US09102356B2

In a vehicular structural body and a method of manufacturing a vehicle, a distance between a first fastening surface and a second fastening surface is adjusted with a fastener in order to adjust a distance between a first bonding surface and a second bonding surface, whereby the thickness of an adhesive layer of an adhesive, which is applied or is to be applied between the first bonding surface and the second bonding surface, is adjusted.
US09102350B2

A multi-function cart for storing and transporting emergency or other supplies. The multi-function cart comprises a shell and lid or two shells that can be secured together to form a transportable storage container. When separated, each shell is convertible into various configurations that can be used to sustain life during and after a disaster as well as to clean up and rebuild after a disaster has occurred. In this manner, the multi-function cart enables victims to quickly care for themselves, and encourages victims to immediately begin the clean-up and rebuilding process. The multi-function cart can also be used recreationally. Each shell is convertible into different configurations using various tubes. Hub brackets on opposing sides of the shell include adapters to which any of the tubes can be connected. The tubes can be connected to the adapters in an upward or a downward orientation to form different configurations.
US09102342B2

A sound system for a locomotive mounts a loudspeaker line array for broadside firing forward from the vehicle. Additional loudspeakers are installed on the locomotive for projecting sound to the sides. A control system applies drive signals to the loudspeakers of the line array with the control system providing phase adjustment of drive signals applied to each loudspeaker of the line array to control side to side directional steering of a projected sound beam. The control system includes an automated, location dependent sub-system for selecting beam width and directional steering of a projected sound beam.
US09102341B2

A method is provided for detecting broken rail, track continuity, and track occupancy ahead of or behind a railroad vehicle traveling in fixed-block territory equipped with an AC track code wayside signal system or cab signal overlay system, and a communications link. This method, when used as an integral part of a communications-based train control (CBTC) or positive train control (PTC) system, allows immediate, automatic detection of broken rail, track occupancies, or open turnouts ahead of or behind a train in an occupied block. It also facilitates true moving-block or virtual block CBTC or PTC, thereby enabling higher efficiency and track utilization.
US09102327B2

An engine and a motor are provided. The engine and the motor are connected to each other through a first clutch whose transmitted torque capacity is adjustable. The engine is started by applying the first clutch and cranking the engine with a driving effort of the motor. A first start mode and a second start mode are employed. The first start mode is a mode in which the engine is started from rest in response to driver's accelerator operation. The second start mode is a mode in which the engine is started from rest in response to a factor other than driver's accelerator operation. The transmitted torque capacity of the first clutch during cranking of the engine is set smaller when in the second start mode than when in the first start mode.
US09102322B2

A vehicle control apparatus configured to selectively establish one of a first drive state in which a vehicle drive force is generated primarily by a second motor/generator operated with an electric energy supplied from an electric-energy storage device while an engine is placed in a rest state, and a second drive state in which a first motor/generator is operated with a drive force of the engine, to generate an electric energy and in which the vehicle drive force is generated primarily by the second motor/generator operated with at least the electric energy generated by the first motor/generator. The vehicle control apparatus is further configured such that the vehicle drive force generated in the second drive state at a given value of an accelerator pedal operation amount θacc is larger than that generated in the first drive state.
US09102318B2

A method for a hybrid vehicle includes outputting from an engine at least an elevated engine power while a driver demand power is greater than the elevated engine power. The method further includes outputting just the elevated engine power from the engine while the driver demand power is less than the elevated engine power and transferring from the engine to a traction battery an extra engine power between the elevated engine power and the driver demand power.
US09102315B2

A vehicle includes an engine and transmission assembly, the latter having a stationary member, a plurality of gear sets, an input member, a friction clutch, a binary clutch assembly, and a transmission control module (TCM). The binary clutch assembly includes a freewheeling element and a binary device such as a selectable one way clutch or dog clutch. The TCM selectively delays a release of the binary clutch assembly via a binary clutch indicator method by detecting a requested shift of the transmission requiring an engagement of the friction clutch, and commanding the release of the binary clutch assembly. The TCM determines an amount of slip across the binary clutch assembly and executes the requested shift of the transmission only when the determined amount of slip exceeds a calibrated slip threshold. Slip may be measured or calculated.
US09102303B2

A gas generator includes: a pressurized gas chamber formed by a cylindrical pressurized gas chamber housing filled with a pressurized gas; a combustion chamber connected to a first end portion of the pressurized gas chamber and including an ignition device and a gas generating agent therein, a diffuser portion connected to a second end portion of the pressurized gas chamber and provided with a gas discharge port; a first rupturable plate blocking a first communication passage between the pressurized gas chamber and the combustion chamber; a second rupturable plate blocking a second communication passage between the pressurized gas chamber and the diffuser portion; and a filter disposed and positioned in the pressurized gas chamber to cover the second rupturable plate, allowing, during actuation, the combustion gas from the combustion chamber and the pressurized gas to pass therethrough and be discharged therefrom in response to rupturing the second rupturable plate.
US09102300B2

An exemplary vehicle occupant restraint system may include a side airbag attached to a side portion of a vehicle seat. The system may further include a rear airbag attached to a rear portion of the vehicle seat. The system can also have a single inflator connected to the side airbag and the rear airbag, such that the inflator is configured to cushion a first occupant and a second occupant during a crash event with the side airbag and the rear airbag, respectively.
US09102288B2

An impact beam (40) comprises a polymer matrix and a reinforcing structure, the structure comprises a number of metal reinforcing cords (22) and non-metal elongated binding elements (26) or non-metal coated elongated binding elements arranged between the cords for holding the metal reinforcing cords together. Each of the metal cords has a metallic cross-sectional area Ametal, and the ratio of the metallic area Ametal to the area of the circumscribed circle (TTdcord2/4) is at least 0.60. The metal cords further have a non chemically binding with the matrix, and non-metal elongated binding elements or non-metal coated elongated binding elements have a chemical bond with said polymer matrix. By not having a mechanical interlocking and a non chemically binding with the matrix, the whole metal cord is stressed and not a local point while in the latter case the metal cord would locally break due to the very high impact forces. Therefore, the structural integrity of the impact beam as subject of the invention can be improved significantly during and after impact.
US09102286B1

A workbench assembly that may be reversibly mounted to a trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle with a stabilizer assembly that is also reversibly mounted to the trailer hitch receiver that functions to hold workbench assembly stable and free from motion relative to the trailer hitch receiver. Workbench assembly is collapsible or foldable so that it may be collapsed and folded tightly against the back of the vehicle during vehicle travel and unfolded or extended backwards from the vehicle during use of the workbench. Workbench may have rounded edges for clamping thereto by special clamps. Workbench may have one or more locking groove in its surfaces for locking or clamping thereto by special clamps. When not in use, workbench assembly may stored or mounted on the shop wall by detaching it from the trailer hitch receiver on the vehicle and remounting to a special wall mount assembly attached to the wall.
US09102284B2

An electrical junction box 1 includes: a metallic substrate 24; a relay 25 mounted on a surface of the metallic substrate 24, and arranged lower than the metallic substrate 24; an upper cover 4 covering the metallic substrate 24, and arranged upper than the metallic substrate 24; a hole 17 opening on a surface of a ceiling wall 7 arranged parallel to the metallic substrate 24 of the upper cover 4; and a heat introducing tube 18 continued to an inner edge of the hole 17, and penetrating the metallic substrate 24.
US09102269B2

A field of view matching video display system may comprise a tracking device, a rear-facing camera, a processing device, and a display. The tracking device is configured to capture a first video image in a predefined area in the vehicle and provide a first video image signal. The rear-facing camera is configured to capture a second video image and provide a second video image signal. The processing device is configured to analyze the first video image obtained via the first video image signal to determine a head position of the driver, determine a first field of view for the driver based on the head position of the driver, generate a third video image that substantially corresponds with at least a portion of the first field of view of the driver, and provide a third video image signal. The display is configured to show the third video image.
US09102268B2

A reel type cold light warning triangle includes a base, two support members, a cold light reel assembly, an elastic return assembly, two support units, a pulling member, a power system and a control assembly. The cold light warning piece can be pulled out or rolled up automatically simply by pulling or pushing the pulling member without using any assembling or disassembling tools, which is very convenient. Furthermore, the base provides stable support for the reel type cold light warning triangle. On top of that, the warning triangle is provided with the power system which can generate enough power to satisfy the power consumption of the cold light warning triangle, and the vehicle-electric-appliance plug can supply power from vehicle to the cold light warning triangle if the power system cannot generate enough power.
US09102265B2

In a method for debouncing light-characteristic changes (e.g., streetlights, headlights of other vehicles), which are ascertained from image data of a camera for a vehicle, light-characteristic changes are identified in a continuous image sequence and a distance in time is determined between the light-characteristic changes. A spatial distance between the light-characteristic changes is determined with reference to the speed of the vehicle and from the distance in time between the light-characteristic changes. The debouncing is based on the spatial distance.
US09102255B2

A headrest assembly for an aircraft seat includes a headrest frame having a body portion, a top member interconnected with the headrest frame, a spring clip member interconnected with the top member, a bracket member with a locking rivet, and a headrest tube having a longitudinal slot. The top member includes a plurality of elongated slots and the bracket member is coupled to the headrest frame. The headrest tube is configured to receive the locking rivet in the longitudinal slot in a locked position and thereby lock the headrest tube to the headrest frame.
US09102254B2

The invention relates to a head restraint for a vehicle seat having a head restraint body and at least one support element, wherein a covering is provided at least in sections on the outside of the head restraint body, which forms a surface of the head restraint. According to the invention, the cover is formed from at least one front section and one rear section which can be coupled to each other in a balloon or bag-like manner by means of at least one connecting seam, wherein a profile element is incorporated in the at least one connecting seam at least in sections in a force-fit and/or form-fit manner, forming a recess, protrusion and/or edge on the surface of the head restraint. The invention further relates to a method for producing a head restraint.
US09102242B2

The power switches of an inverter are mechanically integrated with an electric motor of a vehicle and are mounted on the end plate of the motor and employ short connections between the motor a-c terminals and the inverter a-c output terminals. Bond wireless modules are employed. The electronic controls for the inverter are mounted on a main control board which is positioned remotely from the inverter and is not subject to the heat and EMI produced by the inverter.
US09102239B2

Provided are a train speed measuring device and method. The train speed measuring device includes: at least one first tachometer disposed at an axle of a trailer car and for outputting a pulse signal according to a wheel revolution of the trailer car; at least one second tachometer disposed at an axle of a motor car and for outputting a pulse signal according to a wheel revolution of the motor car; at least one speed measuring unit for measuring speed values on the basis of pulse signals outputted from the at least one first tachometer and the at least one second tachometer; and a speed calculating unit for calculating the speed of the train on the basis of the measured speed values.
US09102228B2

A fuel-filling aperture open-closing device is provided in one end of a filler pipe communicating with a fuel tank. The open-closing device includes a tube member internally forming a pathway, and connected to one end of the filler pipe; a first valve device provided inside the pathway, and opening a valve by being pressed by a fuel-filling nozzle inserted from an outer end side of the pathway; and a second valve device provided on an outer end side more than the first valve device inside the pathway, and opening a valve by being pressed by the fuel-filling nozzle inserted from the outer end side of the pathway so as to allow the fuel-filling nozzle to pass through. The first valve device opens by a load smaller than that of the second valve device.
US09102224B2

A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle may include a first input shaft that may be connected with a first clutch and receives power from an engine, a second input shaft that may be connected with a second clutch and receives the power from the engine, an output shaft that may be aligned in parallel with the second input shaft and has a motor-driven gear of which a rotational force may be restricted, and a motor that has a motor-driving gear at an end of a motor shaft to be tooth-engaged with the motor-driven gear.
US09102221B1

A support assembly is for an electric motor in an operative position within a vehicle. The electric motor has a rotatable central shaft. A primary bracket has a vertically oriented first section coupled to the electric motor, a vertically oriented second section rearwardly of and at an elevation above the first section, and a third section joining the first and second sections. The second section of the primary bracket is adapted to support vehicle components including an alternator, an air conditioning compressor, and a power steering pump. The second section of the primary bracket is adapted to support a motion imparting assembly for driving the vehicle components. The motion imparting assembly includes a drive pulley secured to and rotatable with the central shaft of the electric motor and includes driven pulleys on each of the vehicle components.
US09102220B2

Arrangement for a vehicle including a sensor system arranged on the vehicle for sensing an event requiring an emergency response, a location determining device for determining the location of the vehicle, a communication device arranged on the vehicle for automatically communicating to a remote location when an event has occurred that the event has occurred and providing the remote location with the determined location of the vehicle, and a power source for providing power for the sensor system, the location determining device and the communication device. The communication device communicates to the remote location upon occurrence of the event. The location determining device may be arranged partially or entirely on the vehicle or elsewhere. The remote location may be an emergency response center which can direct aid to the vehicle's location.
US09102218B2

The frontal crash load is transmitted from a front pillar to a center pillar in a reliable manner so that a bending moment caused by the frontal crash load is favorably supported, and the deformation of the door is avoided. A beam member attached to an inner panel includes a S shaped cross section member. An upper channel section of the S shaped cross section member extends along the lower edge of a window opening, and a lower channel section extends adjacent to and in parallel to the lower edge of a window opening in a rear part of the door and is offset toward a lower part of the vehicle body in a rear part of the door, with a front end being located at a same elevation as an upper door hinge.
US09102204B1

A mortar mount adapter is configured to fit in a towing hitch system mounted on a land vehicle. The towing hitch system absorbs and disperses recoil force from the mortar. The adapter is disposed in one of a trailer hitch receiver, a gooseneck hitch socket, and a fifth wheel hitch. The adapter includes a socket for the ball of a mortar tube and a shank extending from the socket wherein the socket and the shank are symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of the adapter.
US09102203B2

A pneumatic tire provided with a tread pattern, wherein a tread half which is one half of the tread pattern on each side of the tire equator is made up of repeat design units arranged circumferentially of the tire. The repeat design units have at least two different circumferential pitch lengths, and the repeat design units are each provided with at least one stud hole.
US09102196B2

A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an inner-side seal with an annular slinger and a sealing plate. The slinger has a cylindrical portion and a standing portion. The sealing plate has a metal core and a sealing member. The metal core is press-fit into the inner circumference of an end of the outer member. The sealing member has a pair of side lips that angularly extend radially outward. The sealing member is adapted to be in sliding contact with the standing portion of the slinger, via a predetermined axial interface. The sealing member is secured to the metal core while extending over the outer circumference of an end of the metal core. The sealing member is formed with an outer circumferential lip extending radially outward from its circumferential end. The lip has a substantially L-shaped longitudinal section and is adapted to be fit in a gap between the inner-side end of the outer member and a flange portion of the knuckle.
US09102195B2

In a printed article, pigment flakes are magnetically aligned so as to form curved patterns in a plurality of cross-sections normal a continuous imaginary line, wherein radii of the curved patterns increase along the imaginary line from the first point to the second point. When light is incident upon the aligned pigment flakes from a light source, light reflected from the aligned pattern forms a bright image which appears to gradually change its shape and move from one side of the continuous imaginary line to another side of the continuous imaginary line when the substrate is tilted with respect to the light source.
US09102193B1

A slightly tapered annular ring is frictionally retained securely inside a pail. The ring may either have a conically tapered (currently amended) concave outer side (original) or may alternatively have two separate regions of larger outside diameter separated vertically from each other by a smaller outside diameter region. Rods protrude radially toward the center of the annular ring, and are used operatively to hang paint brushes. A strainer is formed by perforations in the top surface of the ring to allow paint to be poured while separating any hardened or thickened paint or other large particles. A brush comb and various tool holders may additionally be formed in the ring. In a further embodiment, the rods extend at a slight upward angle to the top of the pail, and a cover for the pail interacts with the rods to secure brushes and other utensils onto the rods when the cover is in place.
US09102187B1

A ring binder mechanism that includes a housing, first and second hinge boards positioned in the housing that cooperate to define a slot having a closing edge and an opening edge. The hinge boards are pivotable between open and closed positions. A plurality of pairs of semi-rings include first and second ring members mounted on the first and second hinge boards, respectively. A travel bar is positioned below the hinge boards and moveable with respect to the housing and the hinge boards between an open position and a closed position. The travel bar includes at least one top bar extending from a top surface thereof that includes inclined opening and closing surfaces. The top bar extends through the slot in the hinge boards and is biased toward the open position. The inclined opening surface of the top bar contacts the opening edge of the slot to pivot the first and second hinge boards to the open position.
US09102185B2

A sheet processing apparatus includes: a stacking unit that stacks conveyed sheets; an aligning unit that aligns the sheets stacked on the stacking unit in a sheet conveying direction; a binding unit that moves along an end portion of a bundle of the sheets on a binding portion side and performs a binding process for the bundle of the sheets that have been aligned by the aligning unit; a pressing unit that presses the bundle of the sheets at the end portion thereof on the binding portion side; and an interlocking unit that moves the pressing unit in association with a motion of the binding unit.
US09102182B2

A contact printing system for printing X colors upon a web substrate is disclosed. The contact printing system comprises X-Y printing components where X and Y are whole numbers, 01. Each of the printing components comprises a gravure cylinder having a plurality of discrete gravure cells disposed within a surface thereof. A first portion of a fluid is displaceable into a first portion of discrete gravure cells from at least one channel extending from a position external to the gravure cylinder. A second portion of the fluid is displaceable into a second portion of the plurality of discrete gravure cells from the at last one channel. The gravure roll, including at least one channel and the plurality of discrete cells, is formed such that the gravure roll has a unibody construction and there are no moving parts interior to the gravure roll.
US09102173B2

A print processing apparatus processes a print job that includes print data corresponding to a plurality of pages and first paper information relating to papers used in printing of the print data. The microprocessor unit sets second paper information relating to a paper stacking order of a paper stack including a plurality of types of papers placed in a mixed state in one paper feeding tray. Then, the microprocessor unit compares the first paper information with the second paper information. The microprocessor unit controls the printer based on an obtained comparison result so that the print data can be printed on a target paper on which the print data should be printed, and controls the printer based on the obtained comparison result so that any surplus paper other than papers that are necessary and sufficient can be separated from papers on which the print data has been printed.
US09102166B2

An inkjet printer including a body, a carriage, a recording head, a bendable connecting member, a memory device, and a controller is provided. The controller is configured to execute operations including a deviated amount setting operation and a discharging timing controlling operation. The deviated amount setting operation includes a first recording step, in which a first image is recorded after the carriage is placed at rest for a length being shorter than or equal to a first period; a second recording step, in which a second image is recorded after the carriage is placed at rest for a second period being longer than the first period, and a deviated amount setting step, in which the controller obtains a distance between the first image and the second image and stores the obtained distance in the memory device as a deviated amount.
US09102164B2

A data processing apparatus determines a color range based on a dot counting value of a number of colors smaller than a number of colors subjected to thinning processing. Thus, even if the number of ink colors subjected to the thinning processing is great, a processing load of the determination of the color range can be reduced.
US09102163B2

A maintenance method of a droplet ejection apparatus is provided, which droplet ejection apparatus includes: a droplet ejection head including a plurality of head modules, each head module being configured to be replaced independently; and a liquid circulation and supply unit configured to circulate and supply liquid to be ejected from each head module, to each head module. The maintenance method includes circulating and supplying the liquid to the head modules other than the head module that is a replacement target, when replacing the head module.
US09102161B2

Systems, methods and structures for remanufacturing inkjet printer cartridges and inkjet printer print heads by removing the print head and adhesive holding the print head to a used inkjet printer cartridge, preparing the cartridge housing for a new print head by routing out the used print head and used adhesive to create a new mounting surface for new adhesive and a new print head, placing the adhesive and new print head on the new mounting surface, curing the adhesive and assembling a re-manufactured cartridge from the cartridge housing having a new print head positioned thereon.
US09102153B2

A process for producing a substrate for a liquid ejection head, including a step of forming a liquid supply port passing through a silicon substrate by dry etching, the step being a step of sequentially repeating the steps of (1) forming an etching protection film on the silicon substrate, (2) removing a bottom portion of the etching protection film, and (3) etching the silicon substrate, wherein a sheath formed in the step (2) is thicker than a sheath formed in the step (3).
US09102152B2

A removable printhead assembly for a single-pass inkjet printer, the printhead assembly including: a body adapted for user removal and insertion in the printer; an elongate ink manifold assembly mounted in the body, the ink manifold assembly having a plurality of longitudinally extending ink channels, a plurality of outlets defined in a mounting surface; and a plurality of ink conduits connecting each ink channel to a corresponding set of outlets; a plurality of printhead chips mounted on the mounting surface; a plurality of pressure regulator assemblies for delivering ink to the printhead chips at a negative pressure; a plurality of electrical connectors; and a plurality of ink ports.
US09102151B2

A liquid ejection head including a substrate having an ejection-energy-generating element for generating energy for ejecting a liquid; an orifice plate including at least an ejection-orifice-forming wall that constitutes an ejection orifice for ejecting the liquid and an upper wall of a liquid chamber communicating with the ejection orifice, and a liquid chamber side wall that constitutes a side wall of the liquid chamber. The orifice plate is formed of an inorganic material. The liquid ejection head includes a plurality of liquid chambers; and an elastic member filled into a depressed portion formed between the liquid chamber side wall of one liquid chamber of the liquid chambers adjacent to each other and the liquid chamber side wall of the other liquid chamber. The upper end of the elastic member is arranged in a position higher than an upper face of the ejection-orifice-forming wall.
US09102149B2

A liquid ejection head is provided with a recording element substrate having a plurality of ejection orifices for ejecting a liquid, the plurality of ejection orifices being arranged to form a row of the ejection orifices. In at least some of the plurality of the ejection orifices, each having one side and another side, the area of an inner wall of the ejection orifices is set to be larger on the other side than on the one side, the one side and the other side being defined by a plane which passes through the center of the ejection orifice, intersects with the row of the ejection orifices at right angles and extends along the direction of the depth of the ejection orifice.
US09102146B2

A printhead substrate, comprising a plurality of printing elements which are assigned to a plurality of groups, a plurality of driving circuits which are arranged in correspondence with the respective groups and drive the printing elements, a first current source configured to generate currents of a plurality of current amounts corresponding to the respective groups, second current sources which are arranged in correspondence with the respective driving circuits and configured to generate currents to be supplied to the printing elements, and setting units configured to generate voltages in accordance with currents generated by the first current source and set currents to be generated by the second current sources based on the voltages.
US09102133B2

A contact printing system is disclosed. A gravure cylinder having a plurality of discrete cells disposed upon an outer surface thereof. A first portion of a first fluid and a second portion of a second fluid are disposed from a respective channel disposed internal to the gravure cylinder. The gravure cylinder, including the first and second at least one channels and the plurality of discrete cells, is formed so that the gravure cylinder has a unibody construction and has no moving parts interior to the gravure cylinder.
US09102132B2

A pant type absorbent article having a core region includes an absorbent core and a chassis region surrounding the core region. The article in at least a part of the chassis region includes a coversheet in the form of an elastic laminate constituting the sole component of the chassis in at least 20% of the total surface area of the article. The elastic laminate has a tensile strength of at least 15 N/25 mm both in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the article and a tensile strength in the transverse direction of the article which is no more than 2.5 times and preferably no more than 2 times higher than the tensile strength in the longitudinal direction of the article. The force required to extend the elastic laminate 10% in the longitudinal direction of the article is no more than 5 N/25 mm.
US09102131B2

A textured film, a process for manufacture of the textured film, and a light management stack, a backlight, and a display using the textured film are described. Generally, the surface texture of a polymeric film, such as a polymeric optical film, is controlled by incorporation of a fracturable coating that fractures upon stretching the film.
US09102128B2

Multilayer films comprising three or more layers have improved properties for a variety of applications. The multilayer films often have a total thickness of from about 10 to about 50 microns. Blown multilayer film properties may include excellent cling with reduced unwinding noise levels. Cast multilayer film properties include improved elasticity, impact, puncture, and tear properties.
US09102117B2

A sheet processing apparatus includes: a first pair of conveying members that convey a sheet; a second pair of conveying members that receive the sheet conveyed by the first pair of the conveying members and further conveys the sheet to a subsequent stage; and a third pair of conveying members that fold the sheet by rotating the second pair of the conveying members in a reverse direction while the sheet is held by the first pair of the conveying members and the second pair of the conveying members. One of the conveying members of the second pair serves as one of the conveying members of the third pair.
US09102114B1

A method for manufacturing a ceramic body having a honeycomb structure includes bringing titania particles and alumina particles into contact with each other such that the titania particles and the alumina particles are adhered to each other and form a precursor including particles having the titania particles and the alumina particles, combining the precursor with a binder material such that a raw material paste including the precursor and the binder material is prepared, forming a body including the raw material and having a honeycomb structure, and sintering the body having the honeycomb structure such that a ceramic body having the honeycomb structure is formed.
US09102110B2

Methods and apparatus for separating mold sections, removing a lens product from the separated mold sections, and transferring the lens product to a processing tray are provided and include contacting assembled mold sections with a warm fluid to break fused portions between the mold sections, and using one or more wedge shaped elements to pry apart and separate the mold sections, one from the other. A vacuum head having multiple vacuum ports is employed for lifting the newly molded lens product from a mold section and for releasing the lens from the vacuum head into a processing tray. A cylinder of flowing air directed around the circumference of the lens is effective to maintain the lens in an unfolded position as the lens is being released into the processing tray. A tray set including multiple trays holding multiple lenses is provided and includes features for enabling visual and/or mechanical distinction of the trays and lenses held thereby.
US09102106B2

In the method of making a sealed junction between elongate aircraft parts that extend locally in main directions that are not mutually parallel, the following steps are performed: assembling a plurality of portions of a mold on the parts; and injecting a sealing material into the mold.
US09102102B2

A structure comprising a plurality of plies of fiber-reinforced composite material, each ply having a ply orientation defined by a principal stiffness direction of the ply. The structure has a first region and a second region, each region comprising N1 primary plies, N4 cross plies with a ply orientation substantially perpendicular to the primary plies, N2 positive-angled bias plies with a ply orientation at a positive acute angle to the primary plies, and N3 negative-angled bias plies with a ply orientation substantially perpendicular to the positive-angled bias plies. The ply orientation of the primary plies in each region is more closely aligned with a primary axis of the structure than the cross plies or the bias plies. N1=N4 in the first region but not in the second N region, and N2=N3 in the second region but not in the first region. In each of the two regions, one ply set is balanced and the other ply set is un-balanced. This provides a compromise between the advantages of using un-balanced ply sets, for instance to provide bending torsion coupling, and the disadvantage that un-balanced ply sets can introduce thermally induced distortion during manufacture.
US09102097B2

A stopper and container body are molded in the same molding machine. An assembly device, such as a pick and place robot, transfers the stopper from one mold cavity into the opening in the container body located within another mold cavity, or vice versa, to assemble the stopper and container body. Then, the assembled container body and stopper are removed from the molding machine and transported to a needle filling and laser resealing station for filling and laser resealing. A laminar flow source directs a substantially laminar flow of air or sterile gas over the mold surfaces, stoppers and container bodies, and assembly device, to prevent contamination during assembly.
US09102096B2

A design transfer device comprising an elastic planar wall and an elastic cutting blade unitary with the elastic planar wall and extending directly from the elastic planar wall. A method of using the design transfer device is also disclosed herein. The method comprises rolling a moldable material into a sheet; placing the rolled sheet of moldable material about the design transfer device; pressing the rolled sheet of moldable material against the cutting edge thereby cutting out a portion of the rolled sheet of moldable material; removing cut moldable material from an exterior perimeter of the cutting edge; holding at least a portion of the cut moldable material disposed within an interior perimeter of the cutting edge; stretching, bending, or flexing the design transfer device and thereby loosening a portion of the cut and held moldable material; and transferring at least a portion of the held moldable material directly from the design transfer device onto a surface configured to receive the cut moldable material.
US09102089B2

A controller (501) is described herein that includes instructions (512) that are embodied in a controller-usable memory (510) of the controller (501), the instructions (512) for directing the controller (501) to execute a process (1000) of injection molding a first molded article (102A) using an injection mold (100, 200, 300, 800, 900). The process includes, amongst other things, a step of arranging (1008) a first stack portion (110) to eject the first molded article (102A) therefrom with holding a position of a stripper sleeve (116) of the first stack portion (110), along the mold-stroke axis (X), while retracting a mold core (111) of the first stack portion (110) along the mold-stroke axis (X), wherein the retraction of the mold core (111) causes a retraction thereof from the first molded article (102) in cooperation with the stripper sleeve (116) contacting the first molded article (102).
US09102080B2

The present invention generally relates to a method for manufacturing phase change material (PCM) pellets. The method includes providing a melt composition including paraffin and a polymer. The paraffin has a melt point between about 10° C. and about 50° C., and more preferably between about 18° C. and about 28° C. In one embodiment, the melt composition includes various additives, such as a flame retardant. The method further includes forming the melt composition into PCM pellets. The method further may include the step of cooling the melt to increase the melt viscosity before pelletizing.
US09102079B2

The invention relates to equipment and related methods for producing concrete blocks. The equipment and methods described herein utilize splitting assemblies having larger projections and/or smaller projections or peaks disposed on at least one side of a splitting line and which engage the workpiece as it is split into at least two pieces.
US09102075B2

A debarking chain having passing links; the passing links being substantially rounded in order to permit the passing links to pass through adjacent links such that the orientation of the passing link relative to its adjacent links can change at random in order to randomly distribute the wear and stress from any impact of adjacent or next to adjacent links on the passing links so that the overall wear life of the present debarking chain is extended over similar chain with elongated, oblong links of the prior art. The invention also includes a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least one, preferably a plurality of passing links, as well as a debarking device having such a debarking drum. The debarking device preferably includes a chipping device and a method of using the same.
US09102074B2

A new log support and clamp system (log rest) for a portable sawmill, having a log rest and a log dog. The log rest features a rack and pinion for adjusting a vertical position of the log rest using an actuation mechanism located on the operator's side of the portable sawmill, which improves the ability of the user to affix the log in place for sawing. Also, a portable sawmill having such a log rest.
US09102072B2

The invention relates to a cutting blade that can be rotationally driven in which a stabilization area provided in the form of at least one bulge is provided between a central fixing area and an edge area whose outer periphery is provided in the form of a cutting edge.
US09102066B2

A robotic shoe includes a robot sole, a plurality of optical sensors, and projections. The robot sole has an underside capable of contacting the ground when in use. Mounting spaces are longitudinally spaced in the sole. The optical sensors are disposed in respective ones of the mounting spaces. The projections protrude from the underside of the sole, and are capable of contacting the ground at positions corresponding to the mounting spaces.
US09102065B2

An industrial robot has a robot arm with a linkage and an arm extension that is pivotable at the linkage. The arm extension has an arm enclosure that is pivotable at the linkage. The arm extension has a primary hand enclosure that can rotate, means of a first actuator that has a first drive shaft, at the arm enclosure around an arm axle extending in the longitudinal dimension of the arm extension. The arm extension has a first hand element that is adjustable around a first hand axle relative to the primary hand enclosure by means of a second actuator that has a second drive shaft, and a second hand element that is adjustable around a second hand axle relative to the first-hand element by means of a third actuator that has a third drive shaft. The first, second and third actuators are arranged in the primary hand enclosure with their respective drive shafts extending essentially parallel to and at a distance from the arm axle.
US09102063B2

A robot apparatus includes a robot main body, a distance determining section, an order determining section, and an operation controlling section. The robot main body transfers a plurality of to-be-processed objects in order so as to subject every predetermined number of the to-be-processed objects to processing, and includes a robot arm and a robot hand. The distance determining section determines an entire transfer distance of each of the to-be-processed objects. The order determining section determines a transfer order of the to-be-processed objects based on a determination result of the distance determining section so that every predetermined number of the to-be-processed objects has uniform transfer time. The operation controlling section controls operations of the robot arm and the robot hand so as to transfer the to-be-processed objects in accordance with the transfer order determined by the order determining section.
US09102053B2

The state of an area where one or more target objects are arranged is determined based on the result of measurement by a first sensor. A robot is controlled to grip one of the target objects by the grip unit of the robot. The gripping state of the gripping target object gripped by the grip unit is determined from the result of measuring the gripping target object by using a second sensor. When it is determined that gripping has failed, a rearrangement area where the gripping target object is to be rearranged is decided using the result of measurement by the first sensor or that of measurement by the second sensor. The robot is controlled to rearrange the gripping target object in the rearrangement area by the grip unit.
US09102049B1

A stiffened handle assembly for a cleaning device such as a broom with an internal weight whose position is adjustable by the user to change the center of gravity of the cleaning device for ease of use. As an option, the handle assembly may be attached to a broom head, mop head, or other cleaning device, or a coating application device such as a paint roller, floor wax applicator.
US09102047B2

An adjustable length adapter incorporates a driving motor on the inside and is coupled with a rotation tool at one side, wherein a rotation shaft protrudes from the rotation tool and rotates when the driving motor is driven. The adapter includes a coupling member formed with a through-hole at one side to be penetrated by the rotation shaft, wherein the rotation tool is coupled at one side of the rotation tool, a main body having a supporting member formed at the other side of the coupling member, a varying section having one side coupled with the supporting member and withdrawable therefrom, and the other side is formed with a rotation shaft to be coupled with an exchangeable working member, a driving pulley disposed on top of the main body and coupled with the rotation shaft, a driven pulley coupled with the rotation shaft of the varying section, and a belt coupled between the driving pulley and the driven pulley for rotating the driven pulley when the rotation shaft protruded from the rotation tool rotates. The main body of the adapter coupled at a side of the rotation tool is coupled with a varying section, which is coupled with a working member such as a cutting blade or the like, in such a manner that the length of the varying section is adjustable so that the length is adjusted according to the state of an object, thereby enabling easy machining of the object.
US09102044B2

The machine tool according to the with a pneumatic hammer mechanism comprises a motorized exciter, a guiding tube, and a piston-shaped beater. The piston-shaped beater is guided by an interior surface of the guiding tube along an operating axis and with the exciter encloses an air spring in a guiding tube. The beater shows a cup-shaped basic body with an open hollow space facing the exciter and an inset filling the hollow space. The basic body is made from a first material with a first density and the insert is made from a material with a second density, which is lower than the first density.
US09102042B1

An 18 wheeler S-cam brake shoe tool system is a hand tool about 19½ inches in length having a U-shaped fork on one end and an S-offset on the other end. The length of the bar provides a user sufficient leverage as the bar is used to pry against a fulcrum point. The fork at the distal end of the tool and the S-offset at the proximate end are both integral with the bar. The U-shaped fork is used for positively gripping a brake spring while using the rod to pry against a fulcrum point to stretch the spring. The S-offset has a cylindrical end about ½ inch in diameter which inserts into an orifice on the frame of a brake shoe to positively grip the shoe, while using the rod to pry against the stationary S-cam to reposition the joined first and second brake shoes during removal or reinstallation.
US09102040B2

The present invention provides process for the manufacture of an aqueous resin composition comprising a phenolic formaldehyde (PF) resin, which process comprises the steps of providing a formaldehyde and phenolic compound, reacting the compounds in a condensation reaction in the presence of a catalyst, after completion of the condensation reaction to react with free formaldehyde, determining the free formaldehyde content of the resin composition, adding a pre-calculated substantially stoichiometric amount of modifying compound containing a primary amine group to reduce the amount of free formaldehyde in the resin composition to less than 0.1 wt % (relative to the total weight of the aqueous resin composition), and optionally distillation of the reaction product.
US09102037B2

The invention relates to molten grains having the following chemical composition in wt % in terms of oxides: Al2O3: balance to 100%; ZrO2+HfO2: 16-24%; MgO in an amount such that the weight ratio (ZrO2+HfO2)/MgO is between 25 and 65; other species: 0-2%. The grains can be used as abrasive grains.
US09102027B2

A machine tool which processes a machine target object using a main shaft which revolves, the machine tool includes a support portion which supports the main shaft; a first driving unit which revolves the main shaft about a first axis; a second driving part which feeds the main shaft from the support portion in a direction of the first axis; a control part which changes an upper limit value of a revolution speed of the main shaft according to a feeding length of the main shaft fed from the support portion; and a memory unit which associates and stores the upper limit value of the revolution speed and the feeding length.
US09102020B2

A manufacturing method of thin heat pipe includes steps of: providing a hollow tubular body and a mesh capillary structure; placing the mesh capillary structure into the tubular body; providing a tool and placing the tool into the mesh capillary structure; sintering the tubular body to make the mesh capillary structure sintered on an inner wall face of the tubular body and then taking out the tool; vacuuming the tubular body and filling a working fluid into the tubular body; sealing the tubular body; and pressing and flattening the tubular body into a flat form by means of mechanical processing. According to the manufacturing method of thin heat pipe, the mesh capillary structure can fully tightly attach to the inner wall face of the tubular body to keep the completeness of the tubular body and the completeness of the vapor-liquid circulation passageways in the heat pipe.
US09102000B2

Embodiments of a welding wire feeder including a pushbutton wire guide holder are provided. The wire guide holder may allow for the insertion and removal of a welding wire guide by depression of a spring-biased pushbutton and hold the wire guide with force applied by a spring. The pushbutton is disposed in a body, and a stop placed in contact with the pushbutton may prevent the pushbutton from being forced out of the body by the spring force. Some embodiments are directed toward holding inlet wire guides or intermediate wire guides, and therefore include different configurations of the body, pushbutton, spring, and stop.
US09101999B2

A system and a method are provided for improved run-in control during a start of a welding process. A power circuit generates welding output power. A control circuit in communication with the power circuit controls the output power. The control circuit receives a selection of a wire feed speed setting representing a wire feed speed. The control circuit receives a selection of a run-in setting representing a run-in percentage of the wire feed speed. The control circuit determines an effective run-in percentage that is equal to the run-in percentage plus an extra percentage.
US09101990B2

Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a key duplication machine are described. In one embodiment, an assembly for duplicating a master key includes an optical imaging device, a logic, a clamping assembly, and a cutting member. The optical imaging device is capable of capturing an optical image of at least a portion of the master key. The logic is capable of determining a key pattern of the master key from the optical image of the master key. The clamping assembly is capable of clamping a key blank and the cutting member is capable of cutting a key pattern into said key blank.
US09101986B2

A tool holder for holding a cutting tool comprises a housing, a sleeve received in one end of the housing, a switch fastened in the other end of the housing, a cover fastened at an end of the housing adjacent to the sleeve to prevent the sleeve from being taken out of the housing, and an elastic member sleeved on the sleeve. The switch is electrically connected to a control system of a main spindle of a CNC turning machine and is applied for controlling the movement of the main spindle. The elastic member is compressed to elastically resist with the sleeve and generates an elastic force to make the sleeve move away from the switch, and the sleeve is slidably configured along the inner surface of the housing to contact the switch to stop the movement of the main spindle of the CNC turning machine.
US09101978B2

A powder metal compact is disclosed. The powder metal compact includes a substantially-continuous, cellular nanomatrix comprising a nanomatrix material. The compact also includes a plurality of dispersed particles comprising a particle core material that comprises Mg, Al, Zn or Mn, or a combination thereof, dispersed in the nanomatrix and a solid-state bond layer extending throughout the nanomatrix between the dispersed particles. The nanomatrix powder metal compacts are uniquely lightweight, high-strength materials that also provide uniquely selectable and controllable corrosion properties, including very rapid corrosion rates, useful for making a wide variety of degradable or disposable articles, including various downhole tools and components.
US09101975B2

A component casting apparatus includes a mold to receive a molten solid for casting a component. The mold includes a first sacrificial layer to define a housing of the component and a second sacrificial layer to form at least one core passage of the component in response to contact from the molten solid. The component casting apparatus further includes a trusset disposed against an outer surface of the second sacrificial layer and formed from metal to support the second sacrificial layer.
US09101971B2

The present invention relates to a tail trim assembly of an exhaust pipe for a vehicle of which shape is simplified to reduce the number of portions and process is changed to simplify processes so that manufacturing cost is reduced and productivity and quality are improved, and a method of manufacturing the tail trim. According to the present invention, a tail trim of an exhaust pipe for a vehicle includes a first tail trim portion of which one end is attached to an exhaust pipe at the rear portion of a vehicle, and a second tail trim portion that has an inner diameter increased in a streamlined shape toward the outside and is integrally formed with the other end of the first tail trim portion.
US09101969B2

A duct structure (50), includes lengths of square/rectangular duct (52) manufactured by performing spiral duct in round cross-section (51) and then transforming the round cross-section into square and rectangular cross-sections utilizing expandable die structures (58). The duct (52) may be connected together end to end by flanged connectors (54) formed from strip stock (220), that is notched at locations that correspond to the corners of the formed flange connector. The cross-sectional profile of the flanged connector is then formed by roll forming and/or bending and/or other techniques. Thereafter, the strip stock is bent at its notched locations to define the corners (230) of the flange connector (54) and then the free ends of the strip stock are fixed together.
US09101964B2

The invention generally relates to a novel method of sorting seed by providing a first seed population with a fluorescent indicator and a second seed population visually identical to the first seed population under standard operating conditions. The seed populations are combined to provide a combined seed population. A lamp having an output corresponding to the activation wavelength of the fluorescent indicator and a color sorting system are paired to count or separate the seed populations, as desired.
US09101963B2

A device for obtaining a material from a mixed fraction (including particles of a desired material and particles of another material with different optical properties) has a first sorting apparatus and at least two further sorting apparatuses below the first sorting apparatus. From the first sorting apparatus, a major fraction is introduced into a first further sorting apparatus and purified further there, while a minor fraction is passed into a second further sorting apparatus and processed further there.
US09101960B2

A method for sorting hard metal including the steps of subjecting one or more bodies of hard metal to a heat treatment at a temperature of 500° C. or higher in an atmosphere including at least one reactive gas component prone to form a reaction product with an element that may or may not be present in the one or more bodies. A sorting operation of the one or more bodies is performed based on a presence or absence of the reaction product in a surface portion of the heat treated one or more bodies.
US09101958B2

Provided is an electromechanical transducer which is capable of correcting or compensating a fluctuation in the transmission/reception characteristics of an elastic wave transmitting/receiving unit due to applied pressure. The electromechanical transducer (102) which transmits/receives elastic waves such as ultrasound includes the elastic wave transmitting/receiving unit (201) for transmitting/receiving elastic waves, a pressure detecting unit (203) for detecting pressure that is applied to the elastic wave transmitting/receiving unit, and a correcting unit (204). Based on pressure information which is detected by the pressure detecting unit, the correcting unit performs at least one of a correction of elastic wave transmitted/received signals relevant to the elastic wave transmitting/receiving unit and a correction of the transmission/reception characteristics of the elastic wave transmitting/receiving unit.
US09101957B2

With a substantially intermediate position as a starting point, a syringe is reciprocated in an X-axial direction with a given reciprocation range by a plurality of times, and a stringiness portion that hangs down from a paste discharge port toward a mask plate is cut off in an intermediate portion thereof. The syringe is traveled to the substantially intermediate position, and with this position as a starting point, the syringe is reciprocated with a reciprocation range smaller than the reciprocation range of the paste cutting operation, and a part of the residual paste hanging from the paste shakes off downward. The syringe is traveled in an end direction of a guide member side, the syringe is rotated about an axial line, and translated into a horizontal storage posture.
US09101956B2

Certain patternable reflective films are used as masks to make other patterned articles, and one or more initial masks can be used to pattern the patternable reflective films. An exemplary patternable reflective film has an absorption characteristic suitable to, upon exposure to a radiant beam, absorptively heat a portion of the film by an amount sufficient to change a first reflective characteristic to a different second reflective characteristic. The change from the first to the second reflective characteristic is attributable to a change in birefringence of one or more layers or materials of the patternable film. In a related article, a mask is attached to such a patternable reflective film. The mask may have opaque portions and light-transmissive portions. Further, the mask may have light-transmissive portions with structures such as focusing elements and/or prismatic elements.
US09101954B2

A processing chamber component and method for fabricating the same are provided. The processing chamber component is fabricated in the manner described herein and includes the creation of at least a macro texture on a surface of the chamber component. The macro texture is defined by a plurality of engineered features arranged in a predefined orientation on the surface of the chamber component. In some embodiments, the engineered features prevent formation of a line of sight surface defined between the features to enhance retention of films deposited on the chamber component.
US09101953B2

Coating apparatus including a spray to provide a coating, a controller to control the spray to vary a spraying width of the spray, and a first roller to receive the coating and to smear the coating on a substrate.
US09101947B2

An electrostatically atomizing device includes different types of thermoelectric elements and an emitter electrode being configured to cause the electrostatically atomization. The emitter electrode is provided with a mounting member which the different types of thermoelectric elements are mounted on. The mounting member is provided with the electrical conductive path between the different types of thermoelectric elements.
US09101936B2

The invention relates to a sealed oxygen reference fluid containing bag adapted for being pierced by an access probe for withdrawal of the oxygen reference fluid and including an access system comprising: a sealing element provided outside the bag and preventing any leakage between the bag and the access probe when the access probe has penetrated the bag, and a longitudinal support element provided inside the bag extending essentially parallel to an edge of the bag and being adapted to support the bag when the bag is penetrated by the access probe.
US09101933B2

An integrated gel based microfluidic sample processing device, suitable for forensic investigations at the scene of a crime, including a substrate having a plurality of micro-channels to form at least a DNA extraction chamber in fluidic cooperation with an amplification chamber which in turn is in fluidic cooperation with a separation and detection channel. The micro-channels containing a DNA extraction material and gel based reaction reagents necessary for processing the sample. The device further having electrical contacts for coupling to an external power source and capable of inducing electro-kinetic manipulation of the gel based reagents and DNA extracted from the sample throughout the device.
US09101929B2

A microfluidic system for purposes of analysis and diagnosis is made up of layers arranged substantially one above the other. The microfluidic system includes at least a first and a second conducting-through layer, which respectively comprise at least one channel for a fluid to be conducted through in the respective conducting-through layer. The microfluidic system further includes at least one chip layer, which comprises at least one active, micromechanical element, the active, micromechanical element being in operative connection with at least one of the channels, and the chip layer being arranged between the first and the second conducting-through layer, and the channels being fluidically connected to one another. A corresponding production method is disclosed in addition to the microfluid system.
US09101923B2

Disclosed here are pipette tips useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids, and include one or more design that may increase fluid delivery precision and/or accuracy, and may reduce certain repetitive motions.
US09101921B2

The invention relates to a carrier enclosing tip, a carrier treating apparatus, and a method of carrier treatment. An object is to perform separation/purification more efficiently and rapidly as compared with treatments using conventional liquid chromatography or filters. There is provided a carrier enclosing tip comprising: a tip-like container having a fitting opening which is fittable to a nozzle for use in gas suction and discharge, or a member to be fitted to a nozzle, and a port through which fluid inflow and outflow can be effected by the gas suction and discharge; and a carrier which is enclosed in the tip-like container, and is capable of adsorbing a biosubstance in the fluid or is capable of reacting with or binding to the biosubstance.
US09101917B2

The present invention relates to novel structured catalysts based on sintered metal fibers (SMF) coated by a basic oxide layer with Pd-nanoparticles, to reactions of organic compounds with hydrogen in the presence of said catalyst and an organic base as well as to vitamins, carotinoids, perfume ingredients, and/or food or feed ingredients prepared by using this reaction.
US09101910B2

A method for the producing of an agent for the removal of dissolved phosphorus compounds from water, relying on the formation of the biopolymer metal compound system which is characterized by that, the natural plant fibers are subjected to the activation, subsequently the activated natural plant fibers are coated with biopolymer or derivatives thereof with the ionic character. The natural plant fibers are coated with at least one water-soluble polyvalent metal compound before or after coating the natural plant fibers with biopolymer or derivatives thereof with the ionic character. Such modified natural plant fibers form a composite fibrous material in the form of biopolymer hydrogel support crosslinked in the presence of water-soluble polyvalent metal compound support on the warp from natural fiber.
US09101904B2

An air cleaning system may provide effective and evenly distributed removal of organic contaminants from airflow. An ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV LED) source may emit ultraviolet light onto a photocatalyst on a support in airflow where airflow is between the UV LED source and the photocatalyst.
US09101900B2

A system configured for the production of at least one product selected from the group consisting of syngas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products, power, and chemicals, the system comprising a dual fluidized bed gasification apparatus and at least one apparatus selected from power production apparatus configured to produce power from the gasification product gas, partial oxidation reactors configured for oxidation of at least a portion of the product gas, tar removal apparatus configured to reduce the amount of tar in the product gas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis apparatus configured to produce Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products from at least a portion of the product gas, chemical production apparatus configured for the production of at least one non-Fischer-Tropsch product from at least a portion of the product gas, and dual fluidized bed gasification units configured to alter the composition of the product gas. Methods of operating the system are also provided.
US09101886B2

A small molecule or polymer additive can be used in preparation of a membrane electrode assembly to improve its durability and performance under low relative humidity in a fuel cell. Specifically, a method of forming a membrane electrode assembly comprising a proton exchange membrane, comprises providing an additive comprising at least two nitrogen atoms to the membrane electrode assembly.
US09101874B2

Disclosed are various turbulent, corrosion-resistant heat exchangers used in desiccant air conditioning systems.
US09101872B2

Pressure swing adsorption system comprising two or more vessels, each having a feed end, a product end, and adsorbent material adapted to adsorb one or more components from a multi-component feed gas mixture; piping adapted to (1) introduce the feed gas mixture into the feed ends, withdraw a product gas from the product ends, and withdraw a waste gas from the feed ends of the vessels, and (2) place the product ends of any pair of vessels in flow communication; a feed pipe adapted to supply the feed gas mixture to the system; a product pipe adapted to withdraw the product gas from the system; and a waste gas pipe adapted to withdraw the waste gas from the system. An indexed rotatable multi-port valve is adapted to place the product end of each vessel in sequential flow communication with the product end of each of the other vessels.
US09101866B2

A room air purifier is provided is provided that has a housing that defines a floor supply duct inlet, a room air inlet, and an outlet. An air mixing chamber within the housing is in direct communication with said room air inlet and said floor supply duct inlet. A filter is disposed in the housing. A fan is disposed in said housing between the outlet of the filter and the outlet side of the filter. An air channel panel is disposed in a filter inlet area between the air mixing chamber and the filter. Various sensors may be deployed to control temperature, and to prevent unpurified air from exiting the room air purifier. Optionally, an additional wall supply inlet may be placed in fluid communication with the air mixing chamber to provide a second extra-room source of air.
US09101860B2

An electrospinning fine fiber production methodology for generating a significant amount of fibers with diameters of less than 100 nanometers is provided. Also, a filter media composite comprising a substrate layer and an electrospun fine fiber layer having a increased efficiency relative to pressure drop and/or a controlled pore size distribution is provided. According to some embodiments nylon is electrospun from a solvent combination of formic and acetic acids.
US09101849B2

A toy vehicle is disclosed. The toy vehicle includes a body and portions or mechanisms that are movably coupled to the body. The movable portions are repositionable with respect to the body. The toy vehicle includes an actuator that can be moved relative to the body. Movement of the actuator causes at least one of the movable portions to be repositioned or moved relative to the body. The repositioning of the movable portions results in the toy vehicle having different configurations. The actuator can be placed in one of several positions relative to the body. The movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position causes a movable portion to move from a first position to a second position. The movement of the actuator from its second position to a third position causes another movable portion to move from its first position to its second position.
US09101848B1

The inventive device object of the present application is a vertically-standing mattress, which is designed to automatically reassume its vertical orientation when pushed down. Attached to either side of the mattress is a padded bar, preventing injury. The mattress is automatically wound into its initial orientation by a taut coil of elastic rope housed in a plastic container.
US09101846B2

A reconfigurable doll includes a body having a torso defining a cavity, and a garment member coupled to the body. The garment member is movable between an extended position extending outwardly from the torso, and a retracted position substantially disposed within the cavity.
US09101838B2

A dual pivot game controller including two rotating assemblies, one for each of a user's two hands, is described. Each of the two rotating assemblies is coupled to a base by a pivoting coupling, and each pivoting coupling includes an axis of rotation about which its respective rotating assembly rotates. Accordingly, each rotating assembly and pivoting coupling share an axes of rotation, and each rotating assembly is thus configured to rotate relative to the base to which it is coupled. The axes of rotation usually reside in a common plane and are substantially non-parallel, such that they intersect at an axes intersection angle. An axes intersection angle of about 52° is typical. The two rotating assemblies are usually operationally coupled to each other such that they rotate in tandem during use.
US09101833B2

An apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for guiding a player to the completion of a task during game play. The player selects a control device in a graphical user interface device generated by a processor. In response to the selection, a hint is provided to the user in the graphical user interface that presents a game board to a player. The player may use the hint to accomplish the task.
US09101831B2

A video game controller with a position sensor and a proximity sensor provides user input signals for use in determining game states. The video game controller can have a board or deck-like surface similar to that of a skateboard, and the proximity sensor can be used to determine if a user is in contact with or near the board. A video game associated with the video game controller can provide a skateboard or other game in which a skateboard and skateboarding character are responsive to a game player's manipulation of the video game controller.
US09101827B2

A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.
US09101825B2

A game system in which a plurality of players can play a game by using a plurality of operation devices is provided. A multiplayer game process is performed by using a plurality of first-type operation devices. During progress of the game, a process is caused in which any player is caused to operate a second-type operation device different from the first-type operation devices. If the player has satisfied a predetermined condition during this process, the player is caused to return to the operation using the first-type operation device.
US09101819B2

A clamp system having a clamp adapted to be removably fastened to a wide variety of stationary support forming a base on which additional clamps or rods may be mounted for the purpose of holding a workpiece, the clamp including a tensioning device allowing a piece of cord to be looped over a part of the workpiece and pulled taut to bind the workpiece to the clamp. The cord is quickly and easily attachable to the clamp, fixed in place under tension, and quickly and easily released. The clamp comprises: a frame, clamping screw subassembly, at least one jamming cleat formed as part of the frame, and adjustable connector feature formed as part of the frame for connecting two or more frames together. A length of cord may be tensioned and secured within the jamming cleat of the frame and means is provided for anchoring the cord within the clamping plate.
US09101815B2

A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device is a pair of sleeves tailored with pockets under each thigh that allow for supporting pads to be inserted in various combinations. The pads are ergonomically designed and can be designed with internal fibreglass battens, or moulded plastic, and optionally in shapes that help apply torque to the boat dynamics. The sleeves are designed with one way stretch to optimise grip to the leg, and constructed in a choice of composite materials to aid durability and comfort.
US09101808B2

A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, an elongated, inwardly recessed channel located on the body and extending across a portion of the body, and an insert mounted within the channel. The insert includes a resiliently deflectable base member that engages the channel to retain the insert within the channel and a rigid outer member connected to the base member and forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the insert, where the outer member is made from a different material than the base member. Additionally, the insert has an outer surface that is substantially flush with at least one immediately adjacent surface of the body.
US09101803B2

An exercise, practice, and training device has a transition piece adjustably connected to a distal end of a handle. An action receiving element is bendably connected to a distal portion of the transition piece and extends distally therefrom. The action receiving element is also connected to the transition piece by a biasing element that biases the action receiving element into alignment with the transition piece and enables bending during exercise, practice, and training by the user.
US09101797B2

A golf ball having a core layer, a mantle layer enclosing the core layer, and a cover layer enclosing the mantle layer. At least one of the layers includes a blend of at least two highly neutralized acid polymers having low flexural moduli. The relative proportion of one highly neutralized acid polymer to the other highly neutralized acid polymer is between about 10:90 and about 90:10.
US09101788B2

A case for an emergency escape breathing apparatus including a substantially rigid hollow shell defining a cylinder housing portion for retaining a cylinder of breathable gas and a delivery device housing portion for removably housing a delivery device for the breathable gas supplied by the cylinder. An access opening is provided which provides access to the interior of the delivery device housing portion through which a delivery device, such as a hood or mask, can be inserted and removed.
US09101786B2

A respirator system includes a regulator for use in connection with a facepiece of the respirator system. The regulator includes an interface. The respirator system further includes a hose assembly including a hose for carrying breathing gas to the regulator and a cable for carrying at least one electrical wire to the regulator. The respirator system also includes a connector system. The connector system includes a base operatively connectible to the interface of the regulator. The base includes a channel to seat at least a portion of the cable. The channel is in operative connection with an interior of the regulator upon connection of the base to the interface. The connector system also includes a rotatable member which is rotatable relative to the base. The cable is in operative connection with the rotatable member so that a bend in the cable travels along the length of the cable and a varying length of the cable is positioned within the channel depending upon the rotational position of the rotating member relative to the base.
US09101785B2

Disclosed is a method of treating seborrhoea by administering to an patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of 2,3-dihydroxypropyl dodecanoate. In particular, the seborrhoea is associated with the skin, including the scalp. The method topically applies a composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of 2,3-dihydroxypropyl dodecanoate to the skin.
US09101783B2

The invention relates to a malodor counteractancy or counteracting (MOC) method that resorts to the use of specific malodor counteracting (MOC) mixtures of MOC ingredients. More particularly, the invention relates to new MOC compositions capable of neutralizing or masking in an efficient manner sweat malodor and which can be used in perfumes, deodorants, antiperspirants and other body care products.
US09101781B2

Systems, methods, and devices for protecting against effects of magnetic fields are provided. One implantable medical device includes a lead including a first conductor and a second conductor. The device further includes a generator including an electronic circuit, a metal housing that has a ground potential, and one or more switching devices. The switching devices, in a safekeeping configuration, are configured to disconnect the second conductor from the electronic circuit and to connect the second conductor to the ground potential of the metal housing. The first conductor is connected to the electronic circuit in the safekeeping configuration. The switching devices, in the safekeeping configuration, are configured to cause the second conductor to shield the first conductor from at least a portion of the effects of the magnetic field while the first conductor remains connected to the electronic circuit for use in performing a sensing operation and/or a stimulation operation.
US09101773B2

An apparatus comprises a primary cardiac signal sensing circuit to sense a first cardiac signal, a secondary cardiac signal sensing to sense a second cardiac signal, and an arrhythmia detection circuit. The primary sensing circuit includes at least first and second implantable electrodes, and the secondary sensing circuit includes a third implantable electrode to deliver high-energy shock therapy. The arrhythmia detection circuit detects tachyarrhythmia using the primary sensing circuit, determines correspondence between events sensed with the primary sensing circuit and events sensed with the secondary sensing circuit, and deems whether a detected rhythm is indicative of noise or is indicative of an arrhythmia according to the determined correspondence.
US09101768B2

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and IPG control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in current IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made.
US09101765B2

A method of treating a metabolic condition in a patient, comprising: determining a target non-immediate effect of a therapy relating to treatment of a metabolic condition; and applying an electric field to an abdominal cavity of the patient in a manner designed to at least approach said target.
US09101764B2

Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) treatments of a tumor are used to cause the tumor to express calreticulin and stimulate an immune response against the tumor and other tumors in a subject. An immune response biomarker can be measured, and further nsPEF treatments can be performed if needed to stimulate or further stimulate the immune response. Cancers that have metastasized may be treated. The treatment can be combined with CD47-blocking antibodies, doxorubicin, CTLA-4-blocking antibodies, and/or PD-1-blocking antibodies. Electrical characteristics of nsPEF treatments can be based on the size, type, and/or strength of tumors and/or a quantity of tumors in the subject.
US09101756B1

Various embodiments of a burr hole plug assembly offer significant improvements for allowing lead and/or cannula access through a burr hole drilled through a patient's skull in connection with a Deep Brain Stimulation system, and subsequent sealing of such burr hole. The various burr hole plug assemblies described: (a) accommodate various burr hole sizes and provide a secure fit in the burr hole; (b) accommodate various locations for lead positioning and adjustment; (c) allow the lead to remain in a static position when the burr hole plug assembly is placed; (d) protect the lead from fracture at the exit location of the plug; (e) remain flush with the skull to avoid skin erosion and to eliminate unsightly flange protrusion from the patients' skull; (f) adequately hold the lead in place over time; and (g) provide a selection of various types of burr hole plug assemblies and sizes for use by the implanting surgeon, thereby eliminating the need for surgeons to resort to custom plugs and plug assemblies made in the operating room specifically to fit a given patient.
US09101748B2

A device for controlling fluid flow through an indwelling catheter assembly. The device includes a septum that is closed by default but that may be defeated temporarily by either exerting a force on a contact surface of the septum, or by biasing the septum with a probe.
US09101739B2

An inflation device includes a syringe body containing a bore. The bore holds a fluid that is used to inflate a separate device such as a dilation balloon. A plunger assembly slides within the syringe bore and contains a sealing member that forms a fluid tight seal with the syringe body. A shut-off valve is disposed within the distal end of the syringe body. The distal end of the syringe body has a fluid bypass channel fluidically coupled to the aperture of a connector. The shut-off valve has a spring-biased moveable piston with a bypass lumen contained therein, wherein the bypass lumen forms a fluid path between the bore and the fluid bypass channel when the pressure of the fluid is below a threshold value. The fluid path between the bore and the fluid bypass channel is interrupted when the pressure of the fluid is above the threshold value.
US09101732B2

An implantable drug-delivery sleeve for an elongate component of an implantable medical device. The sleeve includes a tubular substrate having a lumen configured to receive the elongate component so as to allow relative displacement of the substrate and the elongate component, wherein the substrate is shaped so as to be retained stationary at a desired position along the elongate component, and a drug releasably carried by the substrate.
US09101726B2

Methods and apparatus are disclosed co-culturing stem cells with mononuclear cells and/or lymphocytes to modulate their function. The invention also discloses the use of stem cells to educate autoreactive immune cells as a mechanism to treat autoimmune diseases and immune disorder-related diseases, such as diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, bioreactors are disclosed closed for modulating lymphocytes and suppressing autoreactive T cells. The bioreactors can include a chamber having at least one positively charged and/or hydrophobic substrate surface, a population of stem cells attached to the substrate surface, an inlet conduit for introducing lymphocytes into the chamber, and an outlet conduit for extracting treated lymphocytes following co-culturing with the stem cells.
US09101725B2

The present invention relates to a prefillable drug delivery device having a housing receiving a needle hub which is movable with respect to said needle hub between a retracted position and a protection position. The device also includes a tubular barrel intended to receive a drug that is pre-mountable on said housing so that said needle hub closes its distal end. The device further includes a sealing member actionable once said tubular barrel is pre-assembled on said housing, capable of transitioning from an inactive state where no sealing contact is present between said needle hub and said tubular barrel, to an active state, in which sealing contact is performed. In the active state of said sealing member, said tubular barrel is movable in translation with respect to said needle hub between a proximal position and a distal position, for realizing delivery of the drug.
US09101720B2

A prefilled syringe has a gasket composed of a gasket body and a plunger-mounting member mounted. The plunger-mounting member has a distal part, spiral ribs formed on an outer surface of the distal part, a flange part, and a plunger-mounting part formed on an inner surface of a hollow part. The gasket body has a spiral screwing part which screws the spiral ribs and an accommodation part for accommodating a portion where the spiral ribs are formed. A plunger has a mounting distal part. The plunger-mounting part has a spiral concave portion and an engaging rib disposed at a side distal from the spiral concave portion. The mounting distal part of the plunger has a spiral projected portion capable of screwing the spiral concave portion and an engaging portion which engages the engaging rib of the plunger-mounting member.
US09101711B2

An intravascular nano-bubbling oxygenator includes a catheter having a tube and a separating wall dividing the tube into a first tube wall and a second tube wall and to form a first lumen and a second lumen. The first tube wall has a hydrophobic outer surface and a plurality of nano-sized first pores extending therealong. The first lumen has a closed end and a first opening end connecting to a source of gaseous oxygen. The second lumen has a second opening end and a third opening end, wherein the first lumen is capable of transporting gaseous oxygen, and the second lumen is capable of transporting liquid from the second opening end to the third opening end.
US09101707B2

The disclosure provides an implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological regulating secretion such as insulin necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity such as glucose metabolism of a living-being host. The system includes a housing implantable within the host, in fluidic communication with tissue fluid indicative of a physiological regulating secretion need. A chamber within the housing contains a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological regulating secretion. A continually operating two pump apparatus moves tissue fluid into contact with the secretory cells for pick up of the physiological regulating secretion for subsequent physiologically-effective dispensing into the host, while avoiding immunorejection of the host body or of the host to the secretory cells.
US09101678B2

Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve heat-sanitization of contact regions on articles or fixtures by flowing selected electromagnetic radiation energy through underlying waveguide structures substantially parallel to the contact regions.
US09101676B2

A method of operating a volatile material dispenser includes the step of operating the volatile material dispenser according to a pre-defined algorithm for a first operational cycle. The method further includes the steps of sensing a change in an emission parameter initiated by a user and storing information related to the change in emission parameter. Still further, the method includes the step of operating the volatile material dispenser for a second operational cycle according to a new algorithm, wherein the new algorithm comprises the pre-defined algorithm with modifications according to the change initiated by the user.
US09101674B2

The invention relates to activities and characteristics of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In particular, immunoglobulin single variable domains are provided against markers of TAMs, and methods using the same for in vivo imaging of tumor cells, as well as cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
US09101672B2

Disclosed herein is the novel use of a gold nanocluser for ameliorating oxidative stress and/or aging of a cultured cell or a subject having an oxidative stress and/or aging condition mediated by a vascular factor. The gold nanocluster has a particle size ranging from about 0.1 to 20 nm, and preferably is dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) coated gold nanocluster.
US09101660B2

The present invention provides a solid preparation containing an insulin sensitizer and an active ingredient (except insulin sensitizers), which is useful as a therapeutic drug for diabetes and the like, and which is superior in preparation characteristics such as content uniformity and dissolution property of the insulin sensitizer and the active ingredient (except insulin sensitizers), preparation hardness and the like.
US09101653B2

The invention provides a recombinant biologically contained influenza virus that is a PB2 knockout virus, e.g., one that is useful to generate a multivalent vaccine, and methods of making and using that virus.
US09101650B2

A method for the treatment of bone marrow edema in a mammal comprising administering an effective amount of a polysulfated polysaccharide including salts thereof, to a mammal in need of such treatment.
US09101647B2

A composition and method for replacement and regeneration of hair cells of the inner ear is provided. The composition comprises an active agent in an amount effective to decrease Hes1 gene expression in a tissue of the inner ear. The active agent can be short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules encapsulated in a biodegradable nanoparticle. The method involves administering a solution to the inner ear where the solution contains an active agent in an amount effective to decrease Hes1 gene expression.
US09101646B2

Bispecific antisense oligonucleotides which consist essentially of a sequence of bases that is complementary to portions of both the gene encoding human IGFBP-2 and the gene encoding human IGFBP-5 are useful in as antisense therapeutics in the treatment of endocrine-regulated cancers.
US09101643B2

The invention relates to lipid formulated double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting a transthyretin (TTR) gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of TTR.
US09101638B2

Disclosed herein are antimicrobial compounds compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, the use and preparation thereof. Some embodiments relate to boronic acid derivatives and their use as therapeutic agents.
US09101630B2

The present invention relates to the use of PDGF-R inhibitors for the treatment of lymph node metastasis of gastric cancers and to a method of treating mammals including humans suffering from gastric cancer.
US09101619B2

Pharmaceutical compositions are provided that are useful in treating diabetes. The compositions comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and an effective therapeutic or prophylactic amount of a nitroxide antioxidant that alters the expression of genes related to diabetes. Methods are also provided for the use of the pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment or prevention of diabetes. In a preferred embodiment, the nitroxide antioxidant is Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl).
US09101618B2

The present invention was accomplished for the purpose of developing a method for effectively treating and/or preventing synucleinopathies, and is based on a discovery that an adiponectin receptor agonist suppresses α (alpha)-synuclein aggregation, tau phosphorylation and a decrease in proteasomal activity.The method of the present invention for treating and/or preventing neurodegenerative diseases includes a step of administering an effective dose of at least one effective element selected from a group consisting of: adiponectin as an adiponectin receptor agonist; a compound inducing expression of adiponectin; globular adiponectin; and a compound inducing expression of globular adiponectin. The present invention further provides a screening method of the adiponectin receptor agonist for treating and/or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
US09101612B2

Disclosed are compounds having enhanced potency in the modulation of NMDA receptor activity. Such compounds are contemplated for use in the treatment of diseases and disorders such as learning, cognitive activities, and analgesia, particularly in alleviating and/or reducing neuropathic pain.
US09101606B2

A covering for delivering a therapeutic agent to a surgical site is provided. The covering may include a single or multi-compartment structure configured to at least partially retain the therapeutic agent until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the therapeutic agent to the surgical site. In some embodiments, the covering comprises an antimicrobial agent, a hemostatic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, and/or a growth factor.
US09101603B2

Methods for inhibiting the motility or proliferation of premalignant and malignant cells are provided. Methods for treating a malignancy of the head and neck and for treating a malignancy of the lung are also provided.
US09101602B2

A method of improving the resistance of collagenous tissue to mechanical degradation in accordance with the present invention comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of a collagenous tissue with an effective amount of a crosslinking reagent. The crosslinking reagent includes a crosslinking agent such as genipin and/or proanthrocyanidin. Further, the crosslinking reagent may include a crosslinking agent in a carrier medium. The collagenous tissue to be contacted with the crosslinking reagent is preferably a portion of an intervertebral disc or articular cartilage. The contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by injections directly into the select tissue using a needle. Alternatively, contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by placement of a time-release delivery system such as a gel or ointment, or a treated membrane or patch directly into or onto the target tissue. Contact may also be effected by, for instance, soaking.
US09101599B2

The present invention discloses synergistic nutraceutical or pharmaceutical or dietary supplement anti-inflammatory compositions comprising therapeutically effective combination of an extract selectively enriched in 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) derived from Boswellia serrata and Boswellia serrata non- acidic resin extract (BNRE). The composition(s) can be used to prevent, control and treat inflammation and several inflammatory related diseases including asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, endothelial dysfunction and the like. The invention further discloses the amelioration of pro-inflammator biomarker proteins or molecules, whose expression/production is altered during inflammatory diseases.
US09101587B2

Solid, free-flowing, and substantially completely dissolvable preparations with high betalain content are presented. Most typically, the betalain profile of the preparations is near natural and includes betalains in an amount of between 10-40 wt %. As the preparations of the inventive subject matter maintain chemical stability and flowability over extended periods of time, it should be noted that the betalain preparations are now amenable to compounding in small and measured quantities. Furthermore, new biological activities of betalains are shown, and especially include significant induction of SIRT and reduction of serum triglyceride.
US09101581B2

A method for treating a vascular-related disease in a subject in need thereof, includes administering to the subject a peptide having a sequence Xaa-Gly-Asp. The peptide may have a sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 4, 6 to 10. The vascular-related disease may be edema and/or ischemia caused by blood leakage of blood vessel walls, damages of blood vessels or abnormal angiogenesis.
US09101580B2

The disclosure provides compositions treating traumatic brain injuries such as concussions. In one embodiment, the composition comprises phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, quercetin, astaxanthin, R-alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, taurine, L-glutamine, carnitine, D-ribose, creatine, epigallocatechin gallate, melatonin, ginkgo leaf extract, curcumin and L-glycine. The disclosure also provides methods for treating traumatic brain injuries such as concussions by administering an effective amount of the compositions described within.
US09101565B2

The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a tablet comprising at least 50% w/w of calcium carbonate, the method comprising i) providing a particulate composition comprising a) calcium carbonate, b) a binding sugar alcohol selected from sorbitol or isomalt, or combinations thereof, c) a non-binding sugar alcohol selected from mannitol, maltitol or xylitol, or combinations thereof, and ii) compressing said composition using a tabletting machine equipped with at least one pair of punches and dies, wherein the pair of punches and die before filling the die with said particulate composition is sprayed with a composition comprising a lubricant selected from magnesium stearate, calcium stearate or stearic acid or combinations thereof.
US09101563B2

There are provided various compounds and compositions comprising polyunsaturated fatty acid monoglycerides and derivatives thereof. These compounds and compositions can be useful as cancer chemopreventive agents. They can also be useful for enhancing solubility of various active agents and enhancing their bioavailability.
US09101561B2

An improved method for recovering the protein expressed by open reading frame 2 from porcine circovirus type 2 is provided. Also provided is recombinant PCV2ORF2 protein, and immunogenic compositions comprising PCV2ORF2 protein. Moreover, multivalent combination vaccines are provided which include an immunological agent effective for reducing the incidence of or lessening the severity of PCV2 infection, preferably PCV2ORF2 protein, or an immunogenic composition comprising PCV2ORF2 protein, and at least one immunogenic active component of another disease-causing organism in swine.
US09101548B2

A composition for modulating the immune response in a mammal comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier solution and a plurality of biodegradable nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles comprise a targeting moiety that is able to bind selectively to the surface of a T lymphocyte cell and/or of a vascular endothelial cell and wherein the nanoparticles further comprise leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Nanoparticle-mediated targeted delivery of LIF can be used a means to guide tolerogenesis in a patient and has immediate clinical application for recipients of organ grafts and also for patients suffering from autoimmune disease.
US09101528B2

Provided are a gas mist pressure bathing method and a gas mist pressure bathing system that improve the efficiency of absorbing a gas mist from the skin and mucous membranes of a living body. The gas mist pressure bathing method is provided with a first step, a second step and a third step. The first step involves supplying a gas mist and gas for a predetermined time to at least a first cover 51 of a living body cover member 50 having said first cover 51 and a second cover 55 positioned outside of the first cover 51, the inside of said second cover 55 being substantially sealed; covering the skin and mucous membranes of the living body; and forming a space wherein the gas mist and gas supplied by a gas mist generating means 30 are sealed. The second step involves discharging the gas mist and gas from the first cover 51 and/or the second cover 55. The third step involves supplying the gas mist and gas for a predetermined time from the gas mist generating means 30 to the first cover 51 and the second cover 55, and keeping the pressure inside at least the second cover 55 in a predetermined range. The first to third steps are repeated multiple times.
US09101523B2

A table for supporting a recumbent patient includes at least one tabletop unit, at least one ground contact unit for supporting the tabletop unit, a first and at least one second adjustment unit for changing a spacing between the ground contact unit and the tabletop unit, and at least one first guide unit for guiding movement of the tabletop unit relative to a the ground contact unit, where at least a part of the guide unit is disposed between the first and the at least one second adjustment unit.
US09101522B2

Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, a stand-up wheel chair having automatic stability control.
US09101516B2

A steerable ultra-low patient bed incorporates means for maintaining verticality of the caster stem at all height positions of the bed, and means for selectively locking the caster assemblies of the bed in a desired locking position. The means for selectively locking the caster assemblies may be actuated from either end of the bed using a central actuation mechanism. The bed preferably has legs that are pivotally and translatably attached at their upper end to the bed frame, and caster support members that are longitudinally aligned with the bed pivotally attached to the lower end of each leg. Each caster support member has a single caster assembly attached thereto. The means for maintaining verticality of the caster stem incorporates a constraint means that urges the caster support member in a direction of rotation opposite that of the leg during adjustment of the height of the bed.
US09101502B2

The invention relates to a stent comprising terminal anchoring elements. Said stent (10) is provided with a tubular wall that extends along a longitudinal, flexible tubular axis (26), is formed from a flexible grid structure, and has tube ends (20) lying on opposing axis ends. Said wall consists of annular wall segments (11) that are lined up along the axis and are interconnected by means of connection segments (12). The annular wall segments (11) contain wall elements (14, 15) having an elastic structure. The inventive stent is characterized in that the wall comprises a flexible, arched anchoring element (22) on at least one tube end (20, 20′), said anchoring element being connected to at least two terminal wall elements (14, 15, 14′, 15′) in such a way as to form one component, bridging at least one elastic wall element (14, 15), and there is a larger radial distance between the ogive (24) of the arched anchoring element (22) and the tubular axis (26) than between the terminal wall elements (14, 15) and the tubular axis.
US09101495B2

An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty. The tool includes a first member operably associated with the first component and a second member operably associated with the second component. The second member includes a cap having a threaded recess and further includes a threaded rod adapted to engage the threaded recess so as to move the second member relative to the first member and the threaded rod is made of a harder metal than the threaded recess.
US09101491B2

An intervertebral implant consisting of multiple elements connected by a flexible member and a method of positioning said implant via an operative corridor having an axis oblique to the disc plane. The implant is advanced through the operative corridor by altering the orientation of the first element of the implant such that it is in general alignment with the disc space plane without altering the alignment of the second element of the implant. Upon insertion of the first element into the disc space, the orientation of the second element is altered to be in general alignment with the disc space and the second element is inserted into the disc space.
US09101483B2

An ostomy bag (1) with a filter construction with an intermediate filter element (4) is provided. The intermediate filter element comprises a first wall (5) and a second wall (6) that, when the filter construction is positioned in the ostomy bag, is substantially parallel to the front and rear wall of the ostomy bag. The walls of the intermediate filter element include the gas-inlets for the filter construction. The intermediate filter element may be provided so that it constitutes an insert interposed between the rear wall and the front wall of the ostomy bag. The intermediate filter element may also be provided so that it constitutes a tube element.
US09101473B2

Endovascular prostheses are disclosed that are configured to repair a native venous valve having improper or non-existent valve leaflet coaptation caused by vessel weakness and/or distention. The prostheses are configured to be implanted in the venous system immediately downstream of the malfunctioning valve and act as repair devices to restore proper function to the venous valve by reconfiguring and supporting the valve leaflets and thereby improving their coaptation.
US09101464B2

A method of manufacturing an artificial eye for fitting as a whole or partial replacement of a patient's original eye is provided. The method includes providing a digitally acquired image of an iris and transferring the image to a substrate comprising at least the frontal region of an artificial eye.
US09101461B2

A technique and reconstruction system for ligament repair employing a continuous loop/button construct. The button has an oblong configuration and is provided with at least one inside eyelet that allows the passage of the continuous loop, preferably a suture loop. The continuous loop/button construct of the present invention may be used for fixation of bone to bone, or of soft tissue to bone.
US09101455B2

A system may include an endoluminal prosthesis and a guide wire. The prosthesis may include a tubular body including a graft material wall, a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a lumen extending longitudinally therein. The prosthesis may include first and second fenestrations in the graft material wall. The first and second fenestrations may be spaced from one another circumferentially about the tubular body. The guide wire may have a first end and a second end both extending from a region proximal of the proximal end opening. The guide wire may enter the proximal end opening, exit the first fenestration, partially traverse an exterior surface of the prosthesis, enter the second fenestration, and exit the proximal end opening. No portion of the guide wire may extend distally beyond the distal end opening.
US09101452B2

A knee brace assembly with a proximal compression system adapted to be secured to the thigh and a distal compression system adapted to be secured to the calf. The brace includes lateral and distal hinge assemblies connecting the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to permit rotational movement of the proximal compression system with respect to the distal compression system. At least one inelastic strap extends around the proximal compression system and the distal compression system. The strap is leveraged to tighten the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to compress soft tissue in the thigh and calf when the leg is extended, but to release the proximal compression system and the distal compression system when the leg is in flexion.
US09101450B2

A combined multi-lumen central access catheter and an embolic filter including ports proximal and distal the filter for fluid infusion and/or pressure sensing and infusion ports in the catheter to permit infusion of bioactive agents, flushing agents and/or contrast agents. The embolic filter may be removably coupled to the multi-lumen catheter for temporary placement and retrieval under recommended indications.
US09101445B2

An ocular drainage system is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the system includes an implantable device and an external control unit. The implantable device includes a non-invasively adjustable valve featuring at least one deformable tube and a disk rotatably mounted within a housing, such that rotation of the disk using the external control unit causes the disk to apply a selected amount of compression to the deformable tube, thereby adjusting the fluidic resistance of the deformable tube and regulating the intraocular pressure.
US09101444B2

A surgical kit includes at least one instrument and at least one implant device. The instrument has a needle body used to form a surgical passage through ocular tissue. The device includes a flexible tube that defines a duct for diverting aqueous humor with an outer surface having a maximal cross-sectional dimension that is less than the maximal cross-sectional dimension of the needle body. The device incorporates sealing means including at least one element that define a maximal cross-sectional dimension that is greater that the maximal cross-sectional dimension of the needle body and that are operably disposed within the surgical passage and form a seal between the surrounding ocular tissue and the element(s) as well as fixate the device in the surgical passage. The kit (and devices thereof) can be used as part of a surgical method to divert aqueous humor to a space formed in ocular tissue.
US09101442B2

A vitrectomy probe includes a housing, a fluidic motor disposed within the housing, a needle extending from the housing, and a cutter assembly. The cutter assembly includes an inner cutting member disposed within and axially moveable relative to the needle, a drive shaft disposed within the housing and axially moveable relative to the housing, and a coupler disposed within the housing coupling the drive shaft and the inner cutting member. The motor is associated with the drive shaft in a manner that drives the cutter assembly in an oscillating manner. The probe also includes two or fewer seals within the housing in contact with the cutter assembly for sealing against fluid leakage.
US09101433B2

A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.
US09101430B2

A catheter device that includes a double-threaded guidance wire that allows multiple use of a compliant cavity creation device (i.e., treatment of more than one level). The double-threaded guidance wire may be connected with the luer part of the device and a distal part of the balloon using a threaded engagement to avoid lengthening of the inner tube, avoid lengthening of the balloon, and to limit the plastic deformation of the system in axial direction. In other implementations, the double-threaded guidance wire may be reconnected to the distal part of the balloon with a distal thread of the double-threaded guidance wire in order to restore the nominal length.
US09101427B2

A fixation component for a bone-supporting component of a bone implant, comprising a body including a core, and a head portion. A distal end of the component comprises an insert formed of a hard material, which covers a portion of the distal end, and acts a thread cutting tool. In some embodiments, the insert comprises a planar portion abutting against a material of the fixation component. In some embodiments, the fixation component is a screw, and the insert covers at least a portion of a cutting edge of the screw.
US09101418B2

A medical device includes a tubular body having a first lumen so designed as to receive a fluid from an opening at one end of the first lumen and discharge the fluid from an opening at the other end of the first lumen, and an expandable body attached to the tubular body. The first lumen communicates with the space inside the expandable body and the expandable body expands by the internal pressure of the fluid which is injected from the opening at one end and enters the space inside the expandable body through the first lumen.
US09101416B2

Spinal rod approximator for seating a stabilizing rod in a rod-receiving portion of a spinal implant and inserting closure mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, a spinal rod approximator is provided including a body with gripping branches, inserter shaft, threaded collar, and outer sleeve.
US09101415B2

A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.
US09101413B2

A post that is configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation element that is attached to a bone part can include a post body that is elongate along a first direction and defines a proximal end and a distal end that is spaced from the proximal end along the first direction. The post body can include an internal surface that defines a socket at the distal end. The socket can be configured to receive the head of the bone fixation element. The post can further include a locking member that is disposed within the socket such that when the socket receives the head of the bone fixation element the locking member couples the post body to the bone fixation element. The post body is polyaxially pivotable relative to the head when the post body is coupled to the bone fixation element.
US09101400B2

A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device is provided. The flexible connection unit includes an elongated member, such as a vertebral rod, having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite each other with a transition portion extending therebetween. The first end portion of the vertebral rod comprises an oval shape and the second end portion contains an oval or non-oval shape. The major diameter of the oval shaped first end is parallel to the sagittal plane of a patient's body and provides the higher stiffness for fusion to resist flexion in the sagittal plane. The second end portion of the vertebral rod is perpendicular to the sagittal end of a patient's body and provides the lower stiffness for fusion.
US09101393B2

A method positions a profile of a prosthetic component on the three-dimensional model of a limb. Patient-specific anatomical data of the limb is gathered. First and second anatomical landmarks are identified to determine a first spatial relationship. A third anatomical landmark is identified to determine a second spatial relationship with respect to the first spatial relationship. The profile of the prosthetic component is positioned in all but one degree of freedom. A fourth anatomical landmark is identified to position the profile of the prosthetic component in the one remaining degree of freedom.
US09101391B2

Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and dilate body lumen and cavities. For example, the systems can be used to dilate the cervix and access the uterine cavity. The systems can also be used to occlude the cervix. The systems can also be used to occlude the urethra.
US09101389B2

An apparatus for guiding the placement of a subcutaneous device that includes a strap having an indentation configured for a fold of skin and fat layer to be positioned within the indentation as the subcutaneous device is advanced to a desired implantation site.
US09101386B2

Described herein are devices, systems and methods for treating target tissue in a patient's spine. In general, the methods include the steps of advancing a wire into the patient from a first location, through a neural foramen, and out of the patient from a second location; connecting a tissue modification device to the wire; positioning the tissue modification device through the neural foramen using the wire; modifying target tissue in the spine by moving the tissue modification device against the target tissue; and delivering an agent to modified target tissue, wherein the agent is configured to inhibit blood flow from the modified target tissue. In some embodiments, the step of modifying target tissue comprises removing target tissue located ventral to the superior articular process while avoiding non-target tissue located lateral to the superior articular process.
US09101385B2

A surgical tool can comprise an end effector, a shaft assembly, a rotatable drive shaft, a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The end effector comprises first and second jaw members that are pivotable relative to one another from an open position to a closed position and an electrode positioned on the first jaw member. The shaft assembly extends proximally from the end effector, is at least partially hollow, and defines an inner wall. The rotatable drive shaft extends proximally within the shaft assembly. The first electrical contact is coupled to the inner wall of the shaft assembly and positioned around at least a portion of the drive shaft. The second electrical contact is coupled to and rotatable with the drive shaft. The second electrical contact is positioned to be electrically connected to the first electrical contact as the drive shaft rotates.
US09101378B2

An instrument for establishing orientation of a pelvic prosthesis comprises a tripod having an angularly adjustable guide rod on it. The tips of the legs define a plane, and the guide rod is set by the surgeon to a defined orientation with respect to this plane on the basis of preoperative studies. In use, two of the legs of the instrument are positioned by the surgeon at defined anatomical locations on the pelvis (e.g., a point in the region of the posterior/inferior acetabulum and a point on the anterior superior iliac spine). The third leg then lands on the pelvis at a point determined by the position of the first two points, as well as by the separations between the third leg and the other two legs. The position of the guide rod then defines with respect to the actual pelvis the direction for insertion of a prosthesis.
US09101373B2

A drill guide including an inner surface, a tip, and a deflecting device. The inner surface defines a bore extending through the drill guide. The bore is configured to individually receive therein a flexible drill bit and an insertion tool with a suture anchor mounted thereto. The tip is at a distal end of the bore and defines a tip aperture of the bore. The deflecting device is proximal to the tip and includes at least one bearing surface configured to deflect the drill bit within the bore.
US09101369B2

Surgical instrument with a handpiece having a drive and with a surgical tool, which has a tube and a working part with a shaft and with a tool head, the tube of the surgical tool can be detachably connected to the handpiece by a first coupling part and the shaft of the working part can be detachably connected to a drive shaft in the form of a pin of the drive by a second coupling part simultaneously.
US09101365B2

A catheter with ablation and potential sensing capabilities is adapted for outer circumferential contact with an opening of a tubular region and inner circumferential contact within the tubular region. The catheter has a proximal electrode assembly and a distal electrode assembly for ablation of an ostium and potential sensing inside the pulmonary vein so that it is possible to obtain ECG signals inside a pulmonary vein when ablating around the ostium. The distal electrode assembly has an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of spines surrounding the member and converging at their proximal and distal ends, where each spine has at least one electrode and a curvature so that the spine bows radially outwardly from the member. The proximal electrode assembly has a proximal electrode assembly has an elongated member configured with a generally radial portion and a generally circular portion generally transverse to the catheter axis, where the generally circular portion comprising a plurality of electrodes. The control handle advantageously allows a user to manipulate a tensile member for changing the curvature of the spine.
US09101350B2

There is disclosed, among other things, embodiments of a biopsy needle for taking a full core sample through soft tissue. In the illustrated embodiments, an inner tubular member having a semi-cylindrical distal end is within and slidable with respect to an outer tubular member. A semi-cylindrical channel is in the distal end, as well as a planar end surface. The channel has a set of one or more protrusions or texture, and a complementary set of protrusions or texture are placed on the inside of the outer member so that the sets of protrusions or texture face each other when the distal ends of the members are adjacent each other. Methods for using these embodiments are also described.
US09101347B2

Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of full-core biopsy needles having an outer needle component and a middle cannula through a lumen in the outer component, through which a mandrel may be placed. The outer component includes an internal boss that reduces its internal diameter, and the cannula includes fingers that extend distally. When the needle is inserted for biopsy, tissue enters the outer component and cannula. Moving the cannula forward causes the fingers to engage a surface of the internal boss, resulting in the fingers curving into the tissue. The fingers pinch the tissue while reducing or eliminating compression of the sample to provide an easier removal of the tissue from adjacent tissue, as well as providing a block or backstop keeping the tissue within the needle. Gaps are provided between the fingers to further reduce damage to the tissue sample.
US09101344B2

An energy delivery device cooling system includes a reservoir connector assembly and an elongate member. The elongate member has first and second lumens in fluid communication with the reservoir. The first lumen includes an outflow port and the second lumen includes a return port each in fluid communication with the reservoir. The device further includes a tubing system having a first end and a second end. The first end connected in fluid communication with the outflow port and the second end in fluid communication with the return port. The second end configured to return a fluid to the reservoir. The tubing system connects to an energy delivery device to cool the fluid.
US09101342B2

Surgical retrieval devices for capturing tissues and fluids in endoscopic and laproscopic operations include a semi-rigid, resiliently collapsible and expandable basket comprising a structural combination of resilient, semi-rigid snare wire and frame wire members that are formed with a yieldable bend configuration that together flare into a basket form when extended out of a catheter. The basket is enhanced by surrounds of net, mesh, or impervious material for retaining smaller bits of tissue or fluids, or with a web of interspersed flexible threads for enhanced tissue retaining capability.
US09101340B2

A medical apparatus (100; 200; 300) is provided, comprising a closure device (21; 102; 202; 302) comprising a first or distal member or portion adapted to be placed on one side of an opening in a wall of a bodily organ, and a second or proximal member or portion adapted to be placed on the opposite side of the opening in the wall of the bodily organ, an insertion assembly (101; 201; 301) comprising at least one actuator operatively connected to at least one of said first or second members, wherein the insertion assembly further comprises at least one motor (105; 106; 205; 306) adapted to maneuver said at least one actuator. In one embodiment the medical apparatus comprises further a closure device (102; 202), which comprises a locking member (130; 230) and a tubular member (121; 221) having two sets of struts (122, 123; 222; 223) being provided with a hinge section, and an insertion assembly (101; 201), which comprises a holder (140; 240) and an actuator, the holder being releasably engaged in the locking member and the actuator being releasably engaged with the tubular member.
US09101338B2

An implant structure for use in pulling two soft body tissue areas closer together in a patient (e.g., two points along or adjacent to the patient's mitral valve annulus) includes at least two tissue anchor structures that are respectively implantable into the two tissue areas. A tether structure links the two tissue anchors and can be shortened and held in that condition by a cinch structure. Bracing structures are used between the anchors and the tether to help keep the longitudinal axes of the anchors transverse to the tether axis even when the tether is under tension. The tether may be sheathed in a cushioning sleeve to help protect adjacent tissue from erosion by the tether.
US09101329B2

A method for determining the position of an intraoral measuring device which is to be moved relative to an organ of mastication of a patient and with which positions in the organ of mastication or areas of the organ of mastication are measured. To be able to carry out measurements without a fixed reference, it is proposed that, independently of a reference that is independent of the patient, the position of the measuring device is measured by means of a position-determining sensor that is in a fixed relationship to the measuring device.
US09101322B2

An X-ray imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of acquiring an image of a test object associated with a phase shift in consideration of X-ray absorption is provided. A splitting element configured to spatially split an X-ray into multiple X-ray beams is provided. A shielding unit including a plurality of shielding elements configured to block part of an X-ray acquired by the splitting element is provided. Part of X-ray beams detected at the first detection pixels is blocked by the shielding elements. The X-ray beams detected by the second detection pixels adjoining the first detection pixels are not blocked by the shielding elements.
US09101316B2

A portable detector for use with an imaging system is disclosed. The portable detector automatically sets one or more operational states based on at least a determination as to whether the portable detector is connected to external power. An imaging system is also disclosed that ascertains whether the portable detector is connected via a tether. The imaging system may perform a compatibility check when connected to the portable detector to assess compatibility between the imaging system and the portable detector.
US09101297B2

Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The physiological parameter is determined from a signal sensed from the eye of a subject according to a schedule, under the control of a scheduling controller.
US09101295B2

Techniques are disclosed in which a topographic parameter is determined in each hemidivision of the eye by considering the topography of reflected images from a multiplicity of illuminated concentric rings of the cornea. A simulated spherocylinder is produced to fit into each ring and conform to the topography thereof from which a topographic parameter for each ring can be obtained. All of the topographic parameters of each ring are combined and a mean summated value is obtained representing magnitude and meridian of each hemidivision. From these parameters, a single topographic value for the entire eye (CorT) can be found as well as a value representing topographic disparity (TD) between the two hemidivisions. The topography values for the hemidivisions are used in a vector planning system to obtain treatment parameters in a single step operation.
US09101291B2

This disclosure provides an ultrasonic bone analyzing device, which includes a transmission module for transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the inside of a living body from an outer skin of the living body, a reception module for receiving an echo signal that is a reflection wave of the transmitted ultrasonic signal from the inside of the living body, and an analyzing module for generating analysis data indicative of a state of a cartilage using an amplitude value of an echo signal from the inside of the cartilage obtained from between a cartilage surface and a subchondral bone among the received echo signals.
US09101287B2

There is provided herein an endoscope assembly, the assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a first front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a second front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.
US09101281B2

Techniques for determining an attachment stability of leadless pacing device (LPD) implanted within a patient are described. For example, the LPD may detect one or more stability metrics from one or more electrodes of the LPD and/or an activity sensor within the LPD. Based on one or more of these stability metrics, e.g., a mechanical motion of the LPD, a stability module within the LPD may determine the attachment stability of the LPD within the patient. If the attachment stability is insufficient to provide efficacious therapy or indicates at least partial dislodgement of the LPD from tissue, the LPD may wirelessly transmit stability information to an external device. In some examples, the LPD may be implanted within a chamber of the heart.
US09101274B2

A sensor, sensor pad and sensor array for detecting infrasonic signals in a living organism is provided. The sensor, sensor pad and/or array can be utilized for detecting, determining and/or diagnosing level of stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysm in arteries, or other similar diagnosis. The sensor can include unique circuitry in the form of a piezoelectric plate or element sandwiched between two conductive O-rings.
US09101271B2

A device for determining the body core temperature of a living being includes a first temperature sensor (15) for detecting the skin temperature T1, an insulator (11) for receiving the first temperature sensor (15), a second temperature sensor (17) in the insulator (11) for detecting a temperature T2 and a third temperature sensor (19), which is arranged opposite the first temperature sensor (15) at the insulator (11), for detecting a temperature T3 near the environment. Assuming a constant ratio of lateral heat fluxes α at the insulator (11) between the temperature sensors (15, 17, 29), the body core temperature Tcore is determined by the relationship described by the formula T core = T 1 · [ 1 + k s k g ⁢ ( 1 + 1 α ) ] - T 2 · ( k s k g + k s + k t α ⁢ ⁢ k g ) + T 3 · k t α ⁢ ⁢ k g in which kg=heat transfer coefficient of the tissue and ks, kt=heat transfer coefficients of the insulator (11).
US09101265B2

An adapter device, which is configured to couple an endoscope with a medical appliance, such that the medical appliance is provided to generate light to illuminate an object to be investigated by an endoscope, includes an adapter body with a through-hole through which light generated by the medical appliance can be transmitted, and a fastening device to removably secure the adapter body on the medical appliance. The side of the adapter body that is to face the medical appliance is configured to be held form-locked in a predetermined angle position when the adapter body is secured on the medical appliance.
US09101260B2

Devices, systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting footwear items are disclosed herein. In an aspect a cleaning belt element is configured to rotate a cleaning belt in a continuous loop around a first rotating cylinder and a second rotating cylinder wherein the first rotating cylinder and the second rotating cylinder are connected by the cleaning belt. In another aspect, a containment element is configured to receive the footwear item wherein the containment element comprises a shroud, one or more bristle protruding from at least one inside wall of the shroud, and a transparent floor layer wherein the received footwear item rests In yet another aspect, an ultraviolet light element is configured to emit ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source wherein the ultraviolet light source is located below the transparent floor layer.
US09101247B2

A flowmeter (1) comprises a housing (2,4) delimiting a measuring chamber (10). The housing is formed of a first body (4) and second body (2) that are assembled together by a bayonet connector having a number of pairs of interconnecting securing parts (25, 25′, 25a, 26, 26′, 26a, 45, 45′, 45a). The pairs of securing parts are arranged so that the first and second bodies (2,4) are assemblable in only one position or in a number of different positions that is smaller than the number of pairs of interconnecting securing parts.
US09101233B2

A sleeping bag constructed such that its outer circumference is greater than its inner circumference includes additional integrated protuberances, or space fillers, that are added to the interior lining of the sleeping bag to fill-in around the sleeper's body. Making the circumference of the outside of the bag greater than the inside maintains the thickness of the insulation in selected areas. To maintain insulation thickness at other locations around the sleeper's body, the insulation-containing space fillers are incorporated into the interior of the bag and expand under the influence of the insulation to fill-in around the sleeper for reducing the internal volume of the bag. This construction can be carried the length of the sleeping bag.
US09101232B1

An indicating apparatus and system for multi-bay carousel bagging-rack assemblies utilized in retail and grocery stores, wherein the indicating apparatus comprises illumination means, audible means, tactile means, and/or combinations thereof, and having assigned indication means for each separate bagging-bay provided by the bagging-rack assembly. The indicating apparatus may be manually or automatically activated and deactivated according to the position or location of purchased items placed into bags housed in the bagging-bays, communicating to the patron and/or cashier that purchased items are ready for transfer from the point-of-sale assembly to the patron's cart.
US09101226B1

An infant supporting apparatus includes a leg frame defining a clearance and having foot portions configured to stand on a ground surface, a support frame assembled with the leg frame above the foot portions, and an infant resting support for receiving the placement of a child, the infant resting support being suspended from the support frame above the clearance. The infant supporting apparatus has a configuration of use in which the infant supporting apparatus has the leg frame standing on a ground adjacent to a play yard that is received at least partially through the clearance, the infant resting support being suspended from above the play yard and the infant supporting apparatus being attached with the play yard. Moreover, the infant supporting apparatus can be independently used as a standalone device separate from the play yard.
US09101220B2

A smart seat mechanism of an exercise equipment includes a parallel four-link rod cushion module having a cushion with an electrically adjustable height position, a lead screw, a lift tube, and an electric motor. The smart seat mechanism is operated together with an electronic control panel having a built-in program, so that a user can adjust the height of the cushion freely according to the user's figure and height and the comfort of use. The electric motor is set by the built-in program of the electronic control panel, such that the cushion is descended to the lowest position automatically before/after exercise, to facilitate the user to get on/off the exercise equipment. The electronic control panel is operated with the built-in program and has a plurality of quick memory keys provided for a specific user to adjust the height of the cushion quickly and automatically.
US09101217B2

The present invention includes an ergonomic chair that is useful for people who sit for an extended period of time at work, in avoiding work station related back pain and neck pain. The present invention incorporates a hemispherical seat which can be locked in position and comprises a fixed inner hemisphere, a movable outer hemisphere, and a shroud. The support pole where the inner hemisphere is bolted into absorbs the load from the user, and the outer hemisphere equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic resistance devices and attached to the tension springs provides a balanced movement of the chair. Accordingly, while sitting on the chair, the present invention allows no deformation on the rigid hemispherical seat, and keeps the spine of the user in a desirable alignment, further improving the internal function of the user's organs. The present invention can also be used as an office stretch GYM ball.
US09101195B2

A method and article of manufacture for reducing facial wrinkles, namely sleep lines, formed during sleep. The article is formed having an inner and outer surface wherein each surface has higher or lower friction coefficients relative to one another. The higher friction coefficient inner surface holds the article in place against the skin and the lower friction coefficient outer surface facilitates movement of the face relative to the bedding during sleep.
US09101185B1

A jewelry clasp includes a first clasp housing piece, and a second clasp housing piece. The first and second clasp housing pieces each have an internal support surface and respective interface surfaces that are constructed and arranged to provide a mating fit between the first and second clasp housing pieces. A first magnetic attraction member is disposed at the internal support surface of the first clasp housing piece and a second magnetic attraction member is disposed at the internal support surface of the second clasp housing piece. The interface surfaces are separately disposed inclined plane surfaces including at least a first inclined surface that is inclined in a direction longitudinal of the clasp, and at least a second inclined surface that is a directed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clasp.
US09101166B2

A feed mechanism to feed objects for insertion into tobacco industry products including a rotary member for receiving objects, the rotary member having a plurality of channels, each channel being adapted so that in use objects assemble in a row in the channel which rotates with the rotary member, each channel having an outlet for dispensing an object from the channel, and a pneumatic mechanism configured to hold an object in a row prior to the object being dispensed.
US09101162B2

The present invention provides a process for preparation of highly purified mogrosides mixture from low purity mogrosides mixture. The process comprises providing a mixture of low purity mogrosides, dissolving the low purity mogrosides mixture in water or an aqueous alcohol solution to form an initial solution of mogrosides, passing the initial solution through a column system, wherein the column system comprises a plurality of columns, and each column is packed with a sorbent having different affinities to impurities and mogrosides so that one or more columns retains more mogrosides than other columns, washing the columns to remove impurities with an acidic aqueous solution, a basic aqueous solution, and an aqueous alcoholic solution successively, eluting the columns with an aqueous alcohol solution that contains higher alcohol content than the aqueous alcohol solution used in the washing step, wherein the eluate from the columns with high content of mogrosides are combined, and drying the combined eluate to obtain high purity mogrosides with the content of the total mogrosides are more than 70% (w/w). The present invention also provides a sweetener mixture and product comprising high purity mogrosides.
US09101158B2

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a soybean-derived raw material-containing food or beverage that improves problems with flavor and physical properties, such as the grassy smell caused by soybean raw materials, and markedly improves product quality, in a soybean-derived raw material-containing food or beverage using conventional soybean raw materials such soymilk or tofu. Provided are a milk-substitute composition, and an egg-yolk substitute composition, etc., characterized by including a soybean emulsion composition having a protein content relative to dry material of at least 25 wt %, a fat content (as a chloroform/methanol mixed solvent extract) relative to the protein content of at least 100 wt %, and an LCI value of at least 55%. Also provided are a variety of soybean-derived raw material-containing food and beverages using these compositions.
US09101148B2

A carbohydrate modifying formulation that modulates the rate of sugar absorption and/or metabolism in a subject to whom the formulation is administered. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises an active soluble fiber, one or more polyphenolic compounds, an aqueous diluent, and sugar. In another embodiment, the formulation is a dry powder that comprises an active soluble fiber, antioxidant containing botanical extracts, crystalline fructose, a probiotic, vitamins and minerals.
US09101138B2

A method for repelling blood-sucking and biting insects, ticks and mites involving treating an object or area with a blood-sucking and biting insects, ticks and mites repelling effective amount of camphor lactams, verbenone lactams, dolicholactams, dolicholactone, and their precursors, and mixtures thereof, and optionally a carrier.
US09101137B2

[Problem to be Solved] To provide a pest control composition having an excellent controlling activity on pests. [Solution] A pest control composition comprising pyribencarb and at least one insecticide compound selected from Group (A) has an excellent controlling activity on pests: Group (A): the group consisting of cartap hydrochloride, etofenprox, silafluofen, permethrin, ethiprole, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam and nitenpyram.
US09101135B2

An object of the present invention is to provide insecticides having high effectiveness. The present invention provides compounds represented by formula (1): wherein A1, A2, A3, and A4 independently represent a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, or an oxidized nitrogen atom; R1 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group which may be substituted, a phenyl group which may be substituted, or a heterocyclic group which may be substituted; R2 and R3 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group which may be substituted, or a C1-C4 alkylcarbonyl group which may be substituted; G1, G2, and G3 independently represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; Xs may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group which may be substituted, or an amino group which may be substituted; n represents an integer of 0 to 4; Q represents a phenyl group which may be substituted, a naphthyl group which may be substituted, a tetrahydronaphthyl group which may be substituted, or a heterocyclic group which may be substituted, insecticides containing the compounds as active ingredients, and a method for producing the compounds. The compounds represented by formula (1) exhibit an excellent preventive effect as insecticides and also exhibit an excellent preventive effect when being combined with another insecticide, an acaricide, a nematocide, a fungicide, a herbicide, a plant growth regulator, or a biological pesticide.
US09101132B2

The present invention is related to a dispenser, which is filled with a gel comprising a C1 to C10 carboxylic acid and a thickener, comprising a polyester membrane. The invention further relates to said gel. It also relates to s method for preparing said dispenser, comprising a) mixing C1 to C10 carboxylic acid and the thickener, and b) filling the mixture of step a) into the dispenser. The invention further relates to a method for the control of mites in bee hives comprising putting said dispenser inside or near a bee hive. It also relates to a use of the dispenser or the gel for the control of mites or of nosema in agricultural, industrial or domestic environment.
US09101127B2

Electric pest deterrents device having knitted conductors are presented. An elongated conductor comprising at least a single conducting strand knitted with itself or with other conducting strands can be attached to a based of the device. The conducting strands can be knitted according to one or more patterns to form textured surfaces having raise protrusions.
US09101126B2

A trap for capturing a plurality of animals. The trap can comprise an enclosure having an opening through which the at least one animal can pass to enter the enclosure. A gate, movable between an open position and a closed position, is positioned therein the at least one opening and can be selectively moved from the open position to the closed position when desired. Methods are also provided for capturing at least one animal by providing a trap with a gate, positioning the gate in an open position, monitoring the trap until at least one animal has entered the trap, and remotely triggering the gate to move from the open position to a closed position.
US09101116B1

An awning device to cover the maximum area of a bee hive entrance that is easy to install comprising a rectangular sheet of a flexible material attached to the front and sides of a hive body whereby bee mortality is reduced during spring and summer rains. A further modification of the awning device so that it can be made to encompass the entire hive.
US09101105B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1036172. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1036172. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1036172 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1036172 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09101100B1

High throughput methods are described for identifying combinations of transgenes that can be used to improve a phenotypic feature in an organism. Large populations of organisms (e.g., plants) containing different combinations of transgenes as well as different promoter-coding sequence combinations can be assessed using the methods.
US09101092B2

A square baler having a control system including at least one density sensor for measuring the relative density of crop slices within the intake duct and/or the intake region of the baling chamber. A correlation function is determined by correlating the measured relative density of slices in the intake duct and/or the intake region of the baling chamber with the cumulative weight of these slices after they have been compressed and bound to form a completed bale. The control system predicts a weight of the slice in the intake duct and/or the intake region of the baling chamber derived from the measured relative density values of this slice and the computed correlation function.
US09101090B2

An autoguidance interface for a hydraulic steering system for a differential steered self-propelled agricultural windrower, windrower speed and direction controlled by adjustment to a control input shaft to control the output of a pair of tandem-mounted hydraulic drive pumps and provide motive power for the windrower. The control input shaft is rotatable and axially moveable. A hydraulic steering motor is operably connected to the input shaft to effect control input shaft rotation. Rotation of the hydraulic steering motor is selectively managed by a steering control valve attached to a cab-mounted windrower steering wheel or a proportional steering valve managed by the autoguidance system. A selector valve controls the active steering input. An emergency disengagement positions the selector valve to restore manual control by the steering wheel.
US09101088B2

The present invention relates to a method of enhancing growth conditions for plants by growing the plants in soil containing, in proximity to the plant roots, both a phosphorus source and at least two strains of the fungus Penicillium, particularly P. bilaiae, more particularly strains NRRL 50162 and NRRL 50169.
US09107336B2

The invention relates to a method for fabricating electronic cards by A) forming a plurality of card bodies in the form of a thick sheet with a plurality of electronic units or modules embedded in the sheet; B) printing a plurality of first patterns on a first face of the thick sheet in a printing station where ink is applied on the first face; C) applying a first at least partially transparent coating on each printed first pattern, that adheres to the card body. The method can also include printing a plurality of second patterns on the inner surface of a film forming the first coating. Preferably, the printing of the first patterns is carried out in an offset type station for printing high definition patterns, essentially of the security type. The second patterns define personal data. The printed thick sheet defines an intermediate product according to the invention.
US09107335B2

A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit may include forming an electronic circuit in or above a carrier; forming at least one metallization layer structure configured to electrically connect the electronic circuit; and forming a solid state electrolyte battery at least partially in the at least one metallization layer structure, wherein the solid state electrolyte battery is electrically connected to the electronic circuit.
US09107334B2

A ceramic substrate includes: a substrate body formed by laminating a plurality of ceramic layers and including a first and second opposing principal surfaces and a peripheral portion having a positioning portion; a first conductor pad formed on the first principal surface; a second conductor pad formed on the second principal surface and having a diameter smaller than that of the first conductor pad. The positioning portion includes first and second through holes that individually pass through respective ceramic layers and are connected to each other in an axial direction. The first through hole passes through the first principal surface. The second through hole passes through the second principal surface and has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than that of the first through hole. At least apart of a peripheral edge of a ceramic layer defining the second through hole is visible through the first through hole.
US09107329B2

Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board. The method for manufacturing a printed circuit board includes: preparing a base substrate having first connection pads and second connection pads; forming a solder resist layer on the base substrate, the solder resist layer having a first opening for exposing the first connection pads; forming a first surface treatment layer on the first connection pads; forming a protective film on the solder resist layer; forming a second opening for exposing the second connection pads in the protective film and the solder resist layer; and forming a second surface treatment layer on the second connection pads.
US09107326B2

An active array heat sink cooled by natural free convection is disclosed. A long extruded heat sink is partitioned into multiple, shorter zones separated by gaps having horizontal baffles. The gaps and baffles serve to act as air vents and air inlets for the convection currents. As such, the heat transfer for the overall heat sink is improved because hot convection currents are vented and replaced by cool ambient air along the length of the heat sink.
US09107323B2

A bandpass filter module includes a mounting board and a BPF chip mounted on a surface thereof. The BPF chip includes three or more resonators; a first-stage resonator located closest to an input terminal, a final-stage resonator located closest to an output terminal, and a middle-stage resonator connected between the first-stage and the final-stage resonators and located in a chip middle zone. The mounting board includes an area overlapping with the chip middle zone, viewed in plan, defining a ground-free space in which no ground electrode is disposed. The ground-free space is formed at least from the surface of the mounting board to a depth position at which a topmost internal wiring layer is located. The middle-stage resonator is prevented from being coupled to ground electrodes on the mounting board and from a lower Q-value and increased insertion loss.
US09107320B2

A display apparatus includes a flexible display panel including a display area that displays an image and a non-display area adjacent to at least a part of the display area, a driver circuit unit connected to the non-display area and driving the flexible display panel, a cover member covering at least a part of the driver circuit unit and at least a part of the non-display area of the flexible display panel, and a fixing unit spaced apart from the driver circuit unit and overlapping the non-display area. The fixing unit is between the cover member and the flexible display panel and fixes the cover member and the flexible display panel.
US09107315B2

Disclosed is a via structure in a multi-layer substrate, comprising a first metal layer, a dielectric layer and a second metal layer. The first metal layer has an upper surface. The dielectric layer covers the first metal layer in which a via is opened to expose the upper surface. The second metal layer is formed in the via and contacts an upper surface and an inclined wall of the via. A contacting surface of the second metal layer has a top line lower than the upper edge of the inclined wall. Alternatively, the second metal layer can be formed on the dielectric layer as being a metal line simultaneously as formed in the via as being a pad. The metal line and the pad are connected electronically. The aforesaid metal second layer can be formed in the via and on the dielectric layer by a metal lift-off process.
US09107313B2

Disclosed herein are a hybrid heat-radiating substrate including a metal core layer; an oxide insulating core layer that is formed in a thickness direction of the metal core layer to have a shape where the oxide insulating core layer is integrally formed with the metal core layer, an oxide insulating layer that is formed on one surface or both surfaces of the metal core layer, and a circuit layer that is configured to include first circuit patterns formed on the oxide insulating core layer and second circuit patterns formed on the oxide insulating layer, and a method of manufacturing the same.
US09107312B2

Printed electronic device comprising a substrate onto at least one surface of which has been applied a layer of an electrically conductive ink comprising functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. A method of preparing printed electronic devices is further disclosed.
US09107302B2

A dummy structure for a printed wiring board (PWB) includes a unit shape defined on the PWB, the unit shape configured to, based on a visual inspection thereof, provide an indication of one of: etching of a PWB circuit element within a desired tolerance range, over etching of the PWB circuit element, or under etching of the PWB circuit element.
US09107298B2

This invention is directed to reducing the effect of shocks on electronic device components. The electronic device component may be surrounded by a boundary element operative to deform in response to impacts. By deforming, the boundary element may be operative to absorb energy received by the shock or impact without passing the energy on to the electronic device component. To maximize the effectiveness of the boundary element over a range of different impacts (e.g., strong, instantaneous impacts and weak impacts over time), a viscoelastic material may be used. The characteristic properties of the viscoelastic material may be selected based on expected impacts to the electronic device component.
US09107290B1

A package structure includes two insulation layers, three conductive layers, and two electronic components. The first and second conductive layers are disposed on a top surface and a bottom surface of the first insulation layer, respectively. The second insulation layer is disposed over the first conductive layer. The third conductive layer is disposed on a top surface of the second insulation layer. The first and second electronic components are embedded within the first and second insulation layers, respectively. The first conducting terminals of the first electronic component are electrically connected with the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer through at least one first conductive via and at least one second conductive via. The second conducting terminals of the second electronic component are electrically connected with the first conductive layer and/or electrically connected with the third conductive layer through at least one third conductive via.
US09107283B2

A device for controlling a plasma arc is provided that includes a plurality of magnetic poles disposed around a distal end portion of a plasma arc torch. A plurality of electrical coils are wound around a proximal end portion of each of the plurality of magnetic poles, and a plurality of lead wires are connected to the plurality of electrical coils. A control system for controlling a current supplied to the plasma arc torch through the lead wires is also provided that changes at least one of a strength of a magnetic field produced by the magnetic poles, a polarity of the magnetic poles, and a movement of a magnetic force between the plurality of magnetic poles, such that a size and location of the plasma arc is controlled.
US09107276B2

The invention describes a method of driving an arc-discharge lamp (1), which method comprises the steps of detecting a mechanically induced fluctuation in luminous flux of the lamp (1) occurring as a result of a physical displacement of the discharge arc (2), determining a characteristic (43, 51, 63) of the mechanically induced fluctuation in luminous flux of the lamp (1), and adjusting the lamp power on the basis of the determined characteristic (43, 51, 63) to suppress the mechanically induced fluctuation in luminous flux of the lamp (1). The invention further describes a driver (3) for an arc-discharge lamp (1), which driver comprises a detecting means (40, 50, 60) for detecting a mechanically induced fluctuation in luminous flux of the lamp (1) occurring as a result of a physical displacement of the discharge arc (2), a determination unit (42, 50, 62) for determining a characteristic (43, 51, 63) of the mechanically induced fluctuation in luminous flux of the lamp (1); and an adjustment unit (8) for adjusting a lamp power (Pc) on the basis of the determined characteristic (43, 51, 63) to suppress the mechanically induced fluctuation in luminous flux of the lamp (1). The invention also describes a lighting assembly (9) comprising a high-intensity gas-discharge lamp (1) and such a driver (3) for driving the lamp (1) according to the inventive method.
US09107274B2

Provided is a color display element which employs a conventional system of monochrome electronic paper without degrading the degree of brightness and with ease and lower costs. Also provided is a method of producing a color display element including a pair of opposing substrates having electrodes, charged display bodies of white color and black color which are enclosed between the opposing substrates, and a color filter which is disposed on one of the opposing substrates, the method including forming a color filter disposed on a viewing side by forming, first, colored regions of at least three colors of blue, green, and red by an inkjet method on a transparent support substrate, and forming remaining regions other than the colored regions so as to be colorless or transparent.
US09107273B2

An LED light bulb which turns itself permanently off when it reaches the end of its useful life, and more particularly, to a scheme which slightly varies the end-of-life condition from unit to unit.
US09107268B2

Light from each LED is applied to an integrating sphere (reference object), and a light amount calculator calculates light reflected from the integrating sphere. Calibration data, in which source control signals applied to the LEDs are associated with amounts of the light from the LEDs emitted in response to the source control signals, respectively, is generated. A maximum amount of the light from each LED is set in accordance with a predetermined light amount ratio. Based on the maximum light amount, an nth light amount which corresponds to a brightness step n is set. With reference to the calibration data, the source control signal which corresponds to the nth light amount is set as the source control signal for the brightness step n. A light control table is generated by associating the source control signal for the brightness step n with a brightness command signal for the brightness step n.
US09107248B2

A light power socket adaptor is positioned between an energy-saving light bulb and a light socket that provides electrical power to the light bulb. Light power socket adaptors are network-enabled, and a sensor network is ZigBee, which is IEEE compliant and quickly forms a mesh network. Each node on the network operates independently. Each node also functions as a router so that it forwards data packets to other nodes if the data received is targeted for its own consumption. Each adaptor further includes a motion sensor as well as a photo (day/night) sensor.
US09107242B2

A method for a channel sounding in a wireless local area network is provided. The method includes transmitting a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, to a plurality of receivers, the NDPA frame requesting a channel statement information feedback and announcing that a null data packet (NDP) frame is to be transmitted; transmitting the NDP frame being a basis of channel estimation for the plurality of receivers; receiving a first feedback frame from a first receiver among the plurality of receivers, transmitting a feedback poll frame to a second receiver; and, receiving a second feedback frame from the second receiver, the second feedback frame including second channel state information estimated by the second receiver. If the first receiver fails to perform the channel estimation, the first feedback frame is a null feedback frame. The null feedback frame is a feedback frame not including channel state information.
US09107239B2

Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate defining new control channels in legacy wireless networks. Control data resources for new systems can be defined over resources reserved for general data communications in the legacy wireless network specification. In this regard, legacy devices can still be supported by devices implementing new control data resources, and the new control data resources can avoid substantial interference that is typically exhibited over legacy control and/or reference signal resources by instead using the general data resources. In addition, new system devices can avoid scheduling data communication resources over the new control resources to create a substantially non-interfered global control segment. Control data can be transmitted over the segment using beacon-based technologies, reuse schemes, and/or the like.
US09107238B2

An information processing device that includes processing devices and a relay device. Each processing device has at least one processing function associated with a unique function information item, a function determination portion, and a device information item notification portion. The function determination portion determines whether the processing device includes a processing function that corresponds to a function information item received from the relay device. If the processing device has the processing function, the device information item notification portion transmits a device information item to the relay device. The relay device includes a storage portion that stores the device information items, a function information item transmission portion, and a device information item recording portion.
US09107234B2

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for scheduling multiple bursts containing a collaborative spatial multiplexing (CSM) burst and a non-CSM burst in a broadband radio communication system. The method comprises the steps of packet-scheduling an uplink data packet corresponding to the bandwidth request from a terminal such that the packet is allocated to either the CSM burst or the non-CSM burst, determining a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level and a transmission power level corresponding to the packet-scheduled uplink data packet using the maximum number of bytes for each MCS level in accordance with the types of the multiple bursts calculated for the terminal, determining a transmission power offset in accordance with the type of the burst to which the packet-scheduled uplink data packet is allocated using the MCS level and the power transmission level determined in the previous step, and generating MAP information for the terminal, containing burst allocation information of the uplink data packet and information of the transmission power offset determined in the previous step.
US09107232B2

Methods and apparatuses for interference management between multiple wireless networks are disclosed. The apparatuses, and methods for doing the same, communicate with one or more wireless devices in each of first and second wireless networks, the first and second wireless networks having a common spectrum and different air interface protocols, and generate a message for transmission into the first wireless network to suppress transmission in the first network and to reserve a medium for wireless transmissions in the second wireless network.
US09107227B2

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is at least a method, computer program, and apparatus for receiving over a first component carrier from a serving cell at least one of a first threshold and a second threshold, and performing at least one of: measuring the first component carrier and determining if the measurement exceeds the first threshold, and utilizing the second threshold and determining if a neighboring cell is a potential candidate for scheduling on a second component carrier.
US09107225B2

A method and apparatus for reporting statistic information associated with random access procedure and back-off process are provided. The method proposes a number of back-off interval reporting modes. The reporting modes include the first mode in which a sequence indicating every back-off interval applied during the back-off process is reported, the second mode in which a total sum of the every back-off interval applied during the back-off process is reported, the third mode in which an average of the every back-off interval applied during the back-off process is reported, and the fourth mode in which a variance of the every back-off interval applied during the back-off process is reported. The reporting information is transmitted via RRC signaling.
US09107221B2

Embodiments of systems and methods for implementing a contention-based period with configurable parameters such as slot size, and minimum and maximum contention windows in a wireless network are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09107215B2

Systems, devices, and methods of managing short addresses in a wireless communication system include receiving reservation requests on a random access channel from subscriber units at a radio frequency (RF) site such that the reservation requests includes a minimum number of requested time slots for data transmission between a subscriber unit and the RF site, and a subscriber long address. Further, for each of the reservation requests, the RF site selects a subscriber short address for the respective subscriber unit as well as transmitting the selected subscriber short address to the respective subscriber unit on a RF site channel. In addition, the RF site determines a short address transmission schedule for the subscriber units as well as transmitting a schedule message to the subscriber units on a schedule channel such that the schedule provides slot assignments for data transmissions by subscriber units according to their assigned short addresses.
US09107206B2

A base station transmits an RRC message to modify a first cell group index of a first cell. If the first cell is a primary cell, the RRC message reconfigures the primary cell as a secondary cell with an updated first cell group index and the RRC message comprises mobility control information. If the first cell is a secondary cell, the RRC message releases the secondary cell and adds the secondary cell with an updated first cell group index without employing mobility control information.
US09107199B2

Provided is a method of transmitting a signal of a multi-node system employing a plurality of nodes and a plurality of base stations that can be controlled by being connected with the plurality of nodes. The method includes: mapping at least one base station among the plurality of base stations to at least one node among the plurality of nodes; and transmitting by the at least one base station a signal to a user equipment via the mapped node, wherein the plurality of nodes are installed in a geographically distributed manner, and the node mapped to the at least one base station varies temporally.
US09107198B2

An uplink feedback channel reporting method is disclosed for using the primary and secondary fast feedback channels to efficiently report the channel quality, MIMO feedback, and CQI types of data from a mobile station to a base station. The reporting method reports regular information periodically and non-regular information on demand.
US09107195B2

A method of communicating with a telematics-equipped vehicle includes receiving a circuit-switched telephone call at a central facility from a telematics-equipped vehicle via a wireless carrier system that is in local communication with the telematics-equipped vehicle; determining during the circuit-switched telephone call that a separate packet-data communication session between the telematics-equipped vehicle and the central facility is desired; identifying the wireless carrier system that is in local communication with the telematics-equipped vehicle; querying the identified wireless carrier system from the central facility to determine whether the telematics-equipped vehicle is authorized to establish a packet-data communication session using the identified wireless carrier system; if so, obtaining an Internet protocol (IP) address from the identified wireless carrier system; and commencing the exchange of data between the telematics-equipped vehicle and the central facility using the obtained IP address.
US09107193B2

An association update message for mesh networks according to the IEEE 802.11s standard provides the ability to include a plurality of associations in an association update message and thus ensure simultaneous updating of a plurality of associations of representative nodes with respect to the proxy nodes (proxy mesh stations) thereof. A threatened inconsistency in an association update in conventional systems, which provides for only one transmission of an association update message per association update, is thereby eliminated. The proxy information field has an identification field with a plurality of identification fields. The identification fields advantageously allow variable structuring of the proxy information fields, that is, dependent on the information transmitted, which also provides the ability to prevent redundant information in the proxy information fields.
US09107192B2

A first apparatus having a first identity associated therewith the first apparatus, the first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to perform at least the following: enable transmission of a proxy initiation command to a second apparatus, wherein the proxy initiation command is configured to enable the second apparatus to initiate a first-identity-second-apparatus connection, the first-identity-second-apparatus connection enabling the second apparatus to transmit data denoted as being from the first identity and/or receive data denoted as being to the first identity via the data network.
US09107188B2

In an embodiment, an access network (AN) receives a message configured to prompt a conditional allocation of Quality of Service (QoS) resources to an access terminal (AT). The message can be received from the AT or from an application server (AS) that arbitrates a communication session for the AT. In another embodiment, if the AT determines that a QoS resource request has not yet been granted, the AT waits until the traffic channel (TCH) has been obtained for a communication session before resending the QoS resource request. In another embodiment, if the AT determines to initiate or join a second communication session before a confirmation that QoS resources for a first communication session are relinquished, the AT waits until the confirmation is received before a request for QoS resources for the second communication session is sent.
US09107184B2

For applications with very small data activities, connection of a UE to a wireless network for sending or receiving such small data traffic increments via conventional connection set-up processes is quite inefficient in terms of spectral resource utilization. The invention provides a new connectionless methodology for transmission of such small data increments between a UE and a serving eNB. In particular, the invention methodology contemplates identifying a set of preamble sequences among the pool of preamble sequences provided for access requests from a UE to an eNB via the Random Access Channel as corresponding to a request from the UE for access to transmit an increment of data smaller than a predetermined threshold data size. When a UE has data traffic to transmit of a size smaller than the predetermined threshold size, it selects one of the preamble sequences in the identified set and sends an access request, using the selected preamble sequence, to a serving eNB via the Random Access Channel. Upon receipt of the access request from the UE, the eNB determines an appropriate RF resource for the data increment sought to be transmitted by the UE, based on the use of the selected preamble sequence sent by the UE, and schedules an uplink connection for the transmission of that data increment by the UE.
US09107174B2

Methods and systems for facilitating uplink power control (PC) and scheduling in a wireless network are provided. In one example, common interference patterns are obtained from long term channel statistics, and used to perform local PC and scheduling by distributed base stations (eNBs). In some implementations, the common interference patterns are obtained through statistical narrowing techniques that identify common ones out of a plurality of potential interference patterns. The common interference patterns may specify maximum interference thresholds and/or individual eNB-to-eNB interference thresholds which may govern the local PC and scheduling decisions of the distributed eNBs.
US09107164B1

A network device may include first and second processors and a wireless transceiver under control of the second processor. The network device may further maintain one or more signatures and a wake-up module executable by the second processor. The wake up module may receive a multicast wireless communication while the first processor is in a low-power sleep mode. The wake up module may determine whether a data portion of the multicast wireless communication includes a signature. If the data portion of the wireless communication includes the signature, the wake up module may cause the first processor to leave the low-power sleep mode and process the multicast wireless communication.
US09107163B2

A method is provided for controlling Discontinuous Reception (DRX) mode in telecommunication user equipment (UE), with the object to improve system power consumption of a UE of a wireless communication system that is running the DRX mode in RRC_CONNECTED state. In an LTE communication system, DRX functionality is applied to the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer to discontinue monitoring the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for certain periods in order to reduce power consumption of the UE. Typical physical UE implementations have the stack controller and the Physical Layer (PHY) running on several hardware blocks that can enter power saving modes independently. The method comprises a partitioning of the functionality between stack controller and PHY layer that allows the stack controller entity to be active at a minimum while ensuring that the UE still behaves standard compliant to the network.
US09107160B2

Embodiments of the present invention relates to an uplink synchronization method and apparatus, where the method includes: obtaining a timing advance of a second frequency point according to a timing advance of a first frequency point; and sending data at an uplink sending time corresponding to the timing advance of the second frequency point. According to embodiments of the present invention, the TA of the second frequency point can be obtained according to the TA of the first frequency point, and a RACH access process does not need to be performed at the second frequency point, which effectively reduces the network resources occupied by the RACH process, and shortens the produced delay, thereby improving the performance of the entire system.
US09107132B2

Techniques, systems, and articles of manufacture for trajectory-aware location-based hand-offs. A method includes collecting data comprising one or more past trajectories associated with a user mobile device and signal strength information pertaining to multiple mobile network base stations, determining a future trajectory for the user mobile device comprising one or more hand-offs to one or more of the mobile network base stations based on the collected data, and executing the one or more hand-offs according to the determined future trajectory.
US09107128B2

A method is provided for managing a priority call in a serving cell. The method comprises, when a priority call is in progress in the serving cell, an access device in the serving cell determining an amount of resources available in the serving cell. The method further comprises when the amount of resources available in the serving cell is below a threshold, the access device causing at least one non-priority call in the serving cell to be handed over to a target cell.
US09107120B2

A handover method and apparatus for reducing a time delay during handover in a communication system is provided. A Mobile Station (MS) transmits a serving Base Station (BS) a first message indicating that the MS will perform handover to a target BS and the first message includes information for requesting a second message indicating a response to the successful receipt of the first message.
US09107114B2

A method for supporting quality of service (QoS) mechanisms during a handover process or in preparation of a handover process, wherein a user equipment (UE) attaches to an access network (AN) via points of attachment (PoA), wherein the handover process supports changing connection of the UE from one of the points of attachment—current PoA—to another one of the points of attachment—target PoA—while maintaining all ongoing connections of the UE, wherein signalling messages are exchanged between the current PoA and a second PoA during or in preparation of the handover process, the second PoA including the target PoA or a candidate for the target PoA, and wherein the AN supports inner QoS mechanisms on a communication path within the AN, the communication path being used for communication between one of the PoA and a core network (CN) or between one of the PoA and a network entity within the AN, is characterized in that a triggering message is sent to the second PoA by the current PoA, the triggering message being received by an UE proxy located on the second PoA, wherein the UE proxy, in reaction to the triggering message, controls the inner QoS mechanisms to ensure QoS on the communication path.
US09107108B2

When the role of a receiver is not predetermined, it is impossible to uniquely determine the transfer direction of communication parameters. A communication apparatus comprises: discrimination means adapted to discriminate a function of another communication apparatus with respect to communication parameter setting processing when the self communication apparatus is a candidate for a providing apparatus of communication parameters; setting means adapted to set the function of the self communication apparatus as a receiving apparatus of communication parameters upon detecting an apparatus that is confirmed as a providing apparatus of communication parameters before a set time elapses; and execution means adapted, if the setting means sets the function as the receiving apparatus, to execute, as a receiving apparatus of communication parameters, the communication parameter setting processing with the providing apparatus.
US09107105B2

The present invention discloses a channel predicting method and apparatus in a communication network comprising a time-varying wireless channel. The channel predicting method comprising: determining a prediction strategy; selecting a certain number of channel samples from candidate channel samples each corresponding to one symbol in time domain in accordance with the prediction strategy; determining prediction weights in accordance with the prediction strategy and statistical properties of the time-varying wireless channel; and weighting the selected channel samples with the determined prediction weights to obtain a predicting channel sample as a prediction result.
US09107102B2

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reporting a cell quality measurement result for minimization of drive test (MDT) to a base station in an efficient manner by a terminal. The method for reporting a quality measurement result for MDT by a terminal according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: receiving from a base station a first message that contains logging configuration information of a quality measurement result for the MDT; performing quality measurement for the MDT and logging the quality measurement result according to logging configuration information contained in the first message; receiving from the base station a second message that contains information regarding whether the base station supports the report of the quality measurement result; and transmitting to the base station a message notifying the existence of the logged quality measurement result, if the second message contains the information regarding the support of the measurement result.
US09107100B2

A method of operating a telecommunications node (28) through which packets of differing priority are conveyed comprises receiving plural data packets from a source external (26) to the node, the plural data packets including both ordinary packets and a priority packet; and storing the plural data packets in a queue structure (36) in order of arrival so that the priority packet is read out of the queue structure before the ordinary packets are read out of the queue structure (36), thereby expediting output of the priority packet from the node relative to the ordinary packets.
US09107097B2

The present invention relates to compact header structures of various forms used in wireless access systems as well as a method and apparatus for the transmission and reception of data using such headers. The method for receiving data wherein the mobile terminal uses the Persistent Allocation (PA) mode in one of the embodiments of the present invention comprises the step of receiving a Downlink Persistent Allocation MAP Information Element (DL PA MAP IE) from the base station, which contains information relating to the resource region allocated for persistent allocation in the downlink, and the step of receiving the downlink data containing a Compact Medium access control Header (CMH) via said resource region revealed by said information. At this stage, the CMH can contain an indicator that indicates whether the downlink data contains an extended header, and a length field indicating the length of the data payload.
US09107095B2

In a multi flow HSDPA system comprising a RNC (402) and a plurality of NodeB's (404, 406), the present disclosure includes (re-) use of original active queue management, AQM, based congestion control, ABCC for a primary link (421). For every detected congestion, an end-user IP packet is destroyed. ABCC is not used for the secondary link (422), which means that application level TCP will not be informed about congestion on the secondary link (422). The radio link control, RLC, protocol data units, PDU, (432) are distributed among links based on the congestion status of the links. If secondary link (422) is congested then more packets will be transmitted on the primary link (421). This makes it possible to use TCP compatible congestion control for multi flow HSDPA, without the drawback that would result from TCP reacting unnecessarily on flow bitrate decrease.
US09107094B2

In embodiments of the present disclosure improved capabilities are described for increasing the bandwidth in a network, where centralized optimization servers are utilized to reduce the time-latency for applications being run from a user device. Further, by associating additional local optimization servers, application functionality may be optionally transferred from the centralized optimization server to the local optimization server in instances where a number of user devices are requesting the same data via their access through the same access node, and in other instances, to the effect that associated communication network bandwidth utilization is reduced or eliminated.
US09107090B1

A structural correlation manager for managing wireless local area networks (WLAN) each supporting wireless communications between an associated access point node and associated station nodes on a corresponding one of a plurality of communication channels across an available spectrum. The apparatus comprises a structural correlation manager including a structural identifier to identify an architectural structure surrounding the WLAN; and a correlator configured to correlate the architectural structure surrounding the nodes and the communication parameters utilized by the nodes to maximize wireless communications within structure and minimize wireless communications outside the structure.
US09107086B2

An integration panel comprises a control module, a plurality of radio frequency (RF) modules, and a backplane configured to couple the plurality of RF modules to the control module. Each of the plurality of RF modules is configured to be coupled to a respective network device and to a host unit of a distributed antenna system. Each RF module is further configured to condition the RF signals received from the respective network device and to provide the conditioned RF signals to the host unit. Each of the RF modules is configured to sample the conditioned RF signals and to provide the sampled RF signals to the control module via the backplane. The control module is configured to perform signal analysis of the sampled RF signals and to provide the results of the signal analysis to a user device located remotely from the integration panel.
US09107082B2

A wireless communication system comprising at least one base station in a communication cell, wherein the base station is equipped with at least one array antenna comprising at least two antenna ports which are connected to respective at least two corresponding antenna elements, wherein at least two of the at least two antenna elements have essentially the same polarization. The array antenna is arranged for communication via at least two antenna radiation lobes, each antenna radiation lobe communicating an information stream to at least one user equipment (UE) in the cell, wherein each antenna radiation lobe is individually controllable both in azimuth and elevation, whereby the communication of the information streams is optimized.
US09107077B2

Embodiments of a method and system for supporting co-existence of first and second cellular networks in adjacent channels in the same geographical area are provided. The method and system synchronize the two cellular networks such that their respective uplink transmissions are aligned in time and their respective downlink transmissions are aligned in time. Such synchronization prevents (or substantially prevents) the uplink transmissions from one of the two cellular networks from overlapping with the downlink transmissions of the other cellular network, and vice versa, thereby mitigating interference between the two networks.
US09107070B2

Provided are a system and method for setting an adaptive set of handoff parameters. The system includes a user terminal configured to transmit an authentication request to a network and receive a set of handoff parameters from the network; an access point (AP) belonging to the network and configured to receive the authentication request from the user terminal, transmit the authentication request to a central management server, receive the set of handoff parameters from the central management server, and transmit the set of handoff parameters to the user terminal; and the central management server, which is configured to store and manage a plurality of network-specific sets of handoff parameters for one or more networks, authenticate the user terminal using the authentication request received from the AP, and transmit a set of handoff parameters of a network to which the authenticated user terminal connects to the AP.
US09107068B2

The herein described device and method facilitate inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) in a relay-assistant cellular network by: determining, with respect to a sector, whether the sector is relay overloaded or neighboring sectors of the sector are relay overloaded according to load information of the neighboring sectors of the sector; enabling the sector to borrow relay resources released by the neighboring sectors of the sector if the sector is relay overloaded with respect to the neighboring sectors of the sector; and releasing relay resources allocated to the sector according to load information of the neighboring sectors of the sector if the neighboring sectors are relay overloaded with respect to the sector.
US09107062B2

Embodiments of the invention provide a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) node and a method for authorizing a Quality of Service (QoS) for a wireless subscriber based on subscriber usage and time-of-day for a 3GPP-compliant packet data network.
US09107060B2

A network device receives an indication of a text message sent from a sender via a mobile device and receives multiple telematics packets from a vehicle telematics unit. Each of the multiple telematics packets includes operating data from a vehicle, associated with a driver and a time or time interval. The network device identifies the sender as the driver based on information from the text message indication, identifies a sending time of the text message based on the text message indication, and identifies one of the telematics packets with a time or time interval that corresponds to the sending time of the text message. The network device identifies, based on the telematics packet and the text message indication, that the vehicle was being operated during the sending time of the text message and logs a texting-while-driving incident associated with the particular driver.
US09107057B2

In locating a transmitter, a central processor calculates a matched filter detector output for each of one or more candidate transmitter locations by applying a linear filter to low frequency magnetic field measurements obtained at a plurality of receiver locations. The central processor then determines the location of the transmitter based on the one or more calculated matched filter detector outputs. The linear filter is derived for the one or more candidate transmitter locations.
US09107054B2

A method of connecting consumers with third parties includes prompting a user to enter search information on the mobile device about an entity that the user is seeking to contact, conveying information about one or more entities to the user based on retrieved entity information, and initiating a communication connection between the user and the indicated entity.
US09107052B2

There is provided a method and system of generating a rich-media message using a short message service (SMS) message. In one aspect, the method comprises encoding data and rich-media content information to generate an encoded rich-media message, and formatting the encoded rich-media message into a rich-media SMS message. In one aspect, the method includes transmitting the rich-media SMS over a network. In another aspect, the method includes receiving the rich-media SMS by a mobile device, decoding the SMS, and displaying the message. The method may include obtaining rich-media content from a server. In one embodiment, a system for communicating a rich-media message to a mobile device comprises an alerts generator configured to encode a rich-media message and format the message into a rich-media SMS, a content server configured to provide rich-media content to a mobile device configured to decode and display the rich-media SMS.
US09107048B2

The present application relates to network mobility (e.g., mobility in an IPv6 network). More specifically, the present application discloses systems and methods for enabling mobile nodes to switch to a routing optimization mode using a minimum of mobility messages.
US09107044B2

Techniques are provided which may be implemented using various methods, apparatuses and/or articles of manufacture to provide or otherwise support mobile device positioning. The mobile device positioning may be based, at least in part, on one or more perceived routability constraints that may or may not affect actual movement of a mobile device within an indoor environment.
US09107036B2

The present invention provides for a UICC interface and related interfacing method, for use in a mobile radio communications device and including an element enabling the UICC to provide an indication that at least one service requiring location data is present in the UICC, an element for UICC to receive notification that a source of location data is available, an element for allowing the UICC to initiate transfer of location data thereto, an element for the actual transfer of the location data to the UICC, and an element enabling the UICC to terminate the transfer of the location data, and wherein the location data can be provided from a GPS module or remotely in a contact-less manner.
US09107021B2

Described are systems and methods performed by computer to reduce crosstalk produced by loudspeakers when rendering binaural sound that is emitted from the loudspeakers into a room. The room may have sound-reflecting surfaces that reflect some of the sound produced by the loudspeakers. To reduce crosstalk, a room model stored by the computer, is accessed. The room model models at least sound reflected by one or more of the physical surfaces. The room model is used to calculate a model of an audio channel from the loudspeakers to a listener. The model of the audio channel models sound transmission from the loudspeakers to the listener. The computer uses the model of the audio channel to cancel crosstalk from the loudspeakers when rendering the binaural sound.
US09107020B2

System, method and device to provide apparent audio source position of a performer on a stage using a monophonic wireless microphone and volume modulation of left and right audio channels based on the actual position of the performer. Two audio channels are produced using a single audio input channel plus position information. Performances are enhanced by the perception of the audience that the source of the sound, such as singing, is the location of the performer on the stage. Other embodiments use additional audio channels. One embodiment uses the carrier amplitude of the wireless microphone to determine position. In another embodiment two or more wireless microphone receivers are used to improve position accuracy. The stage may be real, virtual or remote. The performance and/or audio may be live or recorded. Calibration and adjustment features are included in alternate embodiments. Constant power panning is included in one embodiment.
US09107019B2

A signal processing apparatus and method for providing a spatial impression. The signal processing apparatus applies a reverberation effect to a summed signal formed by summing original signals corresponding to locations of a plurality of sound sources, and removes a correlation from the summed signal, thereby generating reverberation signals corresponding to the locations of the plurality of sound sources. Next, the signal processing apparatus applies panning information derived from the original signals, thereby reflecting location information of the original signals.
US09107017B1

An etching method for manufacturing MEMS devices is provided. The method includes steps of: providing a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein a base structure, a sacrificial structure and at least one adhesion layer are arranged on the first surface of the substrate, the adhesion layer is disposed between the base structure and the sacrificial structure, the base structure is disposed between the adhesion layer and the substrate; performing a surface grinding process on the second surface of the substrate; performing a first plasma etching process by using a first mixed gas to remove the sacrificial structure, wherein the first mixed gas includes oxygen and a first nitrogen-based gas; and performing a second plasma etching process by using a second mixed gas to remove the adhesion layer, wherein the second mixed gas includes a second nitrogen-based base gas and a fluorine-based gas.
US09107013B2

A hearing prosthesis including an actuator. The actuator includes a material that deforms in response to an electrical signal and that is adapted to, upon implantation in a recipient, transmit vibrations representative of a sound signal to an organ of the recipient, wherein the material is at least partially exposed to at least one of body tissue and fluid of the recipient.
US09107006B2

A screen sounder includes a housing having a front case, a screen supported by the front case, a piezoelectric module mounted with the screen for driving the screen to generate sound or converting vibration of the screen into electric energy, an audio signal source electrically connecting to the piezoelectric module for driving the piezoelectric module to vibrate, a rechargeable module electrically connecting to the piezoelectric module for receiving the electric energy, and a switching control unit electrically connecting with the piezoelectric module for switching the electrical connections between the audio signal source, the rechargeable module and the piezoelectric module.
US09107000B2

A wireless digital audio system includes a portable audio source with a digital audio transmitter operatively coupled thereto and an audio receiver operatively coupled to a headphone set. The audio receiver is configured for digital wireless communication with the audio transmitter. The digital audio receiver utilizes fuzzy logic to optimize digital signal processing. Each of the digital audio transmitter and receiver is configured for code division multiple access (CDMA) communication. The wireless digital audio system allows private audio enjoyment without interference from other users of independent wireless digital transmitters and receivers sharing the same space.
US09106997B2

A behind-the-ear mountable earphone includes a generally C-shaped ear support. The support has a first section extending between a first end and the top of the “C”, adapted to fit behind the user's ear, and a second section extending from the top of the “C” to a second end. The second section is in a plane different from the first section, so that when the first section is behind the user's ear, the second section extends over the front of the user's ear. An earphone is telescopingly mounted on the second end of the C-shaped support. The earphone comprising a generally circular face adapted to be received in the concha of the user's ear, the generally circular face disposed at an angle with respect to the first section of the generally C-shaped support.
US09106994B2

A ultra-slim includes bass, alto membranes and acoustical element, where a surrounding embossed pattern is configured on a location adjacent to the rim of the bass membrane to form a dangling edge, and a frame stopping portion formed by a step is disposed on the center thereof. Whereby, a groove formed by a step is disposed on the center of alto membrane, and the acoustical element is formed by stacking a plurality of ceramic material layers together, thereby mounting the acoustical element on the alto membrane, and then lodging the alto membrane in the inner edge of the frame stopping element of the bass membrane to construct a thinned speaker in which sound is guided out through the bass and alto membranes after audio signals are received, capable of the application thereof to thinned products such as iPad, iPhone, cellular phones or notebook computers.
US09106989B2

Techniques for estimating adaptive noise canceling (ANC) performance in a personal audio device, such as a wireless telephone, provide robustness of operation by triggering corrective action when ANC performance is low, and/or by saving a state of the ANC system when ANC performance is high. An anti-noise signal is generated from a reference microphone signal and is provided to an output transducer along with program audio. A measure of ANC gain is determined by computing a ratio of a first indication of magnitude of an error microphone signal that provides a measure of the ambient sounds and program audio heard by the listener including the effects of the anti-noise, to a second indication of magnitude of the error microphone signal without the effects of the anti-noise. The ratio can be determined for different frequency bands in order to determine whether particular adaptive filters are trained properly.
US09106987B2

Embodiments of the invention include a micro speaker assembly that has two drivers, each having a separate yoke, set of magnets, voice coil, and acoustic diaphragms. One driver may produce high frequency (HF) sound while the other produces low frequency (LF) sound. The two drivers may be packaged, side-by-side, within the same micro speaker acoustic enclosure. The drivers may have their respective magnet systems physically connected to each other, in order to enhance heat transfer from one to the other. In particular, a thermally conductive portion or bridge may be used to directly join or thermally connect adjacent edges of the yoke portions of the two magnet systems, in order to enhance heat transfer between the first and second micro speaker drivers. Thus, the assembly can handle more power without overheating. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US09106983B2

Methods and systems for optical communication in a submarine network are provided. An input signal is received from a terminal at a reconfigurable branching unit (BU), and the input signal is split into at least two parts, with one part being associated with one or more trunk terminals and another part being associated with one or more branch terminals. Each of one or more spectrum channels are selected and individually switched to one of a plurality of paths using at least one wavelength selective switch (WSS), with the at least one WSS being configured to transmit the one or more spectrum channels to their respective target output port and to combine signals switched to a specific port into a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) signal. Individual spectrum channels are filtered out using at least one wavelength blocker (WB).
US09106974B2

A computerized method is disclosed for presenting advertising data extracted from a video data stream, the method including storing a plurality of advertising data items extracted from the video data stream at an end user device; and displaying a plurality of sorted advertising indicator data items at the end user device, wherein each of the advertising indicator data items indicates one of the plurality of stored advertising data items. A system is disclosed for performing the method. A data structure is disclosed providing a functional and structural interrelationship between a processor in the system and data in the data structure.
US09106969B2

An alert generation method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor, alert data indicating filters for specified alert types associated with possible future events. The computer processor receives monitor definition data and media generated audio/video data; compares the alert data to the media generated audio/video data; determines a first alert type matches first audio/video data of the media generated audio/video data; and determines that the first audio/video data comprises a primary event. The computer processor broadcasts the primary event.
US09106966B2

Disclosed is a novel system and method for presenting a listing of multimedia content. The method begins with accessing a multi-dimensional data space with a plurality of nodes. Each of the nodes in the multi-dimensional data space contains a set of informational descriptors about multimedia content. User input is received for least one dimension of relatedness to be used with the set of informational descriptors. A subset of the plurality of nodes is defined with the at least one dimension of relatedness using an order embedding algorithm and the user input. The subset of the plurality of nodes is presented to the user.
US09106965B2

Arrangements for preparing a television channel for presentation are presented. A tuner of a television receiver may tune to a first television channel and the first television channel may be output for presentation. One or more idle tuners of the television receiver may be identified. One or more television channels other than the first television channel may be selected for preparation. The one or more television channels may be selected prior to receiving user input selecting a television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation. Each of the one or more television channels may be prepared for presentation by tuning, by each tuner of the one or more idle tuners, to the one or more television channels prior to receiving the user input selecting the television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation.
US09106957B2

Methods and apparatus for searching for content to display on a digitally-tunable electronic device configured to display scheduled programming content. The method comprises receiving a search query from a user, and determining, based on the search query, an action the user wants to perform. The method further comprises determining one or more data sources to search based, at least in part, on the action the user wants to perform, and searching based, at least in part, on the search query, the one or more data sources for the content to display on the electronic device.
US09106956B2

A method and apparatus for displaying information are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes obtaining, by an image display apparatus, viewing history information on a plurality of programs or channels based on a previous viewing of the plurality of programs or channels; generating priority information for the programs or channels based on the obtained viewing history information; and visually indicating, on a display unit of the apparatus, a plurality items corresponding respectively to the plurality of programs or channels to be distinct from each other according to the generated priority information.
US09106946B2

A device equipped with a camera and microphone includes the capability to send and receive video calls through a delivery system or other communications networks. In response to detection of the occurrence of a video call event or triggering event, a video program is automatically paused. In response to an incoming video phone call, message, web page, or other video communications information, the system pauses the video program and indicates the occurrence of the communications event. The system also buffers the video program while paused, providing a user with replay capability. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event in order to pause the video program. The device may also include features for caller identification of video calls and dual display of video programs and video calls (e.g., picture in picture). A hardware upgrade for adding video call functionality to a device is also disclosed.
US09106942B2

A method and system for managing display of personalized advertisements in a user interface (UI) of an on-screen interactive program guide (IPG). The method comprises determining whether a user group of a current primary user matches with at least one of targeted user groups, selectively adding advertisement asset images corresponding to the matched user group into an advertisement bouquet, calculating a number of impressions of each of the advertisement asset images to display to the current primary user on a given day, calculating an advertisement sequence for each of the advertisement asset images to display to the current primary user on the given day, optimizing performance for delivery and display of the advertisement asset images and displaying the advertisement asset images during at least one of organizing, navigating, gifting, downloading and buffering at least one of AV and multimedia contents.
US09106941B2

Alternate digital content is inserted into mobile devices with a method and apparatus that comprises an alternate content scheduler, an alternate content reporter, and a micro-splicer. The alternate content scheduler further comprises a mobile network interface for interaction with a mobile data and broadcast network, a micro-splicer interface for interfacing with a micro-splicer, a rulebook that is shared with the network which provides the rules for alternate content scheduling, a preference provisioning module comprising an alternate content scheduler library for storing user or network preferences, a scheduler for providing tight synchronization between original program content and alternate content, and a metric recording interface to an alternate content reporter. The micro-splicer works in tandem with the alternate content scheduler to render synchronized display of alternate multimedia content on the mobile device.
US09106940B2

Methods and apparatus facilitating sharing of customer information known to a video service provider which services a customer's home, with a hotel chain at which the customer is staying as a guest, are described. Disclosure of information about the customer's home service may, and in some embodiments is, limited to information directly related to providing the customer personalized video service. Information known about a guest by the guest's home video service provider is extended to the hotel by allowing that guest's home channel-watching preferences to be retrieved and stored within the hotel system. Based on the information retrieved from the cable operator or other service provider, when a guest is checked into a room, the STB (or other video-delivery/rendering device) used at the hotel is customized so that, channels are made available on the TV for channel surfing in the manner normally seen at the guest's home.
US09106926B1

An apparatus includes a phase plane conversion module to convert image data into at least two phases, a current phase and a previous phase, a first phase motion vector calculation module to generate a first phase motion vector field, a second phase motion vector calculation module to generate a second phase motion vector field, and a double check module to determine which vectors in the first and second phase motion vector fields are double confirmed and to identify regions in which the motion vectors are not double confirmed as occluded.
US09106911B2

When controlling transmission channel parameters and video encoding parameters so as to be linked to each other in video transmission, the video quality on the receiving side is further improved. As a parameter control unit that controls video encoding parameters regarding video encoding in a video encoding unit and transmission channel parameters regarding error correction coding and modulation in a channel coding/modulation unit so as to be linked to each other, a cross layer rate control unit is provided. The cross layer rate control unit performs variable control of the GOP size according to propagation changes by reducing the GOP size when the predicted value of the PHY transmission rate is larger than a determined reference value and increasing the GOP size when the predicted value of the PHY transmission rate is equal to or less than the determined reference value.
US09106904B2

A display panel includes: a panel section including a display region where a plurality of pixels are arranged, and a gap region provided in a gap between the pixels; and a barrier section including a plurality of transmissive regions in a two-dimensional arrangement, and a light-blocking region to be around each of the transmissive regions. The transmissive regions are each configured to make entirely visible any one of the pixels therethrough when a viewer views the panel section not from a front but from a first or second direction via the barrier section, the pixels are each configured by a plurality of sub-pixels varying in type, and the sub-pixels in each of the pixels are arranged not in stripes but differently.
US09106901B2

An imagery axle turning method for stereo vision and an apparatus thereof. The method turns an imagery axle of a stereo vision apparatus to capture images, and constructs a 3D image from the captured 2D images. The imagery axle turning method is realized by rotating the imagery axles of the first lens unit and second lens unit to an angle θ, so as to have different aspect ratios for the first image and second image. Thereby, the 3D image formed from the stereo vision reconstruction steps can achieve a user's expectation of capturing images with an appropriate aspect ratio. This invention also provides specific stereo vision apparatus corresponding to various applications by the imagery axle turning method.
US09106896B2

A non-real time stereoscopic video service method and apparatus are provided. The non-real time stereoscopic video service method performed by a reception apparatus, including: extracting a program association table (PAT) from a received transport stream (TS) and analyzing the same; extracting a program map table (PMT) corresponding to a program selected by a user from the PAT and analyzing the same; extracting a stereoscopic video service descriptor from the PMT and analyzing the same; generating frame and/or time information of an image to be reproduced according to the analysis of the stereoscopic video service descriptor; and reproducing an image by synchronizing a reference image and a supplementary image based on the generated frame and/or time information.
US09106893B2

An image processing apparatus of a mobile terminal generates a three-dimensional (3D) image based on images captured by a camera, and transmit and/or display the generated 3D image to allow a user to easily, conveniently view the 3D image, and a method thereof are provided. The image processing apparatus of a mobile terminal receives images captured by at least a pair of cameras installed in the mobile terminal, converts the received images into a 3D image, and transmit the 3D image.
US09106887B1

A method includes encoding, at a mobile device having a camera, a first portion of a media stream captured by the camera based on an encoding parameter. The method also includes sending the encoded first portion of the media stream from the mobile device to a computing device via a network connection. The method further includes detecting a change in available network bandwidth of the network connection. The method includes automatically adjusting the encoding parameter in response to the change in the available network bandwidth. The method also includes encoding a second portion of the media stream based on the adjusted encoding parameter and sending the encoded second portion of the media stream from the mobile device to the computing device.
US09106884B2

A computer readable medium may have a data structure for managing reproduction of a data stream including a navigation area for storing navigation data associated with the data stream representing a portion of at least one reproduction path, the navigation data including data of minimum extent size and indication information, the indication information for indicating whether the data stream represents multiple reproduction paths or the data stream represents a single reproduction path. The navigation data may include path number information and an indicator associated with each reproduction path, the path number information for identifying path numbers respectively of the multiple reproduction paths, and the indicator for indicating a file associated with the associated one of the multiple reproduction paths.
US09106876B2

An image processing device includes a processor and a memory storing computer-readable instructions therein. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the image processing device to perform: acquiring a plurality of hue values from a plurality of pixels of the image; determining an index value of the image based on the plurality of hue values, the index value representing a degree of change in hue of the image before and after executing a color conversion on the image; and setting a color conversion method to a first method when the index value represents that the degree of change in hue of the image is comparatively low, and setting the color conversion method to a second method when the index value represents that the degree of change in hue of the image is comparatively high.
US09106874B2

This disclosure provides a method and system of generating a plurality of custom spot color look-up tables, each custom spot color look-up table associated with one of a plurality of modes associated with an image marking device. In addition, provided is a job workflow method and system which accesses the plurality of custom spot color look-up tables to print a custom spot color.
US09106867B2

An apparatus includes a splitter to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and to provide the RF signal to multiple channels of a tuner. Each channel may include an amplifier to amplify the RF signal, a mixer to downconvert the amplified RF signal to a second frequency signal using a local oscillator (LO) signal, where each of the channels is configured to receive a different LO signal, a filter to filter the downconverted second frequency signal, and a digitizer to digitize the downconverted second frequency signal. A clock generation circuit has multiple interpolative dividers and a frequency synthesizer to generate a reference clock signal. Each of the interpolative dividers is configured to receive the reference clock signal, generate a corresponding LO signal, and provide the corresponding LO signal to the mixer of at least one of the channels.
US09106849B2

An image sensor includes an analog-to-digital converter receiving a pixel signal output. The converter includes a first inverting amplifier circuit having an input and an output, the first inverting amplifier circuit including a first bias circuit having a control node and configured to source current for first inverting amplifier circuit operation. The converter further includes a second inverting amplifier circuit having an input and an output, the second inverting amplifier circuit including a second bias circuit having a control node and configured to source current for second inverting amplifier circuit operation. The output of the first inverting amplifier circuit is coupled to the input of the second inverting amplifier circuit. A positive feedback circuit couples the output of the second inverting amplifier circuit to the control node of the first bias circuit.
US09106846B2

A communication system including a communication apparatus that communicates with a destination apparatus, and an image processor that connects to the communication apparatus. The image processor includes a supplying unit that supplies image data to the communication apparatus, and a notifying unit that transmits first additional information to the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a memory that stores second additional information, a information generator that generates third additional information based on the second additional information stored in the memory and the first additional information received from the image processor, and a transmitter that adds the third additional information generated by the information generator to the image data supplied from the image processor and transmits the image data including the third additional information to the destination apparatus.
US09106837B2

An image capturing device includes: an image capturing unit that captures a subject image through a lens and converts the subject image into an electric signal; an image displaying unit that displays an image; a designation accepting unit that is provided on a display surface of the image displaying unit and that accepts designation of a plurality of positions on the image displayed on the image displaying unit; a range-finding unit that performs range finding of a distance to a subject by using a plurality of two-dimensional image sensors; an area setting unit that sets a range-finding area obtained from a range finding result for a region that includes the plurality of positions designated through the designation accepting unit; a position determining unit that determines in-focus positions based on distances of the range-finding areas; and a continuous shooting unit that performs image capturing at the in-focus positions.
US09106836B2

A shooting target detection unit detects a main shooting target from a position where a touch-down operation is performed on a touch panel. A system control device causes a ranging control device and an exposure control device to perform AF processing and AE processing on the main shooting target. The system control device displays a continuous shooting switch near the touched position. The system control device performs continuous shooting if a user moves his/her finger to the continuous shooting switch and then performs a touch-up operation. Whereas, the system control device performs single shooting if the user performs the touch-up operation without moving his/her finger to the continuous shooting switch.
US09106833B2

A blur correction apparatus is provided that includes a blur correction mechanism, a locking member, a shift drive processor and an unlocking driver. The blur correction mechanism compensates for camera shake by driving a movable portion provided with one of a correction lens and an imaging device. The locking member restricts movement of the movable portion within a locked range of motion. The shift drive processor moves the movable portion a predetermined distance toward a center of the locked range of motion when locking by the locking member is released and the predetermined distance is shorter than the distance from the movable portion to the center. The unlocking driver moves the locking member to an unlocked position after moving the movable portion the predetermined distance away from the locking member.
US09106820B1

Mechanisms are described for capturing video images using a multi-stage trigger button, where the effect of the trigger button is dependent on how a user interacts with the trigger button, such as during what timeframe the user releases the trigger button. For example, if the user ceases actuating the trigger button during a first time period following actuation, the capture of the video image is halted. If the user ceases actuating the trigger button during a second time period, the capture of the video image is continued. If the user ceases actuating the trigger button during a third time period, the capture of the video image is halted. Thus, for short actuations and long actuations, video images are only recorded while the trigger button is continued to be depressed. For video images in between, the video is continued to be recorded until a second actuation is received from the user.
US09106819B1

A camera module includes a lens assembly, an image sensor, and a hybrid lens holder. The image sensor is aligned with the lens assembly to capture images of light incident through the lens assembly on a light sensitive surface of the image sensor. The hybrid lens holder holds the lens assembly a fixed offset from the image sensor. The hybrid lens holder includes a barrel section in which the lens assembly is held as a vertical stack rising above the image sensor and a flange section that rests on the image sensor to maintain the fixed offset from the image sensor. The discrete lens elements are held in place by direct contact with an inner side of the barrel section. The barrel section and the flange section are a single, contiguous housing structure.
US09106816B1

An apparatus is described for demonstrating a screen display of a device. The apparatus includes a base member to which a camera mount and a device mount are coupled at opposite ends thereof. A handle is coupled to a side opposite that of the camera and device mounts and centrally along the length of the base member. The handle includes a passage within which a camera cable is retained. The device mount includes a mounting bracket at a distal end that magnetically couples to a clip attached to a device to be demonstrated. The clip is coupleable to the mounting bracket in a plurality of rotational orientations. The apparatus rigidly maintains the orientation of the device and camera while a user caries and moves the apparatus during demonstration of the device. An image/video of the device's screen display is optically captured and presented to an audience.
US09106815B1

A system for acquiring images includes a photographing machine. The photographing machine includes a base, a carrier coupled to the base, a camera coupled to the carrier, a camera positioning system, and a background panel coupled to the carrier. The camera can take photographs of an object when the object is in a target zone. The camera positioning system moves the carrier to position the camera and to point the camera at the target zone. When the carrier is moved to position the camera, at least a portion of the background panel moves such that at least a portion of the background panel maintains a position opposite the camera relative to the target zone.
US09106814B2

An apparatus for rotating a sensing device about a pan axis and a tilt axis may include an enclosure, first and second rotatable dials configured to allow a user to adjust an angular pan orientation and an angular tilt orientation, respectively, of the sensing device. The apparatus may include outer and inner concentric shafts attached to the first dial and the second dial, respectively. The apparatus may also include a frame assembly attached to the outer shaft such that the frame assembly rotates about the pan axis as the first dial is rotated. The frame assembly may include a base configured to rotate about the tilt axis and that supports the sensing device. The frame assembly may also include a pin and gear assembly operatively coupling the base to the inner shaft such that rotation of the second dial rotates the base about the tilt axis.
US09106813B2

A noise elimination device includes a low pass filter unit, a noise filtering unit and a signal synthesis unit. The low pass filter unit generates a low frequency image signal by separating low frequency elements from an input image signal. The noise filtering unit generates a filtered image signal by suppressing noise in the low frequency image signal in horizontal and vertical directions. The signal synthesis unit generates an output image signal by combining the high frequency image signal and the filtered image signal.
US09106812B1

Computing resources may automatically generate a rough draft of storyboard by using textual analysis to extract meaning from a screenplay. The storyboard may be accompanied by spoken dialog, sound effects, and a soundtrack. Users may provide pre-production decisions regarding appearance of characters and backgrounds. The users may include a community of different individuals who contribute content and suggest modifications to the storyboard. The computing resources may also access logic to select visual elements for the storyboard from libraries of existing content or from custom content prepared by one of the users. Pagination of the screenplay and location of dialog and action on the pages of the screenplay may be used to create a timeline for the storyboard and any accompanying audio.
US09106810B1

A fall detection and recovery system includes cameras positioned around a perimeter of a vessel. The system analyzes video from the cameras to detect a falling object from the vessel and records a geolocation of the vessel at a time of falling of the object. The system applies environmental readings to evolve a recovery location for the falling object from the time of falling to a present time.
US09106792B2

A conference supporting system includes plural input terminals and a control apparatus connected through a network. Each input terminal includes a processor and a display screen configured to allow a user to perform handwriting input thereon and to display the data. The processor of each input terminal is configured to perform making a user to choose who acquires an access right, making a request to acquire the access right to the control apparatus, and transmitting handwriting data to the control apparatus. The processor of the control apparatus is configured to perform granting an access right of a part or whole of the area determined by the user, giving one of the input terminals a notice about the granted access right, transmitting the handwriting data to other input terminals and operating the display screen of each of the other input terminals to display the handwriting data.
US09106790B2

A method includes sending a first message to a conference bridge from a first device. The first message includes an audio signal, a video signal, a musical instrument digital interface signal, or combinations thereof. The conference bridge establishes a voice over internet protocol call between the first device, a second device, and a mix controller external to the conference bridge. The method includes receiving a second message from the conference bridge at the first device. The second message comprises a mixed audio signal produced by the conference bridge from the first message and a third message received by the conference bridge from the second device. The mix controller sets a mixing level for each audio signal used to produce the mixed audio signal. The method also includes processing the second message via the first device to generate an output.
US09106786B2

An Ethernet-based image transmitting/receiving system including a image transmitting device configured to generate and transmit a packet including at least one multiplexed signal of a luminance signal and a chrominance signal; an image receiving device configured to receive the packet, extract the luminance signal and the chrominance signal from the multiplexed signal of the packet, store the luminance signal and the chrominance signal, and output the luminance signal and the chrominance signal by synchronizing lines with each other based on the synchronization information; and an Ethernet cable configured to connect the image transmitting device to the image receiving device and transmit the packet.
US09106783B2

An image reading apparatus includes a light emitting diode (LED), a carriage, light receiving elements, a clamp circuit, an A/D convertor, and an image correction unit. The image correction unit is configured to: detect a document area where the reflected light is abnormal by comparing first image data with second image data; and replace the first image data corresponding to the abnormal document area with third image data. The first image data is generated by movement of the carriage in a sub-scanning direction of a first direction. The second image data is generated by movement of the carriage in the sub-scanning direction of a second direction at a reduced luminescence level of the capturing light illuminated on the document compared with a luminescence level in the movement of the carriage in the first direction. The third image data is the second image data where at least brightness is adjusted.
US09106782B2

An image reader is provided, in its housing, with a first scanning unit made up of an LED array of a plurality of LED elements that are arranged in a row in the horizontal scanning direction and that emit light to a document. An air intake port and an air exhaust port are disposed on the housing of the image reader. An imaginary line of an air flow path coupling the air intake port and the air exhaust port to one another is configured to pass adjacent a center of the LED array of the first scanning unit in the horizontal scanning direction with the first scanning unit stopped at a reading position of the document transferred by a document transfer device.
US09106781B2

In a case where a first information including an execution request of a specific function via a first type of interface is received, a function executing device may execute a change process for changing an interface for communicating with a terminal device from the first type of interface to a second type of interface in a case where a state of the function executing device is determined as a non-error state. The function executing device may not execute the change process in a case where the state of the function executing device is determined as an error state. The specific function may include a communication process for communicating object data with the terminal device. The function executing device may execute the specific function including the communication process via the second type of interface in a case where the change process is being executed.
US09106780B1

A method and apparatus for controlling audio/video display using a policy is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for policy-based control of audio/video display including monitoring at least one of at least one audio/video signal input or at least one power outlet using a policy, wherein the policy defines information for controlling audio/video display and in response to a detection of at least one of an audio/video signal or an electrical power, routing the at least one of the audio/video signal or the electrical power according to the policy.
US09106778B2

A previewing device that includes a covering member coupled to an imaging surface and a sensing unit operatively coupled to the covering member. The sensing unit is adapted to automatically capture an image corresponding to the imaging surface upon detecting the covering member is in a closed configuration. A preview unit is operatively coupled to the sensing unit is configured to display a preview of image data corresponding to an image on the imaging surface.
US09106777B2

Collision of communication data on a network line is prevented. A plurality of CPU boards which are independent of one another and have respective ones of CPUs mounted thereon are connected by a network line. Since data collision will occur when multiple streams of control data are transmitted on the network line, the order of priority of camera control is decided. If a zoom lens is shifted toward telephoto and, moreover, the aperture of an iris is shifted toward the open side, the order of priority of focusing lens control is raised. If a zoom lens is shifted toward wide angle and, moreover, the aperture of the iris is shifted toward the closed side, the order of priority of focusing lens control is lowered. Since camera control is carried out in accordance with the order of priority, collision of data on the network line is avoided.
US09106771B2

An image inspection device includes: a read-image acquiring unit that acquires a read image of a formed and output image; an inspection-image generating unit that generates an inspection image used for inspection of the read image on the basis of information of an image to be formed and output acquired from an image processing apparatus that corrects density of the image according to a state of an image forming apparatus, and generates the information; and an inspection-result acquiring unit that acquires a result of determination of a defect in the read image based on a difference between the inspection image and the read image. The inspection-image generating unit acquires density correction information in which densities before and after density of the image is corrected are associated, and generates the inspection image corresponding to density before corrected, on the basis of the acquired density correction information.
US09106765B2

A mobile device providing a dual mode of a first mode and a second mode, the mobile device comprising a display unit configured to display at least one application executable in the first mode and the second mode respectively a sensor unit configured to sense an input for the mobile device; and a processor configured to display the at least one application executable in the first mode when the mobile device enters into the first mode, detect an event for the at least one application being executed in the second mode when the mobile device is in the first mode, indicate information for the event, wherein the information only notifies an occurrence of the event, and restrict access to detailed information of the event when the mobile device is in the first mode, and display an interface to switch the first mode to the second mode.
US09106764B2

A method of customizing hardware by an end user for a mobile phone is provided. The method includes receiving from an end-user a selection of a mobile phone shell from a set of mobile phone shells, sending to the end-user a subset of interchangeable hardware components having different functions, and receiving from the end-user a selection of at least one hardware component from the subset of interchangeable hardware components. The subset of interchangeable hardware components is generated based on a compatibility between the selected mobile phone shell and the set of available interchangeable hardware components.
US09106763B2

An apparatus, method and computer program for quantifying coverage of an advertising ringtone in a telephony system, the apparatus comprising: a receive component for receiving a request for an electronic device; a generate component, responsive to the receiver receiving the request, for playing the advertising ringtone on the electronic device; and a monitor component, responsive to the electronic device playing the advertising ringtone, for collecting coverage information from a personal device, wherein the monitor component comprises: a proximity component for identifying a local electronic resource; a select component, responsive to the proximity component identifying the local electronic resource, for determining the local electronic resource is the personal device; and a gather component, responsive to the select component determining the personal device, for gathering coverage information from the personal device.
US09106761B2

Techniques and mechanisms are provided for inviting users to follow records in an on-demand database service environment. In some embodiments, a message is received at a server. The message includes an identification of a record stored in a database. The identified record is selected for inviting one or more users to follow updates to the record. The updates are capable of being stored as feed items in one or more feed tables in the database. The feed items are capable of being published in an information feed displayed on a display device. A received message can also include an identification of one or more users to invite to follow updates to the identified record in the on-demand service environment. An invitation message including an indication of the identified record is generated and sent to the identified users.
US09106760B2

An electronic device such as a smart phone, in combination with an application program residing at least partially therein and run at least partially thereby effectively enables selective retroactive recording to capture already-passed audible events when an audible trigger is recognized. When used in conjunction with an internet-based social media network or an interested contact list, audible events that meet certain pre-determined criteria may be automatically shared.
US09106759B2

The presently described subject matter allows the user to interactively browse a collection of electronic files, such as a digital photo collection, remotely using a mobile telephone. Files from the collection of electronic files can be directed from the mobile telephone to be sent to a remote display device, where the file can be displayed. Also, a user can record voice and text annotations from the mobile phone to preserve with an electronic file, and which is transported along with the file when it is displayed on a remote display device.
US09106756B2

An apparatus and method is configured to detect the proximity of an object using a proximity sensor in a portable terminal. A method for detecting the proximity of an object in a portable terminal mounted with a proximity sensor includes setting a reference light-receiving quantity according to a hairstyle of a user of the portable terminal, emitting light, detecting a light-receiving quantity corresponding to the emitted light, and determining the proximity/non-proximity of an object by comparing the light-receiving quantity with the reference light-receiving quantity.
US09106755B2

Techniques for providing a gateway transfer mechanism are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method, comprising identifying, at a gateway, a call to be routed to a first location, determining whether to transfer the call to a second location, in the event the call is to be transferred to the second location, transferring the call, wherein transferring the call comprises ending a process to route the call to the first location, generating transfer information for the second location, and transferring the call to the second location using the generated transfer information.
US09106749B2

An approach is provided for providing a virtual call center by receiving a request for service from a user (e.g., subscriber) and staffing the virtual call center with virtual agents selected based on the service requirements of the user and the rich presence information of the virtual agents. The rich presence information includes a skill set of the virtual agent, presence status of the virtual agent, location of the virtual agent, calendar information of the virtual agent, communication capability of the virtual agent, mobility of the virtual agent, or a combination thereof.
US09106746B2

A computer system for controlling calls to a call target, including a processor in communication with non-volatile memory, the non-volatile memory executing code including code for receiving call target information relating to the call target, code for accessing a database and retrieving a contact rate for a time period for the call target, code for placing a call target identifier in a queue indicating the call target will be called during the time period, when the time period has a contact rate greater than a threshold rate, code for placing a call to the call target during the time period, and code for updating the contact rate based on an outcome of the call.
US09106743B2

A system, method, and computer readable medium for providing additional information to called parties comprises receiving a call from a calling party, performing a lookup of information associated with the calling party in a database, receiving the information from the database, and forwarding the information to a called party. The system comprises at least one device for receiving a call from a calling party, and at least one database for storing information associated with the calling party, wherein the at least one device is operable to perform a lookup of information associated with the calling party in a database, receive the information from the database, and forward the information to a called party.
US09106740B2

A method and device for providing a transferable device with alterable usage functionality includes but is not limited to a method including receiving a request from a user to alter one or more functions of the mobile device, responding to the request from the user by activating a first mode, the first mode to alter the one or more functions on the mobile device, and enabling a remote authentication function to allow the user to remotely alter the first mode to at least a second mode.
US09106739B1

A caller information server provides caller identification (ID) information to a mobile device. The server receives caller ID information from local address books stored on multiple mobile devices. The caller information server aggregates the received caller ID information to generate a pooled address book. The caller information server may determine whether names within the caller ID information are legitimate and store or filter the information accordingly. When a mobile device receives a call from a telephone number for which it lacks caller ID information in its local address book, the mobile device sends a request for the caller ID information for the telephone number, to the caller information server. The server identifies caller ID information associated with the telephone number in the pooled address book, and sends this information to the mobile device.
US09106737B2

Included are embodiments for determining an extension-to-channel mapping. At least one embodiment includes receiving first data associated with a communication from at least one communications device and receiving second data from a recording resource. Some embodiments include determining whether the at least one communications device is coupled to a recording resource. Some embodiments include matching the communications device to a recording resource and in response to matching, creating an association of the at least one communications device to the recording resource.
US09106736B1

A system for multiple interaction live monitoring, comprising an interaction manager that receives an interaction from a contact center, a recording management server that monitors the interaction, and an administration interface that presents the monitored interaction for viewing by a human user, and a method for multiple interaction live monitoring.
US09106735B2

A method for detecting a defect in wiring in a DSL system. The method includes collecting data including instantaneous values, a history of values, and/or parameters relating to a central office or customer premises equipment, analyzing a line for a wiring defect based on the collected data, and reporting whether or not a wiring defect was detected responsive to the analyzing step.
US09106726B2

An approach for enabling a customer to provision resources of a packetized voice service provider based on one or more customer conditions is described. A provision management platform receives a request for provisioning a domain name service as part of packetized voice service. In response to the request, the provision management platform prompts via a graphical user interface to obtain information for populating a service record of the domain name service. The provision management platform then generates the service record for storage corresponding to a customer account for the packetized voice service.
US09106716B2

A method, an apparatus, and a system for cross-platform conference convergence are disclosed in embodiments of the present invention, where implementation of the method includes: receiving, after attending a first conference, an INVITE request sent by a first application server, where the INVITE request is a request for inviting a second terminal served by a second application server to attend a first conference; sending an invitation call to the second application server to request creating a second conference; and sending, after receiving conference creation success information sent by the second application server, an invitation to the second application server to invite the second terminal to attend the second conference. Usage of a private line between an enterprise and an operator can be eliminated in the entire implementation process.
US09106711B2

A method and system for transporting packets between an access node and a core node via a proxy node. The access node has an access node address, the core node has a core node address, and the proxy node has a proxy node address. A first packet for transmission to the core node is received from the access node. The first packet includes a first source address field including the access node address and a first destination address field including the core node address. An uplink static mapping entry with a longest address prefix matching the access node address in the first source address field is selected. The uplink static mapping entry is associated with the proxy node address. The access node address in the first source address field is replaced with the proxy node address associated with the uplink static mapping entry.
US09106707B2

A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) communications configuration system includes a client information handling system (IHS) coupled to a controller over a network. The client IHS creates a plurality of DHCP discover messages that include capability data that describes at least one hardware resource on the client IHS, and sends the plurality of DHCP discover messages over the network. The controller receives the plurality of DHCP discover messages and processes the capability data to determine configuration data for the client IHS, creates a plurality of DHCP offer messages including the configuration data for the client IHS, and sends the plurality of DHCP offer messages over the network to the client IHS. The client IHS then uses the configuration data to configure the client IHS.
US09106705B1

Embodiments generally relate to providing block lists in a social network system. In some embodiments, a method includes enabling one or more first users of a social network system to generate at least one block list containing one or more blocked users, where one or more restrictions are applied to the one or more blocked users. In some embodiments, the method further includes enabling the at least one block list to be shared with one or more second users.
US09106694B2

An electronic message is analyzed for malware contained in the message. Text of an electronic message may be analyzed to detect and process malware content in the electronic message itself. The present technology may analyze an electronic message and attachments to electronic messages to detect a uniform resource location (URL), identify whether the URL is suspicious, and analyze all suspicious URLs to determine if they are malware. The analysis may include re-playing the suspicious URL in a virtual environment which simulates the intended computing device to receive the electronic message. If the re-played URL is determined to be malicious, the malicious URL is added to a black list which is updated throughout the computer system.
US09106688B2

A system, method and computer program product are provided for sending information extracted from a potentially unwanted data sample to generate a signature. In use, information is extracted from a portion of a sample of potentially unwanted data. Further, the information is sent to generate a signature.
US09106687B1

A mechanism for profiling user and group accesses to a content repository is described. The mechanism for profiling accesses may generate baseline profiles and determine if new access behavior deviates from the generated baseline profile. The deviations may be defined in terms of folder and/or user-group distances within a file-system/storage and/or organization hierarchy, respectively. The mechanism also includes an analytics engine for anomaly detection and a recommendation component for recommending access-permissions to files/folders.
US09106686B2

Methods, systems, and techniques for configuring customizations to legacy tasks as part of modernizing such tasks are provided. Example embodiments of a Role-Based Modernization System (“RBMS”) provide tiered configuration so that end users can be provided with tools with which they can further modernize legacy tasks in ways that do not tamper with the integrity of the system. For example, in one embodiment at least two configuration levels are available: (1) an administrator level that can control and configure aspects of the RBMS such as the legacy and non-legacy tasks associated with a particular role and defining what tools will be provided to the end user level and (2) an end user level. Example embodiments provide an RBMS, which uses these enhanced modernization techniques to provide role-based modernization of menu-based legacy applications.
US09106680B2

A method is provided in one example embodiment that includes generating a fingerprint based on properties extracted from data packets received over a network connection and requesting a reputation value based on the fingerprint. A policy action may be taken on the network connection if the reputation value received indicates the fingerprint is associated with malicious activity. The method may additionally include displaying information about protocols based on protocol fingerprints, and more particularly, based on fingerprints of unrecognized protocols. In yet other embodiments, the reputation value may also be based on network addresses associated with the network connection.
US09106678B2

A method for interchanging data between two devices in a network which utilizes a communication protocol with an interface based on an Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control Unified Architecture (OPC-UA) standard to interchange the data, wherein the communication protocol includes a priority allocation function which can allocate to the data at least two different priority values, and the data are interchanged based on the allocated priority values, such that the data interchangeable between the two devices in a predetermined period of time with a prescribed probability.
US09106664B2

A method and apparatus for maintaining service continuity for User Equipment accessing an IP Multimedia Subsystem communication network. A routing identifier is established that identifies a Service Centralization and Continuity Application Server allocated to the User Equipment. The routing identifier is sent to the User Equipment. In the event of disruption to the service between the User Equipment and the Service Centralization and Continuity Application Server, a handover message is sent from the User Equipment via a Circuit Switched access network. The handover message includes the routing identifier, and is then forwarded to the identified Service Centralization and Continuity Application Server. This allows the same Service Centralization and Continuity Application Server to be used after the handover as was used before the handover, thereby providing service continuity.
US09106656B2

Methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed for measuring a performance of a program running on a processing unit of a processing system. In one embodiment, the method comprises informing a logic unit of each instruction in the program that is executed by the processing unit, assigning a weight to each instruction, assigning the instructions to a plurality of groups, and analyzing the plurality of groups to measure one or more metrics. In one embodiment, each instruction includes an operating code portion, and the assigning includes assigning the instructions to the groups based on the operating code portions of the instructions. In an embodiment, each type of instruction is assigned to a respective one of the plurality of groups. These groups may be combined into a plurality of sets of the groups.
US09106645B1

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide methods and devices capable of synchronizing time between a credential device and an authentication service. In an embodiment, a change in a time value on a device may be detected. A time value may be retrieved from an authentication service, and a new time value generated based upon at least the time value retrieved from the authentication service. The new time value may be used to set a time value at the device, and/or to generate a time-based credential.
US09106644B2

A method in a first entity for authenticating itself to a second entity by proving to the second entity that it is in possession of a full secret without sending the full secret to the second entity, the method comprising: receiving in the first entity an input from a user, the full secret having been divided into at least a first factor and a second factor and the input relating to the second factor of the full secret; reconstructing in the first entity the full secret from at least the first factor and the input; and carrying out a calculation in the first entity using the reconstructed full secret and sending the results of the calculation to the second entity, wherein the results provide an input to a pairing calculation in the second entity. The second entity carries out the pairing calculation to determine whether the client is in possession of the secret. The first entity may be a client and the second entity may be a server. A trusted authority may have issued the client with the secret and may also have issued the server with another secret to allow it to carry out the calculation to determine whether the client is in possession of its secret.
US09106640B2

A method for securing communications in a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) system including an on-board computer of a broadcasting vehicle predicting a value for a vehicle parameter, generating a heavyweight signature corresponding to the predicted value, and obtaining an actual value for the vehicle parameter. The method also includes the computer comparing the predicted value to the actual value to determine if the predicted value bears a first relationship to the actual value. If the computer determines that the predicted value bears the relationship to the actual value, the on-board computer generates a lightweight authenticating signature to correspond to the predicted value and broadcasts a data message having the predicted value with the corresponding heavyweight authenticating signature and the corresponding lightweight authenticating signature.
US09106638B1

Methods, media, and servers are provided for maintaining persistent sessions for a network device and providing quick authorization to a user of the network device. The network server maintains persistent sessions with network devices based on a usage profile associated with the network devices. The persistent sessions are maintained during time periods when the network device experience peak transaction activity. Additionally, during these time periods, the network device may provide quick authorizations to users of the network device. Quick authorizations allow a transaction to complete on the network device without waiting for authorization if the user is identified as a returning user.
US09106631B2

An apparatus includes a smart meter trust center switch. The switch includes a computer processor that is configured to execute a subset of functions of a smart meter in a home area network (HAN). The computer processor is also configured to be coupled to and communicate with the smart meter and an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and advanced meter reading (AMR) network.
US09106630B2

A system and method for gathering data from a plurality of computer environments. The computer environments are authenticated, data is copied from the plurality of authenticated computer environments to a memory location, and access to the memory location is provided to a plurality of authenticated users. The data may be marked so that a user may determine which computer environment provided the data.
US09106627B2

A method, system and program product for managing downloads of files from a server. The method includes presetting, using a tool, a threshold number of allowable connections for each client requesting connections to download files from a server. The method further includes identifying, using the tool, a client requesting one or more connections to download a file and tracking, using the tool, whether or not the client has exceeded the threshold number of allowable connections preset. If the client has not exceeded the threshold number of allowable connections preset, allowing the one or more connections up to the threshold number of allowable connections preset for the client to download the file from the server and if the client has exceeded the threshold number of allowable connections preset, preventing the client from connecting to the server, such that overloading of the server with too many simultaneous active connections is minimized.
US09106624B2

According to one aspect, a method, system and technique for system security for network resource access using cross-firewall coded requests is disclosed. The system and technique includes a firewall, a first appliance device located behind the firewall, and a second appliance device located before the firewall. The second appliance device is configured to receive a data request, convert the data request into a coded request, and transmit the coded request to the first appliance device, and wherein the coded request corresponds to a specific type of data request. The first appliance device is configured to receive the coded request from the second appliance device and, if the coded request corresponds to one of a plurality of codes of a command list maintained by the first appliance device, process the data request.
US09106620B2

Methods and systems for configuring a network are disclosed. An example method can comprise receiving a first token and an encryption key from a first device. A second token can be received from a second device. A determination can be made as to whether the first token matches the second token. Configuration information can be provided to the second device if the second token matches the first token. The configuration information can comprise information for connecting to a proxy configured on the first device. A request for content can be received from the proxy on behalf of the second device. The request for content can comprise the encryption key.
US09106612B1

Data including information regarding a display of the host device may be received. Such information may be used to identify multiple portions of the host device display. Each portion is mapped to an associated description. For example, a task bar may include multiple buttons that are each associated with certain tasks. The map allows for identification of which buttons are associated with which tasks. Each description is matched to a component on the client device. Instructions may be generated for the client device, such that the client device display may include a corresponding display that is reconfigured in an optimal way for the client device based on the matched descriptions.
US09106608B2

A communication device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an input and output unit; a communication unit; and a controller. The input and output unit is configured to receive a first instruction relating to activation of service. The communication unit is configured to communicate with a plurality of other communication devices. The controller is configured to, when the input and output unit receives the first instruction, control the communication unit to transmit to the other communication devices, first data indicating the activation of service. The controller is configured to, in a first case that the first instruction includes no identifiers of the other communication devices, control the communication unit to transmit to the other communication devices which transmits a connection request to the communication device in response to the first data, a negative response indicating non-acknowledgment of the connection request.
US09106600B2

Techniques for electronically engaging customers across all different platforms are disclosed. Based on unique device identifiers captured together with interactions by users with one or more applications provided by a business, a message prepared in a first format is automatically converted to a corresponding message in a second format according to what the devices the user have been interacting with can support. Depending on implementation, the message may be a response by the business to an inquiry from a user or a promotion by the business to be distributed to a group of selected users maintained by the business. The interactions include activities a user has had with one or more of the applications provided by the business and provide the statistical or actual data for the business to determine the group of users to receive the message.
US09106597B2

Arrangements describe herein relate to updating an e-mail recipient list. A first version of an e-mail can be received, the first version comprising a message header identifying at least a first e-mail recipient. The first version of the e-mail can be sent to the first e-mail recipient indicated in the message header. A second version of the e-mail can be received, the second version of the e-mail indicating at least a second e-mail recipient. The second version can be sent to the at least second e-mail recipient indicated in the message header of the second version. An update request for the first version can be received, the update request configured to be processed to update the message header of the first version to add the at least second e-mail recipient to the message header. The update request can be sent to the at least first e-mail recipient.
US09106588B2

An improved computer system may include a server carrying a computer processor in a Fiber Channel over Convergence Enhanced Ethernet (FCoCEE) network. The system may also include a reservation system in communication with the server that utilizes enhanced transmission selection (ETS) to reserve bandwidth for a priority group by scheduling bandwidth for the priority group based upon a projected workload.
US09106585B1

The present disclosure describes receiving a document from a customer. One or more embodiments include a memory and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive, in a one-way inbox account associated with a number of customer service representatives, a communication from a customer, wherein the communication includes a document and identification information associated with one of the number of customer service representatives, and transfer the communication from the one-way inbox account to an inbox associated with the one of the number of customer service representatives based, at least partially, on the identification information.
US09106582B2

A forecast model processes performance data from a site, e.g., a cable modem termination system (CMTS), to obtain a set of concurrency equations for existing speed tiers that is based on an observed subscriber bandwidth for the site. A new set of concurrency equations is obtained for new speed tiers so that a new subscriber bandwidth can be predicted for the new speed tiers. Based on the new subscriber bandwidth, expected subscriber growth, and changes in data consumption, the site is reconfigured with additional ports based on the forecast. This process can be repeated for the other sites. Sites may be grouped together based on the observed subscriber bandwidth. A new subscriber bandwidth may be predicted for the group with the new speed tiers so that additional ports can be configured for each of the sites in the group.
US09106578B2

A network includes at least two core local area network (LAN) fabrics, each including a first core switch cluster deployed at a first sub-core and a second core switch cluster deployed at a second sub-core different from the first sub-core. The network also includes a multi-port link aggregation group to link the first core switch cluster and the second core switch cluster.
US09106575B2

An integrated circuit with two operating modes is described. During a first operating mode, a de-multiplexer selectively couples information received via a common set of pads to first control logic, which decodes the information based on a first serial-interface technique. Moreover, during a second operating mode, the de-multiplexer selectively couples a first portion of the information to the first control logic and a second portion of the information to second control logic, which decodes the second portion based on a second serial-interface technique. By facilitating time-domain de-multiplexing of two similar serial-interface techniques, the integrated circuit can overcome the constraints imposed by a low or limited pin count.
US09106572B2

Example embodiments are directed to a method of controlling a self-sufficient network system to prevent unauthorized use of the self-sufficient network. The method includes receiving an activation request from the self-sufficient network system and authenticating the self-sufficient network system based on the activation request. The self-sufficient network system is functional if the activation request is valid and the self-sufficient network system has reduced functionality if the activation request is not valid.
US09106568B2

The present invention relates to a method of determining a routing path in a communication network in which a plurality of logical networks shares a physical network, and more particularly to such a method of determining a routing path of data, in which multiple routing paths from a source node to a destination node are created based on a change in the dynamic state of a plurality of nodes constituting a logical network, and routing costs for the created multiple routing paths are calculated based on a routing registration message received from the plurality of nodes, and a process time transition value and a transmission time transition value shared by the plurality of nodes.
US09106566B2

A method, an apparatus and a system for two-node cluster hot backup is provided. A second network node configures a redundancy protocol with a first network node at an access port to negotiate an active/standby relationship between each local access port and each access port of the first network node, releases a route of a network segment of a user, where the network segment of the user is the same as a network segment of a user to which a route released by the first network node belongs, establishes or specifies a protection channel with the first network node, synchronizes user information with the first network node, and when the first network node has a failure, performs service switching according to the redundancy protocol, and sends a downstream traffic to the user according to the user information.
US09106557B2

A method and system may allow for the scheduling of transmissions. A device may send a transmission request over a network where the request may be an upload request or a download request. Traffic may be monitored on the network and the traffic may determine when the transmission is to be scheduled. Depending on the traffic and the type of transmission, the transmission may be scheduled for a future time or may be added to a queue of pending transmissions. Once commenced, the transmission may be paused and resumed based on continually monitored traffic on the network.
US09106556B2

A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing the use of an external metric as the primary tie-breaker in ISIS route selections is presented. A set of routes are identified that are to be advertised by the router as external routes within a network. The routes are advertised by the router using a Type Length Variable (TLV), wherein the TLV contains metric information to be used as a first tiebreaker when selecting routes. The network is running an Intermediate System To Intermediate System (ISIS) protocol. The TLV includes a 32-bit or a 64-bit administrative tag sub-TLV, the TLV comprising TLV#135, TLV#235, TLV#236, and TLV#237.
US09106555B2

In one embodiment, a computing device (e.g., border router or network management server) transmits a discovery message into a computer network, such as in response to a given trigger. In response to the discovery message, the device receives a unicast reply from each node of a plurality of nodes in the computer network, each reply having a neighbor list of a corresponding node and a selected parent node for the corresponding node. Based on the neighbor lists from the replies and a routing protocol shared by each of the plurality of nodes in the computer network, the device may create a reference topology for the computer network, and based on the selected parent nodes from the replies, may also determine a current topology of the computer network. Accordingly, the device may then compare the current topology to the reference topology to detect anomalies in the current topology.
US09106553B2

A computing device is provided that includes a plurality of user-interactive mechanisms. The computing device may also include a universal communication port that is capable of receiving a connection from a device that belongs to any one of a plurality of device classes or types. The device may be equipped or configured with logic. The logic may configure or otherwise enable an operative state of user-interface mechanisms on the device. Additionally, the logic may (i) detect a connected device that connects to the universal communication port, and (ii) determine a set of functionality that the connected device is capable of performing when connected to the universal communication port. The logic may perform, or cause performance, of operations that are for use with or by the connected device. The logic may also perform at least one of (i) selectively route data to the connected device over the universal communication port, or (ii) selectively disable one or more of the plurality of user-interactive mechanisms while performing the operations.
US09106548B2

Mechanisms for monitoring communication links in a network are disclosed. A device receives a plurality of path performance indicators over a period of time. It is determined that at least some of the path performance indicators identify a path violation in a corresponding path of a plurality of paths in the network. For each path performance indicator that identifies a path violation, a communication link value associated with each communication link in the corresponding path is updated based on a path violation value. The device identifies at least one particular communication link as a problematic communication link based on a comparison between a problematic link criterion and the communication link value associated with the at least one particular communication link.
US09106547B2

A first communication apparatus to be coupled to a second communication apparatus and a third communication apparatus via a ring network, including: a first port to coupled to the ring network; and a second port to coupled to the ring network; wherein the first port and the second port is set to receive a control frame from the second communication apparatus and the third communication apparatus, and either the first port or the second port is set to be disabled to relay a user frame.
US09106546B1

A method and apparatus are provided for communicating congestions that area detected in a communications network. According to the method and apparatus, a first Ethernet frame encapsulating a first PDU is transmitted across an Ethernet network. Congestion in the network is then detected, and an indication of the congestion is inserted in a predetermined header field of the first Ethernet frame. Once the first Ethernet frame is received by an endpoint in the network, the indication of congestion is transferred into a second PDU that is associated with the first PDU. The second PDU is then encapsulated in a second Ethernet frame and transmitted towards the sender of the first PDU.
US09106545B2

A method for hierarchical occupancy based congestion management includes receiving, by a computing device, a plurality of data flows, each of the plurality of data flows is received from a source and includes a plurality of data packets and storing the plurality of data packets in a buffer including multiple storage units. The method includes determining if the buffer is congested, responsive to determining the buffer is congested randomly selecting at least two occupied units of the buffer and identifying a source of each of the data packets stored in the occupied units of the buffer and generating a congestion notification message. The method also includes comparing a selection criterion associated with each identified source to determine which identified source has a higher selection criterion and sending the congestion notification message to the identified source with the higher selection criterion.
US09106542B2

This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for per-application network traffic monitoring by extending socket functionality to include socket wrappers able to identify network traffic volume, applications responsible for the traffic, the network being loaded, and distinguish between internal device traffic and external network traffic. Network traffic shaping can then be carried out by managing an offending application's traffic. A disclosed method includes loading a call intercept library prior to loading any core libraries of an operating system, calling a socket wrapper, calling a socket by way of functions of at least one of the core libraries, and receiving at least one data packet, from a responding application external to the communications device, at the socket. The method may also include trapping a call, to read the at least one data packet; and releasing the call to the socket so the data packet is read by the destination application.
US09106541B2

A method of handling packets sent across a packet switched network comprising a policy server acting as a policy and charging rules function. The method comprises providing a first set of policy rules at said policy server, and installing these from the policy server into an access gateway over a first service control session. These policy rules cause packets belonging to a given IP session to be diverted by the access gateway to a network address translator. At the network address translator, an IP source address of said packets is translated into a translated IP source address identifying a deep packet inspection node. The network address translator forwards the packets to the deep packet inspection node configured to perform deep packet inspection of IP packets.
US09106540B2

Techniques are described for providing logical networking functionality for managed computer networks, such as for virtual computer networks provided on behalf of users or other entities. In some situations, a user may configure or otherwise specify a network topology for a virtual computer network, such as a logical network topology that separates multiple computing nodes of the virtual computer network into multiple logical sub-networks and/or that specifies one or more logical networking devices for the virtual computer network. After a network topology is specified for a virtual computer network, logical networking functionality corresponding to the network topology may be provided in various manners, such as without physically implementing the network topology for the virtual computer network. In some situations, the computing nodes may include virtual machine nodes hosted on one or more physical computing machines or systems, such as by or on behalf of one or more users.
US09106534B2

A communication device includes a receiving unit, a first determining unit, and a sending unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive, from a terminal device, a plurality of input values corresponding to a plurality of setting items. The first determining unit, when the plurality of setting items includes a plurality of related items that are related to each other, is configured to determine whether input values, among the plurality of input values, corresponding to the plurality of related items are compatible. The sending unit is configured to send error data indicating an error screen toward the terminal device when the input values corresponding to the plurality of related items are incompatible, the error screen showing that at least one input value among the plurality of input values has an error.
US09106533B2

Packets of real-time information are sent with a source rate greater than zero kilobits per second, and a time or path or combined time/path diversity rate initially being zero kilobits per second. This results in a quality of service QoS, optionally measured at the sender or the receiver. When the QoS is on an unacceptable side of a threshold of acceptability, the sender sends diversity packets at an increased rate. Increasing the diversity rate while either reducing or maintaining the overall transmission rate is new. CELP-based multiple-description data partitioning sends the base or important information plus a subset of fixed excitation in one packet and sends the base or important information plus the complementary subset of fixed excitation in another packet. Reconstruction produces acceptable quality when only one of the two packets is received and better quality when both packets are received. Reconstruction provides for single and multiple lost packets.
US09106532B2

A method for updating device descriptions for field devices in process automation technology by loading the required descriptions from an external server (S), by means of an application program, into a controller (for example, PC1; PC2).
US09106528B2

A method includes detecting, by a first network device, a configuration problem at a second network device, where the first and second network devices are associated with a link aggregation group (LAG) coupling the first and second network devices. The method also includes de-activating, by the first network device, one or more links in the LAG in response to detecting the configuration problem. The method further comprises maintaining at least one of the links in the LAG as an active link and allowing traffic to be forwarded on the active link in the LAG.
US09106515B2

A network apparatus for coupling control plane controllers and data plane switches in a global software service defined network (SSDN), wherein the global SSDN comprises a plurality of local SSDNs, comprising a network software service layer (NSSL) service bus comprising a processor, wherein the NSSL service bus is coupled to a plurality of network controllers and to a plurality of network switches, wherein the NSSL service bus is configured to coordinate the actions of the plurality of network controllers, wherein the NSSL service bus is configured to expose the plurality of controllers as services addressable by service names, wherein the NSSL service bus is configured to extend a local SSDN into a global SSDN network; and wherein the NSSL service bus is configured to provide the network controllers with global network information, such that the network controllers provide end-to-end service routing in the global SSDN network.
US09106509B2

An improved system and method are disclosed for peer-to-peer communications. In one example, the method enables an endpoint to transfer data directly to another endpoint.
US09106498B2

A method for symbol synchronization of received digital signal and a digital signal reception apparatus are provided. The method comprises steps of correlating the received digital signal with the received signal delayed by one symbol so as to obtain a first correlation value result as a combined effort of a strongest path and other paths; removing substantially effect of the strongest path from the first correlation result so as to obtain a second correlation result which exhibits contribution of a fastest path; searching a maximum correlation value and its position of the fastest path so as to determine symbol synchronization timing for initiating FFT processing. The digital signal reception apparatus is characterized by a symbol timing detecting unit for determining symbol synchronization timing of the fastest path through substantially removing the effect of a strongest path.
US09106494B2

A data processing apparatus maps input symbols to be communicated onto a predetermined number of sub-carrier signals of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) symbol. The data processor includes an interleaver memory which reads-in the predetermined number of data symbols for mapping onto the OFDM sub-carrier signals. The interleaver memory reads-out the data symbols on to the OFDM sub-carriers to effect the mapping, the read-out being in a different order than the read-in, the order being determined from a set of addresses, with the effect that the data symbols are interleaved on to the sub-carrier signals. The set of addresses are generated from an address generator which comprises a linear feedback shift register and a permutation circuit.
US09106490B2

A system, method and communication device configuration for sharing multimedia content between network devices, such as UPnP or UPnP/DLNA devices and mobile communication devices, across different local networks or subnets. One possible system arrangement or architecture is based on the communication devices forming groups and then sharing UPnP control messages across the groups. The system arrangement supports enabling group member access to UPnP devices that are in other group devices or reachable via other group devices. By enabling devices to form groups across wide-area networks and distribute UPnP messages within the group members, the system effectively extends the range of a UPnP network. Devices include an overlay middleware and an xDLNA application to provide the functionality to form or join a device group and communicate multimedia content with other devices in the group as if the devices are within the same local network.
US09106485B1

A system and method for frequency-selective demodulation is presented. An input signal is received that is modulated by frequency shift keying (FSK) and encodes data at a first and second frequency. The input signal is supplied to a plurality of estimators that include a first estimator configured to detect a first signal at the first frequency, a second estimator configured to detect a second signal at the second frequency, a third estimator configured to detect a third signal at a third frequency, and a fourth estimator configured to detect a fourth signal at a fourth frequency. An output is generated indicating receipt of the data encoded at the first frequency or the second frequency based upon outputs of the first estimator, the second estimator, the third estimator, and the fourth estimator.
US09106476B2

A method includes receiving a request to provide streaming video content from a user device. A location is identified for the user device. Available networks to deliver the streaming video content are identified based on the location of the at least one user device. Network preference for delivery of the streaming video content is identified. The method also includes selecting an optimal network for delivering the streaming video content based on the location of the at least one user device, the available networks and the network preference for delivery of the streaming video content. The method may also include providing the streaming video content using the optimal network.
US09106473B2

Methods and apparatuses to provide services to people who wish to make connections for real time communication, such as live telephone conversation, chat, video conferencing, etc. In one embodiment, a method includes: providing a seller with a code to be embedded in a document, the document to be distributed by the seller, the code to generate a display of a call button when the document is displayed; in response to a selection of the call button, initiating a process to make a telephonic connection between the seller and a buyer; and charging the buyer on behalf of the seller for a service delivered by the seller over the telephonic connection to the buyer.
US09106462B1

Described embodiments include a process and apparatus that takes into account the operating voltage and temperature (VT) variations of a SERDES receiver implemented in an integrated circuit (IC) or system-on-chip (SoC). An analog equalizer (AEQ) adaptation loop and a decision feedback equalizer (DFE) adaptation loop are disabled after the loops have converged or stabilized the parameters of the AEQ and DFE. While the AFE and DFE adaptation loops are disabled, certain monitor coefficients related to signals corrected by the AFE and DFE are adapted and metrics derived therefrom are generated. The metrics are compared to threshold values to check if they have sufficiently changed over time to warrant re-enabling of the AFE and DFE adaptation loops.
US09106452B2

The cloud computing VoIP system includes a software as a service (SaaS) site and one or more additional sites. The SaaS site includes a gateway and a call manager and is coupled for communication across an IP network and the PSTN. The call manager includes a media monitoring module, a bypass module, a PSTN control module and a GUI module. The SaaS site handles and controls voice and video calls over the IP network and the PSTN for endpoints at the one or more additional sites. In another embodiment, the cloud computing VoIP system is also coupled to a cellular network and the endpoints include an associated cellular phone. The cloud computing VoIP system also includes a method for falling back to a secondary network, namely the cellular network, when there is insufficient quality on a primary network.
US09106448B2

The present invention provides to a system and method of sharing contents using a messenger program. The system includes a device server which registers Consumer electronic (CE) devices of the same user and CE devices of different users, and generates a messenger account; a messenger server which registers the generated messenger account; and a buddy setting module which sets a buddy relationship among the CE devices of the same user and a buddy relationship among the CE devices of different users, such that contents are shared by the CE devices having the buddy relationship.
US09106440B2

A topology for routing message traffic between interconnecting nodes of a network is provided that includes a plurality of rings having a plurality of interconnecting nodes. A number of trees include at least one leaf at a same relative position of the rings. The trees and the rings form a unique combination that provides superior network performance for moderate numbers of the interconnecting nodes, wherein each interconnecting node has only a limited ability to handle a plurality of links.
US09106438B2

One embodiment provides a media access control (MAC) module facilitating operations of an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON). The MAC module includes a frame formatter configured to generate a MAC control frame. The generated MAC control frame includes at least one of: an organizationally unique identifier (OUI) field, an QUI-specific operation code (opcode) field, and a number of fields associated with the QUI-specific opcode. Transmission of the MAC control frame facilitates realization of an EPON function based on the fields associated with the QUI-specific opcode.
US09106434B2

A home network, in one embodiment including a home wiring system; a demarcation point unit in electrical communication with the home wiring system; and a home network module in electrical communication with the home wiring system. The home network module is adapted for connection to a home electronic device. The demarcation point unit passes data to and receives data from the home electronic device through the home network module.
US09106429B2

A method for pre-accessing a conference telephone is disclosed in the present invention. The method includes that: a network side detects a received call whose target is a main control party after the main control party initiates an encryption conference telephone; the call is not accessed if the call is a non-encryption conversation; the call is allowed to be accessed if the call is an encryption conversation. A system for pre-accessing a conference telephone is also disclosed in the present invention, wherein, the system includes a pre-accessing processing unit and a call type detection unit of the network side. A network side device is also disclosed in the present invention. The present invention realizes the pre-accessing of the encryption conference telephone, thereby improving security of the encryption conversation as well as avoiding the problem that a user is frequently affected when performing the encryption conference telephone.
US09106420B2

Disclosed in some examples is a method for providing a HARQ response in an LTE network for a PUCCH format 1b. The method includes receiving one or more downlink assignments of a bundling window over a wireless downlink control channel; setting a reception status for each sub-frame of a downlink data channel in the bundling window based on whether the sub-frame on the downlink data channel was associated with a particular one of the received downlink assignments and based upon whether the sub-frame was successfully received; setting a reception status of sub-frames of the downlink data channel in the bundling window that did not have a corresponding downlink assignment to a predetermined value; and transmitting a response, the response based upon the reception statuses set by the response module.
US09106416B2

A radio front end includes a power amplifier, a tone injection module, a duplexer, a balancing network, and a processor. The tone injection module is operable, in a first mode, to produce a tone having a carrier frequency that is substantially similar to a carrier frequency of an inbound wireless signal. The duplexer is operable, in the first mode, to provide electrical isolation between the outbound wireless signal and a combination signal of the tone and inbound wireless signal and is operable, in a second mode, to provide electrical isolation between the outbound wireless signal and the inbound wireless signal. The processor is operable to determine an amplitude of a tone component of the combination signal; correlate the amplitude of the tone component to an inbound frequency band isolation; and adjust baseband processing of a down converted representation of the combination signal based on the inbound frequency band isolation.
US09106415B2

An all outdoor communication unit (ODU) microwave backhaul system and a split ODU microwave backhaul system, each configured to support a dual channel wireless link, are provided. Each microwave backhaul system includes an ODU having a processor configured to improve a quality of data (having a first and a second communication channel) by performing mathematical manipulation techniques on the data, a conversion, block configured to perform digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions of the data, and a duplexer configured to facilitate substantially simultaneous communication of the first and second communication channels over the dual channel wireless link by optimizing a frequency separation between the first and second communication channels. Each microwave backhaul system also includes a modem assembly, located at either the ODU or at an indoor communication unit (IDU), which is configured to substantially simultaneously drive the first and second communication channels over the dual channel wireless link.
US09106398B2

A method for transmitting information data by using a Reed-Muller coding scheme in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes configuring a number of resource elements for transmitting the information data; dividing the information data to first information data and second information data if a bit size O of the information data is equal to or larger than a predetermined number; applying RM coding on each of the first information data and the second information data; concatenating the coded first information data and the coded second information data, and transmitting the concatenated data by using the predetermined number of resource elements, wherein a minimum value Q′min for the number of resource elements is defined by a sum of a minimum value Q′min—1 for the number of resource elements corresponding to the first information data and a minimum value Q′min—2 for the number of resource elements corresponding to the second information data.
US09106391B2

A method for adjusting a data parallel region of a stream processing application includes measuring congestion of each parallel channel of the data parallel region, measuring a total throughput of all the parallel channels, and adjusting the number of parallel channels based on the current measured congestion and throughput.
US09106388B2

Methods and devices generate cyclic redundancy check (CRC) values for a sequence of parallel words of data. The data words may have only some of the bits enabled. The input words are preconditioned, and then a common block generates a CRC remainder value. A specific preconditioning is selected based on the number of enabled bits. Additional post-processing may be performed to the CRC remainder.
US09106387B2

A method for communication includes configuring a multi-level fat-tree network to include at least three levels of switches, including multiple modules arranged externally in a tree topology. Each module contains a respective group of the switches arranged in an internal tree extending over at least two of the levels of the network. A subset of the modules is selected to be active in carrying the communication traffic. The network is operated so as to convey communication traffic among the switches via the active modules, while the modules that are not in the selected subset remain inactive.
US09106385B2

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting control information through a PUCCH in a wireless communication system and an apparatus for same comprising the steps of: obtaining a plurality of second modulation symbol streams corresponding to a plurality of SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbols by diffusing a plurality of first modulation symbol streams to form the first modulation symbol streams corresponding to the SC-FDMA symbols within a first slot; obtaining a plurality of complex symbol streams by performing a DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform) pre-coding process for the plurality of second modulation symbol streams; and transmitting the plurality of complex symbol streams through the PUCCH wherein the plurality of second modulation symbol streams are scrambled in a SC-FDMA symbol level.
US09106382B1

A wireless access node to facilitate communication quality adjustments during voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) communication sessions comprises a wireless communication transceiver and a processing system. The wireless communication transceiver is configured to exchange VoLTE packets with a wireless communication device during a VoLTE emergency call with a public safety answering point (PSAP), and receive a scheduling request transmitted from the PSAP, wherein the scheduling request includes an identifier associated with the wireless communication device and specifies hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) settings for the VoLTE emergency call. The processing system is configured to, responsive to the scheduling request, issue a scheduling grant to the wireless communication device based on the HARQ settings specified in the scheduling request.
US09106380B2

A mobile terminal receives, over a first cell configured on a carrier frequency, at least one parameter associated with a second cell configured on a carrier frequency. The at least one parameter comprises a cell identity. The mobile terminal then derives at least one physical layer characteristic for the second cell based on the received at least one parameter. Thereby, the mobile terminal is able to receive transmissions over the second cell, even if it could not initially detect the presence of the cell.
US09106376B2

A method for transmitting a packet in a communication system is provided. The method includes dividing a data stream into data payloads of a predetermined size and adding a common header to each of the data payloads, to generate a source payload, adding a first Forward Error Correction (FEC) payload Identifier (ID) to the source payload and applying an FEC code thereto, to generate an FEC source packet for a source payload, adding a second FEC payload ID to at least one parity payload and applying an FEC code thereto, to generate an FEC parity packet for the at least one parity payload, and transmitting the FEC source packet and the FEC parity packet.
US09106375B2

A base station and subscriber station are capable of communicating with each other in a wireless communication network. The base station allocates resources to the subscriber station through resource allocation messages included in a resource allocation region of a downlink communication. The resource allocation region is partitioned into a plurality of sub-regions. Conventions regarding the arrangement of the resource allocation messages are disclosed which enable the subscriber station to decode the resource allocation messages contained in a sub-region and cease decoding operations upon reaching the end of the sub-region. Accordingly, the subscriber station does not decode resource allocation messages contained in subsequent sub-regions.
US09106364B1

The invention broadly encompasses a signal processor of a High Capacity Waveform (HCW) that includes a method and system for generating the HCW, the method comprising the steps of receiving an encrypted source data packet and modulating a received encrypted source data signal representing the packet, wherein the modulating step further comprises the steps of encoding with high level data link control, scrambling the modulated signal, wherein the scrambling comprises applying digital logic, and encoding the scrambled signal, wherein the encoding comprises using a variable rate low density parity check (LDPC) code for forward error correction (FEC).
US09106363B2

A method of allocating upstream bandwidth on a network comprising mapping an integer portion of a value obtained from a grant start time into a symbol number of a data frame on a coaxial segment of the network, wherein the value comprises the grant start time in units of a length of a data frame in the coaxial segment of a network, and wherein the length of the data frame comprises a preselected number of units of time defined in an optical segment of a network; mapping a fractional portion of the value obtained from the grant start time into a subcarrier number of the data frame; and mapping a grant length into a number subcarriers of the data frame.
US09106362B2

An optical unit for a wavelength-selecting switch according to the present invention comprises: an input port; a dispersion section that produces wavelength dispersion of input light that is input from the input port; a light-collecting element that collects the light dispersed by the dispersion section; an output port; an optical path correction section that shifts the light that is dispersed by the dispersion section; an adjustment section that changes the amount of shift produced by the optical path correction section; and a casing that hermetically seals the input port, dispersion section, light-collecting element, output port, and optical path correction section. The casing has an optically transparent section in a location onto which the light that is collected by the light-collecting element is directed. The adjustment section is arranged outside the casing. The optical path correction section can be controlled from outside the casing by the adjustment section.
US09106361B2

The present invention relates to a passive wavelength division multiplexing device for automatic wavelength locking and a system thereof including an optical multiplexer, an optical filter, an integrated optical receiver monitor, and a tunable optical transmitter. Through wavelength locking that adjusts a wavelength of an optical signal, which changes according to an external environment such as a temperature change, into a wavelength of an optical signal having the maximum optical intensity, communication quality may be maximized by securing a stable communication channel, a locking time and a communication channel setting time may be reduced, and more robust locking may be guaranteed.
US09106351B2

Methods and apparatus are provided for a User Equipment (UE) configured with multiple cells in a DownLink (DL) of a Time Division Duplex (TDD) communication system to determine the coding method for acknowledgement information bits as a function of their number, to apply bundling to the acknowledgement information bits when their number exceeds a first predetermined value, and to partition the acknowledgement information bits, possibly together with other control information bits, into two separate codewords when their total number exceeds a second predetermined value.
US09106350B2

Method and device for automatically locating radio stations, of the type which comprises at least a first database of radio and/or television stations (1, 21, 31), which includes the geographical location points or position of the station (13, 221), dial (14, 222) and/or on-demand broadcasting URL address (321), as well as a second database of user profiles (2, 22, 32) which also comprises at least one user profile configured according to the listening preferences of said user by means of a series of fields (11, 211, 311).
US09106334B2

There are provided a method and a system for characterizing the CMRR of an ICR under test, which employ highly coherent light from two continuous-wave (CW) single-frequency lasers whose respective optical frequencies mutually differ by an offset defining an “Intermediate Frequency” (fIF) in the rf electrical baseband. The method involves the coherent mixing of light from these two lasers in the ICR under test. A “tone” in the rf electrical baseband at frequency fIF is generated by the beating of light from the two single-frequency lasers as they interfere on the photodetectors of the ICR. The resulting tone at frequency fIF in the output electrical signals of the ICR is then detected and analyzed to characterize the CMRR of the ICR.
US09106325B2

The present invention relates to method for spectrally equalized frequency comb generation. In order to carry this method, the following steps are followed: seed laser or lasers are modulated to acquire frequency chirp necessary to enable temporal compression and an increase in peak optical intensity necessary for an efficient nonlinear optical mixing process to occur; the compressed waveform is reshaped by nonlinear-transfer optical element and subsequently used to generate frequency comb in nonlinear waveguide. Ultimately, at the conclusion of these steps, a frequency comb is generated with substantially flat optical spectrum, while retaining variability with respect to the frequency pitch, high coherency and substantially wide spectral band of coverage.
US09106321B2

Methods, systems, and devices for maximizing signal to interference plus noise ratio of a channel in a location tracking system. The methods, systems, and device may include tools and techniques for minimizing interference from adjacent samples at a receive filter, may include relaxing constraints at a transmitter. A receive filter or set of receive, or both, filters may be determined and utilized by specifying and or determining various transmitter, receiver, and channel characteristics. The receive filter and set of filters may be determined through an iterative approach involving one or more solution metrics.
US09106319B2

In a method of uplink interference congestion control in an interference suppression capable receiving node associated with a plurality of users in a wireless communication system, applying interference suppression to received signals in the node, to provide interference suppressed received signals. Subsequently, estimating a rise over thermal value for the uplink, based on the interference suppressed received signals, and determining a load measure for the uplink based on the estimated rise over thermal value. Finally, controlling interference congestion on the uplink based on the determined load measure.
US09106317B1

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a system that includes a plurality of endpoint devices. Each endpoint device can be configured and arranged to monitor a plurality of communication channels carried over power distribution lines for data communications. The endpoint can detect setup communications that contain an endpoint identifier (ID) matching the endpoint. The endpoint then stores or assigns the organization ID (obtained from the detected communications) to itself. The endpoint configures itself to respond to subsequent operational communications based upon the organization ID. A command center is configured and arranged to transmit setup communications to endpoint devices. The setup communications can include one or more endpoint identifiers and the organization ID. The command center can also transmit operational communications to the plurality endpoint devices, the operational communications including the organization ID.
US09106314B2

The invention refers to an RF front-end (100) adapted to perform either in a receiving mode or in a transmitting mode and adapted to receive or transmit signals located in at least two separated frequency bands, respectively comprising an input and an output and further comprising an input matching circuit (1) comprising a first input coupled to the input of the RF front-end (100), an output matching circuit (2) coupled to the output; the input matching circuit (1) being coupled to the output matching circuit (2) via respective first amplifier (3) and second amplifier (4), and a phase shifter (5) coupled either to the input of the RF front-end (100) in a receiving mode, or to the output of the RF front-end (100) in a transmitting mode.
US09106313B2

In an impedance conversion circuit, since, in a low band, an absolute value of impedance of a primary side coil is smaller than an absolute value of impedance of a capacitor, a high-frequency signal in a low band propagates through a transformer. Thus, impedance matching of a high-frequency signal in a low band is performed by the transformer. Since, in a high band, the absolute value of the impedance of the capacitor is smaller than the absolute value of the impedance of the primary side coil, a high-frequency signal in a high band propagates through the capacitor. Thus, impedance matching of a high-frequency signal in a high band is performed in the capacitor. Accordingly, impedance matching between a high frequency circuit and an antenna element is performed in a wide frequency band.
US09106303B2

Provided is a method and relay that performs network coding. The relay may determine transmission and/or receiving beamforming vectors for terminals so as to align effective channels of a plurality of transmit-and-receive pairs into different dimensions.
US09106299B2

An audio-signal-processing circuit includes: a noise-detecting unit to detect presence or absence of noise in an audio signal generated based on an output from a tuner configured to receive a broadcast signal; a low-pass filter, having predetermined phase characteristics, to pass the audio signal having a band of frequencies lower than a predetermined frequency; a high-pass filter, having the predetermined phase characteristics, to pass the audio signal having a band of frequencies higher than the predetermined frequency; first- and second-output units to multiply the signals outputted from the low-pass and high-pass filters by first and second coefficients and output the multiplied signals, respectively; an adding unit to add the signals respectively outputted from the first and the second output units; and a coefficient control unit to, when the noise-detecting unit has detected the presence of noise, decrease the second coefficient below the first coefficient.
US09106298B2

A channel filter (200) with a variable pass bandwidth has a first low-pass filter (200.2) on the input side and is driven by a means (30) for controlling the pass bandwidth as a function of the adjacent channel interference. A first input of the control means (30) is connected to the first low-pass filter (200.2), and a second input is connected to a bandpass filter (200.4) which is connected in parallel with the channel filter (200). The signal path which contains the low-pass filter (200.2) contains a means (37) for removing a DC signal component or DC component.
US09106294B2

An apparatus, method, and computer program product operable to determine a phase of a beamforming weight vector utilizing a memory of a previously used phase for the beamforming weight vector, capable of improving a channel estimate. A base station transmits a beamforming weight vector to a user equipment based on a determined channel estimate. The user equipment selects between the received beamforming weight vector, or a modified beamforming weight vector having its phase shifted by −360°, in accordance with a suitable selection criteria. That is, the selection is made such that a difference between the phase of the selected beamforming vector and a phase of a prior beamforming vector is within a predetermined range.
US09106281B2

In MIMO communication, a communication device is provided that transmits a transfer rate request signal while reducing it and reducing the interference and power consumption when the transfer rate request signal is transmitted substantially without lowering the transmission efficiency. A modulation encoding unit encodes and modulates transmission data transmitted to a communication partner and the transfer rate request signal is the plurality of transmission antennas. A transmission unit and a transmission antenna transmit a signal from the modulation encoding unit. A transmission control unit controls transmission of a signal transmitted from the transmission antenna and transmits a transfer rate request signal of one transmission antenna via the transmission antenna according to a comparison result between a difference of the transfer rate request signal in the respective transmission antenna of the communication partner and a predetermined value.
US09106278B2

A method for data transmission in a wide area mobile network supporting both MIMO User Equipments and non MIMO User Equipments includes allocating in a first signal the traffic of non MIMO user Equipments, a first MIMO data stream and a primary pilot channel, allocating in a second signal a second MIMO data stream and a secondary pilot channel, and transmitting the first signal and the second signal with two orthogonal circular polarizations.
US09106274B2

Disclosed are various embodiments providing carrier separation to effectuate a dual carrier operation of a wireless communication device. Processing circuitry may acquire a single carrier signal based on a determined time slot boundary, the single carrier signal comprising primary carrier data. The processing circuitry may receive a dual carrier radio frequency signal based on the determined time slot boundary, the dual carrier radio frequency signal comprising the primary carrier data and secondary carrier data. The processing circuitry may then generate a baseband dual carrier signal by demodulating the dual carrier radio frequency signal. The processing circuitry may separate the primary carrier data from the baseband dual carrier signal by filtering the baseband dual carrier signal. The processing circuitry may also separate the secondary carrier data from the baseband dual carrier signal by filtering the baseband dual carrier signal.
US09106270B2

An electric-field capacitive coupler module includes a first processing unit, a first communication interface coupled to the first processing unit, a second communication interface, and an electric-field capacitive coupler that defines an isolation barrier. The electric-field capacitive coupler apparatus is coupled between the first communication interface and the second communication interface.
US09106267B1

A mobile phone comprising a cellular communication radio transceiver, a near field communication (NFC) radio transceiver, a processor, a memory, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application presents an indication of the initiation and an indication of the conclusion of a communication link between the near field communication radio transceiver and a near field communication transceiver external to the mobile phone.
US09106254B2

Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for generating a code alphabet for use by a deployed program to determine codewords for words. A first code alphabet has a first number of symbols that provide variable length codings of the words. A second code alphabet is generated having a second number of symbols formed by merging the symbols in the first code alphabet, wherein the second code alphabet comprises the code alphabet used by the deployed program.
US09106247B2

A histogram-based method for testing an electronic converter device, such as an analogue to digital converter, includes steps of defining at least one histogram hyperbin arranged to store hits for at least one subrange of output codes; applying an input test stimulus to an input of the device to test a subrange of output codes matched to the hyperbin; and accumulating the histogram. At least two hyperbins may be provided, each bin being arranged to store hits for at least one subrange of output codes, and the input test stimulus is applied to an input of the device to test a subrange of output codes matched to one of the hyperbins. Both hyperbins may be open while the histogram is being accumulated for any subrange of output codes. The method may further involve varying the input stimulus to test another subrange.
US09106245B2

A method for interference suppression of a sampling process includes sampling an analog signal with a sampling frequency f, and determining whether an interference amplitude is present. The method provides that if an interference amplitude is present, the sampling frequency f is increased or decreased, and the method begins again with the sampling of the analog signal with the increased or decreased sampling frequency. In addition, a device is described for carrying out the method.
US09106244B2

Methods and systems are provided for using localized dynamic element matching (DEM) and/or dynamic noise scaling (DNS) in digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Adaptive (localized) DEM may be applied in a DAC, by selecting one or more of a plurality DAC elements in the DAC, forcing the selected one or more of the plurality of DAC elements not to switch during digital-to-analog conversions, and scrambling remaining one or more of plurality of DAC elements when generating an output of the DAC. The adaptive DEM may be applied when the DAC input is backed off from full-scale. DNS may be applied in a DAC, by adaptively selecting one or more of a plurality DAC elements in the DAC and switching off the selected one or more of the plurality DAC elements such that the selected one or more of the plurality DAC elements do not contribute to generating an output of the DAC.
US09106238B1

A sorting decoder captures the rank-order of a set of input analog signals in the digital domain using simple logic components such as self-timed first state elements, without requiring conventional analog-to-digital signal converters. The analog signals are each compared against a monotonic dynamic reference and the resulting comparisons are snapshot by a self-timed first state element for each input signal, or the last member of a sorted collection of input signals, at the time when it reaches the reference signal, so that a different snapshot representing the signal value ranking relative to the other signal values is produced for each input signal. The resulting rank-order estimation snapshots are binary signals that can then be further processed by a simple sorting logic circuit based on elementary logic components.
US09106224B2

Provided is a semiconductor device which can operate stably even in the case where a transistor thereof is a depletion transistor. The semiconductor device includes a first transistor for supplying a first potential to a first wiring, a second transistor for supplying a second potential to the first wiring, a third transistor for supplying a third potential at which the first transistor is turned on to a gate of the first transistor and stopping supplying the third potential, a fourth transistor for supplying the second potential to the gate of the first transistor, and a first circuit for generating a second signal obtained by offsetting a first signal. The second signal is input to a gate of the fourth transistor. The potential of a low level of the second signal is lower than the second potential.
US09106216B1

An electronic device includes a configurable pulse generator configured to generate a programmable master pulse train. One or more functional circuits of the electronic device includes a programming interface to receive one or more a programmable slave pulse parameters for the one or more functional circuits. The programmable slave pulse parameters are dependent upon the programmable master pulse train. A slave pulse generator generates a slave pulse for one of the functional circuits based on the one or more programmable slave pulse parameters corresponding to the functional circuits relative to the programmable master pulse train.
US09106215B2

Provided is an oscillation stop detection circuit having low current consumption, which is capable of detecting stop of oscillation regardless of whether an input signal stops at High or Low and thereby accurately measuring an oscillation stop detection period. The oscillation stop detection circuit includes: a pulse generation circuit for outputting a one-shot pulse in synchronization with an oscillation signal input from an input terminal; a capacitor including one terminal connected to a first power supply terminal and another terminal connected to an output terminal; a constant current circuit connected between the first power supply terminal and the another terminal of the capacitor; and a switch circuit connected between an output terminal of the pulse generation circuit and the another terminal of the capacitor, for connecting the another terminal of the capacitor to a second power supply terminal based on the one-shot pulse.
US09106212B2

A Tx IC and an Rx IC that use different supply voltages are mounted on a circuit board and interfaced via traces of the board. The configuration of the Tx IC is such that DC decoupling is provided between the ICs while also preventing inadvertent turn-on of the ESD diodes of the Rx IC. These features make it possible to provide DC decoupling between high-performance Tx ICs that use relatively high supply voltages and Rx ICs that use relatively low supply voltages without the need for AC coupling capacitors and while also preventing ESD protection of the Rx IC from being degraded.
US09106209B2

Disclosed are a gate driving unit capable of having reduced design area and power consumption by reducing an off-time of a gate signal, and an LCD device having the same. The gate driving unit includes N stage circuit units driven by receiving a start signal and first to fourth clock signals from the outside, wherein each stage circuit unit is configured to output gate signals by at least one of the first to fourth clock signals, and to receive gate signals output from an (N+3)th stage circuit unit to thus use as reset signals.
US09106204B2

A balun includes an unbalanced port having a single-ended terminal, a balanced port having first and second differential terminals, and first and second series resonant LC circuits. The first series resonant LC circuit is connected between the first and second differential terminals, and includes a first element of a first type and one element of a second type connected in series. The second series resonant LC circuit is connected between the single-ended terminal and ground, and includes second and third elements of the first type and the one element of the second type connected in series. The one element of the second type is shared by the first and second series resonant LC circuits. The first differential terminal is connected between the one element of the second type and the third element of the first type.
US09106195B2

A method and an apparatus control a signal gain in a digital signal process system are provided. In the method, a peak power of an input signal for each of a plurality of periods is measured. The peak power for each period is compared with a threshold power. A magnitude of a signal of a period where the peak power is greater than the threshold power is controlled.
US09106192B2

Systems and methods are provided for device playback calibration. In one example, a calibration device with a microphone and signal processor may detect audio content rendered by a playback device. The calibration device may transmit the detected audio content to a processing unit configured to determine an equalization setting for optimal playback of the playback device based on the received detected audio content and a relative distance and direction between the playback device and the calibration device. The calibration device may further be configured to modulate the detected audio content before transmitting the detected audio content to the processing unit to accommodate for a limited frequency range of the processing unit. In this case, the processing unit may demodulate the received signal prior to determining the equalization setting. The processing unit may then transmit the determined equalization setting to the playback device according to a wireless communication protocol.
US09106190B2

A mobile wireless communications device may include a processor configured to generate a baseband signal, a modulator coupled downstream from the processor, a power amplifier coupled downstream from the modulator, an antenna, and a tunable antenna matching network coupled between the power amplifier and the antenna and configured to match an impedance of the antenna and thereby causing a phase change in an output from the antenna. The processor may be configured to provide upstream phase change compensation in the baseband signal for the phase change in the output from the antenna.
US09106189B2

An operational amplifier circuit configured to drive a load is provided. The operational amplifier circuit includes an output stage module. The output stage module includes a detection circuit and an output stage circuit. The detection circuit is configured to detect a current output voltage and a previous output voltage based on a comparison result of a current input voltage and the current output voltage. The detection circuit enhances a charge capacity or a discharge capacity of the output stage circuit for the load based on a detection result. Furthermore, a method for enhancing the driving capacity of the operational amplifier circuit is also provided.
US09106182B2

There is described a method of generating a power supply tracking a reference signal, comprising the steps of: filtering the reference signal; generating a first voltage in dependence on the filtered reference signal; generating a second voltage in dependence on the reference signal; and combining the first and second voltages to provide a power supply voltage.
US09106181B2

Linearity and power efficiency in a power amplifier circuit are enhanced. The power amplifier circuit includes a first transistor that amplifies a signal input to the base and that outputs the amplified signal from the collector and a first capacitor that is disposed between the base and the collector of the first transistor and that has voltage dependency of a capacitance value lower than that of a base-collector parasitic capacitance value of the first transistor.
US09106180B2

A variable phase shifter. The variable phase shifter includes: a transmission line that outputs quadrature signals from a pair of output ports in response to an input signal of a specific frequency; a synthesizer that includes a first transistor connected to a first port of the pair of output ports and a second transistor connected to a second port of the pair of output ports, and that on input of the input signal takes signals output from the pair of output ports of the transmission line with a phase according to their respective load impedances and employs the first and the second transistors to amplify and combine the signals; and a phase controller that controls the phase of the output signal that is combined and output by the synthesizer by controlling the amplification operation of each of the first and second transistors of the synthesizer.
US09106160B2

An energy harvesting device utilizing a monolithic, mesoscale, single-degree-of-freedom inertial based resonator in which the support structure, beam-spring, and proof mass are a single component without joints, bonds, or fasteners. Frequency tuning features include holes in the proof mass in which mass can be added to change the devices resonance frequency as well as levers which add curvature to the beam-spring system and adjust system stiffness. Robustness is increase by designing the resonator to exhibit nonlinear behavior such that its power density is maximized for low vibration amplitudes and minimized for high amplitudes. The device structural resonance modes are designed to be much higher than the resonators proof mass-spring resonance frequency. Electromechanical transducers are used to convert the resonators mechanical energy to electrical energy. Electrical circuitry is included to extract and condition the electrical charge.
US09106156B2

Among first IGBTs and first MOSFETs, a transistor arranged near a first gate control circuit gives, through a gate thereof, a gate control signal supplied from the first gate control circuit to a gate of a transistor arranged at a position farther from the first gate control circuit. Among second IGBTs and second MOSFETs, a transistor arranged near a second gate control circuit gives, through a gate thereof, a gate control signal supplied from the second gate control circuit to a gate of a transistor arranged at a position farther from the second gate control circuit.
US09106149B2

One embodiment provides a start-up circuit that includes start-up switch circuitry comprising a switch coupled an input voltage rail and configured to generate a start-up voltage; wherein the start-up switch circuitry is configured to generate the start-up voltage to have a predefined voltage level within a predetermined time period. The start-up circuit also includes first controller circuitry configured to control the switch to turn ON and OFF based on, at least in part, the start-up voltage; and wherein when the switch is turned ON the start-up switch circuitry generates the start-up voltage and when the switch is turned OFF the start-up circuitry discontinues the start-up voltage.
US09106147B2

There is provided a universal power supply apparatus including a power supply unit switching input power into driving power having a preset voltage level and supplying the driving power, a power recognition unit outputting a recognition voltage having a preset voltage level to an output terminal from which the power is output to recognize connection of a device, controlling a power output of the power supply unit according to a detected rated output, and recognizing disconnection of the device after the connection of the device according to a power state of the driving power of the power supply unit, and a detection unit providing a detection voltage having a preset voltage level to the output terminal.
US09106145B2

The converter comprises an inverter and a conversion unit in which a transformer powers a controlled rectifier formed by saturable inductors and power diodes. According to the invention, a series reactive circuit associated with the transformer co-operates with the controlled rectifier for the phase displacement of the voltage applied at the primary of the transformer in relation to the current flowing therethrough. The phase displacement is regulated by a control voltage as a function of the variations in the output voltage of the converter.
US09106144B2

A voltage converting apparatus and a sub-harmonic detector are disclosed. The sub-harmonic detector includes a pulse eliminating circuit, a counter, and a comparator. The pulse eliminating circuit receives a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and a reference PWM signal having a same period. The PWM signal and reference PWM signal has a plurality of pulses and reference pulses respectively. The pulse eliminating circuit eliminates at least one part of the pulses which overlap with the reference pulses for generating a processed signal. The counter counts the processed signal and the PWM signal during a time period to obtain first and second counting values. The comparator compares the first and second counting values for detecting whether a sub-harmonic condition happens or not in the PWM signal.
US09106134B2

A power transfer device includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a control unit, and a drive unit. The input terminal can receive an input voltage. The output terminal can provide an output voltage. The control unit can control a switch between the input and output terminals to adjust the output voltage according to the input voltage and a reference voltage, wherein said control unit is deactivated if the reference voltage reaches the input voltage. The drive unit can connect the control unit and the switch if the control unit is activated, and can maintain the output voltage at or near the input voltage if the control unit is deactivated.
US09106123B2

A method for producing a cage rotor for an asynchronous machine is provided. The method includes providing a rotor body having a conductor bar segment in which conductor bars are provided, producing conductor bar slots in the conductor bar segment, wherein one conductor bar slot is provided for each of the conductor bars and producing short circuit ring recesses for short circuit rings, wherein the conductor bar slots each open into the short circuit ring recesses, pressure die casting cage material in the conductor bar slots, in situ, so that the conductor bars are formed of the conductor bar material in the conductor bar slots and the short circuit rings are formed in the short circuit ring recesses, and generating an area in the conductor bar material and the rotor body material including a metallurgical bond between the conductor bar material and the rotor body material at interfaces between the conductor bars and the rotor body.
US09106115B2

A rotating electrical machine includes a stator core, a rotor core, and permanent magnets. The stator core includes a yoke and tooth portions projecting from the yoke in a radial inward direction. Each tooth portion has a base joined to the yoke and an end opposite to the base. The rotor core includes a boss portion and projections. The projections project from the boss portion in a radial outward direction and spaced in a circumferential direction. Each permanent magnet is located between and spaced from adjacent projections to forma gap in the circumferential direction. A width of the gap is not greater than a width of the end of the tooth portion in the circumferential direction.
US09106110B2

A power generating device includes a power generating part, a sliding member, first, second and third elastic parts, and a connecting member. When the sliding member is caused to move to a first storage completion position by an operation that causes the connecting member to rotate, the connecting member and the sliding member are disconnected so that the sliding member is caused to move in a first direction by an elastic force stored in the second elastic part. The connecting member is caused to rotate by an elastic force stored in the third elastic part. When the sliding member is caused to move to a second storage completion position by the third elastic part, the connecting member and the sliding member are disconnected so that the sliding member is caused to move in a second direction by an elastic force stored in the first elastic part.
US09106106B2

A device with a sensor to detect a location of a portable device within proximity of the device and a controller to identify an amount of power to transmit to the portable device and reposition a directional antenna to transmit to the portable device an identified amount of power over a wireless signal based on the location of the portable device.
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