| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09987102B2 |
Orthodontic protection device
An easily applied device is described that protects the soft tissues inside of the mouth from abrasion by orthodontic braces. The device consists of a putty-like, moldable material that may be pressed onto and into and molded about the brackets and wires of orthodontic braces, and a plasticized and dehydrated or partially dehydrated hydrogel-forming layer on those surfaces of the device that contact the braces and teeth so as to absorb saliva and dry to some extent the surfaces to which the device is pressed and to offer initial adhesion of the device to the teeth and/or braces. |
| US09987101B2 |
Positioning and installing surgical drilling devices and related devices and systems
In some aspects, dental drill guides can include a body defining an outer surface and an interior hole for receiving and positioning a dental drill; a first end of the body defining a tapered lead-in portion of the outer surface; a second end of the body opposite the first end defining at least one lip feature configured to be gripped by a handling tool; an outer circumferentially formed recess around the outer surface; and a seating feature extending from the outer surface. |
| US09987099B2 |
Disposable housings for encasing handle assemblies
A disposable housing includes a housing portion and a memory. The housing portion defines a cavity therein configured to receive a motor operable, inner core handle assembly. At least a portion of the housing portion has a color that corresponds to a color of one type of end effector or adapter assembly. The memory has stored therein at least one operating parameter for the inner core handle assembly. |
| US09987094B2 |
Input device assemblies for robotic surgical systems
A reaction torque transducer for mounting a motor of an instrument drive unit includes a motor plate, a mounting plate, and a flex ring. The motor plate is fixed to the motor and the mounting plate is fixed to a fixed structure. The flex ring is positioned between the motor plate and the mounting plate. The flex ring includes a body having a first end and a second end that are moveable relative to one another. The first end of the body is fixed to the motor plate and the second end of the body is fixed to the mounting plate. The body is configured to flex in response to the first and second ends moving with respect to one another. A strain gauge is positioned on the body of the flex ring and is configured to measure flexation of the body. |
| US09987092B2 |
Computer-assisted joint replacement surgery and patient-specific jig systems
Provided are methods and systems related to computer-assisted joint replacement surgery, and corresponding instrumentation systems. In one example, there is provided a system for guided surgery comprising: a sensor for coupling to a first bone to receive positional signals; a beacon for coupling to an object to provide the positional signals to the sensor, the object comprising one of a second bone and a surgical tool; a patient-specific jig (PSJ) for guiding a relative position of the sensor and the first bone during coupling to position the sensor in a predetermined pose in an anatomical coordinate frame; and an intra-operative computing unit in communication with the sensor, the intra-operative computing unit configured to calculate poses of the beacon with respect to the anatomical coordinate frame utilizing pre-operative data representing the PSJ and display positional information for the object in real time. |
| US09987087B2 |
Step-down coaxial microwave ablation applicators and methods for manufacturing same
Microwave ablation applicators and methods for manufacturing the microwave ablation applicators are disclosed. A microwave ablation applicator includes a feed-line segment, a step-down segment, and a radiator base segment. The feed-line segment includes a first inner conductor, a first dielectric disposed on the first inner conductor, and a first outer conductor disposed on the first dielectric. The step-down segment includes a second inner conductor, a second dielectric disposed on the second inner conductor, and a second outer conductor disposed on the second dielectric. The radiator base segment includes a third inner conductor disposed on the third inner conductor, a third outer conductor disposed on the proximal end of the third dielectric so as to form a feed gap at a distal end of the radiator base segment, a balun dielectric disposed on the third outer conductor, and a balun outer conductor disposed on the balun dielectric. |
| US09987086B2 |
Multiple electrode RF ablation catheter and method
Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus related to radio frequency (RF) ablation catheters. The present subject matter provides an ablation catheter system including an ablation catheter, multiple RF electrodes positioned along a distal end of a catheter, an electrical stimulation generator, and a control circuit electrically connected to the stimulation generator. According to various embodiments, the RF electrodes are each connected to the stimulation generator using a switch, and the control circuit is configured to distribute RF power from the stimulation generator to the RF electrodes using the switches to provide ablation therapy. |
| US09987084B2 |
Apparatus and method for intra-cardiac mapping and ablation
An intra-cardiac mapping system is based on locating the ports through which blood flows in or out the heart chambers. For many procedures, such as ablation to cure atrial fibrillation, locating the pulmonary veins and the mitral valve accurately allows to perform a Maze procedure. The location of the ports and valves is based on using the convective cooling effect of the blood flow. The mapping can be performed by a catheter-deployed expandable net or a scanning catheter. The same net or catheter can also perform the ablation procedure. |
| US09987081B1 |
Systems, devices, and methods for signal generation
Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the system including a pulse waveform signal generator for medical ablation therapy that may be coupled to an ablation device including at least one electrode for ablation pulse delivery to tissue. The signal generator may generate and deliver voltage pulses to the ablation device in the form of a pulse waveform in a predetermined sequence where the signal generator may independently configure a set of electrodes of an ablation device. The signal generator may further perform active monitoring of a set of electrode channels and discharge excess energy using the set of electrode channels. |
| US09987078B2 |
Surgical forceps
A forceps includes a pair of shaft members, a pair of jaw members each including a distal body and a proximal flange, and a pair of electrode plates. The proximal flanges are engaged with the respective shaft members and pivotably coupled to each other such that pivoting the shaft members pivots the distal jaw bodies. The electrode plates each includes a tissue-contacting portion disposed on the distal body of the respective jaw member and a proximal extension portion extending at least partially through the proximal flange of the respective jaw member. The tissue-contacting portion and proximal extension portion of the first electrode plate are disposed in perpendicular planes relative to each other. Likewise, the tissue-contacting portion and proximal extension portion of the second electrode plate are disposed in perpendicular planes relative to each other. |
| US09987075B2 |
Surgical instrument with end-effector assembly including three jaw members
A surgical device includes an elongated shaft having an end-effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end-effector assembly includes movable first, second and third jaw members. The first and second jaw members controllably movable from a first position, wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to the third jaw member disposed therebetween, to a second position, wherein the first, second and third jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. |
| US09987074B2 |
Adjustable electrosurgical pencil with slidable vent tube
An electrosurgical pencil for use in performing surgery on a surgical site includes a main body forming a handle grippable by user and having open front and rear ends. The pencil has a vent tube open at its forward end, and slidably mounted in the body. The tube is adjustable independently from a retracted position to various extended positions. An elongate electrode is mounted in the tube and independently slidable therein. The electrode is adjustable manually in its longitudinal direction from a retracted position to extended positions. A first conducting strip can be mounted in the vent rube in contact with the electrode. A second conducting strip can be mounted in the main body and is in sliding contact with the first strip in order to provide power to the electrode. |
| US09987070B2 |
Ablation system, methods, and controllers
Multi-electrode ablation systems, methods, and controllers are described. In one example, a multi-electrode ablation system includes a power supply configured to be coupled to a plurality of electrodes and a controller coupled to the power supply. The controller is configured to determine a thermal gain of each electrode of the plurality of electrodes. For each electrode of the plurality of electrodes, the controller sets a power limit based at least in part on said electrode's determined thermal gain. The power limit establishes a maximum power that may be dissipated through said electrode. |
| US09987067B2 |
Bone fixation tool
Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a tool for stabilizing a fractured bone. The tool comprises a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the barrel includes a passageway for receiving a bone pin configured to be driven into the fractured bone to stabilize the fractured bone. The passageway is sized to accommodate axial movement of the bone pin through the passageway while limiting radial movement of the bone pin in the passageway. The tool further comprises a piston having a proximal end and a distal end and configured to translate axially relative to the barrel. The proximal end of the piston includes a head and the distal end of the piston includes a needle formation, the needle formation being sized for receipt within the passageway of the barrel to drive the bone pin axially from the barrel and into the fractured bone. |
| US09987065B2 |
Intraosseous screw for fixing a bone fragment or a transplant to a bone and method for manufacturing such an intraosseous screw
An intraosseous screw includes at least one external thread, a receiving element extending into and parallel to the external thread, and connecting members connecting the individual screw threads of the external thread. The or each external thread has capillary through-channels that pass through the screw so as to end in the receiving element. The connecting members define a plurality of through-openings. The receiving element is shaped so as to be able to receive a cylindrical bone portion once the intraosseous screw has been screwed into the bone. |
| US09987063B2 |
Plates with countersinks
A resorbable bone plate includes an elongated base member with a plurality of countersinks formed on the top surface. The countersinks provide a location for screw holes to be drilled through the plate and into a bone. Screws can then be inserted through the holes and into the bone. The countersinks allow the screw heads to remain flush or close to flush to the top surface of the bone plate, thereby reducing the overall profile of the system. The bottom surface of the bone plate is solid to provide significant resistance to deformation. The bone plate can have countersinks formed in a variety of configurations to provide a multitude of options for a surgeon to select a screw insertion location. |
| US09987060B2 |
Bone anchor locking device
A bone anchor locking device for receiving a bone anchor having a shank and an enlarged head, the device has a bone anchor, a dome and a conical split washer. The receiving portion has a base extending radially outward and inwardly to a wall. The dome has a center aperture sized to pass a bone anchor. The split washer has an inner conical surface sloped to slide and expand against at least a portion of the base on insertion of a bone anchor to allow a maximum diameter of a head of a bone anchor to pass and thereafter the split washer retracts overlying the maximum diameter of the head to prevent a bone anchor from backing out. |
| US09987041B2 |
Disposable needle hair transplanter
A disposable needle hair transplanter includes: a plunger structure having an outer barrel defining a passage, a plunger assembly having at least one push needle movable within the passage of the outer barrel, and a hair transplantation depth controller drivingly connected with the plunger assembly via a link; a needle having a needle seat connected with the outer barrel and at least one needle tube in which a hair follicle is loadable, the hair transplantation depth controller serving to restrict the depth by which the needle tube is thrust into the scalp; and a hair follicle depth controller having a cylindrical structure fitted around the needle seat and a shaft tube connected with the cylindrical structure and coaxially disposed around the needle tube. The hair transplantation depth controller is disposed around the shaft tube and movable along the shaft tube toward or away from the scalp. |
| US09987040B2 |
Suprapubic safety cannula
The present invention relates to a cannula for puncturing body cavities, comprising an inner and an outer longitudinally cut sleeve with proximal and distal ends. The inner sleeve is arranged within the outer sleeve so as to be longitudinally displaceable and rotatable within the outer sleeve such that the longitudinal cut of the inner sleeve is covered by the outer sleeve in a first rotational position and the longitudinal cuts of the inner and outer sleeves are placed on top of each other in a second rotational position. The distal end of the inner sleeve is provided with a puncture tip that is completely retracted into the outer sleeve if the inner sleeve is in the second rotational position, wherein the inner and outer sleeves and/or the two handle portions are, preferably unreleasably, locked to one another. |
| US09987037B2 |
Debridement apparatus using linear lorentz-force motors
A debridement device having a controllable Lorentz-force actuator is disclosed. The debridement device includes a nozzle delivering a jet of debridement substance to a tissue and the jet is driven by the Lorentz-force actuator. The device may have a suction port for removing the debridement substance. A second Lorentz-force actuator can be used for each of the jet and suction. The first and second Lorentz-force actuators for the jet and suction can also be configured to provide for continuous jet injection and continuous suction. The device may include a second nozzle delivering a second jet of debridement substance to the region of tissue and the first and second jets may intersect and dissipate into a mist upon intersection to dissipate the kinetic energy of the jets. The Lorentz-force actuator may drive a reciprocating piston pump providing continuous pressure to the nozzles. |
| US09987032B2 |
Cutting tool having a magnetically controlled pre-load force
The present disclosure relates to a cutting tool that includes an outer tubular member having a first magnet and an inner tubular member having a second magnet wherein the inner tubular member is slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. A force, such as an attractive force, is created between the first magnet and the second magnet. The attractive force creates a preload force between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. A method of creating a force between an inner and outer tubular member is also disclosed. |
| US09987031B2 |
Specimen retrieval device including an integrated sliding grasper
A specimen retrieval device is provided. The specimen retrieval device includes a housing including an outer shaft extending distally therefrom. An inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and includes at least one tissue engaging device configured to engage tissue and at least one spring. A pouch is coupled to the inner shaft and the at least one spring. The pouch includes an open proximal end and a closed distal end and is movable from a first configuration for deployment from the outer shaft to a second configuration for receiving tissue therein. The at least one tissue engaging device is positionable within the pouch and movable along the inner shaft for engaging tissue and pulling the tissue within the pouch. |
| US09987027B2 |
Device and method for removing occlusions in a biological vessel
A device for use within an occluded biological vessel and a method of using same to remove occlusion material from a vessel are provided. The device includes an elongated body configured for delivering projections arranged around a distal portion thereof into the biological vessel. Each of the projections includes a leaf-like structure connected to a stem portion having a higher axial rigidity than the leaf-like structure. |
| US09987024B2 |
Patient-matched apparatus and methods for performing surgical procedures
A system and method for developing customized apparatus, such as guides, for use in one or more surgical procedures is disclosed. The system and method incorporates a patient's unique anatomical features or morphology, which may be derived from capturing MRI data or CT data, to fabricate at least one custom apparatus or guide. According to a preferred embodiment, the customized apparatus comprises at least one patient-specific surface and or contour, which may be derived from MRI or CT data. Apparatus may be matched in duplicate and oriented around the patient's own anatomy, and may further provide any desired axial alignments or insertional trajectories. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus may further be aligned and/or matched with at least one other apparatus during the surgical procedure. |
| US09987022B2 |
Patient-matched instrumentation and methods
A patient-matched cutting block including a surface or point contact features adapted to at least partially conform to or reference a patient specific anatomy. The cutting block having guide slots configured for guiding the movement of cutting tools relative to the patient specific anatomy or features configured to mate to and guide standard cutting guides relative to patient specific anatomy in order to form plateau and eminence resections of the patient specific anatomy. |
| US09987020B2 |
Method to reduce SLOSH energy absorption and its damaging effects through the reduction of inelastic collisions in an organism
A first embodiment can be a method to reduce SLOSH energy absorption within an organism by reducing the inelastic collisions. A fluid containing organism can utilize an embodiment of the method wherein one or more of reversibly increasing pressure within the organs or cells, reversibly increasing the volume within the organs or cells, reversibly altering vascular, molecular, or cell wall stiffness, or reversibly altering vascular, molecular, or cell wall configuration within said organism may reduce these collisions. |
| US09987017B2 |
Tissue aperture securing and sealing apparatuses and related methods of use
Embodiments of the invention may be directed to apparatuses for securing and sealing apertures in tissue and related methods of use. |
| US09987004B2 |
Small diameter endoscopic stapler
A surgical stapler is described herein which includes a shaft portion and a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the shaft portion. The too assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge body which rotatably supports a plurality of staples within notches. At least one firing cam is provided to sequentially to engage and rotate each of the staples to fire the staples from the cartridge body. In embodiments, the cartridge body includes two spaced legs which support two linear rows of staples. Each of the spaced legs of the cartridge body is supported within one of a first and a second cartridge channel. The cartridge channels are fixed to opposite sides of a pivot member which is pivotally supported at a distal end of the shaft portion between the shaft portion and the tool assembly such that translation of the first and second cartridge channels in opposite directions effects articulation of the tool assembly in relation to the shaft portion. |
| US09987002B2 |
Surgical instrument having a multi-layered drive beam
A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. The movable handle is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a plurality of layers and at least one layer has a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly. At least one of the layers of the drive beam is affixed to an adjacent layer of the drive beam via at least one spot weld. |
| US09987001B2 |
Surgical anastomosis apparatus
A surgical circular fastener apparatus includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, a fastener cartridge disposed adjacent the distal end of the body, an anvil retainer releasably mounted relative to the fastener cartridge; and a manually operably release configured to move between a first position corresponding to a secured condition of the anvil retainer relative to the fastener cartridge and a second position corresponding to a release condition of the anvil retainer relative to the fastener cartridge. |
| US09987000B2 |
Surgical instrument assembly comprising a flexible articulation system
A surgical instrument can include a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to rotate relative to the shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further comprise a first articulation actuator for rotating the end effector in a first direction and a second articulation actuator for rotating the end effector in a second direction. The articulation actuators can be configured to push the end effector. The articulation actuators can assume different configurations depending on whether they are experiencing a compressive load or a tensile load. The articulation joint can comprise an articulation frame which forms a proximal joint with the shaft and a distal joint with the end effector. The joints can comprise fixed axis joints and/or ball-and-socket joints, for example. The articulation joint can comprise links having different sizes to facilitate the articulation of the articulation joint. |
| US09986997B2 |
Apparatus and method for tissue closure
A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a needle driver at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the needle driver is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the needle driver, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis. |
| US09986996B2 |
Device for supporting an endoscopic tool
A device for supporting an endoscopic tool is disclosed comprising attachment means for attaching the device to an endoscope, a first guide tube having a distal open end and configured for accepting the endoscopic tool through it, first and second projecting members extending distally of the attachment means and being spaced apart when the device is attached to the endoscope to define a working space between them. The attachment means comprise first and second clamping members and at least one cable linking the clamping members. The cable is remotely actuatable for moving the clamping members relative to each other to adjust a spacing between them, accepting an endoscope. The cable allows for securing the clamping members to the endoscope. The first projecting member is attached to the first clamping member such that it has a fixed or at least one fixable position relative to the first clamping member, and the second projecting member is attached to the second clamping member. The first guide tube is slidable relative to the first clamping member, and the distal end of the first guide tube is pivotally attached to a distal end of the first projecting member so as to enable the distal end of the first guide tube to be pivoted to an orientation transverse to the first projecting member. |
| US09986989B2 |
Surgical retractor for implanting leads and methods of making and using
A retractor for implanting a lead of an electrical stimulation system includes multiple retractor teeth defining an implantation lumen; multiple pin arrangements that each include a base coupled to one of the retractor teeth and at least one pin extending from the base; a spiral track having multiple spiral indentations and multiple spiral ridges separating the spiral indentations with at least one pin of each of the pin arrangements engaging one of the spiral indentations of the spiral track; and a handle coupled to the spiral track to rotate the spiral track. The retractor is configured and arranged to radially move the retractor teeth as the spiral track is rotated. |
| US09986986B2 |
Systems for removing a tissue specimen or organ through a small incision or natural opening in a patient
A system and method for facilitating the removal of a tissue specimen from a patient is disclosed. The system includes a bag or pouch, a tissue cutter device, a support and a stabilizer. The tissue cutter device includes a passer, a wire, and a handle. The support is an elongated member. The passer is an elongated member configured to be coupled to the support and introduced as a temporary unit into the mouth of the bag or pouch in the patient's body holding the tissue specimen. The wire is attached to the passer. The temporary unit is configured to pass around the tissue specimen and out of the opening in the bag or pouch to carry the wire through that path so that a distal portion of the wire and a proximal portion of the wire are outside the patient's body. Those portions of the wire can be pulled to cut into the tissue specimen. The stabilizer holds the tissue specimen as the wire cuts into it. |
| US09986984B2 |
Ingress protection for electrosurgical pencil switch
A method of assembling a surgical instrument includes coupling a power bus to a switch base that has a top, a bottom, and side surfaces; adhering a membrane to the top surface of the switch base over the power bus to form a switch base assembly; positioning the switch base assembly within a first portion of a switch base cavity defined by a lower housing portion; and joining the lower housing portion with an upper housing portion. The upper housing portion defines a second portion of the switch base cavity. Joining the lower housing portion with the upper housing portion disposes the switch base within the first portion of the switch base cavity and prevents fluid from penetrating a proximal portion of the switch base cavity within which an electrical lead is coupled to the power bus. |
| US09986975B2 |
Point source transmission and speed-of-sound correction using multi-aperture ultrasound imaging
A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging system and methods of use are provided with any number of features. In some embodiments, a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy to and from separate physical ultrasound apertures. In some embodiments, a transmit aperture of a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit an omni-directional unfocused ultrasound waveform approximating a first point source through a target region. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with a single receiving aperture. In other embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with multiple receiving apertures. Algorithms are described that can combine echoes received by one or more receiving apertures to form high resolution ultrasound images. Additional algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the ultrasound system to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body. |
| US09986971B2 |
Ring laser for use with imaging probe as a safe margin indicator
A surgical imaging apparatus is disclosed, and includes an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including at least one ultrasonic transducer. The surgical imaging apparatus also includes at least one light source being operatively coupled with the elongate body and configured to move relative to the elongate body. The at least one light source is configured to project light onto a tissue surface. The light is dimensioned to illuminate a section of tissue corresponding to a tissue margin. |
| US09986967B2 |
Distal protection systems and methods with pressure and ultrasound features
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems and methods for providing embolic protection to a medical procedure by filtration of debris generated by the medical procedure. The system and methods include an embolic protection device having an ultrasound transducer for assisting in intravascular navigation of the device. |
| US09986963B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing radiation from CT measurement of respiratory cycles and CT scanner
A method for reducing radiation from CT measurement of respiratory cycles and a corresponding CT scanner. The method includes: determining a lying direction of a patient to be measured; and setting a tube position for a first respiratory cycle measurement of the patient according to the lying direction. |
| US09986953B2 |
Production method for radiation detection unit
According to a method for producing a radiation detection unit, in a first step, a side portion of a first radiation detection module and a first protrusion are abutted. In a second step, a second radiation detection module is arranged within a region from which the first protrusion has been removed, and a side portion of the second radiation detection module and a second protrusion are abutted, after the first step. In a third step, each of the mounting portion of the first radiation detection module and the mounting portion of the second radiation detection module is arranged opposing a frame while spaced apart from the frame, and each of the first radiation detection module and the second radiation detection module is mounted on the frame. |
| US09986950B2 |
Basket for a multi-electrode array catheter
An electrophysiology catheter is provided. In one embodiment, the catheter includes an elongate, deformable shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a basket electrode assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The basket electrode assembly has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured to assume a compressed state and an expanded state. The electrode assembly further includes one or more tubular splines having a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon and a plurality of conductors. Each of the plurality of conductors extends through the tubular spline from a corresponding one of the plurality of electrodes to the proximal end of the basket electrode assembly. The tubular splines are configured to assume a non-planar (e.g., a twisted or helical) shape in the expanded state. |
| US09986949B2 |
Multi-arm catheter with signal transmission over braid wires
A medical probe includes an insertion tube for insertion into a patient's body, and multiple arms that are attached to a distal end of the insertion tube. Each arm includes a braid of wires that traverse the arm. Multiple electrodes are coupled to the arms and electrically connected to respective selected wires of the braid. The electrodes are configured to exchange signals over the wires with a system external to the patient body. |
| US09986944B2 |
Blood and biological sample collection device and method
Specially designed collection strips and their processing. By using specially designed collection strips, having a backer and one or more absorbent pads, in conjunction with a unique processing method, the processes of analyzing biological samples such as blood, or the like, may be done efficiency with the elimination of cross contamination risk. Identification of the sample stays with the sample throughout the process as it resides on the collection strip. The strip absorbs a known volume. The sample with identification is placed directly in an elution solution, without mechanically separating the sample from its identification information. Elimination of the need for mechanical separation tends to reduce cross contamination, as well as reducing sample processing time. |
| US09986940B2 |
Microphone calibration compensation from coupler transfer function
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for determining the sensitivity of a first microphone, the method comprising providing an acoustic coupler having at least one internal cavity configured such that a sound field can be generated within the cavity, the cavity being further in acoustic communication with a reference microphone configured to measure the reference sound pressure at a given position in said cavity, the cavity being further provided with an inlet opening configured to establish acoustic communication between the sound inlet of said first microphone, the sensitivity of which is to be determined. |
| US09986938B2 |
Method and device for determining a geometrical parameter of a blood vessel
The various aspects relate to a method of determining a geometrical parameter of a side branch of a main branch of a blood vessel, comprising receiving a multitude of cross section data sets, the data sets representing geometries of cross sections of the main branch over a length of the main branch and receiving position data of a cut plane of the main branch, the cut plane intersecting the side branch and the cut plane being defined under an angle with the cross-sections. The method further comprises, based on data in at least a part of the cross section data sets, constructing image data of a constructed cross section of the main branch in the cut plane. The method comprises receiving contour data defining a contour in the constructed cross section, the contour being provided in the side branch and determining the parameter by determining a parameter of the contour. |
| US09986928B2 |
Noninvasive cardiac therapy evaluation
Systems, methods, and interfaces are described herein for assisting a user in noninvasive evaluation of patients for cardiac therapy and noninvasive evaluation of cardiac therapy being delivered. The systems, methods, and interfaces may provide graphical representations of cardiac electrical activation times about one or more portions of human anatomy and one or more cardiac health metrics. |
| US09986923B2 |
Selecting a region of interest for extracting physiological parameters from a video of a subject
What is disclosed is a system and method for selecting a region of interest for extracting physiological parameters from a video of a subject. In one embodiment the present method involves performing the following. First, time-series signals are received which have been generated by having processing image frames of a video of a subject captured using a single band video camera with a bandpass filter with a pass band in a wavelength range of 495-565 nm and/or 800-1000 nm. The regions of interest are areas where a plethysmographic signal can be detected by the camera. Each time-series signal is associated with a different region of interest. A signal strength is then calculated for each of the time-series signals. The region associated with the time-series signal having a highest signal strength is selected. The time-series signal associated with the selected region can be processed to extract a videoplethysmographic (VPG) signal containing physiological parameters. |
| US09986920B2 |
Blood pressure information measurement device cuff and blood pressure information measurement device provided therewith
In a blood pressure information measurement device cuff, a first flexion point and a second flexion point at which a curvature radius changes are provided in a curler, and a straight line-shaped connection portion is provided between the first flexion point and the second flexion point so as to be located inside a curve formed by extending a first curved portion and a second curved portion that are located at the ends of the curler at the first flexion point and the second flexion point, according to the respective curvatures. Through this, it is possible to provide a blood pressure information measurement device cuff, and a blood pressure information measurement device provided with such a cuff, that can reduce error in a blood pressure measurement by reducing errors in changes in the volume of a fluid bladder. |
| US09986917B2 |
Endoluminal ostium sensor array device
A sensor device for sensing endoluminal geometry may include an expandable element disposed on the distal region of a shaft. The expandable element may be configured to move a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable element may include one or more sensor elements configured to sense proximity of the sensor element to tissue. The sensor device may include an indicator configured to distinguish between contact of the sensor element with tissue, loss of contact and proximity of the sensor element to tissue. |
| US09986911B2 |
Wireless telecommunications system adaptable for patient monitoring
A wireless network having an architecture that resembles a peer-to-peer network has two types of nodes, a first sender type node and a second receiver/relay type node. The network may be used in a medical instrumentation environment whereby the first type node may be wireless devices that could monitor physical parameters of a patient such as for example wireless oximeters. The second type node are mobile wireless communicators that are adapted to receive the data from the wireless devices if they are within the transmission range of the wireless devices. After an aggregation process involving the received data, each of the node communicators broadcasts or disseminates its most up to date data onto the network. Any other relay communicator node in the network that is within the broadcast range of a broadcasting communicator node would receive the up to date data. This makes it possible for communicators that are out of the transmitting range of a wireless device to be apprized of the condition of the patient being monitored by the wireless device. Each communicator in the network is capable of receiving and displaying data from a plurality of wireless devices. |
| US09986909B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing system for displaying information about ocular blood flow
An image processing apparatus includes an identification unit configured to identify a retinal blood vessel based on a retinal image, a measurement unit configured to measure blood flow information for the blood vessel based on the retinal image, and a display control unit configured to display the measured blood flow information by at least one selected from a depth of the identified blood vessel, a size of the identified blood vessel, and a combination of both. |
| US09986908B2 |
Mechanical features of an eye imaging apparatus
Various embodiments of an eye imaging apparatus can be used to image the posterior and/or anterior portions of the eye. In some embodiments, the eye imaging apparatus can comprise a light source, imaging optics, an image sensor, and a handgrip comprising a bump shaped to fit with a palm of an operator. In some embodiments, the eye imaging apparatus can comprise a light source, imaging optics, an image sensor, and a control button. The control button can comprise a multi-functional button and/or a control button activated by the index finger. In some embodiments, the eye imaging apparatus can comprise a housing structure comprising a double shell structure with an inner shell and an outer shell, which can be configured to facilitate heat management. In some embodiments, the eye imaging apparatus can comprise a removable front imaging module, a main module, and an interconnect locking structure configured to enable repeated removal of the front imaging module from and re-attachment of the front imaging module to the main module. Various embodiments also comprise a carrying case for an eye imaging apparatus. |
| US09986907B2 |
System and method for objective chromatic perimetry analysis using pupillometer
The present invention relates to a system, device and a method for objective visual field testing and in particular, to such a system and method in which provides objective chromatic perimetry test or color vision test using a pupillometer. |
| US09986906B2 |
Wavefront generation for ophthalmic applications
Embodiments of this invention relate to the generation of wavefronts for measurements, diagnostics, and treatment planning for ophthalmic applications. In some embodiments, a wavefront generator generates light having a uniform wavefront, which is focusable on the retina of an emmetropic eye by the normal function of the emmetropic eye. In some embodiments, the wavefront generator can generate light having a custom wavefront which is not focusable on the retina of the emmetropic eye. In some embodiments, the wavefront generator can receive information relating to an optical aberration of the eye, generate a custom wavefront, and project light having this custom wavefront, which in combination with the optical aberration of the eye is focusable on the retina. |
| US09986894B2 |
Connector
A connector comprises an upper surface finger-resting portion that extends in the longitudinal axial direction on the outer periphery of the gripping portion, and on which the first finger is placed, a lower surface finger-resting portion on which the second finger or the third finger is rested when the connector is gripped by placing the first finger on the upper surface finger-resting portion, and a guide protrusion portion that is arranged on the same straight line as the upper surface finger-resting portion in the longitudinal axial direction and determines the position to be inserted, in which the connector is directly fitted into the receiving-side connector by directing the finger tip of the first finger that is placed on the upper surface finger-resting portion to the guide groove of the receiving-side connector and inserting the connector. |
| US09986890B2 |
Endoscope system, operation method for endoscope system, and program for balancing conflicting effects in endoscopic imaging
The present technology relates to an endoscope system in which resolution and an S/N ratio are adjusted to be well-balanced depending on an imaging condition, and further capable of changing a processing load depending on the imaging condition, a method for operating the endoscope system, and a program.From an image signal in a body cavity imaged by an endoscope apparatus, a low frequency image including a low frequency component and a high frequency image including a high frequency component are extracted. The low frequency image is reduced by a predetermined reduction ratio, and, after image quality improvement processing is performed, is enlarged by an enlargement ratio corresponding to the reduction ratio. At that time, based on condition information indicating an imaging state, when brightness at the time of imaging is sufficient and the high frequency component does not include noise components a lot, the low frequency image and the high frequency image are added to be output as an output image. In addition, based on the condition information, when the brightness at the time of imaging is not sufficient and the high frequency component includes the noise components a lot, only the low frequency image is output as the output image. The present technology can be applied to the endoscope system. |
| US09986881B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner includes an upright body and a base carrying a suction nozzle that is pivotally coupled with the upright body for movement between at least a storage position and a reclined use position. A motor is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and is mounted in the upright body in a configuration that partially offsets the weight-in-hand of the upright assembly as perceived by a user of the vacuum cleaner. |
| US09986880B2 |
Surface cleaning apparatus
A hand vacuum cleaner has a uniflow cyclone with a front cyclone air inlet and a rear air cyclone outlet. |
| US09986879B2 |
Antimicrobial self-cleaning toilet
A toilet comprising a rinsing seat, a rimless bowl, and a helical loop trapway is disclosed. An annular cavity for the purpose of storing and dispensing rinse water from the rinsing seat is disclosed. Outlet nozzles arranged about the circumference of the rinsing seat and designed to dispense rinse water at the rimless bowl are disclosed. Rinsing seat supports, hinge assemblies, and seat sensors which offer additional functionality to the rinsing seat are also disclosed. The toilet includes a steep interior surface with a titanium dioxide coating and actuatable ultraviolet light sources. The titanium dioxide has antimicrobial properties in the presence of ultraviolet light to sanitize the toilet. The ultraviolet light source is actuatable to control when the antimicrobial properties of the titanium dioxide coating are activated. The exterior of the toilet is coated with doped titanium dioxide which is antimicrobial in the presence of visible light. |
| US09986878B2 |
Toilet seat hinge
A toilet seat hinge for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet bowl includes a hinge post and a pin extending through the hinge post and defining an axis. The pin is configured to attach the toilet seat to the hinge post for pivotal movement about the axis. The toilet seat hinge also includes a quick release mechanism for releasably securing the hinge post to the toilet bowl. The quick release mechanism includes a member coupled to the pin for pivotal movement about the axis. The member is pivotable about the axis between a first position in which the hinge post is secured to the toilet bowl, and a second position in which the hinge post is released from the toilet bowl. |
| US09986876B2 |
Dispenser for sheet products
An in-counter or in-wall dispenser including a product housing and a cover is disclosed. The cover is pivotally mounted so as to pivot between an open position providing access to the interior volume defined by the product housing for loading a new stack of sheet products and a closed position so that the sheet products are only accessible through a dispensing opening in the cover for one at a time dispensing of sheet products from the product housing. First and second tab-like members project from an interior surface of the product housing into the interior volume. With the cover open, the first and second tab-like members engage in a margin or border area of a front face of the sheet products positioned closest to the dispensing opening to hold at least the engaged part of the sheet products spaced from an interior surface of the anterior cover. |
| US09986873B2 |
Kitchen device with suction foot
The invention relates to a kitchen device (100) comprising: —a grip (120) for manually holding the device, the grip defining a grip area (112), —a first suction foot (130) attached to the device (100) and arranged to secure the device (100) to a surface (150) by means of suction against the surface (150), —an actuator (110) connected to the first suction foot (130) and extending in the grip area (112), the actuator (110) being arranged to transfer an actuating force (111) acting on the actuator (110) into a releasing force (131) acting on the first suction foot (130) to release the first suction foot (130) from the surface (150). This device can be released from the surface with an improved ease of use, because holding the device and releasing the device from the surface effectively have become a single, intuitive manual action by the user. |
| US09986869B2 |
Self-locking multi-size cartridge extraction unit
An extraction unit (10) for extracting cartridges (1a; 1b) of two different heights (ha;hb) comprises a seat (11, 12, 13; 15) for receiving any of such cartridges (1a; 1b) for extraction thereof in the seat. The seat is delimited by a first part (11,12,13) and second part (15) that are relatively movable between a cartridge extraction position and a cartridge loading and/or ejection position. The first part (11,12,13) has a first portion (11,12) and a second portion (13) that are relatively movable to delimit a cavity (12′) having selectively: —a first depth (da) for receiving a cartridge (1a) of the first height (ha); and —a second depth (db) for receiving a cartridge (1b) of the second height (hb), the first part (11,12,13) has a lock (112′, 132, 132′, 142′) for locking the first and second portions (11,12,13) when the delimited cavity (12′) has the first depth (da) or the second depth (db). Such extraction unit (10) further comprises a mechanical sensor (14) that senses the height (ha;hb) of a cartridge (1a; 1b) and that controls the lock (112′, 132, 132′, 142′) to lock or unlock the first and second portions (11,12,13) when the sensor is actuated by a cartridge of first height (ha) or of second height (hb). |
| US09986860B2 |
Cup rack for stacked disposable cups
A cup stacking and holding assembly is disclosed with methods of application in standard use and with internal electronics for visual displays. The cup holder assembly may be manufactured in various configurations, all providing a cup rack for convenient and stable stacking of disposable cups. The cup rack may comprise: a base providing a surface for abutting support for a plurality of cups; a cup retainer plate coupled to the base; a plurality of cup retaining apertures formed within the cup retainer plate, each cup retaining aperture sized to receive a corresponding cup and having a diameter smaller than the largest exterior diameter of the corresponding cup; the cup retainer plate moveable from a first closed position parallel and proximal to the surface for abutting support to a second open position for insertion of cups within the cup retaining apertures. |
| US09986859B2 |
Rotatable and stable container
Aspects of the present invention comprise a container that is stably rotatable. In embodiments, a container may rotate about a central axis, wherein the container comprises at least one feature at the central axis that facilitate rotation and at least one other lateral feature that provides stability to the container to reduce the occurrence of tipping or spilling while the container is moving. |
| US09986856B1 |
Modular greeting card rack
A rack display comprising a base having a front panel with a plurality of horizontal and vertical slots included thereon; left and right side panels extending from sides of the front panel; a back panel extending between the left and right side panels; and one or more shelf members including horizontal and vertical tabs. The shelf members are secured to the base by inserting the vertical and horizontal tabs within the vertical and horizontal slots respectively. The rack display is erected from a knockdown configuration by securing the shelf members to the front panel of the base via insertion of the horizontal and vertical tabs within the horizontal and vertical slots respectively. |
| US09986854B2 |
Product display assembly
A product display assembly includes a floor and a divider. The floor is configured to support a product. The divider is configured to selectively engage the floor such that the divider extends in a longitudinal direction. The divider includes a body portion and a proximal leg. The proximal leg is movable with respect to the body portion in a longitudinal direction between a first position where the proximal leg engages the floor and a second position where the proximal leg is free from engagement with the floor. |
| US09986853B2 |
Merchandise display system
A modular merchandise display system is provided. The system comprises an enclosure, a first upper bracket and a first lower bracket forming a first pocket on a first side of the enclosure, and a second upper bracket and a second lower bracket forming a second pocket on a second side of the enclosure. A first security door is slidably and pivotally connected to the first upper and lower brackets. A second security door slidably and pivotally connected to the second upper and lower brackets. The security doors can be positioned exterior of the enclosure and then pivoted about the upper and lower brackets to be positioned substantially parallel to the front of the enclosure in a closed position. The security doors can then be secured to one another in the closed position. |
| US09986852B2 |
Product display systems
This document provides product display systems for displaying merchandise. Exemplary product display systems disclosed herein include a base, a first side wall and a second side wall each slidably coupled to the base, a first support plate and a second support plate, a pusher mechanism, a front plate positioned at the front of the base, a first hanger bracket and a second hanger bracket each slidably coupled to the base, and a front bracket unit connected to the first and second hanger brackets. Some embodiments of product display systems disclosed herein include a lighting unit, e.g., having a LED lighting source. This document also provides selectively detachable lighting housings that can be attached to product display systems. |
| US09986849B2 |
Depth-adjustable bassinet
A frame is configured to rest on a support surface and an infant-receiving receptacle is supported above the support surface by the frame. The infant-receiving receptacle includes a bottom/floor panel forming a bed for the child to sleep upon and a peripheral sidewall surrounding the bottom panel and extending between the bottom panel and the frame. The bassinet includes a depth-adjustment mechanism that enables a caregiver to selectively adjust the depth of the infant-receiving receptacle by raising or lowering the bottom panel of the infant-receiving receptacle. Various embodiments can also include wheels, rollers, or other mechanisms for rolling, sliding, or gliding the bassinet across the support surface. Some embodiments include a height-adjustment mechanism, downward-recessed front wall, longitudinal-axis folding canopy, inverted-eggcrate bed pad, and/or base-positioned foot rest. |
| US09986848B2 |
Chair assembly method
A method of assembling a chair component includes providing a first chair member adapted to support a user and that includes forwardly and a rearwardly-facing surfaced, wherein the first chair member further includes at least one raised portion extending rearwardly from the rear surface, wrapping a cover member about a portion of the first chair member, providing a drawstring operably coupled with the cover member, drawing the cover member about the portion of the first chair member by the drawstring, aligning the cover with the at least one raised portion to properly align the cover with respect to the first chair member, and securing the drawstring to the first chair member with at least one fastener that is received within the at least one raised portion. |
| US09986847B2 |
Chair elbow rest cover member and chair having the same
A cover member for an elbow rest of a chair includes a mounting portion to be disposed along an upper surface of the elbow rest, and a concealing portion for covering a side portion of the elbow rest. The mounting portion is to be hooked and stopped on the elbow rest. |
| US09986846B1 |
Slide fastener
Zippers with two sliders used for certain applications function better if the tooth pitch of the zipper teeth is extremely precise, and the pin/box assembly mounted to each end of the zipper is mounted so that the pins of each pin/box assembly are mounted on one zipper stringer and the boxes of each pin/box are mounted on the other zipper stringer. A zipper of such construction is well-suited for use in fastening a mattress cover, a boat cover, an automobile soft-top, and similar articles. |
| US09986840B2 |
Adjustable chair support system
An adjustable chair support system includes a first seat back support member spaced from a second seat back support member, and a seat back tensioning assembly that extends between the first and second seat back support members. The seat back tensioning assembly includes a carrier coupled to the first seat back support member, the carrier including an adjustable tension member and a first guide member, a pair of second guide members coupled to the second seat back support member, and a cable extending from the adjustable tension member into engagement with one of the pair of second guide members, with the first guide member, with the other of the pair of second guide members, and then returning to the adjustable tension member. |
| US09986839B2 |
Banquet chair with outer spring
A banquet chair comprises a seat and a backrest carried by a plurality of legs. A pair of arcuate leaf springs flexibly couples the backrest to the plurality of legs. The pair of arcuate leaf springs is spaced-apart, and each is located closer to a different outside edge of the seat and the backrest than to each other or a middle of the seat and the backrest. Each of the pair of arcuate leaf springs has an outermost edge exposed through a lateral perimeter of the backrest. |
| US09986836B2 |
Two-part stacking chair
A two-piece chair frame assembly comprises a back piece and a front piece joined together to form a chair frame. The back and front pieces are separate and discrete pieces until joined together. The back piece comprises a pair of rear legs, a backrest frame, and a back seat frame portion. The front piece comprises a pair of front legs and a front seat frame portion. The front and back seat frame portions join together to form a seat frame. The back and front pieces have different surface characteristics. |
| US09986833B1 |
Modular cinema lounge chair
A modular cinema lounge chair including a seat member, a back and headrest support member that is adapted to be rockably and/or controllably and lockably displaceable between an upright/retracted position and a reclined/extended position, a left arm, a right arm, a floor-engaging frame sub-assembly, a left side, a right side, a front side or optional leg rest that is controllably and lockably displaceable between a lowered/retracted position and a raised/extended position via a hydraulic cylinder or electric motor, and a back side, wherein the frame sub-assembly includes a clean, simplified, and extremely sturdy structure which is adapted to accommodate the wear and tear associated with high volume use in today's cinemas, theaters, and auditoriums. |
| US09986832B2 |
Furniture member with wall-proximity mechanism
A furniture member may include a base frame, a seat assembly, a drive rod, a legrest mechanism, and a wall-proximity mechanism. The seat assembly is supported by the base frame and includes a seat frame, a seat bottom, a seatback and a legrest. The legrest is movable relative to the base frame and seat frame between a retracted position and an extended position. The seatback is movable relative to the base frame and seat frame between an upright position and a reclined position. The drive rod is rotatably mounted to the seat frame. The legrest mechanism is attached to the legrest and the seat frame and is driven by the drive rod. The wall-proximity mechanism is connected to the base frame and to the seat assembly and tilts the seat frame rearward relative to the base frame and translates the seat frame forward relative to the base frame. |
| US09986829B2 |
Undermount drawer slide position adjustment apparatus and method of use
An undermount drawer slide mounting clip releasably attaches a drawer to a drawer rail assembly mounted in a cabinet carcass. The apparatus is capable of effecting positional adjustments of the drawer in three directions without removing the drawer from the cabinet carcass. The apparatus is comprised of a body slidingly engaged with a bonnet. A trigger pivotally connected between the body and the bonnet. A spring loaded catch slidable within the bonnet and acted on by the trigger to releasably attach the apparatus to a drawer rail assembly. A threaded spindle rotates within the base and adjusts the horizontal position of the drawer. A ramp adjustably connected to the base adjusts the vertical position of the drawer. A plunger extends from a housing connected to the body to adjacent the drawer rail assembly and adjusts the depth of the drawer. |
| US09986826B1 |
Hidden storage device for safely storing medications and separating daily dosages
A hidden storage device for preferably safely storing, hiding and separating medications. The device is secured to a wall of a room and has a decorative element or mirror secured to an external surface of a door. Therefore, to a viewer the device appears to be a decorative object or mirror hanging from a wall with the storage area hidden. A plurality of drawers preferably numbered for each day of the month. The user separates his or her daily medication in each drawer. Each drawer can be divided and labeled into multiple sections to permit the user to further separate the daily medications into morning dosages and evening dosages. A lock can also be provided for locking the door in a closed position. One of the drawers can also be labeled with refill indicia to reminder the user to refill each drawer. |
| US09986825B1 |
Assembly storage rack
An assembly storage rack includes two pair of support legs, two rail members, and a plurality of drawers. Each rail member includes a pair of connection portions and a plurality of rail portions. The pair of connection portions and the plurality of rail portions are integrally formed with each other. The pair of connection portions and the plurality of rail portions are respectively formed at two opposite sides of each rail member. The pair of connection portions of each rail member is detachedly mounted to each pair of support legs. Each drawer is slidably mounted between two rail portions of the two rail members facing each other. |
| US09986823B2 |
Portable container system
A lockable container adapted to fit within a docking area in a vehicle comprising three side panels, a bottom panel, a top panel and fourth side panel comprising a lockable door arranged to define a cavity within which goods may be stored wherein at least one of the panels is constructed of a plastics material and is removable from the other panels. The container is light and may be repaired on-site and thereby remain durable and replacement of at least one side panel enables rapid repair of the container when damaged through collision with fixtures in the vicinity of use. The container may be used on a vehicle during a journey to dispense goods for example on an aircraft, bus or a train. |
| US09986822B2 |
Method and apparatus for cooling an airline galley cart using a skin heat exchanger
A system for cooling a thermally insulated galley cart in an aircraft incorporates a skin heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to an aircraft skin. A cooling system is in communication with the skin heat exchanger and is configured to be removably coupled with a thermally insulated galley cart. |
| US09986820B2 |
Filament having unique tip and surface characteristics
A filament for use in a brush implement comprises an external material and at least a first internal material. The filament includes an elongated flexible body having a length, a longitudinal axis, and a longitudinal outer surface comprising the external material, the elongated body terminating with a tip having a tip surface comprising the external material, wherein the tip surface has therein a plurality of craters distributed throughout the tip surface in a predetermined pattern, each of the craters having a surface edge of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape, walls extending longitudinally from the surface edge and comprising the external material, and a bottom comprising the at least first internal material and situated at a depth from the surface edge, the surface edge being formed by the walls and the tip surface. |
| US09986816B2 |
Method for manufacturing bristle arrangements, and device for manufacturing bristle arrangements
A method and device for manufacturing bristle arrangements for brushes. The brush is populated with a carrier pad, and to enable simplification of the manufacture of bristle arrangements for brushes, the bristle bundles which are conveyed by a gas or air stream through the conveying device to the bundle-retaining plate, when being conveyed through the conveying device are electrostatically discharged, such that they are more easily conveyed through the conveying device, and in that they reduce the complexity in the fastening of bristle bundles in a carrier pad without anchoring, since the carrier pad on the rear side has material protrusions which are fused and thereafter interference-fitted in a bundle-fastening plane, in order for bristle bundles which have been incorporated into the perforations of the carrier pad to be connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the carrier pad in a simple manner. |
| US09986815B2 |
Drop-prevention tool harness for pistol-grip hand tools
A drop-prevention tool harness for pistol-grip hand tools includes a sleeve member sized to be installed around a gear housing of a pistol-grip hand tool. A tool body strap defines a flattened closed loop that extends around a wall of the sleeve member and extends to a rearward end portion spaced apart from the sleeve member. A handle strap is connected to the rearward end portion of the tool body strap and has first and second handle strap portions that extend to respective first and second handle strap end portions each defining a closed loop. The first closed loop is sized to permit passage therethrough by the second handle strap end portion. An optional handle band is sized and constructed to be installed around the handle strap and hand grip of a pistol-grip hand tool. |
| US09986813B2 |
Wearable assembly with interchangeable decorative items
A wearable assembly is disclosed including a decorative ornament having a coupling surface substantially opposite a decorative surface thereof; and a coupling member coupled to the coupling surface. The coupling member is adapted to selectively, removably couple to a wearable item such that the decorative surface is visible in an assembled configuration of the wearable assembly. |
| US09986812B2 |
Makeup application assistance device, makeup application assistance system, and makeup application assistance method
In order to appropriately assist with the application of makeup even when trends in makeup techniques change over time, a server of a makeup application assistance system includes: a makeup technique collection unit that collects information on practical makeup techniques from each of a plurality of people, said information representing makeup techniques selected as targets for practice in the application of makeup by said people; a makeup technique analysis unit that analyzes the information on practical makeup techniques that was collected, and determines a selection criteria for the makeup techniques to be presented to a user; and a makeup technique presentation unit that selects makeup techniques on the basis of the selection criteria that were determined, and presents suggested makeup technique information, which represents the selected makeup techniques, to the user. |
| US09986810B2 |
Hand held appliance
A hairdryer including a heater, a fluid flow path and a thermal fuse wherein the fluid flow path extends from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, the heater extends within the fluid flow path from an upstream end of the heater to a downstream end of the heater and the thermal fuse extends across the downstream end of the heater. The heater may be generally cylindrical in shape and the thermal fuse may extend at least partially radially across the downstream end of the heater. The heater may be annular in cross-section and the thermal fuse may extend at least partially radially across the annular downstream end of the heater. The heater may comprise an element, a scaffold around which the element is wound and an outer wall wherein the outer wall extends about the element and the scaffold. |
| US09986808B2 |
Locking drawstring bag
An improved tote bag with a locking mechanism is disclosed. The bag provides a high degree of security yet still remains soft, unstructured, and fashionable. |
| US09986807B2 |
Protective case with multi-mode rotatable magnetic positioning and closure system
A protective case for a mobile or handheld device is disclosed. The case includes front and rear cover components that are configured to rotate relative to one another so that the case is capable of being configured by the user into have multi-mode use configurations. The case includes a rotatable magnetic clasp that rotates to magnetically secure the case in desired configuration. The magnetic clasp includes a rotatable magnet component attached to one end region of the case and a fixedly positioned and oriented magnet secured to another opposing end region of the case. The rotation of the magnet allows the user to re-orient the polarity of the magnetic component to facilitate mechanical and magnetic retention of the desired configuration. |
| US09986803B2 |
Apparatus for holding an electronic device having a mechanical self-adjusting retention element
An apparatus is provided for holding an electronic device. That apparatus includes a body having a cavity for receiving the electronic device. The body also includes an integral retention element that engages the electronic device in the cavity to hold the electronic device in a desired position. |
| US09986802B2 |
Protective cushion cover for an electronic device
Disclosed is a protective cover for an electronic device that is made from an elastomeric material that simultaneously provides cushioning that would otherwise be provided by a softer, thicker material, while utilizing a single, denser material that provides a slim profile and has sufficient density to conform well to the electronic device and prevent the transmission of impacts with hard surfaces directly to the electronic device. Although a denser material is used for the protective cover, recesses are formed in thicker portions at impact points that create compressible ribs. The ribs provide softer, cushioned portions of the cover in the impact areas, which are capable of absorbing the shock and energy of impacts. |
| US09986801B1 |
Aircraft interior protection system
A method and apparatus for protecting a structure. A surface of the structure is covered with a deformable cover having a first type of connector physically associated with a surface of the deformable cover. The first type of connector is configured to connect to a second type of connector for the structure. The surface of the structure with the deformable cover is protected. |
| US09986800B1 |
Reversible purse
This invention relates to a reversible purse including two receptacles and flaps to secure the receptacles. |
| US09986797B2 |
Walking stick and walking assistance device
A walking stick includes a main part that is stick-like, a sensor that detects at least one of an acceleration of the main part and an angular velocity of the main part, a light emitter that emits light on a ground, a balance evaluator that evaluates a user's walking balance stability based on at least one of the detected acceleration and the detected angular velocity, and an emitting controller that controls a light emitting direction of the light based on a result of the evaluation and an inclination angle of the main part. |
| US09986796B2 |
Clasp for a watch bracelet or a garment belt
A clasp for a watch bracelet or for a garment belt includes at least two unfolding arms articulated to each other, a first unfolding arm includes a first end attached to a bracelet strand and a second end pivotally articulated to a first end of a second unfolding arm, a second end of the second unfolding arm is traversed by an arbour about which there is articulated a cover with first and second flaps and to which another bracelet strand is attached. The clasp includes a push button fastening system, including at least one push button that controls a bolt pivotally mounted on the cover, the bolt includes a first hook cooperating with a second hook fitted to the first unfolding arm and keeping the second hook locked when the push button is not manually activated, the first hook being kept engaged with the second hook by an elastic structure. |
| US09986795B2 |
Bracelet with integrated knife
A bracelet or flexible band comprised of a flexible member that on one end is interconnected to a knife and on another end, is connected to a sheath that selectively receives the knife in the locking fashion. When needed, the knife is rotated within the sheath to facilitate release thereof from a lock that is integral with the sheath. Once removed from the sheath, the knife can be used for self-defense, cutting rope or cord in an emergency situation, or for general utility cutting tasks. |
| US09986794B2 |
Fastener
A fastener assembly attaches items to fabrics and textiles. The fastener has particular application for easily attaching racing bibs (i.e., athlete numbers) to athletic garments, and obviating the need for safety pins. In one embodiment, a female portion that passes through the fabric or textile releasably connects with the male portion that fastens the item to the fabric or textile. In another embodiment, the female portion has a cover to facilitate passage through the fabric or textile. In a third embodiment, the male portion passes through the fabric or textile, and includes a barb or a hook to do so. |
| US09986793B2 |
Fastener for firefighter turnout gear
A zipper type fastener for protective clothing, such as a firefighter or first responder turnout jacket is disclosed. One or more open ends of the zipper may be connected to the protective clothing by a zipper extender that creates a grip area to allow a user to more easily grasp the zipper end component(s) and fasten the zipper. |
| US09986780B2 |
Method for manufacturing an integrally-formed shoe having no machine sewing
An integrally-formed shoe having no machine sewing and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A structure of the shoe includes: a lining sock body that uses a knitting manner and includes an opening; and a surface sock body that uses a knitting manner and includes an opening and a sole, where the opening of the lining sock body is nested inside the surface sock body; the two sock bodies are properly mounted on a sock machine; low melting point yarn and nylon elastic filament are mixed into knitting of the lining sock body; low melting point yarn, nylon elastic filament, and set yarn are mixed into knitting of the surface sock body; after the sock machine weaves and molds the two sock bodies into a whole, a hollow mold is nested inside the surface sock body; the whole is heated and baked to slightly damage surface tissues of the yarn, and is then cooled to make the set yarn in knitwear be reorganized and extended according to the shape of an external fixing mold, to present a predetermined pattern; and after the surface sock body presents the predetermined pattern, the sole is directly bonded to the bottom of the surface sock body so as to achieve bonding of the sole and the surface sock body, to complete the integrally-formed shoe having no machine sewing, so that a user feels more comfortable due to no machine sewing. |
| US09986777B2 |
Balaclava hood system
A disposable aspirated inflatable safety protection balaclava hood system and apparatus designed to protect the human head and neck from injury resulting from sports impacts with a crash sensor arrangement in which acceleration, angular, rotational, extension or flexion motion resulting from an impact force requires deployment of an apparatus protection device. The method embodies an inherent bladder airbag system that is deployed with resulting impact force on the sensor arrangement using an actuation mechanism and an inflation interconnected bladder system, or tube(s) resulting in release of the inert compressed inert gas in a cartridge actuation mechanism using a triggering mechanism, which is held in an interior pocket of the hood resulting in aspiration of the inflatable safety bladder protection hood. |
| US09986776B2 |
Fabric flower maker
An artificial flower maker including a board or other flat surface, a plurality of arms each positioned along the flat surface and forming a generally circular shape, and a center attachment mechanism for constructing and securing an artificial flower. Each flower is constructed by strategically folding a series of petals from a type of material, and using the artificial flower maker to hold down each folded petal until all folded petals are completed and ultimately secured to form an artificial flower. A further embodiment may incorporate a box or other enclosure for storage and transport of the flower maker. |
| US09986775B2 |
Convertible garment for carrying and feeding infants
A garment designed to convert back and forth between a cover mode for nursing an infant and a carrier mode for carrying an infant or other animate or inanimate object has a first layer designed to loosely cover an attached inner layer or separate garment covering an upper torso of a wearer in the cover mode. The first layer has a neck opening, a back, a front, opposite sides, left and right arm openings, and a faux pocket slit on each side spaced below the respective arm opening and configured for insertion of a wearer's arm through the faux pocket slit and between the first layer and inner layer or garment. After inserting an arm, the wearer can turn a lower portion of the first layer inside out while moving the slit along the arm and over the shoulder to form a sling-like carrier in the carry mode. |
| US09986774B2 |
Garment convertible into a pillow
In described embodiments, the present invention is a garment having panels provided in an interior portion thereof such that the panels are invertible in the garment insertable into the panels, forming a pillow. |
| US09986773B2 |
Convertible pants
A pair of convertible pants comprising an upper pants portion, a lower pants portion, an opening extending longitudinally from a hem end of the lower pants portion to a section that turns and continuously extending substantially circumferentially around the leg opening and ends at a terminus, and a closure being operable to extend along the entire length of the opening to selectively open and close the opening. |
| US09986769B1 |
Atomizer for an electronic cigarette
Disclosed is an atomizer that comprises a transparent, elongated e-liquid cartridge enclosed in a transparent, elongated outer cylinder that creates a well-defined smoke-flowing interlayer or pathway that leads from an atomization tube mounted on the distal end of the outer cylinder to a cigarette holder disposed at its proximal end. The atomization tube contains a heating coil in a porcelain cup in contact with an e-liquid rope or wick extruding from an e-liquid guiding head that seals the e-liquid cartridge at its distal end. Mounted on the atomization tube are two conductive members that connect with the heating coil and with an appropriate battery assembly containing an air-flow sensor that provides an electric charge when a smoker inhales. A smoker's inhalation also creates negative pressure within the interlayer pathway and the cartridge causing e-liquid to permeate the wick for vaporization. The resulting vapor or smoke travels to the cigarette holder and smoker via the interlayer. The cartridge is sealed at its proximal end by a sealing plug which is reinforced by a cap on the outer cylinder. The cap has smoke vents which communicate with the smoke-flowing interlayer. The separate smoke-flowing interlayer preserves the purity of the vapor, eliminates leaking, and allows the smoker better control of consumption through its transparency. |
| US09986768B2 |
Multi-part electrically heated aerosol-generating system
A multi-part aerosol-generating assembly system has a mouth end and a distal end, and includes a first part having a housing and a power supply disposed in the housing. The system also includes a second part releasably connectable with the first part. The second part includes a heating element and a liquid transfer element. The heating element is operably coupled to the power supply when the second part is connected with the first part. The system further includes a third part releasably connectable with the second part. The third part includes a reservoir containing a liquid aerosol generating substrate. The liquid aerosol generating substrate is in fluid communication with the liquid transfer element when the third part is connected with the second part. The system further includes a cover disposable over the third part. The cover is releasably securable in a position relative to the third part. |
| US09986765B2 |
Container having a heater for an aerosol-generating device, and aerosol-generating device
A container for use in an electrically heated aerosol-generating device is provided, the container including a piercing area, wherein the electrically heated aerosol-generating device has a piercing element configured to pierce the piercing area; a casing; and a cap including the piercing area and a heater, the heater defining a boundary of the piercing area. An electrically heated aerosol-generating device is also provided, including a power supply; a cavity configured to receive a container; electrical contacts connected to the power supply and configured to couple the power supply to the heater of the container through electrical contacts of the container; means for piercing the piercing area of the container when the container is received in the cavity. A method of manufacturing a container including an aerosol-generating substrate is also provided. |
| US09986760B2 |
Electronic smoking article
An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply region including liquid material and a heater-wick element operable to wick liquid material and heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol. The heater-wick element comprises a plurality of fused metal beads or particles. |
| US09986759B2 |
Smoking article with liquid delivery material
A smoking article (10) incorporates a sustained release liquid delivery material (20), the liquid delivery material comprising a closed matrix structure defining a plurality of domains. A liquid composition is trapped within the domains and is releasable from the closed matrix structure upon compression of the material. The liquid delivery material (20) provides a sustained release of the liquid composition over a range of force of at least 5 Newtons. Preferably, the liquid delivery material is provided within the filter (14) of the smoking article (10). |
| US09986756B2 |
Exhausted-tobacco oral product
An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, exhausted tobacco fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and an additive dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the additive from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. |
| US09986754B2 |
Antioxidant-enriched composition comprising fermented blueberry juice, a fermented concentrate of blueberry juice, or an extract of fermented blueberry juice
Bacterial strains are provided that can be isolated from the microflora of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), and that are capable of increasing the antioxidant content of their growth medium. The bacteria can be used, for example, to increase the antioxidant content of various foodstuffs, as probiotics or as additives to animal feed. Antioxidant-enriched compositions produced by fermentation processes utilizing the bacteria are also provided. The antioxidant-enriched compositions can be used in the preparation of cosmetics and nutritional supplements. The antioxidant-enriched compositions also have therapeutic applications. |
| US09986752B2 |
Base medicinal liquid formulation for supporting the specific homeostatic acid-base balance of living tissue
This invention is a concentrated alkali buffer+minerals additive within a range of concentrated alkali buffer+mineral formulations to be added to municipal tap waters, commercial non-carbonated bottled waters or natural spring waters. The additive increases the pH value of these consumable drinking waters and delivers the essential and indispensable minerals of the concentrated alkali buffer+minerals formulations in order to influence alterations in the anion gap and for blood pH balancing in the alkaline range when bicarbonate production is diminished or endogenous acid production (EAP) is overwhelming and the body is using minerals sacrificed from physiologically essential repositories in order to compensate for pH swings caused by EAP or other factors. |
| US09986749B2 |
Method of protecting active ingredients from degradation during pelleting
A system for the protection against degradation during pelleting of one or more physiologically or pharmacologically active substances, comprising compositions in the form of micro particles or granules, particularly for use in the zootechnical and/or veterinary field. The micro particles include a core which contains one or more substances having a pharmacological action, food supplements or diagnostic media, said one or more substances being characterized by the presence, within their chemical structure, of a basic functional group, specifically including an amine functional group. The core comprises also one or more carboxylic acids and/or their salts and eventually one or more excipients. Said core is coated by an outer layer of fats or waxes, and preferably by a mixture of glyceride of fatty acids. |
| US09986742B2 |
Durable antimicrobial treatments for textiles and other substrates
This invention relates to regenerable antimicrobial coatings with long-lasting efficacy for use in medical applications including implants, medical instruments or devices, and hospital equipment. The same coatings would also have broad utility in the consumer, industrial, and institutional markets. The coating technology would be based on sequestration of hydrogen peroxide (HP) by zinc oxide binders incorporated into the coatings. |
| US09986737B2 |
Sterilization method
A method of sterilizing a material, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a sterilizing composition comprising (i) peracetic acid and (ii) a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of citric acid, isocitric acid, aconitic acid and propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; b) introducing such sterilizing composition into a hot gaseous stream to produce a peracetic acid vapor; and c) contacting such peracetic acid vapor with the material to be sterilized. The use of such an organic acid stabilizer results in an unexpected reduction in the amount of residue deposited on the heating surface employed to vaporize the sterilizing composition. |
| US09986735B2 |
Compositions and methods for enhancing microbial stability
Described herein are compositions and methods for increasing the survivability of one or more beneficial microorganisms. |
| US09986730B2 |
Rabbit and squirrel call device
A portable electronic animal call device comprising a housing, a memory, a plurality of user inputs, a speaker, an amplifier, a power source, a status indicator, and a controller for controlling the electronic components. The housing encloses the electronic components and includes a plurality of sound openings near the speaker. The housing also includes a plurality of ridges and recesses for gripping the device. The memory stores animal sound files therein. The inputs include a power button, a plurality of animal sound selection buttons, and one or more volume inputs. The user holds or presses the power button to turn on and off the device and to resume and pause an animal sound. The user presses one of the animal sound selection buttons to select and play a desired animal sound. The status indicator communicates a power or animal sound status via LED light or similar alert. |
| US09986727B2 |
Fish glove/mitt with integral netting
A fishing glove/mitt device comprises: a fingers component; a thumb netting support, a flexible netting element between the wearer's fingers and thumb, and a palm-cuff wrap. The wearer of this device can manipulate the netting portion between his/her fingers and thumb to at least partially close it about the fish being caught. An optional net frame support may extend angularly outwardly and upwardly between the thumb and fingers or between side supports of this netting element. |
| US09986724B2 |
Genetically modified non-human animals and methods of use thereof
Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that may be used to model human hematopoietic cell development, function, or disease. The genetically modified non-human animals comprise a nucleic acid encoding human IL-6 operably linked to an IL-6 promoter. In some instances, the genetically modified non-human animal expressing human IL-6 also expresses at least one of human M-CSF, human IL-3, human GM-CSF, human SIRPa or human TPO. In some instances, the genetically modified non-human animal is immunodeficient. In some such instances, the genetically modified non-human animal is engrafted with healthy or diseased human hematopoietic cells. Also provided are methods for using the subject genetically modified non-human animals in modeling human hematopoietic cell development, function, and/or disease, as well as reagents and kits thereof that find use in making the subject genetically modified non-human animals and/or practicing the subject methods. |
| US09986722B2 |
Animal model of Krabbe's disease
The present invention relates to an animal model for infantile globoid cell leucodystrophy, and use of said animal model for screening and/or validation of agents which may be useful as a medicament for treatment of globoid cell leukodystrophy. |
| US09986721B2 |
Transgenic mice having a human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) phenotype, experimental uses and applications
The present invention relates to transgenic mice and isolated transgenic mouse cells, the mice and mouse cells comprising a disrupted H2 class I gene, a disrupted H2 class II gene, a functional HLA class I transgene, and a functional HLA class II transgene. In embodiments, the transgenic mouse or mouse cells are deficient for both H2 class I and class II molecules, wherein the transgenic mouse comprises a functional HLA class I transgene and a functional HLA class II transgene. In embodiments, the transgenic mouse or mouse cell has the genotype HLA-A2+HLA-DR1+β2m°IAβ°. The invention also relates to methods of using a transgenic mouse of the invention. |
| US09986716B1 |
Animal monitoring device and method
An animal monitoring device and method comprising an animal cage and associated electronics slab is described. The device is suitable for use in a modular vivarium implemented in one or two racks adjacent to walls in a holding pod. There is a one-to-one relationship between fixed slabs and removable cages. A single camera provides range of functions: its field of view includes the entire area of the cage accessible to an animal; it may observe water level in a water bottle; it may observe food level in a food tray; it may view activity on an exercise device; it may read the rear of cage card. The shape of the food tray is specialized to meet these requirements. An inner-cage frame holds elements in fixed locations within the cage. The cage is free of electronic penetrations. Supply and return air for the cage passes through the slab. |
| US09986713B2 |
Lettuce variety 81-90 RZ
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 81-90 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races Bl:1-32 and Ca-I to Ca-VIII, resistance to currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri), resistance to lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), and resistance to corky root rot (Sphingomonas suberifaciens). The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 81-90 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 81-90 RZ. |
| US09986711B1 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH207560
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH207560. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH207560, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH207560 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 CH207560. |
| US09986701B2 |
Cotton variety ST 4946GLB2
The cotton variety ST 4946GLB2 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety ST 4946GLB2 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of ST 4946GLB2 and to plants of ST 4946GLB2 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from ST 4946GLB2. |
| US09986700B2 |
Hybrid onion variety NUN 17210 ONL
The invention relates to the field of Allium in particular to a new variety of hybrid onion designated NUN 17210 ONL as well as plants, seeds and bulbs thereof. |
| US09986699B2 |
Methods of seed breeding using high throughput nondestructive seed sampling
Novel methods are provided to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for introgressive hybridization, for example, generally includes removing tissue samples from individual seeds using an automated seed sampler without affecting germination viability of the seeds, and analyzing nucleic acids extracted from the tissue samples for at least one genetic marker. The method then further includes selecting the sampled seeds that possess the at least one genetic marker, cultivating fertile plants from the selected seeds, and crossing the fertile plants with other plants. |
| US09986698B2 |
Process and apparatus for the restoration of seagrass
The improved process and apparatus for the restoration of seagrass includes a biodegradable bag or sack, referred to as a sediment tube, that is filled with sand and placed in a prop scar or blow hole. The sediment tube corrects many issues created a prop scar or blowhole: (1) the trench or hole is filled, restoring the elevation of the scar to the surround grade of the seagrass; (2) the sediment tubes stabilize the scar, preventing further erosion of the sand by the flow of water; (3) the sediment tube optionally includes fine-grained sediments that promote seagrass growth and recovery; and (4) the sediment tube includes fertilizer and/or other chemical or minerals that encourage growth. |
| US09986696B2 |
Irrigation smart controllers with programming and firmware updating
Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for downloading and installing software updates upon an irrigation control unit (ICU). Some of the disclosed embodiments include error checking and integrity verification procedures which help ensure that the new software is properly installed. In some embodiments the update is coordinated in conjunction with the ICU's regular contact with a control server. |
| US09986694B2 |
Systems and methods for a vertical planter
Various embodiments provide systems and methods for a vertical planter. Systems and methods according to various aspects of the present invention may comprise a planter system configured for growing plants in horizontal rows wherein each row is arranged vertically with respect to each other row. The planter system may comprise a planter container, a container support, and a vertical support. The vertical support may be coupled to a structure. The container support may be coupled to the vertical support and configured to support the weight and form of the planter container. |
| US09986692B2 |
Debris blower
A debris blower includes an engine mounted to an engine mount and connected to a turbine. The engine mount and housing of the turbine are respectively mounted between a second side of a frame and first and second longitudinal supports connected to and between first and second sides of the frame. A screen guard is secured utilizing bolts extending in a non-rotatable manner from a top plate connected between the second longitudinal support and the second side. Due to the frame and engine mount having a parallelism and flatness tolerance, the engine and turbine can be aligned without shimming. A sensor senses first and second trip devices positioned at circumferential locations on the exit nozzle to rotate the exit nozzle to preset angles. Remote and hard wire controls each include direction and speed switches. A resume switch throttles the engine between idle and operating speeds. |
| US09986690B2 |
Device and method for tracking and marking baled forage material with sensed moisture content
A device and method for tracking and marking bailed forage material is provided. The moisture content of forage material entering the intake of a processing machine is measured prior to the forage material being transferred to a baling chamber of the machine. As the forage material passes through the machine, the locations of discrete portions or flakes of the forage material are linearly tracked so that each portion may receive pre-selected markings indicative of measured parameters of each portion. A plurality of sensor stations is incorporated within the machine to track the locations of the portions of material. After the forage material is baled, a marking station generates markings applied to each bale which corresponds to the observed parameters for the corresponding discrete portions. Observed parameters may include moisture content for each flake, an amount and type of conditioning inoculant applied to each flake, among others. Multiple markings can be applied to each bale to indicate moisture content for selected portions of the bale since moisture content may differ between flakes in the bale. |
| US09986686B2 |
Gardening tool
A gardening tool, such as a mower, includes a main body and a handle rotatably connected to the main body. The main body includes a motor. The handle includes a plurality of telescopic members slidably connected to each other. The mower further includes a operation assembly for being operated by a user to activate the motor and a control system for sending a control signal to enable or disable the operation of motor by the operation assembly when the handle is out of a secure state. |
| US09986685B2 |
Controlling a positioning system for an agricultural implement
A method and apparatus for controlling positioning of an agricultural implement relative to the ground is disclosed. The method involves receiving first and second position signals representing respective first and second positions of the agricultural implement relative to the ground and providing input to a controller for controlling the positioning of the agricultural implement. The method involves receiving an intermediate position signal representing an intermediate position of the agricultural implement and being associated with an intermediate location between locations respective first and second positions. When the intermediate position signal represents a position that is closer to the ground than a threshold intermediate distance due to a ground inconsistency, the method involves modifying the first and second position signals based on the intermediate position signal to represent positions that are closer to the ground to cause the controller to lift the agricultural implement to clear the ground inconsistency. |
| US09986684B2 |
Easy push lawnmower with large blade and gear reduction
A system for providing larger blades on a lawnmower, while at the same time allowing the lawnmower to be easily handled. This is accomplished while maintaining legal rpm speeds for the cutting blade. |
| US09986682B2 |
Trimmer head with pivot posts holding a single strip of line
A fixed-line trimmer head for a rotary trimmer device includes the upper portion having a periphery, wherein the upper portion has a plurality of openings spaced from the periphery; and a plurality of mechanisms. Each mechanism can hold a strip of line and includes a post portion disposed through one of the openings in the upper portion, and a flange disposed at one end of the post portion and sandwiched between the upper portion and lower portion of the trimmer head to prevent vertical movement of the mechanism. The post portion includes two line channels, each line channel defining a passageway to receive the same strip of line, wherein at least one of the line channels is curved such that any portion of the strip of line being received through the passageway of that line channel is bent at that portion of the strip of line away from the second line channel while passing through that at least one line channel that is curved. |
| US09986680B2 |
Mounting arrangement of a doubles eliminator in a seed meter
A seed meter is provided having a doubles eliminator mounted to a common spindle with a rotating seed singulating element. The doubles eliminator is axially biased against the seed face of the singulating element to axially position the doubles eliminator relative to the singulating element. |
| US09986677B2 |
System and method of an agricultural machine to optimise working capacity
A method and a system in an agricultural machine for the coordination of agricultural machines when refilling substance intended to be disseminated over an agricultural field by generating coordination data indicative of an optimum refill location, comprising a level sensor arranged for generating level data, said level data indicating a volume of a substance in a substance reservoir; a position sensor for generating and storing position data and storing or reading a preplanned route; a communication device arranged for transmitting and receiving data; characterized by: a coordination device generating coordination data, based on said level data, said preplanned route and said position data; and transmitting said generated coordination data via the communication device to a refill vehicle. |
| US09986675B1 |
Trailer for a self-propelled swather
A trailer is provided for having a self-propelled swather mounted thereon. The trailer includes first and second caster wheel supports and first and second drive wheel supports. The caster wheel supports are selectively movable being stowed and support positions. The drive wheel supports are selectively movable between horizontally disposed and vertically disposed positions. Each of the caster wheel supports includes a caster wheel turning assembly to partially pivot the associated caster wheel as the swather is backed onto the trailer. The trailer also includes extenders for attachment to first and second ramps. The extenders may be stowed on the bumper. |
| US09986673B2 |
Zeroing adjustment for depth control system
A zeroing adjustment for a depth control system of an agricultural seed planting implement has an adjustable link to compensate for the variable effects of tolerance stack-up and wear, so that all planting units of the implement can be adjusted to a common zero ground penetration setting from which depth settings can be made. |
| US09992920B1 |
Method for accurate population of a circuit carrier
A method for accurate population of a circuit carrier (2) with at least one electronic component (1) which comprises at least two separately controllable light-emitting surfaces (3a, 3b, 3c), having the following steps: a) optically detecting current positions of the at least two light-emitting surfaces (3a, 3b, 3c) of the electronic component (1); b) calculating at least one current variable (Sist) characterizing the geometric location of the light-emitting surfaces (3a, 3b, 3c) according to the current positions of the at least two light-emitting surfaces (3a, 3b, 3c) of the electronic component (1); c) comparing the at least one current variable (Sist) to at least one target variable (Ssoll) for calculating at least one correction variable (k); d) populating the circuit carrier (2) with the at least one electronic component (1) according to the at least one correction variable (k). |
| US09992911B1 |
Controllable conductance thermal interface
A thermal transfer system for reducing temperature cycling of an electronic device. The thermal system includes a thermally conductive device to which the electronic device is mounted, a heat sink and a thermal rail mounted to the heat sink. The thermal system further includes a plurality of shape memory alloy (SMA) elements extending through aligned openings in the rail and the thermally conductive device, where the SMA elements are shaped in a deformed wire-like configuration and attempt to return to an undeformed spring-like configuration when the plurality of SMA elements are heated above a transition temperature so as to increase a heat transfer contact pressure between the thermally conductive device and the rail. |
| US09992909B2 |
Reversible louver for fabric card fan solution
A system may include a fan module and a louver. The fan module includes a first housing, adapted to include a fan in a first orientation. The fan is adapted to cause air to flow into the rear side of the first housing and out of the front side of the first housing. The fan module also includes a key receptacle that is adapted to mate with a first key. The louver includes a second housing that includes a set of slats adapted as a one way valve. The second housing also includes the first key which is adapted to only mate with the key receptacle. The second housing also includes the second key which is adapted to not mate with the key receptacle. |
| US09992904B2 |
Electronic device enclosure with an access mechanism
A device enclosure includes a housing, a shaft, and a front panel. The housing defines a receiving bay configured to slidably receive an electronic device. The shaft is slidably mounted on a sidewall of said housing, includes a rear flange, and is slidable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The front panel is rotatably mounted on the shaft by a hinge and having a fulcrum projection and is rotatable between a closed position that closes a front of the receiving bay and a fully open position which extends away from the housing. |
| US09992903B1 |
Modular rack-mountable IT device
A 1U rack-mountable computing device includes a storage component configured to include one or more storage devices. A second component is configured to be releasably coupleable to the storage component. A coupling system is configured to releasably couple the storage component to the second component. |
| US09992901B2 |
Mainframe computer with supporting rack
A mainframe computer with a supporting rack includes: a rack chassis and a supporting rack. The rack chassis has a first rack, and the first rack has a plurality of first positioning members. The supporting rack is arranged on the rack chassis, and the supporting rack has at least one first corresponding positioning member positioned corresponding to any one of at least one first positioning member. Therefore, the rack chassis and the support rack allow various types of objects (such as: solid state disk, cooling liquid tanks for cooling, hard drive or optical drive and so on) to be easily and conveniently installed onto the mainframe computer. |
| US09992898B2 |
Electronic device having an attribute information display part
An electronic device includes a base plate, and a plurality of modules detachably attached to the base plate. The modules comprise a terminal block module. The terminal block module has an openable and closable door at a pullout end portion-side. The door has an attribute information display part configured to display attribute information of a device to be connected to the terminal block module. |
| US09992888B2 |
Flexible display electronic device
A portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device includes a first housing including a first surface and a second surface a second housing including a third surface and a fourth surface, and a hinge. The hinge includes a hinge shaft, a sliding device including a portion configured to slide to an inside or an outside of the second housing to be introduced, or slide from the inside or the outside of the second housing in a specific direction to be extracted in correspondence to a hinge operation of the second housing, and a multi-bar disposed between the first surface and the fourth surface and including multi-bar units to be spread or bent in correspondence to a hinge operation of the second housing. |
| US09992882B2 |
Electronic control unit
The present invention relates to an electronic control unit. The present invention provides an electronic control unit including: a housing which has an opening opened at one side of the housing; a printed circuit board which is accommodated in the housing and has electronic control elements mounted on the printed circuit board in order to perform a control operation; and a connector which is connected with the printed circuit board and coupled to the opening of the housing, in which a pressure correcting means, which connects an interior of the housing and an exterior of the housing and corrects pressure in the housing, is provided in the connector. |
| US09992880B2 |
Rigid-bend printed circuit board fabrication
A printed circuit board (PCB) has multiple layers, where select portions of one or more conductive layers, referred to as core circuitry, form a semi-flexible PCB portion that is protected by an exposed prepreg layer. The semi-flexible PCB portion having an exposed prepreg layer is formed using a dummy core process that leaves the exposed prepreg layer smooth and undamaged. The core circuitry is part of a core structure. The semi-flexible PCB portion is an extension of the remaining adjacent multiple layer PCB. The remaining portion of the multiple layer PCB is rigid. The core structure is common to both the semi-flexible PCB portion and the remaining rigid PCB portion. |
| US09992878B2 |
Circuit board and method of manufacturing the same
A circuit board disclosed herein includes: two substrates opposed to each other, where a dielectric being interposed between the two substrates; a through hole formed in each of the two substrates and filled with the dielectric; a first conductor film formed on an inner surface of the through hole; and a second conductor film covering the through hole on a main surface of each of the two substrates on an opposite side to the dielectric, the second conductor film being connected to the first conductor film on the main surface side. |
| US09992875B2 |
Coated electrical assembly
The present invention relates to an electrical assembly which has a conformal coating, wherein said conformal coating is obtainable by a method which comprises: (a) plasma polymerization of a compound of formula (I) and a fluorohydrocarbon, wherein the molar ratio of the compound of formula (I) to the fluorohydrocarbon is from 5:95 to 50:50, and deposition of the resulting polymer onto at least one surface of the electrical assembly: wherein: R1 represents C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl; R2 represents hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl; R3 represents hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl; R4 represents hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl; R5 represents hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl; and R6 represents hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl, and (b) plasma polymerization of a compound of formula (I) and deposition of the resulting polymer onto the polymer formed in step (a). |
| US09992874B2 |
Metal foil with carrier
Provided is a metal foil with a carrier as a laminated body in which a carrier A and a metal foil B are placed alternately, wherein the carrier A and the metal foil B respectively have a glossy surface, so-called ‘S surface’, and the said surfaces are laminated to face each other. The present invention relates to a copper foil with a carrier which is used for producing a single-sided laminated plate or a multilayer laminated plate of two or more layers for use in a printed wiring board. In particular, this copper foil with a carrier is used for producing a laminated plate, and its objective is to improve the handling performance during the production process of a printed board and reduce costs by increasing the yield. |
| US09992872B2 |
Touch sensor, touch panel, and electronic device
An object of the present invention is to allow a connector tail connected to a curved place to be naturally folded. A touch sensor includes: a sensor unit that is curved at least at a peripheral edge; and a connector tail in which a first connection part having a first end portion connected to the sensor unit and a second connection part having a second end portion connected to a connector are continuously formed. The connector tail is configured such that the second connection part extends relative to the first connection part curved in accordance with the curve of the peripheral edge of the sensor portion in a direction in which the curved shape of the first connection part is canceled out. |
| US09992871B2 |
Systems and methods for controlled effective series resistance component
Discussed generally herein are methods and devices for altering an effective series resistance (ESR) of a component. A device can include a substrate including electrical connection circuitry therein, a first via hole through a first surface of the substrate and contiguous with the electrical connection circuitry, a first conductive polymer with a resistance greater than a resistance of the electrical connection circuitry filling the first via hole, and a component electrically coupled to the first conductive polymer. |
| US09992868B2 |
Wired circuit board having one of the conductive layers disposed in an opening formed in metal supporting board
A wired circuit board includes a metal pedestal portion formed from a metal material that is the same as the material of the metal supporting board at the pad portion, a pedestal opening formed by opening the metal pedestal portion, a lower conductive layer disposed on one side in the thickness direction of the metal pedestal portion as the first conductive layer, and an upper conductive layer as the second conductive layer formed on one side in the thickness direction of the lower conductive layer as the first conductive layer, wherein one of the lower conductive layer as the first conductive layer and the upper conductive layer as the second conductive layer is disposed in the pedestal opening when projected in the thickness direction, and the periphery of the other is disposed outside of the pedestal opening when projected in the thickness direction. |
| US09992865B2 |
Circuit board and assembly thereof
A circuit board and an assembly including the circuit board are provided. The circuit board includes a first insulation layer, a first conductive pattern disposed on the first insulation layer, an insulation film disposed on the first conductive pattern, and a second conductive pattern disposed on the insulation film. The insulation film includes an insulation thin film contacting the first conductive pattern, and a function film disposed on the insulation thin film and contacting the second conductive pattern. |
| US09992856B2 |
Solution for EUV power increment at wafer level
The present disclosure relates to a photolithography radiation source having an angled primary laser, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the photolithography radiation source has a fuel droplet generator that provides fuel droplets to a source vessel along a first trajectory. A primary laser is configured to generate a primary laser beam along a second trajectory that intersects the first trajectory. The primary laser beam is configured to ignite a plasma from the plurality of fuel droplets that emits radiation. A collector mirror is configured to focus the radiation to an exit aperture of the source vessel. The primary laser beam does not intersect the exit aperture. |
| US09992855B2 |
Energy imaging with controlled rise and fall times
Rise times and fall times provided by a high voltage generator are controlled to maintain image quality during such scans. The rise and fall times are controlled by first measuring rise and fall times at each transition. Then, a closed-loop controller is used to adjust control parameters of the high voltage generator, based on an error determined from the measurement, to achieve substantially constant rise and fall times. This invention may be based on the implementation of two closed-loop controllers on rise and fall time of fast-kV exposures. As a result, image quality may be improved and system calibration time may be reduced. |
| US09992848B2 |
Lighting control method and device
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling an illumination device, such as a light bulb, LED light, or the like. In one embodiment, a lighting control adapter is described, comprising a male base for physically attaching the lighting control adapter to a light fixture and for receiving power from the light fixture via a light switch connected to the light fixture, a female socket for receiving a base of an illumination device, a switching circuit for providing switchable power to the illumination device, and a processing circuit coupled to the switching circuit, for detecting one or more power toggles of the power received by the male base, and for controlling illumination of the illumination device based on the detection of one or more detected toggles. |
| US09992845B2 |
LED driver circuit and light apparatus having the same in
A light-emitting diode (LED) driver circuit and a light apparatus including the LED driver circuit are provided. The light apparatus includes an LED array, an input unit, a rectifier, and a control circuit. The LED array includes LED devices connected to one another in series. The input unit receives an alternating current (AC) power source. The rectifier circuit full-wave rectifies the received AC power source signal and supplies the full-wave rectified AC power source signal to the LED array. The control circuit selectively lights the LED devices according to a voltage level of the full-wave rectified AC power source signal. The control circuit includes switching elements and comparators. The switching elements selectively force nodes between the LED devices to be grounded. The comparators turn-on one of the switching elements according to the voltage level of the full-wave rectified AC power source signal. |
| US09992844B2 |
Power supply circuit and electroluminescent display device including the same
A power supply circuit has a first voltage converter and a second voltage converter. The first voltage converter generates a first power supply voltage having a first voltage level based on an input voltage. The first power supply voltage drives a first power node of a display in a first mode. The second voltage converter generates a second power supply voltage having a second voltage level based on the input voltage. The second power node is driven by the second power supply voltage in the first mode and is driven by a ground voltage in a second mode. |
| US09992842B2 |
Illumination system and method for developing target visual perception of an object
An illumination system that includes a light source device and an algorithm unit is provided. The light source includes a color temperature adjustable light source. The algorithm unit is coupled to the light source device and outputs a control signal to the light source device according to a reflection spectrum of an object, a visual color matching function, a visual preference correction function, or a combination of the above. The light source device outputs an illumination beam according to the control signal, so as to develop target visual perception of the object while the object is being irradiated by the illumination beam. A method for developing target visual perception of an object is also provided. |
| US09992840B2 |
Controlled color light source
A light source is provided that includes at least two semiconductor light-emitting elements that emit light of different color, a light guide, an electronic control unit, and a light sensor. The light emitted by the elements is injected, at least partially, into the light guide and exits laterally from the light guide. The brightness of the elements can be adjusted by the electronic control unit. The light sensor is arranged to receive the light injected by the elements and laterally exiting from the light guide. The electronic control unit accumulates sensor signals from the light sensor over an integration time interval and compares the accumulated signals with a target value or range to determine a difference, changes a brightness of the elements in response to the difference, and changes the integration time interval in response to the difference or to a change in the target value. |
| US09992837B1 |
Lighting device, luminaire, and control method for the lighting device
A lighting device includes: a variable voltage source; a transistor which controls a current flowing through a light-emitting element; and a control circuit which causes the transistor to pass a current corresponding to a received instruction for a dimming level through the light-emitting element. When the received instruction instructs at least a predetermined dimming level, the control circuit causes a voltage drop in the transistor to become a first voltage by controlling the variable voltage source, and when the received instruction instructs a dimming level less than the predetermined dimming level, the control circuit causes the voltage drop to become a second voltage higher than the first voltage, by controlling the variable voltage source. |
| US09992835B2 |
Lighting circuit
A lighting circuit is configured to supply a driving current to a first light source and a second light source. The light circuit includes a conversion unit which receives a first voltage for the first light source and a second voltage for the second light source via a common input terminal, performs voltage conversion on the first voltage or the second voltage and supplies the driving current, a control unit which controls a current value of the driving current output from the conversion unit, a first switch which selects whether to supply the driving current to the first light source by a first signal based on the first voltage, a signal generation unit which receives the first voltage and the second voltage and generates a second signal, and a second switch which selects whether to supply the driving current to the second light source by the second signal. |
| US09992834B2 |
Light-emitting element driving device, light-emitting device, and vehicle
A light-emitting element driving device includes a reset signal generation unit that generates a reset signal in accordance with current flowing in a light-emitting element, a set signal generation unit that generates a set signal in accordance with the anode voltage of the light-emitting element, and an output voltage supply unit that generates an output voltage from an input voltage in accordance with the reset signal and the set signal, so as to supply the output voltage to the light-emitting element. The set signal generation unit includes a current generation unit that generates current according to the anode voltage of the light-emitting element, a charging unit that charges the current generated by the current generation unit, and a comparator that generates the set signal in accordance with a comparison result between a charging voltage of the charging unit and a reference voltage. |
| US09992832B2 |
Light brightness and color temperature control unit
A light control unit that includes a housing sized and shaped as a standard electrical dimmer switch that can reside in an a standard electrical Handy Box and at least one integrated circuit that comprises a brightness dimming control adapted to reduce and increase brightness of one or more light sources, for example a series of light sources, electronically connected to the at least one integrated circuit and a correlated color temperature (CCT) control adapted to change color temperature of light emitted from the one or more light sources. |
| US09992829B2 |
Control apparatus and system for coupling a lighting module to a constant current DC driver
Control apparatus and system for controlling an output of a constant current driver are disclosed. A control apparatus is coupled between a constant current driver and a load, such as a lighting module, in order to add functionality to the overall system. The control apparatus is powered by the constant current driver and may control the dimming of the constant current driver by controlling the 0-10V dim input into the driver. The control apparatus may comprise one or more switching elements between the constant current driver and the load to allow for mixing of groups of LEDs of various colors or color temperatures. The control apparatus may include a buffer load to mitigate negative impacts of turning on the lighting module after a period of deactivation. The control apparatus can also be adapted to operate as a dim-to-warm module within a lighting apparatus. |
| US09992828B2 |
Methods and systems for accelerated start-up for a switching regulator
A system and method for operating one or more light emitting devices is disclosed. In one example, a reference voltage input at an error amplifier receiving a feedback signal from the one or more light emitting devices is adjusted to a first higher voltage independent of a requested irradiance of the one or more light emitting devices during startup in order to accelerate startup of a switching regulator driving the one or more light emitting devices. Subsequently, upon an output of the switching regulator reaching a desired voltage, the reference voltage is adjusted based on the desired irradiance of the one or more light emitting devices. |
| US09992827B2 |
Apparatus and methods for supplying power
A switched capacitor array having a plurality of capacitors arranged in a plurality of branches having different numbers of capacitors, and a plurality of switches connected to selectively couple the capacitors across the input or the output may be used for powering a variety of loads. A switched LED array may be dynamically configured based on a voltage supplied thereto, which may be supplied by a switched capacitor array. A lighting apparatus may be provided with first and second blocks, each block comprising a switched capacitor array, a switched LED array, and a control system. |
| US09992826B1 |
Dual mode constant current LED driver
A dual mode constant output current LED driver is capable of operating with a very wide range of input direct current (DC) voltage. This provides an effective topology for a wide range of constant output current LED drivers, and allows for changing the number of connected LEDs without negatively impacting the output current. The LED driver includes a converter and a mode selection circuit that control the modes of the circuit based on the voltage. The converter and mode selection circuit operate in a buck-boost mode when the output voltage of the LED driver is less than the DC input voltage plus a first threshold amount, and in a boost mode when the output voltage of the LED driver is greater than the DC input voltage plus a second threshold amount. |
| US09992821B2 |
Automatic heating apparatus
A heating apparatus includes a power source, a heating unit, and a control unit. The control unit includes a transistor and a thermal resistor. The transistor is connected between the power source and the heating unit to control the power source to provide power to the heating unit. The thermal resistor is connected to the transistor. A resistance value of the thermal resistor changes along with ambient temperature to turn on or off the transistor to control the power source to provide power to the heating unit according the ambient temperature. |
| US09992819B2 |
Method and system for hybrid automatic repeat request using multiple receiver-coordinated transmitters
A method and a receiving device, the method receiving an indication of pending data from an access network, the pending data including a sequence number for every unit of the pending data; and sending transmission instructions to a first transmitter within the access network, the transmission instructions including a range of sequence numbers desired by the receiving device and an error correction and coding scheme to be used by the first transmitter. Further, a receiving device having a processor; and a communications subsystem, wherein the processor and communications subsystem cooperate to receive a first stream from a first transmitter; receive a second stream from a second transmitter; and soft combine the first stream and the second stream at the receiving device. |
| US09992814B2 |
Secure toll-free application data access
Secure toll-free application data network access is disclosed. Respective limits for registered traffic (e.g., application provider addresses; content type; transmission time; location; etc.) and non-registered traffic (e.g., all other traffic) may be associated with an application eligible for toll-free connectivity. As traffic is received via the toll-free connection, the data is inspected to determine first whether the traffic is registered or non-registered traffic. If registered, the quantity of data is deducted from the allowable data amount specified during provisioning for registered traffic. If non-registered, the quantity of data is deducted from the allowable amount specified during provisioning for non-registered traffic. Accordingly, a toll-free application provider can agree to sponsor a limited quantity of arbitrary traffic which may be generated as content viewed through the wrapped application. |
| US09992808B2 |
Devices and methods for establishing an ad hoc peer-to-peer network
A node is operable to communicate in an ad hoc peer-to-peer network using a predefined communication protocol. The node includes a local area wireless communication circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors can cause the local area wireless communication circuit to broadcast a local name of an electronic device using a discovery protocol of the predefined communication protocol. Upon receiving one or more responses from one or more remote devices, the one or more processors can change the local name to a new local name including at least one communication protocol parameter, and can cause the local area wireless communication circuit to rebroadcast the new local name using the discovery protocol to communicate the at least one communication protocol parameter to the one or more remote devices. This can continue until an ad hoc peer-to-peer network is established. |
| US09992806B2 |
Public safety discovery and communication using a UE-to-UE relay
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe apparatuses for public safety discovery and communication with a user equipment (UE)-to-UE relay. Various embodiments may include processing circuitry to execute instructions to determine a list of UEs with which an apparatus may communicate using device-to-device (D2D) communication and generate an announcement message that indicates the apparatus can serve as a relay based at least in part on the list. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09992804B2 |
Device and method of handling non-access stratum procedure
A communication device for handling a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) procedure comprises instructions of transmitting a first session management (SM) message related to an access point name (APN) to a network; receiving a second SM message comprising a SM cause of insufficient resources and a back off timer value of a back off timer indicating that the back off timer is deactivated from the network in response to the transmission the first SM message; being forbidden to transmit a third SM message for the APN to the network, when the back off timer is deactivated for the APN; receiving a fourth SM message from the network indicating to deactivate and to reactivate an activated SM context associated with the APN, when the back off timer is deactivated for the APN; and transmitting a fifth SM message related to the APN to the network. |
| US09992801B2 |
Controller device and method for channel contention between virtual access points (VAP) and virtual stations (VSTA)
Embodiments of a controller device and method for channel contention in a wireless network are generally described herein. The controller device may determine if a collision would occur for expected signal transmissions of a group of virtual devices, which may include one or more virtual access points (VAPs) and/or virtual stations (VSTAs). The determination of the collision may be based on transmission times and/or back-off intervals of the virtual devices. The controller device may transmit collision control messages to indicate whether colliding virtual devices are to delay signal transmissions. The VAPs may be configured to communicate with the VSTAs as access point (AP) instantiations. The VAPs may be configured to use different service set identifiers (SSIDs) and/or media access control (MAC) addresses in such communication. |
| US09992799B2 |
System level information for discontinuous reception, cell reselection and RACH
A wireless transmit/receive unit is configured to receive system level information, including discontinuous reception (DRX) information, cell selection information, and RACH information. The system level information is received as defined parameters assigned to system information blocks or signaled through dedicated RRC signaling. |
| US09992798B2 |
Integrated circuit for controlling selection of random access preamble sequence
A sequence allocating method and apparatus wherein in a system where a plurality of different Zadoff-Chu sequences or GCL sequences are allocated to a single cell, the arithmetic amount and circuit scale of a correlating circuit at a receiving end can be reduced. In ST201, a counter (a) and a number (p) of current sequence allocations are initialized, and in ST202, it is determined whether the number (p) of current sequence allocations is coincident with a number (K) of allocations to one cell. In ST203, it is determined whether the number (K) of allocations to the one cell is odd or even. If K is even, in ST204-ST206, sequence numbers (r=a and r=N−a), which are not currently allocated, are combined and then allocated. If K is odd, in ST207-ST212, for sequences that cannot be paired, one of sequence numbers (r=a and r=N−a), which are not currently allocated, is allocated. |
| US09992797B2 |
Wide bandwidth favored channel access methods in wireless local area networks
A method to improve channel access opportunity for wide bandwidth transmission in wireless local area networks is proposed. The method allows different clear channel assessment (CCA) thresholds for different transmission channel bandwidth. During a primary channel CCA process, a low CCA threshold level is applied for an intended narrow transmission channel bandwidth, while a high CCA threshold level is applied for an indented wide transmission channel bandwidth. In addition to the “all bandwidth transmission branch” that is based on the low CCA level, the “wide bandwidth transmission branch” is based on the high CCA level, which increases the opportunity for channel access by raising the CCA levels based on intended transmission channel bandwidths. As a result, the likelihood of wide channel transmission is increased. |
| US09992795B1 |
WAP supporting complementary subnets in a WLAN
A wireless access point (WAP) including: antennas, shared and discrete components forming transmit and receive chains coupled to the antenna for orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) WLAN communications with wireless stations. The station set identifier identifies any legacy stations that do not support multi-user (MU) MIMO concurrent downlinks from the WAP, and a number of WLAN subnets for concurrent downlinks communications thereto. The subnet controller generates the WLAN subnets each having a discrete beacon channel together with a discrete medium access control (MAC) for collision sense multiple access (CSMA) uplinks from associated stations to the WAP, and concurrent downlinks from the WAP including concurrent downlinks to legacy stations associated with different subnets; thereby enabling concurrent downlink communications with said legacy stations despite their lack of support for MU-MIMO. |
| US09992794B2 |
System and method for supporting inter-band carrier aggregation with different UL/DL TDD configurations
In some implementations, a method of wireless communications between a wireless communications network and wireless user equipment includes receiving, using a primary Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration, data on a primary component carrier in a first frequency band. Using a secondary TDD configuration, data on a secondary component carrier is received in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. A Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) for data received on the secondary component carrier is transmitted using a supplemental TDD configuration. A transmission or retransmission on the secondary component carrier uses a supplemental TDD configuration as well. The supplemental TDD configuration is different from the secondary TDD configuration. Furthermore, an uplink supplemental configuration may be different from a downlink supplemental configuration. |
| US09992783B2 |
Handover of device-to-device (D2D) user equipment (UE) devices using D2D subframes with cell identifiers
A Device-to-device (D2D) user equipment (UE) device communicating with another D2D UE device within a first cell transmits a D2D subframe that includes a cell identifier a second cell when the UE device moves from the first cell to the second cell. After a handover to the second cell is initiated, the D2D UE device can suspend D2D communication. The D2D UE device transmits the D2D subframe, such as D2D discovery subframe, identifying the second cell when the handover is complete. The other D2D UE device identifies the second cell to the base station providing the first cell. The base stations providing the first cell and the second cell coordinate to determine resources for D2D communication between the D2D UE devices. |
| US09992781B2 |
Signaling for inter-cell D2D discovery in an LTE network
Embodiments of an evolved Node-B (eNB), user equipment (UE), and methods of signaling for proximity services and device-to-device (D2D) discovery in an LTE network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the eNB may support inter-cell device-to-device (D2D) discovery by transmitting signaling, to a first user equipment (UE), to indicate configuration information for a D2D discovery resource pool including D2D resources configured by one or more neighboring cells. The configuration information includes timing offsets between a serving cell of the first UE and the one or more neighboring cells. Other apparatuses and methods are also described herein. |
| US09992780B2 |
Methods and apparatus for accessing spectrum in a shared spectrum system
Methods and apparatus for shared access systems may be used to allow operation in three-tiered shared spectrum architecture. For example, a Shared Spectrum Manager (SSM) may organize spectrum segments. The SSM may communicate with access users of different priority and may use message exchanges to request spectrum, bid for spectrum, manage spectrum, or the like. The SSM may manage admission of access users (allocation of spectrum to users) and operation with a spectrum request that may be provided as a range between a minimum (guaranteed) and maximum quality of operation. The SSM may also manage the way an access user may use the assigned spectrum. Inter-SSM communication may be used in regions where multiple SSMs may exist (e.g. country borders). Accordingly, triggers for this inter-SSM communications and corresponding actions are also disclosed herein. |
| US09992776B2 |
Wireless device and radio frequency channel calibration method
A wireless device and a radio frequency channel calibration method, where the wireless device includes a first radio frequency circuit and a second radio frequency circuit that operate on a same frequency band, and a processor. The first radio frequency circuit is configured to send a calibration signal using a calibration antenna. The second radio frequency circuit is configured to receive the calibration signal using each of at least two to-be-calibrated antennas. The second radio frequency circuit corresponds to at least two radio frequency channels, the at least two radio frequency channels respectively correspond to the at least two to-be-calibrated antennas. The processor is configured to determine a device phase difference of each of the at least two radio frequency channels, and calibrate a corresponding radio frequency channel using the device phase difference of each of the at least two radio frequency channels. |
| US09992775B2 |
Band preference in wireless networks
Method, systems, and apparatuses are described for wireless communications. More particularly, a wireless station may connect to a wireless network using a first radio frequency (RF) band and detect a signal strength of the first RF band is greater than a roaming threshold. The wireless station may perform a plurality of scans for support by the wireless network of a second RF band in response to the detected signal strength. Each scan may occur when the signal strength of the first RF band is greater than the roaming threshold. The wireless station may selectively connect to the wireless network using the second RF band based at least in part on the scanning and a throughput supported by the wireless network over the second RF band. The first RF band may be a 2.4 GHz band and the second RF band may be a 5 GHz band. |
| US09992773B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving data using multiple carriers in mobile communication system
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transmitting/receiving using multiple carriers in a mobile communication system. A method for transmitting/receiving data by a terminal using multiple carriers in a mobile communication system according to the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving a serving cell addition control message including uplink subframe pattern information on a master serving cell group or a slave serving cell group from a base station; establishing synchronization with a serving cell included in the serving cell addition control message; and, when a command for activating the serving cell with which the synchronization is established is received, transmitting/receiving data to/from the base station through the added serving cell. |
| US09992772B2 |
Beacon frames that can be used for beamforming training
A network interface device generates a packet that includes a beacon frame for transmission in a superframe. The beacon frame is used to announce the presence of a network and also is formatted as a beamforming training (BFT) frame to permit other communication devices to perform beamforming training with the packet. The beacon frame is generated to include (i) a frame control field, (ii) a duration field, (iii) a timestamp field, (iv) information indicative of a time of a subsequent association beamforming training (A-BFT) time slot, and (v) beamforming training information, which includes a countdown field. The network interface device transmits the packet during a beacon timeslot of the superframe, which is separate from an association beamforming training (A-BFT) timeslot of the superframe. |
| US09992770B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for PDCCH preparation in radio frequency circuitry
An apparatus, system, and method for performing PDCCH preparation in RF circuitry are described. In one embodiment, power may be provided to a crystal oscillator to exit a first sleep state. One or more clocking signals may be provided to RF circuitry based on output from the crystal oscillator. Calibration and state restoration of the RF circuitry may be performed independent of baseband circuitry. A plurality of algorithms to prepare for receiving data form a wireless communication network may be performed independent of the baseband circuitry. After initiating the plurality of algorithms, state restoration of the baseband circuitry may be performed. Data may be received from a wireless communication network using the RF circuitry. The data may be processed using the baseband circuitry. State retention for the RF circuitry and the baseband circuitry may be performed. Finally, the crystal oscillator may be powered down to enter a second sleep state. |
| US09992760B2 |
Method for updating RPLMN information and user equipment
A method can be implemented by a user equipment to update RPLMN information. A PLMN identifier is selected from an available PLMN identifier set that includes PLMN identifiers with RPLMN information, HPLMN information, UPLMN information, and OPLMN information separately. A location update request message that carries the PLMN identifier is sent to a mobile switching center. A TMSI reallocation command is acquired from the mobile switching center according to the location update request message. It is determined whether location update acceptance information that is returned by the mobile switching center according to the location update request message is currently acquired. An operation of updating the PLMN identifier to registered public land mobile network RPLMN information is performed when the location update acceptance information is acquired and the operation of updating the PLMN identifier to RPLMN information is skipped when the location update acceptance information is not acquired. |
| US09992757B2 |
Donor unit, remote unit, and mobile communication base station system having same
The present invention relates to a mobile communication base station system comprising: a donor unit connected to a baseband unit; and a remote unit installed at the base station antenna side, wherein the donor unit has a baseband signal processing part including a digital signal processing part for processing interface with the baseband unit, a wireless communication part for processing a wireless communication signal between the baseband signal processing part and the remote unit, and a synchronization and communication control part for processing a synchronizing signal and a communication control signal from the baseband unit, and wherein the remote unit has a service signal processing part for processing MIMO interface with a base station antenna, a wireless communication part for processing a wireless communication signal between the service signal processing part and the donor unit, and a synchronization and communication control part for processing a synchronizing signal and a communication control signal from the donor unit. The donor unit and the remote unit can be easily expanded in a daisy-chain fashion, thereby broadening coverage, and can also be utilized for multihop relay, and thus are suitable for small cell-based next generation communication systems for capacity expansion. |
| US09992756B2 |
Methods and apparatus for wireless network connectivity
Methods and apparatus which allow a wireless terminal (302) to simultaneously maintain connections with multiple base stations (304, 306) are described. Each wireless terminal (302) is capable of supporting multiple separate timing and/or other control loops one, for each base station connection thereby allowing the connections to operate independently and in parallel. Different control signals and/or data are transmitted on each connection that is established with a base station (302, 306). In this manner base stations (302, 306) receive different data allowing for asynchronous data transmission. The data received by the base stations (302, 306) can be supplied to a wired asynchronous network (308) without the need to combine the received data prior to supplying it to the wired network (308). The communications techniques of the invention can be used to implement soft handoffs without the need to duplicate data transmissions to multiple base stations. |
| US09992755B2 |
Method for power headroom reporting and device therefor
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a device for transmitting a power headroom reporting in the wireless communication system, the method comprising: generating a PHR MAC CE (Power Headroom Reporting MAC Control Element) for activated cells comprising a first cell and a second cell; and transmitting a power headroom reporting through the generated PHR MAC CE to a network in a subframe, wherein the generated PHR MAC CE includes a value of Type 2 PH (Power Headroom) information for the first cell followed by a value of a Type 2 PH information for the second cell, and the Type 2 PH information for the second cell followed by a value of Type 1 PH information for the first cell. |
| US09992751B1 |
Minimizing interference caused by high-powered uplink transmissions from relay devices
Systems, methods, and processing nodes for minimizing interference caused by high-powered wireless devices to other wireless devices in the network by identifying a high-powered relay device attached to a first access node, instructing a second access node to report interference caused by the high-powered relay device to uplink transmissions received at the second access node, receiving an indicator of interference from the second access node, and instructing the first access node to deactivate a high-powered transmission mode of the high-powered relay device. |
| US09992749B2 |
First node and methods therein for controlling a transmission power of a second node
Method by a first node of controlling power of a second node. The first node determines whether a measurement report, MR, has been received from a third node. The MR comprises a first type of information, related to a channel between the third and second nodes during a time period. When the MR has been received, the first node determines a power for the second node based on a first type and a second type of calculation. The first type is based on the received MR. The second type is based on a second type of information related to the channel during a shorter time period. When the MR has not been received, the first node determines the power based on the second type of calculation. The first node configures the second node to use the determined power. |
| US09992748B2 |
Initial ranging transmission power
A communication device (device) includes a communication interface and a processor, among other possible circuitries, components, elements, etc. to support communications with other device(s) and to generate and process signals for such communications. The device receives a ranging instruction signal, which includes an initial power and at least one power step, from another device. The device processes the ranging instruction generates a first ranging signal based on the initial power. The device then transmits the first ranging signal to the another device. When a ranging response to the first ranging signal is received from the another device, the device determines that the device is successfully ranged to the another device. Alternatively, when no ranging response is received, the device generates a second ranging signal based on the initial power and the at least one power step and transmit the second ranging signal to the another device. |
| US09992745B2 |
Extraction and analysis of buffered audio data using multiple codec rates each greater than a low-power processor rate
A processor is configured to transition in and out of a low-power state at a first rate and to operate in a first mode or a second mode. In a particular method, the processor while coupled to a coder/decoder (CODEC) retrieves audio feature data from a buffer after transitioning out of the low-power state. The CODEC is configured to operate at a second rate in the first mode and at a third rate in the second mode, the second rate and the third rate each greater than the first rate. The audio feature data indicates features of audio data received during the low-power state of the processor. A ratio of CODEC activity to processor activity in the second mode is less than the ratio in the first mode. |
| US09992743B2 |
Wireless device, gateway apparatus, and wireless communication system
A wireless device that performs an operation based on setting information includes a wireless communicator configured to perform wireless communication over a wireless network, a near field communicator comprising a memory storing the setting information and configured to perform transmission and reception of the setting information stored in the memory by near field communication, and a controller configured to control at least the wireless communicator. |
| US09992742B2 |
Discontinuous reception in a wireless device for in-device coexistence
Technology for reducing coexistence interference in a multi-radio wireless device is disclosed. In one method, a determination is made if coexistence interference is occurring in the multi-radio device. The multi-radio device is then configured to not monitor physical downlink control channels for pending uplink transmissions in a wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceiver in the multi-radio device that occur during an unscheduled period of discontinuous reception (DRX). |
| US09992740B2 |
Communication device, program storage medium, and communication method
There is provided a communication device including (1) a communication controller that causes a control frame for synchronization to be transmitted during a control frame transmission period to a transmission destination of a data frame such that the data frame is transmitted after transmission of the control frame has completed, (2) a transmission section that continuously transmits the control frame for the control frame transmission period, (3) a reception section that receives a frame transmitted by a communication device of the transmission destination, (4) a control frame transmission information saving section that saves information for respective destination addresses, (5) a control frame transmission controller that references the information saved in the control frame transmission information saving section, and determines the control frame transmission period for when to transmit the next control frame, based on the control frame transmission period from the past and the data frame transition result. |
| US09992734B2 |
Systems and methods for deploying, controlling, and managing wireless communication equipment
Systems and methods are provided for analyzing radio frequency (RF) data. RF data is received from one or more RF sensors, wherein the RF data is collected over a particular frequency range and resolution bandwidth. One or more frequencies not in use are determined based on the RF data and a signal level threshold. One or more recommended frequencies for use are calculated based on the one or more open frequencies and an intermodulation function, wherein each of the one or more recommended frequencies reduces a potential for intermodulation distortion than other frequencies in the frequency range. |
| US09992729B2 |
Systems and methods for wirelessly modifying detection characteristics of portable devices
A computer-implemented method for modifying operation of a portable processing device configured to scan for wireless signals under a first scan rate. As wireless signals are received in the portable processing device, characteristics of the wireless signals are analyzed, and if the characteristics match one or more characteristics, the operation of the portable processing device is modified. Under one exemplary embodiment, the first scan rate is modified to a second scan rate, where the second scan rate being different from the first. Under another exemplary embodiment, monitoring capabilities in the portable processing device are activated or modified to collect research data on media data. The characteristics may include identification information or messages/commands that are transmitted wirelessly. |
| US09992727B2 |
Method for managing a proxy table in a wireless network using proxy devices
The invention relates to a proxy node comprising means for managing a proxy table, a receiver for receiving a message from a first resource restricted device, said message being intended to at least one corresponding destination device, control means for checking whether an entry for the first resource restricted device is included in the set of entries of the proxy table, the set of entries of the proxy table indicating the set of resource-restricted devices the proxy node is in charge of, a transmitter for forwarding the message depending on the result of the proxy table checking, the means for managing the proxy table being arranged for cleaning the proxy table of the entry relative to the resource-restricted device by monitoring the relative usage of the proxy node for forwarding messages for the resource restricted device with the usage of competitor proxy nodes for forwarding messages for the resource restricted device. |
| US09992726B2 |
Wireless architecture and support for process control systems
A wireless communication system for use in a process environment uses mesh and possibly a combination of mesh and point-to-point communications to produce a wireless communication network that can be easily set up, configured, changed and monitored, thereby making a wireless communication network that is less expensive, and more robust and reliable. The wireless communication system allows virtual communication paths to be established and used within the process control system in a manner that is independent of the manner in which the wireless signals are sent between different wireless transmitting and receiving devices within the process plant. Still further, communication analysis tools are provided to enable a user or operator to view the operation of the wireless communication network to thereby analyze the ongoing operation of the wireless communications within the wireless communication network. |
| US09992725B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing high-frequency communication
Embodiments of the present application relate to a method and apparatus for implementing high-frequency communication. The method includes: receiving, by a high-frequency base station, a scan request message sent by a base station originally connected to user equipment (UE); sending, by the high-frequency base station, a scan acknowledgment message to the base station originally connected to the UE, receiving, by the high-frequency base station, information about the UE sent by the base station originally connected to the UE; and scanning the UE, by the high-frequency base station, according to the information about the UE, so as to re-establish a high-frequency connection between the UE and the high-frequency base station. |
| US09992721B2 |
System and method for distributed mobility management with GPRS tunneling protocol
An apparatus is configured to perform a method for mobility management. The method includes establishing a first Packet Data Network (PDN) connection between a user equipment (UE) and a first Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) associated with a first group of Serving Gateways (SGW) within a first geographical area; establishing communication with a handover destination SGW associated with a second PGW, the second PGW associated with a second group of SGWs within a second geographical area; and upon a determination that the UE moves from the first geographical area to the second geographical area, establishing a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Tunneling Protocol (GTP) tunnel connection between the first PGW and the handover destination SGW, and updating the first PDN connection to use the GTP tunnel connection between the first PGW and the handover destination SGW. |
| US09992720B2 |
Methods and arrangements for identifying a neighbouring base station
A method in a base station (110) for enabling the base station (110) to identify a neighboring base station (120) is provided. A request is being sent (303) to a user equipment (130), commanding it to send an identification requesting message to the neighboring base station (120). In response to reception of the sent identification requesting message, a neighboring base station identifier that is associated with and identifies the neighboring base station (120), is received (303). Thereby the base station (110) is enabled to identify the neighboring base station (120). By receipt of the neighboring base station identifier, the base station becomes aware of and is enabled to contact, or connect with, the neighboring base station more directly, without the need of doing it through the user equipment. This can be done at some later point in time, for example in order to request the neighboring base station to perform handover measurements with regard to the same or another user equipment. |
| US09992719B2 |
Detection of neighbor cell relation
There is provided a method, performed by a network node (e.g. an RNC), for detecting a neighbor cell relation between different radio access technologies in a cellular communication network. The method comprises the step (S1) of triggering a User Equipment, UE, served in a first cell of a first radio access technology (e.g. WCDMA cell) under the control of the network node (e.g. RNC), to perform a cell selection process by initiating a connection release with redirection to a second radio access technology (e.g. GSM), causing the UE to select a second cell of the second radio access technology (e.g. GSM cell). The method also comprises the step (S2) of receiving information representing the identity of the second cell selected by the UE (e.g. CGI), and the step (S3) of identifying, based on the received information representing the identity of the second cell and information representing the identity of the first cell, a neighbor cell relation between the first cell and the second cell. In this way, an efficient way of detecting a neighbor cell relation between different radio access technologies is provided. |
| US09992717B2 |
Service processing method, network controller and forwarding device
Disclosed are a service processing method, a network controller and a forwarding device, wherein the method includes: after learning that a terminal leaves a network, a network controller acquiring information of a home forwarding device when the terminal leaves the network; the network controller determining a caching policy flow table, and sending the caching policy flow table to the home forwarding device. With the embodiment of the present document, in an IP network architecture in which control and forwarding are separated, after a WLAN terminal switches to a new radio access device, the service continuity can be maintained. |
| US09992714B1 |
Dynamic management of handoff based on detected network
A method and corresponding system to help improve handoff of a wireless communication device from a first network to a particular second network. The first network may maintain data that includes operational parameters of each of a plurality of second networks, such as networks that provide coverage in the same market area as the first wireless network. When the first network receives from a wireless communication device an indication that the device has detected coverage of a particular one of the second networks, the first network may then provide the device with the corresponding set of operational parameters for the detected second network. |
| US09992711B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing dual connectivity in heterogeneous network
The present invention provides a method for performing dual connectivity operation in a heterogeneous network.In the method, a first eNB transmits a first message to a second eNB for the dual connectivity operation, and receives a response for the first message from the second eNB.The response includes E-RAB (E-UTRAN Radio Access Bearer) related information. |
| US09992710B2 |
Communication apparatus
A communication system that allows for automatic switching between cellular and a wireless local area network is disclosed. |
| US09992709B2 |
Dynamic session transfer number for voice call continuity
A method in a network node for voice call continuity is disclosed. The network node receives, from a second network node with which a wireless device having a first session transfer number has registered, a registration notification message including a second session transfer number dynamically assigned to the wireless device by the second network node for voice call continuity. The network node stores the dynamically assigned second session transfer number. The network node receives a network query message sent in response to a mobile switching center receiving a call origination message from the wireless device, the call origination message including the first session transfer number as a destination. The network node determines that there is an active call involving the wireless device, and sends a network query response message to the mobile switching center that includes the dynamically assigned second session transfer number. |
| US09992707B2 |
Apparatus and method of reporting logged measurement in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of reporting logged measurements of an user equipment in a wireless communication system is provided. The user equipment in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected mode receives from a base station a Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) configuration. The user equipment transitions from the RRC connected mode to an RRC idle mode and logs measurements based on the MDT configuration. The user equipment transmits to the base station a logging indicator indicating an availability of the logged measurement. |
| US09992705B2 |
Wi-Fi calling quality of service on trusted WLAN networks
Techniques are presented that ensure Quality of Service (QoS) for Wi-Fi® calling and other Internet Media Services (IMS) when a user connects from a carrier-operated public Wi-Fi network to an IMS. A first packet including a domain name system (DNS) request received from a wireless mobile device via an access point is intercepted at a networking device. A network address of a collocated gateway device associated with the networking device is sent to the wireless mobile device in response to the DNS request. A second packet is received from the wireless mobile device including the network address of the collocated gateway to establish a network communication via the collocated gateway device. First QoS parameters associated with the network communication are received from the collocated gateway device and a notification message is sent to the access point, the notification message including the first QoS parameters. |
| US09992696B2 |
Method of estimating BER values in a wireless communication system
There is provided a method of estimating a bit error rate in a transport channel of a wireless communication system. The method comprises the receiving a signal from a remote transmitter of the wireless communication system via a physical channel, the signal comprising data and noise forming a plurality of soft bits. The method further comprises the counting, during a period of time, a number of erroneous bits being those soft bits which have an amplitude below −2A or above +2A with A being the average amplitude of the soft bits received. Next, the number of erroneous bits is divided by a number of total bits received during said period of time in order to obtain the bit error rate. This method provides a way to estimate the BER value without knowing the exact shape of the noise distribution. In an embodiment a selection is made between two estimation algorithms. |
| US09992693B2 |
Method and apparatus for adding serving cells in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus are disclosed for adding serving cells in a wireless communication system. The method includes a UE (User Equipment) is served by a first cell controlled by a first eNB (evolved Node B), wherein multiple radio bearers (RBs) for the UE are allocated to the first eNB and there is a MAC (Medium Access Control) entity in the UE for supporting the first cell. The method also includes the UE receives a RRC (Radio Resource Control) message for adding a second cell controlled by a second eNB to the UE, wherein a RB among the multiple RBs is relocated to the second eNB according to information included in the RRC message. The method further includes the UE re-establishes a RLC (Radio Link Control) entity corresponding to the RB and does not reset the MAC entity in response to the relocation of the RB. |
| US09992691B2 |
Systems and methods for managing high network data rates
A wireless communication device includes a physical (PHY) layer module, a media access control (MAC) layer module (102) coupled to the PHY layer module. The MAC layer module is configured to generate a limited acknowledgement (LACK) response that indicates successful receipt of a data transmission, and to reduce a data rate used to transmit data to the wireless communication device. |
| US09992690B2 |
Placed wireless instruments for predicting quality of service
A system determines wireless network performance. A wireless instrument is configured to send, receive and measure received wireless signals in a monitored area. A master controller connected with the wireless instrument forms a distributed wireless network testing solution. The master controller is configured to send and receive wireless signals with the wireless instrument, measure received wireless signals and perform an analysis of the wireless signals to determine a radio frequency environment performance of the distributed wireless network based on the wireless signals. |
| US09992689B2 |
Methods and systems for processing communications between a base station and mobile device based on wireless communciations of another base station
Methods and systems for processing communications based on wireless communications of adjacent base stations are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes monitoring, by a separate interference monitoring receiver communicatively coupled to a first base station, wireless communications transmitted by a second base station to communicate with one or more mobile devices. The method also includes determining, based on the monitored wireless communications, a wireless communication scheme for processing communications between the first base station and one or more other mobile devices. Further, the method includes processing communications between the first base station and the one or more other mobile devices based on the wireless communication scheme. |
| US09992681B2 |
Subsystem for authorization and activation of features
One or more selectively activated features needed at a device to use a network service may be identified. Authorization information and feature activation key(s) associated with features that the device has been authorized to activate may be obtained at the device. The feature activation key(s) may be used to activate and/or maintain activation of the authorized features that match the selectively activated feature(s) needed to use the network service. An authorization server may obtain a request to activate one or more selectively activated features of a device. The authorization server may verify that the selectively activated feature(s) are authorized to be used at the device based on an authorization agreement obtained at the authorization server. The authorization server may send proof that the device is authorized to use e selectively activated feature(s) and may send feature activation key(s) based on the authorization agreement in response to the request. |
| US09992678B2 |
Network locking or card locking method and device for a mobile terminal, terminal, SIM card, storage media
A method and device for network/card locking of a mobile terminal, a terminal, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card and a storage medium are provided. The method for card locking of a mobile terminal includes that: encrypted data sent by a mobile terminal is received; it is authenticated, according to the encrypted data, whether the mobile terminal can initialize a SIM card, and an authentication result is obtained; and the authentication result indicating whether the mobile terminal can initialize the SIM card is returned to the mobile terminal. |
| US09992677B2 |
Apparatus and method for registering home device in server in home network system
The present invention relates to a method for registering a home device of a home network system in a server, the method comprising: receiving an access token from an account server managing an account for a control device; receiving a peer identifier (peer ID) identifying the home device and a peer group identifier (peer group ID) identifying a group of home devices from the control device; and logging into a connectivity server managing the connection between the home device and the control device on the basis of the access token, the peer ID, and the peer group ID. |
| US09992663B2 |
Methods and nodes for handling updated subscriber data
The embodiments herein relate to a method in a first mobility management node for handling updated subscriber data associated with a UE. The UE is currently unreachable by the first mobility management node. The first mobility management node receives, from a subscriber database, updated subscriber data associated with the UE. At least part of the updated subscriber data is modified. The first mobility management node determines that transmission of the updated subscriber data to a gateway node should be postponed until the UE has become reachable. |
| US09992662B1 |
Method and apparatus for enrolling connected electronic devices in a connected home monitoring-security system
A system and method (10) are provided for enrolling electrical control devices (12) in a system (14) for wirelessly controlling and monitoring a plurality of electrical control devices (12) located throughout a building (16). The system (10) includes a portable electronic control panel (20) that connects wirelessly to the devices (12). The system (10) automatically creates a list of the devices (12) based their wireless signal strength and allows a user to select and operate each of the devices (12) one at a time to thereby verify the identity of each device (12) and input a user created identifier for each device (12) into the system (10). |
| US09992659B1 |
Stream-processing of telecommunication event records
A method of real-time streaming telecommunication event records. The method comprises receiving event records by a collector component executing on a computer system, storing the event records in a messaging queue by the collector component, where the messaging queue is executed on the computer system, retrieving some of the event records from the messaging queue by a producer component executing on the computer system, where each of the retrieved event records are associated with a same on-going telecommunication activity, aggregating the event records associated with the same on-going telecommunication activity by the producer into a bundle, retrieving the bundle by a consumer component executing on the computer system, formatting the bundle by the consumer component into an aggregated data record, analyzing the aggregated data record based on a predefined fraud pattern by the consumer component, and generating a billing record by the consumer component based on the aggregated data record. |
| US09992650B2 |
Leader and follower management system for wearable devices
A wearable computing device identifies a gesture made by the user of the wearable computing device. The wearable computing device sends an offer to a second wearable computing device, where the offer is to follow the user. The wearable computing device receives an indication of acceptance of the offer from the second wearable computing device, where the acceptance of the offer comprises an identified gesture made by the user of the second wearable computing device. The wearable computing device sends information related to at least the current location of the wearable computing device to the second wearable computing device. |
| US09992647B2 |
Tag based filtering on geographic regions, digital assets, messages, and anonymous user profiles
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for performing region monitoring using tag matching to more closely match the monitored regions to a user's preference. A user enters user tags of interest, which are persisted to the region monitoring web server. The web server returns the closest regions having a region tag matching user tag first and the closest regions without matching tags secondary. An application at the mobile device then performs region monitoring of the identified closest region(s). When the mobile device enters a monitored region, it reports this event to the web server. The web server then determines whether any messages and/or assets associated with the region have matching message tags or asset tags and returns such messages or assets to the mobile device. |
| US09992645B2 |
Universal connection station
An intelligent connection station has at least one wireless transceiver operating in a wireless protocol, at least one speaker and one microphone, a connection to a wide area network, and software executing on the connection station from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function seeking compatible communication appliances within range of the wireless transceiver operating in the wireless protocol, and a second function enabling wireless pairing, providing a wireless link between the intelligent connection station and any communication appliance discovered within range and activated to pair. The pairing enables digital communication between the paired device and a remote communication appliance over the wireless link, through the intelligent connection station and the wide area network. |
| US09992642B1 |
Automated messaging
Approaches provide for generating an introductory text message to be delivered to a recipient when a voice-enabled communications device is used to send a message to the recipient for a first time. For example, audio input data that includes an instruction to send a text message can be received and an application can analyze the audio input data to determine an instruction to send a text message, a message body, and an intended recipient of the text message. The application can determine whether a text message has previously been sent to the intended recipient using the voice-enabled communications device or another device associated with the customer's account. In the situation where a text message has been sent, a text message is generated that includes the message body and the application causes the text message to be sent to the intended recipient. In the situation where it is determined that this is the first time a text message is being sent to the intended recipient using the voice-enabled communications device or another device associated with the customer's account, an introductory text message is generated and the application causes the introductory text message and the text message that includes the message body to be sent to the intended recipient. |
| US09992635B2 |
Device-to-device broadcast communication method and user equipment
Disclosed are a device-to-device broadcast communication method and a user equipment. The method comprises: performing device-to-device (D2D) broadcast communication outside a coverage area of a network in a centralized manner, and broadcasting data on a shared channel via a centre node; alternatively, performing the device-to-device (D2D) broadcast communication outside the coverage area of the network in a distributed manner, and broadcasting data on a shared channel via resource competition. |
| US09992633B2 |
Bluetooth low energy location system and method
A BLE location system and method are disclosed. The BLE system may provide accurate location of a BLE enabled object in a three dimensional space. The three dimensional space may be a building and the BLE system and method permits accurate location at a room, bay, and bed level in the three dimensional space to be determined. In some embodiments, the BLE system may determine if a BLE enabled object crosses a boundary and the boundary may be, for example, a boundary to a room, such as a door, a boundary to a space, such as a hallway or meeting area, or a boundary to a particular location identified by set of coordinates (X,Y or X,Y,Z for example). The determination of the boundary crossing of the BLE enabled object or the location of the BLE enabled object may be used for staff and patient locating and their associated workflows as well as high accuracy asset tracking in a hospital embodiment. |
| US09992632B2 |
Mobile apparatus and service providing system
A mobile apparatus travels within a predetermined service provision area and, in response to receiving an instruction to provide a service from at least one user present in the service provision area, travels to the user to provide the service to the user. The mobile apparatus moves to a priority stand-by position which is determined based on a location of the at least one user from a plurality of stand-by positions provided within the service provision area and waits for the instruction to provide a service. |
| US09992629B2 |
System and method for providing a descriptor for a location to a recipient
A method for providing a descriptor of a location to a recipient includes receiving location data of the location from a user and using the location data to identify one or more regions near or including the location. Each region is associated with a descriptor. One of the one or more regions is selected based on a recipient's interaction with the selected region including whether the user has shared with or received from the recipient the descriptor associated with the selected region. The descriptor associated with the selected region is provided to the recipient. |
| US09992624B2 |
Systems, devices and methods for accurately tracking workers and assets
Various examples of methods, systems, apparatus and devices are provided for accurately tracking of workers and assets. Aspects of the present disclosure include tracking the location and other information for workers and assets in locations where knowledge about such workers and assets is desirable. The disclosed worker and/or asset tracking is particularly suitable for locations where the structural components are added, modified or moved during a monitoring period. Such structural components can block all or part of GPS, WiFi and RFID signals, or where it may be otherwise impractical to utilize other forms of signal generation. |
| US09992623B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems for enhanced multi-radio container node elements used in a wireless node network
Multi-antenna container node implemented methods, apparatus and systems are described that can locate a package ID node within a logistics container and communicate with a master node outside the container. The container node's controller may generate a location control message related to the package ID node and send it to one of the node's transceivers. That transceiver may select different subsets of its antenna elements to receive an inbound wireless signal from the package ID node in response to the location control message, and detect reception information about what was received for each of the subsets before providing that detected reception information to the container node controller. The controller then determines a location of the package ID node relative to the logistics container based upon the detected reception information, and then another separate transceiver of the container node transmits a location determination message to the master node. |
| US09992620B2 |
Platform for geo-fence social media
A social media application that integrates with a map application which enables users to interact with both stationary and mobile geo-fences that are placed around locations or objects of interest. The geo-fences are populated with content or programmed to provide notifications, and social features. The social features include, among other things, categorization, peer review, interest suggestion, threshold alerts, private and public messaging, private and public content dissemination, and cloud repository. |
| US09992615B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a device using Bluetooth technology
Disclosed is a method for connecting, by a first device, with a second device using Bluetooth communication. The method includes transmitting a request message to request user information for identifying a user of the second device to the second device, receiving a response message including the user information from the second device, registering the second device to a first authority policy or a second authority policy based on the user information, and establishing a Bluetooth connection with the second device registered to the first authority policy or the second authority policy. The first authority policy indicates a first control authority for controlling an operation of the first device, the second authority policy indicates a second control authority for controlling an operation of the first device, the first control authority indicates a control authority capable of controlling an operation of the first device within a limited range, the second control authority indicates a control authority capable of controlling all of operations of the first device. |
| US09992605B2 |
Methods for providing serving network information and communications apparatuses utilizing the same
A communications apparatus is provided. A processor is coupled to a subscriber identity card and a radio transceiver module. The subscriber identity card camps on a cell operating in a serving network having a serving network identifier via the radio transceiver module. The processor at least includes a first processor logic unit obtaining information regarding the serving network identifier, a second processor logic unit carrying the information regarding the serving network identifier in a message to be transmitted to the serving network, and a third processor logic unit transmitting the message to the serving network via the radio transceiver module. |
| US09992597B2 |
Validation of audio calibration using multi-dimensional motion check
Examples described herein involve validating motion of a microphone during calibration of a playback device. An example implementation involves a control device receiving an indication that the control device will begin detecting audio signals emitted from playback devices as part of a calibration process. While the control device is detecting audio signals emitted from the playback devices, the control device receives a stream of motion data indicating movement of the control device. The control device processes a first subset of the stream of motion data to determine that the first subset of the stream of motion data indicates sufficient horizontal translation of the control device occurred. Based on determining that the first subset of the stream of motion data indicates sufficient horizontal translation of the control device, the control device processes a second subset of the stream of motion data. |
| US09992588B2 |
Enhanced comfort earbud
An earbud that uniformly conforms to the ear canal and maintains a constant and comfortable radial pressure on the ear canal regardless of size. The earbud is designed to extrude distally when placed inside a small canal and yet still conforms to the canal while maintaining the aforementioned comfortable radial pressure. A wax bridge may be added to provide an added layer of wax protection to the earbud. |
| US09992587B2 |
Binaural hearing system configured to localize a sound source
A hearing aid system comprising a pair of hearing devices, e.g. hearing aids, worn at the ears of a user receives a target signal generated by a target signal source and transmitted through an acoustic channel to microphones of the hearing aid system. Due to (potential) additive environmental noise, a noisy acoustic signal is received at the microphones of the hearing system. An essentially noise-free version of the target signal is simultaneously transmitted to the hearing devices of the hearing system via a wireless connection. Based on a sound propagation model of the acoustic propagation channel from the target sound source to the microphones of the hearing aid system, and on relative transfer functions representing direction-dependent filtering effects of the head and torso of the user in the form of direction-dependent acoustic transfer functions from a microphone on one side of the head, to a microphone on the other side of the head, a direction-of-arrival (DoA) of the target sound signal relative to the user is determined using a maximum likelihood approach. |
| US09992586B2 |
Method of optimizing parameters in a hearing aid system and a hearing aid system
A method of optimizing parameters in a hearing aid system (100) with respect to a user's preference and a hearing aid system (100) adapted to carry out such a method. |
| US09992584B2 |
Hearing prostheses for single-sided deafness
Presented herein are hearing prostheses configured to execute sound processing (e.g., beamforming techniques) specifically designed to provide better performance for single-side deaf recipients. In particular, the hearing prostheses presented herein execute side-beamforming techniques in which the directionality of the hearing prostheses are limited to a spatial region proximate to the recipient's deaf ear. |
| US09992567B2 |
Intelligent headphone
An intelligent headphone may be configured at least with a headphone having a shape, size, and material to engage an ear of a user. The headphone may have at least a controller, accelerometer, and audio processor. The headphone accelerometer can be positioned to allow speech of the user to be sensed. |
| US09992566B2 |
Wireless joint and wireless microphone having same
A wireless joint includes a converter, a radio frequency (RF) device, and a connector. The converter realizes a conversion between an audio signal and a wireless signal. The RF device receives and transmits the wireless signal. The connector connects with a microphone body. |
| US09992563B2 |
MEMS microphone
An MEMS microphone is provided in the present disclosure. The MEMS microphone includes a protective structure comprising a housing and a PCB substrate covering the housing to form a receiving space, the housing is provided with a sound hole, an MEMS chip with a back cavity, received in the receiving space and fixed on the PCB substrate, the back cavity is communicated with the sound hole, and the MEMS chip comprises a first surface away from the PCB substrate and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a waterproof part, bonded to the first surface of the MEMS chip. |
| US09992562B1 |
Loudspeaker having passive heat dissipation assembly
A loudspeaker including a first housing which delimits a acoustic chamber, an acoustic driver disposed within the acoustic chamber, a second housing which delimits a second chamber disposed adjacent to the acoustic chamber, a heat source disposed within the second chamber, a passive radiator disposed in communication with the acoustic chamber and the second chamber, a vent disposed in communication with the second chamber and with an exterior of the loudspeaker, wherein the passive radiator is configured to move in response to a movement of the driver, where the passive radiator is further configured to direct an airflow proximate to the heat source during the movement of the passive radiator and to direct the airflow through the vent to the exterior of the loudspeaker. |
| US09992561B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a rogue ONU in a PON
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining a rogue ONU in an OLT of a PON. The method comprises determining an original infected zone based on a first time slot allocation in which each time slot corresponds to one uplink signal of an ONU; determining a new infected zone based on a second time slot allocation in which each time slot corresponds to an uplink signal of an ONU; determining if there is a same ONU in the original infected zone and in the new infected zone to determine rogue ONU candidate, and determining a rogue ONU based on the rogue ONU candidate. The solution disclosed in the present application has the advantages of quick determination of the rogue ONU, no interruption of the normal service and system compatibility etc. |
| US09992560B2 |
Light detection module and light module
A light detection module includes: a TO base and a TO cap; wherein the TO base is fixedly provided thereon with a first optical sensor, a support frame and a support base; the support frame is fixedly provided thereon with a beam splitter, and the beam splitter and the first optical sensor are at an angle of 45 degrees; an upper surface of the support base is fixedly provided thereon with an optical resonator and a second optical sensor, the optical resonator is located between the beam splitter and the second optical sensor, and the optical resonator, the second optical sensor and the beam splitter are on a straight line parallel to a surface of the TO base; and the TO cap is provided thereon with an opening, and the opening, the first optical sensor and the beam splitter are on a straight line perpendicular to the surface of the TO base. |
| US09992549B2 |
Transmission method, reception method, transmission apparatus, and reception apparatus
A transmission method includes: generating one or more transfer frames that each store one or more streams used for content transfer; and transmitting the one or more generated frames through broadcast, each of the one or more streams storing one or more second transfer units, each of the one or more second transfer units storing one or more first transfer units, and each of the one or more first transfer units storing one or more Internet Protocol (IP) packets. In at least one stream among the one or more streams, each of the first transfer units positioned at a head contains reference clock information indicating time used for reproduction of the content. |
| US09992543B2 |
Systems and methods for transmitting media associated with a measure of quality based on level of game play in an interactive video gaming environment
Systems and methods for incorporating online user generated media content (e.g., videos) into an interactive video gaming environment are provided. Media assets that are associated with different measures of quality generated by users are stored on a remote server. A player action is received by the remote server. A determination is made as to which one of the plurality of levels of the interactive video gaming environment corresponds to the action. One of the videos associated with one of the measures of quality is selected based on the determination of the level corresponding to the action. The selected video is transmitted to the player. |
| US09992542B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and information processing system
An information processing apparatus including an execution unit, a generation unit, a first request unit, and a second request unit. The execution unit is capable of executing first information processing. The generation unit is configured to generate a display image including first information associated with first access information for accessing the execution unit and second information associated with second access information for accessing a server on a global network, the server being capable of executing second information processing. The first request unit is configured to request the execution unit to execute the first information processing based on the first access information associated with the first information. The second request unit is configured to request the server to execute the second information processing based on the second access information associated with the second information. |
| US09992541B2 |
Media processing apparatus and controlling method thereof
A media processing apparatus is provided. The media processing apparatus includes an interface unit which is connected to each of a plurality of terminal devices through a communication interface including a video channel, an audio channel, and a data channel, a processor which receives a control signal from a first terminal device having control rights, a control unit which notifies the first terminal device if there is an access attempt from at least one of a second terminal device and transfers the control rights to the second terminal device if a message to permit the transfer of the control rights is received from the first terminal device. Accordingly, control rights may be transferred and shared in a reasonable manner. |
| US09992539B2 |
Identifying viewing characteristics of an audience of a content channel
Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying viewing characteristics of an audience of a content channel. In one implementation, a processing device receives an identification of a channel of interest, the channel of interest having associated videos, receives data for a plurality of watch sessions where multiple videos are watched during the watch sessions, identifies at least two watch sessions of the plurality of watch sessions, each identified watch session having a watched video that is associated with the channel of interest, and identifies a most watched channel in the at least two identified watch sessions, the most watched channel being a channel that is most watched by viewers of the channel of interest but that is not the same as the channel of interest. |
| US09992538B2 |
Systems and techniques for determining user engagement with video advertisements to determine optimized cost per impressions
Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for determining changes in the device engagement data as a video advertisement is played on a video application executing in a mobile computing device. A user engagement engine collects device engagement data over multiple intervals of playback of the video advertisement. The device engagement data includes data indicating the spatial orientation of the mobile computing device and data indicating the volume level. The user engagement engine also calculates the differences in the device engagement data from a first interval of playback to a second interval of playback of the video advertisement. The mobile computing device transmits the changes in the device engagement data to an advertising server. The advertising server uses the changes in the device engagement data to determine a cost-per-impression value of the video advertisement. |
| US09992537B2 |
Real-time tracking collection for video experiences
Methods and systems for tracking events associated with use of video content are disclosed. A method collects events associated with use of video content at a computing device. In response to determining that a tracking interval has elapsed, the method optimizes the collected events by grouping similar events together, serializes the optimized events by structuring the optimized events in a defined format, and creates a tracking call to send the serialized events to a remote computing device. A system determines setup parameters for tracking collection on a client computing device, the setup parameters comprising an error tracking parameter, and setup check and tracking intervals. The system periodically receives serialized event data from a client device in accordance with the tracking interval, the event data having been collected in response to occurrences of tracked events associated with use of video content at the client device, the video content including an advertisement. |
| US09992536B2 |
Information provision device, information provision method, and information provision system
An information provision device includes a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute, selecting a content corresponding to position information of a user from contents stored in a storage unit in advance; multiplexing the contents using a multiplex number that corresponds with familiarity of the user with the selected content; and providing the multiplexed contents to the user. |
| US09992534B2 |
Sharing television and video programming through social networking
In particular embodiments, one or more computer systems of a social-networking system provide social content for display in a mobile application running on a mobile device of a user of the social-networking system. The mobile application is configured to display the social content and an interface for selecting media content to view on a display device. The social content is from a social graph of the social-networking system. The social graph includes nodes and edges connecting the nodes. The nodes include user nodes that are each associated with a particular user of the social-networking system. The one or more computer systems of the social-networking system receive an indication from the mobile application that an option to view particular media content has been selected and provide one or more instructions to display the selected particular media content on the display device. |
| US09992533B2 |
Media channel identification and action with multi-match detection and disambiguation based on matching with differential reference—fingerprint feature
A computing system compares various reference fingerprints each representing a reference media stream broadcast on a different respective known channel, and the computing system determines that a plurality of the reference fingerprints match each other, thus defining a multi-match group of the matching reference fingerprints. In response, the computing system identifies a fingerprint feature that could define a distinction between the reference fingerprints, and the computing system resolves the multi-match based on the identified feature, thereby determining the channel carrying the media stream being rendered by the media presentation device. And the server then takes channel-specific action based on the determined channel. |
| US09992531B2 |
Methods and systems for presenting information about multiple media assets
Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that presents information about a multiple media assets simultaneously by modifying graphical properties of a progress bar associated with each media asset. For example, based on one or more events in the respective media assets, the media guidance application may modify the dimensions of the progress bars to include textual descriptions, may modify a color, brightness, transparency, etc. of the progress bars, and/or may modify an animation of the progress bars or a graphic associated with the progress bars. |
| US09992529B2 |
Method and apparatus for exchanging video between media devices
Accordingly, there is provided a method in a first media device arranged to display a video. The method comprises receiving a selection of a video, and receiving an instruction from a user to display the video on a second media device. The method further comprises, in response to said instruction from the user, requesting an indication from the user as to where on a display of the second media device to display the video. The method further comprises receiving an indication from the user as to where on the display of the second media device to display the video. The method further comprises sending an instruction to the second media device, the instruction indicating where the second media device should display the video; and transferring video playback from the first media device to the second media device. |
| US09992523B1 |
Selecting recommendations in a video delivery system using diversity and relevance
A method receives a candidate set of recommendations for video entities on a video delivery service in response to receiving a request to generate a page of an interface. A number for each recommendation is generated that represents a relevance rating of the respective recommendation minus a similarity rating between the respective recommendation and recommendations from the candidate set of recommendations that are added to a subset of recommendations. A recommendation is added to the subset of recommendations that has a maximum probability of being relevant to the user and diverse from the recommendations in the subset of recommendations based on the number. The method then updates the number for recommendations in the candidate set of recommendations based on adding the recommendation to the subset of recommendations. This process is iteratively performed and the subset of recommendations in the page of the interface is provided to a client device. |
| US09992521B1 |
System and method for simultaneously broadcasting multiple media-components
Disclosed herein is a system and method for simultaneously broadcasting video components (VCs). In one example, a method includes an automation-system (AS) selecting a log entry including (i) a first identifier that maps to a first VC, and (ii) a second identifier that maps to a second VC; a recording-and-playout device (RAPD) retrieving the first VC; the RAPD sending the retrieved first-VC to an encoder; the encoder generating a first transport-stream (TS) having (i) program-identification (PID) data, and (ii) payload data including the sent first-VC; the encoder sending the generated first-TS to a first outbound-broadcast device (OBD); the encoder sending the generated first-TS to a transport-stream splicer; the AS loading the splicer with the second VC; the splicer generating a second TS having (i) the PID data of the generated first-TS, and (ii) payload data including the loaded second-VC; and the splicer sending the generated second-TS to a second OBD. |
| US09992518B2 |
Method and system for remotely controlling consumer electronic devices
A media system replaces content in a first sequence of media content. The media system presents the first sequence of media content to an end-user and generates a fingerprint of the sequence of media content. The fingerprint is for comparison with a plurality of reference fingerprints so as to identify the first sequence of media content and determine a reference position within the first sequence of media content. The media system sends a request for a replacement sequence of content to a content replacement system, and receives replacement media content selected based on the identified first sequence of media content. The media system presents the replacement media content to the end-user instead of the first sequence of media content. Presenting the replacement media content begins at a position in the first sequence of media content that is determined based on the reference position. |
| US09992511B2 |
Method for video coding and an apparatus
A method and apparatus are provided for encoding and decoding image information. The encoding comprises receiving a block of pixels; creating a set of motion vector prediction candidates for the block of pixels; and examining the set to determine if a motion vector prediction candidate is a temporal motion vector prediction, or a spatial motion vector prediction. If the motion vector prediction candidate is a temporal motion vector prediction, the motion vector prediction candidate is kept in the set. If the motion vector prediction candidate is a spatial motion vector prediction, it is examined whether the set comprises a motion vector prediction candidate corresponding with the spatial motion vector prediction; and if so, the motion vector prediction candidate is removed from the set. Once the set is created, one of the candidates from the set is selected to represent a motion vector prediction for the block of pixels. |
| US09992509B2 |
Video decoding apparatus, video decoding method, video encoding apparatus, and video encoding method
While maintaining a high degree of freedom in choosing partition sizes and transformation sizes adapted for local characteristics of videos, the amount of metadata is decreased. A video encoding apparatus (10) divides an input video into blocks of a prescribed size and encodes the video block by block. The video encoding apparatus is provided with: a prediction parameter determining portion (102) that decides the block partition structure; a predictive image producing portion (103) that generates predictive images, partition by partition, as prescribed by the partition structure; a transform coefficient producing portion (107) which applies one of the frequency transformations included in a prescribed transformation preset to prediction residuals, i.e. the differences between predictive images and the input video; a transform restriction deriving portion (104) which generates the list of transform candidate, i.e. lists of frequency transformations that can be applied to each partition, on the basis of partition format information; and a variable-length-encoding portion (108) which, on the basis of the list of transform candidate and the transformation preset, performs variable-length encoding on transformation selection flags. |
| US09992506B2 |
Flexible band offset mode in sample adaptive offset in HEVC
A Flexible Band Offset (FBO) apparatus and method of performing Sample Adaptive Offset (SAO) filtering within encoders and decoders, such as according to the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard, and similarly configured coding devices. The number of Band Offset (BO) modes and the number of necessary offsets is reduced. The invention beneficially provides simpler coding, reduces temporary buffer size requirements, and can yield a small performance gain over existing SAO techniques of HEVC test model HM 5. |
| US09992499B2 |
Adaptive streaming techniques
Systems and methods are presented for minimizing the suddenness and immediacy of changes to the video quality perceived by users due to bandwidth fluctuations and transitions between different bitrate streams. A method may include identifying an upcoming bitrate change in a bitstream and a nearest scene cut boundary from sync frame scene cut tags included in the bitstream. The method may include calculating whether waiting until the identified nearest scene cut boundary before changing the bitrate will cause the buffer to drop below a threshold. When the buffer is calculated to not drop below the threshold, the method may postpone the upcoming bitrate change until the identified nearest scene cut boundary. |
| US09992496B1 |
Bin string coding based on a most probable symbol
Bins of a bin string representative of binarized video data are processed to determine whether each bin stores a most probable symbol of a probability model available for coding the binarized video data. If the symbol stored in each bin of the bin string is the most probable symbol, the probability model is updated based on a size of the bin string to determine a first number of bits to use to code the binarized video data. However, if the symbol stored in each bin of the bin string is not the most probable symbol, the probability model is updated based on a number of bins of the bin string storing a symbol that is not the most probable symbol to determine a second number of bits to use to code the binarized video data. |
| US09992495B2 |
Method for encoding a matrix, in particular a matrix representative of a still or video image, using a wavelet transform, with numbers of wavelet levels that vary according to the image and different quantization factors for each wavelet level
An encoding method for encoding successive layers of an initial matrix into a compressed matrix and restoring it as a restored matrix, each cell of the initial matrix containing a respective initial numerical value; each cell of the compressed matrix containing a respective compressed numerical value corresponding to the respective initial numerical value; each cell of the restored matrix containing a respective restored numerical value corresponding to the respective initial numerical value; is characterized in that to encode, one applies: —wavelet transforms applied to the entire matrix over a limited number of levels, such that a residual level remains with dimensions larger than or equal to 2×2; then, a differential encoding of the residual level, i.e., a compression of the residual level by obtaining differences with each of the values of the residual level. |
| US09992493B2 |
Inter-layer reference picture restriction for high level syntax-only scalable video coding
In one implementation, an apparatus is provided for encoding or decoding video information. The apparatus comprises a memory unit configured to store reference layer pictures associated with a reference layer, an enhancement layer, or both. The apparatus further comprises a processor operationally coupled to the memory unit. In one embodiment, the processor is configured to restrict usage of at most one reference layer pictures that has been resampled as an inter-layer reference picture, and predict a current picture using inter-layer prediction and the inter-layer reference picture. |
| US09992486B2 |
Method of enhanced alignment of two means of projection
An alignment, on a first projector, of a second projector, including: activating the projectors to project respective circles; transmitting projected image data from pictures of the projections to an analysis device that identifies respective centers of the projected circles and transmits adjustment commands the second projector to make the projected circle centers coincide. The analysis device: identifies at least one first and one second pair of projected-image zones, each zone of a pair including an arc of a circle, and the zones, pairwise, being spaced a maximum distance apart; identifies luminous intensity extrema in respective profiles of spatial distribution of luminous intensity; deduces spatial co-ordinates of points corresponding to said intensity extrema; defines spatial co-ordinates of the medium between the two points of the first pair and of the medium between the two points of the second pair, to deduce therefrom spatial co-ordinates of the center of the circle. |
| US09992485B2 |
Backlighting for head tracking and time multiplexed displays
A major component within a backlight device for liquid crystal displays (LCDs), in particular those backlights used in lighting and optical techniques to produce autostereoscopic 3D images and high resolution images. |
| US09992481B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing surrounding images of vehicle
A method and an apparatus for processing surrounding images of a vehicle are provided. In the method, plural cameras disposed on the vehicle are used to capture images of plural perspective views surrounding the vehicle. The images of the perspective views are transformed into images of a top view. An interval consisted of at least a preset number of consecutive empty pixels is found from one column of pixels in each image of the top view, and the images of the perspective views and the top view are divided into floor side images and wall side images according to the height of the interval in the image. The divided floor side images and wall side images are stitched to generate a synthetic image surrounding the vehicle. |
| US09992480B1 |
Apparatus and methods related to using mirrors to capture, by a camera of a robot, images that capture portions of an environment from multiple vantages
Using mirrors to capture, by a camera of a robot, images that capture portions of an environment from multiple vantages. In various implementations, multiple images, that each capture a portion of an environment from a different vantage, may be captured by a camera sensor of a robot via the adjustment of one or more mirrors viewable by the camera sensor—and the multiple images may be captured independent of locomotion of the robot and/or independent of adjusting a camera sensor pose of that camera sensor. One or more processors associated with the robot may utilize the multiple images to determine one or more features about those portions of the environment captured from different vantages in the images. |
| US09992478B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for synthesizing images
An image processing apparatus includes an image capturing condition acquirer (260) configured to acquire image capturing condition information of a plurality of images having angles of view different from each other, a distance information acquirer (230) configured to acquire distance information of an object included in the plurality of images, an angle of view information acquirer (240) configured to acquire angle of view information, and an image generator (224) configured to generate an image corresponding to the angle of view information from the plurality of images based on the image capturing condition information, the distance information, and the angle of view information, and the distance information is object distance information at each position in an image. |
| US09992477B2 |
Optical system for collecting distance information within a field
An optical system for collecting distance information within a field is provided. The optical system may include lenses for collecting photons from a field and may include lenses for distributing photons to a field. The optical system may include lenses that collimate photons passed by an aperture, optical filters that reject normally incident light outside of the operating wavelength, and pixels that detect incident photons. The optical system may further include illumination sources that output photons at an operating wavelength. |
| US09992475B2 |
Adaptive HDMI formatting system for 3D video transmission
A system configured to support video formatting without a priori knowledge of video formatting requirements of a display device. The system relies on video information transmitted from the display device to a source device to facilitate determining the video formatting requirements of the display device. The system can be used within any television network, gaming network, and content sourcing network where it may be advantageous to deploy a source device that can support formatting requirements for a plurality of different display types. |
| US09992474B2 |
Stereo depth camera using VCSEL with spatially and temporally interleaved patterns
In accordance with disclosed embodiments, there are provided systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing a stereo depth camera using a VCSEL projector with spatially and temporally interleaved patterns. For instance, a depth camera is described having therein a Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser projector (VCSEL projector); in which the VCSEL projector embodies a VCSEL array, the VCSEL being comprised of a plurality of VCSEL elements divided into a plurality of individually addressable subsets of the plurality of VCSEL elements; processing circuitry to activate one or more of the individually addressable subsets of the plurality of VCSEL elements to cause the VCSEL projector to emit a plurality of infrared beams through a projection lens to form a projected pattern which is projected onto a scene; stereoscopic image capture devices to capture stereoscopic imagery from the scene having the projected pattern projected thereupon; and processing circuitry to determine depth to an object in the scene based on the captured stereoscopic imagery from the scene having the projected pattern represented therein as projected from the VCSEL projector. Other related embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09992470B1 |
User interface for a video capture device
A method and system for capturing, sharing, viewing, and/or displaying one or more video videos. A user of a computing device performs a gesture involving contacting a touch sensitive display. In response, a video segment is captured while the user maintains contact with the touch sensitive display. Upon releasing contact with the touch sensitive display, recording of the video segment is ceased. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the user may then record one or more additional video segments to be included in a video vignette. |
| US09992464B1 |
Method and system for screen correction
A method, system, and a computer readable medium for screen correction is provided. The system includes a memory storage unit for storing model content, a screen having screen parameters, an input device for receiving the screen parameters, a correction engine, and a projector. The method involves storing model content on a memory storage unit, receiving screen parameters, generating screen content, and projection at least a portion of the screen content onto the screen. The computer readable medium encoded with codes for directing a processor to carry out the method. |
| US09992460B2 |
Systems and methods for local dimming in multi-modulation displays
Dual and multi-modulator projector display systems and techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a projector display system comprises a light source; a controller, a first modulator, receiving light from the light source and rendering a halftone image of said the input image; a blurring optical system that blurs said halftone image with a Point Spread Function (PSF); and a second modulator receiving the blurred halftone image and rendering a pulse width modulated image which may be projected to form the desired screen image. Systems and techniques for forming a binary halftone image from input image, correcting for misalignment between the first and second modulators and calibrating the projector system—e.g. overtime—for continuous image improvement are also disclosed. |
| US09992458B2 |
Projector and method of preventing image deterioration thereof
A projection lens has a lens barrel holding a lens. In a case where an image forming panel is disposed to be shifted with respect to an optical axis of the projection lens, in a second part on a side to which the image forming panel is shifted with respect to the optical axis of the projection lens, there is a great increase in temperature, and in a first part on the opposite side, there is a small increase in temperature. A lens barrel heating optical section has a first mirror, condensing lenses, and a second mirror. The lens barrel heating optical section emits the redundant light, which is reflected by the color wheel, toward the first part of the lens barrel. By heating the first part through redundant light, temperature distribution in the circumferential direction becomes uniform, and deterioration in performance of the projected image is suppressed. |
| US09992455B2 |
Video encoding method and video encoder system
Input video frames are encoded into a sequence of output video frames arranged in groups of pictures (GOP). Each input video frame is encoded into an output video frame using a respective compression value. Each GOP in the sequence of output video frames has a GOP length defined by a number of frames contained in the GOP. A level of motion and a level of light in a first input video frame are determined. If level of light is below a predetermined threshold value, encode the first input video frame using a predetermined constant GOP length and a compression value which is a decreasing function of the level of light. If level of light is above, encode the first input video frame using a GOP length which is a decreasing function of the level of motion, and a compression value which is a decreasing function of the level of light. |
| US09992452B2 |
IPTV system, an application server and a related location agent
The present invention relates to an IPTV System for provisioning IPTV services to a subscriber of said IPTV system. The IPTV-system comprises an application server for provisioning IPTV services to the subscriber via a first client device that is associated to the subscriber and the first client device. The application Server is coupled to the first client device over a communications network.The IPTV system further comprises a location determination part that is adapted to determine an actual location of the subscriber and a service provisioning determination part that is adapted to determine alternative means for provisioning the IPTV services to the subscriber based on the location of the subscriber. |
| US09992449B1 |
System and method for sharing sensed data between remote users
A method and a system for sharing in video images, captured by a video image capturing device mounted on a source user and having a wide field of view, with a destination user, are provided herein. The method may include: receiving video images and respective positions and orientations thereof, captured by the video image capturing device at the source location; receiving a request from a destination user equipment, to view video images captured at the source location, wherein the request includes a line of sight of the destination user, as derived by an orientation sensor of a destination user headset; mapping the request to a respective region of interest of the destination user based on the line of sight; cropping the video images based on the respective region of interest and further based on said respective positions and orientations; and transmitting the cropped video images to the destination user. |
| US09992447B2 |
Inter radio access technology management for audiovisual calls
This disclosure relates to inter radio access technology management for audiovisual calls. Wireless link availability and suitability for an audiovisual call may be evaluated for each of a first radio access technology and a second radio access technology. One or more wireless links on which to establish an audiovisual call may be selected based on the evaluations. The audiovisual call may be established on the selected wireless link(s). Wireless link availability and suitability for an audiovisual call may be monitored during the audiovisual call and decisions on whether to perform handover to a different wireless link and/or media duplication on multiple wireless links may be made based on the suitability for an audiovisual call of available wireless links. |
| US09992444B2 |
System and method for preventing unauthorized recording, retransmission and misuse of audio and video
In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, at a device, digital audio content to be converted by a digital-to-analog converter to produce analog audio content. The digital audio content has at least one audible frequency. The method also includes selecting, at the device, a first signal and a second signal to output with the analog audio content. The first signal has an inaudible carrier frequency and a bandwidth, and the second signal also has an inaudible carrier frequency and a bandwidth. A difference between the first signal and the second signal is an undesired audible signal. The method further includes outputting, from the device, the analog audio content, the first signal and the second signal, such that when the analog audio content is detected by a recording device the undesired audible signal is detected with the analog audio content. |
| US09992439B2 |
Display apparatus, controlling method, and display system
A display apparatus, a controlling method thereof, and a display system are provided. The display apparatus includes a power supply unit and a processor configured to, in response to AC power being applied through the power supply unit, search a connectable control device, determine a pairing history regarding the searched control device, in response to determining that there is no pairing history regarding the searched control device, boot the display apparatus, and perform pairing with the searched control device. |
| US09992437B1 |
Stacked image sensor pixel cell with in-pixel vertical channel transfer transistor
A pixel cell has a photodiode, a readout circuit, and a vertical transfer transistor. The photodiode is disposed within a first substrate of a first semiconductor chip for accumulating an image charge in response to light incident upon the photodiode. The readout circuit is disposed within a second substrate of a second semiconductor chip. The vertical transfer transistor is coupled between the photodiode and the readout circuitry to transfer the image charge from the photodiode to the readout circuitry. |
| US09992434B2 |
Image pickup circuit
An image pickup circuit including a plurality of circuit blocks. Each of the plurality of circuit blocks includes a plurality of comparing elements, a single counter, and a plurality of storage units. Each of the comparing elements compares a pixel signal supplied through a vertical signal line connected to vertically aligned pixels in a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and a slope signal whose voltage is changed from an initial voltage at a constant slope. The counter counts an elapsed time since a voltage of the slope signal starts to change from the initial voltage. Each of the storage units stores a count value obtained by the counter in accordance with a comparison result of the comparator, the count value corresponding to an elapsed time until the voltage of the slope signal is changed from the initial voltage to a voltage coinciding with the pixel signal. |
| US09992432B2 |
Gain normalization and non-uniformity correction
A method of normalizing FPA system gain and correcting pixel non-uniformity for varying temperature includes determining an FPA temperature, calculating an FPA system gain as a function of the FPA temperature, and applying the FPA system gain at the FPA temperature to condition output of the FPA to produce temperature independent image data. The method also includes calculating a non-uniformity correction map on a pixel by pixel basis for the FPA, wherein non-uniformity correction for each pixel is a function of the FPA temperature, and applying the non-uniformity correction map to the imaging data from the FPA to produce temperature dependent non-uniformity corrected image data. An imaging system includes a focal plane array (FPA), a temperature sensor operatively connected to measure temperature of the FPA, and a module configured for system gain correction and non-uniformity correction as described above. |
| US09992423B2 |
Constant field of view for image capture
Devices and methods for capturing images are described herein. A processor may be configured to capture a first image. The processor may further be configured to determine a distance between a lens and an image sensor of the image capture device for capturing the first image. The processor may further be configured to determine a portion of the image sensor to use for the first image based on the determined distance in order to maintain a constant field of view for one or more images captured by the image capture device. The processor may further be configured to adjust the portion of the image sensor used for the first image based on the determined portion of the image sensor to generate an adjusted first image. |
| US09992422B2 |
Motion guiding method and motion guiding apparatus
A motion guiding apparatus includes a guiding device and a mobile unit. The guiding device includes a main body, an arm piece, and a linear light source. The main body is in connection with the arm piece and arranged on a reference surface. The linear light source is arranged on the arm piece and forms a reference light line on the reference surface and a direct light line on the main body. The mobile unit is capable of capturing an image showing the reference light beam, the direct light beam, and a reflected light line. The mobile unit can also compute an angle formed between the reference light line and the reflected light line to obtain a relative angle between the mobile unit and the linear light source, so as to move in accordance to the relative angle. A motion guiding method is also provided. |
| US09992420B2 |
Systems and methods for previewing newly captured image content and reviewing previously stored image content
Systems and methods for previewing newly captured image content and reviewing previously stored image content using an electronic device are provided. The previously stored image content may include an individual distinct image or at least two consecutive video frame images. |
| US09992419B2 |
Display control apparatus for displaying a virtual object
A display control apparatus includes: an image acquisition section that acquires a captured image obtained by imaging an imaging range; and a display control section that controls a display section in such a way that a virtual object corresponding to an imaging subject reflecting on the captured image is displayed. The display control section displays the virtual object in such a way that a ratio of an amount of movement of the virtual object in a virtual image to an amount of movement of the imaging range in real space changes according to an imaging magnification of the captured image. |
| US09992415B2 |
System and method for correlating camera views
A method for correlating views of two or more video camera systems includes obtaining a plurality of data point coordinate sets to represent relative positioning between the camera systems and data point objects in the environment. The views may be correlated through Interpolation or extrapolation using the obtained data point coordinate sets. Devices such as lasers may also be used to correlate views of two or more video camera systems. |
| US09992409B2 |
Digital mirror apparatus
Provided is a digital mirror apparatus including: a camera that captures an image of a user; a display having a display surface located at a position that allows the user to visually identify the display; a controller; a memory; and a control panel operable by the user, wherein the controller: horizontally flips a live image of the user that is being captured by the camera to generate a mirror image; reads a reference image to be compared with the mirror image; superimposes the reference image on the mirror image to display on the display a display image in a region of the display in which the reference image and the mirror image overlap one another; and stores one frame of the live image in the memory, based on an operation performed on the control panel by the user while the display image is displayed on the display. |
| US09992408B2 |
Photographing processing method, device and computer storage medium
Embodiments of the present invention provide a photographing processing method, a device and a computer storage medium. The method includes: receiving at least one instruction for selecting at least one object to be removed in a live view image according to a preset order; acquiring a live view image with selected object to be removed; and removing the at least one object to be removed in the live view image with selected object to be removed sequentially according to the preset order to obtain a photograph. |
| US09992407B2 |
Image context based camera configuration
An approach to configuring camera settings to reduce the intrusiveness of image capture on image subjects. A preliminary image is analyzed to determine an image context. The image context is compared to intrusiveness context cues, either known or discovered from analyzing historical images associated with the subjects identified in the preview image. If any intrusiveness context cues are found in the image context then configuration parameters associated with the intrusive context cues are changed to minimize the intrusive nature before the image is captured. |
| US09992406B2 |
Electronic device, control method, and non-transitory storage medium for image correction responsive to environment change
According to one aspect, an electronic device includes an image acquiring unit; a display that is configured to display an image acquired by the image acquiring unit; a first sensor that is configured to measure a first information on an environment around the electronic device for detecting a change in the environment; at least one controller that is configured to detect the change and, when the change is detected, conduct correction of an image acquired by the image acquiring unit; and a second sensor that is configured to measure a second information on a movement of the electronic device. The at least one controller is configured to, when shooting of a movie has been started by the image acquiring unit before the change is detected, set the adjustment duration time for correction of the image in accordance with the second information. |
| US09992405B2 |
Image capture control apparatus and control method of the same
An image capture control apparatus comprises a display control unit that performs control so as to display, on a display unit, a live view image captured by an image capturing unit in any of a plurality of display states that include normal magnification display and enlarged display that is enlarged more than the normal magnification display, and a control unit that performs control so as to, in a case where a first operation is performed during the enlarged display of the live view image, switch to the normal magnification display and execute AF processing based on a first AF method, and in a case where a second operation is performed during the enlarged display of the live view image, maintain the enlarged display and execute AF processing based on a second AF method. |
| US09992403B2 |
Method and system for autofocus, corresponding device and computer program product
In an embodiment, focusing an image-capture device such as, e.g., a camera including an optical system displaceable in opposite directions (A, B) via a focusing actuator, is controlled by evaluating a scale factor for the images acquired by the device. An accumulated value of the variations of the scale factor over a time interval (e.g., over a number of frames) is produced and the absolute value thereof is compared against a threshold. If the threshold is reached, which may be indicative of a zoom movement resulting in image de-focusing, a refocusing action is activated by displacing the optical system via the focusing actuator in the one or the other of the opposite focusing directions (A or B) as a function of whether the accumulated value exhibits an increase or a decrease (i.e., whether the accumulated value is positive or negative). |
| US09992401B2 |
Configuring a device in a network
A method is disclose that may include sending, from a management device to a monitoring device, a request for a network address associated with a configuration setting for the service provided by the monitoring device that generated the event message. The method may include receiving, in the management device and from the monitoring device, the network address. The method may also include requesting a resource identified by the network address, wherein the resource includes a web page hosted by a web server and displaying the web page to a user, wherein the web page is configured to enable the user to alter the configuration setting of the service that generated the event. The method may also include transmitting the altered configuration setting to the web server, wherein the web server initiates an update of the configuration setting of the service based on the altered configuration setting. |
| US09992399B2 |
System, method and apparatus for independently controlling different cameras from a single device
A method, system, and apparatus are provided that enable control of multiple cameras, and even multiple types of cameras, from a single device. Responsive to linking a camera to the controller, a unique control panel is generated to display settings and status information associated with said camera. As additional cameras are added, additional control panels are generated respective to each linked camera. A navigable display on the controller then enables a user to optionally access each control panel so that he may assess the respective camera's status and optionally adjust the respective camera's settings from a single device. |
| US09992394B2 |
Dual-lens mounting for a spherical camera
Dual-lens assemblies and cameras including dual lens-assemblies that include a first lens barrel securing a first lens having a first optical axis and a second lens barrel securing a second lens having a second optical axis are disclosed. In one dual-lens assembly, the first optical axis is approximately parallel to and spaced from the second optical axis by a lateral offset, axial lengths of the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are approximately equal, and the first lens and the second lens are oriented in opposite directions at opposing ends of the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel. |
| US09992393B2 |
Image-capturing device
An image-capturing device includes: a plurality of micro-lenses disposed in a two-dimensional pattern near a focal plane of an image forming optical system; an image sensor that includes a two-dimensional array of element groups each corresponding to one of the micro-lenses and made up with a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements which receive, via the micro-lenses light fluxes from a subject having passed through the photographic optical system and output image signals; and a synthesizing unit that combines the image signals output from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements based upon information so as to generate synthetic image data in correspondence to a plurality of image forming areas present on a given image forming plane of the image forming optical system, the information specifying positions of the photoelectric conversion elements output image signals that are to be used for generating synthetic image data for each image forming area. |
| US09992389B1 |
Universal wall/ceiling-plate with security camera
An apparatus comprising a power adapter, a security camera portion and a socket adapter. The power adapter may be configured to receive an AC power source and generate DC power. The security camera may be configured to receive DC power from the power adapter. The socket adapter may comprise a first connector a second connector and a third connector. A camera module may be integrated in a cavity of the security camera portion. The power adapter may be within the socket adapter. The first connector may be removably connected to a light bulb and the second connector may be removably connected to a light fixture. The power adapter may receive the AC power source from an electrical connection to the light fixture. The security camera may be configured to connect to the third connector to receive the DC power. |
| US09992387B2 |
Video denoising using optical flow
In techniques for video denoising using optical flow, image frames of video content include noise that corrupts the video content. A reference frame is selected, and matching patches to an image patch in the reference frame are determined from within the reference frame. A noise estimate is computed for previous and subsequent image frames relative to the reference frame. The noise estimate for an image frame is computed based on optical flow, and is usable to determine a contribution of similar motion patches to denoise the image patch in the reference frame. The similar motion patches from the previous and subsequent image frames that correspond to the image patch in the reference frame are determined based on the optical flow computations. The image patch is denoised based on an average of the matching patches from reference frame and the similar motion patches determined from the previous and subsequent image frames. |
| US09992386B2 |
Video-frame data receiver with low frame capture rate
The present disclosure relates generally to a video frame data receiver that is capable of image acquisition at low frame rates. Such video frame data receivers may be used to capture images from diagnostic tests or assays in which lower frame capture rates are sufficient including, for example, lateral flow test strips. |
| US09992384B2 |
Correction coefficient calculation unit, image conversion unit, color correction device, display device, correction coefficient calculation method, and program
A correction coefficient calculation unit includes: a reference image output unit that generates a reference image; a profile receiving unit that receives image information and printing information, the image information indicating a color characteristic related to an image to be displayed on a display unit, the printing information indicating a color characteristic related to a printing device; and a reference image division unit that creates printing characteristic data that associates the reference image with the reference image that has undergone color conversion based on the printing information and the image information. |
| US09992378B1 |
Image forming system with external apparatus, image forming apparatus and projector
Provided is an image forming system that simply and securely protects printed matter that is not so important, but that the user does not wish others to view. An external apparatus receives a simple-security setting for image data for which there is a printing instruction, includes the simple-security setting in the printing instruction, and transmits the printing instruction to an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus, when a simple-security setting is included, adds a mark image to the image data for which there is a printing instruction, and prints the image data. A projector, by an imaging unit, captures an image of the discharge tray, and when a mark image is detected, generates a projection image on which a security image is arranged, and projects the projection image toward the discharge tray. |
| US09992376B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a raster image processing unit configured to convert original image data into image data for image formation being of a raster image; an image forming unit configured to form an image on a paper sheet; a reading unit configured to generate read image data by reading the image formed on the paper sheet; a monitor setting unit configured to set a monitor setting color and an ideal value for the monitor setting color; a color tone monitoring unit configured to monitor a color tone difference between a value of the read image data in the monitor setting color and the ideal value; and a hardware processor configured to perform control to have color correction performed in the image forming unit, wherein the monitor setting color includes at least one of a primary color, a secondary color, a tertiary color, and a tertiary achromatic color. |
| US09992375B2 |
Image reading device illuminating a white reference member at a lower luminous intensity to generate black correction data for shading correction
An image reading device includes: a sensor module having a light source and a plurality of sensors; a white reference plate; and an image processor that generates correction data to be used for shading correction and performs the shading correction on image signals, using the correction data. The light source is configured to switch between at least a first luminous intensity and a second luminous intensity lower than the first luminous intensity. The image processor acquires intermediate data by causing the plurality of sensors to acquire an image signal of the white reference plate illuminated with the second luminous intensity, generates black correction data, based on the intermediate data, and performs the shading correction, using the black correction data, so that a density unevenness, in an image, caused by interference between image signals from the plurality of sensors. |
| US09992369B2 |
Image forming apparatus having display section displaying environmental certification information during startup and being foldable into a generally flush accommodated state
The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an operation accepting means for accepting an instruction, and a display controlling means for controlling a display section. The display controlling means controls the display section to display at least environmental information, which has been obtained by the image forming apparatus, at predetermined timing at which no instruction corresponding to a job is accepted by the operation accepting means. |
| US09992368B2 |
Communication control method for controlling communication with USB devices, storage medium, and printing apparatus
A communication control method which prevents control over a USB device from being hampered and reducing power consumption at the same time. When the USB device and a control apparatus, which controls the USB device, are connected to the printing apparatus, and a communication via the printing apparatus is being carried out, the printing apparatus and the USB device are not shifted into a power saving mode in which energization of the printing apparatus and the USB device is limited. When the USB device and the control apparatus are connected to the printing apparatus, and a communication via the printing apparatus is not being carried out, the printing apparatus and the USB device are shifted into the power saving mode. |
| US09992363B2 |
Image processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a display controller that controls, for a piece of processing information stored in a memory and that is not concealed, to display details of the piece of processing information on a display, controls, for a piece of processing information stored in the memory and that is concealed, to not display details of the piece of processing information but to indicate a presence of the piece of processing information on the display, and controls to display details of both concealed and non-concealed pieces of processing information on the display, for a user that has been identified as an administrator. The display controller receives a request to delete a piece of processing information that is stored in the memory and that is selected by the user that has been identified as the administrator, even if the piece of processing information is concealed. |
| US09992354B2 |
Media reflectance identifiers
In one embodiment, a stated reflectance identifier for a media to be printed on during fulfillment of a print job is received. Utilizing an optical sensor and an illuminator, a measurement is taken of light from the illuminator reflected off the media. The measurement is compared to a stored average brightness value. Responsive to determining the measurement is within a range of the average value, the average value is adjusted to include the measurement, and printing on the media is caused according to the job. Responsive to determining the measurement is outside the range, the measurement is compared to a database associating brightness measurements and reflectance identifiers to determine an estimated reflectance identifier for the media. The estimated identifier is sent to a user and the user is prompted to perform a correction event. The media is printed on according to the job. |
| US09992351B2 |
Recharging method for virtual identity module, and device
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a recharging method for a virtual identity module, and a device. A first recharge request that is sent by user equipment and carries user account information and recharge information is received; a to-be-recharged virtual identity module and a recharge amount are determined according to the recharge information; a second recharge request is sent to an operations support system of the to-be-recharged virtual identity module, where the second recharge request carries the recharge amount and the user account information, so that the operations support system of the to-be-recharged virtual identity module deducts the recharge amount from an account corresponding to the user account information, and recharges the to-be-recharged virtual identity module. Recharging manners are diversified, and a recharging process is more flexible and convenient. |
| US09992347B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing conference calls
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to retrieve from an address book a communication identifier for each of a plurality of participants, determine from the address book a conferencing type for each of the plurality of participants, and initiate according to the conference type and the communication identifier of each participant a Voice over Internet Protocol conference call directed to communication devices of the plurality of participants. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09992346B2 |
Temporary user associations based on call state
A system for temporary user association based on call state, comprising: a communication device; a call state engine; and a user association service. The communication device is a network-connected electronic device; the call state engine is a software application operating on the communication device and maintains a state model of the current operation of the communication device; the call state engine sends data to the user association service; and the user association service generates user association information based at least in part on data received from the call state engine. |
| US09992344B2 |
System and method for selective voicemail transcription
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for selectively transcribing messages. Five general approaches are disclosed herein. The first approach is directed to checking for a transcription capable client, which transcribes messages when a client device is capable of receiving transcriptions. The second and third approaches are platform-controlled and user-controlled predefined selective transcription. One aspect of this approach is driven by transcription rules. The fourth approach is user-controlled on-demand selective transcription before the message is stored or deposited for transcription. An example of this is a user transferring an incoming caller to voicemail and indicating that the voicemail be transcribed. The fifth approach is user-controlled on-demand selective transcription after the message is stored. In one embodiment of this approach, a user must specifically request that a stored message be transcribed. |
| US09992341B2 |
System and method for managing customer interactions for contact center based on agent proximity
In a method for managing customer interactions for a customer contact center, the method includes: receiving, by a processor, information on an interaction to be routed; identifying, by the processor, a context associated with the interaction; receiving, by the processor, first proximity information relating to a proximity between an electronic device and a first proximity device; adjusting, by the processor, a proficiency level of an agent corresponding to the context associated with the interaction to a first value in response to the receiving of the first proximity information; determining, by the processor, whether or not the agent is qualified to handle the interaction based on the proficiency level; and transmitting, by the processor, a message for routing the interaction to the agent in response to determining the agent is qualified to handle the interaction based on the proficiency level. |
| US09992336B2 |
System for analyzing interactions and reporting analytic results to human operated and system interfaces in real time
A computerized system for advising one communicant in electronic communication between two or more communicants has apparatus monitoring and recording interaction between the communicants, software executing from a machine-readable medium and providing analytics, the software functions including rendering speech into text, and analyzing the rendered text for topics, performing communicant verification, and detecting changes in communicant emotion. Advice is offered to the one communicant during the interaction, based on results of the analytics. |
| US09992334B2 |
Multi-modal customer care system
Customer service and/or care providers generally have multiple communications channels (i.e., modes of communications, such as an Internet webpage, live agent telephones, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system) of communication with which a customer may interact with the customer service provider. Currently, customers must select the communications channel by guessing which communications channel would best accommodate the customer's purpose/need for communicating with the customer service provider. In some scenarios, the customer may select the wrong communications channel because the selected channel is not able to service the customer's need. In another scenario, the customer may select a channel that is more cumbersome to service the customer's particular need than another channel of the customer service provider. Embodiments of the present invention provide an interface that integrates the multiple channels of the customer service provider and recommends a channel based on an identification of a customer service need of the customer. |
| US09992332B2 |
System, method and computer program product for service call identification
A method, system, and computer program product, include determining whether a service receiver has authorized a request for registration and upon the service receiver having authorized the request for registration, registering characteristic information of the service call for the service receiver. |
| US09992328B2 |
Tracking driving without mobile phone distraction
A mobile communication device has a plurality of modes, including a normal mode and a driving mode. In the driving mode, one or more features of said device are at least partially disabled, including one or more features relating to communication supported by the device. The device tracks particular information about the device's modes and reports some of the particular information to at least one location off the device. The particular information about said device's modes is usable to determine when the device was in driving mode. |
| US09992327B1 |
Interaction lock mode for mobile devices
A user of a mobile device selects data to be shared with other users and engages a lock button installed on the mobile device. As a result of engaging the lock button installed on the mobile device, one or more regions of a display unit installed on the mobile device may be disabled such that the other users cannot access other applications and data stored on the mobile device. If a user attempts to interact with the mobile device after the lock button has been engaged, the user is presented with a PIN input box. Accordingly, a user may input a PIN into the PIN input box that, if correct, causes the one or more regions of the display unit installed on the mobile device to be restored. |
| US09992325B2 |
Mobile electronic device, control method, and computer program
A mobile electronic device according to an embodiment includes an annunciator that performs notification about an event, and a controller that causes the annunciator to perform the notification about the event when a lifting operation that lifts the mobile electronic device has been detected. A mobile electronic device includes an annunciator performing notification about an event, and a controller causing the annunciator to perform the notification about the event when it is detected that the mobile electronic device has made a transition to a handheld state. |
| US09992324B2 |
Mobile electronic device, control method, and non-transitory storage medium
A mobile electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone) includes a sensor and at least one controller. The controller performs a control base on a detection result that is detected by the sensor. For example, the controller is configured to determine a moving state by aircraft base on the detection result that is detected by the sensor. When the sensor is an atmospheric pressure sensor that is configured to detect atmospheric pressure, the controller is configured to determine the moving state by aircraft by a decrease in the atmospheric pressure, and after a determination of the moving state by aircraft, the at least one controller is further configured to keep the determination of the moving state by aircraft until the atmospheric pressure increases. |
| US09992323B2 |
Activity information sharing method and apparatus
A real-time activity information sharing method performed at a user terminal include: invoking, by the user terminal, an activity tracking application running on the user terminal; establishing, by the user terminal, a near field communication connection between the activity tracking application and a real-time activity information collection apparatus located adjacent the user terminal; executing, by the user terminal, a control instruction on the activity tracking application that causes the real-time activity information collection apparatus to processes real-time activity information associated with a user of the user terminal; receiving, by the user terminal, real-time activity information collected by the real-time activity information collection apparatus of a current activity of the user on the activity tracking application; and sharing, by the user terminal, the real-time activity information on a social networking application by using the control instruction on the activity tracking application running on the user terminal. |
| US09992322B2 |
Method of enabling digital music content to be downloaded to and used on a portable wireless computing device
The invention enables digital music content to be downloaded to and used on a portable wireless computing device. An application running on the wireless device has been automatically adapted to parameters associated with the wireless device without end-user input (e.g. the application has been configured in dependence on the device OS and firmware, related bugs, screen size, pixel number, security models, connection handling, memory etc. This application enables an end-user to browse and search music content on a remote server using a wireless network; to download music content from that remote server using the wireless network and to playback and manage that downloaded music content. The application also includes a digital rights management system that enables unlimited legal downloads of different music tracks to the device and also enables any of those tracks stored on the device to be played so long as a subscription service has not terminated. |
| US09992315B2 |
Terminal and terminal multiple protection method
Disclosed are a terminal and a terminal multiple protection method. The radiation processing module is configured to convert after preprocessing a first signal received from the external into a second signal that can be recognized by a baseband chip of a terminal. A radiation diagnosis module is configured to extract signal characteristics expressed by the second signal, to classify signals via comparison of signal characteristics, to diagnose to acquire a signal type to which the second signal pertains, and to output the second signal to a radiation protection control module for executing a relevant protection process for the corresponding signal type. The radiation protection module is configured to acquire the second signal and the corresponding signal type thereof and to selectively execute a relevant protection control process among multiple protection processes on the basis of the corresponding signal type. |
| US09992311B2 |
Correct port identification in a network host connection
A mechanism is provided for correct port identification in a network host connection. A registry is created for a network host of a set of ports on the network host and services listening on each port of the set of ports, the registry including registered information capable of identifying each service provided by each port. The registered information is provided in a client connection request to the service. Client information is received from a client requiring identification of a correct port for connection to a service. The registry is searched for a match for the client information with the registered information registered at the registry for a service listening on one or more ports. The client is provided with details of the one or more ports. |
| US09992306B2 |
Dynamic execution
The disclosed embodiments relate to provisioning of a service, such as a financial service, to a device, such as a mobile device operative to access the service wirelessly or otherwise, in a manner which efficiently provides a consistent user experience which meets a user's expectations as to the functionality and quality of the service, including the user interface therefore and service delivery, which leverages the available capacities of the devices through which the service is provided so as to maximize the functionality and quality of the provided service without diminishing the experience, i.e. without substantially reducing the quality or functionality. |
| US09992305B2 |
Cloud models based on network definition data
Examples relate to cloud models based on network definition data. Some examples disclosed herein may enable obtaining first cloud definition data that describes a first cloud infrastructure. The first cloud definition data may comprise network definition data that describes a first server node to be included in the first cloud infrastructure and a first set of network interfaces to be enumerated on a bus of the first server node. Some examples may further enable generating a first cloud model based on the first cloud definition data. The first cloud model may comprise first cloud configuration data that, when executed, causes the first cloud infrastructure to be deployed. Some examples may further enable storing a first checkpoint image of the first cloud model. The first checkpoint image may comprise at least a portion of the first cloud configuration data. |
| US09992301B2 |
Prioritized throttling in a multiusage environment
Prioritization criteria can be applied to assign a priority ranking to server processes executed by a backend server, and a utilization of the backend server by server demands can be quantified. Upon determining that the quantified utilization of the backend server has reached or exceeded one or more determined limits on backend utilization, at least a lowest priority server process can be throttled based on one or more throttling parameters. |
| US09992300B2 |
Method of adaptively deploying cache positioned at subscriber network, and system therefor
Disclosed is an adaptive cache transformation architecture for a cache deployed forward to minimize duplicated transmission, by automatically storing content in a subscriber network area. The system for adaptively deploying a cache positioned at a subscriber network includes a cache service group configured to store all or a part of pieces of content serviced from one or more content providing apparatuses to one or more terminals and including a plurality of caches deployed at a subscriber network between the content providing apparatus and the terminal in a distributed manner, and a resource manager configured to transform a deployment structure of the plurality of caches forming the cache service group, based on at least one of an increase rate in the number of pieces of contents requested by the one or more terminals and a reutilization rate for each content. |
| US09992298B2 |
Relationship-based WAN caching for object stores
A method for pre-fetching objects from an object store and storing them in an object cache is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes monitoring access to objects in an object store. The objects have metadata tags, such as user-defined or pre-defined metadata tags, associated therewith. The method further maintains a database for metadata tags associated with the objects, and keeps track of a number of object accesses per metadata tag. In the event a threshold number of object accesses for a particular metadata tag is reached, the method promotes objects having the metadata tag and/or a related metadata tag to an object cache. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed. |
| US09992297B2 |
Extending caching network functionality to an existing streaming media server
A content delivery network (CDN) includes multiple cluster sites, including sites with streaming media servers, caching servers and storage devices accessible to the caching servers for storing streaming content. Interface software is configured to initiate retrieval, by a caching server, of electronic streaming resources from the one or more storage devices in response to requests for the electronic streaming resource received by the streaming media server. |
| US09992294B2 |
Information push system and method
An information push system, including a plurality of signal transmitters, a client side, and a server. The signal transmitters are configured to output a respective identification code. The client side is configured to determine a user setting, and receive the identification codes from the signal transmitters. The server is configured to receive the user setting and the identification codes from the client side, and output the push information of a received identification code according to the user setting and the received identification code. The server also includes a database, which is configured to store the user setting, and the identification code and the push information which are corresponding to each signal transmitter. |
| US09992292B2 |
Wellness support groups for mobile devices
A method of managing an online support group to increase the odds that users will attain their wellness goals is disclosed. A request from a user to join a support group is received. A preference of the user with respect to a type of the support group is received. The support group is selected from a plurality of support groups based on the preference of the user and a preference of a member of the support group. Based on an acceptance by the user of an option to join the support group, the plurality of support groups is reorganized. |
| US09992291B2 |
Updating time-related information in post to make it more relevant for the requester on subsequent retrieval of post
A method, system and computer program product for updating the time-related information in a post to make it more relevant for the requester on a subsequent retrieval of the post. A post with a reference to an event or activity (e.g., “leaving for Florida in 3 days”) is identified using natural language processing. Upon receiving a request from a requester to retrieve the post prior to the expiration of the event/activity, the post is updated by substituting a time countdown in the post with an up-to-date time countdown or with a current status of the referenced event/activity. If, however, the request is received after the expiration of the event/activity, then the post is removed or updated with an indication that the referenced event/activity has expired. In this manner, the requester will be receiving more accurate and relevant time-related information concerning the event or activity referenced in the post. |
| US09992286B2 |
System and method for implementing call session quality indicator
An embodiment method includes receiving, by a server of a telecommunications services platform, a request for a first call session quality indicator (CSQI) of a first client device, determining, by the server, first channel parameters of a first channel between the server and the first client device, and calculating, by the server, the first CSQI of the first client device in accordance with the first channel parameters of the first channel. The method further includes transmitting, by the server, the first CSQI to the first client device and receiving, by the server, a call session initiation request from the first client device after transmitting the first CSQI to the first client device. |
| US09992284B2 |
Datacasting system with intermittent listener capability
A server-client system or architecture that allows datacast applications to reliably transport data objects from a network server over a unidirectional packet network (“datacast network”) to one or more clients, each of which may be listening to the packet stream at different times. The invention allows the clients to listen intermittently to the datacast, yet still receive all of the data objects published by the server in a timely manner, and in a way that is more optimal in terms of client resource use. This ensures that listening clients can receive a complete set of the data objects broadcast while being able to conserve client processing and power resources by not requiring continuous listening by the client to the datacast. |
| US09992283B2 |
Providing a single interface for accessing resources that are distributed among multiple platforms
A single interface can be provided for accessing resources that are distributed among multiple platforms. Resources that are stored in different platforms and to which a user should have access can be identified. A stub can be created for each identified resource and can include functionality for causing the resource to be opened when the stub is selected. These stubs can then be combined in a single folder or other type of user interface where they can be selected to cause the corresponding resource to be opened. |
| US09992277B2 |
Ephemeral feedback instances
Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to ephemeral feedback instances. According to one aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a policy engine can receive data and a policy request from a policy requestor. The policy engine also can determine whether a policy is available to satisfy the policy request. If the policy engine determines that a policy is available to satisfy the policy request, the policy engine can retrieve, from a policy repository, the policy to satisfy the request and can instruct one or more policy enforcement points to enforce the policy. If the policy engine determines that a policy is not available to satisfy the policy request, the policy engine can perform a feedback instance method to satisfy the policy request. |
| US09992274B2 |
Parallel I/O write processing for use in clustered file systems having cache storage
In one embodiment, a system is configured to use an owner GW node to write data for a first fileset and determine whether to utilize one or more other GW nodes to handle at least a portion of write traffic for the first fileset, select a set of eligible GW nodes, assign and define a size for one or more write task items for each GW node based on a current dynamic profile of each GW node, provide and/or ensure availability to in-memory and/or I/O resources at each GW node in the set of eligible GW nodes to handle one or more assigned write task items, and distribute workload to the set of eligible GW nodes according to the size for each of the one or more assigned write task items for each individual GW node in the set of eligible GW nodes. |
| US09992269B1 |
Distributed complex event processing
A complex event query specification may be constructed that a complex event processing engine uses to analyze an event stream for an occurrence of a complex event. Event data stored in a distributed file system are mapped to respective instances of the complex event processing engine in respective distributed event streams. The distributed event streams are analyzed by the independently executing complex event processing engines in accordance with the complex event query specification. The occurrence of the complex event in any of the distributed event streams is indicated at the output of the complex event processing engines. |
| US09992268B2 |
Framework for thin-server web applications
In various aspects, a framework is provided for building rich, responsive, and mobile-enabled HTML 5 web applications. In one embodiment, the framework is based on a thin server architecture (TSA) that uses REST, SSE, and WebSocket to communicate with the server side. This framework, sometimes referred to herein as ‘Avatar’ is a modular, end-to-end web development framework for building enterprise mobile and desktop applications using JavaScript, HTML5 and a thin-server architecture. |
| US09992266B1 |
Automated file delivery systems and methods
The invention provides systems and methods for automatically delivering a file from an originating computer system including a processor and memory to a destination computer system including a processor and memory. The method includes creating at least one master file delivery application and at least two file delivery agents running on the at least one originating computer system. A first file delivery agent of the at least two file delivery agents is controlled by a first master file delivery application of the at least one master file delivery application. A second file delivery agent of the at least two file delivery agents is run either by a second master file application. The method also includes dynamically balancing loads by the one master file delivery application, between the first file delivery agent controlled by the first master file delivery application and the second file delivery agent. The balancing is based on a number of files retrieved by the first file delivery agent and a number of files retrieved by the second file delivery agent; and transmitting at least one file according to at least one destination parameter associated with the at least one file. |
| US09992264B2 |
High-speed trace functionality in an on-demand services environment
Techniques and architectures to provide trace functionality. Trace record data is received from a plurality of client threads executed by one or more processors. The trace record data is stored in a plurality of chunks maintained in an in-use list. The in-use list has a chunk for individual use by the corresponding client threads. Chunks in the in-use list are moved to a completed queue when a chunk in the in-use list is substantially full. A chunk from a free list is placed in the in-use list to replace removed chunks. The chunks from the completed queue are stored in at least one memory device. |
| US09992263B2 |
Predictive prioritized server push of resources
Systems and techniques for improving network performance are described. In some embodiments, an intermediary device can intercept a response from a server to a client, wherein the response corresponds to a request for a document. Next, the intermediary device can assign priorities to a plurality of resources in the document. The intermediary device can then push the plurality of resources in the document to the client in accordance with the assigned priorities. |
| US09992261B2 |
System and method for forwarding a file
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided. Some embodiments include, after receiving at least a portion of a file at a computing system, obtaining information about the file at a first time. First information is stored in a data structure, the first information comprising information that identifies the file and the information about the file at the first time. Then, information about the file at a second time after the first time is obtained. Second information is stored in a memory of the computing system, the second information comprising information that identifies the file and the information about the file at the second time. It is determined whether the second information matches the first information. In response to determining that the second information matches the first information, the file is sent from the computing system to a predetermined destination. In some embodiments, the file comprises a facsimile communication. |
| US09992257B2 |
System and method for dynamic in-session altering of remote desktop windows
Examples of systems and methods are provided for the dynamic in-session altering of a remote desktop window. A client device may establish a remote session with a server to provide to a user a remote desktop window. The client device detects events associated with the remote desktop window. Information related to the detected even is sent to the server via a communications channel. The server sends to the client device updated remote desktop windows information and the client device alters the remote desktop size and resolution accordingly. The remote desktop is altered without requiring the disconnection of the current remote session and subsequent establishment of a new remote session. |
| US09992256B2 |
Distributed computing in R
Examples disclosed herein relate to distributed computing in R. Some examples disclosed herein may include identifying a distributed multivariate apply (dmapply) operation and an invocation of a distributed computing backend and determining a function referenced in the dmapply operation. A distributed backend driver associated with the invoked distributed computing backend may translate the determined function to a function native to an R application programming interface (API) of the invoked distributed computing backend and may provide the translated function to the invoked distributed computing backend to perform the translated function on a distributed data set referenced in the dmapply operation. |
| US09992254B2 |
Method and system of providing a web feed in a uniform resource identifier
A method and a system of providing a web feed in a uniform resource identifier (URI) are provided. The method includes obtaining, by a processing unit, a plurality of the URIs from at least one data source in a primary electronic device, automatically fetching, by a parsing unit, at least one web feed, corresponding to at least one URI of the plurality of URIs, from a server, and providing the at least one fetched web feed. |
| US09992253B2 |
Non-invasive remote access to an application program
Systems and methods for providing remote access to an application program. A server remote access program may cooperate with a screen scraping application to provide screen data to a client computing device. The display associated with the application program may be resized or cropped by a server for display on the client computing device. The client may connect to the server using a client remote access program that receives inputs from a user interface program. |
| US09992252B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptively compressing streaming video
The present invention is a method and apparatus for adaptively compressing and transmitting streaming video, preferably implemented in hardware as part of a codec, that adaptively applies a variable rate of compression to images in a video stream to optimize the quality attainable for a given transport bandwidth. In one or more embodiments, image frames from the video stream are divided into blocks, and a variable compression ratio compression engine compresses the blocks for transmission over a network. Depending on their compressed sizes, one or more of the compressed blocks are packaged into fixed size data packets for transmission over a network. The data packets are fed into a packet buffer. A packet servo releases packets from the buffer to achieve a desired transport data rate. The amount of compression applied by the compression engine is controlled based on the number of packets in the buffer. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of indexed compression vectors are predefined for the compression engine that provide increasing amounts of compression. In one or more embodiments, the index of the compression vector used by the compression engine is incremented when the buffer level of the packet buffer increases, and decremented when the buffer level decreases. In this manner the compression applied by the compression engine automatically adapts to changing entropy within the images of the video stream to optimize the video quality for a given transport data rate. |
| US09992245B2 |
Synchronization of contextual templates in a customized web conference presentation
In a method for customization of contextual information during a web conference presentation, a computer system executes a presentation program during a conference presentation. The computer system receives a request to access presentation templates based on parameters of a presenter, wherein the presentation templates including parameters identifying one or more of template texture, template font, template name of the presenter or template photo of the presenter of the conference presentation. In addition, the computer system determines an identity of the presenter during the conference presentation and matching the identity of the presenter against the parameter of the presenter. Moreover, the computer system extracts the presentation templates in the repository based on the match. The computer system further applies the extracted presentation template to presentation contents of the presentation program. In one aspect, the extracted presentation template alters visual characteristics of the presentation content based on the applied presentation template. |
| US09992240B2 |
Preserving S1-AP UE contexts on SCTP failover
According to some embodiments, a method in a network node of a wireless communication network comprises determining that a plurality of S1-AP UE contexts maintained by the network node remain valid after a SCTP failure; generating an S1 Setup Request message comprising an indication that the UE contexts remain valid; and communicating the S1 Setup Request message to a MME. In particular embodiments, a method in an MME comprises receiving an S1 Setup Request message from a network node comprising an indication that UE contexts maintained by the network node remain valid after a SCTP failure. The MME determines a plurality of UE contexts maintained by the MME remain valid after a SCTP failure; generates an S1 Setup Response message comprising an indication that UE contexts maintained by the MME remain valid; and communicates the S1 Setup Response message to the network node. |
| US09992236B2 |
Systems and methods for providing protocol independent disjoint port names
A system and method for providing protocol independent disjoint port names for a session level restriction enabled information handling system utilizes a virtual USB device created at a host server when an input/output device is coupled to a remote client device. A symbolic link in global namespace is associated with the virtual USB device. If the symbolic link in global namespace begins with either “COM” or “LPT,” the symbolic link in global namespace is deleted and replaced with a port name symbolic link in user-session namespace based, at least in part, on the currently available port index in the user-session namespace. |
| US09992231B2 |
Method and apparatus for data protection in cloud-based matching system
Enhanced security is provided for cloud based matching systems by using the principle of Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives (IIA). The client uses IIA to transform alternative data before sending it to the cloud, and then does the reverse transformation on the matching results generated by the cloud service provider to rebuild the matching results for the alternative data. Using this protocol, the client does not disclose its own data in a form that is usable by the cloud service provider, and the cloud service provider does not disclose to the client the provider's proprietary coefficient beta information. |
| US09992228B2 |
Using indications of compromise for reputation based network security
Threat detection instrumentation is simplified by providing and updating labels for computing objects in a context-sensitive manner. This may include simple labeling schemes to distinguish between objects, e.g., trusted/untrusted processes or corporate/private data. This may also include more granular labeling schemes such as a three-tiered scheme that identifies a category (e.g., financial, e-mail, game), static threat detection attributes (e.g., signatures, hashes, API calls), and explicit identification (e.g., what a file or process calls itself). By tracking such data for various computing objects and correlating these labels to malware occurrences, rules can be written for distribution to endpoints to facilitate threat detection based on, e.g., interactions of labeled objects, changes to object labels, and so forth. In this manner, threat detection based on complex interactions of computing objects can be characterized in a platform independent manner and pre-processed on endpoints without requiring significant communications overhead with a remote threat management facility. |
| US09992226B2 |
Enhanced thread handling in security handshaking
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and software for handling threaded processes in security handshaking between end users and content delivery nodes are presented. In one example, a method of operating a content delivery node includes identifying a secure layer connection request within an application thread, and initiating a new thread for a security handshake process based on the secure layer connection request. The method further includes, in response to completing the security handshake process, returning to the application thread. |
| US09992221B1 |
System, method, and computer program for utilizing a decoy in response to a distributed denial of service (DDOS) attack in a communication network
A system, method, and computer program product are provided that utilize a decoy in response to a distributed denial of service attack in a communication network. In use, a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack directed at one or more resources of a communication network is detected. Additionally, at least one first communication channel associated with the communication network that is subject to the DDoS attack is identified. Further, at least one second communication channel to implement functionality of the at least one first communication channel is initiated, while maintaining the at least one first communication channel subject to the DDoS attack to use as a decoy for the DDoS attack. Moreover, the at least one second communication channel is utilized to implement the functionality of the at least one first communication channel while the at least one first communication channel subject to the DDoS attack is used as the decoy for the DDoS attack. |
| US09992214B1 |
Generating malware signatures based on developer fingerprints in debug information
Techniques for generating malware signatures based on developer fingerprints in debug information are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system, process, and/or computer program product for generating malware signatures based on developer fingerprints in debug information includes receiving a sample, in which the sample includes a binary executable file; matching one or more paths in content of the binary executable file based on a plurality of patterns; extracting meta information from the one or more matched paths; and automatically generating a signature based on the extracted meta information. |
| US09992209B1 |
System and method for characterizing security entities in a computing environment
System and method to characterize a security entity in a computing environment is disclosed. Communication between a user computer and at least one destination computer by a security appliance is monitored by a security appliance. Selective information from the communication is extracted by the security appliance, selective information indicative of the security entity. A plurality of words from the communication between the identified security entity and at least one destination computer are selectively extracted. A word cloud is generated based on the selectively extracted plurality of words. The word cloud is evaluated to characterize the identified security entity. |
| US09992206B2 |
Enhanced security for electronic communications
Techniques are described for providing enhanced security for electronic communications, such as by including in a message sent between two services a digital signature that is generated by using secret information known to the services, so that the recipient receives assurance regarding the sender's identity if the recipient can replicate the received digital signature using the secret information known to the recipient. In some situations, the enhanced security is used in communications to and/or from an access manager system that provides single sign-on functionality and other functionality to other services for use with those services' users, such as to prevent malicious phishers from inappropriately gaining access to user information. Various services may use the enhanced security techniques when interacting with the access manager system at various times, such as to initiate sign-on for a user and/or to take subsequent action on behalf of a signed-on user. |
| US09992203B2 |
Providing access to remote networks via external endpoints
Systems and methods for providing access to a remote network via an external endpoint are provided. A client establishes a secure connection between an external endpoint and a remote network. Transmissions from clients to the external endpoint are supplemented with additional information regarding handling within the remote network, and then transmitted to an internal endpoint within the remote network. The internal endpoint processes the transmission based on the supplemental information and returns a response to the external endpoint. A response is then returned to the client. Access policies may be created by authorized users to establish processing of client transmissions. These policies may be stored and enforced by the internal endpoint or the external endpoint. |
| US09992201B2 |
Threat-aware provisioning and governance
A management component of a computing system evaluates end-users, end-user devices, and user accounts for access to provisioned-resources of the computing system. The management component utilizes device compliance attributes to form a device risk vector associated with an end-user device. The management component further utilizes resource compliance attributes to form a resource risk vector associated with a provisioned-resource. The management component forms a policy vector utilizing compliance attributes included in a compliance policy. The management component compares the device and resource risk vectors to the policy vector to determine a threat vector, and uses the threat vector to evaluate the end-users, end-user devices, and user accounts for risk of security breach, damage to, and/or loss of components of the computing system. |
| US09992196B2 |
Information processing device, wireless communication system, information processing method, and program
[Object] To propose an information processing device, wireless communication system, information processing method, and storage medium which can mutually authenticate communication partners simply and safely.[Solution] The information processing device including: an acquisition unit configured to acquire first identification information for identifying another terminal; and a communication unit configured to transmit information for mutual authentication between an own terminal and the other terminal to the other terminal specified based on the first identification information through a network service. |
| US09992191B2 |
Cloud key directory for federating data exchanges
A data store provides access to portions of secured data. Each portion is associated with a client-defined access control and is encrypted with attribute-based encryption. This encryption associates each portion with an encryption attribute, and enables the portion to be provided, based on a request, in accordance its client-defined access control and when the request's search attribute is relevant its encryption attribute. First and second portions are provided in response to first and second requests. Each request includes the same search attribute, and the first and second portions are associated with the same encryption attribute. The first portion is provided based on a first access control granting access to a first identity access and the search attribute being relevant to the encryption attribute. The second portion is provided based on a second access control granting access to a second identity and the search attribute being relevant to the encryption attribute. |
| US09992188B2 |
Methods and systems for single sign-on while protecting user privacy
A method of enabling applications to reference user information is provided, including receiving a request for a user identifier that references a user of the application and sending a second request for the user identifier to a server. The second request may include a second user identifier that references the user and a second authentication token for the second user identifier. Furthermore, the second user identifier and the second authentication token are not accessible by the user. The method includes receiving the user identifier and an authentication token for the first user identifier. The user identifier corresponds to the second identifier; and providing the user identifier and authentication token to the application. A method of enabling an application to identify users associated with a user of the application is provided; the method may include receiving, from the server, user identifiers that reference one or more users scoped to the application. |
| US09992181B2 |
Method and system for authenticating a user based on location data
Disclosed is a method of authenticating a user based on location data. The method includes receiving, using a communication device, a user location from a location tracking device associated with the user. Further, the method includes receiving, using the communication device, a terminal location from a computing terminal. Yet further, the method includes computing, using a processing device, a distance between the user location and the terminal location. Further, the method includes performing, using the processing device, a first comparison of the distance with a first predetermined threshold value. Moreover, the method includes authenticating, using the processing device, the user based on a first result of the first comparison. |
| US09992180B2 |
Systems and methods for protecting communications between nodes
Systems and methods for protecting communications between at least two nodes protect the identity of a node requesting information, provide content of communications being sent and/or obscuring a type of communications being sent. Varying degrees of protection options including encryption, intermediate node termination and direct node communications are provided. |
| US09992179B2 |
Message encryption system
A system includes a plurality of mail encryption gateways and a router. Each mail encryption gateway encrypts email according to an encryption policy of a customer. The router stores a plurality of sender policy framework (SPF) records. The router also receives an email and compares a source IP address of the email with the plurality of SPF records. The router determines that the source IP address corresponds to an SPF record of the plurality of SPF records and in response to that determination, determines that a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol From Field of the email comprises a domain of a cloud provider corresponding to the SPF record. In response to that determination, the router determines that a Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension From Field of the email comprises a domain of a customer and in response to that determination, routes the email to a mail encryption gateway. |
| US09992176B2 |
Systems and methods for encrypted communication in a secure network
A method for users of devices including mobile phones and computers to engage in encrypted communications with other devices using asymmetrical key exchange technology, involving the user of a device first creating a password and then at a later time re-entering that password on the device, with the result that when the password is re-entered the device is able to decrypt a set of software components that are required for a fresh session of encrypted communications. |
| US09992173B2 |
Apparatus for and method of playing back content
A method of playing back streaming content includes decoding the content based on a first decryption circuit configured based on a first key and outputting the content; requesting a second key from a server; receiving the second key and configuring a second decryption circuit based on the second key; and decoding the content based on a second decryption circuit and outputting the content, wherein the decoding of the content based on the first decryption circuit and outputting the content is performed until the second decryption circuit is configured. |
| US09992170B2 |
Secure data parser method and system
A secure data parser is provided that may be integrated into any suitable system for securely storing and communicating data. The secure data parser parses data and then splits the data into multiple portions that are stored or communicated distinctly. Encryption of the original data, the portions of data, or both may be employed for additional security. The secure data parser may be used to protect data in motion by splitting original data into portions of data that may be communicated using multiple communications paths. |
| US09992169B2 |
Mapping and obscuring digital representations of a number of user accounts on a social network map
Mapping and obscuring digital representations of a number of user accounts on a social network map includes identifying a primary user account from a number of user accounts of a social network, determining, based on metadata associated with the user accounts, a relationship for each of the user accounts relative to the primary user account, mapping, based on the relationship for each of the user accounts relative to the primary user account, a digital representation of each of the user accounts to a territory on a social network map, determining, based on the relationship for each of the user accounts relative to the primary user account, an obscurity level for each of the user accounts, and obscuring, based on the obscurity level, the territory associated with the digital representation of each of the user accounts on a social network map from the primary user account. |
| US09992166B2 |
Hierarchical rule development and binding for web application server firewall
At least one of an HTTP request message and an HTTP response message is intercepted. A corresponding HTTP message model includes a plurality of message model sections. A representation of the at least one of an HTTP request message and an HTTP response message is parsed into message sections in accordance with the message model sections of the HTTP message model. A plurality of security rules are bounds to the message model sections. The plurality of security rules each specify at least one action to be taken in response to a given condition, which is based, at least in part, on a corresponding given one of the message sections. The at least one of an HTTP request message and an HTTP response message is processed in accordance with the plurality of security rules. Techniques for developing rules for a web application server firewall are also provided. |
| US09992164B2 |
User based stateless IPv6 RA-guard
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a method, and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium for filtering routing assignment (RA) messages in a computer network. Methods, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, and apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may receive an RA message, extract information included in an RA message when identifying whether that particular RA messages should be forwarded or blocked. Information used to identify when to forward or block particular RA messages may be related to information that identifies a user of a computer or that identifies a computer that sends RA messages over a computer network. |
| US09992163B2 |
Multi-tiered protection platform
A multi-tier platform provides security at a perimeter of a computer system, where an intermediate layer interacts between a web layer and an application layer. A data request that is associated with a data set is received at the web layer and passed to the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer determines the authoritative source for the data set and whether the data set has a static or dynamic value. If the value is static, the intermediate layer accesses the value stored at the intermediate layer. However, if the value is dynamic, the intermediate layer queries the source registered to the data set, obtains the value from the authoritative source, and returns the dynamic value via the web layer, where the registered source may be internal or external to the computer system. Consequently, the intermediate layer may function as an aggregate layer that supports both database and messaging services. |
| US09992154B2 |
Layer 3 convergence for EVPN link failure
A network device is configured to provide, via an Ethernet segment with a customer network, active-active multi-homing L2 virtual bridge connectivity to the customer network using an EVPN instance (EVI) and L3 routing using an IRB interface that is a L3 routing interface assigned to the EVI; to receive, from a peer PE device of the EVPN instance, an EVPN route comprising an L2-L3 binding for a customer device of the customer network and associating the L2-L3 binding with the Ethernet segment, the L2-L3 binding comprising an L2 and an L3 address assigned to the customer device, wherein the peer PE device provides, with the network device and via the Ethernet segment, active-active multi-homing L2 virtual bridge connectivity to the customer network; and to forward, via the Ethernet segment and based at least on the L2-L3 binding received from the peer PE device, an L3 packet to the customer device. |
| US09992149B2 |
Two-way message service and voice communication
Various embodiments support two-way message service and voice communication. In at least some embodiments, temporary numbers from a pool of numbers are automatically assigned to outgoing messages and grouped with the intended recipient's phone number. Recipients can reply to the message by replying to the assigned number and the reply will be sent back to the originator of the message. In at least some embodiments, the pool of numbers includes different types of numbers such as, by way of example and not limitation, shared numbers and dedicated numbers. Further, at least some embodiments can utilize various policies in order to determine how to automatically assign temporary numbers. Such policies can be driven by business rules, regulatory concerns, carrier-based considerations, and the like. |
| US09992148B2 |
Notifying a user about a previous conversation
Notifying a user about a previous conversation includes based on an analysis of the previous conversation between a first user and second user determining a characterization between the first user and the second user, in response to the first user selecting, via a user device, an option to open a subsequent conversation with the second user, notifying the first user via an alert as to the characterization of the previous conversation that the first user had with the second user before reengaging the second user in a subsequent conversation, and based on an analysis of the subsequent conversation between the first user and the second user, updating the characterization to a current characterization in a database. |
| US09992144B2 |
Re-routing incoming email for a multi-tenant database system
A method for processing email for a multi-tenant database system is presented here. The system includes a plurality of data centers and a plurality of instances of a database system core. Each data center implements at least one instance of the database core. The method receives an incoming email at a first local mail transfer agent (MTA) of a first data center, wherein the incoming email is erroneously directed to a first instance of the database system core. The method continues by searching a private domain name service (DNS) database maintained at the first data center, based on an identifier of the first instance and an identifier of the first data center. The method then obtains an identifier associated with a second data center of the plurality of data centers, and routes the incoming email in accordance with the identifier of the second data center. |
| US09992134B2 |
Systems and methods to forward packets not passed by criteria-based filters in packet forwarding systems
Systems and methods are disclosed to forward packets not passed by criteria-based filters in packet forwarding systems. The disclosed embodiments include one or more Not Passed By Criteria (NPBC) filters that are defined for input ports along with one or more criteria-based filters, such as for example, Pass by Criteria (PBC) filters and/or Deny by Criteria filters (DBC), that forward packets not passed by these criteria-based filters. NPBC filters include, for example, Pass Unmatched PBC filters associated with PBC filters and configured to forward packets not passed by PBC filters and/or Pass Matched DBC filters associated with DBC filters and configured to forward packets not passed by DBC filters. Using one or more NPBC filters within the disclosed embodiments, packet data that is not being passed along to output ports by the criteria-based filters can be easily passed to one or more designated output ports. |
| US09992132B1 |
Dynamic resource expansion of mobile devices
The resources available for performing computing tasks or functions on a mobile device may be dynamically expanded by wirelessly linking the mobile device with other devices over a network, such as a Bluetooth® network. Where the mobile device is charged with performing tasks or functions that would exceed its available resources, the mobile device may allocate the performance of those tasks or functions to other devices on the network. Conversely, where a local device on a network has available, unused computing resources, the local device may permit other devices on the network to utilize its computing resources for the performance of other tasks or functions. |
| US09992130B2 |
Systems and methods for flow control and quality of service
Various embodiments of methods and systems for pausing and shaping data flow while supporting both parameterized and prioritized Quality of Service are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for pausing and shaping data flow comprises an input buffer, a first pause controller coupled to the input buffer and an output buffer for flow control messages. Various embodiments also include a hop-1 buffer coupled to the input buffer and a hop-2 buffer comprising a plurality of queues coupled to the hop-1 buffer. Additionally, in some embodiments, a second pause controller is coupled to the queues. The second pause controller selects a queue or queues that will cause a pause to be generated based on a predetermined condition. A two-hop process controller controls the data packet flow from the input buffer to the hop-1 buffer and from the hop-1 buffer to the hop-2 queues based on packet classification. |
| US09992129B2 |
Apparatus and method for communicating over a plurality of communication links
A method in a first network entity which is capable of communicating over a plurality of communication links with a second network entity. The first network entity determines a level of transmit traffic transmitted over the plurality of communication links to the second network entity. The first network entity further determines a level of receive traffic received over the plurality of communication links from the second network entity. The first network entity further determines if the level of transmit traffic and/or the level of receive traffic meet one or more requirements for changing a number of active links of the communication links. If so, the first network entity changes the number of active links independently of the second network entity. |
| US09992125B2 |
Single-lane, twenty-five gigabit ethernet
Technologies for high-speed data transmission including a network port logic having a communication lane coupled to a physical medium dependent/physical medium attachment (PMD/PMA) sublayer, a physical coding sublayer (PCS), and a media access control (MAC) sublayer. The communication lane receives serial binary data at a line speed such as 25 gigabits per second. The PMD/PMA converts the serial binary data into parallel data, and the PCS decodes that parallel data using a line code also used for a slower line speed such as 10 gigabits per second. The network port logic may include four independent communication lanes, with each communication lane coupled to a dedicated PMD/PMA, PCS, and MAC. The network port logic may also include a multi-lane PCS and multi-lane MAC to receive and transmit data striped over the four communication lanes. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09992120B2 |
System and method for rate-based packet transmission over a network
An appliance for controlling data transmission is described. The appliance includes a packet engine configured to acquire data regarding a flow of first data packets over a link and to determine transport communication protocol (TCP) characteristics for the flow. The appliance also includes a data transmission controller configured to receive second data packets, determine a rate of transmission based on the TCP characteristics, and determine, based on one or more criteria, whether to use a rate-based data transmission control to control a transmission of the second data packets. The data transmission controller is also configured to, responsive to determining that a rate-based data transmission control is to be used to control a transmission of the second data packets, cause the packet engine to transmit the second data packets in groups, wherein transmission times of each group of second data packets are determined based on the rate of transmission. |
| US09992119B2 |
Mobility network operator service delivery hub
A service delivery hub controlled by a network operator includes an access controller; a network services gateway in communication with the access controller and in communication with external network elements, a partner management center in communication with the access controller and the network services gateway, the partner management center configured to establish a service level agreement with application service providers or enabler providers; an interface defined by the service level agreement, the interface configured to provide a single point access to the application service developers, to provide a set of programming interfaces to the developers whereas the programming interfaces provide access to the external network elements; and a charging system interface to a charging gateway, wherein the charging system is subject to the service level agreement and wherein the service delivery hub allocates revenue in accordance with the service level agreement. |
| US09992115B2 |
Method and device for controlling traffic of mobile router
A method and a device for controlling traffic of a mobile router are provided. The method includes: generating a traffic control widget and displaying the traffic control widget on a control interface of the mobile router according to a total amount of traffic available to the mobile router; receiving a traffic operation on the traffic control widget; and limiting traffic of the mobile router according to the traffic operation. |
| US09992113B2 |
Virtual network interface controller performance using physical network interface controller receive side scaling offloads
Techniques disclosed herein provide an approach for using receive side scaling (RSS) offloads from a physical network interface controller (PNIC) to improve the performance of a virtual network interface controller (VNIC). In one embodiment, the PNIC is configured to write hash values it computes for RSS purposes to packets themselves. The VNIC then reads the hash values from the packets and places the packets into VNIC RSS queues, which are processed by respective CPUs, based on the hash values. CPU overhead is thereby reduced, as RSS processing by the VNIC no longer requires computing hash values. In another embodiment in which the number of PNIC RSS queues and VNIC RSS queues are identical, the VNIC may map packets from PNIC RSS queues to VNIC RSS queues using the PNIC RSS queue ID numbers, which also does not require the computing RSS hash values. |
| US09992111B2 |
Router table scaling in modular platforms
In one embodiment an approach is provided to efficiently program routes on line cards and fabric modules in a modular router to avoid hot spots and thus avoid undesirable packet loss. Each fabric module includes two separate processors or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In another embodiment, each fabric module processor is replaced by a pair of fabric module processors arranged in series with each other, and each processor is responsible for routing only, e.g., IPv4 or IPv6 traffic. The pair of fabric module processors communicates with one another via a trunk line and any packet received at either one of the pair is passed to the other of the pair before being passed back to a line card. |
| US09992109B2 |
Data transmission method, apparatus and system
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications, and provide a data transmission method, apparatus and system. The method includes: detecting whether data transmitted in a received GTP-U data packet is data of a predetermined type; if a result of the detection is that data transmitted in the GTP-U data packet is data of a predetermined type, decapsulating the GTP-U data packet, to obtain the data of the predetermined type and a destination address of the data of the predetermined type; and sending the data of the predetermined type and the destination address to a message gateway, so that the message gateway forwards the data of the predetermined type according to the destination address. A gateway includes: a detection module, a decapsulation module, and a sending module. A message gateway includes: a receiving module and a forwarding module. |
| US09992108B2 |
Packet forwarding based on path encoding
In general, a capability for forwarding packets based on path encoding is presented. The capability for forwarding a packet based on path encoding may be configured to enable forwarding of a packet along a network path by determining a path encoding label for the network path, associating the path encoding label for the network path with the packet, and forwarding the packet along the network path based on the path encoding label associated with the packet. The network path for a packet may include an ordered sequence of node output interfaces of an ordered sequence of nodes. The path encoding label for the network path includes an ordered sequence of node interface labels corresponding to the ordered sequence of node output interfaces of the nodes of the network path. The nodes of the network path forward the packet along the network path based on the path encoding label. |
| US09992106B2 |
Generating a host route
According to an example, in a method for generating a host route, a host route entry may be generated based on an IP address of a virtual machine, and an update message carrying a host route of the host route entry may be sent to an IBGP peer. |
| US09992105B2 |
Label switched path reporting
Techniques are described for reporting, by non-ingress routers for traffic engineering label switched paths (TE LSPs) and to a path computation element, actual paths taken by the TE LSPs through the network. A first network device: receives, from a second network device, an LSP path signaling message that includes a route object having a first indication of at least a sub-path of a path for TE LSP through a network, wherein the first network device is not an ingress label edge router for the TE LSP; generates, in response to the LSP path signaling message and based at least in part on the route object, an LSP path report message that includes a second indication of the at least the sub-path of the path for the TE LSP; and sends, to a path computation element, the LSP path report message to notify the PCE. |
| US09992102B2 |
Methods and systems to select active and standby ports in link aggregation groups
Systems and methods for automatically selecting active ports and standby ports in a Link Aggregation Group (LAG) or a Multi-Chassis LAG (MC-LAG) between a first node and a second node are described. The systems and methods include receiving a configuration associated with the LAG or the MC-LAG; automatically determining a port status for each of a plurality of ports based on the configuration; and communicating the determined port status for each of the plurality of ports between the first node and the second node. |
| US09992099B2 |
Protocol independent multicast designated router redundancy
In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting a packet from a router located in a communication path between a source and a receiver, the packet having one or more values used to select a group designated router from a list of candidate group designated routers for multicast traffic streams, selecting the router as said group designated router for one or more of the multicast traffic streams, and forwarding traffic for the one or more multicast traffic streams to the receiver. The candidate group designated routers are last hop routers for transmitting the multicast traffic streams to a common link connected to the receiver. An apparatus is also disclosed herein. |
| US09992095B2 |
Communication apparatus, method for controlling communication apparatus, and storage medium
A communication apparatus that includes a buffer, an acquisition unit, a packet processing unit, and a control unit performs packet communication of image data as audio data via a first channel and performs procedure signal exchange via a second channel. The buffer temporarily stores transmitted and received packets to synchronize the packets between a transmitting and a receiving side. The acquisition unit acquires a number of packets stored in the buffer. The packet processing unit performs packet processing by discarding a packet stored in the buffer where the number of acquired packets exceeds a first threshold value, and inserting a silent packet in the buffer where the number of acquired packets does not exceed a second threshold value. The control unit performs procedure signal exchange according to a packet stored in the buffer in which the number of packets is adjusted upon completion of the performed packet processing. |
| US09992092B2 |
Network resource monitoring and measurement system and method
A method and system for analyzing and measuring multiple sources of data over a communications network (18) so as to ascertain information or usage of one or more resources, such as resource servers (2). A data collection and processing means (20) collects and processes the data sources which are forwarded to a reporting server (34) as a combined data source made available to interested parties. |
| US09992088B1 |
Packet coding based network communication
A method for data communication between a first node and a second node over a data path includes estimating a rate at which loss events occur, where a loss event is either an unsuccessful delivery of a single packet to the second data node or an unsuccessful delivery of a plurality of consecutively transmitted packets to the second data node, and sending redundancy messages at the estimate rate at which loss events occur. |
| US09992086B1 |
External health checking of virtual private cloud network environments
Systems and methods are described to enable health checking of computing devices within a virtual private cloud (VPC) networking environment, without requiring that the devices be accessible via a public network address. An endpoint is placed within the VPC, which enables interaction with an external health checking system via a substrate network. The endpoint handles communications between the heath checking system and the VPC, and can modify data originating from the health checking system such that it appears to originate from the endpoint. Thus, from the viewpoint of the VPC, the endpoint itself may appear to be conducting health checking. Thus, external health checking can be used on a VPC without compromising the security of the VPC by requiring that a portion of the VPC be externally addressable. |
| US09992084B2 |
Cable modems/eMTAs under test
A system for testing multiple cable modem/eMTA devices independently and simultaneously using different types of device probes is disclosed. The system employs multiple device probes configured to test various functions and connectivity associated with the device under test, including wireless local area network (WLAN), local area network (LAN), Multimedia Over Coax Alliance (MoCA), DOCSIS, and Foreign Exchange Station (FXS). The system includes real-time, bi-directional/asynchronous communication and interaction between the system components. |
| US09992083B1 |
System to detect network egress points
Described are techniques for detecting network egress points. A source device on a first network may generate a probe data with loose source route data that includes internal routing data to a designated subnet within the first network. The ultimate destination of the probe data is outside the first network. Once at the designated subnet, the probe data is handled by the egress network devices, such as a router, that services the subnet. Ultimately, the probe data may arrive at a destination device by way of a second network. The destination device determines the egress point from the first network used by the probe data. By comparing the actual route data with known egress points, known egress network devices may be confirmed and unknown egress network devices may be determined. |
| US09992078B1 |
System, method, and computer program for deploying disk images in a communication network, based on network topology
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for deploying a disk image in a communication network, based on network topology. In use, a disk image to be distributed in association with a communication network is identified, the communication network including a plurality of datacenters. Additionally, one or more of the plurality of datacenters in which to distribute the disk image are identified, based on one or more network topology characteristics associated with the communication network. Further, the disk image is distributed to the identified one or more of the plurality of datacenters. Still yet, a list indicating all of the plurality of datacenters that contain the disk image is sent to the plurality of datacenters. |
| US09992077B2 |
Optimizing allocation of on-demand resources using performance zones
In one embodiment, the present invention can be used to efficiently allocate on-demand resources to a customer of a data center such as a multi-tenant data center having resources dedicated to given customers, as well as on-demand resources that can be flexibly provisioned to customers using a performance zone concept realized via logical switches to present a single logical network to the customer. |
| US09992076B2 |
Dynamic cache allocating techniques for cloud computing systems
Techniques are presented herein to allow a tenant application in a cloud computing environment to automatically adjust storage infrastructure cache allocation according to performance needs and cost associated with use of the cache. Information is stored for a spot price of a cache of a storage infrastructure used for data storage in a cloud computing environment. A request is received to allocate additional cache for use by one or more applications associated with a first tenant running in the cloud computing environment. Information is sent to the one or more applications indicating a current spot price of the cache of the storage infrastructure. An instruction is received from the one or more applications to purchase the additional allocation of the cache based on the current spot price or based on a predetermined fixed price. An allocation request is sent to the storage infrastructure for additional allocation of the cache. |
| US09992075B2 |
Content delivery methods and systems
Aspects of the present disclosure involve provisioning customers of an aggregator, such as a reseller, of a content delivery network (CDN). In one aspect, content requests to the CDN are processed in accordance with the virtual IP (VIP) address at which the request was received, according to a property template bound to the VIP where the template is selected by the customer and only involves discrete parameters for the reseller. In another aspect, cache fills of the network are processed without direct knowledge of the customer origin through a combination of some request attribute, e.g., alias host of the customer, and an attribute of the reseller to make a DNS request to a name server outside the CDN. Another aspect involves receiving a property template selection, an origin and an alias from a customer of the reseller, and providing appropriate DNS entries to validate the customer and provide origin information to the CDN. |
| US09992073B2 |
Network status measuring system and a method for measuring status of a network
A network status measuring system comprising a processor; a display circuitry configured to display a schematic overview of the network; a data traffic measuring circuitry configured to measure bit rate and latency on links of the network; and a graphic generating circuitry configured to generate a graphical representation of a bit rate and a latency measured on a particular link of the network by generating objects to be displayed at the particular link of the network in connection with the schematic overview of the network. The processor is further configured to calculate a number of the objects to be displayed at the particular link of the schematic overview of the network based on the bit rate measured on the particular link of the network. The display circuitry is further configured to display the generated objects at the particular link of the schematic overview of the network. |
| US09992068B2 |
Rule based mobile device management delegation
Rule-based mobile device management delegation is disclosed. A set of rules are applied to attributes associated with a mobile device to assign the mobile device to one of a plurality of management partitions. The mobile device is managed according to a policy associated with the assigned management partition. |
| US09992066B2 |
Data updating method, device for vehicle diagnosing apparatus and vehicle diagnosing apparatus
A method for vehicle diagnosing apparatus comprises: providing a diagnosing apparatus terminal which receives the latest data edition information of one or more data packets pushed to the diagnosing apparatus terminal; the diagnosing apparatus terminal comparing the latest data edition information of the data packets with the current data edition information of the data packets respectively so as to determine whether the latest data edition of each data packet is superior to the current data edition of this data packet; if there is any data packet whose latest data edition is superior to the current data edition, the diagnosing apparatus terminal prompting that there is an update for the data edition; the diagnosing apparatus terminal downloading the data packet for which there is an update; and the diagnosing apparatus terminal installing this data packet and replacing the current data edition information with the latest data edition information. |
| US09992063B2 |
Utilizing reallocation via a decentralized, or distributed, agreement protocol (DAP) for storage unit (SU) replacement
Based on a system configuration change (e.g., of a Decentralized, or Distributed, Agreement Protocol (DAP)) within a dispersed storage network (DSN) (e.g., from a first to a second system configuration of the DAP), a computing device directs a storage unit to be replaced (SUTBR) to transfer encoded data slices (EDSs) stored therein to a replacement storage unit (RSU). During transfer of the EDSs (e.g., from SUTBR to RSU), the computing device directs the SUTBR to service read and/or write requests for EDS(s) stored therein to operate based on a first system configuration of the DAP. When the EDSs have been successfully transferred from the SUTBR to the RSU, the computing device directs the RSU to service read and/or write requests for the EDS(s) stored therein to operate based on a second system configuration of the DAP. |
| US09992062B1 |
Implicit traffic engineering
Briefly, methods and/or apparatuses for implicit traffic engineering, such as for the Internet, are described. |
| US09992060B2 |
Method and system for determining a network configuration for a deployment environment
Operations include determining a network configuration for a current deployment environment based on network configurations of known deployment environments that share one or more characteristics with the current deployment environment. |
| US09992051B2 |
System and method for guard band utilization for synchronous and asynchronous communications
Embodiments are provided for guard band utilization for synchronous and asynchronous communications in wireless networks. A user equipment (UE) or a network component transmits symbols on data bands assigned for primary communications. The data bands are separated by a guard band having smaller bandwidth than the data bands. The UE or network component further modulates symbols for secondary communications with a spectrally contained wave form, which has a smaller bandwidth than the guard band. The spectrally contained wave form is achieved with orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation or with joint OFDM and Offset Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (OQAM) modulation. The modulated symbols for the secondary communications are transmitted within the guard band. |
| US09992044B2 |
System and method for applying adaptive frequency-domain RLS DFE for uplink SC-FDMA
A device includes circuitry configured to determine feedforward and feedback coefficients for an adaptive frequency-domain decision feedback equalizer (AFD-DFE) based on previously received signals. The equalizer output is determined by applying the feedforward and feedback coefficients of the AFD-DFE to a received signal, and the feedforward and feedback coefficients of the AFD-DFE are updated based on the equalizer output. |
| US09992043B2 |
FEC coding identification
The present invention is directed to data communication systems and methods. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for transceivers to quickly identify FEC mode used in data communication. A transmitting transceiver embeds FEC mode information in a designated field of an alignment marker. The receiving transceiver acknowledges the receipt of the FEC mode information and processes the incoming data accordingly. There are other embodiments as well. |
| US09992041B2 |
Scaling address resolution for massive data centers
There is provided a network device disposed at an interface between an access segment and an interconnecting layer of a data center. The network device includes an address cache and an address resolution processor configured to receive an address request addressed to virtual machines in a transmission domain of the network device. The address request requesting a layer 2 address of a target virtual machine in the data center, and specifying a layer 3 address of the target virtual machine. In response to receiving a reply, the network device updates the address cache to include an entry specifying the layer 2 address of an edge device of an access segment which has the target virtual machine having a respective layer 3 address corresponding to the specified layer 3 address. |
| US09992036B2 |
Sound output apparatus and hub for communication network
A hub includes a main body including a communication circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate with another device and a cover housing coupled to a top portion of the main body, the cover housing including a sidewall that extends in a vertical direction and a partition extending from an inner surface of the sidewall to divide an inside of the sidewall into upper and lower regions. The hub further includes a display panel positioned in the cover housing, the display panel providing a visual output; and a display Printed Circuit Board (PCB) positioned on the partition, the display panel being positioned on an upper surface of the display PCB. The cover housing further includes a rib protruding upward from the partition, the rib extending through a gap between the display PCB and the sidewall to contact with a periphery of the display panel. |
| US09992031B2 |
Dark bits to reduce physically unclonable function error rates
Embodiments of an invention for using dark bits to reduce physically unclonable function (PUF) error rates are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a PUF cell array and dark bit logic. The PUF cell array is to provide a raw PUF value. The dark bit logic is to select PUF cells to mark as dark bits and to generate a dark bit mask based on repeated testing of the PUF cell array. |
| US09992026B2 |
Electronic biometric (dynamic) signature references enrollment method
A system or method for enrolling a signature may include transmitting a user's public key and a time stamp to a client device. The method may further include receiving an encrypted time stamp and encrypted signature data associated with the user, wherein the signature data is encrypted using the user's public key. The encrypted time stamp may be decrypted using the user's private key, and the received encrypted signature data may be validated based on the decrypted time stamp. If the received encrypted signature data is determined to be valid, the encrypted signature data may be stored and digitally signed with the user's private key. The encrypted signature data may be further digitally certified with an administrator's private key. |
| US09992023B2 |
System for transparent authentication across installed applications
A system for authenticating mobile device users transparently is disclosed. This invention improves on the existing flaws by deriving encryption keys from environmental condition data when the user and device are trusted. The keys are then cryptographically hashed and compared with repository hashed data to determine if the conditions match a prior set of conditions. If a match is found and trust factors are sufficient, the system uses the condition data to decrypt a master key that allows access to secure data in the same manner as would a user-provided password. The security system cannot be bypassed if the device is stolen, as an attacker would have to replicate the exact environment and behavioral attributes employed and learned from the user without any knowledge as to the factors that constitute them because the factors are not maintained by the system. |
| US09992021B1 |
System and method for private and point-to-point communication between computing devices
A hardware and software bundle that can enable computers and mobile phones to communicate small data packages without relying on the internet or the central cellular network infrastructure. The bundle enables users to send text messages and other data. For example, GPS coordinates, multimedia from the situation, accelerometer and other sensor data can all be sent over a decentralized network, enabling enhanced communication and situation response when the central grid is unavailable. |
| US09992019B2 |
Storage and retrieval of dispersed storage network access information
A method includes affiliating an authentication token with user information of a user. The method further includes generating a private/public key pairing associated with the user information. The method further includes applying a share encoding function on a private key of the private/public key pairing to produce a set of encoded shares. The method further includes generating a set of random numbers and generating a set of hidden passwords based on the user information. The method further includes generating a set of encryption keys based on the set of hidden passwords and the set of random numbers. The method further includes encrypting the set of encoded shares utilizing the set of encryption keys to produce a set of encrypted shares. The method further includes outputting the set of encrypted shares to the authentication token for storage therein and outputting the set of random numbers to a set of authenticating units. |
| US09992018B1 |
Generating cryptographic challenges to communication requests
Embodiments of a system or method useful in forcing a computing system to perform a target amount of computations is disclosed. The actual amount of computations may vary from the target amount to within a selected maximum variation. Embodiments of the system or method involve generating a cryptographic challenge to which the computing system needs to compute a response to validate a request from the computing system. |
| US09992017B2 |
Encrypting and storing data
Methods and apparatus for encrypting and storing data. The methods and apparatus provide different levels of security and usability. The methods and apparatus generate two or more keys based on a shared secret made available to a user equipment and a server. The two or more keys comprise at least one perfect forward secrecy key, and at least one limited forward secrecy key. The methods and apparatus encrypt data using at least one of the two or more keys. The methods and apparatus store the encrypted data in a memory of the user equipment and/or transmit the data from the user equipment to the server. |
| US09992016B2 |
Message generation for a cryptographic key generation test
Generation of a message m of order λ(n) for a test of the integrity of the generation of a pair of cryptographic keys within the multiplicative group of integers modulo n=p·q, including: —key pair generation including, to generate p and q: a random selection of candidate integers; and a primality test; —a first search of the multiplicative group of integers modulo p for a generator a; —a second search of the multiplicative group of integers modulo q for a generator b; —a third search for a number y, as message m, verifying: 1≤γ≤n−1, where γ=a mod p and γ=b mod q, the first or second search being performed during the primality test. |
| US09992014B2 |
Methods for cryptographic delegation and enforcement of dynamic access to stored data
Methods for cryptographic delegation and enforcement of dynamic access to stored data are disclosed. An example method includes generating for a first modified data block, a new per-block hash value using as a hash function input data contained in the first modified data block or a new per-block hash message authentication code (HMAC) using as hash function inputs a new per-block hash key and data contained in the first modified data block, writing the new per-block hash value or the new per-block HMAC to data block metadata associated with the modified data block in the protected data object, and writing the first modified data block to one of the data blocks of the protected data object. |
| US09992013B2 |
System and method for providing defence to a cryptographic device against side-channel attacks targeting the extended euclidean algorithm during decryption operations
A system, method and computer-readable storage medium for decrypting a code c using a modified Extended Euclidean Algorithm (EEA) having an iteration loop independent of the Hamming weight of inputs to the EEA and performing a fixed number of operations regardless of the inputs to the EEA thereby protecting a cryptographic device performing the decryption from side-channel attacks. |
| US09992011B1 |
Receiver with coherent matched filter
In one implementation, a receiver has a module to calculate the cross-correlation between a portion of a digital representation of a received signal and a reference signal. The receiver also has a module to generate an estimate of a portion of a message potentially included in the digital representation of the received signal and a screening module to determine the likelihood that the received signal includes a message. For a received signal that is determined likely to include a message, the receiver includes a carrier refinement module to shift the frequency of carrier pulses in the digital representation of the received signal toward a desired frequency and to align the phase of carrier pulses in the digital representation of the received signal with a desired phase and a coherent matched filter to recover the message from the digital representation of the received signal. |
| US09992010B2 |
System and method for augmenting duplexed replicated computing
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a replicated fault-tolerant computer system. The system includes a triplet of network elements, which each maintain a clock signal, and a clock monitor at each network element for monitoring incoming clock signals. Each network interfaces with a fault containment region (FCR). The system provides the ability to transition from a duplex system to a triplex system if one of the previously offline FCRs can be brought back online. The network elements can determine or receive notification that the previously offline FCR can be brought back online, align their respective clock signals, and synchronize the memory state of the previously offline FCR. The system can then operate in a fault-tolerant, replicated triplex operating mode. |
| US09992007B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting uplink control information in multi-carrier wireless communication system
A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting and receiving Uplink Control Information (UCI) in a wireless communication system. The method includes generating the UCI including at least one of channel quality indicator (CQI) information and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information; identifying, if the terminal is configured with a plurality of serving cells, a serving cell among the plurality of serving cells based on information on a cell index of the serving cell; and transmitting the UCI on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) of the identified serving cell. |
| US09992006B2 |
Transmission diversity and multiplexing for HARQ-ACK signals in communication systems
A method and apparatus are described for a User Equipment (UE) to transmit in a control channel ACKnowledgement signals associated with a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest process (HARQ-ACK signals) in response to receiving Transport Blocks (TBs) transmitted from a base station. The UE conveys the HARQ-ACK information by selecting one resource from multiple resources in the control channel and by selecting a constellation point of the modulation scheme for the HARQ-ACK signal. Transmission diversity is supported using different control channel resources that are already available to the UE without configuring additional resources. Design principles are described to optimally map the HARQ-ACK information to control channel resources and modulation constellation points for a Time Division Duplex (TDD) system and for a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system. |
| US09992005B2 |
Method, base station, and user equipment for feeding back ACK/NACK information for carrier aggregation
The present invention provides a method, a base station, and a user equipment for feeding back ACK/NACK information for carrier aggregation. The method includes: configuring a common field preset in DCI as at least one type of command field related to ACK/NACK feedback of at least two types of command fields related to ACK/NACK feedback, where the common field can be configured as the command fields related to ACK/NACK feedback; and sending the DCI to a user equipment, so that the user equipment feeds back ACK/NACK information according to the DCI. The present invention may realize backward compatibility of the ACK/NACK information feedback with an LTE system in carrier aggregation. |
| US09992004B2 |
Code block cluster level HARQ
Methods, systems, and devices are described for wireless communication. Wireless devices may exchange data using Medium Access Control (MAC) layer units known as transport blocks. The transport blocks may be partitioned into code block clusters (CBCs), each of which may include one or more code blocks. A receiving device may attempt to decode a transport block and send acknowledgement (ACK) and negative-acknowledgment (NACK) information to the transmitting device based on the whether each CBC was successfully decoded. The transmitting device may retransmit a redundancy version of a CBC for each NACK received. The transmitting device may group CBCs in segments of a transport block according to redundancy version. In some cases, the transmitting device may send a control message in a control channel which indicates the composition of the transport block. |
| US09992003B2 |
Apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, apparatus for receiving broadcast signals, method for transmitting broadcast signals and method for receiving broadcast signals
A method and an apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals thereof are disclosed. The method for transmitting broadcast signals comprises encoding DP (data pipe) data carrying at least one service, mapping the encoded DP data onto constellations, time interleaving the mapped DP data, building at least one signal frame including the time interleaved DP data, modulating data in the built at least one signal frame by an OFDM scheme and transmitting the broadcast signals having the modulated data, wherein the at least one signal frame includes emergency alert information. |
| US09991997B2 |
Mobile communication system, specific base station, and user terminal
A LTE system comprises a eNB 200-2 that is a eNB shared by a plurality of network operators, and that performs LTE communication with a UE in a specific frequency band of which primary use is not allowed by the plurality of network operators. The specific eNB 200-2 performs backhaul communication with a eNB 200-1 provided in each mobile LTE network 1 of the plurality of network operators, via an inter-eNB interface 600. |
| US09991996B2 |
Scheduling for orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) transmissions in a wireless local area network (WLAN)
An access point (AP) contends for a medium during a contention period in order to obtain exclusive control of the medium for a certain time period that may include one or more transmission opportunities. The AP and client stations (STAs) communicate during the time period using orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) techniques with scheduled use (i.e., allocation) of sub-channels of the medium. The AP controls this scheduling for down-link and up-link communications by sending control signaling to inform the STAs of the resource allocation schedule which specifies STAs involved in the OFDMA communications along with the sub-channel identification bandwidth allocated to each STA. The control signaling may be a combination of physical layer (PHY) and medium access control layer (MAC) communicated information. |
| US09991992B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing space time processing
A method and apparatus for implementing spatial processing with unequal modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) or stream-dependent MCSs are disclosed. Input data may be parsed into a plurality of data streams, and spatial processing is performed on the data streams to generate a plurality of spatial streams. An MCS for each data stream is selected independently. The spatial streams are transmitted via multiple transmit antennas. At least one of the techniques of space time block coding (STBC), space frequency block coding (SFBC), quasi-orthogonal Alamouti coding, time reversed space time block coding, linear spatial processing and cyclic delay diversity (CDD) may be performed on the data/spatial streams. An antennal mapping matrix may then be applied to the spatial streams. The spatial streams are transmitted via multiple transmit antennas. The MCS for each data stream may be determined based on a signal-to-noise ratio of each spatial stream associated with the data stream. |
| US09991985B2 |
Optical transmission control device and optical signal wavelength determination method
There is provided an optical transmission control device includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and the processor configured to aggregate information of candidacy sections having a possibility that communication is discontinued among wavelength-multiplexed transmission sections, classify, based on the aggregated information, optical paths set between optical transmission devices into a first optical path on which, when communication in the candidacy sections is discontinued, an optical signal is not transmitted, and a second optical path on which, when the communication in the candidacy sections is discontinued, an optical signal is transmitted, and determine a wavelength allocation in a first wavelength group of the first optical path and a second wavelength group of the second optical path so that a difference in gain wavelength characteristics of the first optical path and the second optical path is equal to or less than a predetermined level. |
| US09991983B2 |
Method for transmitting/receiving synchronization signal for direct communication between terminals in wireless communication system
Disclosed is a method for transmitting, by a terminal, a synchronization signal for direct communication between terminals in a wireless communication system. In detail, the method comprises the steps of: generating a primary synchronization signal and a secondary synchronization signal for the direct communication between terminals; and transmitting the primary synchronization signal and the secondary synchronization signal, wherein the primary synchronization signal is generated on the basis of a synchronization reference cell identifier for the direct communication between terminals. |
| US09991976B2 |
Method and apparatus for interference estimation in wireless communication networks
An apparatus including a processor configured to receive a digital communication signal, wherein the digital communication signal includes a common reference signal and transmitted data. The processor determines a first interfering channel matrix for a first interfering cell based on a channel estimation of the common reference signal, and estimates a first power offset ratio and a first effective pre-coding matrix for the first interfering cell by evaluating a maximum likelihood metric, wherein the maximum likelihood metric is based on a first interfering channel correlation. The processor then reconstructs a channel covariance matrix based on the estimated first power offset ratio and the first effective pre-coding matrix and detects the transmitted data based on the reconstructed channel covariance matrix. |
| US09991971B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing transmission interference
A method for reducing transmission interference is described. The method includes determining that an FM receiver is turned on. The method also includes determining that the FM receiver is tuned to an FM channel experiencing interference from an induction-based communication transmitter. The method further includes adjusting a transmit frequency of the induction-based communication transmitter by a temporary frequency shift. |
| US09991969B2 |
Tunable receiver including microelectromechanical (MEMS) mirrors, a transceiver or module comprising the same, and methods of making and using the same
An optical or optoelectronic receiver and module, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The receiver includes a photodetector, a first microelectromechanical device configured to reflect a multi-wavelength optical signal, a thin film filter configured to receive the multi-wavelength optical signal reflected by the first microelectromechanical device and separate a single-wavelength optical signal from the multi-wavelength optical signal, a first lens configured to focus the single-wavelength optical signal on the photodetector, and a second microelectromechanical device configured to reflect the single-wavelength optical signal towards the first lens. Each wavelength of the multi-wavelength optical signal represents or corresponds to a unique channel over which the receiver receives optical signals. The present receiver and methods enable low-cost, high-volume manufacturing of multi-channel optical or optoelectronic receivers. |
| US09991965B2 |
Driver circuit for an electro-absorption or micro-ring modulator and optical transmitter comprising such driver circuit
A modulator driver circuit for providing a drive voltage to an electro-absorption modulator, such a Franz-Keldysh modulator, or to a micro-ring modulator, and an optical transmitter including such driver circuit, where said driver circuit includes a differential amplifier and at least one differential branch of the differential amplifier being provided with a voltage offset. This provides for a bias voltage being adjustable within the driver circuit itself. Preferably, the differential amplifier is arranged for supplying drive voltage to two complementary driver outputs providing a reverse bias relative to the modulator. In one embodiment, the differential amplifier includes a cascode in the differential branch not being provided with the voltage offset. |
| US09991964B2 |
Hybrid free space multiplexer for multichannel transmitter optical subassembly
Embodiments described herein include a multichannel transmitter optical subassembly that includes a plurality of lasers and a signal combiner. The plurality of lasers may be configured to emit light each with a different one of a plurality of light signals, each of the plurality of light signals having a wavelength within one of a plurality of wavelength bands. The signal combiner may be disposed relative to the plurality of lasers to receive the plurality of light signals. The signal combiner may include at least one surface having an optical coating that reflects at least one of the light signals of the plurality of light signals and transmits at least one of the light signals of the plurality of light signals. |
| US09991961B2 |
Multimode fiber for modulatable source
Examples include generating a signal using a modulatable source. The signal may be propagated using a multi-mode fiber to receive the signal from the modulatable source. The fiber has a diameter d and a far-field divergence angle associated with the propagated signal that corresponds to a product of the diameter (d) and the far-field divergence angle. The product may be substantially between 1 micron radian and 4 micron radian. In some examples, the propagated signal may be received at a receiver from the multi-mode fiber. |
| US09991957B2 |
Low-cost, long-distance, high-bandwidth laser communication system for small mobile devices and spacecraft
In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided methods and systems for low-cost, long-distance, high-bandwidth laser communication system for small mobile devices and spacecraft. For example, in one embodiment, such a system includes a first station having therein: (i) a processor and a memory to implement configuration instructions for the system, (ii) a laser origination source, and (iii) a transmitter to transmit a laser signal from the laser origination source from the first station; a second station having therein: (i) a processor and a memory to implement configuration instructions for the system, (ii) a light sensor array to receive the laser signal transmitted from the first station, and (iii) a reflector to reflect back at least a portion of the transmitted laser signal back to the first station; and in which the second station is to modulate the received laser signal transmitted from the first station to encode a message onto the laser signal reflected back to the first station. Other related embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09991951B2 |
Peer state transfer among satellite devices
Systems, methods, and software described herein provide enhancements for deploying applications in satellites. In one example, a satellite device includes a communication interface and a virtualized execution system. The virtualized execution system is configured to receive state information via the communication interface from at least a peer satellite device related to execution of one or more software payloads by the peer satellite device, and execute one or more virtual nodes based at least on the state information. |
| US09991944B2 |
High altitude platform with multibeam coverage for aero-based terminals
A description of a high altitude platform with multibeam coverage for aero-based terminals is provided herein. An example apparatus includes a plurality of user link antennas each configured to provide communication coverage among a plurality of aero-based terminals within a specified volume (or area) of the sky, each antenna being configured to communicate with a specified cell within the specified volume. The apparatus also includes a gateway link antenna configured to provide communication coverage to a ground-based gateway terminal. The user link antennas are configured to have differently sized apertures to maintain a similar spectral density among the cells within the specified coverage area. Such a configuration of user link antennas provides consistent Quality of Service and bandwidth for aero-based terminals (such as private and commercial aircraft) operating within the specified coverage area. |
| US09991943B2 |
Interference cancellation repeater and signal attenuation method thereof
An interference cancellation repeater including a subtractor configured to subtract an estimated signal from a digital reception signal and output an interference canceled signal; a first power calculator configured to calculate power of the digital reception signal; a second power calculator configured to calculate power of the interference canceled signal; and an attenuation controller configured to compare a power value of the calculated digital reception signal with a power value of the calculated interference canceled signal and determine an attenuation value of the interference canceled signal according to the comparison result. |
| US09991941B1 |
Beamforming scheme for phased-array antennas
A plurality of received signals are received at a first communication device, the plurality of received signals corresponding to at least one training signal having been transmitted by a second communication device a plurality of times via a plurality of antennas by the second communication device applying a respective antenna weight vector from a plurality of different antenna weight vectors each time the at least one training signal is transmitted. The first communication device generates a transmitter antenna weight vector based on a mathematical combination of at least i) the plurality of received signals, ii) the antenna weight vectors applied by the second communication device when transmitting the at least one training signal the plurality of times, and iii) the at least one training signal. The first communication device transmits the transmitter antenna weight vector to the second communication device. |
| US09991939B2 |
Multi-user MIMO-SDMA for finite rate feedback systems
A multi-user MIMO downlink beamforming system with limited feedback (200) is provided to enable precoding for multi-stream transmission, where a channel codeword (ui) and one or more channel quality indicator values (CQIA, CQIB) are computed at the user equipment (201.i) on the basis of maximizing a predetermined SINR performance metric (ρi) which estimates the receive signal-to-noise-ratio (SINR) at the user equipment (201.i). The computed codeword (ui) and CQI values (or differential values related thereto) are quantized and fed back to help the base station (210) which applies a correction to the appropriate CQI value in the course of designing the transmit beamforming vectors w and determining the appropriate modulation and coding level to be used for downlink data transmission. |
| US09991927B2 |
Protective case for a mobile electronic device
A protective case for a mobile electronic device is disclosed, the protective case comprising a receiving part for fastening the device, and a covering part, which is arranged relative to the receiving part such that it can be folded into a closed position, for covering, in the closed state, the device which, in the fitted state, is fastened at the receiving part, wherein the receiving part and the covering part are connected to one another in a pre-tensioned fashion via at least one elastic member in such a manner that the receiving part automatically moves from an opened position into the closed position. |
| US09991926B2 |
Cover set
A cover set includes a first cover and a second cover. The first cover and the second cover have device fitting parts that have the same shape and size. A peripheral device is fitted in the device fitting parts. The first cover and the second cover have terminal fitting parts that have different shapes and sizes. A first mobile information terminal having a large size is fitted in the terminal fitting part of the first cover. Another mobile information terminal having a small size is fitted in the terminal fitting part of the second cover. This allows a user to select a mobile information terminal that is used together with the peripheral device as appropriate. |
| US09991918B2 |
Front end architecture with intermittent signaling mode
In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a first transmit path, a second transmit path, and a switch element. The first transmit path can provide a first radio frequency (RF) signal in accordance with a nominal specification. The second transmit path can provide a second RF signal in accordance with an intermittent specification, in which the first and second RF signals are within the same transmit band. The switch element can provide the first RF signal as a transmit mode output in a first state and provide the second RF signal as the transmit mode output in a second state. |
| US09991917B2 |
Demodulator, receiver and method of data communications
A demodulator is configured to demodulate a modulated signal responsive to a first carrier signal. The demodulator includes a filter and a bandwidth adjusting circuit. The filter is configured to filter a first signal. The first signal is a product of the first carrier signal and the modulated signal. The filter has a bandwidth adjusted based on a set of control signals. The bandwidth adjusting circuit is coupled to the filter, and configured to generate the set of control signals based on at least a frequency of the filtered first signal and a frequency of the first signal. The bandwidth adjusting circuit includes a frequency detector configured to generate a second signal based on a frequency relationship between the frequency of the filtered first signal and the frequency of the first signal. |
| US09991916B2 |
Receiving device and receiving method
At least one distributor that distributes a high-frequency signal received by an antenna; and a high-frequency processing unit that outputs a received signal obtained by mixing the high-frequency signal distributed by the distributor with a local oscillator frequency generated by a local oscillator that includes a voltage-controlled oscillator are included. Furthermore, a control unit that, when executing a local oscillator frequency search to investigate a correspondence between a control voltage applied to the voltage-controlled oscillator and the local oscillator frequency of the voltage-controlled oscillator, sets to a dormant state parts constituting the local oscillator that are uninvolved in operation of the local oscillator frequency search is included. |
| US09991914B1 |
Bi-directional radio frequency front-end (RFFE)
Technology for a bi-directional radio frequency front-end (RFFE) architecture with high selectivity performance is described. One RFFE has a first mixer that receives a LO signal from the LO circuit and a transmit (TX) signal, having a first frequency, from a transmitter and produces a down-converted TX signal for channel bandwidth filtering, the TX signal having a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency. A programmable filter circuit, in response to a selection signal, filters the down-converted TX signal according to a selected channel bandwidth. The second mixer receives the LO signal from the LO circuit and a channel-filtered TX signal from the programmable filter circuit and produces an up-converted TX signal having the first frequency. The power amplifier amplifies the up-converted TX signal to produce an output TX signal to cause an antenna to radiate electromagnetic energy in the selected channel bandwidth. |
| US09991913B1 |
Discrete levels envelope tracking
An envelope tracking arrangement is disclosed and includes a level select component, a chunk supply component and a power amplifier. The level select component is configured to segment an input signal into chunks based on time and to select a chunk level for each chunk based on information or envelope information. The chunk supply component is configured to selectively provide a discrete supply voltage according to the selected chunk level. The power amplifier is configured to generate a radio frequency (RF) output signal based on the input signal and utilizing the discrete supply voltage. |
| US09991908B2 |
Blind source separation of signals having low signal-to-noise ratio
A blind source separation (BSS) system comprises means for gathering wideband signal power spectral information without using special Fourier transform hardware/software systems and without using extremely large signal memories. The method involves taking the combined energy output of a large set of BSS filters that are operating under a blind source separation algorithm that looks for signals of interest, along with instantaneous filter characteristics such as center frequency, bandwidth and spectral response, and records a weighted spread energy into a frequency- and time-based histogram. This information can then be used to compare against the BSS signal output and signal energy which does not correspond to existing signal output is added to additional BSS signal output. This system can operate in real time, but uses long-term averaging to enhance signal detection. |
| US09991906B2 |
System and method for low-power digital signal processing
A system and method for low-power digital signal processing, for example, comprising adjusting a digital representation of an input signal. |
| US09991902B2 |
Analog-digital converter and analog-to-digital conversion method
An ADC and an analog-to-digital conversion method are provided. The ADC includes: a clock generator, including M transmission gates, where the M transmission gates are configured to receive a first clock signal that is periodically sent and separately perform gating control on the first clock signal, so as to generate M second clock signals, M is an integer that is greater than or equal to 2; M ADC channels that are configured in a time interleaving manner, configured to receive one analog signal and separately perform, under the control of the M second clock signals, sampling and analog-to-digital conversion on the analog signal, so as to obtain M digital signals, where each ADC channel is corresponding to one clock signal of the M second clock signals; and an adder, configured to add the M digital signals together in a digital field, so as to obtain a digital output signal. |
| US09991898B1 |
Fractional-N jitter attenuator
A phase-locked loop (PLL) has a primary loop (with a reference clock) and a secondary loop (with a stable reference clock). The secondary loop may include a fractional-N PLL, and may include a secondary loop filter, oscillator, output clock counter, and phase predictor using a rational secondary frequency control word (FCW). The primary loop has a register sampling the oscillator phase from the counter, and a phase predictor which uses a primary fractional-N FCW to calculate a predicted phase as an integer number. The primary loop forwards the integer difference between the sampled phase and the predicted phase to a primary loop filter, which outputs the secondary FCW. The primary loop filter has a much lower bandwidth than the secondary loop filter. The PLL may have multiple primary loops, with a hitless switching function. A primary loop may have sleep mode. The PLL may also provide an oscillator sleep function. |
| US09991897B1 |
Sampling phase-locked loop (PLL)
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatus for generating oscillating signals. For example, certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a phase-locked loop (PLL) having a first switch coupled to a sampling input node of the PLL, an integrator coupled to an output of the sampling circuit, and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) having an input coupled to an output of the integrator. In certain aspects, the PLL may also include a feedback path coupled to an output of the VCO and a control input of the first switch. |
| US09991895B2 |
Wireless radio-frequency transmission apparatus
A wireless radio-frequency transmission apparatus includes a phase frequency detector, a charge pump, a loop filter and a twin voltage-controlled oscillator. The twin voltage-controlled oscillator includes a first oscillator and a second oscillator. When the twin voltage-controlled oscillator is in a reception mode, the first and the second oscillators are coupled to each other to form a quadrature voltage-controlled oscillator, and the quadrature voltage-controlled oscillator, the phase frequency detector, the charge pump and the loop filter constitute a phase-locked loop to generate quadrature carriers. When the twin voltage-controlled oscillator is in a transmission mode, the first oscillator, the phase frequency detector, the charge pump and the loop filter constitute a phase-locked loop, and the second oscillator performs frequency modulation on transmitted data. The present disclosure can maintain a carrier frequency to be stable during high data rate transmission, and have a relatively short locking time of frequency hopping. |
| US09991894B2 |
Resistive random access memory cells
A layout arrangement for a resistive random access memory cell includes an active area, a polysilicon row address line over the active region, a metal column address line running orthogonal to the row address line and having an active region contact portion extending over the active region and having a contact to the active region. A metal output line runs parallel to the column address line over the active region. A first cell contact region intersects with the output line and has a contact to the active region. A first metal cell contact region forms an intersection with the first cell contact region. A first resistive random access memory device is formed at the intersection of the first cell contact region and the output line. A second resistive random access memory device is formed at the intersection of the first cell contact region and the first cell contact region. |
| US09991889B2 |
High throw-count RF switch
A high throw-count multiple-pole FET-based RF switch architecture that provides good RF performance in terms of insertion loss, return loss, isolation, linearity, and power handling. A common port RFC is coupled along a common path to multiple ports RFn. Embodiments introduce additional common RF path branch isolation switches which are controlled by state dependent logic. The branch isolation switches help to isolate the unused branch ports RFn and the unused portion of the common path from the active portion of the common path, and thereby reduce the reactive load attributable to such branches that degrades RF performance of the ports RFn “closer” to the common port RFC. The branch isolation switches can also be used to reconfigure the switch architecture for a multiplex function as well as separate switch path banks for re-configurability of purpose, tuning, or varying switch throw counts and packaging options. |
| US09991888B2 |
Driving circuit
A driving circuit includes a first switching element operating in a turned-on state or a turned-off state depending on a control voltage; a second switching element operating complementarily to the first switching element depending on the control voltage; a constant voltage circuit unit turning on depending on a source-gate voltage of the first switching element to maintain a constant voltage; a current adjusting circuit operating in a turned-on state or a turned-off state depending on the control voltage, and adjusting an operating current flowing to a ground depending on a current control signal in the turned-on state of the current adjusting circuit; a current control circuit controlling the operating current by providing the current control signal to the current adjusting circuit in a turned-on state of the constant voltage circuit unit; and a signal transfer circuit providing the control voltage to a gate of the second switching element. |
| US09991882B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus
A semiconductor apparatus includes an internal circuit connected to a first power line to which a first power voltage is applied; a transistor including a first terminal, which is connected to a node to which an input voltage is applied, a second terminal connected to the internal circuit, and a control terminal to which a control voltage is applied; and a voltage control circuit, which is connected to the node, generating the control voltage. Further, the voltage control circuit includes a step-down circuit generating an internal voltage by lowering the input voltage applied to the node, and a switching circuit, which is connected to the first power line, generating the control voltage based on the first power voltage and the internal voltage. |
| US09991881B2 |
Switching circuit
A switching circuit includes a wiring into which a parallel circuit of a first IGBT and a second IGBT is inserted, and a gate control circuit. The gate control circuit has a first switching element configured to control a gate potential of the first IGBT according to a potential of a second principal electrode, and a second switching element configured to control a gate potential of the second IGBT according to a potential of a fourth principal electrode. An output terminal of the control device is connected to the first switching element through a first switch and is connected to the second switching element through a second switch. The control device applies a control signal to the output terminal in a state where the first switch and the second switch are turned on when switching both of the first IGBT and the second IGBT. |
| US09991880B2 |
Discrete power switching devices with reduced common source inductance
Routing of a gate signal for controlling a discrete power switching device (such as in an inverter for an electric vehicle drive) is configured to compensate for the common source inductance inherent in the switching device as a result of its integrated circuit packaging. The power device has a gate signal path via a gate pin and a power signal path via first and second power pins, wherein the gate signal path and the power signal path have a first mutual inductance. A circuit board apparatus provides a gate wiring loop juxtaposed with the power signal path, wherein the gate wiring loop and the power signal path have a second mutual inductance substantially canceling the first mutual inductance. The resulting reduction in common source inductance avoids the reductions in switching speed and the increased switching losses otherwise introduced by the common source inductance. |
| US09991874B1 |
8GHz-20GHz noise cancelling transversal reconfigurable notch filter
A tunable analog noise-cancelling transversal reconfigurable filter for filtering an RF signal. The filter includes a noise-cancelling balun responsive to the RF signal and providing gain and noise suppression, and a time delay network responsive to the signal from the balun. The time delay network includes a single continuous three-dimensional air coaxial line where a separate tap is provided between sections of the line. The filter also includes a multiplication and summing network having a plurality of multiplication stages, where each stage is fed by a voltage signal from at least one of the taps, and each stage includes a multiplication amplifier that amplifies the voltage signal. A tuning element provides a multiplication coefficient to the amplified signal. Each amplified signal in each stage is added on an output line, where the multiplication and summing network operates under Millman's Theorem. |
| US09991873B2 |
Microacoustic component and method for the production thereof
A microacoustic component includes a functional acoustic region, an inner marginal region and an outer marginal region. The cover covers the functional acoustic region and has a thin film and a bearing surface. The inner marginal region is acoustically coupled to the functional acoustic region and the bearing surface bears directly at least on a part of the inner marginal region. |
| US09991871B2 |
Bulk acoustic wave resonator comprising a ring
An acoustic resonator includes a first electrode disposed over a substrate; a piezoelectric layer disposed over the first electrode; and a second electrode disposed over the piezoelectric layer; a passivation layer disposed over the second electrode; and a ring disposed between the substrate and the passivation layer. |
| US09991870B2 |
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator
A surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator includes a piezoelectric layer disposed over a substrate, and a plurality of electrodes disposed over the first surface of the piezoelectric layer. A layer is disposed between the substrate and the piezoelectric layer. A silicon layer disposed between a first surface of the layer and a second surface of the piezoelectric layer. A first surface of the silicon layer has a smoothness sufficient to foster atomic bonding between the first surface of the silicon layer and the second surface of the piezoelectric layer. |
| US09991867B2 |
Piezoelectric acoustic resonator with adjustable temperature compensation capability
A piezoelectric acoustic resonator with an adjustable temperature compensation capability is disclosed. The piezoelectric acoustic resonator includes: a piezoelectric acoustic reflection structure, a first electrode, a second electrode, a piezoelectric layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a temperature compensation layer; wherein the temperature compensation layer is a single-layer temperature compensation layer formed of SixOy material, or a composite temperature compensation layer formed by stacking material with a positive temperature coefficient of sound velocity and material with a negative temperature coefficient of sound velocity; and the temperature compensation layer is configured to: perform reverse compensation for a temperature frequency shift caused by the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer and the second electrode in the piezoelectric acoustic resonator; wherein x:y is not equal to 1:2. |
| US09991866B2 |
Common mode filter, signal passing module and method of manufacturing common mode filter
Disclosed herein is a common mode filter including: at least four coil layers, each layer having a primary coil and a secondary coil; and discontinuous parts made of an insulating material each extending between starting points of each of the primary coil and the secondary coil positioned on the lowest layer among the coil layers to ending points of each of the primary coil and the secondary coil positioned on the highest layer among the coil layers. The primary coils are connected in series from the lowest layer to the highest layer, and the secondary coils are connected in series from the lowest layer to the highest layer. The common mode filter is able to be miniaturized and has improved impedance characteristics. |
| US09991864B2 |
Superconducting logic compatible phase shifter
A phase shifter, including two superconducting circuits, is provided. Each of the superconducting circuits includes at least one capacitor coupled in parallel to at least a Josephson junction and at least one inductor, where a respective inductance of each of the Josephson junctions (e.g., a first Josephson junction and a second Josephson junction) is a function of at least a current flow through each of the respective inductors. An effect of any or both of: (1) at least the inductance of the at least the first Josephson junction and (2) at least the inductance of the at least the second Josephson junction causes a phase change of a radio frequency signal received at a first terminal of the phase shifter to generate a phase-shifted radio frequency signal at a second terminal of the phase shifter. |
| US09991859B2 |
Power amplification module
Provided is a power amplification module that supports a plurality of communication systems. The power amplification module includes: two power amplifiers that can be selectively connected in parallel with each other; a switch that, in accordance with one communication system selected from among the plurality of communication systems, selects one power amplifier that is to operate by itself from among the two power amplifiers or selects the two power amplifiers and connects the two power amplifiers in parallel with each other; and a phase correction circuit that, when the two power amplifiers are both selected, corrects a phase difference by being selectively connected between the outputs of the two selected power amplifiers such that a phase difference is not generated between the output signals of the two selected power amplifiers. |
| US09991858B2 |
Receiver resilient to noise input
A receiver includes a signal receiving part suitable for outputting a signal corresponding to a reception signal that is received through an input terminal, and controlling a DC voltage of a signal to be outputted, according to an offset signal, an amplifying part suitable for amplifying and outputting an output of the signal receiving part, and a feedback control part suitable for controlling the offset signal according to an output of the amplifying part. |
| US09991857B2 |
Matching network for broadband power amplifier
Matching network for broadband power amplifier. In some embodiments, a power amplifier can include an amplifying transistor having an input and an output, and a matching circuit coupled to the output of the amplifying transistor. The matching circuit can include a first capacitance, an inductance, and a second capacitance connected in series. The matching circuit can further include a third capacitance implemented in a shunt path from a node between the first capacitance and the inductance to a ground, and a fourth capacitance implemented in a shunt path from a node between the inductance and the second capacitance to the ground. |
| US09991854B1 |
Power amplifier output circuit arrangements with mutual coupling between inductors
Embodiments of an RF amplifier include a transistor with a control terminal and first and second current carrying terminals, and a shunt circuit coupled between the first current carrying terminal and a ground reference node. The shunt circuit includes a first shunt inductive element, a second shunt inductance, and a shunt capacitor coupled in series. Instead of a separate inductive element, the second shunt inductance may be achieved via magnetic coupling of the first shunt inductive element and an envelope inductive element of a video bandwidth circuit that is coupled between an RF cold point node (between the first and second shunt inductances) and the ground. Alternatively, an envelope inductance in the video bandwidth circuit may be achieved via magnetic coupling of first and second shunt inductive elements. A better RF cold point may be achieved without physically incorporating separate inductive elements, allowing for reduction in cost and size. |
| US09991852B2 |
System and method for close-down pop reduction
A close-down pop reduction system and a method for close-down pop reduction in an audio amplifier assembly are disclosed. The switching power conversion system comprises a forward path having a compensator and a switching power stage and a signal path from an output of a comparator in the switching power stage to a sequence control unit. The signal path includes a close-down timing circuit configured to provide a timing signal. The sequence control unit is configured to eliminate the input signal, increase the switch frequency of the close-down pop reduction system and disable the switching power stage at a moment in time within a PWM pulse of the switching power stage. Hereby, it is e.g. possible to minimize the audible pop during close-down of audio amplifier assemblies. |
| US09991850B2 |
Amplifier with base current reuse
An RF amplifier module that has a plurality of amplifiers wherein at least one of the amplifiers is powered via an envelope tracking module. The biasing input of at least one of the amplifiers is provided to the first amplifier to power the first amplifier to reduce power consumption. The first amplifier may also be powered via fixed biasing to provide greater stability of the module. |
| US09991841B2 |
Self-cleaning solar power system
A photovoltaic (PV) module cleaning system can include a robotic cleaning device and a support system. The support system can be configured to provide a metered fill to the robotic cleaning device. |
| US09991839B2 |
Motor controller
A maximum spectrum peak reduction unit sets a PWM count generated by a PWM duty ratio calculation unit for a specific current control period as PWM counts for respective PWM periods within the current control period, and changes the set PWM counts for the respective PWM periods within the current control period so that a frequency component having a frequency obtained by dividing a carrier frequency in half or less is included in a PWM signal waveform within the current control period without changing a total value of the PWM counts for the respective PWM periods. |