stimulation signal depending on characteristics of a perceived disturbing internal signal resulting from a tinnitus perceived by a prospective user of the hearing device, limiting the stimulation signal by applying a predefined limiting scheme thereby generating a limited stimulation signal, superimposing the limited stimulation signal onto the processed signal thereby generating an output signal, and feeding the output signal to an output transducer for generating a hearing device output signal. |
| US09942672B2 |
Devices for enhancing transmissions of stimuli in auditory prostheses
A resilient element is used to bias a vibration element of an auditory prosthesis towards the skin of a recipient. This helps improve transmission of vibration stimuli to the recipient. Additionally, the resilient element helps reduce feedback caused by the vibration element vibrating in close proximity to sound processing components contained within the auditory prosthesis. |
| US09942670B2 |
Hearing aid device and method for operating the hearing aid device with a communication device
A method operates a system of a hearing aid device and a communication device. The hearing aid device has an acousto-electrical transducer, a signal processing device and an electro-acoustic transducer. The communication device has a controller and an electro-acoustic transducer. The method includes the steps of: receiving of an incoming call by the communication device, signaling of the incoming call by the communication device by a first acoustic signal via the electro-acoustic transducer, receiving of the first acoustic signal by the acousto-electrical transducer of the hearing aid device, identifying of the first acoustic signal and carrying out of a first change of adjustment on the hearing aid device when the first acoustic signal has been identified. |
| US09942665B2 |
Electronic apparatus
A cover member is made of a crystalline material, and includes a first main surface that faces a display surface of a display, and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface. A vibration element produces flexural vibrations, and is disposed on the first main surface of the cover member. The cover member is bent in a second direction more easily than in a first direction from the viewpoint of anisotropy of a crystalline structure of the crystalline material. The first direction is parallel to the first and second main surfaces, and the second direction is parallel to the first and second main surfaces and vertical to the first direction. The vibration element produces flexural vibrations along the second direction. |
| US09942636B2 |
Vehicle-mounted speaker system
A vehicle-mounted speaker system achieves improvement in the weather resistance against a vehicle exterior environment and enables degradation in sound quality to be prevented. In the vehicle-mounted speaker system, a supporting member separating a vehicle interior space from a vehicle exterior space is provided with an opening. The supporting member supports a speaker, and a rear cover covering the back of the speaker closes the opening. The rear cover includes an annular flexible member supported by the supporting member, and a non-flexible vibrating plate supported by an inner portion of the annular flexible member. An enclosed space is defined between the rear cover having such a configuration and a diaphragm of the speaker. |
| US09942634B2 |
Method and apparatus for authentication in passive optical network
A method and apparatus for authentication in a passive optical network are disclosed. In the disclosure, a first terminal serial number of an ONU and a first logic registration code are transmitted from the ONU to an OLT; if the OLT determines that the first terminal serial number does not match a second terminal serial number stored on the OLT, the OLT judges whether the first logic registration code received from the ONU matches a second logic registration code stored on the OLT; the OLT stores the first terminal serial number received from the ONU on the OLT if the first logic registration code matches the second logic registration code. |
| US09942626B2 |
Low power wireless RF communication platform and ad-hoc security network utilizing same
Wireless radio frequency communications platform may include a plurality of sensor units communicatively coupled over a wireless radio frequency communication network to a collector unit. The sensor units may be configured to collect data concerning monitored parameters and relay the collected data to a collector unit via a wireless radio frequency communication. The collector unit may be configured to receive and store the collected data received from the plurality of sensors and transmit the collected data to a computing device upon receiving an indication that the collector unit is communicatively coupled to the computing device. The computing device may execute a computer software application that facilitates communication between the computing device and collector unit. |
| US09942624B2 |
On-premises restaurant communication system and method
An on-premises restaurant communication system for communicating a particular customer's table number to a food server at a central service station. Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tags are mounted on the underside of the restaurant's tables. The customer is provided with a pager having a pager ID associated with the customer's food order. The pager is modified to include an RFID reader and an RF transmitter. When the customer places the pager on a selected table, the RFID reader reads an RFID number from the table's RFID tag. The RF transmitter transmits the pager ID and RFID number to the central station, which uses this information to associate the food order with the table number. The table number is provided to the food server for delivery of the food order to the proper table. |
| US09942621B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing marketing
A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, the steps of transmitting media content to a group of set top boxes for presentation with an overlay superimposed onto the media content, receiving a first comment from a first set top box of the group of set top boxes where the first comment is presentable with the overlay and the media content by the group of set top boxes, determining a first advertisement based on the first comment, and transmitting the first advertisement to the first set top box for presentation with the overlay and the media content. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09942611B2 |
Methods and systems for displaying a countdown alert for children
Methods and systems are disclosed herein for creating countdown animations. The countdown animations may alert children that they are approaching their viewing limits, wherein the viewing limits are set by parents and/or guardians. A method may include generating a countdown of an amount of time remaining in a user selected period of time for accessing media content. The method may include identifying a character of a plurality of characters based on a user criterion. The method may include searching a database of a plurality of countdown animations to select a countdown animation associated with the identified character. The method may include generating for display the selected countdown animation simultaneously with the media content. |
| US09942610B2 |
Systems and methods for overriding crowd-sourced auto-skip commands based on user activity
Systems and methods are provided herein for automatically overriding an auto-skip command embedded in a media asset annotation when a user profile indicates a preference for content that is to be auto-skipped. To this end, a media guidance application may play back a media asset to a user, and detect therein a skip annotation that corresponds to a portion of the media asset that is to be played back. The media guidance application may, in response to detecting the skip annotation, access metadata indicating content of the portion, compare the metadata to entries of a profile of the user, and determine whether the user prefers the content based on the comparing. If the user prefers the content, the media guidance application may refrain from executing a skip command indicated by the skip annotation. |
| US09942609B2 |
Personalized content recommendations based on consumption periodicity
Aspects described herein provide techniques for providing content recommendations such as, for example, recommendations for video content provided by a cable network. The content recommendation techniques described herein determine the extent to which previously consumed content should contribute to content considered for recommendation to a user based on the consumption time of the previously consumed content. The consumption habits of users have been observed to occur at regular intervals. These intervals are employed to adjust contribution factors for the previously consumed content when making content recommendations. |
| US09942608B2 |
TV mode change in accordance with number of viewers present
Systems and methods for changing TV operating mode in accordance with number of viewers present. In some implementations, a method includes: obtaining a total number of viewers of a connected TV, the connected TV having a plurality of operating modes and the total number is one or more; in accordance with a determination that the total number of viewers is within a first predefined range of a plurality of predefined ranges; placing or maintaining the connected TV in or into a first operating mode unrelated to media content being displayed on the connected TV; and in accordance with a determination that the total number of viewers is within a second predefined range of the plurality of predefined ranges: placing or maintaining the connected TV in or into a second operating mode unrelated to the media content, the second operating mode is different from the first operating mode. |
| US09942607B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data
Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes collecting first media data and audience identification data via a metering device. Audience member behavior data is developed based on the first media data and the audience identification data. Second media data is accessed after the metering device has been removed. The second media data is collected by a service provider associated with the second media data. The removal of the metering device occurring after the audience member behavior data has been developed. Audience members associated with the second media data are identified based on the audience member behavior data. |
| US09942606B2 |
Application layer modification to enable transmission gaps
Television white space devices are operable to communicate information over television white space and, more specifically, to quiet a transmitter for sensing signals in the television white space. A method for inconspicuous quieting of the transmitter in a television white space device inserts, from an application layer, information into a transport stream for transmission by the transmitter of the television white space device to produce a null window of time within the transport stream at a predetermined time. The method also transmits the transport stream by the transmitter of the television white space device and quiets the transmitter during the null window of time. The method senses, by a white space sensor of the television white space device, existing signals in the white space during the null window of time. |
| US09942605B2 |
Devices and methods for transmitting and receiving data of a sink device to change video display resolution based on error counter value detected at the sink device using HDMI
A method for transmitting and receiving data of a sink device by using HDMI is disclosed. A method for transmitting and receiving data of a sink device by using HDMI comprises receiving video data through at least one channel of HDMI from a source device; generating an error counter value by performing CED (Character Error Detection) on the received video data; in case the error counter value exceeds a threshold value, transmitting to the source device a CEC message requesting resolution change of the video data; and receiving video data with a resolution changed according to the CEC message from the source device. |
| US09942604B2 |
Legacy converter
The present disclosure describes a legacy converter for an audio distribution system that uses a local area network where the legacy converter converts a digital audio signal to and from an analog audio signal and provides an external bridge connection between the audio system and one or more legacy sources and one or more legacy control networks. The legacy converter includes a network controller where the network controller further includes an embedded controller with memory and which is programmed to function as a web server. In addition, the legacy converter includes a network interface, an audio format converter that includes one or more audio encoders to provide multiple conversions of different legacy audio inputs simultaneously, an analog to digital converter, a legacy controller, a legacy audio network interface that bridges the legacy sources, and, a legacy control network interface. |
| US09942603B2 |
Electronic system informing a first electronic device of user remote control activity involving a second electronic device
An electronic system is presented which includes a remote control device and a first electronic device. In one embodiment, the remote control device is configured to accept a user input signifying a command for a second electronic device, as well as generate the command for the second electronic device, and an indication of the command. In another embodiment, the remote control device is configured to accept a user input that causes a mode change of the remote control device, wherein the mode identifies one of a plurality of electronic devices that receive commands from the remote control device. The remote control device is also configured to transmit the command to the second electronic device, if applicable, and transmit the indication of the command or mode change to the first electronic device. The first electronic device is configured to receive and process the indication to alter operation of the first electronic device. |
| US09942599B2 |
Methods and apparatus to synchronize second screen content with audio/video programming using closed captioning data
A method for synchronized utilization of an electronic device is provided. The method receives closed captioning data from an audio/video content receiver for a set of audio/video content; retrieves detail for a first event occurring in the set of audio/video content, wherein the first event is indicated by the received closed captioning data; and presents content to a user, using the electronic device, based on the retrieved detail. |
| US09942597B2 |
Hybrid electronic programming guide
A hybrid, expandable electronic programming guide that may allow broadcast programming customers to view both broadcast programming options and over-the-top service options in a single electronic programming guide. |
| US09942596B2 |
Video processing system for demultiplexing received compressed and non- compressed video signals and transmitting demultiplexed signals
The present invention is intended to permit both real-time display of a picture represented by a non-compressed video signal on a television and display of a picture represented by a compressed video signal at any desired time by simultaneously transmitting the compressed video signal and non-compressed video signal via one interface. An STB packetizes a compressed video signal, and multiplexes the compressed video signal and a blanking signal combined with a non-compressed video signal. Thus, both the video signals are transmitted simultaneously. A picture represented by the non-compressed video signal is displayed on a television in real time. The compressed video signal is stored in a storage medium incorporated in the television, read at any user's desired time, and decoded so that a picture represented by the compressed video signal can be viewed at the user's desired time. |
| US09942594B2 |
Mobile virtual communication and entertainment service
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method including providing, by a processor in a dongle coupled to a display device, a graphical user interface at the display device, and transmitting a message to an authentication server in accordance with authentication information stored in a storage device of the dongle and an input via the graphical user interface. The method also includes obtaining an authentication confirmation; obtaining content from a content server; and recording the content in accordance with a second input via the graphical user interface. The recorded content is transmitted for storage at a storage server. The display device communicates with equipment of a video provider that is associated with a service area. In accordance with the authentication confirmation, the processor is authorized to obtain the content based on the location of the dongle relative to the service area. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09942591B2 |
Systems and methods for providing event-related video sharing services
Systems and methods for providing sports-related video sharing services to subscribers to such services are disclosed. The systems and methods enable the capture and storage of video data corresponding to sporting events held at sports venues, and the communication of captured video data to subscribers or others for viewing. The systems and methods also enable subscribers to create video highlight reels, with or without annotations and/or music, from the captured video data, to post the video highlight reels on web pages hosted by the system, and to communicate the video highlight reels for viewing by others. |
| US09942585B2 |
Intelligent buffering of media streams delivered over internet
A multimedia content stream that includes a series of segments may be received where each segment corresponds to a respective predicted seek position of a plurality of predicted seek positions in the multimedia content stream. A likelihood of receiving a seek request from a user to move from a current playout position in the multimedia content stream to one of the predicted seek positions in the multimedia content stream may be determined. A size of a buffer for each segment in the multimedia content stream may be determined based on the likelihood of receiving the seek request. |
| US09942576B2 |
Method and system for remote battery notification
There is a need to provide an intuitive way for a battery-powered device to send a low battery notification to another device that can properly notify a user that the battery-powered device has a low battery. The user can be notified by the other device even after the battery-powered device has exhausted its battery to the point where it can no longer report its battery state. A second electronic device (e.g., a remote control) can send a low battery notification to a first electronic device (e.g., a set-top box) so that the first electronic device can alert a user that the second electronic device has a low battery. |
| US09942570B2 |
Resource efficient video processing via prediction error computational adjustments
A video processing system dynamically adjusts video processing prediction error reduction computations in accordance with the amount of motion represented in a set of image data and/or available memory resources to store compressed video data. In at least one embodiment, video processing system adjusts utilization of prediction error computational resources based on the size of a prediction error between a first set of image data, such as current set of image data being processed, and a reference set of image data relative to an amount of motion in a current set of image data. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the video processing adjusts utilization of prediction error computation resources based upon a fullness level of a data buffer relative to the amount of motion in the current set of image data. |
| US09942568B2 |
Hybrid transform scheme for video coding
An apparatus for decoding a current block from an encoded bitstream includes a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to decode, from the encoded bitstream, a prediction mode of the current block and decode the current block using a transform type selected from a set that includes only a symmetrical discrete sine transform (SDST) and a two-dimensional discrete cosine transform (2D DCT). If the prediction mode is an inter prediction mode, the transform type used is the SDST. If the prediction mode is an intra prediction mode, the transform type used is the 2D DCT. |
| US09942566B2 |
Method and apparatus for intra mode coding
A method and apparatus of predictive Intra coding of a block are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the present invention, a set of Intra prediction modes is determined, and predictive Intra coding is applied to a prediction unit (PU) of an image based on one or more neighboring PUs according to a current Intra prediction mode. The current Intra prediction mode is selected from the set of Intra prediction modes and the current Intra prediction mode is predicted using most probable modes (MPMs) and remaining modes. A number of the remaining modes is kept as a power of 2. For example, the 32 remaining modes can be represented using 5-bit fixed length codes. |
| US09942565B2 |
Low-complexity intra prediction for video coding
The present invention provides a unique intra prediction process which improves the efficiency of video coding. H.264/AVC uses reference pixels in a horizontal boundary located immediately above a target block to be predicted and reference pixels in a vertical boundary located immediately left of the target block. In the present invention, at least some of one of an array of horizontal boundary pixels and an array of vertical boundary pixels are retrieved. Then, the retrieved pixels are added to the other boundary pixels to extend the array thereof. Intra prediction is performed, based solely on the extended array of boundary pixels. |
| US09942562B2 |
Video predictive encoding device, video predictive encoding method, video predictive encoding program, video predictive decoding device, video predictive decoding method, and video predictive decoding program
A video prediction encoding device provided with a picture storage unit storing, as reference pictures to be used for encoding of a subsequent picture, one or more of reconstructed pictures restored from compressed picture data and a memory control unit to control a frame memory in the picture storage unit. When a frame size of input pictures is not more than 1/(2^L) (where L is an integer of one or more) of a maximum frame size of pictures, the memory control unit determines that (2^L) times the maximum number of reconstructed pictures are storable in the frame memory. |
| US09942555B2 |
Picture coding device, picture coding method, picture coding program, picture decoding device, picture decoding method and picture decoding program
There is provided a picture coding device that performs intra prediction coding of a picture signal including a luma signal and a chroma signal in units of blocks and codes information relating to an intra prediction mode. When the intra prediction of a picture signal is made in units of coding blocks, in a case where a chroma format is 4:2:2, in a mode for setting a chroma intra prediction mode in accordance with the luma intra prediction mode, an intra prediction unit sets the chroma intra prediction mode based on the luma intra prediction mode and the chroma format and makes an intra prediction of the chroma signal. |
| US09942554B2 |
Image encoder and decoder using unidirectional prediction
The present invention relates to an image encoding and decoding technique, and more particularly, to an image encoder and decoder using unidirectional prediction. The image encoder includes a dividing unit to divide a macro block into a plurality of sub-blocks, a unidirectional application determining unit to determine whether an identical prediction mode is applied to each of the plurality of sub-blocks, and a prediction mode determining unit to determine a prediction mode with respect to each of the plurality of sub-blocks based on a determined result of the unidirectional application determining unit. |
| US09942552B2 |
Low bitrate video coding
Techniques related to video coding with low bitrates are discussed. Such techniques may include skipping coding of a picture of a group of pictures when an estimated coding bit cost of the picture is greater than an available coding bit limit for the picture and, when the estimated coding bit cost is not greater than the available coding bit limit, determining the coding skip indicator based on a picture type of the individual picture and a picture structure of the group of pictures. |
| US09942551B2 |
Palette index grouping for video coding
In an example, a method of decoding video data may include receiving a palette mode encoded block of video data of a picture. The method may include receiving encoded palette mode information for the palette mode encoded block of video data. The encoded palette mode information may include a plurality of instances of a first syntax element and a plurality of syntax elements that are different from the first syntax element. The method may include decoding, using bypass mode, the plurality of instances of the first syntax element before decoding the plurality of syntax elements that are different from the first syntax element using context mode. The method may include decoding, using context mode, the plurality of syntax elements that are different from the first syntax element after decoding the plurality of instances of the first syntax element using bypass mode. |
| US09942550B2 |
Image encoding device, image encoding method and program, image decoding device, and image decoding method and program
A luminance signal of an image and a chrominance signal of a bit depth different from that of the luminance signal is input, a luminance quantization parameter used to quantize the input luminance signal in block units is generated, a chrominance quantization parameter used to quantize the input chrominance signal in block units within a range depending on the luminance quantization parameter is generated, the input luminance signal is quantized by the luminance quantization parameter, the chrominance signal is quantized by the chrominance quantization parameter, and the range is changed depending on the difference between the bit depth of the luminance signal and the chrominance signal during the generation of the chrominance quantization parameter. |
| US09942547B2 |
Moving picture coding using inter-picture prediction with reference to previously coded pictures
According to a picture coding method, a coded picture is stored, as a reference picture, into a storage unit; commands indicating correspondence between reference pictures and reference indices for designating reference pictures and coefficients used for generation of predictive images are generated; a reference picture being used when motion compensation is performed on a current block in a current picture to be coded is designated by a reference index; a predictive image is generated by performing linear prediction on a block being obtained by motion estimation within the designated reference picture, by use of a coefficient corresponding to the reference index; a coded image signal including a coded signal obtained by coding a prediction error being a difference between the current block in the current picture to be coded and the predictive image, the commands, the reference index and the coefficient is outputted. |
| US09942543B2 |
System and method for improved optical character recognition for automated set-top box testing
The present application provides a user configurable test system for set-top boxes (STB) and other consumer devices providing video output. In particular, it provides for a method of improving an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) process in such test systems. |
| US09942542B2 |
Method for recognizing a band-limiting malfunction of a camera, camera system, and motor vehicle
The invention relates to a method for recognizing a band-limiting malfunction of a camera (3) of a motor vehicle (1), in which during the operation of the motor vehicle (1) an image (12) of a measurement object (9), which is external to the motor vehicle, is captured by means of the camera (3) arranged on the motor vehicle (1), and in the image (12) a point spread function (14) is determined on the basis of a brightness distribution (16) along a profile through a pixel with a brightness, which exceeds a brightness threshold value, of the measurement object (13) shown in the image (12), and on the basis of the determined point spread function (14) a property value of a property of the camera (3) is determined, and the band-limiting malfunction of the camera (3) is recognized, in case the property value of the camera (3) is smaller than a property threshold value. |
| US09942539B2 |
Scanning laser-based three dimensional (3D) display systems for viewers wearing 3D glasses
A display system for creating three dimensional (3D) imagery for a viewer wearing 3D glasses such as wavelength multiplex visualization (WMV) technology glasses with a first lens passing colored light in a first range of wavelengths and with a second lens passing colored light in a second range of wavelengths. The system includes a first WMV light source outputting a first light stream onto a display surface, with the first light stream having a wavelength in the first wavelength range. The system includes a second WMV light source outputting a second light stream onto the display surface concurrently with the second light stream, with the second light stream having a wavelength in the second wavelength range. The WMV light sources are scanning lasers that each may be a scanning laser providing red, green, or blue coherent light or a full red, green, and blue (RGB) scanning laser. |
| US09942530B2 |
Projection system and light screen generating device thereof
The present disclosure provides a projection system and a light screen generating device thereof. The light screen generating device includes a movable carrier module, a first light-emitting module, and a second light-emitting module. The first light-emitting module includes a plurality of first light-emitting structures disposed on the movable carrier module. Each of the first light-emitting structures generates an invisible light screen, and the invisible light screens respectively generated by the first light-emitting structures are mated with each other to form a spliced invisible light screen for increasing light emission uniformity. The second light-emitting module includes a second light-emitting structure that is disposed on the movable carrier module and that generates a visible light screen parallel to and overlapping the spliced invisible light screen. |
| US09942529B2 |
Image projection device
Provided is an image projection device that carries out high precision gesture detection. An image projection device has a projection unit that optically projects image and a gesture detection unit that detects human gestures and generates a signal for operating the projected image on the basis of the detection results. The gesture detection unit controls a range for detecting gesture according to the direction that the projection unit projects light and/or the placement state of the image projection device. The device has a laser light source and photodiode for detecting gestures, or has a pyroelectric sensor for detecting infrared rays. |
| US09942528B2 |
Wavelength conversion element, illumination device, and projector
The invention relates to a wavelength conversion element including: a substrate including a light-reflecting surface and rotatable around an axis of rotation; and a wavelength conversion layer supported by the light-reflecting surface. The wavelength conversion layer has a distribution of reflectance, along a circle centered on the axis of rotation, with respect to excitation light to excite the wavelength conversion layer. An average reflectance of the wavelength conversion layer with respect to the excitation light per the circle varies depending on a radius of the circle. |
| US09942526B2 |
Vehicle event recorders with integrated web server
Vehicle event recorders are arranged with integrated web servers to provide a simple user interface and control mechanism which may be address with commonly available hardware and software. A vehicle event recorder of these inventions couples to a network having a workstation node. The workstation having either of the many available web browsers can be used to view, address, control, perform data transfer, et cetera, by way of data exchange in accordance with simple IP protocols. A vehicle equipped with these systems returns to a household to make a network connection. A local server is used to see all exposed system controls as provided by predefined web pages provided by a web server integrated as part of the vehicle event recorder unit. |
| US09942517B1 |
Multi-mode video conferencing system
The present disclosure is directed to a video-enabled communication system that comprises a control unit, coupled with a camera, the camera acquiring an image of a local participant to provide to a remote participant during a video communication session. A microprocessor in the control unit executes an audio controller that causes the microprocessor to control, based on audio information collected by the control unit, movement and/or pan and/or tilt of a camera at a remote endpoint of the remote participant to capture a selected image of the remote participant for display to the local participant. The control unit can operate in multiple operating modes depending on the context of the video conference. |
| US09942516B1 |
Optimizing video conferencing using contextual information
The present disclosure is directed toward systems and methods for optimizing video conferences. For instance, systems and methods described herein optimize both the transmission and display of one or more video conference data streams. Systems and methods described herein optimize the transmission and display of one or more video conference data streams by identifying a context associated with the one or more video conference data streams and optimizing the one or more video conference data streams based on the identified context. |
| US09942515B2 |
Smart device pairing and configuration for meeting spaces
Pairing and configuring a computing device for use in a meeting space is provided. An appliance may communicate a broadcast to a computing device which announces the availability of a meeting space for a meeting. The computing device may establish a connection with the appliance. The computing device may then join the meeting in the meeting space. |
| US09942509B2 |
System and method for optimized appliance control
A device receives a request from a controlling device, such as a remote control, smart phone, or the like, where the request is intended to have one or more target devices perform one or more functional operations. The device responds to the request by applying the optimum methodology to propagate one or more commands to each intended target appliance to cause each intended target appliance to perform the intended one or more functional operations. |
| US09942507B2 |
Remote controller for setting mode according to state of broadcast receiving apparatus
A remote control apparatus for setting a mode according to a state of a broadcast receiving apparatus is provided. The remote control apparatus sets operation modes based on information regarding a state of a broadcast receiving apparatus received from the broadcast receiving apparatus. The operation mode of the remote control apparatus is automatically set based on information regarding a state of a broadcast receiving apparatus, so less power is consumed in the remote control apparatus. |
| US09942506B2 |
Solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device according to the present disclosure includes pixels arranged two-dimensionally, each of the pixels including: a metal electrode; a photoelectric conversion layer that is on the metal electrode and converts light into an electrical signal; a transparent electrode on the photoelectric conversion layer; an electric charge accumulation region that is electrically connected to the metal electrode and accumulates electric charges from the photoelectric conversion layer; an amplifier transistor that applies a signal voltage according to an amount of the electric charges in the electric charge accumulation region; and a reset transistor that resets electrical potential of the electric charge accumulation region, in which the reset transistor includes a gate oxide film thicker than a gate oxide film of the amplifier transistor. |
| US09942504B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and method for controlling the image capturing apparatus
An image capturing apparatus comprises an image sensor and a generation unit configured to generate a signal of each of the pixels from the signals respectively read out from the plurality of charge accumulation units. The image sensor includes a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels including: a photoelectric conversion unit; a plurality of charge accumulation units for accumulating a charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit; a control unit configured to control accumulation of charge in each of the plurality of charge accumulation units; and a readout unit configured to read out a signal corresponding to the charge from each of the plurality of charge accumulation units. The photoelectric conversion unit is formed in a first chip, and the plurality of charge accumulation units, the control unit, and the readout unit are formed in a second chip. |
| US09942501B2 |
Image sensor and method for driving image sensor
Provided are an image sensor compensating for property degradation of a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) resulting from a threshold voltage shift that may occur when photodiodes and a MOS circuit of configuring an amplifier are integrated on the same substrate, and a method for driving the image sensor. |
| US09942497B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus and imaging with a limiting circuit for limiting an amplifier output in first and second periods to first and second ranges
A solid-state imaging apparatus and an imaging system which can reduce the occurrence of darkening and decrease deterioration in CDS performance are provided. The solid-state imaging apparatus has: a pixel unit including a photoelectric conversion unit for generating a signal by a photoelectric conversion; an amplifier unit for amplifying the signal generated by the photoelectric conversion unit; and a limiting circuit for limiting a level of an output signal from the amplifier unit. The pixel unit outputs a noise signal under a reset state during a first period and outputs a pixel signal under a non-reset state during a second period. The limiting circuit limits the level of the output signal from the amplifier unit in the first period, lower than the level of the output signal from the amplifier unit in the second period. |
| US09942495B2 |
Imaging array having photodiodes with different light sensitivities and associated image restoration methods
A pixel sensor array includes a plurality of pixel sensors having a first gain and a plurality of pixel sensors having a second gain less than the first gain. |
| US09942492B2 |
Image sensors having high dynamic range functionalities
An image sensor pixel may include a photodiode, a charge storage region, a floating diffusion node, and a capacitor. A first transistor may be coupled between the photodiode and the charge storage region. A second transistor may be coupled between the charge storage region and the capacitor. The photodiode may generate image signals corresponding to incident light. Multiple image signals may be summed at the charge storage region. The second transistor may determine a portion of the image signal that may be sent to the capacitor for storage. The portion of the image signal that is sent to the capacitor may be a low gain signal. A remaining portion of the image signal may be a high gain signal. The image sensor pixel may also include readout circuitry that is configured to readout low and high gain signals stored at the floating diffusion node in a double-sampling readout operation. |
| US09942490B2 |
Compressive image sensing device and method
The present invention involves a CMOS image sensor including: a plurality of pixels distributed in a plurality of subsets, each subset defining a measurement support; and a circuit capable of implementing a compressive image sensing method, the method including: for a given integration time of the sensor pixels, reading, for each measurement support, a single output value based on the output values of a pseudo-random selection of one or a plurality of pixels of the support. |
| US09942488B2 |
Method for combining data signals and video signals for transmission to video display units
A method capable of combining data signals and video signals for transmission to a video display unit. The method comprises the steps of generating a data signal, transmitting the data signal to an apparatus, receiving the data signal at the apparatus, receiving a video/audio signal at the apparatus, combining the video/audio signal with the data signal to form a single combined signal, and displaying the combined signal on a video display unit. |
| US09942485B2 |
Camera and image processing method
A camera system and method provide a trailing motion blur effect without the use of a flash. In one embodiment, a variable light-transmissive filter is positioned in front of an image sensor. While the light-transmissive property of the filter is lower, the blurred image of the object in motion is produced. The light-transmissive property of the filter is increased during the exposure in order to produce a clearer image of the object. In a method, a plurality of images taken in rapid succession are combined to produce a clear image of the object with a trailing blurred image of the object. |
| US09942484B2 |
Electronic device and method for displaying image therein
A method for displaying an image in an electronic device provided. The method includes displaying an image and if a filter effect list request is input, dividing at least a portion of the image into a plurality of filter areas, and displaying a preview image in which different filter effects are applied to the plurality of filter areas. |
| US09942480B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
An image processing apparatus and method for regulating viewing image output of the image processor which processes motion and still images in a time divisional manner are provided. The image processing apparatus includes an image processor processing the viewing and still images in a time divisional manner, a timing manager storing the viewing image processed by the image processor temporarily and outputting the viewing image at a preset time of a frame period, and a controller controlling, in response to a capture request, the image processor to process the still image at a residual part of a current frame to be at a beginning part of a next frame and to process the buffered viewing image to be at the residual part of the next frame, wherein the residual part of the next frame is a part which remains after processing the still image completely. |
| US09942469B2 |
Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same
Disclosed is a mobile terminal, by which an image can be easily attached. In particular, the present invention includes a 1st camera, a touchscreen, and a controller controlling the touchscreen to output a running screen of a prescribed application and a preview screen of the 1st camera to a 1st region and a 2nd region on the touchscreen, respectively, the controller, if a photograph command is received, attaching an image data photographed through the 1st camera to the prescribed application, wherein a data size of the attached image data is based on a size of the 2nd region. |
| US09942460B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and program
There is provided an image processing device including a camerawork determination unit configured to determine camerawork at a time of imaging and set a determination start timing of a main subject in image data on the basis of the determination, and a main subject determination unit configured to determine the main subject among subjects contained in the image data from the image data from the determination start timing. |
| US09942453B2 |
Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same
Disclosed are a mobile terminal having a plurality of light emitting devices, and a method for controlling the same. The mobile terminal includes a camera; a light emitting portion including a plurality of light emitting units; and a controller configured to control the light emitting portion to emit light, such that depth information of an image received through the camera is extracted, wherein the controller determines the number of light emitting units which emit light among the plurality of light emitting units, based on a distance between a subject corresponding to the image and the camera. |
| US09942451B2 |
Photographing apparatus
A photographing apparatus includes a chassis, in which a recess is formed; the recess including at least one pair of inner wall surfaces which face each other; an imaging unit positioned in the recess; an intermediate frame which is interposed between the recess and the imaging unit, the intermediate frame including a pair of support walls which correspond to the pair of inner wall surfaces of the recess; a first cushioning member which is interposed between one of the pair of support walls of the intermediate frame and an adjacent outer wall surface of the imaging unit; and a second cushioning member which is interposed between the other of the pair of support walls of the intermediate frame and an adjacent inner wall surface of the pair of inner wall surfaces of the recess. |
| US09942447B2 |
Color processing device for compositing color conversion rules, image forming system, color processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A color processing device includes a compositing unit, a modification unit, and an output unit. The compositing unit composites plural color conversion rules in a color space that includes plural color components through serial processing. The modification unit modifies the color conversion rules after being composited by the compositing unit, by applying an inverse conversion of a specific one-dimensional correlation, which correlates input color values and output color values in the color space, to the composited color conversion rules. The output unit outputs the composited color conversion rules after being modified and the specific one-dimensional correlation. |
| US09942445B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires, from image data acquired in such a manner that a chart formed by an image forming unit is read, a line signal value from pixel values of pixels for a line arranged in a first direction of the chart and a line representative value by using line signal values respectively acquired from a plurality of lines adjacent to each other in a second direction different from the first direction of the chart, and a determination unit that determines a portion where a streak is generated in the second direction by using a difference between a first representative value and a second representative value. |
| US09942438B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes an image reading part that reads an image formed on a recording medium, an accommodating unit that accommodates the image reading part and supports the image reading part in such a manner that the image reading part is capable of being displaced toward a side on which the recording medium is to be disposed, and an urging member that urges, in the accommodating unit, the image reading part toward the side on which the recording medium is to be disposed. The accommodating unit includes an urging-member-mounting portion in which the urging member is mounted, and at least one window is formed in the urging-member-mounting portion on a side opposite to a side on which the image reading part is disposed. |
| US09942433B2 |
Image forming apparatus and recording medium
An image forming apparatus includes an installer portion, the installer portion being capable of installing a translation data application and an add-on application on the image forming apparatus, the add-on application for customizing functions of the image forming apparatus. The translation data application has a data structure including: a translation data file containing multiple terms in one or more languages; and a definition file specifying an access method for the add-on application to access the translation data application and a function for the add-on application to extract a target term in a target language from the translation data file. Upon activation of the add-on application, the add-on application performs the following operations: accessing the translation data application by the access method; extracting a target term in a target language from the translation data file by the function; and generating a display screen using the extracted term. |
| US09942429B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image reading apparatus and image reading method
An image forming apparatus comprises an automatic document feeder (ADF); a light source configured to irradiate the document conveyed by the ADF with light; a glass member which can be switched to a first mode in which the light from the light source is transmitted and to a second mode in which the light from the light source is reflected; a signal processing circuit configured to include an image sensor for respectively receiving the reflected light of the document and the glass member, read an image of the document in the first mode and generate a signal of a white reference value based on the reflected light of the glass member in the second mode; and a shading correction circuit configured to correct, based on the signal of the white reference value, image data of the document read such that the brightness in the horizontal scanning direction is uniform. |
| US09942428B2 |
Multi-function apparatus
A multi-function apparatus includes a body, an image reading unit, a document cover and a locking member. The image reading unit is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The document cover is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The locking member is movable to a first position and a second position and includes a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion. In response to a movement of the document cover to the opened position, the locking member moves to the first position and locks the image reading unit to the closed position. In response to a movement of the image reading unit to the opened position, the locking member moves to the second position and locks the document cover to the closed position. |
| US09942427B2 |
Information processing apparatus, display control method, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a storage control unit, and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires management information for managing a period during which a content update is displayed. The storage control unit controls a memory to store the acquired management information. The display control unit controls a display unit to display an object for selecting a content. When displaying the object, the display unit performs a display indicating an update of the content within a period managed by the management information, and does not perform the display indicating an update of the content out of the period managed by the management information, based on the stored management information. When displaying the content, the display control unit controls the display unit to display information indicating an update of the content within the period managed by the management information, even when the object is selected. |
| US09942424B2 |
Printing system for displaying digital images
A method of displaying a digital image having a high aspect ratio on a user interface screen connected to a control unit of a printing system includes the steps of determining a first part of the digital image, which part includes one end of the digital image in a longitudinal direction; determining a second part of the digital image, which part includes the other end of the digital image in the longitudinal direction; displaying the first part and the second part simultaneously on the user interface screen; and further displaying the remaining part of the digital image in a suppressed manner or a compressed manner in-between the first part and the second part at the user interface screen. A printing system includes a control unit, which includes a memory unit for storing a digital image, and a user interface screen for displaying the digital image, the control unit being configured to execute the method. |
| US09942417B2 |
Method and apparatus for over-the-air activation of neighborhood cordless-type services
A method for providing local cordless service comprises the steps of receiving subscriber neighborhood zone selection input so that a mobile telephone equipped subscriber may place or receive calls for a fixed rate, for example, per month without having to pay radio frequency air time charges any time they are located within their selected subscribed-to zones. If the subscribed-to zones are adjacent to one another and the mobile subscriber roans from one zone to another, the subscriber may continue their fee call uninterrupted and without paying air time charges. However, when the subscriber roans outside their subscribed-to zones they may be switched from the present local cordless services to conventional personal communications services and pay air time charges. However for an active call, No air-time charges are incurred as the user transitions between the cellular/DPCS environment and the local cordless service environment. |
| US09942416B2 |
Telecommunication price-based routing apparatus, system and method
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to telecommunications networks, processing and routing calls between networks, a computing system and methodologies for optimizing pricing particularly in situations with massive amounts of data, processing call volume data, deseasonalizing data, minutes of use data, establishing and distributing pricing data for use in routing decisions, among other features and advantages. |
| US09942412B1 |
Use of contention-free random-access preamble in paging process
Disclosed is a method and system to help ensure contention-free response to a paging message. As disclosed, when a base station transmits a paging message for receipt by a UE, the base station includes in the paging message a contention-free random-access preamble useable by the UE to engage in contention-free random access in response to the paging message. The UE thus receives the paging message and responsively engages in a contention-free random access process with the base station, to establish a radio-link-layer connection between the UE and the base station. |
| US09942411B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for voice-over internet protocol calls
Network resources for a call are allocated. The network resources for the call are reserved based on a reservation. The network resources are reserved before any one network resource is committed. If the call is confirmed, then the network resources are committed. |
| US09942410B2 |
Controller for the intelligent interconnection of two communication networks, and method of use for same
A caller ID based call routing feature. A processing system in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) receives first identifying information for identifying the source of a telephone call and associates additional information stored in a memory with the first identifying information. The additional information may then be transmitted to the subscriber via the Internet for display. Another feature is a branch calling feature where the subscriber may program a processing system within the PSTN to forward an incoming call to two or more end units (e.g., telephones) simultaneously. If the call at an end unit is answered, answer supervision signaling is transmitted back to the processing system which then terminates all other calls. The processing system then connects the calling party to the subscriber. The branch calling may be made for any combination of local, long distance, and cellular telephone numbers. |
| US09942409B1 |
System and computer-implemented method for translating coding language for graphical scripts
A system and method for translating a coding language for graphical scripts used by a communication routing system into a preferred language. The original script files are received, and translation and validation rules are applied to produce translated script files. The coding language may be translated into an intermediate language which may be translated into the preferred language. A cross-reference and nodes resource is queried to gather associated contextual information for understanding and analyzing the translated script files. The translated script files and the associated contextual information are stored in a database. Thereafter, in response to a query from a user, the database is searched for information of interest from the translated script files, and the information is reported. In one possible application, the technology facilitates performing a path analysis of an individual call flow in which all possible outcomes of a communication are determined from initiation to completion. |
| US09942408B2 |
Conference management system, conference management device, wireless terminal, conference management method, and conference management program
A conference management system of the present invention displays, before terminals used by users participate in a conference, electric field intensity information of the respective terminals, and available capacity information of bands in a plurality of lines, for each of the respective terminals and enables the users to select one terminal from among the plurality of terminals based on the display. Provided is the conference management system including a conference management device connected to a plurality of networks and a plurality of wireless terminals connected to the conference management device via access points corresponding to the plurality of networks. One or more wireless terminals corresponding to a predetermined user name display a plurality of wireless terminal names corresponding to the predetermined user name, and electric field intensity information and band information of access points to which the respective terminals belong, which have been received from the conference management device. |
| US09942406B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing telephone calls
A system and method for managing telephone calls is disclosed. The system includes a central controller that receives and processes telephone calls. The identity of a caller is first determined. Based on predetermined settings designated by an end user, a call is directed to one or more telephones of the end user. Preferably, the end user's telephones ring simultaneously. The user may answer any of his/her telephones and choose from among several options of how to handle the call. If the user chooses to answer the call, the call may be transferred to that telephone and the conversation may commence. |
| US09942405B1 |
Techniques for behavioral pairing in a contact center system
Techniques for behavioral pairing in a contact center system are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for behavioral pairing in a contact center system comprising: determining, by at least one computer processor communicatively coupled to and configured to operate in the contact center system, a plurality of contacts available for connection to an agent; determining, by the at least one computer processor, a plurality of preferred contact-agent pairings among possible pairings between the agent and the plurality of contacts; selecting, by the at least one computer processor, one of the plurality of preferred contact-agent pairings according to a probabilistic network flow model; and outputting, by the at least one computer processor, the selected one of the plurality of preferred contact-agent pairings for connection in the contact center system. |
| US09942404B1 |
Method of operating an ordering call center using voice recognition technology
A system and method are provided for operating a call order center, comprising: obtaining voice training data for a call center service representative (CCSR) for phrases associated with an ordering process or products associated with the call order center; receiving customer call for an order by the CCSR on a telephone; activating a voice recognition system that accesses the CCSR voice training data via a switch; during a telephone call, issuing commands and providing data by the CCSR associated with the order to the voice recognition system that are translated and entered into an ordering system by the voice recognition system; and deactivating the voice recognition system via the switch. A role can be assigned to or deassigned from an employee based on their location relative to a particular location point within a work area. |
| US09942403B2 |
Communication system for determining queue using contextual data
A communication device is provided for enabling a user to establish an automated call back from a communication system, such as a call center, for example. A software device application enables the communication device to communicate with the call center through the exchange of data. The communication device includes a display screen for displaying controls for allowing the user to interact with the communication system. The controls allow the user to request a list of providers from which to select a provider or company to contact. The communication device further provides controls for allowing the user to select a queue to join from a list of queues associated with the selected provider. An embodiment of a system and method for managing, directing, and queuing communication events may also communicate contextual data between a communication device and a communication system. |
| US09942398B2 |
Just-in time data positioning for customer service interactions
Methods, non-transitory computer readable media and devices are disclosed for caching data associated with a second state in a customer service interaction call flow when a first state in the customer service interaction call flow is reached. For example, a method includes a processor for initiating a customer service transaction associated with a customer service interaction flow in response to a communication from a user, determining that a first state in the customer service interaction flow is reached during the customer service transaction, calculating that a likelihood of needing data associated with a second state in the customer service interaction flow during the customer service transaction exceeds a threshold, retrieving, from a data store, data associated with the second state, and storing data associated with the second state in a cache. |
| US09942396B2 |
Document distribution and interaction
Workflows are provided that enable documents to be distributed, assented to, and otherwise interacted with on an aural and/or oral basis. Such workflows can be implemented so as to allow a recipient to receive, understand, and interact with a document using conventional components such as the microphone and speaker provided by a telephone. For instance, in one embodiment a document originator may send a document to a recipient with a request for an electronic signature. The document may include an audio version of the document terms. The recipient can listen to the audio version of the document terms and record an electronic signature that represents assent to such terms. An electronic signature server can record the recipient's electronic signature and incorporate it into the document, such that it forms part of the electronic document just as a traditional handwritten signature forms part of a signed paper document. |
| US09942393B2 |
Audio chat management device and method
A server according to one embodiment includes an information storage unit that store various types of information; a notification information transmission unit that transmits predetermined notification information to a terminal device of an invited user who is invited to a voice chat in response to receiving a voice chat initiation request from a terminal device of a requesting user; a state monitor unit that monitors whether the requesting user and the invited user are in an available state in which they are able to perform a voice chat; and a voice chat control unit that enables a voice chat communication between the terminal device of the requesting user and the terminal device of the invited user when the requesting user and the invited user are in the available state. The server serves as a voice chat management device that manages a voice chat between users who operate their terminal devices. |
| US09942388B2 |
Service profile handling in the IMS
A Home Subscriber Server for handling IP Multimedia Subsystem subscriptions comprises means for maintaining associations between public user identities and Service Profiles, where two or more public user identities can be associated with a common Service Profile, and means for identifying to a network node all public user identities that are associated with a common Service Profile. |
| US09942383B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing contact information using a wireless terminal
A method and apparatus for processing contact information, the method comprising: displaying a list of contacts on a display of a wireless terminal; determining a first contact from the list of contacts in response to a selection by a user; obtaining a web log address and an online shop address of the first contact; obtaining, from a network service, a first content corresponding to the web log address and the online shop address of the first contact; and displaying the first content on a first area of the display, the first content being dynamically updated. |
| US09942382B2 |
Electronic device, control method, and non-transitory storage medium
There is provided an electronic device comprising: a first sensor configured to measure information for determining whether the electronic device is in water; a second sensor configured to measure information for determining whether the electronic device is held by a user of the electronic device; and at least one controller configured to determine whether the electronic device is in the water based on the information measured by the first sensor and thereafter determine whether the electronic device is held by the user of the electronic device based on the information measured by the second sensor. |
| US09942381B2 |
Method and system for selecting a communication status for at least one mobile terminal
A method selects a communication status for a first mobile terminal. The first mobile terminal assumes a “slave” status during a first time period and waits to see whether, by a communication request from another mobile terminal to the first mobile terminal, a connection is set up to the other mobile terminal. If a connection is set up, the first mobile terminal constantly assumes the “slave” status and the other mobile terminal constantly assumes a “master” status. After the first time period without a communication request from another mobile terminal, the first mobile terminal switches from the “slave” status to the “master” status for a second time period and sends a number of communication requests to set up a connection to another mobile terminal and, if a connection is set up in this way, constantly assumes the “master” status and the other mobile terminal constantly assumes the “slave” status. |
| US09942379B2 |
Wireless docking
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed that identify a first peripheral and a second peripheral, receive information from the first peripheral and the second peripheral, communicate the information received from the first peripheral to the second peripheral, and communicate the information received from the second peripheral to the first peripheral. The information communicated to the first and second peripherals allow the first and second peripherals to communicate directly with one another. |
| US09942377B2 |
Portable telephone
In a portable telephone according to the present invention, a display displays a block indicative of an operator, predetermined information and a pointer; the operator can be operated in directions opposite to each other; and the controller controls the display so as to shift the pointer to a desirable position within a predetermined information on a screen of the display in accordance with an operation of the operator and also display a mark indicative of a direction to which the pointer can be shifted and in which the predetermined information exists, adjacently to the block along a shift direction through the operator. |
| US09942374B2 |
Apparatus and method for executing shortcut function in a portable terminal
An apparatus and method for executing a shortcut function in a portable terminal are provided, in which a display is included, a memory stores at least one drag pattern, a hold screen shortcut list, and a volume control menu, and a controller displays a hold screen by executing a hold function, recognizes a drag pattern received from a user, compares the recognized drag pattern with the stored at least one drag pattern, and executes the hold screen shortcut function for executing the shortcut function during executing the hold function when the recognized drag pattern is identical to a first drag pattern among the stored at least one drag pattern. |
| US09942372B2 |
Method, device and touch screen terminal for processing incoming calls when driving
A method and device for processing an incoming call when driving are provided. The method includes that when a touch screen terminal receives an incoming call, a function of normally processing an incoming call and a function of urgently processing an incoming call are activated; an incoming call response which is made by a user through the function of normally processing an incoming call or the function of urgently processing an incoming call is detected; and the incoming call is processed correspondingly according to a result of the detected incoming call response. Thus, it is more convenient for a user who receives an incoming call when driving to urgently answer or reject the incoming call, thereby improving the security of the user processing the incoming call with the touch screen terminal when driving. |
| US09942367B2 |
Electronic device and method for controlling the electronic device thereof
Provided herein are an electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device, the electronic device including a display including a main display area arranged on a front surface of the electronic device and a sub display area that extends from one side of the main display area and arranged on at least one area of a rear surface of the electronic device; a receiver including audio output circuitry configured to output audio received from an external terminal; a display antenna located on one or more of the main display area and the sub display area, and configured to perform communication with an external terminal; and a processor configured to control the display antenna based on a network state or a type of an application being executed. |
| US09942366B2 |
Method of utilizing echo cancellation for enhancing wide-bandwidth opportunity for wi-fi
Techniques for presenting communication by two or more stations in a WLAN environment are provided. Specifically, methods are presented, that when taken alone or together, provide a device or group of devices with an efficient way for bandwidth adaptation using echo cancellation. |
| US09942363B2 |
Scalable content delivery network request handling mechanism to support a request processing layer
Described herein are improved systems, methods, and devices for delivering and managing metadata in a distributed computing platform such as a content delivery network (CDN) so as to configure content servers to handle client requests. The teachings hereof provide, among other things, scalable and configurable solutions for delivering and managing metadata, preferably by leveraging dynamically obtained control information. For example, in one embodiment, a given content server may store metadata, e.g., in a configuration file, that references dynamic, late-bound control information for use in satisfying dependencies. This dynamic control information can be requested by the CDN content server, typically from a remote host, when needed to parse and execute the metadata. |
| US09942360B2 |
System and method for digital token exchange and delivery
A system includes hardware processors and a token exchange module configured to create a uniquely identified first digital token including an owner ID field identifying the current possessor of the digital token, associate the first digital token with digital content presented to the first user in a mixed reality environment, present the digital within the MR environment, make the first digital token available for acquisition, receive a request to acquire the first digital token, assign possession of the first digital token, via the owner ID field, to the first unique user ID of the first user based on the request to acquire the first digital token, receive a request to transfer the first digital token from the first user to the second user, the second user having a second unique user ID, and changing the owner ID field to the second unique user ID based on the request to transfer. |
| US09942359B2 |
Method and system for synchronizing software module hosts
Disclosed is a method and apparatus that receives, over a network from a computing device being used by a user, a request to configure a first software module host with respect to a software module, the first software module host associated with the user. The apparatus transmits over the network to the computing device instructions to configure, for display by the computing device, the first software module host in accordance with the request. The apparatus computer transmits over the network to the computing device instructions to apply the same configuration with respect to the software module to a second software module host, the second software module host also associated with the user. |
| US09942358B2 |
Recommending applications
A method includes receiving, at data processing hardware, a notification corresponding to an application and associated with a user. The method includes determining, by the data processing hardware, notification data associated with the notification. The notification data includes one or more of sender data, receiver data, subject data, and message data. The method also includes identifying, by the data processing hardware, one or more applications of a collection of applications associated with the user as one or more recommended applications satisfying criteria for a user selection based on the notification data. In addition, the method includes displaying, on a screen in communication with the data processing hardware, a user selectable link for each recommended application. Each user selectable link is associated with an application access mechanism that has a reference to the corresponding recommended application and that indicates a performable operation for the corresponding recommended application. |
| US09942352B2 |
Method and system for a crowd service store
A method, medium, and system to receive a request for a web-based service from an application, determine whether the requested service is available for consumption, invoke an application programming interface (API) call to the requested service, establish a communication connection between the application and the requested service, and deliver the requested service to the application over the established communication link, including management thereof. |
| US09942349B2 |
Incremental browser-based device fingerprinting
A method for incrementally fingerprinting a computing device includes steps for executing device-identification code programmed to retrieve a complete set of device configuration metrics from a web browser of the computing device, interrupting execution of the device-identification code after retrieval of a first subset of the device configuration metrics, generating a partial device fingerprint from the first subset, generating a temporary device identifier from the partial device fingerprint, and generating a subset indicator identifying the device configuration metrics that compose the first subset. Additional steps include writing the temporary device identifier and the subset indicator to browser-based storage of the computing device, resuming execution of the device-identification code, querying the browser-based storage for presence of the temporary device identifier, and retrieving, responsive to detecting the temporary device identifier, a second subset of the device configuration metrics, the second subset comprising device configuration metrics not identified by the subset indicator. |
| US09942348B2 |
Verifying controller actions in software-defined networks with controller clusters
Methods and arrangements for verifying controller actions in a clustered software defined network. A contemplated method includes: intercepting at least one message at the primary controller; wherein the at least one intercepted message comprises a message that induces one or more changes in the network; intercepting at least one cache update in the network; replicating the at least one intercepted message and the at least one cache update; directing the at least one replicated message and the at least one replicated cache update to a verification subsystem; and verifying the at least one replicated message and the at least one replicated cache update in the verification subsystem. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein. |
| US09942345B2 |
Web server caching for performance improvement
A machine-controlled method may include a web server identifying data to be cached and caching the data at the web server, the data originating from an external data source, an application server generating metadata that corresponds to the cached data, determining whether external data corresponding to the cached data has changed, receiving information corresponding to the changed external data, and updating the cached content based on the metadata and the received information. |
| US09942337B2 |
System and method for continuously monitoring and searching social networking media
A system for continuously monitoring and searching social networking media allowing at least one client to access the system through a respective connection link and for connecting to at least one social networking media through a connection link. The system further comprises a connecting module comprising at least one connecting unit to connect to the at least one social network media for receiving continuously for a time selected by the activity data shared in real time and/or posted by users of the social network media; and a processing module comprising a processing unit, configured to process continuously for the time selected by the client the received activity data based on at least one pre-determined monitoring criterion selected by the client from a number of predetermined criteria, and a notification unit configured to send a notification to the client when the received activity data meet the selected monitoring criteria. |
| US09942336B2 |
Time and task based validation to enable or disable parental controls
Approaches are provided for to enabling or disabling parental controls based on time or task validation using a centralized computing environment. An approach includes receiving parental control rules for one or more computing devices. The approach further includes publishing the parental control rules to each of the one or more computing devices to enable the parental control rules on each of the one or more computing devices. The approach further includes determining whether at least one of completion of a task is validated, and the current time is outside of a specified time. The approach further includes at least one of when the completion of the task is validated, and the current time is outside of the specified time period, publishing a parental control disable command to each of the one or more computing devices to disable at least one of the parental control rules. |
| US09942335B2 |
Contextual connection invitations
Systems and methods are provided for including information in an invitation from a first to connect with a second user that identifies a context regarding how the first user found the second user. A system can include a request component configured to receive, at a first network source, information identifying a second user that a first user has selected to send an invitation to connect with at the first network source, a context component configured to determine a context regarding selection of the second user by the first user, including where the first user found the information identifying the second user, and a generation component configured to generate an invitation that invites the second user to connect with the first user at the first network source. The invitation comprises first user identification information and context information identifying the context regarding the selection of the second user by the first user. |
| US09942334B2 |
Activity graphs
The description relates to activity graphs. One example can obtain details from multiple activity cards. The example can identify relationships between at least some of the details of the multiple activity cards. The example can also generate an activity graph that reflects at least some of the relationships between individual activity cards. |
| US09942331B2 |
Utilization of computing services
A method to connect an application to an application service includes accessing code corresponding to an application to determine a reference to an application service, determining a service connection driver corresponding to the application service, invoking the service connection driver, and receiving connection information in response to the service connection driver establishing a service connection between the application and the application service. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed herein. |
| US09942327B1 |
Memory sharing for buffered macro-pipelined data plane processing in multicore embedded systems
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of operating and allocating a shared memory between various applications operating via a processing computing platform. One example may include receiving a first buffer context switch request message from a first application operating via a processor, transmitting a first buffer context switch flag to the processor operating the application confirming the first buffer context switch request was received, receiving a second buffer context switch request from a second application with a different processing cycle operating via the processor and transmitting a second buffer context switch flag to the processor operating the second application confirming the second buffer context switch request was received. Once the applications have been identified and confirmed, a synchronization operation may be performed to create a shared number of memory units between at least two different buffers and provide the shared memory units to the first application and the second application. |
| US09942326B1 |
In-memory database with memory clustering utilizing software-defined storage functionality
An apparatus in one embodiment comprises a plurality of compute nodes each having a processor coupled to a memory. The apparatus further comprises a storage system configured for communication with the compute nodes over at least one network, with the storage system comprising a software-defined storage controller configured to implement an in-memory database accessible as a unified memory cluster to respective processors of the compute nodes. The in-memory database comprises portions of respective memories of the compute nodes. The in-memory database may be expanded, for example, using an additional portion of the memory of one of the compute nodes, responsive to an overflow event associated with the memory of another one of the compute nodes. The compute nodes may illustratively comprise respective analysis nodes that run respective applications configured to utilize analytics functionality of the in-memory database. Other illustrative embodiments include systems, methods and processor-readable storage media. |
| US09942322B1 |
Call log update across mobile device and WebRTC client device
Systems, methods, and applications for providing consolidated call logs for both cellular and internet calls. The application (or, “app”) can retrieve (pull), or push, information from a cellular call log to a web real-time communications (WebRTC) call log, and vice-versa. The applications can retrieve call log information from a WebRTC client, for example, and then push this information to user equipment (UE) using a suitable messaging protocol. The app can also retrieve the cellular call log from the call log on the UE, or from cloud-based storage, and push it to the WebRTC client. A consolidated call log can be provided that provides all calls (i.e., cellular- and web-based calls) in a single log. The consolidated call log can also include tabs, or other features, to enable the calls to be displayed separately by source. |
| US09942321B2 |
Identity-to-account correlation and synchronization
A method, program product, and apparatus for managing profiles in an access management domain. In an embodiment, attribute field mapping rules are generated for an identity profile schema applied to a plurality of identity profiles and an account profile schema applied to a plurality of account profiles. Each of the identity profiles includes one or more identity attribute fields and each of the plurality of account profiles includes one or more account attribute fields. As part of generating attribute field mapping rules, a synchronization manager iteratively compares data in each of the identity attribute fields with data in one or more of each of the account attribute fields. In response to detecting a match between data in a given identity attribute field and data in a given account attribute field, the synchronization manager increments an attribute correlation value that is associated with the given identity attribute field and the given account attribute field. The synchronization manager compares attribute correlation values that are each associated with a same identity attribute field and identifies a dominant attribute correlation value based on said comparing attribute correlation values. |
| US09942320B2 |
Method and architecture for application mobility in distributed cloud environment
A method for moving application related records (220) between distributed cloud domains (206a to 206w) when a user terminal (210) changes its physical location and a predetermined condition is fulfilled. The user terminal (210) is connected to a telecommunication network (201) and uses an application (App). The method determines that a user terminal location has changed at least from a first network area (202) of the telecommunication network (201) to a second network area (204), considering one or more constraints associated with (i) a location of the user terminal (210) in the second network area (204), (ii) a location of a cloud component of the application (App) in a first cloud domain (206n) associated with the first network area (201), and (iii) a location of a second cloud domain (206w) associated with the second network area (204), and moves, when the predetermined condition is fulfilled, the application related records (220) from the first cloud domain (206n) to the second cloud domain (206w). |
| US09942318B2 |
Producing search results by aggregating messages from multiple search peers
Asynchronous processing of messages that are received from multiple servers is disclosed. An example method may include transmitting, by a computer system, a search request to a plurality of search peers of a data aggregation and analysis system. The method may further include receiving a plurality of sub-application layer protocol packets from the plurality of search peers. The method may further include parsing, by a first processing thread of the computer system, one or more sub-application layer protocol packets of the plurality of sub-application layer protocol packets, to produce an application layer message representing a partial response to the search request. The method may further include processing, by a second processing thread of the computer system, the application layer message to produce a memory data structure representing an aggregated response to the search request. |
| US09942317B2 |
Ad hoc decentralized cloud infrastructure
Technologies for establishing and utilizing a decentralized cloud infrastructure using a plurality of mobile computing devices include broadcasting for the formation of the decentralized cloud computing and storage infrastructure and establishing wireless communications between the plurality of mobile computing devices. The plurality of mobile computing devices self-organize and cooperate with one another to establish a structured decentralized cloud infrastructure to expose and sharing resources, services, and/or applications for ad hoc or socially-driven decentralized, cloud computing purposes. |
| US09942313B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributing media content
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, initializing a boundary estimate for an optimization of a linear programming model describing a network of media servers for servicing requests for media content items from subscriber devices, where the boundary estimate is an estimate of an infeasible solution of the linear programming model, and calculating iteratively, using an exponential potential function, additional boundary estimates for the linear programming model, wherein the calculating resolves to an improved boundary estimate that corresponds to placement of copies of the media content items at the media servers subject to a set of constraints on storage capacity of media servers and on bandwidth for communication links in the network. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09942310B1 |
Load balanced system for a multi-user CAX environment
A system for multi-user design includes a host computer having a memory and a processor. The host computer is configured to operate a multi-user CAx environment including a part file, a plurality of local computers in communication with the host computer, a plurality of data storage systems in communication with the host computer, and a load balancing module within the CAx environment. Each of the local computers includes a local CAx environment portion of the multi-user CAx environment. Each of the data storage systems includes at least a portion of the part file. The load balancing module is configured to cause the host computer to assign edits originating at one of the local computers to one of the plurality of data storage systems. |
| US09942308B2 |
Performing communication based on grouping of a plurality of information processing devices
An information processing apparatus includes a communication unit, a storage, an operation reception unit, and a controller. The communication unit is capable of communicating with a different information processing apparatus and a server on a network. The storage is capable of storing data. The operation reception unit is capable of receiving an operation of a user that selects the data. The controller is capable of controlling the communication unit to transmit the selected data to the server and transmit notification information to the different information processing apparatus, the notification information indicating transmission of the data to the server. |
| US09942305B2 |
Method and apparatus for resource downloading over a network from multiple sources
A method for file downloading is described. The method comprises: transmitting a first request to a server to start a downloading process of a file; receiving a first destination address and a first cookie for the downloading process, wherein the first destination address and the first cookie are associated with the file; storing the first destination address, the first cookie, a link address associated with the file, and a web address associated with the link address; detecting an interruption of the downloading process; and responsive to detection of an interruption of the downloading process, transmitting a second request to the server for a second destination address and a second cookie associated with the file based on the link address and web address. The method further comprises resuming the downloading process of the file using the second destination address and the second cookie. |
| US09942304B2 |
Remote control authority and authentication
The invention relates to systems and methods to enable a mobile device to be used as a remote control, in order to control one or more remotely controllable objects. In possible embodiments of the invention, proximity-based (or other) remote controls include control authorization to enable the transfer or sharing of control between different remote controls being implemented on different mobile devices, in order to permit different users to transfer or share control of a same remotely controllable object, for example. In other possible embodiments of the invention, a proximity-based (or other) remote control uses control authentication to enable the pairing of a remote control implemented on a device and a remotely controllable object, for example. Various embodiments of control authority and control authentication are possible and anticipated by the invention to address a wide range of practical remote control applications and provide many benefits to users. |
| US09942298B2 |
Dynamic help pages using linked data
Help page techniques including: (i) sending, by a customer computer, heterogeneous software context data to a central registry over a communication network; (ii) receiving, by the customer computer, from a registry server over the communication network, a set of network address information including at least a first network address information for contacting a first provider server relating to the first software product and a second network address information for contacting a second provider server relating to the second software product; and (iii) linking, by the customer computer, the first and second network address information on a single set of help page(s). |
| US09942295B2 |
Live crowdsourced media streaming
Technologies for crowdsourced media streaming include a number of mobile computing devices configured to capture media streams and transmit the media streams to a media server. The media server associates the media streams with metadata describing the media streams, including metadata describing an event captured in the media stream. The media server also processes the media streams to generate additional metadata. A number of client computing devices may submit media stream requests to the media server, and the media server contemporaneously streams matching media streams to the client computing devices as the media streams are captured by the mobile computing devices. The client computing devices may transmit feedback information relating to the media stream to the source mobile computing device via the media server. The client computing devices may display the media streams alongside or overlaying other media such as a broadcast media event. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09942291B2 |
Seamless switching between multicast video streams
A packet-based video network including: two or more video data sources, each configured to launch video data packets onto the network as multicast data packets each associated with a multicast group identifier corresponding to that video data source; and a video data destination configured to receive and process video data from a video data source by joining a multicast group corresponding to that video data source, and execute a switching operation to switch from receiving video data from a first video data source to receiving video data from a second video data source by leaving a multicast group of the first video data source and joining a multicast group of the second video data source. The video data destination is configured to process video data corresponding to a video frame which, at end of a frame period, represents a most recently received video frame from the first video data source. |
| US09942290B2 |
Fast channel change in a multicast adaptive bitrate (MABR) streaming network using HTTP download segment recovery in a shared progressive ABR download pipe
A system and method for effectuating channel changes in a multicast adaptive bitrate (MABR) streaming network using temporarily borrowed bandwidth from a shared progressive download ABR bandwidth pipe for downloading a requested channel's data in a recovery segment by issuing an HTTP request. A video management agent is configured to stitch the recovery segment's data with the regular channel stream during the channel change to generate a hybrid stream, which is multicast streamed toward the requesting device. Once the data from the regular channel stream is properly joined, recovery segment downloading ceases and the bandwidth consumed for sending recovery data is released back to the progressive download ABR pipe. |
| US09942284B2 |
WebRTC call recording at the edge of an enterprise network
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for recording WebRTC communications at a network edge. In a particular embodiment a method provides, in an edge system of a communication network, receiving identification information that identifies a first endpoint and a second endpoint between which a first WebRTC communication will be established. The method further provides establishing the first WebRTC communication between the first and second endpoints through the edge system using the identification information. Also, the method provides identifying packets for the first WebRTC communication and recording the packets to a storage system. |
| US09942282B2 |
Voice over LTE support for non-UICC devices attached to an LTE mobile router
In one embodiment a router connects to a cellular network using at least one authentication credential stored on a smart card of the router. The router receives, from a client device coupled to the router, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) request to register with an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network coupled to the cellular network. The router sends a SIP registration request for the client device to the IMS network, the SIP registration request comprising authorization information associated with the router, wherein the authorization information associated with the router is used by the IMS network to register the client device with the IMS network. |
| US09942280B2 |
Data exchange sessions using groups of terminals of a first user and at least one terminal of a second user
A method, device, program, server and terminal are provided for monitoring a data-exchange session between first terminals belonging to a first user and at least one second terminal belonging to a second user. The method includes, after the first user receives an invitation to establish a session, creating a first group of the first terminals belonging to the first user suitable for enabling the session to be established with the first group. |
| US09942277B2 |
Policy engine for cloud platform
A policy engine is situated within the communications path of a cloud computing environment and a user of the cloud computing environment to comply with an organization's policies for deploying web applications in the cloud computing environment. The policy engine intercepts communications packets to the cloud computing environment from a user, such as a web application developer, for example, in preparation for deploying a web application in the cloud computing environment. The policy engine identifies commands corresponding to the communications packets and directs the communications packets to appropriate rules engines corresponding to such commands in order to execute rules to comply with an organization's policies. Upon completion of execution of the rules, the communications packets are forwarded to the cloud computing environment if they comply with the policies. |
| US09942276B2 |
Generating a privacy rating for an application or website
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and policy rating server device that receives a request from a client computing device for one or more privacy ratings. The request identifies at least one application, such as an application installed on the client computing device for example. A policy associated with the identified application is obtained. The obtained policy is analyzed to identify a plurality of key words or phrases associated with use by the at least one application of functionality of, or personal information stored on, the client computing device. One or more privacy ratings are generated based on numerical values assigned to each of the identified key words or phrases. The generated one or more privacy ratings are output to the client computing device in response to the request. |
| US09942275B2 |
Method and system for automatically managing secure communications and distribution of secrets in multiple communications jurisdiction zones
Communications and security policy data for two or more zones is obtained that includes data indicating allowed protocols for the respective communications jurisdiction zones. Request data indicating a desired exchange of data between a secrets data source in a first zone and a requesting resource in a second zone is received/obtained. The first zone policy data and the second zone policy data is automatically obtained and analyzed to determine an allowed type of communications security level for the desired exchange of data that complies with both the first zone communications and data security policy data and the second zone policy data. A communications channel, including the allowed type of secure communications security level, is automatically establishing between the first resource and the second resource, and at least a portion of the requests secrets and/or other data is exchanged. |
| US09942274B2 |
Securing communication over a network using client integrity verification
A method for protecting application servers from network-based attacks and verifying the security posture of end client systems is disclosed. A trust broker system receives a request from a user agent associated with a client system remote from the trust broker to connect to applications and resources associated with the trust broker. The trust broker system verifies the integrity of the client system and verifies the identity of a user of the client system. The trust broker system then determines the access level permitted to the identified user and based on the access level. The trust broker system establishes a connection with the user agent and transmits session information to the server system. The trust broker system sends the user agent connection information, wherein the connection information enables the requesting user agent to connect to the requested server system. |
| US09942273B2 |
Dynamic detection and reconfiguration of a multi-tenant service
A method, apparatus and computer program product for automatically reconfiguring a policy of a multi-tenant service is disclosed. A first tenant specific policy for a first tenant of a plurality of tenants serviced by the multi-tenant service is provided. The multi-tenant service uses a second tenant specific policy different from the first tenant specific policy for a second tenant of the plurality of tenants. An event relevant to the first tenant specific policy is detected. The first tenant specific policy is reconfigured according to the detected event. |
| US09942271B2 |
Information management system with two or more interactive enforcement points
A method and apparatus for controlling document access and application usage using centrally managed rules. The rules are stored and manipulated in a central rule database via a rule server. Policy enforcers are installed on client systems and/or on servers and perform document access and application usage control for both direct user document accesses and application usage, and application program document accesses by evaluating the rules sent to the policy enforcer. The rule server decides which rules are required by each policy enforcer. A policy enforcer can also perform obligation and remediation operations as a part of rule evaluation. Policy enforcers on client systems and servers can operate autonomously, evaluating policies that have been received, when communications have been discontinued with the rule server. |
| US09942270B2 |
Database deception in directory services
A system includes one or more “BotMagnet” modules that are exposed to infection by malicious code. The BotMagnets may include one or more virtual machines hosing operating systems in which malicious code may be installed and executed without exposing sensitive data or other parts of a network. In particular, outbound traffic may be transmitted to a Sinkhole module that implements a service requested by the outbound traffic and transmits responses to the malicious code executing within the BotMagnet. Credentials for services implemented by a BotSink may be planted in an active directory (AD) server. The BotSink periodically uses the credentials thereby creating log entries indicating use thereof. In response to an attacker accessing the services using the credentials, the BotSink engages and monitors an attacker system and may generate an alert. |
| US09942264B1 |
Systems and methods for improving forest-based malware detection within an organization
The disclosed computer-implemented method for improving forest-based malware detection within an organization may include (i) receiving, at a backend computing system, organization data from at least one organization computing device within an organization computer network, (ii) adjusting, at the backend computing system, a general use forest model based on the organization data to generate an organization-specific forest model for detecting malicious computer files within the organization computer network, and (iii) sending, from the backend computing system, the organization-specific forest model to the at least one organization computing device. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09942262B1 |
Cyber-physical system defense
System and techniques for cyber-physical system defense are described herein. Sensor disagreements between a plurality of sensors over time can be sampled. Cluster analysis on the sampled sensor disagreements can be performed. A deviation indication can be provided in response to the cluster analysis resulting in disagreement density beyond a threshold. |
| US09942260B2 |
Enhanced browsing with security scanning
A method securely scans a second web page linked to a first web page being displayed by a browser. The method identifies a target link to a second web page from one or more links contained within a first web page. Prior to receiving a user selection of the target link, the method prefetches content from the second web page and loads the prefetched content from the second web page into a safe cache on the client computing device before receiving the user selection of the target link. The method scans the prefetched content from the second web page for a security threat, within the safe cache, wherein the safe cache is configured to prevent the prefetched content from altering a memory location or storage location external to the safe cache. In response to identifying a security threat within the prefetched content, the method displays a warning to the user. |
| US09942259B2 |
Risk assessment using social networking data
Tools, strategies, and techniques are provided for evaluating the identities of different entities to protect individual consumers, business enterprises, and other organizations from identity theft and fraud. Risks associated with various entities can be analyzed and assessed based on analysis of social network data, professional network data, or other networking connections, among other data sources. In various embodiments, the risk assessment may include calculating an authenticity score based on the collected network data. |
| US09942257B1 |
Trustworthy indication of software integrity
Computing devices are disclosed that include functionality for providing a trustworthy indication of software integrity. The computing devices include a hardware trust evaluation device capable of determining the trustworthiness of computer programs executing on the device. At least one trust indicator is also connected to the hardware trust evaluation device for providing an external indication of the trustworthiness of a computer program. If the hardware trust evaluation device determines that a program is trustworthy, the trust evaluation device causes the trust indicator to provide a positive indication of the trustworthiness of the computer program to a user of the computing device. If the hardware trust evaluation device determines that a program is not trustworthy, the trust evaluation device causes the trust indicator to provide a negative indication of the trustworthiness of the computer program. Certain functionality might also be restricted in response to determining that a program is not trustworthy. |
| US09942256B2 |
Detecting network address translation devices in a network based on network traffic logs
Actual traffic logs of network traffic to and from host devices in a network are collected over time. Artificial traffic logs for each of multiple artificial network address translation (NAT) devices are generated from the actual traffic logs. The actual traffic logs and the artificial traffic logs are labeled as being indicative of non-NAT devices and NAT devices, respectively, to produce labeled traffic logs. From the labeled traffic logs for each artificial NAT device and each non-NAT device, respective, correspondingly labeled, network traffic features indicative of whether the device behaves like a NAT device or a non-NAT device are extracted. A classifier device is trained using the network traffic features extracted for each artificial NAT device and each non-NAT device to classify between an actual NAT device and an actual non-NAT device based on further actual traffic logs. |
| US09942254B1 |
Measure based anomaly detection
Method and system for detecting an unknown undesirable event, such as (but not limited to) a cyber-threat, a cyber-intrusion, a financial fraud event or a monitored process malfunction of breakdown. An exemplary method embodiments comprises obtaining a dataset comprising a plurality n of multidimensional data points with a dimension m≥2 wherein each data point is a vector of m features, processing the MDPs using measure-based diffusion maps to embed the MDPs into a lower dimension embedded space, and detecting in the embedded space an abnormal MDP without relying on a signature of a threat, the abnormal MDP being indicative of the unknown undesirable event. |
| US09942253B2 |
Network monitoring, detection, and analysis system
The Kentik Data Engine (KDE) is an integrated real-time, big data software system able to analyze what exactly is happening on a network at the present moment, and what happened on the network over the a prior period of time. KDE collects live operational data from computer network infrastructure devices (routers and switches) and computer hosts, consisting of multiple data types, categories, and protocols, and correlates them to analyze network activity and health. KDE does this in a lossless manner, meaning that it retains all raw data rather than summarizing or aggregating prior to storage. In this way, KDE provides a combination of precise, actionable information in real-time as well as a complete forensic data store for detailed exploratory analysis. |
| US09942252B1 |
Graph-based techniques for detecting coordinated network attacks
One or more proxy logs are processed in order to generate a graph of domains, wherein those domain pairs in the graph that are connected have low support and high confidence. One or more domains within the graph that are highly connected to other domains in the graph are identified. The identified domains are flagged as suspicious domains. |
| US09942251B1 |
Malware detection based on traffic analysis
Detecting malware is disclosed. A candidate malware application is caused to be executed using a virtual machine. Traffic analysis is performed on network traffic associated with the execution of the candidate malware application. A determination is made as to whether the candidate malware application is malicious or not, based at least in part on the traffic analysis and an application type associated with the candidate malware application. |
| US09942245B2 |
Resilient control design for distributed cyber-physical systems
A distributed cyber-physical system includes physical elements (15-1, 15-2, . . . , 15-n) disposed in a physical space (11). Controllers (13-1, 13-2, . . . , 13-n) are disposed in a cyber space (10). Each of the physical elements (15-1, 15-2, . . . , 15-n) corresponds to a corresponding controller (13-1, 13-2, . . . , 13-n). A cyber infrastructure (12) is disposed in the cyber space (10). The cyber infrastructure (12) manages a connection between the controllers (13-1, 13-2, . . . , 13-n) and the physical elements (15-1, 15-2, . . . , 15-n). Control loops (14) are established via the cyber infrastructure (12). Each of the control loops (14) includes a physical element and a corresponding controller. A resilient control agent (31) is configured to monitor each of the control loops (14), determine when one of the control loops (14) is experiencing an adverse condition, reduce a sampling frequency of the control loops (14) that are not experiencing the adverse condition, and increase a sampling frequency of the control loop (14) that is experiencing the adverse condition. |
| US09942241B2 |
Identity switching method and associated server for improving system security
A server includes a processor and a storage unit. The storage unit stores a program code, and when the program code is executed by the processor, the processor executes the following steps: when receiving an operation request from outside the server, if an effective identity (ID) code of a worker executing the operation request is set to be a default ID code and the default ID code does not have an authority for executing the operation request, setting the effective ID code as a specific ID code, and executing the operation request through the worker having the specific ID code, wherein the specific ID code has the authority for executing the operation request; and after the operation request is executed, setting the effective ID code as the default ID code. |
| US09942239B2 |
Indirect user authentication
As disclosed herein a computer system, executed by a computer, includes receiving, from a user, a request for access to a shared system, wherein the request comprises a user identifier and a user password corresponding to the user, and determining privileges corresponding to the shared system using the user identifier. The computer system further includes requesting, from an identity manager, a shared identifier and a shared password corresponding to the shared system, receiving, from the identity manager, the shared identifier and the shared password, and using the shared identifier and the shared password to enable the user to use the shared system. |
| US09942238B2 |
Configuring access to online accounts for third parties not associated with the online account
According to one embodiment, a system includes a memory comprising instructions, an interface, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the interface. The interface is configured to receive, from a first user associated with an online account, a first request to allow access, by a second user not associated with the online account, to the online account, send, in response to the first request, a second request to the second user for credentials, and receive, in response to the second request, credentials from the second user. The process is configured, when executing the instructions, to generate, for the online account based on the first and the credentials received from the second user, an access profile associated with the second user. |
| US09942235B2 |
Network access security for internet of things (IoT) devices
A network device receives, from an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a Domain Name System (DNS) query that includes a domain name for resolving a network address associated with a remote server with which the IoT device intends to communicate. The network device retrieves the domain name from the DNS query, determines an identity associated with the IoT device, and determines one or more valid domains associated with the determined IoT device identity. The network device compares the domain name retrieved from the DNS query with the determined one or more valid domains associated with the determined IoT device identity, and allows or denies network access to the IoT device based on the comparison. |
| US09942228B2 |
System and method for processing user interface events
A system and method to detect and prevent non-human interaction between a client and a web server invokes an effect to change the event generation behavior at the client. Subsequent event streams from the client to the server are analyzed to determine whether the event streams contain events corresponding to expected reactions of a human operator at the client to the effect. Indications of non-human behavior may invoke more direct human testing, for example using a dynamic CAPTCHA application, or may cause a termination of the client/URL interaction. |
| US09942226B2 |
NFC package for storing biometric information and electronic device
An electronic device includes a biometric sensor configured to generate biometric data by sensing a biometric characteristic and to encrypt the biometric a near field communication (NFC) controller configured to perform a near field communication, and a secure storage device coupled to the NFC controller, and configured to receive the encrypted biometric data from the biometric sensor through an internal communications channel, which may include an application processor and the NFC controller, and to store the biometric data by decrypting the encrypted biometric data. |
| US09942225B2 |
User authentication via evoked potential in electroencephalographic signals
Techniques are disclosed for authentication and identification of a user by use of an electroencephalographic (EEG) signal. For example, a method for authenticating a user includes the following steps. At least one electroencephalographic response is obtained from a user in accordance with perceptory stimuli presented to the user. The user is authenticated based on the obtained electroencephalographic response. The authenticating step may be based on detection of an event-related potential in the obtained electroencephalographic response. The event-related potential may be a P300 event-related potential. The method may also include the step of enrolling the user prior to authenticating the user. The enrolling step may include a supervised enrollment procedure or an unsupervised enrollment procedure. |
| US09942218B2 |
Automated production of certification controls by translating framework controls
A compliance application automatically produces certification controls by translating framework controls. The framework controls are common certification controls used in production of the certification. The application retrieves framework controls including metadata from a compliance framework data store. Metadata of the framework controls map the framework controls to the certification. In addition, the application retrieves certification parity data associated with the metadata. Certification controls are produced based on the framework controls and the certification parity data. A view of the certification including the certification controls is provided to a customer requesting the certification. |
| US09942215B2 |
Cloud queue synchronization protocol
An example implementation may involve a computing system receiving, from a media playback system over the network interface, a request to initiate playback of the particular cloud queue at a first media item. The computing system assigns a playhead pointer to a position within the particular cloud queue that corresponds to the first media item and transmits, to the media playback system over the network interface, an instruction that causes one or more playback devices of the media playback system to initiate playback of the particular cloud queue at the first media item. While the one or more playback devices play back the particular cloud queue, the computing system updates the assigned position of the playhead pointer to indicate the currently playing media item of the particular cloud queue. |
| US09942213B2 |
Systems and methods for providing secure services
Systems and methods for providing one or more secure services are disclosed. One method can comprise authenticating and/or authorizing a user device to receive a security token. A request for information can be processed using the security token to facilitate the secure provision of services to the user device. |
| US09942211B1 |
Efficient use of keystreams
Performing cryptographic operations such as encryption and decryption may be computationally expensive. In some contexts, initialization vectors and keystreams operable to perform encryption operations are generated and stored in a repository, and later retrieved for use in performing encryption operations. Multiple devices in a distributed system can each generate and store a subset of a larger set of keystreams. |
| US09942210B2 |
Key derivation method and apparatus for local access under control of a cellular network
A method for key derivation may comprise: generating a second key based at least in part on a first key for a first connection between a user equipment and a first network node, in response to a decision to enter an idle mode; releasing the first connection to enter the idle mode; providing an identity of the user equipment to the first network node via a second network node, in response to initiating a setup procedure for a second connection between the user equipment and a second network node; and using the second key for the second connection, in response to receiving from the second network node an indication that the identity of the user equipment is successfully verified at the first network node. |
| US09942206B1 |
System and method for privacy-preserving genomic data analysis
A method includes accessing genomic data of from a genomic database; generating, by a processor, a first hash by probabilistically and irreversibly encrypting a first portion of the genomic data encoding the first genomic sequence, the first hash projecting the first portion into reduced dimensions such that the first portion of the genomic data encoding the first genomic sequence becomes statistically improbable to recover outside the first processor; generating, by the processor, a first cryptogram by deterministically and reversibly encrypting a second portion of the genomic data encoding the first genomic sequence; generating, by the processor, a look-up table by using at least the first cryptogram as a key and the first portion of the genomic data encoding the first genomic sequence as the value, and transmitting data encoding the first hash and the first cryptogram to one or more processors that are different from the first processor. |
| US09942195B2 |
NAT traversal method, computer-readable medium, and system for mediating connection
Disclosed herein is a network address translation (NAT) traversal method. A node sends a first, second, and third detection message from a local port to a first, second, and third response server, respectively, in order to receive from the response servers a first, second, and third response message, which respectively include a first, second, and third proximal external port number (EPN). The node then deduces a rule for proximal EPNs based on the received ones. Also disclosed is a system for mediating connection. The system assists a first node on a network in NAT traversal and includes at least three response servers, which receive detection messages from the first node and send back response messages that include EPNs. |
| US09942188B2 |
Initiating social interaction based on e-mail content
Arrangements described herein relate to initiating social interaction based on e-mail content. Information associated with an e-mail being composed by a user can be analyzed to determine whether content of the e-mail is appropriate for incorporation into at least one social system. Responsive to determining that the content of the e-mail is appropriate for incorporation into at least one social system, a first option to enter the content of the e-mail in a first social system and a second option to enter the content of the e-mail in a second social system can be presented to the user. Responsive to the user selecting to enter the content of the e-mail in the first social system, a first entry in the first social system can be automatically created. The first entry can include the content of the e-mail composed by the user. |
| US09942181B2 |
Context based virtual area creation
Examples of systems and methods for context based virtual area creation are described. Some examples provide a quick and easy way for users to wrap virtual areas around contexts of interest. Examples of such contexts may be defined in terms of one or more of content, people, and real-world location. The virtual areas support realtime communications between communicants (e.g., one or more of text chat, voice, video, application sharing, and file sharing) and provide a persistent historical repository for interactions in the virtual area. Summaries of activities and other events in virtual areas typically are published in realtime so that other communicants can readily obtain a quick summary of the activities occurring in a particular context and decide whether or not to join or otherwise participate in those activities. |
| US09942179B2 |
Schedule based execution with extensible continuation based actions
Generally in a computing environment, executing work based on time (i.e. according to a predetermined schedule) is a common need. However, in cloud based systems, scheduled work may be expensive to customers as generally customers rent system resources. Thus, having a processor dedicated to performing actions that have been pre-scheduled can be expensive. This application describes using a continuation-based runtime for scheduling time-bound and/or periodic work in a distributed (i.e. cloud) system. A system architecture and computer-implemented method are described that deploy an environment-independent action to a remote-based system (such as a cloud computing system, for example). The action is limited to using a predetermined amount of resources and is limited to simple, non-cpu intensive orchestrations of network calls. A schedule is defined for the action, and the action is then called in a processor-independent fashion (for example, by using a continuation based runtime) such that state of the action is maintained independent of the processor on which the action is being executed. |
| US09942178B2 |
Apparatus for providing document sharing service based on messaging service, and method using apparatus
A method of providing a document sharing service based on a messaging service includes: receiving, by a server, a document transmission signal for transmitting a document which is displayed in a chat window of a first chat group from a first terminal application corresponding to a member of the first chat group, to second terminal applications respectively corresponding to members of a second chat group different from the first chat group; obtaining, by the server, a document identifier from the document transmission signal, searching, by the server, a database for a document corresponding to the document identifier, and transmitting, by the server, the document to the second terminal applications; and updating, by the server, shared status information of the document in the database based on a shared status of the document in the second chat group. |
| US09942176B2 |
Processing electronic mail replies
Disclosed are various embodiments for processing electronic messages and/or reply electronic messages. A contact entry associated with a user issue is created. A unique token associated with the contact entry is generated. Electronic messages sent to the user are generated with a reply-to address that incorporates the token. |
| US09942175B1 |
Efficient storage of sequentially transmitted packets in a network device
A sequence of packets is stored in a memory of the network device such that a current packet in the sequence of packets is stored at a predetermined distance following a preceding packet in the sequence. Lengths of corresponding ones of the packets stored in the memory are indicated in the memory. The packets are sequentially read from the memory based on the indicated lengths of corresponding ones of the packets stored in the memory. An operation is performed on the ones of the packets read from the memory. Subsequent to performing the operation, least some of the packets are written back to the memory. Ones of the packets are written to the memory beginning at a memory location following a respective preceding packet in the sequence by a predetermined distance. |
| US09942173B2 |
Distributed configuration management for virtual cluster switching
One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch. The switch includes a port to couple to a second switch. The switch also includes a control mechanism configured to maintain a set of configuration information for a virtual cluster switch which includes a number of member switches. The set of configuration information includes global configuration information for the virtual cluster switch and switch-specific configuration information for one or more member switches. In addition, the set of configuration information is replicated and stored at each member switch. |
| US09942172B2 |
Auto-negotiate extension for network connections
Aspects of the current patent document include systems and methods to improve configuration of network communication links between devices. In embodiments, a device may attempt auto-negotiation with another device in which transmit power levels are increased in an attempted to establish the link. In embodiments, an approach to establishing a link comprises setting the device in static mode but enabling link training. In yet another embodiment, a hybrid approach to interfaces link up may comprise having auto-negotiation with increasing transmit power attempts enabled by default, followed by static mode link up with link training enabled, in the case the auto-negotiation fails. |
| US09942170B2 |
Multicast channel control information
The present disclosure relates to a technique for configuring transmission of a multicast channel carrying scheduling information and data belonging to one or more multicast services, the scheduling information indicating scheduling of the multicast services mapped to the multicast channel. A method embodiment comprises the steps of configuring (404) the transmission of the scheduling information on the multicast channel based on a scheduling information specific transmission requirement and configuring (404) the transmission of the data belonging to the one or more multicast services based on a service specific transmission requirement; and signalling (406) the scheduling information specific transmission requirement and the service specific transmission requirement. |
| US09942168B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing traffic flags for large service groups
The use of traffic flag symbols allows a large number of CPEs to transmit traffic notifications to a network controller. In some such embodiments, hundreds of CPEs simultaneously transmit traffic flags on different subcarriers of a channel. For example, in a MoCA2 based access network, up to 480 CPEs can transmit flags in only 5 μs in the 100 MHz-wide channel. |
| US09942161B1 |
Methods and systems for configuring and updating session-based quality of service for multimedia traffic in a local area network
The embodiments relate to configuring and updating quality of service (QOS) features for a router, especially for routers used in a home network or local area network. The QOS features are autonomous and do not require user configuration or intervention. The QOS features may be triggered during periods of congestion. Popular traffic services, such as voice, video streaming, and gaming, are preloaded into the router so that they are recognized automatically. In some embodiments, the router employs a programmed table to identify traffic sessions. The table may be updated remotely by an update service. The table may also be updated locally by a user via a client coupled to the router. |
| US09942156B1 |
Flow level dynamic load balancing
Exemplary embodiments allocate network traffic among multiple paths in a network, which may include one or more preferred paths (e.g. shortest paths) and one or more alternative paths (e.g., non-shortest paths). In one embodiment, network traffic in form of flows may be allocated to the preferred paths until the allocation of additional network traffic would exceed a predetermined data rate. Additional flows may then be sent over the alternative paths, which may be longer than the preferred path. The paths to which each flow is assigned may be dynamically updated, and in some embodiments the path assignment for a particular flow may time out after a predetermined time. Accordingly, the flow traffic of each path may be balanced based on real-time traffic information. |
| US09942151B2 |
Enforcing datacenter-level congestion control
At an application executing in conjunction with a vSwitch in a host system, using a processor assigned to the vSwitch in the host system, a CWND value is computed corresponding to a flow from a VM using a period measured by a timer and a number of packets of the flow received and acknowledged in response packets, the number being counted by a counter, the timer being associated with a packet of the flow. The CWND value is stored in a field in a response packet received from a receiver of the flow, the field being designated for carrying a RWND value, the response packet corresponding to a packet in the flow. The storing forms a modified response packet. The modified response packet is sent from the vSwitch to the VM. |
| US09942150B2 |
Method for optimizing throughput of a network
A method for optimizing throughput of a network with stations adapted to transmit data to an access point includes the step of determining a respective required throughput for each station based on: respective time periods required for decreasing a count of a respective back-off counter associated with each of the stations, a transmission packet length of the respective station, and a probability of successful transmission for of the respective station. The respective required throughput so determined is a function of a respective transmission attempt rate for the station. The method further includes the step of determining the respective transmission attempt rate for each station for maximizing a sum of the respective required throughput such that a respective fixed throughput is provided for inelastic data flow in the network, a respective proportional throughput ratio is provided for elastic data flow in the network, and the throughput of the network is maximized. |
| US09942146B2 |
Router path selection and creation in a single clock cycle
Systems, devices, and techniques for routing packets are described. A described router includes ingress ports to receive packets; egress ports; ingress switch fabric coupled with the ingress ports; egress switch fabric coupled with the egress ports; floating buffers coupled between the ingress switch fabric and the egress switch fabric; and a controller. The controller can be configured to receive a packet via an ingress port, determine an egress port based on the packet's destination address, acquire a floating buffer, send to the egress port a buffer identifier corresponding to the acquired floating buffer, operate the ingress switch fabric to establish a first pathway between the acquired floating buffer and the ingress port to write the packet to the buffer, and operate the egress switch fabric to establish a second pathway between the acquired floating buffer and the egress port to write from the buffer to the egress port. |
| US09942143B2 |
Routing messages between virtual networks
Routing messages between virtual networks using a mapping of virtual addresses from one virtual network to a virtual address of the other virtual network. Each virtual network has a valid set of virtual addresses, some of which being assigned to virtual nodes within the corresponding network. When a virtual network identifies a message to be sent, it identifies a destination for the message. Some destinations may be within the same virtual network and thus may be routed to virtual nodes within the virtual network. Other destinations may instead be mapped to a virtual address of another virtual network. In that case, routing information may also be obtained and the message may be dispatched to the virtual address of the other virtual network. This may be performed without the need for a gateway, which publishes a public address that is globally unique. |
| US09942141B2 |
Data communication method between a roaming radio equipment item and a network access gateway
A data communication method between a mobile radio communications equipment and a gateway connected to a network, the data being organized in the form of packets comprising at least one first internal header and a second external header, comprises: an initial information exchange phase comprising: transmission by the radio communications equipment to the gateway of at least one predictable field out of the fields of the external and internal headers, reception by the radio communications equipment from the gateway of at least one predictable field of the external header, a phase of transmission of at least one data packet comprising: the deletion of the external and internal headers of at least one data packet, the generation, in at least one data packet, of a header of level lower than a network layer comprising at least one non-predictable field of the internal header, the transmission of at least one data packet. |
| US09942138B2 |
Method and device for policy based routing
A method and a device for policy based routing are provided, which includes the device performing the steps of: setting interfaces of router(s) to be multiple redirection groups, wherein the redirection groups being ordered being according to a priority order; detecting interface states of interfaces in the redirection groups; and switching traffic among the multiple redirection groups according to the interface states of the interfaces in the redirection groups. |
| US09942133B2 |
Fully connected network
A fully-connected mesh network includes a plurality of switches. A first switch receives a packet traveling through the mesh network from an external source node to an external destination node specified by the packet. A plurality of links, which are all included in a mesh link aggregation group (LAG), couple each possible pair of the switches by a respective single link. Each of the respective links is included individually in an individual LAG. Each of the switches is configured to receive a packet from another switch of the plurality of switches via only the mesh LAG, and each switch that receives a packet via the mesh LAG is configured to transmit the packet to another switch of the plurality of switches via only one of the individual LAGs. The packet travels to the destination node at most two hops across the plurality of switches. |
| US09942131B2 |
Multipathing using flow tunneling through bound overlay virtual machines
For multipathing using a network of overlays, a set of virtual network interfaces (VNICs) corresponding to a physical network interface (PNIC) is created in a first data processing system. A first virtual network interface (VNIC) from the set of VNICs is bound to a virtual machine (VM) executing in a first data processing environment across a data network from the first data processing system. During a data communication with a second data processing system, data is divided into a first portion and a second portion, the first portion using a first path from the first VNIC to the first VM to the second data processing system, and the second portion using a second path from the PNIC to the second data processing system. |
| US09942130B2 |
Selective routing of network traffic for remote inspection in computer networks
A client analyzes requests for network resources to determine an IP address associated with the request, such as a destination IP address of a network packet. The client device selectively routes the request and other traffic associated with the IP address. The client device establishes a tunnel or other direct connection with a remote server. Network traffic can be selectively routed to the destination IP address associated with a resource request, or to the remote server based on the destination IP address associated with the request. The system can route client network requests to the remote server based on a category or other information associated with the destination IP address. Network packets associated with malicious or suspicious IP addresses, for example, may be routed to the remote server for performance of security features, while packets associated with other IP addresses may be directly routed to their target destination. |
| US09942128B2 |
Method and apparatus for elastic optical networking
A method of determining a path in an optical server network (31) comprises obtaining an indication of an amount of premium traffic from a client network (21). The method further comprises considering paths (48) utilising an elastic capability of one or more network elements (30) of the optical server network, and selecting a path from the considered paths, wherein the path is selected based at least partially on having at least a capacity to carry the amount of premium traffic. |
| US09942120B2 |
Technique for monitoring component processing
The present invention provides a technique for measuring the efficiency of components in a computer. An echo server is provided which comprises several units. A socket generation unit generates a receiving server socket on the basis of information on a correspondence between a plurality of components in a computer. And generates a client socket that is a dedicated socket inheriting information of the receiving server socket when data is transmitted. A stream acquisition unit acquires a transmission path for acquiring data transmitted and received between components. A thread generation unit generates a transmission path by coupling streams. A transfer execution unit transfers data acquired via a thread to an original destination component. Using these units, the technique monitors and running verifies behavior by observing data running on the network. |
| US09942119B2 |
Adaptive jitter buffer
The present disclosure relates to an adaptive jitter buffer for buffering audio data received via a network. The adaptive jitter buffer comprises an adaptive audio sample buffer, which comprises an adaptive resampler that receives a number of audio samples of the audio data and that outputs a first number of audio samples, which are resampled from the received number of audio samples according to a resampling factor, an audio sample buffer that buffers audio samples, wherein the outputted first number of audio samples are written to the audio sample buffer during an input access event and a second number of audio samples are read from the audio sample buffer during an output access event, and an audio sample buffer fill quantity controller that controls a fill quantity of the audio sample buffer based on controlling the resampling factor of the adaptive resampler. |
| US09942118B1 |
Sentinel network devices and sentinel marker
A computing system includes one or more processors and memory that includes instructions, that when executed by the one or more processors, cause the processors to receive, by a sentinel device of a data interface of a distributed computing environment, command instructions that instruct a plurality of networking devices to change state to implement network configuration requests from a synchronization node of a distribution interface of the distributed computing environment utilizing a communication protocol. The data interface includes a networking group that includes the sentinel device and the edge devices. The instructions also cause the processors to identify, by the sentinel device, distribution latency patterns of the command instructions based on distribution delay of the command instructions and generate, by the sentinel device, an alarm based on a determination that the distribution delay of one of the command instructions exceeds a threshold value. |
| US09942116B2 |
Interconnecting electronic devices for reporting device status
A first electronic device can receive an identifying signal broadcast from a second electronic device located within a wireless communication range of the first electronic device, and in response, establish a first, local electronic communication path between the first and second electronic devices. The first electronic device can then receive a set of status data from the second electronic device over the local electronic communication path. The first electronic device can then establish a second, remote electronic communication path to a remote server and subsequently transmit, over the remote electronic communication path, the status data from the second electronic device along with status data from the first electronic device. |
| US09942112B2 |
Information collection system, server apparatus, edge apparatus, control method, and program
An information collection system includes a server apparatus, a plurality of edge apparatuses, and a collection rules storage unit. The edge apparatus includes a first information generation unit that generates first information and a second information generation unit that generates second information. The collection rules storage unit stores collection rules so as to be associated with the edge apparatus and the first information that the server apparatus acquires from the edge apparatus. The server apparatus includes a first information acquisition unit that acquires the first information from the edge apparatus, a second information acquisition unit that acquires the second information from the edge apparatus, and a collection rules acquisition unit that acquires collection rules from the collection rules storage unit. |
| US09942110B2 |
Virtual tape library (VTL) monitoring system
Monitoring of storage systems, including virtual tape libraries (VTLs), may be performed with automated systems. Automated monitoring may be performed through an SSH connection to a storage manager for the storage system. For example, a method may include initiating, by a monitoring server, an SSH connection to a storage manager; issuing commands, by the monitoring server, through the SSH connection to monitor a storage device coupled to the storage manager; receiving, by the monitoring server, responses to the issued commands through the SSH connection; matching, by the monitoring server, the responses to automation rules; and executing, by the monitoring server, commands based on the matched automation rules. |
| US09942109B2 |
Health metric for an information technology service
A service desk management server obtains information about an incident associated with a customer-facing information technology (IT) service, a change order associated with the customer-facing IT service, or both. The service desk management server calculates, as a function of the obtained information, a health metric that quantitatively indicates a customer-perceived health of the customer-facing IT service. The service desk management server assists a service catalog server to compose a service catalog to indicate the health metric for the customer-facing IT service to prospective customers of that service. The service desk management server's assistance in this regard comprises sending the health metric from the service desk management server to the service catalog server. |