US09327739B2

A slack adjuster having a single, unitary housing that changes in length to compensate for brake pad wear in a rail car braking system. A threaded tension rod extends a variable length from the housing depending on rotation of the tension rod relative to the housing. A clutch assembly enclosed within a rod guide controls rotation of the tension rod and an overtravel assembly positioned in the single housing controls whether the clutch assembly will allow or prevent rotation of the threaded rod. A control rod and actuating tube transmit the controlling forces to the overtravel assembly so that the tension rod will be retained in a new length when the slack adjuster needs to take up slack in the braking system.
US09327722B1

A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine operatively coupled to a transmission and selectively coupled to an engine, and a controller. The controller, while operating the powertrain in an electric mode and in response to an accelerator pedal position initiating a transmission ratio change that results in a request to operate the powertrain in a hybrid mode and an engine start fault, outputs a cancellation request to cancel the transmission ratio change.
US09327721B2

Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle that is in a creep mode are presented. In one example, a torque converter lockup clutch is released and vehicle speed is closed loop controlled in response to a request to start an engine. The vehicle speed is controlled so that a torque disturbance related to closing a driveline disconnect clutch may be reduced.
US09327715B2

An electric vehicle control device is provided that ensures a required coupling capacity precision of a friction coupling element by appropriately switching a torque sharing rate during a shift transition period. The control device includes a motor, an automatic transmission, a shift controller, a frictional engagement element, a control unit and an engagement capacity control section. The frictional engagement element is disposed in a power transmission path from the motor to a driving wheel. The control unit switching delays switching a torque sharing rate of the frictional engagement element during a shift transition period until the start of the shifting procedure, and continuously switches the current gear sharing rate to a subsequent gear sharing rate in accordance with a degree of the shifting procedure when the shifting procedure starts.
US09327714B2

A method for driving a vehicle having a propulsion system comprising a combustion engine with an output shaft, a gearbox with an input shaft, an electric machine comprising a stator and a rotor, and a planetary gear comprising a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet wheel carrier. The vehicle is driven with the members of the planetary gear interlocked. The planetary gear is brought to the releasing position by controlling the torque of the electric machine and of the combustion engine towards torque balance in the planetary gear.
US09327713B2

A hybrid drive of a motor vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine with a drive shaft, an electric machine having a rotor and being operable as a motor and as a generator, and a multistage conventional gearbox with two coaxially arranged input shafts and a common output shaft. The first input shaft is arranged centrally within the second input shaft which is embodied as a hollow shaft. The first input shaft can be connected to the drive shaft of the internal combustion engine via an assigned clutch; the second input shaft has a drive connection to the rotor of the electric machine; and the two input shafts can be selectively placed in a drive connection with the output shaft via a plurality of gearwheel sets with a different transmission ratio and a shiftable speed clutch.
US09327710B2

Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, vehicle brakes are held to reduce the possibility of vehicle motion and stopping of engine rotation is prevented until confirmation of vehicle hold is present. The approach may allow an engine to remain in an off state for a longer period of time while reducing the possibility of vehicle motion.
US09327709B2

A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of propelling the vehicle. The electric machine provides creep torque to propel the vehicle at a slow speed or hold the vehicle when on an incline. At least one controller is programmed to cancel or otherwise inhibit the electric machine from generating the creep torque in response to a brake torque or brake torque request exceeding a calibratible threshold. The calibratible threshold varies based upon vehicle incline, vehicle mass, and/or vehicle speed.
US09327707B2

A method for operating a vehicle including an internal combustion engine and a torque machine rotatably coupled to an input member of a transmission includes operating the vehicle in a coasting mode in response to a driver-requested axle torque and commanding engine operation in an unfueled state. A controller is employed to operate the torque machine to spin the input member to control the engine during a transition across a predetermined engine speed.
US09327699B2

An automatic braking system for a vehicle is disclosed and includes an electronic brake system capable of applying wheel brakes to decelerate the vehicle and a controller. The controller includes instructions for maintaining the electronic brake system in a pre-charge condition when the vehicle is operating in a reverse gear, and applying the wheel brakes independent of a driver input.
US09327695B2

A method and device for the electronic control of the brake force distribution according to a differential slip or differential speed between at least one wheel of the front axle and at least one wheel of the rear axle of a vehicle, in which, when a differential slip threshold value or a differential speed threshold value is exceeded by the differential slip or the differential speed, the brake pressure at the rear axle is limited, characterized in that the differential slip threshold value or the differential speed threshold value is determined according to the braking request.
US09327694B2

In a vehicle combination including a hydraulically braked towing vehicle and a pneumatically braked trailer, a brake module serving as a trailer control valve has an electropneumatic pressure regulating module with an electronic controller that converts pressure signals from a sensor at a hydraulic pressure line from a hydraulically-actuated service brake master cylinder into control pulses for electromagnetic control valves in the regulating module. The control valves are connected via a pneumatic supply pressure inlet to a compressed air reservoir, and via a pneumatic control pressure outlet to a control pressure coupling head. The brake module has a redundancy valve arrangement and is connected via a hydraulic control inlet to the hydraulic pressure line, and via a pneumatic inlet to the reservoir, the hydraulic control pressure determining the magnitude of the pneumatic outlet pressure at an outlet of the redundancy arrangement, which is connected to the coupling head when an electrical/electronic component relevant to brake module operation fails. The pneumatic outlet is disconnected from the coupling head in fault-free operation. The regulating module and redundancy arrangement are connected pneumatically in parallel, and the pneumatic outlet can be connected exclusively to the coupling head.
US09327691B2

A transmission parking lock has an actuating rod that is essentially translationally displaceable, which bears an actuating element, and with a locking lever that is essentially rotationally displaceable, bears a locking element For inserting the transmission parking lock through the displacement of the actuating rod, the locking lever is pivotable from a resting position of the same into a locked position in such a manner that the locking element engages in a recess of a gear wheel (8) allocated to a gear shaft, and with a device that withdraws the actuating element of the actuating rod in the resting position of the same from the locking lever.
US09327680B2

A seat belt retractor (10) comprises a frame (12), a belt reel (14) which is rotatably mounted in the frame (12), and a blocking pawl (22) which is provided at the belt reel (14) and is capable of engaging with a blocking teeth system (20). The blocking teeth system (20) is provided at a blocking ring (18) which is mounted at the frame (14) in a rotationally limited manner.
US09327677B2

The present disclosure relates to an arrangement comprising a pyrotechnical device and a first mechanical structure. The pyrotechnical device is adapted to, directly, or indirectly, influence the first mechanical structure at a first location, such that the first mechanical structure is exposed to a deformation and/or a displacement. The deformation and/or displacement of the first mechanical structure at the first location is adapted to at a second location, being different from the first location, change a functional mode of the first mechanical structure and/or of a second mechanical structure connected to the first mechanical structure by means of direct mechanical influence. The disclosure further relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement.
US09327672B1

An active bolster for an automotive vehicle includes a plastic-molded trim wall that deploys outwardly during a crash. A plastic-molded reaction plate is mounted as a deployment base. A plastic-molded bladder member is joined around a substantially sealed perimeter with the trim wall to form an inflatable bladder. The bladder member includes at least one substantially circumferential pleated baffle around a central attachment region. The central attachment region includes an attachment boss projecting toward an attachment pad on the reaction plate to form a hot weld. The attachment boss has an arched cross section defining a weld surface with an apex. The weld surface is hot welded to the attachment pad such that the apex makes first contact with the attachment pad, wherein compression of the bladder member with the reaction plate creates a contact edge moving radially outward from the apex to expel gas from the hot weld.
US09327669B2

A vehicle curtain system comprises a curtain having at least a front wall and two side walls, at least one pretensioner having a corresponding pretensioner cable, and a plurality of tethers, each having a first end attached to the curtain.
US09327668B1

An active bolster is provided for an interior trim surface of an automotive vehicle. A plastic-molded outer trim panel has a welding track on an inside surface. A plastic-molded expandable bladder member has a central attachment section configured to attach to a support structure of the vehicle, a welding flange along a peripheral edge with a first surface facing the trim panel inside surface and a second opposed surface, and a pleated region between the central attachment section and the welding flange. The welding track and the welding flange are joined by a closed-loop hot weld seam to form a sealed chamber. The welding track and welding flange comprise complementary surfaces having a plurality of corrugations making the weld seam at least partially shaped as an undulating ribbon. As a result, a majority of the forces on the weld seam during inflation are in shear instead of peel.
US09327662B1

A bumper assembly includes a bumper fascia and a bumper reinforcement beam covered by the bumper fascia providing an upper projecting bumper portion. A lower reinforcement member is below the bumper reinforcement beam in a vehicle vertical direction and is covered by the bumper fascia providing a lower projecting bumper portion. The lower reinforcement member includes a reinforcement body having a front end and a rear end. The bumper fascia is connected to the lower reinforcement member at a fastening location that is located below reinforcement body.
US09327659B2

A console assembly for an automotive vehicle and use with a mobile device. The console assembly including a storage compartment having a floor, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of end walls. An opening permits access into the storage area and a slidable top wall is operable to move between a covered position and a retracted position relative to the opening. An anti-slip surface is provided on the top wall and configured to receive the mobile device thereon. A wireless charging unit is also incorporated into and moveable with the top wall. The wireless charging unit is located immediately below the anti-slip surface. When the mobile device is placed on the anti-slip surface, the device is moveable with the top wall, between the covered position and retracted position, while being charged.
US09327655B2

An image capturing apparatus includes an optical system and an image sensor to capture images of a close object and distant object. The optical system includes a convex lens as a first optical member and a glass plate as a second optical member with a refractive index higher than that of air. The second optical member is located in between the first optical member and a first image point at which a real image of the close object is formed, to absorb a positional difference between the first image point and a second image point at which a real image of the distant object is formed. The image sensor includes multiple light reception elements to generate a single picture frame that contains simultaneously a real image of the close object and a real image of the distant object.
US09327643B2

An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination device comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a moveable vehicle closure. The photoluminescent portion is operable to be directed in a substantially downward direction. The device further comprises a light source disposed proximate the photoluminescent portion and configured to emit light at a first wavelength. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate a surface beneath the vehicle.
US09327622B2

A load transfer structure includes a seatback frame, and a load receiving member disposed on the seatback frame to contact with a side wall of a vehicle body when the side wall is moved toward a vehicle cabin by a side impact. The load receiving member includes a horizontal portion extending laterally, an inclined portion extended obliquely outward and upward from an outer end of the horizontal portion, and a curved portion provided between the horizontal portion and the inclined portion and having inner and outer concave edges. A bisector of an angle between straight edges continued from both ends of the outer concave edge and a bisector of an angle between straight edges continued from both ends of the inner concave edge intersect with each other in the curved portion. Accordingly, an absorbed energy amount by the load receiving member increases.
US09327620B2

A seat assembly includes a seat cushion and seat back for pivotal movement between an upright position, a plurality of reclined positions, a fold flat position, and a dumped position. A recliner assembly is coupled between the seat cushion and seat back for actuation between locked and unlocked conditions allowing pivotal movement of the seat back. A seat track is coupled to the seat cushion for actuation between locked and unlocked conditions allowing fore and aft sliding movement of the seat assembly. An easy-entry mechanism is coupled to the recliner assembly and the seat track for actuating the recliner assembly and the seat track to the unlocked conditions and providing movement of the seat assembly to an easy-entry position defined by the seat back pivoted to the dumped position and the seat track sliding the seat assembly to a full-forward position allowing access behind the seat assembly.
US09327617B2

An adjustment apparatus for a wheelchair back that can be used with various backs, that can be adjusted in a plurality of ways using a single adjustment point, and that can be adjusted without the use of tools. In another aspect, includes a support mechanism for mounting an adjustment apparatus for a wheelchair back that can be engaged using gravity, that provides at least one support point, and that can be utilized without the use of tools. Still another aspect of the wheelchair back assembly includes a mounting clamp that is simple in construction, that provides at least one support point, and that can be easily disassembled and adjusted to accommodate upright frame members of various diameters without the use of a tool.
US09327611B2

A temperature elevating apparatus of a secondary battery includes a ripple generator and a controller. Ripple generator is connected to secondary battery, and is configured to actively generate ripple current of a predetermined frequency in secondary battery. Controller controls ripple generator to elevate a temperature of the secondary battery by generating ripple current in secondary battery. Here, the predetermined frequency is set to be a frequency in a frequency region where an absolute value of an impedance of secondary battery relatively decreases based on frequency characteristics of the impedance of secondary battery.
US09327602B2

A system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, including an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring electric energy to a vehicle. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. Each segment is combined with an assigned controller adapted to control the operation of the segment independently of the other segments. The controllers of at least two consecutive segments are connected to each other and/or to a central controlling device so that the at least two consecutive segments can operate at the same time. Each segment includes at least three alternating current lines for carrying phases of a multi-phase alternating current. The consecutive segments are electrically connected in parallel to each other to a current supply. The alternating current lines of each segment include a plurality of sections which extend transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle.
US09327595B2

A fixing structure of a resin tank for stably keeping the resin tank being fixed includes: a first holder having a predetermined length and being disposed corresponding to a pressed portion of a resin tank; a biasing member that is disposed in the first holder; a pressing member that is supported by the first holder and projects toward the pressed portion by a biasing force of the biasing member; and a pair of rods respectively having first ends attached to both ends of the first holder in a longitudinal direction and second ends attached to a frame.
US09327594B2

An access system for a vehicle energy storage device includes a housing and an access port in the housing configured for operative communication with the energy storage device. An access door is operatively connected to the housing and is movable between a closed position in which the access door closes the housing, and an open position in which the access door opens the housing. The access door prevents access to the access port in the closed position and permits access to the access port in the open position. A magnet is operatively connected to one of the housing and the access door. A magnetic sensor is operatively connected to the other one of the housing and the access door and detects the proximity of the magnet relative to the sensor. The sensor is operable to provide a signal indicative of whether the access door is in the closed position.
US09327562B2

A pumping mechanism is used with a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated. The pumping mechanism includes a plurality of pumps forming a linear belt and subsequently being attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, a plurality of pump holders interconnecting the plurality of pumps in a linear configuration, and a control valve for controlling inlet air into a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire.
US09327561B2

A tire having a tire cavity is disclosed, wherein the tire has a bi-directional pump assembly including a pump passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, and being operative to allow a portion of the pump passageway near a tire footprint to substantially close and open the pump passageway. The tire includes a valve assembly having a valve housing, wherein a diaphragm is mounted in the valve housing forming an interior chamber, and wherein the diaphragm is responsive to the pressure of the tire cavity. The interior chamber has an inlet in fluid communication with outside air, and an outlet in fluid communication with inlet and outlet of the pump passageway. The diaphragm is positioned over the outlet and operative to open and close the outlet. A resilient member biases the diaphragm into the open position.
US09327553B2

A lawn maintenance vehicle caster wheel assembly includes a suspension and a fork. The fork is rotatably connected to a structural member of the lawn maintenance vehicle. The caster wheel assembly also includes an arm connected to the fork, and the arm is rotatable about an arm axis. The caster wheel assembly further includes a caster wheel mounted to the arm and is rotatable about a wheel axis. A damping member is attached to the fork and the arm such that the caster wheel and the arm can rotate about the arm axis.
US09327548B2

A wheel for a motorcycle integrally includes a hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes. The plurality of spokes includes a main spoke and a sub spoke extending from the hub to the main spoke. The main spoke is inclined toward a first wheel circumferential direction with respect to a straight line connecting a first coupling portion between the main spoke and the hub to a wheel rotational center, and the sub spoke is inclined toward a second wheel circumferential direction with respect to a straight line connecting a second coupling portion between the sub spoke and the hub and the wheel rotational center.
US09327544B2

A stick-on stylus holder for receiving a stylus associated with an electronic device according to the present invention includes a stylus mounting member having opposed first and second ends and an elongate stylus mounting member extending therebetween. A pair of retaining members are mounted to a front side of said stylus mounting member proximate said first and second ends, respectively, each retaining member having a generally circular configuration that defines an open interior area. Each retaining member has a closed side coupled to said front side of said stylus mounting member and an open side facing away from said front side that is in communication with said open interior area and configured to selectively receive the stylus. A back side of said stylus mounting member includes an adhesive layer configured to adhere to an electronic device.
US09327540B2

By appropriate selection of an overprint varnish, so that it dries to no adhesion within 120 seconds, it is possible to coat one side only of newsprint or other similar substrates or to coat both sides of the substrate (without having regard to the relative times at which the sides are coated), without, in almost all cases, causing any fluting or curling of the substrate.
US09327536B2

A liquid ejection device comprising a plurality of ejection parts for ejecting liquid in cavities, an inspection part for inspecting the ejection parts. The ejection parts are classified into a plurality of ranks according to a characteristic of each of the ejection parts.
US09327535B2

Print masks for multiple pass print modes are described herein. In at least some examples herein, the print mask includes mask matrices. The mask matrices define a single nozzle actuation pattern. The nozzle actuation pattern is irregular. In at least some examples herein, techniques for printing of an image on a substrate are described. During printing the image on the substrate a print mask is applied such that, for each pass, the inkjet nozzles in the print head are actuated according to the single nozzle actuation pattern.
US09327529B2

A recording apparatus includes a recording unit, a discharge unit, and a medium receiving unit. The medium receiving unit has a sheet section which is flexible and of which a front-end portion is disposed to be closer to a discharge side of a recording medium than a terminal-end portion. When the medium receiving unit is transited from a serviceable state to an accommodated state, the front-end portion of the sheet section becomes closer to the terminal-end portion of the sheet section and a connection portion between the front-end portion and the terminal-end portion of the sheet section moves to a side opposite to the discharge side.
US09327526B2

Embodiments described herein are directed to a system for reducing electrostatic fields underneath print heads in a direct marking printing system. The system includes: one or more print heads for depositing ink onto a media substrate; a media transport for moving the media substrate along a media path past the one or more print heads; a conductive platen contacting the media transport belt; an electrostatic field reducer that includes an alternating current charge device positioned upstream of the one or more print heads; and one or apertures with electrically isolated biased electrodes separated by an opening that is in registration with the ink deposition areas of the one or more print heads. The media transport includes a media transport belt and, when the media is on the transport belt it has an electrostatic field, which can cause printing defects. The electrostatic field reducer and electrodes reduce the electrostatic field on the surface of the media and thereby reduce printing defects.
US09327518B1

A method for printing a graphical image on a wood furniture work piece includes printing on an unprimed print surface of the wood furniture work piece with an ultraviolet-curable ink printer. The print surface of the wood furniture work piece may be prepared for printing by sanding with an abrasive having a grit rating of no greater than 150. The graphical image may be converted from a digital image data file sourced from, for example, a camera, an optical scanner, or the like. In this manner, durable digital images may be permanently applied to wood furniture work pieces such as tabletops.
US09327507B2

A liquid container includes a box and a flexible bag accommodated in the box. The flexible bag contains a liquid and has a first end fixed at the box and a second end opposite to the first end and biased in a direction away from the first end by an elastic member. The box has two parts that are telescopically movable relative to one another and are biased apart by the elastic member. The bag is held at one of these parts with its first end and at the other of these parts with its second end.
US09327506B2

A case includes a main receptacle body that accommodates an ink accommodating body which accommodates ink. A first tube support portion and second to fourth tube support portions that guide connection tubes that are connected to the ink accommodating bodies, respectively, are provided on an internal surface of the main receptacle body.
US09327493B1

A decorator assembly is provided. The decorator assembly includes a mandrel turret assembly. The mandrel turret assembly includes a rotatable turret, a number of mandrels, and a number of independent ink stations. Each mandrel is rotatably coupled to the turret. Each mandrel extends generally radially from the turret and are disposed generally in a plane about an axis of rotation. The turret is structured to rotate about an axis of rotation thereby moving each mandrel over a generally circular path of travel. Each independent ink station is disposed adjacent to the path of travel of the mandrels.
US09327487B2

A variable lithographic printing process includes absorbing a release agent into an imaging member; forming a later image by evaporating the release agent from selective locations on an imaging member surface; developing the latent image; and transferring the developed image to a receiving substrate. The release agent diffuses through the imaging member surface.
US09327483B2

A simple and innovative process for manufacturing a high performance mechanical polarizing device is provided. The invention utilizes an inexpensive, high output production process where a transparent film substrate is coated with a non-transparent layer by deposition or other wet or dry method. Then a photoresist or a nano-imprint lithography process is used to overlay the non-transparent coated film with a pattern. The exposed non-transparent material is then removed by means of acid or base etching or the use of other mechanical or nano-technology removal methods. The photoresist is then removed and a protective layer may then be applied to the polarizer substrate. According to another embodiment, nano-imprinting techniques are used to prepare the polarizer substrate. The process may be automated in one or more embodiments, and lends itself to a high speed production manufacturing line, utilizing roll-to-roll, sheet fed or other methods of automated manufacturing.
US09327478B2

An apparatus for laying fiber tapes includes a deflection guide for the fiber tapes made up of pressure plates arranged adjacent to one another transversely to the deflection axis and a frame for receiving the pressure plates which is displaceable in the laying direction. Pressure plates with rollers for deflecting the tape are provided between the pressure plates with a sliding surface for the deflection of the tape, and the retainers for the rollers, which retainers are arranged laterally on the pressure plates, displaceably engage in the pressing direction in recesses of the pressure plates with the sliding surfaces.
US09327459B2

A method for producing a stretchable sheet that can uniform the shape, such as the width and thickness, and the strength, of a stretched nonwoven fabric. The method for producing a stretchable sheet according to the invention comprises a step of stretching a nonwoven fabric in the cross-machine direction perpendicular to the machine direction in which the nonwoven fabric is transported and a step of compressing the nonwoven fabric stretched in the step of stretching the nonwoven fabric, in the thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric.
US09327456B2

It is intended to provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced base material, which is capable of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced base material of high quality while preventing generation of defects such as wrinkles during stacking of the base material sheet. The method for manufacturing the fiber-reinforced base material formed by stacking a base material sheet including a reinforcement fiber onto a mold having a double-curved surface shape, includes steps of: supplying the base material sheet onto the mold from a base material roll while applying distribution varying in a width direction (X direction) to a length of the base material sheet in a sheet-supplying direction of the base material sheet (Y direction) in correspondence with the double-curved surface shape of the mold; and applying pressure to the base material sheet in contact with the mold.
US09327448B2

Methods of forming three-dimensional metallic objects are provided. A metal oxide paste comprising metal oxide particles, a polymeric binder and an organic solvent is extruded through a tip to deposit sequential layers of the metal oxide paste on a substrate to form a three-dimensional metal oxide object. The three-dimensional metal oxide object is exposed to a reducing gas at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to reduce and to sinter the metal oxide particles to form a three-dimensional metallic object. Depending upon the composition of the metal oxide paste, the three-dimensional metallic object may be composed of a single metal, a simple or complex metal-metal alloy, or a metal-ceramic composite.
US09327436B2

Stack mold transfer device are disclosed that include first and second transfer members having respective first and second transfer channels, first and second valve seats, and first and second valve members. The first valve member defining a flow portion and a first sealing surface and the second valve member defining a second sealing surface and a receiving pocket. When the first and second transfer members are in an engaged configuration, the first and second transfer channels form a common transfer channel. When the transfer device is in a closed-flow configuration, the flow of molding material is blocked, and when the transfer device is in an open-flow configuration, the first sealing surface of the first valve member is slidably received in the receiving pocket of the second valve member and the flow portion of the first valve member is positioned to allow molding material flow within the common transfer channel.
US09327435B2

The present invention provides a laminate-type decorative sheet for use in simultaneous decoration and injection molding, including a base film and at least a decorative layer provided on the base film, the decorative sheet having an elongation at break as measured at 25° C. of 3 to 10%, and an elongation at break as measured at 120° C. of 200% or more.The laminate-type decorative sheet exhibits good conformability to the molding surface of a mold during the course of preforming, and is less likely to produce wrinkling, blistering, breakage, etc. when laminated on and united with a resin molding through injection molding. In addition, the decorative sheet enables easy trimming.
US09327431B2

This invention relates to a device for rotational molding. The device comprises a mold which is movably arranged, having a mold wall, surrounded by a mold cavity and a material feeding device for feeding the curable raw material into the mold cavity. The mold is movably mounted on a robot arm, associated with the mold. The movement of the mold is controlled by a control device communicating with the robot arm. The mold is provided with a device for controlling the temperature of the mold and which is integrally formed with the mold.
US09327429B2

Extrusion die (30) comprising a plurality of shims (40a, 40b, 40c) positioned adjacent to one another, the shims (40a, 40b, 40c) together defining a first cavity, a second cavity, and a die slot, and methods of using the same. A variety of composite layers can be made from various dies described herein.
US09327420B2

The slicing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the device (18; 28) for setting the cutting thickness of the product to be sliced can be actuated via an adjusting device disposed in the installation space (B; B′), wherein the passage region of the device (18; 28) through the machine housing (11; 21) is sealed at least against splash water.
US09327415B1

An interchangeable head size precision razor device allows for selectively interchanging thin width razor heads to facilitate precise styling. The device includes a handle having a top end and a bottom end. The handle is elongated between the top end and the bottom end. A connector is coupled to and extends from the handle proximate the top end of the handle. A plurality of razor heads is provided. Each razor head has a unique length extending between opposite lateral sides of the razor head. Each razor head has a respective socket. The connector is couplable to the socket of each razor head wherein the razor heads are interchangeably couplable to the connector.
US09327411B2

A robotic gripper. Each of two gripper fingers is attached to a bearing carriage. Each bearing carriage defines a rack gear and is adapted to ride on a bearing rail. A single pinion gear has two gear elements. Each of the two gear elements are meshed with one of the two rack gears so as to drive the two bearing carriages in opposite direction upon rotation of the pinion gear. A worm gear is fixed to the single pinion gear. A worm screw is meshed to the worm gear and adapted to cause rotation of the worm gear and the single pinion gear and a gripping action or a releasing action of the two gripping fingers, depending on the rotation of the worm screw. A motor is adapted to drive the worm screw in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction.
US09327395B2

A wrench that has an adjustable wrench head, a wrench handle, and an attachment means for attaching the wrench handle to the wrench head. The wrench head has an orifice configured to control the rotation of a work-piece such as a nut or bolt. The wrench handle has an attachment section and a gripping section. The attachment section is formed for attachment with the wrench head and has a hole with a central axis extending in a direction towards the wrench head. The gripping section is formed for gripping by a user and connects with the attachment section beside the central axis, whereby, when the wrench handle is viewed from an end view thereof, the gripping section is nonaligned with the central axis of the attachment section at the connection of the gripping section with the attachment section. The wrench handle is formed for at least partial rotation about the axis of the attachment section. And, the adjustable wrench head has at least one engaging surface creating an imaginary line diverging from the axis of the attachment section of the handle.
US09327380B2

A method for blocking an optical lens (100) on a holding unit (200) thanks to a thermoplastic material layer (310) comprising the steps of: a) providing around the holding unit (200) a removable part (500) comprising an upper part surface (510) which is arranged so as to extend the upper assembling surface (210) of the holding unit and not to contact the bottom lens surface (120); b) providing a predetermined volume of a thermoplastic material; c) orientating the lens (100) in a desired spatial configuration; d) positioning the lens (100) contacting the thermoplastic material of step b) at a soften or melted state and pressing the lens (100) so as to keep the lens spatial configuration constant and to let the thermoplastic material flow from the upper assembling surface (210) of the holding unit to at least a part of the upper part surface (510) of the removable part (500); e) removing the removable part.
US09327376B2

A pneumatic device may be configured and used to provide multiple movement related functions, such as in an automated assembly system. The pneumatic device may comprise a chamber; a sealing element configurable to contact a surface, to enable creating a seal around the chamber by application of pneumatic suction into the chamber; a biasing element configurable to push the sealing element away from the surface; and a pneumatic cushion configurable to expand by application of pneumatic inflow, thus urging the pneumatic device away from the surface.
US09327372B2

A clamp rod assembly apparatus, comprising: a cylindrical housing having a first end, a second end, and a raised cylindrical portion; a first round bushing having a longitudinal octagonal bore and received in the first end of the cylindrical housing; a second round bushing having a longitudinal octagonal bore and received in the second end of cylindrical housing; a ram having an attachment end portion and an octagonal shaft end portion which slides in the longitudinal octagonal bore of the first round bushing and the longitudinal octagonal bore of the second round bushing; a nose portion having a clamp pad stem, a nose piece, and a lock nut, the clamp pad stem threadably attached to the ram to allow the length of the clamp pad stem to be adjusted, and the nosepiece attached to the clamp pad stem.
US09327362B2

A method for positioning a welding head or welding torch of a robot welding system over a workpiece sends microwaves as a measuring signal from a transmitter arranged on the welding head to the workpiece. The microwaves reflected on the workpiece are received by at least one receiver arranged on the welding head, and the received microwaves are evaluated by an evaluation module for determining the position of a workpiece edge. The microwaves are sent from at least one transmitter in different positions on the welding head, and the reflected microwaves are received, with a change of polarization, by the at least one receiver, having a polarization plane arranged at an angle to the polarization plane of the transmitter. The position of the edge is determined by the evaluation module at least on the basis of a phase change of the respective microwaves reflected on the different positions.
US09327354B2

A cutting insert comprises an upper surface including a first corner, and a second and third corner, respectively, adjacent to both sides of the first corner. The upper surface sequentially includes a rake surface along an upper cutting edge, inclined toward a lower surface, going inward from the upper cutting edge at a rake angle on a basis of a perpendicular plane perpendicular to a central axis extending between the upper and lower surfaces, and a connection surface more inward than the rake surface, inclined toward the lower surface, going inward at a connection angle on the basis of the perpendicular plane. An intersecting part of the rake surface and the connection surface includes a highest position in a portion of the intersecting part corresponding to a minor rake surface. A cutting tool with cutting insert, and a method of producing a machined product using the cutting tool are provided.
US09327351B2

A cutting insert includes an end cutting edge located along an intersection of an upper surface and a front clearance surface, and a pair of side cutting edges respectively located along intersections of the upper surface and a pair of side clearance surfaces. The upper surface includes an end rake surface that is continuous with and inclined downward as departing from the end cutting edge, a pair of major protrusions that are less apart from each other as departing from the end cutting edge in a top view, and a pair of minor protrusions that are respectively located close to their adjacent side clearance surface of the pair of side clearance surfaces with respect to the pair of major protrusions. The pair of minor protrusions are located further apart from the end cutting edge than an end portion of each of the pair of major protrusions.
US09327343B2

Various embodiments include methods and related systems for laser-assisted casting. Some embodiments include a method including: performing laser ablation to a preliminary wax casting model to form a modified wax model including at least one surface texture element absent from the wax casting substrate; coating the modified wax model to form a mold shape around the modified wax model; and removing the modified wax model to leave a casting mold including the at least one surface texture element.
US09327340B1

A method for constructing a floating wheel cap using a modified original wheel cap. The original wheel cap is modified to provide a passage through the face of the original wheel cap and a positioning surface on the back of the original wheel cap. A fixed bearing retainer is fixedly attached to the back of the modified wheel cap using adhesive, and preferably using double sided tape. An offset weight floating cap is inserted through the passage in the modified wheel cap, through a bearing held in the fixed bearing retainer, and held in place by a ring. The offset weight floating cap is free to rotate in the modified wheel cap and includes an offset weight to urge the offset weight floating cap to a position displaying a design on the face of the offset weight floating cap in a desired position.
US09327331B2

A tool and method of hemming a panel wherein the tool engages a flange to apply a compressive force with a stop initially preventing a distal end of the flange from moving inwardly. The hemming tool bends the intermediate portion of the flange between the flange bend and the distal end toward the panel. The stop is withdrawn to allow the flange to be progressively formed toward the panel until the distal end is aligned with the intermediate portion.
US09327323B2

In order to recover the resources (cleaning agent, heat) contained in the cleaning agent vapors suctioned off a cleaning system for cleaning industrially produced components, it is proposed to guide the suctioned-off waste air ({dot over (V)}ab) in a recovery device (5) through a heat register (9) of a refrigeration device (6) and thereby to heat it substantially to the temperature of the waste air ({dot over (V)}ab), and to supply the waste air ({dot over (V)}ab) heated and dried in this manner to the cleaning chamber (2) in the region of a bulkhead door (16) as preheated dried supply air ({dot over (V)}zu).
US09327321B2

A method and an apparatus for performing charging port detection control are provided, where the method is applied to an electronic device, a communication port of the electronic device has a functionality of obtaining power from an external power source for the electronic device, and a power path switching unit of the electronic device is arranged to control electrical connection between a system within the electronic device and a battery of the electronic device. The method may include the steps of: performing charging port detection; and control operation(s) according to the charging port detection. For example, the method may include: controlling the power path switching unit to have different configuration according to the charging port detection in order to charge the battery with different charging profiles; and detecting the system voltage level during charging for switching from the constant current mode to the constant voltage mode.
US09327318B2

A fixing arrangement (10) for a screen panel comprising at least a screen panel(11) having side edges/side faces(4,7) on either side. The panel is adapted to be fixed to an adapter bar(1) and said bar(1) is adapted to be mounted on a screen deck frame. This bar(1) extends horizontally over said screen deck frame and between side edge regions of a pair of said screen panels(11), said adapter bar has at least a female portion in the form of a fixing groove (5) on its top surface(21) such that said groove(5) has an internal profile that exactly matches the outer profile of the bottom part(3) of said screen panel(11) for receiving said bottom part(3) securedly and snap fitting therewith and said adapter bar(1) is fixed on a portion(2) of said screen deck frame by suitable fixing means.
US09327315B2

A process for producing a repair coating on at least one metallic surface that is coated with at least one corrosion protection coating A applied with at least one composition selected from the group of pretreatment compositions, of organic compositions and of silicon compound(s) containing compositions, whereby the at least one corrosion protecting coating A has been at least partially removed in the area Z, whereby a thin corrosion protecting coating B containing at least one silicon compound is applied with a solution or dispersion containing at least one silane, at least one silanol, at least one siloxane, at least one polysiloxane or any mixture of these (=“siloxane composition”) on at least a part of the area Z. Optionally, a further corrosion protecting coating C may he applied on the thin corrosion protecting coating B generated with the siloxane composition whereby the at least one further corrosion protecting coating C is generated with at least one organic composition like a primer, a wet-primer, an e-coat, a powder coat, a base-coat or a clear-coat or with at least one composition which is the same or another siloxane composition as for the thin film B.
US09327314B2

The present invention is directed toward core-shell nanoparticles, each comprising a ligand-capped metal shell surrounding a plurality of discrete, nonconcentric, metal-containing cores. Methods of making and using these nanoparticles are also disclosed.
US09327311B1

A bio-based corrosion inhibitor composition includes a corn stillage product, and may be a substantially water insoluble fraction of corn stillage. The corrosion inhibitor composition is useful in protecting metal articles from corrosion.
US09327303B2

A microfluidic droplet generator device, a kit of parts for assembling a microfluidic droplet generator device, and a method of generating microfluidic droplets. The generator device comprises a substrate; a microfluidic channel formed in the substrate; a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel; and a mechanical element configured such that vibration of the mechanical element causes droplet dispensing from the fluid outlet.
US09327297B2

A specialty nozzle is provided having a pattern adjusment valve that may be adjusted to irrigate a substantially rectangular irrigation area. The nozzle may be further adjusted to irrigate three different substantially rectangular irrigation areas. The nozzle functions as a three-in-one left strip nozzle, right strip nozzle, and side strip nozzle. The strip irrigation setting may be selected by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The nozzle may also include a flow reduction valve to set the size of the rectangular irrigation areas and may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.
US09327293B2

An electrode support for an electrode of an electrically-enhanced air filtration system includes a conductor extending through the electrode support and electrically connectible to the electrode and to a power supply. An insulative layer is located around the conductor and the electrode support is configured to position the electrode in a frame of the air filtration system. An air filtration system includes a frame directing an airflow through the air filtration system and an electrode located in the frame. An electrode support positions the electrode in the frame and includes a conductor extending through the electrode support and electrically connected to the electrode and an insulative layer located around the conductor. An electrical power supply is electrically connected to the conductor to provide electrical power to the electrode.
US09327283B2

A device and a method for analyzing an analyte in a liquid sample are provided. The device comprises a detecting chamber included in a detection device for containing a detecting element; a liquid sample transferring chamber; and a film with small pores disposed between the detecting chamber and liquid sample transferring chamber. When the detection device is inserted into a liquid sample collecting chamber, the liquid sample in the collecting chamber enters the liquid sample transferring chamber but can not enter the detecting chamber via the film with small pores. When a piston is inserted into the liquid sample transferring chamber, the piston forces a part of liquid sample in the liquid sample transferring chamber to enter the detecting chamber via the film with small pores. Using the device and the method can determine an analyte in a sample quantitatively and can complete the detection in one step.
US09327272B2

A method for producing a composite material which contains a support material and an ionic liquid, as well as a composite material and its use as synthetic catalyst.
US09327263B2

The invention relates to a method for carrying out reactions with participation of carbocations, whereby the initial most strongly exothermic phase of the reaction is carried out at high temperature (60 to 120° C.) and short residence time (1 to 30 seconds) in a microreactor and the subsequent less exothermic phases are carried out at optionally lower temperatures in two or more residence time units with longer residence times (1 to 30 seconds).
US09327262B2

A solid phase reaction method comprising an elongate material of (1) with a substance provided thereon through at least one reaction zone (2) and comprises at least one group for attachment to at least one linker species of said substance. The elongate material (1) may be a cord ribbon, thread or tape.
US09327256B2

A mixing apparatus and system includes a hub, a plurality of blades, and a respective hinge for each blade to pivotally secure each blade to the hub. Each hinge including a lock having a tab and a detent to secure the respective blade in an operating conformation.
US09327242B2

This method comprises bringing drops to be separated into contact with an interface (40) suitable for allowing an osmotic equilibrium between the content of each drop to be separated. The method comprises an osmotic flow between the drops (20A) of the first group of drops through the interface (40) in order to modify the density of each drop (20A) of the first group of drops and the separation of the drops (20A, 20B) according to the density thereof or a combination of the density and the volume in order to isolate the drops (20A) of the first group of drops from the drops (20B) of a second group of drops.
US09327238B2

A system for removing CO, H2 and CH4 from an anode waste gas stream from a fuel cell is disclosed. The two catalyst system may comprise a platinum/palladium catalyst and a copper/manganese catalyst. The anode waste stream comes in contact with the platinum/palladium catalyst prior to contacting the copper/manganese catalyst.
US09327232B2

A system and method suitable for the removal of pollutants from gases with a circulating dry scrubber system having a circulating dry scrubber reactor containing a fluidized bed adapted to contact the gas with a dry reagent within the fluidized bed. The system includes a housing fluidically coupled to the reactor, a filter array within the housing, and an internal hopper within the housing and adapted to return at least some of the particulates to the fluidized bed within the circulating dry scrubber reactor. The scrubbed gas stream exits the circulating dry scrubber reactor and flows upward between an interior of the housing and an exterior of the internal hopper before contacting the filter array. The exterior of the internal hopper is exposed to the scrubbed gas stream, and the scrubbed gas stream is not recirculated to the circulating dry scrubber reactor to maintain the fluidized bed therein.
US09327231B2

Embodiments for a tubular ceramic-carbonate dual-phase membrane and methods for manufacturing the tubular ceramic-carbonate dual-phase membrane are disclosed.
US09327226B2

Dynamic filtration systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a filtration system can include a filter device having a body portion positioned between first and second end portions and a filter media in a cavity defined by the body portion. The filter media can be configured to filter a predetermined substance from a ferrofluid. The filter device can further include a coil at the body portion, a first magnetic plate proximate the first end portion and a second magnetic plate proximate the second end portion. The coil can generate a first magnetic field across the body portion, and the first and second magnetic plates interact to form a second magnetic field across the body portion. The first and second magnetic fields can be configured to drive filtration of the ferrofluid.
US09327223B2

A collapsible device for filtering air comprising a base, a fan functionally attached to the base, an air filter releasably attached to the base, and a substantially air impermeable outer sleeve is provided.
US09327219B2

A spiral irrigation filter cleaning apparatus includes a filter framework having a tubular wall defining a plurality of apertures, the filter framework having a platform extending outwardly from the lower end. A filter media is constructed of a flexible and permeable material configured to wrap around the filter framework. The cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning assembly configured to surround the filter framework. The cleaning assembly includes an upper ring and an opposed lower ring, the lower ring configured to rest freely upon the platform. The cleaning assembly further includes a plurality of spaced apart scraping members each having an upper end coupled to the upper ring and a lower end coupled to the lower ring and extending in a spiral configuration. A plurality of turbine blades is coupled to an outer surface of the upper ring to urge the cleaning assembly to rotate when contacted by a water stream.
US09327218B2

A filter apparatus and method for filtering a liquid. The filter apparatus comprises a housing that has at least one inlet for admission of the liquid to be filtered and at least one outlet for discharge of the filtered liquid. The apparatus further comprises at least two substantially cylindrical filter elements that can be fitted into the housing and which have a plurality of openings through which the liquid can flow to filter particles out of the liquid, and at least one filter cleaning element that can be introduced into a respective filter element in a region of an inner surface of the filter element to increase a flow speed of the liquid to be filtered so that substances in the filter element are flushed away. The filter elements are further connected in a parallel arrangement in the filter apparatus.
US09327215B2

Disclosed, is a drive (101) for a sedimentation tank (1000) comprising a main ring gear (160) operatively connected to a cage (150) via a web portion (152). A bearing transfer ring (170) is provided to the web portion (152) such that a gap (172) is provided between the bearing transfer ring (170) and the main ring gear (160). The bearing transfer ring (170) is connected to a first bearing race (144) which communicates with a second bearing race (142) that is fastened to a base portion (136) of the drive (101). Torque (T) is delivered to the cage (150) to turn a rake assembly (1002). The gap (172) provides clearance for deflections, distortions, or deformations of the main ring gear (160) caused by bending stresses (B) in the main ring gear (160) may. The bearing transfer ring (170) absorbs stresses imparted to the main ring gear (160) and prevents fasteners (188) connected to stiff bearing races (144) from shearing. Also disclosed is a retrofit kit for a sedimentation tank drive, a sedimentation tank (1000) having a drive (101) according to the above description, and a method of thickening/clarifying slurry (1008) utilizing a drive (101) according to the above description.
US09327213B2

A chromatography column design and a packing device, as well as a method for obtaining a column with a very compact and uniform bed are provided. The bed remains compact and uniform during operation of the column and during sanitization, storage and transportation of the column. The amount of hardware, particularly the hardware parts in contact with product, is minimized, especially with the implementation of an internal liner. With this internal liner, the packed bed can be separated from the column in intact form, or even prepared separately from, and outside of, the column.
US09327212B2

A method for preparing a liquid flow having pre-defined characteristics by mixing liquid flows of at least two different component stock solutions with each other comprises the steps of determining a selected property value for one or more of the stock solutions by sensing, in a flow of each stock solution separately, at least one characteristic related to the property value for the stock solution, and based on the determined property value or values, mixing the stock solution flows in mixing ratios giving the desired mixed liquid flow. A system for carrying out the method comprises sensor means and a control unit, wherein the control unit is arranged to evaluate the characteristics sensed by the sensor means and provide relative ratios of stock solutions required to obtain a mixed liquid flow having the pre-defined characteristics.
US09327204B2

A remote control helicopter includes a body, a tail wing, a rotor assembly, a landing skid assembly, and a charging port on the bottom of the helicopter. The remote control for the helicopter includes an outer housing, landing skid grooves, a power switch, a throttle control stick that controls the ascent and the descent, a direction control stick that controls the turning or rotation of the helicopter, and a charging plug.
US09327203B2

Provided are systems and methods for real time sound effect modulation based on attitude variations. The system may include one or more position sensors installed on a moving object, with the position sensors reporting positional data associated with the moving object. A memory may contain predetermined criteria for altering characteristics of a sound associated with the moving object, and a database may contain sound examples. A processor may receive the positional data from the position sensors and determine positional changes based on the data. The processor may fetch sound examples from the database and fetch predetermined criteria from the memory. The processor may modulate the sound examples based on positional changes according to the predefined criteria to produce modulated sound examples. The processor may aggregate the modulated sound examples to produce an aggregated modulated sound example. Speakers on the moving object may emit the aggregated modulated sound example.
US09327193B2

Various systems, methods, and computer readable instructions are disclosed herein for dynamically allocating fixed bandwidth over a wireless link between a video game console and a wireless peripheral device. In an embodiment, the voice sample rate in a wireless microphone may be dynamically adjusted to free up bandwidth that can be repurposed for other operations. The sample rate adjustment can range from maximum where the bandwidth is filled with voice data to a lesser sample rate. In the case where the sample rate is less than max, the freed up bandwidth can be for used for other operations.
US09327186B1

A wagering system having: a physical roulette wheel; a source of multiple drop balls; a selection system that selects a single drop ball from a roulette ball storage area; and the roulette ball storage area storing a first roulette ball of a first color in a first accessible area and storing a second roulette ball of a second color in a second accessible area. The processor recognizing wagers on roulette wagering event outcomes and side bets placed at a player position on roulette wagering event outcomes. The processor is configured to resolve wagers at a player position with the side bet being recognized on roulette wagering event outcomes that do occur at odds against a second paytable with odds on at least some winning event outcomes that are higher than odds on the same at least some winning event outcomes without a side bet.
US09327178B2

A method, system and compute program product for modifying sporting event participant decorations displayed on a fiber optic “Turf TV” playing surface. A utility calculates a direction of movement of a player or object in proximity to the playing surface, which is configured to display images, during a live sporting event. The utility adds a graphical aura to a real-time graphical image displayed in proximity to the player on the playing surface. The utility animates the aura in response to wind and/or noise in proximity to the playing surface. The utility modifies the aura based on pre-defined custom attributes, penalties, errors, and/or player status. If the player moves, the utility adds a graphical player trail to the image. The utility also adds a graphical object trail that includes previous locations of an object. The object trail may also include spin and a visual appearance corresponding to an object height.
US09327170B2

Embodiments of golf clubs with hosel inserts are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US09327169B2

A club length L1 of a golf club 2 is equal to or greater than 43 inches and equal to or less than 48 inches. A ratio Iss/Ix is equal to or greater than 0.070 and equal to or less than 0.100. A club inertia moment Ix about a swing axis is equal to or less than 6.90×103 (kg·cm2). The inertia moment Ix (kg·cm2) is calculated by the following formula (1). The shaft inertia moment Iss (kg·cm2) is calculated by the following formula (2). Ix=Wc×(Lc+60)2+Ic  (1) Iss=Ws×(Ls+60)2+Is  (2)
US09327167B2

A sport ball may include a casing and a bladder located within the casing. The casing may include a plurality of panel elements joined to each other with welds, and portions of the panel elements that include the welds may project toward an interior of the ball. A method of manufacturing a sport ball may include providing a plurality of casing elements that include a thermoplastic polymer material. Edges of the casing elements are welded to each other to join the casing elements. The casing elements may then be turned inside-out through an aperture formed by at least one of the casing elements, and the aperture may be sealed.
US09327162B2

An exercise apparatus includes a main device having a handle member and a seat member, the main device having a driver set rotatably assembled, the driver set having a first driver member, the first driver member having a plurality of first driver units, the driver set having two pedals assembled at two sides thereof, the main device having a wheel member rotatably assembled thereon, a second driver member assembled at an axle of the wheel member, the second driver member having a plurality of second driver units, a first connecting member connecting the first driver member and the second driver member so as to drive the wheel member to rotate, the first connecting member mounted around one first driver unit and one second driver unit, a resistance device assembled on the main device, the resistance device configured to create a resistance force to the wheel member.
US09327159B1

The embodiments herein relate to a weight system enabling a user to configure the system for the performance of various exercises. The invention comprises a multiplicity of generally cylindrical weights which are inserted into weight receiving bores equally spaced around a central bore of a generally cylindrical body with a first and second face. A post with at least one end is configured to releasably engage the central bore on the first face of the body. A first collar releasably engages the first end of the post proximal to the body to prevent the weights from exiting the weight receiving bore to form a kettlebell. In an alternate embodiment, the second end of the post is configured to releasably engage a central bore of a second generally cylindrical body which mirrors the configuration of the first generally cylindrical body to modify the kettlebell configuration into a dumbbell configuration.
US09327145B2

The present invention is directed to cosmetic compositions comprising Manilkara multinervis, or an extract of Manilkara multinervis, and methods of using such compositions for skin and/or hair care, including skin and/or hair protection, and/or skin and/or hair regeneration.
US09327142B2

To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and a high-speed serial data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. Various novel waveform generation techniques, transducer configuration and biasing methodologies, etc., are likewise disclosed. HIFU methods may additionally or alternatively be employed as a component of the “ultrasound-on-a-chip” solution disclosed herein.
US09327137B2

The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro CDV polypeptides or antigens that elicit an immune response in animal against CDV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or CDV polypeptides, and methods of vaccination against CDV. The invention further provides methods for inducing an immunogenic or protective response against CDV and other canine virus, as well as methods for preventing or treating CDV and other canine virus or disease state(s) caused by CDV and other canine virus.
US09327135B2

An external controller is disclosed for communicating with an external trial stimulator (ETS) for an implantable medical device. The external controller is programmed with a battery algorithm able to assist a clinician in choosing a suitable implant for the patient based on battery performance parameters estimated for a number of implants during an external trial stimulation phase that precedes implantation of the implant. The algorithm is particularly useful in assisting the clinician in choosing between a rechargeable-battery implant or a primary-battery implant for the patient.
US09327132B2

A device according to some embodiments may include an implant unit which may include a flexible carrier, an antenna arranged on the flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, at least one implantable circuit electrically connected to the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the antenna; and at least one pair of suture holes passing through the flexible carrier. The at least one pair of suture holes may be arranged on the flexible carrier such that the flexible carrier may be configured to conform to tissue in a subject's body, and such that each suture hole of the at least one pair of suture holes may be positioned to allow suturing to tissue adjacent to the suture holes.
US09327126B2

Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
US09327125B2

Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
US09327124B2

The invention relates to an apparatus for stimulating neurons having a pathological synchronous and oscillatory neural activity, the apparatus including a stimulation unit having a plurality of stimulation contacts to stimulate neurons in a patients brain and/or spinal cord with electric stimuli, a measurement unit for recording test signals that represent a neural activity of the stimulated neurons, and a control and analysis unit. Furthermore, the stimulation contacts of the stimulation unit apply stimuli, and the control and analysis unit selects the stimulation contacts, the stimuli of which cause the phase of the pathological synchronous and oscillatory neural activity of the stimulated neurons to be reset. The selected stimulation contacts then apply phase-resetting stimuli with a time delay, and the control and analysis unit verifies whether the pathological synchronous and oscillatory neural activity of the stimulated neurons is suppressed by said time-delayed stimuli.
US09327116B2

An apparatus for the cardio-synchronized stimulation of skeletal or smooth muscle, but excluding the heart muscles, in a counterpulsation mode of a patient. The apparatus comprises an active and a passive electrode for attachment to said patient, a signal processor having a configuration input for varying a time delay associated with counterpulsation mode stimulation, and a sensing system for sensing information relating to the performance of the patient's heart and for transmission of information signals to said signal processor, said signal processor producing control signal information relating to stimulation signals to be applied to said active electrode in a counterpulsation mode, a stimulation signal generator associated with said active electrode for generating stimulation signals, wireless transmission means for transmitting said control signal information from said signal processor to said stimulation signal generator whereby said stimulation signal generator applies stimulation signals to said active electrode in accordance with said signal information.
US09327103B2

Described is a method for treating a bronchial tissue. A guide wire is inserted through a bronchial passage to a desired location relative to a target portion of tissue to be treated. A catheter is slid along the guide wire with the guide wire received in a first lumen of the catheter until the guide wire exits a proximal port of the first lumen. A stiffening member is inserted into a second lumen of the catheter. A fluid is injected through the second lumen to a distal port of the catheter, so that the fluid is supplied to the bronchial tissue.
US09327095B2

An antimicrobial lubricant applied to an outer surface of an introducer needle as part of a catheter assembly device. The catheter assembly device further includes a blood control septum having a slit through which the introducer needle is threaded. The antimicrobial lubricant is squeegeed, or removed from the outer surface of the introducer needle as the needle is removed from the slit following catheterization. The removed antimicrobial lubricant forms a deposit on the septum at a location proximate to the slit, thereby preventing colonization and growth of pathogens on the septum and other adjacent components and surfaces of the catheter assembly device.
US09327093B2

An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a wicking element and/or a flat, elongate heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes generating a flow of breathable gas; and humidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water. Humidifying the flow includes heating the supply of water and/or the flow with a heating element in thermal contact with the water and/or the flow before passing the supply of water, the flow over the supply of water, and/or the flow after passing the supply of water; and controlling a voltage applied to the heating element to control the humidity of the flow. A tube for use in delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a circuit including electrically conductive ink provided on an inner surface and/or an outer surface.
US09327079B2

A quality control method or system for determining a lubricant coverage at the inside surface of a syringe barrel is provided. The timing for the quality control is not intuitive, yet crucial for patient's safety. The pre-fill test is for a pre-filled (empty or no drug solution), yet oil lubricated, barrel. This pre-fill test needs to be performed within a certain time window immediately following the lubrication. The post-fill test is for a post-filled oil lubricated syringe barrel filled with a solution. This post-fill test needs to be performed after a certain time window has passed from the filling with the solution. The quality control methods could lead to a reduction of health-risks or avoid life-threatening situations associated with syringes that are either below or above the desired lubrication coverage.
US09327070B2

This disclosure describes techniques implemented by a medical device, such as an implantable medical device (IMD). The IMD may be configured to detect a posture state of a patient, and deliver posture-responsive therapy. In particular, the IMD not only detects the posture state of a patient, but also detects timing associated with the detected posture state, such as the time of day, the day of the week, or a specific time of day associated with a specific day. In this way, the posture-responsive therapy delivered by the IMD may be dependent not only on the posture state of the patient, but also on the timing associated with the posture state. The same posture state, therefore, may result in different types of therapy to the patient if the same posture occurs at different times of the day.
US09327061B2

The bioabsorbable implant described has a porous body formed of bioabsorbable materials that have an in vivo life span of at least 2 weeks, preferably at least three weeks and not greater than 20 weeks, preferably no greater than ten weeks. The implant has a scaffolding structure which facilitates tissue in-growth and ultimately tissue replacement of the scaffolding structure. The implant has a radiopaque imaging agent at least at the exterior margins and an orientation plurality of radiopaque elements in the interior of implant. The implant preferably has three radiopaque elements within the interior that form a plane within the implant interior.
US09327060B2

Implantable medical devices may be utilized to locally delivery one or more drugs or therapeutic agents to treat a wide variety of conditions, including the treatment of the biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the implantable medical device. These therapeutic agents may be released under controlled and directional conditions from a stent so that the one or more therapeutic agents reach the correct target area, for example, the surrounding tissue.
US09327055B2

Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.
US09327046B2

A device comprises a delivery engine comprising a volatile composition and a microporous membrane, and an evaporation assistance element. In some embodiments the device includes a fan is configured to move a volume of air over the microporous membrane to facilitate evaporation of the volatile composition into the atmosphere.
US09327044B2

A method for delivering a volatile fluid in a continuous manner, over a period of time and without leakage, to the atmosphere is disclosed. The method includes activating a device by breaching a semi-rigid sheet to release volatile fluid to the atmosphere. The device includes a flexible sheet and a semi-rigid sheet that are sealed along their edges to form a closed pocket or reservoir for containing a volatile fluid. The semi-rigid sheet is sealed on a first side to a flexible sheet and sealed on a second side to a vapor permeable membrane. The semi-rigid sheet contains a volatile fluid in the reservoir during storage, preventing contact of the volatile fluid with the vapor permeable membrane before the device is activated. The semi-rigid sheet has a differential score to guide the bounds of an opening that is formed upon activation. Once activated, the vapor permeable membrane provides continuous emission of a volatile fluid from the device.
US09327039B2

A sterilizable particle-size reduction apparatus, component parts thereof and a method of sterilizing and validating sterility thereof are provided. Also provided is use thereof to prepare sterile suspensions of drugs.
US09327035B2

The invention provides anti-HER antibodies, including multispecific anti-HER antibodies, compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies. Also provided herein are EGFR/HER3 multispecific antibodies that are less toxic than traditional EGFR antagonists.
US09327030B2

Pharmaceutical gels and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient are provided, the gel being capable of adhering to the target tissue site and comprising one or more biodegradable depots containing an effective amount of the therapeutic agent. In various embodiments, the gel is sprayable and hardens after contacting the target tissue site.
US09327024B2

[Object] To provide a polymer coated ferrite fine particles being possible to control a particle size uniformly while having high aqueous dispersibility and preferred biomolecule immobilization ability and an easy method for preparing the same.[Means Addressing Object] In an aqueous solvent, iron ion is protected by chelating polyacrylic acid and then alkaline is added. Thereafter, a reaction system is heated under pressurized condition to produce simultaneous precipitation of the ferrite fine particles and coating thereof. As the result, the polymer coated ferrite fine particles having uniform particle size may be prepared in one step with excellent reproducibility. The polymer coated ferrite fine particles of the present invention has high water dispersibility and has preferred biomolecule immobilization performance by carboxyl groups coming from the polyacrylic acid.
US09327019B2

An attenuated enterohemorrhagic E. coli-based vaccine vector is disclosed. Enterotoxigenic E. coli colonization factor antigen 1 and the B subunit of E. coli heat labile toxin have been expressed in the attenuated enterohemorrhagic E. coli vector strain. Immunized animals are further protected against lethal and non lethal challenges with the enterotoxigenic E. coli strain. Immunization of mice with the vaccine construct induces mucosal antibody against both antigens, establishing the attenuated E. coli vector strain as a generally useful vector for presenting one or more antigens to a subject in a vaccine.
US09327016B2

Provided herein are deglycosylating enzymes that remove a broad range of N-glycans from N-glycosylated proteins. Further provided are methods of recombinantly producing and expressing the deglycosylating enzymes. The presently described deglycosylating enzymes can be used to produce free glycans for characterization, and for prebiotic and immunostimulatory uses. In addition, the presently described deglycosylating enzymes can be used to produce deglycosylated proteins for characterization, to improve digestion, and to reduce immunogenicity.
US09327013B2

An activity enhancer for an anticancer agent includes, as an active ingredient, a D-form amino acid residue-containing FNIII14 polypeptide, the D-form amino acid residue-containing FNIII14 being a polypeptide FNIII14 represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 in which at least one of amino acid residues at positions 1 to 13 is a D-form amino acid residue. An anticancer composition includes the activity enhancer for an anticancer agent and an anticancer agent.
US09327006B2

A process for the extraction of the B group of vitamins from a first plant matter is disclosed wherein, prior to the said extraction operation, the first plant matter is treated with a second plant matter comprising acidic compounds. The acidification converts the vitamins into more water-soluble forms and increases the yield thereof. In one example, the first plant matter comprises guava fruit matter, holy basil leaves and lemon peels, the two last-mentioned plant species being the source of the acidic compounds. The vitamins extracted and the proportions thereof may be controlled by suitable choice of the plant species constituting the first and second plant matters and their quantities, such as to give a substantially ready formulation conforming to RDA values or other requirements. The vitamins extracted are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9, the above combination of plant matters giving a higher yield than others. The process is of general applicability to other plant constituents.
US09326996B2

The present invention relates to the use of xenon in the preparation of a medicament for preventing and/or alleviating one or more anesthetic-induced neurological deficits in a neonatal subject.The present invention further relates to combinations of xenon and sevoflurane, and use thereof as preconditioning agents for administration prior to hypoxic-ischaemic injury.
US09326995B2

The invention provides a homogeneous composition comprising a hemostatically effective amount of a charged oxide, wherein the composition has an isoelectric point, as measured in calcium chloride, below 7.3 or above 7.4. Typically, the charged oxide is selected from the group consisting of silaceous oxides, titanium oxides, aluminum oxides, calcium oxides, zinc oxides, nickel oxides and iron oxides. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a second oxide selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide, sodium oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, phosphorus oxide and alumina. In a typical embodiment of the invention, the charged oxide is silaceous oxide, the second oxide comprises calcium oxide and the ratio, by molar ratio, of silaceous oxide to calcium oxide is 0.25 to 15. Optionally, the composition further comprises phosphorous oxide. Also described are methods of making and using such compositions.
US09326989B2

The invention relates to the use of oleyl phosphocholine and oleyl-phospho-(N.N.-dimethyl-N-ethyl)-ethyl-ammonium for the long-term and continuous treatment of serious illnesses, such as cancer, leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis, in addition to other indications mentioned in the application.
US09326988B2

Disclosed herein is a method for treatment of a human subject having or suspected of having Parkinson's disease dementia, which includes administering to the human subject ceftriaxone at a daily dosage ranging from about 1.5 mg to about 35 mg per kilogram of a body weight of the human subject.
US09326987B2

The present invention is directed to compounds for use in the treatment or prevention of influenza virus infection.
US09326983B2

The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating retinal damage and/or retinal degradation. More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods for treating degradation of the retinal pigment epithelium by administering compositions comprising a nucleoside and/or a nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor.
US09326978B2

The claimed subject matter relates to allosteric modulation of A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) and provides for the use of an A3 adenosine receptor modulator (A3RM), for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for modulating the A3AR in a subject, as well as pharmaceutical compositions including the same and therapeutic methods including administering to a subject an amount of an A3RM, the amount being effective to modulate A3AR activity. The A3RM according to claimed subject matter are 1H-Imidazo-[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine derivatives. Also provided are 1H-Imidazo-[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine derivatives.
US09326972B2

Treatment of autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases associated with overexpression of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) as well as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and/or TLR3/TLR4 signaling in nonimmune cells, monocytes, macrophages, and/or dendritic cells in association with related pathologies. The use of phenylmethimazoles, methimazole derivatives, and tautomeric cyclic thiones for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases associated with TLR3 as well as TLR4 and/or TLR3/TLR4 cellular signaling in association with related pathologies is disclosed. Methods of treating a subject having a disease or condition associated with abnormal TLR-3 as well as TLR-4 and/or TLR3/TLR4 cellular signaling in association with related pathologies are also disclosed. The present disclosure also relates to the treatment of autoimmune-inflammatory pathologies and chemokine and cytokine-mediated diseases associated with TLR overexpression and signaling. The disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical formulations capable of inhibiting the IRF-3/Type 1 IFN/STAT/ISRE/IRF-1 pathway associated with Toll-like receptor overexpression or signaling.
US09326969B2

The invention provides a colon cleansing solution comprising: a) 300 to 800 mmol per litre ascorbate anion provided by a mixture of: (i) ascorbic acid and (ii) one or more salts of ascorbic acid the components (i) and (ii) being present in a molar ratio of from 1:4.5 to 1:7.0; and b) 10 to 200 g per litre polyethylene glycol. The invention also provides methods and kits associated with, or making use of the solutions, and compositions for the preparation of the solutions.
US09326964B2

This invention relates to semi-solid compositions and semi-solid pharmaceutical products for use in the photodynamic treatment (PDT) of cancer, pre-cancerous conditions and non-cancerous conditions in the female reproductive system, the anus and the penis, preferably for use in PDT of endometrial, cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal and penile dysplasia and HPV infections of the uterus, cervix, the vulva, the vagina, the anus and the penis. The semi-solid compositions and pharmaceutical products comprise an active ingredient which is 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or a precursor or derivative of 5-ALA or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention relates further to methods of PDT of cancer, pre-cancerous conditions and non-cancerous conditions in the female reproductive system, the anus and the penis, wherein said semi-solid compositions and pharmaceutical products are used.
US09326962B2

The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for treating intestinal hyperpermeability in a subject in need thereof, including conditions such as hyperglycemia and underlying diseases such as diabetes, autism, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), graft versus host disease (GVHD), HIV/AIDS, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, eczema, psoriasis, acute pancreatitis, Parkinson's disease, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic cirrhosis, environmental enteropathy, or kwashiorkor.
US09326957B2

The invention relates to methods for treatment and prevention of a metabolic imbalance, including diabetes mellitus and other related diseases or disorders, using an extract from a fruit of genus Elaeis.
US09326953B2

A system and method for optimizing the systemic delivery of growth-arresting lipid-derived bioactive drugs or gene therapy agents to an animal or human in need of such agents utilizing nanoscale assembly systems, such as liposomes, resorbable and non-aggregating nanoparticle dispersions, metal or semiconductor nanoparticles, or polymeric materials such as dendrimers or hydrogels, each of which exhibit improved lipid solubility, cell permeability, an increased circulation half life and pharmacokinetic profile with improved tumor or vascular targeting.
US09326942B2

The invention relates to a medicament characterized in that it comprises at least one solid biocompatible support, preferably in powder form, on which at least one active substance, preferably selected among biological materials and/or biological molecules, is adsorbed or on which it is to be adsorbed, preferably without requiring a coupling agent. Said solid biocompatible support is capable of purifying the active substance. The invention relates to also relates to a method for preparing a medicament of the aforementioned type, this method essentially consisting of placing at least one solid biocompatible support, preferably in powder form, in contact with at least one active substance, preferably selected among biological materials and/or biological molecules, in such a manner that the active substance is reversibly adsorbed and without denaturing on the support.
US09326940B2

The present invention relates to asymmetric liposomes for high encapsulation efficiency of nucleic acids and hydrophilic anionic compounds, and to a method for preparing same, and specifically, to asymmetric liposomes consisting of a cationic lipid having a small head group as an internal lipid and a neutral or PEGylated lipid having a big head group as an external lipid, wherein nucleic acids and/or anionic compounds are encapsulated in the internal lipid. According to the present invention, asymmetric liposomes, in which nucleic acids and hydrophilic anionic compounds are encapsulated with high efficiency, may be prepared, and thus the same may be used for various purposes, such as gene therapy, and the delivery of hydrophilic anionic drugs which are difficult to prepare as prodrugs, and drug delivery, imaging, etc. can be carried out by encapsulating a fluorescent contrast agent in the liposome.
US09326930B2

The present invention provides compositions containing one or more calcium sequestration agents and methods for topical application of such compositions to the skin to treat skin pigmentation disorders, such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, pigmentation changes due to skin aging, or any other skin conditions related with normal such as skin of color or abnormal pigmentation such as hypo- or hyper-pigmentation in humans.
US09326929B1

A non-pressurized container that contains one or more of: a foamable composition of minoxidil, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a dihydrotestosterone blocker in a formulation with a precise density and viscosity to yield a foam with a temperature sensitivity and shear strength designed for inverted application and immediate targeted release at body temperature under a minimal hand applied pressure to the scalp.
US09326922B2

Oral compositions containing high purity barium sulfate particles, preferably greater than 97.5% barium sulfate by weight of the particles, and an orally-acceptable carrier are effective for polishing or cleaning teeth and also exhibit enhanced fluoro compound and/or peroxide stability.
US09326921B1

A functional soap includes nanoscale platinum, gold, silver, organic germanium and organic selenium to prepare soap, wherein anti-bacterial, sterilizing, skin irritation relieving and skin moisturizing functions provided in platinum, gold, silver, organic germanium, and organic selenium are added to the washing effect of the conventional soap.
US09326917B2

A photopolymerizable dental composition for application to and for the isolation and protection of gums and/or teeth during dental treatment is described. The composition can include (a) one or more photopolymerizable monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylates and methacrylates, (b) one or more photoinitiators, preferably selected from the group consisting of alpha-diketones, benzoin alkyl ethers, thioxanthones, benzophenones, acyl phosphine oxides, acetophenones, ketals, titanocenes, borates and sensitizing dyes, and (c) one or more molecular weight regulators selected from the group consisting of compounds which can be reacted with a radical of a monomer of component (a) with abstraction of an H radical from the molecular weight regulator in the allyl position. Also disclosed are kits comprising such a composition, methods for producing a corresponding protective layer, methods for treating one or more teeth, and methods of using the compositions as a masking compound.
US09326908B2

A body stretching assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a pulley, a plurality of body attachment straps, and a rope. The pulley comprises a securing end and a wheeled end, wherein the securing end includes a frame having a proximal aperture, a protrusion, and a pair of distal legs with fastening apertures. The proximal aperture is configured for connection with a pulley assembly supporting structure, such as a door jam or an exposed support such as a pole. A user threads a rope over the pulley wheel to begin treatment. One end of the rope comprises a hand attachment, whereas the opposing rope end includes one of a head, hand, or ankle attachment. The user pulls one end of the rope, thereby causing the opposing end to pull on the body of a user. Gradual actuation of the rope end provides a stretching exercise to a user.
US09326907B2

A patient positioning system employs an arm having a first portion and a second portion which is telescopic relative to the first portion. A first positioning device may be coupled to the first portion of the arm providing support for the arm. The first positioning device is rotatable on a first axis, allowing the arm to rotate with the first positioning device. The second positioning device is coupled to the second portion of the arm and movable with the second portion of the arm relative to the first portion of the arm. The second positioning device is operable to rotate a patient support at least on a second axis.
US09326905B2

Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body.
US09326903B2

In various embodiments, a support system includes a cover sheet with an electrically conductive spacer material.
US09326900B2

A seat for a vehicle, the seat being releasably anchored to the interior of the vehicle by an anchoring mechanism and having wheels to enable it to be rolled when not anchored to the interior of the vehicle. The seat is temporarily removable from the vehicle for the purpose of seating a person in the seat while it is outside of the vehicle, before moving the seat back into the vehicle while the person remains seated in it. The wheels are retractable from a lowered position for rolling the seat, to a raised position for anchoring the seat.
US09326895B1

A method of protecting an article of clothing with a napkin. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a napkin having (i) an area coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive on a first major surface of the napkin proximate the periphery of the napkin, (ii) a release liner overlaying the pressure sensitive adhesive, and (iii) an aperture through at least the pressure sensitive adhesive and the release liner configured and arranged to accommodate passage of a button therethrough, and (b) selectively securing the napkin to an article of clothing worn by a person by either (i) inserting a button affixed to the article of clothing through the aperture in the tab and through that area of the napkin overlying the aperture, or (ii) removing the release liner and adhesively securing the napkin to the article of clothing.
US09326893B2

A goggle structure includes a protective soft pad, a frame, and a subsidiary lens frame. Convex portions are formed on upper and lower sides of the subsidiary lens frame and inserted into slots disposed at the frame, respectively. Hook portions are formed on upper and lower sides of the frame and extend backward. By inserting the frame into a receiving space disposed at the protective soft pad, the hook portions press against the periphery of the receiving space. Pressing portions and carrying portions are formed on upper and lower portions at the middle segment of the frame and adapted to hold the protective soft pad. The bottom of the subsidiary lens frame straddles the pressing portions and carrying portions. Branch portions extend from two outer sides of the frame to press against a concave portion of the protective soft pad. Hence, related components are engaged with each other.
US09326890B2

Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.
US09326882B2

A support fabric with pockets for accommodating stiffener comprises two woven layers which are joined by stitch bonding and, during production, are separated from one another in areas so that they are not joined in these areas, thereby directly defining one or more profiled pockets to accommodate stiffener inserted in the pockets after production. The pockets are incorporated inside the body of the support fabric. Each pocket has an opening for inserting one of the stiffener.
US09326881B1

A torso wrap is disclosed for providing relief to a person suffering from back pain, including: an inner layer of water-retaining material; a middle layer of moisture-barrier material; and an outer layer of stretchable material having first and second securing ends that secure to each other when the torso wrap is placed around the torso of a person. The inner layer is configured to be moistened with water and is worn in contact with the torso of a person wearing the torso wrap. The middle moisture-barrier layer is attached to the inner layer so as to trap moisture within the inner layer. The middle layer is attached to the outer layer of stretchable material that includes attachment ends for securing the torso wrap around the torso of a person.
US09326878B2

A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach.
US09326875B2

Catheter including an inner tubular member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an exterior surface. The inner tubular member further has a guidewire lumen defined therein. An outer tubular member is movable relative to the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member has a proximal end, a distal end and an interior surface directed toward the exterior surface of the inner tubular member. A movable tubular structure is disposed between the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member. The movable tubular structure includes a body member having an outer surface with a recess defined therein. The outer tubular member is received within the recess to form a trough along a portion of an exterior surface of the outer tubular member. The trough has a filler disposed therein to couple the outer tubular member to the body member of the movable tubular structure.
US09326868B2

Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a femoral knee replacement component that includes an articular surface, a first interior surface, and a second interior surface, wherein the first and second interior surfaces run substantially parallel to each other. In some cases, the articular surface includes an anterior condylar extension that is configured to replace an anterior articular cartilage of a femur such that the anterior extension is configured to terminate adjacent to a proximal limit of the anterior articular cartilage of the femur. Other implementations are also discussed.
US09326858B2

An annuloplasty repair segment for heart valve annulus repair. In one embodiment a multi-stranded cable replaces solid core wire for both the tricuspid and mitral valves. Cable allows for greater deployment flexibility for minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) implant, while still maintaining the required strength and similar tensile properties of solid-core wire. In addition, selective placement of point-welds or other such control points locally control other parameters such as the amount and direction of displacement as the ring undergoes external loading. Cable with well-placed control points result in a MIS annuloplasty ring with sufficient flexibility in the x-y plane to allow a surgeon to squeeze the ring into a small incision, such as for example 1 cm×1 cm, while maintaining structural rigidity under forces exerted on the implanted ring by the cardiac cycle and allowing for asymmetrical deflection to be designed into the product.
US09326845B2

Provided are an intraocular implant, an intraocular implant set, and an intraocular lens in which the intraocular lens is easily replaced compared to the related art.A support structure is a portion which is used to dispose an intraocular lens (a lens) (in a rear section) inside an eye and is formed separately from the lens. When the lens is attached to the support structure, a configuration is formed which is the same as that of the existing intraocular lens including a lens serving as an eye lens extracted due to the cataract or the like and a portion supporting the lens into an eye. The support structure and the lens may be integrated with each other inside the eye. An embodiment in which only the lens is replaced while the support structure is fixed into the eye and which is not present in the related art can be realized.
US09326844B2

Techniques and reconstruction systems for fixation of bone to bone, or soft tissue to bone, that allow a double-bundle type construct with only three tunnels, a single graft and individual tensioning in each of the three tunnels. Alternative double-bundle ACL/PCL fixation techniques are provided that employ a double-bundle type construct with only a single graft and three tunnels/sockets. The double-bundle ACL and PCL techniques and constructs allow individual tensioning of each of the bundles (e.g., tensioning of each of the anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundles of the ACL) and eliminate the need for additional fixation devices (for example, interference screws) to secure the bundles within the bone tunnels/sockets.
US09326838B1

A system is provided for collecting cellular material from fish for subsequent DNA analysis. A channel includes a sample collection zone. A fluid ejector is directed into the sample collection zone. A fluid collector is communicated with the sample collection zone. A controller is configured to coordinate ejection of a fluid jet from the fluid ejector and collection of a fluid sample by the fluid collector. The fluid jet dislodges cellular material such as scales and mucous from the fish. The fluid collector collects that cellular material in a fluid sample for subsequent DNA analysis.
US09326837B2

Methods for treating systemic disease in oral biofilms having a facultative anaerobic bacteria pathogen present including providing a periodontal medicament delivery tray having a seal against a patient's adjacent gums containing the oral biofilms with the systemic disease, said seal formed so as to have no contact with teeth, applying to the gingival tissue (sulcus or periodontal pocket) a biofilm penetrating antimicrobial agent, removing the imbedded anaerobic bacteria from the gingival tissue following at least one applying of the antimicrobial agent to the gingival tissue; repeatedly administering colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel to the gingival tissue following the removing of imbedded anaerobic bacteria; and following each administering cleaning the gingival tissue with a cleaning agent directly following the administering of the colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel for modifying the environment from anaerobic to aerobic.
US09326823B2

Telemetrical control of a robotic interventional device for minimally invasive surgical procedure is based on an operative interaction between a tracking sub-system, MRI sub-system, navigation sub-system and the robotic interventional device. The tracking sensor sub-system is integrated with the interventional device to produce tracking information corresponding to the robotic interventional device location in the operative site. The navigation sub-system integrates the tracking information with the real-time images of the operative site produced by the MRI sub-system, and displays the integrated information to a user, to enable the telemetrical control of the interventional device for performing an intended procedure (biopsy, tissue resection, etc.). The navigation sub-system, based on the integrated real-time tracking information and real-time images, calculates and dynamically updates coordinates of subsequent imaging slices.
US09326820B2

A therapeutic diathermy applicator is proposed which minimizes the common problem of burning of patients' skin. The heat distribution arising as a result of unwanted capacitive effects is modeled as a manifestation of ‘conservative’ energy. A specific spatial characteristic of RF stimulation is determined and incorporated into the design of the applicator in order to achieve these goals.
US09326817B2

Methods and apparatus are provided for treatment of heart arrhythmia via renal neuromodulation. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, ablation, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of an electric field. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of neuromodulatory agents, of thermal energy and/or of high intensity focused ultrasound. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion.
US09326812B2

A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft. The housing includes a docking portion that includes one or more apertures defined therein and electrical circuitry disposed therein. An end effector is operably supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft. A battery assembly is selectively and pivotably engageable with the docking portion of the housing and configured to generate electrical energy. The battery assembly includes one or more protrusions that are configured to releasably engage the aperture(s) on the docking portion and a latch mechanism that is movable from an initial position for latching the battery assembly to the docking portion to a subsequent position for unlatching the battery assembly from the docking portion. The battery assembly is adapted to communicate with the electrical circuitry of the docking member upon insertion of the battery assembly into the at least one aperture.
US09326808B2

The system for providing computer guided ablation of tissue of a patient includes an ablative surgical computer system and a set of surgical devices. The ablative surgical computer system includes a guidance module for providing a treatment guidance plan to an operator; and, a treatment module for acquiring and processing surgical device output data, for optimally controlling treatment parameters and providing feedback information to the operator based on the treatment guidance plan. The set of surgical devices includes at least one ablative device for providing ablation of the treatment region based on the treatment parameters and operator input; and, at least one temperature sensing device for acquiring temperature data from the treatment region and providing a temperature sensing device output signal. The temperature sensing device output signal is a portion of the surgical device output data. The treatment guidance plan is utilized for placing the ablative device and the temperature sensing device into the treatment region.
US09326805B2

A dynamic bone anchor includes a longitudinal core member having a first end and a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end. The dynamic bone anchor further includes a plurality of tubular segments configured to be positioned around the core member, each of the tubular segments having a bone engagement structure on an outer surface thereof. In a first assembled configuration between the core member and the tubular segments, each of the tubular segments is individually movable on the core member along the longitudinal axis independent of the core member, itself, and the other tubular segments.
US09326794B2

A rod-shaped implant element for the connection of bone anchoring elements includes at least one rigid section that is configured to be placed in a receiver member of a bone anchoring element and a flexible section that is adjacent to the rigid section. The flexible section and the rigid section are formed as a continuous one-piece element.
US09326790B2

A system for providing access across a site of obstruction is provided. The system may include a sleeve, having a distal portion that can move from an inverted position to an everted position. A balloon situated within the sleeve can be extended so as to evert sleeve. A pathway can extend across a juncture between the distal portion and the remaining portion of the sleeve so as to provide access across the site of obstruction. A method for providing access across the site of obstruction is also provided.
US09326789B2

Catheters and methods for removing material from (or “debulking”) a body lumen while imaging the region comprised of the material are provided. The catheters can be used in body lumens, including but not limited to intravascular lumens such as coronary or peripheral arteries. The catheters include housings or other structures to mount or protect an imaging transducer. Generally, debulking catheters include a proximal portion, a distal portion having an opening, a cutting element which may be exposed through the opening to contact material in a body lumen and an imaging transducer with associated circuitry and display. The catheter debulks a body lumen when it is moved while the cutting element is in contact with the material in the lumen and the region comprised of the material is imaged before, after, or during catheter movement.
US09326787B2

An energy treatment instrument includes an electrically conductive probe having a first electrode in a distal end portion and adapted to transmit high-frequency electric current and ultrasound vibration to the first electrode, an electrode member installed on both sides of a longitudinal axis of the first electrode separately from the electrically conductive probe and provided with a second electrode, and a movable member. The movable member is installed at a distal end of the sheath member and configured to be openable and closable with respect to the second electrode. The movable member is placed at a position facing the first electrode installed at the distal end of the probe and the second electrode and includes a third electrode provided with an electrode surface configured to be able to conduct high-frequency electric current between the third electrode and the first and second electrodes.
US09326786B2

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound transducer for intrabody medical therapy comprising; an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element; and a gas bubble containment area adapted to retain the gas bubble when in blood.
US09326780B2

Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US09326778B2

A fluted osteotome is rotated in one direction to enlarge an osteotomy by burnishing, and by cutting/drilling when turned in an opposite direction. A conically tapered body has an apical end with lips. The lips are set to grind bone when rotated in the burnishing direction and cut bone when turned in the cutting/drilling direction. Helical flutes and interposed lands are disposed about the body. The flutes each have a working edge that burnishes bone when rotated in the burnishing direction and cuts bone when turned in the cutting/drilling direction. The lips and lands generate an opposing axial reaction force that improves surgical control. The osteotome auto-grafts bone by reapplying ground particles in a compacted manner along the entire depth of the osteotomy, particularly at the bottom.
US09326774B2

An apparatus for implanting a medical device is provided that can be severed by electrolysis from a delivery member positioned in a patient. The apparatus can include an electrolytically detachable component that interconnects the medical device and the delivery member. The detachable component can have at least one corrodible first portion being adapted to serve as an anode in electrolytic corrosion. The at least one first portion can define a body having an outer surface and at least one surface structure extending inwardly from the outer surface into the body. The first portion can be electrolytically corrodible when in contact with a body fluid such that the medical device may be severed by electrolysis.
US09326772B2

A surgical ligation clip capable of remote deployment through a cannula to engage an anatomical structure.
US09326770B2

A surgical fastening instrument is disclosed. The instrument comprises an end effector cartridge assembly, a handle, and a firing member, wherein an electric motor is configured to impart a firing motion to the firing member to eject fasteners from a fastener cartridge of the end effector cartridge assembly. The instrument further comprises an electronic lockout system configured to ascertain whether the fastener cartridge is present in the end effector, permit the motor to apply the firing motion to the firing member when the presence of the fastener cartridge has been ascertained, and prevent the motor from applying the firing motion to the firing member when the presence of the fastener cartridge has not been ascertained.
US09326764B2

A device for suturing an anatomic valve, the device having an elongate body, a suture catch mechanism and a suture clasp arm. The suture catch mechanism can be operatively coupled to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an advanced position. The suture clasp arm can be attached to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The suture clasp arm can have a suture clasp configured to releasably retain a suture portion. In some embodiments, the suture clasp is positioned on the suture clasp arm such that the suture catch mechanism retrieves the suture portion from the suture clasp arm while the arm is at least partially retracted. In some embodiments, the suture clasp arm can be closed about a tissue portion without damaging the tissue portion.
US09326760B2

A medical device of the present invention includes one or more anchors and an elongated member. Advantageously, the elongated member may be coupled to the anchors. The elongated member and anchors are configured to generate a force on a mesentery. The force is sufficient to retract a bowel of the patient into an upper portion of an abdominal cavity of the patient. When the patient is in a slightly angled position, the weight of the medical device pulls the mesentery into the upper abdomen. Since the bowel is connected to the mesentery, the device also indirectly pulls up the bowel. In some implementations of the device, a slight angle may be unnecessary. In others, the device may also inversely retract the mesentery and attached organs into the lower abdomen to facilitate surgical access to the upper abdomen. In some implementations of the device, a slight angle may be unnecessary.
US09326748B2

A clinical apparatus includes a storage to store strain data, strain rate data, or acceleration data measured in a ROI (region of interest); and a data processor to calculate a stress, a stress tensor, a stress tensor component, an inertia, a mean normal stress, a pressure, a mechanical source, an elastic constant, a visco elastic constant, a viscosity, or a density of an arbitrary point within the ROI. The data processor calculates the stress, the stress tensor, the stress tensor component, the inertia, the mean normal stress, the pressure, or the mechanical source based on an equation representing a relation between (i) the stress, the stress tensor, the stress tensor component, the inertia, the mean normal stress, the pressure, or the mechanical source, (ii) the elastic constant, the visco elastic constant, the viscosity, or the density, and (iii) the measured strain data, the strain rate data, or the acceleration data.
US09326744B2

According to some aspects, an x-ray apparatus for imaging and/or radiation therapy is provided, the x-ray apparatus comprises an electron source capable of generating electrons, at least one first target arranged to receive electrons from the electron source, the at least one first target comprising material that, in response to being irradiated by the electrons, emits broad spectrum x-ray radiation, at least one second target arranged to receive at least some of the broad spectrum x-ray radiation, the at least one second target comprising material that, in response to irradiation by broad spectrum x-ray radiation from the first target, emits monochromatic x-ray radiation, and at least one detector positioned to detect at least some of the monochromatic x-ray radiation emitted from the at least one second target. According to some aspects, a relatively low cost, relatively small footprint x-ray apparatus for generating monochromatic x-ray radiation suitable for medical/clinical purposes and appropriate for use in existing medical facilities such as hospitals and/or small clinical settings is provided.
US09326741B2

The present invention concerns a method for the treatment of stimulable phosphors and/or screens for use in diagnosis, in particular medical radiography. The method comprises subjecting the stimulable phosphors and/or screens to an epoxide containing gaseous compound, promptly following their manufacture. By applying the method according to the invention yellowing of the stimulable phosphors and/or screens is prevented in a safe and efficient manner; thereby the disadvantages known as such resulting from such yellowing will not occur.
US09326739B2

A mammogram table for supporting a patient during a breast examination. The mammogram table includes a platform configured to support a patient while lying in a prone position during a breast examination and a pedestal configured to bear the platform and the patient during the breast examination. The mammogram table also includes a breast template configured to position the breasts of the patient during a breast examination and a mounting bracket configured to allow imaging equipment to be attached to the mammogram table. The mammogram table further includes a breast support configured to receive the breasts of the patient.
US09326731B2

A method of measuring an artifact removed photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal and a measurement system for measuring an artifact removed photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal are provided. The method comprises obtaining a first set of PPG signals from a plurality of detectors at respective measurement sites using a first illumination; obtaining a second set of PPG signals from the plurality of detectors using a second illumination; obtaining at least two pairs of PPG signals, each pair comprising one PPG signal from the first set and one PPG signal from the second set, and for each pair, computing an artifact reference signal to obtain a candidate PPG signal; and choosing one of the candidate PPG signals as the artifact removed PPG signal.
US09326724B2

Described here are implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep. The implantable devices are generally designed to include at least one sensor for sensing physiological information, a processor for processing the physiological information using low computational power to detect a sleep stage, and a battery. The detected sleep stage information may then be used to indicate sleep quality, identify or monitor a medical condition, or guide treatment thereof.
US09326723B2

A method and apparatus for evaluating foot inflammation each uses at least one temperature detection modality to form a first thermogram and a second thermogram of the sole of at least one foot. Each thermogram forms a substantially continuous set of two-dimensional temperature values across the sole of the (at least one) foot. The thermograms have features; namely, the first thermogram has first features and the second thermogram has second features. The method and apparatus thus control a device to apply at least one transformation to the first and second thermograms to align the first features with corresponding second features, and determine, at any thermogram location, if at least one of the thermograms presents one of a plurality of patterns indicative of inflammation. Finally, the method and apparatus each produce output information indicating the result of the determination of whether the thermograms present one of the plurality of patterns.
US09326721B2

The present disclosure provides devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.
US09326712B1

A physiological sensor has an optic assembly, an acoustic assembly and an attachment assembly. The optic assembly has an optic transducer that is activated so as to transmit a plurality of wavelengths of light into a tissue site and to detect the light after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. The acoustic assembly has an acoustic transducer activated so as to respond to vibrations at the surface of the tissue site. The attachment assembly affixes the optic assembly and acoustic assembly to the tissue site, such as along one side of a person's neck or the forehead. A sensor cable extends from the attachment assembly so as to transmit an optic transducer signal and an acoustic transducer signal to a monitor for calculation of physiological parameters.
US09326705B2

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for monitoring characteristics of a subject. A system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a sensor subsystem including at least one respiratory sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a respiratory characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one respiratory signal representing the respiratory characteristic, and at least one physiological sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a physiological characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one physiological signal representing the physiological characteristic, and a processor subsystem in communication with the sensor subsystem, the processor subsystem being configured to receive at least one of the at least one respiratory signal and the at least one physiological signal.
US09326702B2

A system for navigating a medical device is provided. In one embodiment, a magnetic field generator assembly generates a magnetic field. Position sensors on the medical device, on an imaging system and on the body generate signals indicative of the positions within the magnetic field. The generator assembly and reference sensors are arranged such that a correlation exists between them and the positions of the body and of a radiation emitter and a radiation detector of the imaging system. An electronic control unit (ECU) determines, responsive to signals generated by the sensors, a position of the medical device, a position of one of the radiation emitter and detector and a distance between the emitter and detector. Using this information, the ECU can, for example, register images from the imaging system in a coordinate system and superimpose an image of the device on the image from the imaging system.
US09326694B2

A mobile terminal for measuring a biological signal is disclosed. The mobile terminal for measuring a biological signal includes an electrocardiogram electrode unit having a first electrode provided in a front surface of a body of the mobile terminal and a second electrode provided in a first side surface of the mobile terminal body for measuring an electrocardiogram signal through the first electrode and the second electrode, a sensor unit provided in a second side surface of the mobile terminal body for measuring a pulse wave signal, a controller provided within the mobile terminal for analyzing the electrocardiogram signal received from the electrocardiogram electrode unit and the pulse wave signal received from the sensor unit and a radio frequency unit for transmitting an analyzed result by the control of the controller.
US09326683B2

Wound fluid blood detection systems and methods are described that are operable in conjunction with reduced pressure wound treatment (RPWT) systems, as well as ancillary therapy and monitoring systems applied concurrently with RPWT systems. The blood detection monitor operates by optically characterizing the content of wound fluids to the extent of identifying percentage blood content. This identification relies upon the transmission of select wavelengths of light across a volume of wound fluid to a photo detector (connected to signal processing instrumentation) capable of quantifying the absorption characteristics of the fluid. The detection components may be implemented in conjunction with either a fluid flow conduit (i.e. the reduced pressure tubing directing fluid away from the wound dressing) or more directly in association with the materials that comprise the wound dressing positioned within the wound bed itself. In addition, the present invention is configured to operate in conjunction with blood gas monitoring, systems operating with the RPWT. Finally, the components of the systems that serve to illuminate the wound bed, lend themselves to use in conjunction with illumination in discreet electromagnetic wave wavelengths suitable for the application of phototherapy.
US09326680B2

An ophthalmic apparatus includes: a main unit including a unit for observing or photographing an examinee's eye; a movable part in which the main unit is mounted; a vertical movement mechanism provided with a drive part to move the movable part up and down; an operating member to be operated by an examiner to move the movable part up and down; a sensing part to detect an operation signal of the operating member; and a driving control part to convert the operation signal detected by the sensing part to a drive signal to move the movable part up and down, and drive the drive part based on the drive signal, wherein the drive part includes a motor having a hollow portion about a rotation axis thereof, the motor being controlled by the driving control part to rotate.
US09326666B2

A medical imaging system provides simultaneous rendering of visible light and fluorescent images. The system may employ dyes in a small-molecule form that remain in a subject's blood stream for several minutes, allowing real-time imaging of the subject's circulatory system superimposed upon a conventional, visible light image of the subject. The system may provide an excitation light source to excite the fluorescent substance and a visible light source for general illumination within the same optical guide used to capture images. The system may be configured for use in open surgical procedures by providing an operating area that is closed to ambient light. The systems described herein provide two or more diagnostic imaging channels for capture of multiple, concurrent diagnostic images and may be used where a visible light image may be usefully supplemented by two or more images that are independently marked for functional interest.
US09326665B2

Systems and methods for removal of bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient includes a surgical instrument having an introducer for bodily insertion and maintaining an irrigation duct and a nozzle. A distal portion of the introducer is transitionable between a plurality of bend angles relative to a proximal portion thereof. In particular, the instrument is adapted to independently maintain the distal portion at each of the plurality of bend angles relative to the proximal portion. The nozzle is maintained relative to the distal portion of the introducer and is adapted to dispense pressurized irrigant from the irrigation duct toward a layer of bacterial biofilm.
US09326657B2

A spray arm assembly for a dishwashing appliance is provided. The assembly can provide for sprays of fluid at different angles against the articles to be cleaned. For example, the spray arm assembly can have at least two spray bodies rotatable in opposite directions. Because the fluid is sprayed from the spray bodies at different angles and from different directions, more efficient and effective cleaning can be accomplished. In certain embodiments of the invention, one or both spray bodies may be operated at any one time and/or at different flow rates.
US09326652B2

A surface cleaning apparatus is provided wherein a uniflow cyclone comprises a cyclone chamber defined by a longitudinal axis, the cyclone chamber having a dirt outlet that has a variable length in the direction of the longitudinal axis. A cyclone chamber having a barrier wall facing the dirt outlet of the cyclone chamber is also provided.
US09326650B2

A toilet having a base wherein the base is configured with an integrated storage compartment. The integrated storage compartment is secured to the base using suitable techniques and includes a rear wall, bottom and outer wall configured to define an interior volume. The outer wall is hingedly secured to the bottom and is operable to transition to a second open position providing access to the interior volume. A plurality of shelves and/or storage containers are disposed within the interior volume operable to receive and store items therein. The outer wall is formed so as to mateably align with at least a portion of the bowl so as to create a seamless appearance therewith. The rear wall of the storage compartment further includes a protruded portion operable to mate with a plumbing recess on the base of the toilet.
US09326644B2

An implement for the cleaning of areas around the human eye, especially the upper and lower lids and the eye lashes, includes a reusable cleaning implement having at least one low absorbency pad of a soft looped material for cleaning areas adjacent the eye orb wherein the loops of the material capture and remove oils, debris, crusts and cosmetics such as eye liner and mascara. Once laid on a surface, the pad of the article is elevated away from the surface to prevent soiling. The looped material of the pad is cleanable with at least soap and water, and dries rapidly.
US09326643B2

A wall-mountable apparatus enables a user to scrub the user's back hands-free. The apparatus includes two primary features, namely, a slider plate and a back-engaging assembly. The slider plate includes laterally opposed plate-to-assembly engaging structures. The back-engaging assembly includes a plate-engaging interface structure, a bezel structure and a liquid material delivery assembly. The plate-engaging interface structure includes laterally-opposed plate-engaging structures. The laterally-opposed plate-engaging structures cooperate with the plate-to-assembly engaging structures for attaching the back-engaging assembly to the slider plate. The bezel structure includes a hemi-ovoidal outer surface, and an assembly-receiving inner surface. The liquid delivery apparatus is received adjacent the assembly-receiving surface and includes a liquid receptacle and liquid delivery elements. The delivery elements are in communication with the bezel structure for outletting liquid from the liquid receptacle to the outer surface. The back-engaging assembly is vertically adjustable relative to the wall-mountable slider plate.
US09326636B2

A machine for preparing beverages is described. The machine has a support structure which defines a first area for receiving a capsule that contains a beverage preparation and a second area for beverage delivery. The machine has support means for supporting the capsule containing a beverage preparation at the first area and means for directing a localized hot air jet to a predetermined localized portion of an enclosure of the capsule to form a first through opening in the predetermined localized portion thereby allowing the beverage preparation to come out therefrom.
US09326631B2

A food press has a first handle with first and second ends. The food press has a second handle with first and second ends. The first and second handles are hingedly connected to one another at their first ends. The food press has an intermediate member hingedly connected to the first end of the second handle and slidingly connected to the first end of the first handle. The intermediate member substantially fills the space between the first and second handles when the first and second handles are brought together. The press may be configured as a seafood cracker, nutcracker, garlic press, and/or food slicer.
US09326629B2

The present invention is directed to a boot hanger and a boot hanger system and methods that provide for storage of boots. In an example, a boot hanger apparatus comprises an upper suspension portion and a boot support leg, wherein the upper suspension portion and boot support leg are connected by a counterbalance. The counterbalance is provided to control rotation and preferably to maintain a target slope angle Θ when a suspended boot hanger contains boots in a loaded condition. Further provided are coupler apparatus for forming a series of connected boot hangers suspended along a common vertical axis. In some examples, the boot hanger includes a hook-shaped suspension portion for attachment to a suspension apparatus such as a rod or a coupler within a series of connected boot hangers.
US09326628B2

A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for making and using a configurable coaster to support a drink cup on a table and also to use as a stand for a smartphone. In various embodiments, a sheet material, such as cardboard, plastic, laminates, and the like is used to create a flat plate having partially perforated or grooved lines in a pattern that defines various flaps configured to allow transformation of the flat plate into a smartphone stand by bending the flaps to create a three-dimensional stand. Before transformation, the flat plate may be used as a coaster for placing under cups and glasses. After transformation, the flat plate may be used as a stand for cellphones, books, small electronic devices, pictures, or any other object or device that may stand for display, presentation, or operation.
US09326624B2

An article mounting system for non-destructively mounting sheet articles such as posters and other paper items to a mounting surface such as a wall, includes a clamping plate which is pivotable. A resilient compressible member holds the plate in a normal down position such that a portion of the plate serves as a jaw for pressing the sheet article against the mounting surface. The article is loosed by compressing the resilient member which pivots the plate.
US09326618B2

The present invention relates to a lower leg rest adjusting device and an infant carrier therewith for adjusting an angle of a lower leg rest pivoted to a body of an infant carrier. The leg rest adjusting device includes an operating component, a pair of angle-fixing structures and a pair of linking components. Two ends of the lower leg rest adjusting device are pivoted to the body by the pair of angle-fixing structures, and the pair of angle-fixing structures selectively being engaged with the lower leg rest. An end of each linking component is connected to the operating component, the other end of each linking component is connected to the corresponding angle-fixing structure, the operating component driving the pair of linking components to pull the pair of angle-fixing structures to be unlocked from the lower leg rest so as to adjust the angle of the lower leg rest.
US09326616B2

A climate controlled bedding system includes at least one coil spring layer; and an air supply fluidly coupled to the one or more fluid conduits. In some embodiments, a filter is disposed within a flow path of a fluid conduit.
US09326615B1

A legrest mechanism for a furniture member may include a pantograph linkage movable between a retracted position and an extended position and a secondary linkage connected the pantograph linkage and supporting a legrest platform. The secondary linkage is rotatable relative to the pantograph linkage in response to movement of the pantograph linkage between the extended and retracted positions. The pantograph linkage may include support links, a swing link and a cross link. The swing link may be rotatably coupled to the support links. In the extended position, the secondary linkage provides additional extension for the legrest mechanism to increase a height of the legrest platform relative to a ground surface and to increase a distance between the legrest platform and a frame of the furniture member.
US09326614B2

A lumbar support apparatus includes a curved plate which is provided to a seat-back frame so that the upper part of the curved plate is rotatable in the vertical direction, and which is deformable in the direction in which a seated person's lumbar spine is pressed; a curved-plate deformation-amount adjustment unit including a threaded rod having an external thread formed on the peripheral surface thereof, and a nut member that is threadedly engaged with the external thread of the threaded rod and is attached to the lower part of the curved plate so as to be prohibited from rotating about a center axis and so as to be movable in the vertical direction; and a drive unit for rotatingly driving the threaded rod.
US09326611B1

A portable bleacher seating structure includes an active descent and lift mechanism that includes a placement assembly having an arm and an arm wheel at a distal end thereof. A bracket connects the arm to a gas spring. The pressure within the gas spring opposes the arm as the bleacher is positioned in order to control the descent of the bleacher as it is tipped into position.
US09326598B1

A lightweight and portable table that during its use can be set upon a desk or another table, and which has an upwardly extendable top surface with a maximum elevation of approximately one foot. It allows people working in a seated position at their desk to adjust the working top surface thereof to a more comfortable position, and alternatively allow them to comfortably work from the elevated top surface while in a standing position. The portable table is easy to manage, movable from one support surface to another with little effort, spring-assisted with load during up and down deployment, and it promotes improved health and welfare of its users. Applications include, but are not limited to, home use, business use, and use by healthcare workers who need prompt access to instruments and devices while in both sitting and standing positions when caring for different patients during a work day.
US09326596B2

A deployable table for an external spare tire assembly is an apparatus that provides a user with a fold-out shelf while the apparatus is attached to the spare tire assembly or provides the user with a table while the apparatus is detached from the spare tire assembly. The apparatus includes an adapter mount, a dual compression clamp, a central hub, a table frame, a table top, and foldable legs. The adapter mount allows the apparatus to detachably attach to the external spare tire assembly. The central hub is connected normal to the table frame, which is used to support the table top. The table top has a stationary portion and a fold-out portion that is used as the shelf. The foldable legs collapse within the table frame or can extend when the apparatus is used as a table. The dual compression clamp connects the central hub to the adapter mount.
US09326591B2

Hair brushes are disclosed that include a brush head having a front face, a back face, and a central aperture extending though the brush head from the front face to the back face. The brush head has a length L and a width W. The central aperture has a length ranging from about 0.2 L to about 0.9 L and a width ranging from about 0.2 W to about 0.9 W.
US09326589B2

A brush for powder cosmetics has S strands and Z strands of synthetic fiber hair materials at its tip. The brush for powder cosmetics is characterized in that the twisting pitches of S strands and Z strands at the brush tip part are 10 mm to 30 mm and when the tip of the brush is deflected to trap a cheek color, face powder, powder foundation or other powder cosmetic to be contained in the brush tip part, the powder can be trapped evenly over nearly the entire surfaces at the ends of brush hair materials.
US09326587B2

A holster for an electronic device may have a pair of flexible hollow cushions that may hold the device in the holster. The cushions may be flexible enough to allow the device to be held in the holster both with and without a protective cover over the device. The cushions may have a hollow portion that collapses when compressed during insertion of the device. The cushion material may be a molded silicone that may have a nonslip surface finish. In some embodiments, the cushion may protrude through a bottom surface of the holster to provide a nonslip foot when the holster is used as a stand support for the device.
US09326586B2

A locking mechanism for a shoulder strap of a backpack is disclosed which has guiding means, retaining means, and engaging means, where the engaging means is rotatable about an axis and slidably guided along the guiding means, where in a first rotational position the engaging means engages the retaining means so that a sliding movement of the engaging means along the guiding means is restricted, and where in a second rotational position the engaging means disengages the retaining means so that a sliding movement of the engaging means along the guiding means is enabled.
US09326584B2

A molded cosmetic applicator head having a core that supports an array of perforated bristles arranged in rows and columns. Each perforated bristle comprises a textured lateral surface and a flat lateral surface, such that the surfaces of the bristles assume certain orientations. A mold for an injection molded applicator head is also described.
US09326582B2

An application device for a cosmetic product comprising a holding member, an application member having a surface for application of the product, and a heating electric element. The heating electric element is formed of at least one resistor mounted on a printed circuit positioned, at least in part, facing or in contact with the application member, and the surface area of the orthogonal projection of the resistor on a plane defined by the printed circuit is less than or equal to 10 mm2.
US09326579B2

A lice, flea or other parasitic insect comb has a handle that extends over top of the metal teeth of the comb and is shaped to be comfortable in the hand. The handle can comprise a U-shaped portion having a hand grip portion and a pair of spaced-apart struts that extend between the hand grip portion and the metal teeth of the comb. Preferably, the hand grip portion is spaced from a plane containing or aligned with the metal teeth and is vertically aligned with the metal teeth of the comb. Such a handle configuration can facilitate positioning of the teeth of the comb substantially flat against or parallel to the scalp, which makes removal of lice and nits more effective. In some configurations, the comb teeth can be wider than standard lice combs, so it covers more hair and therefore takes less time to remove nits and lice.
US09326577B1

A fine jewelry holder adapted for storing, displaying, and transporting fine jewelry and especially for necklaces and bracelets. The jewelry holder having a plurality of snap-strips, with at least two snap-strips having male type snaps arranged thereon and a plurality of the snap-strips having female type snaps arranged thereon. The two male type snap-strips stitched to a base in mutually parallel positions spaced apart and with male snaps facing away from the base. A plurality of parallel, spaced apart female type snap-strips stitched to each said male snap-strip with one end of each female snap-strip stitched under one of the male snap-strips and positioned orthogonal thereto; and pairs of the female snap-strips extending from the opposing male snap strips in mutual collinear convergence and with female snaps facing away from the base.
US09326556B2

A personal cooling assembly includes a housing. A distal edge of a perimeter wall of the housing relative to the back wall of the housing defines an opening into the housing. The housing may insertably receive an electronic device. A plurality of intakes extends through the back wall. The housing includes a plurality of ducts. The plurality of ducts each has a first end and a second end. Each of the ducts extends through the perimeter wall. The first end of each of the ducts is in fluid communication with at least one of the intakes. The second end of each of the ducts is directed outwardly from the housing. A motor is coupled to the housing. A fan is coupled to the motor. The motor rotates the fan. The fan urges air inwardly through the plurality of intakes and outwardly through the second end of the plurality of ducts.
US09326553B1

A bra particularly suited for use during stress echocardiogram tests. The bra includes two cups for breasts, with at least one of the cups being removably securable. The bra also includes at least one retaining and/or supportive band that keeps one of the cups completely or at least partially in its normal position on a person while the other cup is not secured. In some aspects, the retaining and/or supportive band also is removably securable and/or forms at least part of one of the cups. The bra may further include at least one window in at least one of the cups for electrocardiogram leads. The bra may also include one or more strap adjusters, at least one window in at least one of the cups on the heart side for access of a sonogram or other sensor or imaging device, and one or more clasps for test leads.
US09326547B2

An electronic smoking article includes an outer tube extending in a longitudinal direction, an inner tube within the outer tube and including a pair of opposing slots, a liquid supply comprising a liquid material, a coil heater, a wick and a mouth end insert. The coil heater is located in the inner tube. The coil heater is formed of an iron-free, nickel-chromium alloy and has substantially uniformly spaced windings. The wick is surrounded by the coil heater such that the wick delivers liquid material to the coil heater and the coil heater heats the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol in the inner tube.
US09326546B2

A filter cigarillo comprises a bunch, which includes tobacco surrounded by a binder. A first section, different from a general bunch and providing some strengthening effect, is arranged at one end of the bunch. A natural-leaf wrapper surrounds the general bunch and the first section. A second section, which comprises filter material, is arranged downstream of the first section. The second section is connected to the natural-leaf wrapper by an outer tipping.
US09326540B2

An apparatus and method for increasing Vitamin D content in mushrooms is disclosed. A mushroom slurry of comminuted or pulverized mushrooms or mushroom parts and liquid, such as water, is passed under a UV light source and subjected to one or more pulses of UV light. The slurry may be conveyed to the UV light source by a vibrating conveyor. After UV light exposure, the treated slurry may be dried and ground into a powder, or the treated slurry may be filtered and the insoluble portion may be dried and ground into a powder. The irradiated mushroom powder has a mass fraction of Vitamin D2 of at least 2500 IU/gram of powder, and more preferably at least 20,000 IU/gram of powder. Irradiated mushroom powder may be incorporated into consumable food product for humans or animals, and/or may be incorporated into topical preparations for cosmetic use.
US09326528B2

An apparatus for heating a flavored coating and mixing the heated flavored coating with an edible substrate is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame adapted to support a kettle, the kettle for containing the flavored coating and the substrate to be mixed, a first heater box operative as a heat source, and a second heater box operative as a heat source. The first heater box is removably secured to the frame to permit removal of the first heater box and substitution therefore with the second heater box.
US09326518B2

A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing chlorotoluron and 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material by adding such a synergistic antimicrobial composition. Also provided is a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition.
US09326517B2

A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing chlorotoluron and 3-Iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material by adding such a synergistic antimicrobial composition. Also provided is a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition.
US09326515B2

The present invention relates to 3-[(1,3-thiazol-4-ylmethoxyimino)(phenyl)methyl]-2-substituted-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(2H)-one derivatives of formula (I), their process of preparation, their use as fungicide active agents, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions, and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, notably of plants, using these compounds or compositions.
US09326508B2

The invention relates to (S)-3′-methyl-abscisic acid, and esters thereof, and methods of using and making these compounds.
US09326507B2

A composition and method for treating a Varroa mite infestation using a sexual pheromone for disrupting the mating behavior of the Varroa mite. Additionally, a pesticide for applying to a mating place of the Varroa mite for disrupting the mating behavior of the Varroa mite.
US09326495B2

An apparatus for attracting fish is disclosed. The apparatus has a motor with rotating driveshaft that defines a rotational axis substantially parallel to a surface of a body of water. A housing encloses the motor, and the driveshaft extends therefrom. There is an impeller with a hub axially aligned with and coupled to the driveshaft. The impeller has one or more flat planar blades, each defined by a trailing edge and a leading edge and extending radially from the hub in an orthogonal relationship to the rotational axis of the driveshaft without pitch. A proximate end of the blades is fixed to the hub an opposed distal end includes a cupped paddle projecting therefrom with a paddle leading surface and a paddle trailing surface. Turbulence and cavitation is generated by the impeller, and the visual and audible side effects thereof are simulative of fish feeding activity.
US09326494B2

An apparatus includes a housing having a first surface having a first contour and arranged to contain a quantity of water. The apparatus further includes a base structure positioned adjacent the housing and including a second surface having a second contour that closely matches the first contour. The housing is positioned such that the first surface and the second surface are disposed immediately adjacent one another. The apparatus further includes a lighting element supported by the base and positioned to selectively illuminate the housing. The apparatus further includes a storage compartment having an open cavity for receiving and holding an object and a third surface having a third contour that closely matches the first contour, the storage compartment supported by the base structure such that the first surface and the third surface are disposed immediately adjacent one another.
US09326490B2

A traction switching device, comprising a push-pull button, a manual button, an upper casing, a pulley, a lower casing, a reset spring, wherein the lower casing is provided with a first slot; the push-pull button is imbedded in and sliding back and forth along the first slot; the manual button is sleeved on the hole corresponding to the push-pull button and simultaneously is installed at the position corresponding to the lower casing and the upper casing; the pulley is installed at the central axis of the lower casing; the reset spring is installed in the manual button. The traction switching device is featured with manual, flexible and easy operation, applicable to all domestic pets. By pulling the push-pull button while pressing the manual button, the traction switching device is fully locked; conversely, the traction switching device is unlocked by the push-pull button.
US09326489B2

Training devices for domestic animals that do not operate by constricting around the animal's neck are disclosed. These devices have collars or harnesses that maintain their size, with a means for actuating a member or members that protrude inwardly toward the neck of the animal. Actuation of the device by tension from a leash attachment provides a pinching action between the protruding members such that the skin of the neck is pinched to provide a training cue to the animal without choking the animal.
US09326486B2

A method and apparatus for blocking unwanted canine interactions during a canine deployment at a public-safety incident scene is provided herein. During operation all radios associated with a public-safety incident scene will be provided a notification of canine deployment. The radios will then generate a tone to deter or repel any approaching canine.
US09326485B2

The invention provides a method and system for cleaning pet paws providing a bounded container containing a plurality of soft scrub brushes defining a paw cleaning region within an outer container wall wherein cleaning solution can flow freely within the container between a paw-for-cleaning, the container wall, and the brushes while allowing space for sediment. A spill resistant lid allows easy transport. An optional splash resistant lid containing a further brush boundary enables an enhanced side leg cleaning. The proposed method and system enables an enhanced deep cleaning through repeated submersion within the container and removable of debris. The system aids in prevention of infection and disease.
US09326483B2

A stackable, nestable pet shelter includes first, second and third housings. Each housing has a top of a predetermined shape and sidewalls that extend downwardly, and taper somewhat outwardly, toward an open bottom. In use, the bottom of the second housing rests upon the upper portion of the first housing, and the bottom of the third housing rests upon the upper portion of the second housing. The first and second housings are substantially hollow. When not in use, the third housing nests within the second housing which, in turn, nests within the first housing. An opening is provided in the sidewalls of the first housing for allowing an animal to enter or exit. The top of each housing includes an opening for allowing an animal to pass from one housing to the next.
US09326479B2

The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-114 RZ, which exhibits resistance to downy mildew races Bl:1 to Bl:28, CA-I, CA-IIA, CA-IIB, CA-III, CA-IV, CA-V, CA-VI, CA-VII, CA-VIII (Bremia lactucae Regel), currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) race LMV:1, and root aphids (Pemphigus bursarius). The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-114 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-114 RZ.
US09326474B1

A novel maize variety designated X18D802 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X18D802 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18D802 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18D802, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18D802. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18D802.
US09326468B1

The invention provides seed and plants of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077381’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077381’, and to methods for producing a marigold plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another marigold plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the gametes of such plants.
US09326467B1

The invention provides seed and plants of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077390’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077390’, and to methods for producing a marigold plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another marigold plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the gametes of such plants.
US09326466B1

The invention provides seed and plants of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077393’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077393’, and to methods for producing a marigold plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another marigold plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the gametes of such plants.
US09326459B2

A machine for pulling out the cut-off vine branches (S) that are hanging on a tying wire (F), including a supporting frame (1), a gantry (2) comprising an arm set mounting so as to swivel and having an overhanging end, a gripping device (3) for the cut branches (S) including at least one gripping disk (23) connected to the overhanging end and showing notches (24) for gripping and dragging along the cut branches (S), a transfer device (4) comprising a transfer element (28) showing notches for gripping and dragging along the cut branches (S) gripped by gripping disk (23), and a detaching device (5) for the cut branches (S) arranged at the outlet of transfer device (4) and including a device for capturing the cut branches (S) and pulling them in the direction opposite to transfer device (4).
US09326456B2

An agricultural wrap includes a continuous planar main body formed of a flexible and permeable material, an amount of growing matter, and at least one irrigation tube. The body has first and second sides, first and second ends, an inner surface, an outer surface disposed against a base surface, and at least one aperture. With the growing matter disposed against the inner surface, the first and second sides are positioned around the growing matter to define a holding pocket. An irrigation tube being disposed against the main body and above the base surface leaks water that permeates through the main body and saturates the growing matter.
US09326448B2

A roller shell for a conditioning roller has grooves extending in the axial direction and grooves extending in the circumferential direction. The grooves extending in the axial direction are deeper than the grooves extending in the circumferential direction.
US09326437B2

A shovel and ergonomic second-handle for a shovel are disclosed. The shovel includes a scoop; a shaft having first and second end portions, the first end portion being secured to the scoop; a main handle at the second end portion of the shaft; and a second handle positioned relatively closer to the first end portion of the shaft than to the second end portion of the shaft, the second handle including a grip, and the second handle being positioned such that a line extending through a longitudinal axis of the grip intersects the shaft. The grip is disposed at an angle θ relative to the shaft.
US09332672B2

An electronic product including a heat dissipating device is disclosed. The electronic product includes a casing, a heat conducting board, at least one fan unit and a plurality of electronic elements. The casing includes a compartment. The heat conducting board divides the compartment into first and second chambers. The first chamber includes a plurality of openings. The fan unit(s) includes an air inlet aligned with an opening of the openings, as well as an air outlet aligned with another opening of the openings. The first chamber defines at least one air channel each being in the form of a single air channel including two ends respectively in communication with the opening and the other opening. In one embodiment, the at least one fan unit includes first and second fan units. In another embodiment, the at least one air channel includes first and second air channels in communication with each other.
US09332668B2

An electronic circuit unit includes a circuit board (10) with conductors for connection (14) on an edge (12), a case (20) for housing the circuit board (10) and a connector (C). The case (20) includes an opening (21) that allows the circuit board (10) to be inserted in a board inserting direction and holds the circuit board (10) at a specific board holding position. The connector (C) includes connector terminals (30) to be mounted on ends of wires (W), and a housing (40) for holding the connector terminals (30) so that the connector terminals (30) can simultaneously contact the conductors for connection (14). The housing (40) includes a lid (48) for closing the opening (21). The case (20) locks the housing (40) at a position where the connector terminals (30) contact the conductors for connection (14) of the circuit board (10) at the board holding position.
US09332660B2

A display which thickness is allowed to be reduced is provided. A display includes: a display panel; and a back-face member having rigidity and provided on a back face of the display panel, the back-face member covering the back face, or the back face and other part of the display panel.
US09332659B2

An electronic component case includes a lower case including a bottom plate, a aide wall having a protruding portion, an engaging projection formed on an outer face of the side wall, and a screw hole formed in the side wall in a region where the protruding portion is provided, and an upper case including a top plate, a side wall in which an engaging hole is formed, and a notched hole forced in the side wall on the top plate side. The protruding portion of the lower case is engaged to the notched hole of the upper case, and the screw hole is exposed in the notched hole. The engaging projection of the lower case is engaged in the engaging hole of the upper case.
US09332655B2

An electronic circuit having an electronic component mounted on a substrate, a light source device having the electronic circuit, and a method of manufacturing the electronic circuit on which the electronic component is mounted on the substrate are described. The electronic component has a plurality of lead pins to be electrically connected to wirings on the substrate. The substrate is formed with a hole having a larger dimension than a maximum distance between at least two lead pins of the lead pins. The lead pins are inserted into the hole from sides of tips of the lead pins while being bent at a plurality of bending portions, and fixed to the substrate by a solder.
US09332654B2

A bottom reception pin module 22 which is allowed to stand upright on a bottom reception base part 21 having a magnetic member 21a provided on an upper surface to support a board includes a base part 23 having a magnet member 26 built therein so as to be freely lifted and lowered and fixed to the bottom reception base part 21 by a magnetization force under a state that the magnet member 26 is lowered and a hollow shaft member 24 extended upward from the base part 23 and having an upper end of a top member 25 abutting on the lower surface of the board to support the board. By a vacuum suction from a suction hole 25c, the magnet member 26 is lowered and lifted to fix and unfix the base part 23 relative to the bottom reception base part 21.
US09332652B2

A process for etching excess tin or tin alloy deposits including the steps of providing a substrate having recessed structures filled with tin or a tin alloy and an excess layer of tin or tin alloy, providing an aqueous etching solution consisting of a source of hydroxide ions and a nitro-substituted aromatic sulfonic acid and having a pH value greater than 7, and contacting said substrate with said aqueous etching solution for removing said excess tin or tin alloy layer on top of the recessed structures filled with tin or a tin alloy.
US09332640B2

A contact area is provided on a carrier for connection to a mating contact area on a further carrier using an adhesive containing conductive particles. The contact area includes at least one recess forming a drain channel for the adhesive, extending from one edge of the contact area to an opposing edge and having a width being less than an average diameter of the particles. Alternatively, the contact area includes boreholes extending from a main surface to an opposing main surface and having diameters being approximately equal to or smaller than the average diameter of the particles in at least one direction and a cavity is formed in the carrier beneath the contact area. Alternatively, integral moldings forming a turf structure are provided on the contact area and distances between the moldings are equal to or smaller than the average diameter of the particles in at least one direction.
US09332636B2

A sandwich of impact resistant material comprising: a first tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the first tile and the first tile comprises a hardness value; a second tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the second tile and the second tile comprises a hardness value; and a third tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the third tile and the third tile comprises a hardness value, wherein the second tile is coupled in between the first tile and the third tile, and the second tile comprises a hardness value greater than the first tile and the third tile.
US09332630B2

Disclosed is an insulation circuit comprising: a first pattern formed on a first layer of a substrate, that receives high-frequency signals; a second pattern formed on this first layer next to the first pattern and that outputs the high-frequency signals received by the first pattern; a third pattern formed on a second layer different from the first layer of the substrate and connected with a signal ground, in such a way that the first and second patterns respectively overlap in plan view; and a fourth pattern formed on the second layer next to the third pattern and connected with a frame ground, in such a way that the first and second patterns respectively overlap in plan view.
US09332629B2

An integrated circuit (342) that is electrically connected to a printed circuit board (246) with a package substrate (344) includes a circuit body (352), and a bump array (354) that electrically connects the circuit body (352) to the package substrate (244). The bump array (354) includes a first bump set (356) having a plurality of signal bumps (364) and a plurality of non-signal bumps (366) alternatingly interspersed and aligned along an axis. With the present design, the bump array (354) allows each signal bump (364) to be surrounded by a power bump (370) and a ground bump (368). The package substrate (344) includes (i) a package body (372); and (ii) a pin array (374) that includes a first pin set (376) that includes a plurality of signal pins (384) and a plurality of non-signal pins (386) alternatingly interspersed and aligned along an axis.
US09332625B2

An EUV light source apparatus by which detachment of a chamber or a part of the chamber, movement to a maintenance area, and highly accurate placement relative to projection optics can be performed easily for maintenance of the EUV light source apparatus. The EUV light source apparatus is an apparatus for generating plasma by applying a laser beam to a target material within a chamber and entering EUV light radiated from the plasma into projection optics of exposure equipment, and includes a positioning mechanism for positioning the chamber or a maintenance unit of the chamber in a predetermined location where an optical axis of the collected extreme ultraviolet light and an optical axis of the projection optics of the exposure equipment are aligned, and a movement mechanism for moving the chamber or the maintenance unit of the chamber between the predetermined location and a maintenance area.
US09332623B2

A high-voltage discharge lamp illumination device comprises a pulse generation part which generates pulse waves, and a power supply part which receives a DC voltage and converts the DC voltage into the AC current in correspondence to a frequency of the pulse waves so as to supply the AC current to the lamp. The pulse generation part repeats a cycle of outputting a first pulse wave over a first period, and thereafter outputting a second pulse wave having a lower frequency than the first pulse wave over a second period shorter than the first period. The pulse generation part returns to the cycle after outputting a third pulse wave having a frequency which is further lower than the second pulse wave in place of the second pulse wave, at a predetermined timing.
US09332620B2

Disclosed are a lighting device, a lighting system including the same, and a method of operating the same. The lighting device includes a communication unit receiving contents through communication with an outside, a content analyzing unit detecting an output state of the contents by analyzing the contents received through the communication unit, a storage unit storing information of a driving condition of a lighting unit corresponding to the output state of the contents, a controller extracting the information of the driving condition of the lighting unit corresponding to the detected output state of the contents from the storage unit and allowing the lighting unit to operate according to the contents based on the information of the driving condition of the lighting unit, and a lighting unit driver outputting a driving signal used to drive the lighting unit according to a control signal of the controller.
US09332617B2

A method for controlling a light, comprising: providing a first sensor device (11) comprising a first transmitter and a first occupancy sensor; providing a lighting controller (1) comprising a receiver and a second sensor; and transmitting an occupancy signal from the first transmitter to the receiver. The occupancy signal comprises a repeated cycle of transmission phases and silent phases, such that during a transmission phase the transmitter transmits and during a silent phase the transmitter does not transmit. The method further comprises activating the light when the second sensor is triggered; and deactivating the light after a period of time, the length of the period being determined at least in part by the occupancy signal transmitted by the first transmitter.
US09332613B2

This relates to a current limiter circuit that can be used in a power conversion system having a triac dimmer. In one example, the power conversion system may be used in an off-line LED driver. The current limiter circuit may be coupled to a power converter of the power conversion system and may operate to reduce the current that the power converter receives from an input line in the event of a power line surge. The current limiter circuit may also be coupled to the triac dimmer and may also operate as a damper for a portion of the half line cycle. The current limiter circuit may dampen the ringing in the triac current for a portion of the half line cycle and may cease dampening for the remaining portion of the half line cycle.
US09332612B1

Some embodiments include a model builder system that generates a color model to facilitate a color tunable lamp to mix the right amount of light from various color channels to reproduce a target color characteristic of a reference lamp. The model builder system can perform pre-computations that characterize the perceived characteristic of individual color channels and the reference lamp. The model builder system can divide the color channels of the color tunable lamp into floating channels and non-floating channels. Holding the operating points of the non-floating channels constant, the model builder system inverse solves for the necessary flux values of the color channels to reproduce the target color characteristic and to optimize color metrics.
US09332611B2

A method for controlling a multi-color signal assembly with a multi-color LED, a connection for voltage supply, and a control input. The control input is connected to a control output of a first control unit for controlling the signal assembly by pulse-width modulation signals (PWM signals) or to a signal assembly control output by the bus communication. After a supply voltage UB is connected, voltage UDI/BUS at the control input is measured within a predetermined time span Δt, wherein the first and second control units have respective first and second voltages at the control input within the time span Δt, wherein the first and second voltage are different. The signal assembly is placed in a BUS mode or in a PWM mode depending on the measured voltage UDI/BUS, can be controlled by bus communication in the BUS mode, and can be controlled by PWM signals in the PWM mode.
US09332610B2

A light fixture includes a light emitting module for radiating and illuminating a preset illumination area with a fixed illuminance; a light sensor unit mounted on and in electrical communication with the light emitting module, including a light guiding pipe having a first end for guiding reflection light beam from the preset illumination area into the guiding pipe and a light sensor component mounted on a second end of the guiding pipe for measuring an illuminance of the reflection light beam guided into the guiding pipe in order to modulate the light emitting module based on the measured illuminance in such a manner that the light emitting module is capable of actively automatically controlling and maintaining the preset illumination area with the fixed illuminance.
US09332609B1

A phase cut dimming LED driver includes a rectifier, a phase cut hold, a local regulator, controller, a power switch, a transformer, and a load detector. The phase cut hold is connected to the rectifier, one terminal of the primary winding of the transformer, and the local regulator. The controller includes pins connected to the local regulator, the power switch, and the aux winding of the transformer. The power switch is connected to the other terminal of the primary winding. The load detector is connected between the secondary winding of the transformer and a LED. The load detector sends the voltage or current signal of the LED to the controller, and the controller controls the power switch in an uninterrupted mode to keep the current or voltage in a condition to obtain higher PF and lower THD.
US09332605B2

A lighting system includes a switch configured so that when the switch is in a first state, current from a supply flows to a light emitter, and when the switch is in a second state, current from the supply flows through the switch bypassing the light emitter. A capacitor in parallel with the light emitter provides current to the light emitter sufficient to cause the light emitter to emit light when the switch is in the second state.
US09332603B2

A circuit arrangement (3) is provided for operating at least one low-power lighting unit with a power supply (4) and in particular with a self-oscillating power supply. The circuit arrangement (3) comprises at least an input (12) for receiving an operating voltage (28) from said power supply (4) and an output (11) for connection to one or more low-power lighting units. To allow an efficient operation of said low-power lighting unit with the power supply (4), the circuit (3) comprises a pulse generator (17), connected with said input (12) and adapted to inject at least one trigger pulse (40a, 40b) into said power supply (4) during operation.
US09332588B2

A method, an apparatus and a system for information transmission are provided. The method includes the following steps. A second user equipment receives update information issued by a wireless access point (AP). The second user equipment is located within a coverage area of the wireless AP. After detecting that the second user equipment has the update information, a first user equipment establishes a connection with the second user equipment and obtains the update information from the second user equipment. A wireless AP of the first user equipment is located outside the coverage area of the wireless AP. In the present invention, the user equipment can update the information without additionally increasing the transmit powers of the wireless AP and the user equipment when located outside the coverage area of the wireless AP, and thus the interference to other equipments is not increased.
US09332580B2

The invention is a mobile device collaboration framework (MDCF)—a form of communications framework, which enables devices to discover other devices that support the framework, access applications and services on those devices and exchange a variety of media and application-specific data. It is not tied to any one communications medium or protocol. It supports access restriction and data security at many levels. Sessions can involve multiple devices, creating subnets of devices, each with a shared purpose or task.
US09332579B2

A method for efficient establishing or configuring a connection between a telecommunications network and a customer premises equipment (CPE) via an access node includes: establishing a physical communication channel between the access; node of the telecommunications network and the CPE; providing a public or private Internet Protocol (IP) address to the CPE for use by the CPE to communicate with an IP Edge node of the telecommunications network; initially assigning a first functionality level to the public or private IP address; and assigning a second functionality level to the public or private IP address, when the telecommunications network is able to federate a network access related identification information to a contract related identification information.
US09332578B2

A method facilitates establishment of wireless pairing connections between wireless electronic devices by: initiating, at a first device, a connection utility that enables the first device to establish a wireless connection with at least one second device; capturing an image of a selected second device, representing a second device to which a wireless connection is desired; and scanning for identifying information about each discoverable second device that is within a connection range of the first device. The method further includes: forwarding the captured image and any detected identifying information to a wireless connectivity assist (WCA) service; receiving wireless connection setup and configuration (WCSC) instructions from the WCA service; and establishing the wireless connection with the selected second device utilizing wireless connection setup and configuration (WCSC) instructions received from the WCA service.
US09332577B2

A method and system for implementing a smart card remote operation are provided. A mobile phone gateway, used for communication between a remote management server and a smart card, is set up in advance on a mobile phone. The mobile phone gateway communicates with a UICC by using a BIP protocol, sets up/closes a channel according to an instruction of the UICC, receives/transmits data, and is capable of synchronizing channel states. The remote management server monitors, in a sever mode, a local port by using a TCP/IP data stack, and provides an HTTP/HTTPS protocol access service. The remote management server transmits, as a client, a command and data to the local port. After a data packet is forwarded by the gateway to the UICC and is processed by an SCWS, the gateway carries out data inspection of a certain level and control encapsulation on a response of the UICC.
US09332574B2

A method of establishing a persistent emergency call and positional indication of the call is provided. Upon a call center receiving a call by a user equipment (UE) device, a request for a the UE device to perform a function, such as provide its current location, is issued and a pseudo hold mode initiated by temporarily severing the voice call. The user of the UE device is aware of the pseudo hold mode but unaware of the call termination. While on the pseudo hold mode, the current location is determined, the call is subsequently reestablished and the pseudo hold mode terminated.
US09332570B2

A network node that serves a cell in a cellular communication system is operated. An air interface of the cellular communication system is divided up into sequentially occurring frames, each of the frames comprising a plurality of sequentially occurring sub-frames, each of the sub-frames comprising a plurality of sequentially occurring symbols. Operation includes receiving and detecting a request signal transmitted by a device within the cell. Based at least in part on a characteristic of the request signal that is indicative of one or more device capabilities of the device, an associated time/frequency position for transmitting a response signal is ascertained. The response signal is transmitted at the ascertained time/frequency position.
US09332569B2

A method and wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for utilizing channel control information associated with enhanced uplink (EU) transmission is disclosed. The WTRU receives information via radio resource control (RRC) signaling and receives downlink (DL) control information for at least EU transmission. The WTRU determines whether the DL control information is intended for the WTRU based at least upon a first forty bit specific code sequence and a second forty bit specific code sequence received in at least one time slot and determines whether the DL control information is the first type or the second type. The WTRU utilizes the DL control information of the first type or the second type for at least EU transmission on a condition that the DL control information is intended for the WTRU.
US09332568B2

A base station able to maintain backward compatibility with an LTE mobile station while minimizing the amount of increase in uplink scheduling information reception and demodulation/decoding processing in independent uplink/downlink cell data transmission. A wireless communication system includes a cell #1, a cell #2, and an LTE-A mobile station, and supports independent uplink/downlink cell data transmission. The base station of the cell #2 arranges a PDCCH+, which includes uplink scheduling information from the LTE-A mobile station to the base station of the cell #2, in a downlink data region in the downlink connection of the base station of the cell #1.
US09332564B2

A method, apparatus and system to manage distributed channel access with time reservation are generally presented. In this regard, a reservation agent is introduced to reserve access to a wireless network channel for an amount of time greater than necessary to transmit to another station(s) and to transmit to the other station(s).
US09332563B2

A wireless communication includes: a communication unit; a storage unit; a transmission buffer; and a controller. The communication unit wirelessly communicates with a reception terminal. The storage unit stores information relating to a timing at which the reception terminal changes from a first state to a second state. The first state is a state of being able to receive data and continues for a first period. The second state is a state of being unable to receive data and continues for a second period. The first period is extended by a fixed duration when the reception terminal in the first state receives data. The transmission buffer temporarily stores segmented data constituting transmission data to be transmitted to the reception terminal. The controller controls the communication unit to wirelessly transmit dummy data to the reception terminal by the timing if the segmented data is not stored in the storage unit.
US09332554B1

A wireless apparatus node supporting wireless communications on a wireless local area network (WLAN). The wireless apparatus node includes: a local link prober, a remote link prober, a cross-link interference estimator, and a concurrent access controller. The local link prober probes a target node for channel information characterizing a communication channel for a local link therewith. The remote link prober probes a pair of device nodes on the WLAN capable of forming a remote link for cross-channel information characterizing communication channels there between. The cross-link interference estimator estimates interference signal levels at each node of the remote link resulting from communication over the local link. The concurrent access controller is responsive to a determination of an active communication on the remote link to allow a concurrent communication on the local link when interference levels at the remote link fall below a threshold level.
US09332553B2

For controlling a wireless transmission of a network element of a radio access network where signal propagation is unknown, wherein the network element is configured to inhibit use of a licensed shared access spectrum, interference levels in predefined reservation zones are determined, which are introduced by the network element when using the licensed shared access spectrum. It is checked whether or not the interference levels violate agreed interference levels in the predefined reservation zones of the licensed shared access spectrum, and the network element is configured to allow use of the licensed shared access spectrum in case the interference levels do not violate the agreed interference levels in the predefined reservation zones.
US09332549B2

Techniques are disclosed for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Announce procedures that allow advertisement machine-to-machine service capabilities layer resources and subresources. Resource structures and signal flows of the various disclosed embodiments are defined.
US09332546B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a radio resource optimizing method, apparatus, and system. The method includes: performing DPI on received network data, so as to identify a protocol type of the network data; if the network data is a first kind of data stream, identifying a heartbeat in the first kind of data stream, and obtaining heartbeat information of the heartbeat; when the heartbeat interval period of the heartbeat information is greater than a radio resource pre-allocated time slice, determining a radio resource bandwidth allocation parameter according to the heartbeat bandwidth requirement of the heartbeat information; and sending a radio resource allocation parameter including the radio resource bandwidth allocation parameter. In this way, the radio resource allocation parameter is dynamically set when an application runs in the background, thereby improving the utilization rate of an air interface bandwidth and time of a radio base station.
US09332545B2

A Method and System For Optimizing The Efficiency of SIGINT Collection Systems on Mobile Platforms with Limited Bandwidth Connections that is implementable in legacy signal collection systems. The resultant system first reduces potential upload bandwidth by eliminating whitespace in collected signals. Next, the system ignores collectable signals based on signals frequency or angle of arrival so as to identify energy of interest. Next, the system score and attributes a priority to each energy of interest, now known as signals of interest. The system then increases collection bandwidth on all signals of interest based on the score, priority and availability of resources. Finally, in real time, and based on SOI score and priority and the availability of downlink resources, the collected signal data is downlinked to the SIGINTcontrol center.
US09332544B2

The disclosure of the present invention provides a method for a Medical Body Area Network (MBAN) to control, through a master, the channel switching of an MBAN terminal that uses a channel of a first frequency band in an MBAN system. The method includes: receiving information related to the use of each channel of a second frequency band from an MBAN controller; and transmitting information on a channel of the second frequency band that the MBAN terminal is to switch on the basis of the received information related to the use of each channel of the second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are distinguished from each other based on whether the MBAN terminal uses a corresponding frequency band first.
US09332543B2

A mobile radio device capable of receiving a radio signal whose frequency band switches, includes a setting unit that when the frequency band of the radio signal is a first frequency band, sets a first threshold corresponding to the first frequency band, and that when the frequency band switches from the first frequency band to a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, sets for a given period, a third threshold that is between the first threshold and a second threshold corresponding to the second frequency band and subsequently sets the second threshold; and a determining unit that determines a travel speed of the mobile radio device, based on a comparison of a moving average obtained by temporally accumulating variations of estimates of propagation characteristics of the radio signal and averaging the accumulated variations by a moving average method using a threshold set by the setting unit.
US09332538B2

A device for allocating a channel resource in a wireless network includes a Media Access Control (MAC)/MAC Layer Management Entity (MLME) sublayer and the MAC/MLME sublayer receives a primitive requesting to transmit a message for requesting the channel resource from an upper layer; transmits the message for requesting the channel resource to a coordinator, wherein the message for requesting the channel resource includes information about a duration of the channel resource; and receives channel resource allocation information for allocating the channel resource from a MAC/MLME sublayer of the coordinator, the channel resource allocation information including information about a duration of the allocated channel resource, wherein the device transmits a first message to a second device during the channel resource allocated based upon the channel resource allocation information, and receives a second message from the second device in response to the first message during the allocated channel resource.
US09332536B1

A method and apparatus to help manage communication on a wireless channel. When a neighboring node detects on a wireless channel a ready-to-send (RTS) message from a transmitting node to a receiving node, the neighboring node will set itself to avoid transmission on the channel for a time period but will then determine whether it detects in that time period a further transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node, related to the data transmission. The further transmission may be a confirmation-to-send (CoTS) message that the transmitting node sends to the receiving node in response to a clear-to-send (CTS) from the receiving node. If the determination is affirmative, then the neighboring node will continue avoiding use of the channel. But if the determination is negative, then the neighboring node will discontinue avoiding use of the channel.
US09332535B2

A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting and receiving control information in a wireless communication system supporting multi-cell transmission. A method includes receiving a first pilot signal from a first cell and a second pilot signal from a second cell; generating first control information indicating channel quality for the first cell and second control information indicating channel quality for the second cell, based on the first pilot signal and the second pilot signal, respectively; separately encoding the first control information and the second control information; separately power controlling the encoded first control information and the encoded second control information; transmitting, on the first cell, the power controlled, encoded first control information on a first control channel; and transmitting, on the first cell, the power controlled, encoded second control information on a second control channel.
US09332531B2

A system includes at least one data collection device, each connected to a corresponding data terminal via a primary communication channel; and a central connectivity point connected to each data collection device via a wireless secondary communication channel so as to communicate with the at least one data collection device without disrupting communication between the at least data collection device and the corresponding data terminal via the primary communication channel and to permit remote administration of each data collection device.
US09332530B2

A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes: a step A of broadcasting, by a radio base station eNB, “ac-Barring For TYPE x” for barring an access by each type of an EPS bearer in a subordinate cell; and a step B of determining, by a mobile station UE, whether an originating call request is transmitted or not depending on whether the “ac-Barring For TYPE x” corresponding to a type of the EPS bearer set to a destination APN of the originating call request in a standby cell is broadcasted or not.
US09332521B2

Access from a communication terminal apparatus is received, and identification information that enables identification of a position of a communication terminal apparatus from which the access has been received and transmission data are acquired from the communication terminal apparatus, and are stored in a storage unit. Then, if access has been received from a communication terminal apparatus next and thereafter, the transmission data stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the communication terminal apparatus on the basis of identification information that enables identification of a position of the communication terminal apparatus.
US09332517B2

The present invention relates to a method and device for an access point to transmit a signal in a wireless communication system. A method for an access point to transmit a synchronization signal includes: generating a frame for synchronizing a timer of a station connected to an access point; and transmitting the frame for synchronization. The frame for synchronization may be transmitted before/after all Target Beacon Transmission Times.
US09332515B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a transmitter, a receiver and methods of operating a transmitter and a receiver. In one embodiment, the transmitter includes a synchronization unit configured to provide a primary synchronization signal and a secondary synchronization signal having first and second segments. The transmitter also includes a secondary scrambling unit configured to provide a scrambled secondary synchronization signal, wherein scrambling agents for the first and second segments are derived from a primary synchronization sequence of the primary synchronization signal. The secondary scrambling unit is further configured to provide an additional scrambling of one of the first and second segments, wherein a second scrambling agent is derived from the remaining segment of a secondary synchronization sequence of the secondary synchronization signal. The transmitter further includes a transmit unit configured to transmit the primary synchronization signal and the scrambled secondary synchronization signal.
US09332512B2

At least one of transmissions and receptions over allocated radio resources within a first timing advance group are synchronized using a first timer; and similar for allocated radio resources within a second timing advance group that are synchronized using a second timer. In response to determining that the first timer remains synchronized while the second timer is not synchronized with a radio network which has allocated the respective radio resources, a first procedure is followed for the case in which there is a primary component carrier within the second timing advance group and a different second procedure for the case in which there is no primary component carrier within the second timing advance group. In an exemplary embodiment, a message is sent to the radio network indicating that the second timer has expired. Various distinctions between the two procedures, and how the message is sent, are detailed for different embodiments.
US09332506B2

The following relates to a method, apparatus and computer program for a mobile transceiver 200 and a base station transceiver 300 of a cellular mobile communication network communicating with the mobile transceiver 200 using packet switched data, the mobile communication network comprising a plurality of base station transceivers 300, 301. A base station transceiver 300, 301 operating one or more cells 300a, 301a. The mobile station is associated with a first cell 300a. Interference reduction information is received from a second cell 301a, the interference reduction information comprising an indication on a request of the second cell 301a to reduce the transmission power of the mobile transceiver 200 to reduce the interference power received at the second cell 301a. A transmission power of the mobile transceiver 200 is reduced based on the interference reduction information from the second cell 301a and based on a reduction criterion.
US09332504B2

A system and method of uplink power control in a fixed wireless backhaul network, wherein determining an uplink transmit power of each remote backhaul module (RBM) comprises obtaining an interference-over-thermal (IoT) noise value of each hub, determining a target IoT noise value for each RBM, determining a total path loss from each RBM to its serving hub, determining a target uplink carrier to interference and noise ratio (CINR) for the RBM, and computing the RBM uplink transmit power for each RBM by summing the target IoT noise value for the RBM, the total path loss of the RBM to its serving hub, and the target uplink CINR. Computationally expensive parameter sweeps are avoided. The method can be implemented using a centralized processing unit or distributed processing at each node. The method is self-optimizing, and initial hub and RBM transmit powers and other data may be estimated using pre-deployment tools.
US09332503B2

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for controlling power of an uplink multiple-input multiple-output channel, and a user equipment that are used to support an uplink MIMO application scenario and implement control of transmit power of a UE. The method in the embodiments of the present invention includes: when total transmit power of a user equipment UE is greater than maximum allowed transmit power, performing, by the UE, power reduction for an uplink multiple-input multiple-output MIMO channel on which a main data transmission block and a secondary data transmission block are sent, so that the total transmit power of the UE after the reduction is less than or equal to the maximum allowed transmit power.
US09332502B2

A method for uplink channel estimation comprises providing of a channel state model in a channel estimator. An uplink radio signal of a present time slot is obtained in the channel estimator as well as a series of transmit power control commands issued for controlling a transmit power of the uplink radio signal. A delay between the time a transmit power control command is issued and the time that the transmit power control command is applied is estimated based on measurements of the particular received uplink radio signal. Channel states are adapted based on a transmit power control command compatible with the estimated delay. After the adaptation, channel states of the present time slot are estimated in the channel estimator, by tracking the demodulated uplink radio signal with the channel state model. A channel estimator performing such method is also described.
US09332500B2

A method can control electronic equipment. The electronic equipment includes a wireless transceiver and is able to communicate with an electronic station. The wireless transceiver is able to receive wireless signals from the station with a variable receiving power level. The receiving power level depends on the transmission power level of the station, and the wireless transceiver is able to transmit wireless signals to the station. The method includes measuring the receiving power level of the wireless signals, comparing the receiving power level with a first threshold and a second threshold, and transmitting wireless signals with a first power level or a second power level based on the comparison results obtained.
US09332489B2

A method and system for operating a multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) mobile device are provided. The method includes determining whether at least one Registered Public Land Mobile Network (RPLMN) among a first RPLMN of a first SIM and a second RPLMN of a second SIM of the multi-SIM mobile device is unavailable to the multi-SIM mobile device when the multi-SIM mobile device triggers a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) search, identifying a common PLMN, from a first PLMN set associated with the first SIM and a second PLMN set associated with the second SIM, in response to determining that the at least one RPLMN among the first RPLMN and the second RPLMN is unavailable, and camping on the common PLMN by the first SIM and the second SIM after acquiring camping information of the common PLMN.
US09332485B1

An integrated circuit includes a control module and a physical layer device. The control module (i) during each of multiple beacon intervals, operates a mobile device in a sleep mode or a listen mode, and (ii) for each of the beacon intervals, selects a length of the sleep mode or the listen mode such that resulting lengths of the sleep mode or the listen mode vary randomly. The control module partially or fully powers down the mobile device during the sleep mode. The physical layer device (i) wirelessly transmits, while the control module operates the mobile device in an active mode, a signal to discover one or more peers in a peer-to-peer network, and (ii) while the control module is operating the mobile device in the listen mode, receives responses to the signal. The control module determines which of the peers are discoverable based on the responses.
US09332483B2

To suppress increase in the amount of signals due to repetition of transition to a “Preservation state” and return to an “Active state,” a mobile station UE according to the present invention includes: a receiving unit 13 configured to receive access restriction information against communication satisfying a predetermined condition during the “Preservation state,” from a radio access network; and a transmitting unit 12 configured to transmit an “RRC CONNECTION REQUEST” to the radio access network in a case where the mobile station UE transitions from the “Preservation state” to the “Active state.” The transmitting unit 12 is configured to decide whether or not to transmit an “RRC CONNECTION REQUEST” for the communication satisfying the predetermined condition, on the basis of the access restriction information.
US09332472B2

A node of a secondary RAT that is in communication with a primary node of a primary RAT and UEs that are able to communicate by way of the primary and secondary RATs. The node includes a network interface unit of the node which receives a message from the primary node that indicates that the primary RAT is in an overload condition. The node includes a processing unit of the node which forms UE messages for the UEs not to try to communicate with the primary RAT, the network interface unit of the node sending the messages to the UEs. A method of a node of a secondary RAT that is in communication with a primary node of a primary RAT and UEs that are able to communicate by way of the primary and secondary RATs.
US09332465B2

Systems and methods for improved interference management by Wi-Fi devices are disclosed. The interference management may be achieved by monitoring, by the Wi-Fi device, signaling energy on a communication channel in a frequency band associated with the Wi-Fi device, comparing the monitored signal energy with a known waveform signature corresponding to Long Term Evolution (LTE) operation, and identifying a presence of an LTE interferer on the communication channel in the frequency band associated with the Wi-Fi device based on the comparison.
US09332464B2

Aspects directed towards measurement procedures in multicarrier operation are disclosed. In a particular aspect, a wireless terminal selects a subset of cells, which include at least one serving cell and at least one non-serving cell. The subset of cells are then evaluated by obtaining a first measurement associated with the at least one serving cell and a second measurement associated with the at least one non-serving cell. A measurement event occurrence, which is based on a comparison between the first measurement and the second measurement, is then monitored. An occurrence of the measurement event triggers a measurement report transmission, which the network then uses to perform handovers. Other disclosed embodiments are directed towards placing a reception band, which include identifying a set of assigned component carriers and placing a reception band within the system bandwidth so that the placement overlaps with at least a portion of the assigned component carriers.
US09332463B2

Determining a geographic location of a cellular base station is disclosed. In some embodiments, a set of measurement data that includes for each of a plurality of signals received at the base station a corresponding measurement data is determined. The set of measurement data is used to determine the geographic location of the base station. In some embodiments, a set of measurement data is received. The received measurement data includes for each of a plurality of location measurement units at which a signal transmitted by the base station is received a corresponding measurement data associated with the signal. The set of measurement data is used to determine the geographic location of the base station.
US09332461B2

Systems and methods for generating a Long Term Evolution network return procedure. A mobile terminal may generate, in absence of redirection instruction from a circuit-switched network, a Long Term Evolution network return procedure that, when instantiated by the mobile terminal, implements connection of the mobile terminal to a Long Term Evolution network based on measured signal strength of at least one Long Term Evolution network access point.
US09332460B2

The method and apparatus for CSFB are provided. The method includes transmitting a MO CS request to a LTE network or receiving a MT CS call notification from a LTE network; triggering or accepting a CSFB procedure by the UE; receiving redirection information from the LTE network; judging whether system information corresponding to candidate cells is provided in the redirection information; acquiring system information corresponding to candidate cells, wherein the system information includes location area identifications (LAI) corresponding to candidate cells in the redirection information to determine whether the candidate cells belong to a registered LA; setting the candidate cell belonging to the registered LA to a higher priority; selecting the candidate cell with the higher priority as a target cell; and connecting to the target cell first.
US09332457B2

A method includes computing a minimum sensitivity threshold value for a particular wireless device, configuring the particular wireless device to receive wireless signals with a signal strength higher than the minimum sensitivity threshold value, distributing the minimum sensitivity threshold value to other wireless devices, and configuring the other wireless devices based on the minimum sensitivity threshold value for the particular wireless device.
US09332456B2

Embodiments of a system and method for providing DRX enhancements in LTE systems are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a system control module is provided for controlling communications via a communications interface. A processor is coupled to the system control module and is arranged to implement an inactivity timer and an on-duration timer for determining an active time for monitoring subframes on the physical downlink control channel for control signals, the processor further monitoring subframes after the active time.
US09332454B2

A method, system and program product comprise receiving spectrum data from one or more WiFi communication devices being configured to be operable as observers of transmissions within a frequency band associated with a WiFi communication system. The spectrum data at least comprises signal levels and timing information for WiFi communication signals and non-WiFi signals observed within the frequency band. WiFi interferers are distinguished using at least the signal levels and timing information for the non-WiFi signals. A real-time interference impact on the observed WiFi communication signals for each of the distinguished WIFi interferers is determined.
US09332453B2

Method, apparatus and computer program product for monitoring wireless wide area network almanac integrity in a wireless wide area network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving crowdsourcing data from a plurality of mobile devices, determining a change to a wireless wide area network almanac using the crowdsourcing data, and updating a database in accordance with the change to the wireless wide area network almanac.
US09332445B2

A coordinated processing method and system for northbound data configuration and self-organized network configuration, the method includes: a northbound configuration module sending a data configuration request and an SON function management module sending a parameter optimization request to a conflict resolution module; the conflict resolution module receiving the requests, and if judging that the parameter requested by the northbound configuration module to be configured conflicts with the parameter requested by the SON function management module to be configured, then sending a conflict judgment message indicating conflict to the northbound configuration module and the SON function management module; after receiving the message, the northbound configuration module performing data configuration in the data configuration request and reporting conflict information to a superior network management; after receiving the message, the SON function management module notifying the SON function module to perform parameter rollback and/or end a current self-optimization procedure.
US09332444B2

There is provided an invention whose object is to efficiently perform exchange of control information, for example, in the case where a plurality of cells cooperate to moderate inter-cell interference, like the IA technology.There is provided a communication system in which there is a plurality of communication areas in which a base station apparatus and at least one terminal apparatus perform wireless communication, and the plurality of communication areas are adjacent to or overlap one another, wherein, in each communication area, in a case of performing cooperative control that performs communication while taking into consideration communication conditions in at least one another communication area, a base station apparatus in one communication area among the plurality of communication areas notifies a base station apparatus in another communication area of information for starting the cooperative control.
US09332442B2

A mobile device which is moved within this network can stay connected to the network. The network routes signals from client to client and from the Internet to client using transceivers. The transceivers in the relay can be a software radio and can be software controlled. Streams of bits are transferred from a source to a destination in a wireless network. Portions of these streams of bits can be transferred between these software radios to distribute signals in the network. In addition, servers can be located within the network to provide local and immediate high bandwidth information. As the bandwidth increases, the range of the wireless signal typically decreases. Thus, inserting relays or multiple transceivers can be used to maintain high bandwidth coverage over a large networking range.
US09332441B2

A system and methodology that can utilize measurement data collected by a set of femto access points (FAPs), during a network listen procedure, to detect one or more areas with weak macro network coverage and/or high interference. Moreover, an automatic cell planning (ACP) component can be employed to analyze the measurement data and update a transmission parameter(s) associated with a macro access point. After the update is implemented, the ACP component can trigger another network listen procedure at the set of FAPs and receive new measurement data. The ACP component can evaluate the new measurement data to dynamically verify that the implementation of the update resulted in an improvement of macro network coverage and/or interference within the one or more areas.
US09332429B2

A spectral content of a baseband waveform is varied and a measure of the baseband waveform whose spectral content has been varied is used by a transmitter in order to convey information. According to embodiments of inventive concepts, a set of frequencies that is used to provide spectral content to the baseband waveform is varied. In some embodiments, the spectral content comprises non-contiguous first and second frequency intervals wherein a third frequency interval that is between the first and second frequency intervals remains substantially devoid of providing spectral content in order to reduce or avoid interference. In other embodiments, the spectral content that is varied comprises a bandwidth that is varied. The inventive concepts are relevant to 4G LTE carrier aggregation systems/methods and/or other aspects of 4G LTE. Various transmitter/receiver embodiments are disclosed including direct synthesis transmitter/receiver embodiments.
US09332425B2

A method for routing calls between a third party telecommunications device (“TD”) and a subscriber TD associated with a primary service and a second line service (“SLS”) involves associating the SLS number of the subscriber, the primary number of the subscriber and the primary number of a third party via a common relationship number. Calls directed from a third party to the SLS number of a subscriber are routed to an SLS platform and redirected to the subscriber TD. Calls directed from the subscriber TD to the third party use the relationship number to route the call to the SLS platform. The combination of the primary service number and the relationship number identifies the third party number for call completion. Calls can be directed to and from an SLS number of a subscriber TD using a combination of protocols such as ISUP, CAP and SIP.
US09332420B2

A method and an apparatus for managing User Equipment (UE) history information are provided. The method for managing user equipment history information in a wireless communication network includes determining if a recording event occurs when the user equipment enters into an idle mode; recording information about the recording event in idle mode user equipment history information when the recording event occurs; and transmitting the recorded idle mode user equipment history information to a base station when the user equipment accesses the base station.
US09332418B2

A network apparatus and a method of switching a data network for a network apparatus are provided. The network apparatus includes a plurality of User Identity Modules (UIMs), a transceiver module, and a switching unit. The UIMs are used to provide a plurality of network service plans, wherein the network apparatus operates in a first network service plan corresponding to a first UIM of the UIMs. The transceiver module is arranged to receive a plurality of network packets corresponding to the network service plans. The switching unit is arranged to obtain a plurality of corresponding network connection information from the network packets, performing an information-matching operation upon the plurality of corresponding network connection information to generate a matching result by referring to a profile database, and determining if the network apparatus is required to be switched to operate in a second network service plan according to the matching result.
US09332405B2

The present invention discloses a short message backup method, mobile terminal, server, and system, and belongs to the field of communications. The method includes: obtaining a local short message of a mobile terminal, and storing the local short message of the mobile terminal in a local short message backup database file according to a preset format supported by a remote server; and sending the short message backup database file to the server, so that the server stores the short message backup database file and a user account, so as to complete short message backup. In the present invention, by storing a short message of a mobile terminal of a user as a short message backup database file of a preset format supported by a remote server, and sending it to the server for storage, the reliability and compatibility of short message backup are improved, and an operation is simple.
US09332395B2

The present invention relates to a mobile network (10) organized into a plurality of location areas and service areas gathering a geographically homogeneous set of cells of the mobile network, with gathering of the femtocells into specific additional service areas. The arrival of a received phone call intended to a user equipment (14) coupled to a femtocell (30) triggers a location step, with communication to the switching center of a rough location comprising the service area codes SAC and location area codes LAC corresponding to the femtocell, and of a fine location comprising unique data, such as IP address and INSEE code, of identification of the Internet box (20) associated to the femtocell. The femtocells may hence operate in open mode, each femtocell being able to be coupled to any user equipment registered with the mobile network operator.
US09332391B2

Systems and methods for providing location estimates of user equipment to be used in location based services are provided. Data collected from users in a local radio access network (RAN), such as an Enterprise RAN (E-RAN), as well as configuration information of the local RAN/E-RAN is siphoned from the system and utilized in conjunction with a location engine to provide a high accuracy location estimate for users in an indoor environment. The siphoned data is provided in a real-time location stream to the location engine.
US09332381B2

Described herein are techniques related to location-aware application recommendations in wireless devices. For example, an application recommendation alert may be displayed at the wireless device based on a current location, time, and data of the wireless device. Further, relevant applications to user location based on where the wireless device that are placed for sale at the market may be displayed at the wireless device.
US09332372B2

An apparatus, method and computer program product relating to spatialized audio. There is a set of headphones having an accelerometer and a tilt sensor for tracking the location and orientation of the set of headphones and a computer apparatus which includes a headphone position processor to receive headphone location and orientation information from the set of headphones, virtual speaker location processors (VSLPs) which receive a digital signal containing audio information from a digital audio stream and a digital signal containing headphone location and orientation information from the headphone position processor and output a digital signal containing audio information, a summing processor to receive the digital output signals from the VSLPs, sum them and output them to a digital to analog (D/A) converter. The D/A converter converts the summed digital output signals received from the VSLPs to an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the set of headphones.
US09332366B2

A loudspeaker noise inspection method is to be implemented by an electronic device and includes the steps of: obtaining a frequency sweeping audio signal from an audio output generated by a loudspeaker in response to a frequency sweeping input signal; performing differentiation upon the frequency sweeping audio signal so as to generate a differentiated frequency sweeping audio signal; and dividing the differentiated frequency sweeping audio signal by a constant which is greater than 2π times a maximum frequency of the frequency sweeping audio signal, so as to obtain an attenuated frequency sweeping audio signal for inspection of a noise pulse in the frequency sweeping audio signal.
US09332361B2

A replaceable filter member for a hearing aid device is disclosed. The filter member comprising an unit with a housing configured to be inserted into the ear canal of a user of the hearing aid device. The filter member is configured to prevent ear wax from entering an opening in the housing. The filter member is a one-piece body that is configured to cover several openings in the unit while being attached to the unit.
US09332358B2

Monitoring usage of a hearing device includes: c) checking whether a message has been received within a time period (dt) shorter than a pre-defined time period (Dt) via a long-distance communication network in a remote device; and d) generating usage status data dependent on the result of the checking addressed in step c). The usage status data are indicative of the usage of the hearing device, indicating “use” if the time period (dt) is smaller than or equal to the pre-defined time period (Dt) and indicating “non-use” if the time period (dt) is larger than the pre-defined time period (Dt). The message includes identification data for identifying the hearing device or a user of said hearing device. The remote device is located remote from the hearing device and connected to the long-distance communication network. The time period (dt) starts from a start event.
US09332353B2

A plane-type speaker where, on one of the main surfaces of an exciter film, there are placed piezoelectric films which are expanded and contracted by sound-releasing driving signals applied thereto. An oscillation plate is secured to the excited film through frame members. The oscillation plate has a flat-plate shape and is secured to the exciter film while having a warped shape such that it is gradually spaced further away from the exciter film, with decreasing distance from the secured ends to a center area, when viewed at a side surface. This realizes a state where the exciter film is pulled outwardly with respect to the secured ends due to bending stresses therein. If sound-releasing driving signals are applied to the piezoelectric films in this state, the exciter film contracts and expands along with the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric films, thereby causing the oscillation plate to oscillate.
US09332331B2

A data processing method and an electronic apparatus are described. The hand-held electronic apparatus has a microphone array that includes at least two kinds of usage modes. The microphone array is in a first usage mode of the at least two kinds of usage modes when the hand-held electronic apparatus is in a first usage status. The method includes receiving an adjustment signal to adjust the hand-held electronic apparatus from the first usage status to a second usage status, wherein, the second usage status is different from the first usage status; obtaining a control command when the hand-held electronic apparatus is adjusted to the second usage status; adjusting the microphone array from the first usage mode to the second usage mode according to, wherein, the second usage mode is different from the first usage mode and corresponds to the second usage status.
US09332329B2

An electronic apparatus includes the following elements. A housing has at least an opening and an accommodating space. A first circuit board is disposed in the accommodating space. A battery module disposed in the accommodating space is stacked over the first circuit board. A display module disposed in the accommodating space is stacked over the battery module. The display module is visible through the opening. A second circuit board is disposed in the accommodating space and beside the battery module. At least a part of the second circuit board is not disposed below the display module. A first speaker is disposed in the accommodating space and below the part of the second circuit board. The first speaker has a top side with a first sound hole aligned to a slot of the part of the second circuit board.
US09332328B2

The invention provides a magnetic yoke used for a moving-iron microphone/transducer, which comprises an inner through hole, an enclosed soft magnet and two end surfaces orthogonal to the enclosed soft magnet. The magnetic yoke is one-piece configured, the outer peripheral surface of the soft magnet and the inner through hole respectively is used for connecting with an armature and a magnetic piece of the microphone/transducer, and one of the two end surfaces is used for connecting with an induction coil of the microphone/transducer, to form a vibrating/transducing drive mechanism. The manufacturing process of the magnetic yoke comprises forming a tube by drawing process and cutting the tube.
US09332317B1

Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for searching available programs in a broadcast system. A system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a transmitter, transmitting a plurality of video programs and a program guide, the program guide comprising information related to the plurality of video programs, a receiver for receiving the plurality of programs and the program guide from the transmitter, a monitor, coupled to the receiver, for displaying at least a selected one of the plurality of video programs and for selectively displaying the program guide, and a remote control, coupled to the receiver, wherein the receiver accepts at least one input from the remote control, compares the information in the program to the at least one input, and presents a search result of programs from the plurality of programs having a matching characteristic with the at least one input.
US09332315B2

A video commentary system receives video content items from users in a community. Such video content items are presented to viewers in the community. The system presents submission controls through which the viewers can submit feedback related to specific time points within that presentation. The controls can be used to submit textual, video, or audio comments. The controls can include labeled buttons that viewers can activate to submit categorized comments. Each submission is associated with a timestamp corresponding to the current video frame. The user interface includes regions that display, in real-time, the submissions received from the viewers. Submissions can indicate their timestamps. A bar graph indicates, by category and by time interval, quantities of categorized comments that have been received relating to various time intervals in the presentation.
US09332314B2

Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
US09332313B2

A personalized audio and/or video (AV) stream is created for a user. A first stream of AV data is selected by reference to predetermined user preferences. One or more further data streams having a predetermined relation to the first stream are selected. Portions of the first stream are identified and captured by reference to identifying predetermined indicia in a group of streams consisting of the first stream and the one or more further data streams, where the capturing comprises capturing one or more time stamps from the group of streams. The personalized AV stream, comprising a captured portion of the first stream and data selected by reference to the predetermined indicia from at least one of the further data streams is generated, where the data selected is based on each captured timestamp.
US09332312B2

A video display device performing wireless communication with a plurality of external devices is provided. The video display device includes a display unit, a memory formed according to driving of an external device and configured to store state information of the external device, a tuner configured to receive advertisement data including a plurality of content items selectively outputtable to the display unit, in real time; and a controller configured to control the display unit to output a content item matched to state information of the external device.
US09332311B2

A digital video recorder is disclosed. The digital video recorder includes at least one memory device, a plurality of communication access points for receiving at least one program play, an open application programming interface associated with the at least one memory device, and at least one correlation engine in communication with the open application programming interface. The plurality of applications correspondent to the open application programming interface allow a user to manipulate metadata associated with ones of the programs plays and the metadata relates to interframe interactivity with detailed aspects of the ones of the program plays. The at least one correlation engine provides for correlation among at least for the interframes of the program play to ones of the interframes of other ones of the program plays, and among the interframe interactivity to the interframes of the program play to interframe interactivity with the other ones of the interframes of the other ones of the program plays.
US09332304B2

A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of set-top boxes is provided and each set-top box includes an identification corresponding to the room in which the set-top box is placed. Each set-top box includes a wireless transceiver that periodically transmits an identification beacon that is received by a proximate wireless-enabled interactive device. The proximate wireless-enabled interactive device, in turn, broadcasts data packets including an indication of the strength of set-top box identification signals received. The broadcasts are received by a server via an array of wireless routers. The location of the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device is determined based on the signal strength information in the data packets.
US09332303B2

A system and method for providing companion content on a device that downloads content associated with a media presentation playing on a media player and displays the downloaded content at times synchronized to time-offsets (from the start of the program) of the presentation by signals from the media player.
US09332302B2

A method for presenting advertisements for commercial products in video productions, whereby the commercial product is placed in the video production as an element of the video production. A viewer is enabled to interact with the video production to select the product. Information is then displayed about the selected product; and the viewer is enabled to purchase the selected product.
US09332297B2

Security processor (42) for a decoder able to receive a scrambled multimedia signal, this processor comprising: —at least one first rewritable lock (FIELDKEY, FIELDPIEMM, FIELDPIEMMC, FIELDPIECM, FIELDFCT) whose value can be toggled between a first and a second predetermined value in response to an EMM or ECM message, —a restriction function able to authorize and, alternately, prohibit, as a function of the value of the first lock, only one particular operation of the security processor, this particular operation being chosen from the group composed of: the use of a cryptographic key, the processing of a parameter contained in an EMM or ECM message received, and the execution of an elementary conditional access function of the code of the application.
US09332284B1

Disclosed are various embodiments for selecting personalized advertisements to be transmitted to a user device during the streaming of advertisement-supported media item content. A primary user and a secondary user may be associated with the consumption of media item content being streaming to a user device. Based on the identification of both the primary user and secondary user, presence metadata may be generated. Using at least the presence metadata, advertisements that are appropriate for and target both the primary and any secondary users may be selected and transmitted to the client device.
US09332279B2

A method is used for encoding digital video data corresponding to a sequence of original input video frames. The method comprises: encoding a first original input video frame into an INTER-frame; decoding and reconstructing said INTER-frame into a reference frame; creating an INTRA input frame comprising information from both a second original input video frame and said reference frame; and encoding said INTRA input frame into an INTRA-frame. A digital video encoder system is used for encoding digital video data corresponding to a sequence of original input video frames by encoding the sequence of original input video frames using INTRA- and INTER-mode.
US09332278B2

A method including: obtaining video information at a video decoder apparatus, the video information including largest coding units of video data and filtering information, each of the largest coding units having a common size; obtaining, at the video decoder apparatus, an adaptive loop filter on/off indicator for each of the largest coding units, wherein each of the largest coding units includes a respective adaptive loop filter on/off indicator; and performing, by the video decoder apparatus, adaptive loop filtering to the largest coding units if the respective adaptive on/off indicators are on.
US09332276B1

Coding a video stream having a plurality of frames is disclosed. A frame of a video stream is processed to determine if direct motion prediction can be applied to the macroblocks of the frame. Macroblocks to which direct motion can be applied are grouped into superblocks. The distribution of superblock size and configuration is analyzed to determine variable-length codes that can vary for each frame or segment encoded using direct prediction superblocks, thereby reducing the number of bits used to indicate superblock encoding in the encoded video stream.
US09332272B2

An encoding apparatus includes a processor that calculates and stores, an evaluation value for each candidate vector, based on a given block to be encoded among blocks formed by dividing an image, and a reference block on a reference image represented by each candidate vector that is a candidate motion vector of the given block; identifies an evaluation value of a first candidate motion vector of the given block, based on the stored evaluation values; calculates an evaluation value of a second candidate motion vector, based on the evaluation value of each candidate vector and the second candidate motion vector selected for the given block from among motion vectors of blocks adjacent to the given block; and determines the first or the second candidate motion vector to be the motion vector of the given block, based on the respective evaluation values of the first and the second candidate motion vectors.
US09332268B2

An electronic device for sending a message is described. The electronic device includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The electronic device determines whether a picture is allowed to be decoded on a sub-picture level. If the picture is allowed to be decoded on a sub-picture level, the electronic device generates at least one of a buffer size parameter and a buffer scale parameter. The electronic device sends at least one of the buffer size parameter and the buffer scale parameter.
US09332259B2

A video encoder generates a bitstream that includes a syntax element that indicates whether a picture is encoded according either a first coding mode or a second coding mode. In the first coding mode, the picture is entirely encoded using wavefront parallel processing (WPP). In the second coding mode, each tile of the picture is encoded without using WPP and the picture may have one or more tiles. A video decoder may parse the syntax element from the bitstream. In response to determining that the syntax element has a particular value, the video decoder decodes the picture entirely using WPP. In response to determining that the syntax element does not have the particular value, the video decoder decodes each tile of the picture without using WPP.
US09332251B2

The present invention provides a method whereby the spatial relationship and orientations of one or more three-dimensional objects being illuminated by an optical projector, and the optical projector itself, can be very accurately defined both quickly and easily. The present invention also provides a novel computerized optical projection system whereby three-dimensional data when viewed by the human eye projected onto three-dimensional objects is not deformed as a result of the non-planar projection surface. In one embodiment, the invention provides computerized optical assembly or manufacturing guidance systems, and related methods, that provide step-by-step assembly or manufacturing instructions for instructing technicians how to assemble or manufacture three-dimensional objects or systems. The assembly instructions are in the form of calibrated three-dimensional text, images and/or symbols, and are projected by one or a plurality of optical projectors that are in operable communication with one or a plurality of computers onto the three-dimensional objects or systems, or component parts or skins thereof.
US09332244B2

An information processing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit configured to output a maximum tone value for each tone point at which exposure exceeds a saturation light amount; a calculation unit configured to calculate individual tone intersections by interpolating tone distributions of a first and second luminance pattern lights that were output by the image capturing unit; and a light quantity adjustment unit configured to adjust the quantity of light that enters the image sensor such that the tone values of tone points that are adjacent to the tone intersections and are used in calculation of the individual tone intersections are lower than the maximum tone value, and the tone value of at least one tone point other than the adjacent tone points is equal to the maximum tone value.
US09332243B2

A system and methods for real-time or near-real time processing and post-processing of RGB-D image data using a handheld portable device and using the results for a variety of applications. The disclosure is based on the combination of off-the-shelf equipment (e.g. an RGB-D camera and a smartphone/tablet computer) in a self-contained unit capable of performing complex spatial reasoning tasks using highly optimized computer vision algorithms. New applications are disclosed using the instantaneous results obtained and the wireless connectivity of the host device for remote collaboration. One method includes steps of projecting a dot pattern from a light source onto a plurality of points on a scene, measuring distances to the points, and digitally reconstructing an image or images of the scene, such as a 3D view of the scene. A plurality of images may also be stitched together to re-position an orientation of the view of the scene.
US09332236B2

To control a laser used as a light source according to an input image, while satisfying a safety standard, a projector includes lasers provided for each of a plurality of colors, a dichroic mirror that synthesizes laser beams emitted by the lasers, an LCOS panel that modulates synthesized light by the dichroic mirror, and a projection lens that projects the light modulated by the LCOS panel. A processor determines rate of power of the laser beams according to the image signal, determines, according to the rate of the power, an upper limit value of the power of the projected laser beam in each color to the extent that the upper limit value satisfies a safety standard, and adjusts the laser beam in each color emitted by the corresponding laser so as to prevent the projected light beam in each color from exceeding the upper limit value.
US09332224B2

A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system is provided for managing quality of experience for video conferences. In an implementation, a method may include determining a capacity of a participant associated with a video conference. The method may also include determining a number of remote participants of the video conference. The method may further include implementing a video distribution architecture for the participant based upon, at least in part, the capacity of the participant and the number of remote participants. Implementing the video distribution architecture for the participant may include implementing a distributed architecture session for the participant if the capacity of the participant is greater than or equal to the number of remote participants of the video conference. Implementing the video distribution architecture for the participant may also include implementing a centralized architecture session for the participant if the capacity of the participant is less than the number of remote participants of the video conference.
US09332214B2

A video signal adjustment system that is capable of being connected between a server and a console includes: a server unit that is connected to the server; a main unit that is connected to the server unit, and includes a first adjustment portion that adjusts gain and frequency characteristic of a video signal output from the server; and a console unit that is connected between the main unit and the console, and includes a second adjustment portion that adjusts gain, frequency characteristic, and delay of the video signal output from the main unit.
US09332213B2

A recording device that improves the stability of an operation of recording data in a recording medium is provided. Recording device includes mounting unit, protective cover, open/close detecting unit, buffer, and recording controller. The recording controller performs a control of storing data into the buffer, reading, from the buffer, the data stored in the buffer, and recording the data into the recording medium. When the open/close detecting unit detects that the protective cover is opened, the recording controller performs a control of continuing the operation of storing data into the buffer, and yet stopping the operation of reading, from the buffer, the data stored in the buffer and recording the data into the recording medium.
US09332212B2

The imaging apparatus include a solid-state imaging device which has a plurality of pixels and outputs a pixel signal corresponding to a formed image of a subject as an image data; an image-capturing processing unit which outputs a pre-processed image data that is obtained by performing pre-processing on a part of the image data input from the solid-state imaging device, and an un-processed image data except the part of the image data from the image data input from the solid-state imaging device; and a storage unit which stores the pre-processed image data and the un-processed image data.
US09332211B2

The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal and an audio zooming method thereof capable of effectively capturing audio based on an image while capturing and reproducing video. According to the present disclosure, if an event for changing the capture location or range or capture mode of a subject occurs when capturing the subject while capturing the sound of the subject in a predetermined sound capture range, the sound of the subject may be captured by changing a sound capture angle and automatically controlling a sound capture range according to the relevant event, and if an event for changing the capture location or range or capture mode of a subject occurs, the sound of the subject may be captured by automatically controlling a sound capture range according to the event.
US09332209B2

An image and/or audio data processing and storage system includes a monitoring system and a plurality of cameras connected thereto. The image and/or audio data processing and storage system contains n units that are independent of each other, with each of the units having a data processing device containing a first segment that compresses digital image and/or audio data as well as a first storage device and a second storage device that are fed the same image and/or audio data compressed by the data processing device for storage.
US09332204B2

According to one embodiment, in an AD conversion circuit of a single slope type, a counter is configured to count number of clocks, in a state where a potential level of a first slope voltage and a potential level of a second slope voltage concurrently change, until an output signal of either one of a first comparator and a second comparator is inverted. A reference counter is configured to constantly output a full count value. A generation circuit is configured to generate and output a digital value corresponding to a count value of the counter when an output signal of the first comparator is inverted, and to generate and output a digital value corresponding to a value obtained by subtracting a count value of the counter from the full count value of the reference counter when an output signal of the second comparator is inverted.
US09332194B2

An imaging apparatus includes a display unit capable of performing through display for displaying in real time a captured image, a control unit configured to cause, while the through display is being performed, the imaging unit to capture a still image in response to an instruction for a shooting preparation and a subsequent instruction for a shooting operation, an image processing unit configured to apply a special effect for changing image quality in a set direction to the captured image subjected to through display, a detection unit configured to detect an orientation of the imaging apparatus, and a setting unit configured to set the direction of the special effect according to the detected orientation, wherein, during a period for which an operation input for the shooting preparation continues, the setting unit retains the setting of the direction of the special effect even when the detected orientation changes.
US09332189B2

A user attempting to obtain information about an object can capture image information including a view of that object, and the image information can be used with a matching or identification process to provide information about that type of object to the user. In order to narrow the search space to a specific category, and thus improve the accuracy of the results and the speed at which results can be obtained, the user can be guided to capture image information with an appropriate orientation. An outline or other graphical guide can be displayed over image information captured by a computing device, in order to guide the user in capturing the object from an appropriate direction and with an appropriate scale for the type of matching and/or information used for the matching. Such an approach enables three-dimensional objects to be analyzed using conventional two-dimensional identification algorithms, among other such processes.
US09332184B2

The image-shake correction apparatus 1 of the invention comprises a base part 10 including a permanent magnet 20 and a moving part 30 having a coil 40 located in a position opposite to the permanent magnet 20, wherein the permanent magnet 20 and coil 40 form together a voice coil motor 70, and the permanent magnet 20 includes cutouts 101, 102 and 103.
US09332181B1

An f-theta lens system for a camera that provides a wide field-of-view, relatively low distortion, and a compact footprint. The lens system comprises four molded plastic elements with seven aspheric surfaces. Within a total thickness of 2.5 millimeters, the system is able to provide an image that is 1.2 millimeters across with a horizontal field of view of 127 degrees. The images produced by the system are well-suited for use with conventional face tracking algorithms designed to process rectilinear images produced by cameras with a narrower field of view.
US09332179B2

Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for flash collision detection, compensation, and prevention. For example, the flash of another camera or other sudden increases in ambient lighting of an image scene can introduce unwanted quality degradations into captured images, for example over-exposure of part or all of the captured image. Flash collision can be detected through a row sum calculation and comparison process in some examples. In some examples, flash collision can be compensated for by analysis of row sum data from a number of preview frames. In other examples, flash collision can be mitigated or prevented through use of a flash traffic control protocol.
US09332178B2

Disclosed is a method of image acquiring and an electronic device. The method comprises: obtaining first image purpose information, wherein the first image purpose information corresponds to a first application; determining a first algorithm corresponding to the first image purpose information from at least two algorithms which are different from each other, based on the first image purpose information; and acquiring a first image data for the use of the first application based on the first algorithm.
US09332168B2

A photographing device includes a main body, a first video capturing unit, a second video capturing unit and a rotatable electrical connection portion. The first video capturing unit is disposed on the main body, a center of a first video capturing range of the first video capturing unit is located on a first axis. The second video capturing unit is rotatable about the first axis to be pivoted on the main body, the second video capturing unit and the first axis are separated by a distance. A second video capturing range of the second video capturing unit overlaps the first axis. The rotatable electrical connection portion includes a first and a second connection component pivoted and connected to each other. The second video capturing unit is disposed on and connected to the first connection component. The second connection component is disposed on and connected to the main body.
US09332165B1

A camera assembly may include a printed circuit board (PCB), an image sensor carried by the PCB, and a lens assembly carried by the PCB and having an external, enlarged diameter, threaded upper end, and an external, unthreaded lower end. The camera assembly may further include a camera body having a lens assembly opening aligned between the image sensor and the lens assembly. The lens assembly opening may have an internal, enlarged diameter, threaded upper end, and an internal unthreaded lower end. The external unthreaded lower end of the lens assembly may sealingly engage the internal, unthreaded lower end of the camera body prior to the external, enlarged diameter, threaded upper end of the lens assembly threadingly engaging the internal, enlarged diameter, threaded upper end of the camera body.
US09332164B2

An image sensor package includes an image sensor, a window, and a molding, where the molding includes a lens holder extension portion extending upwards from the window. The lens holder extension portion includes a female threaded aperture extending from the window such that the window is exposed through the aperture. A lens is supported in a threaded lens support. The threaded lens support is threaded into the aperture of the lens holder extension portion. The lens is readily adjusted relative to the image sensor by rotating the lens support.
US09332159B2

An image reading apparatus including: two image reading devices which are different from each other, read out a same surface of a same sheet after image formation on a sheet conveyance path and read out a plurality of common color patches formed in the same surface of the same sheet, one of the image reading devices being a first image reading device which reads out only a partial region in a main scanning direction and the other of the image reading devices being a second image reading device which reads out over an image formation width in the main scanning direction; and a calculation section which estimates a value equivalent to reading information of the first image reading device from reading information of the second image reading device on the basis of reading information obtained by reading out the common color patches.
US09332153B2

In an image reading device, a reading control portion reads image data for one line in a main scanning direction from a first reference member having a reference color. A storage portion stores initial reference data for one line generated based on image data for a plurality of lines read from a second reference member by using an image reading portion while a surface of the second reference member having the reference color is moving in a sub scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. A reference data generation portion generates reference data based on the image data read by the reading control portion and a high-frequency component of the initial reference data stored in the storage portion. A shading correction portion performs shading correction for image data read from a document by the image reading portion, based on the reference data generated by the reference data generation portion.
US09332143B2

An image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit that is reciprocally movable in a predetermined direction; a guide member that supports the image reading unit and guides the image reading unit in the predetermined direction; a first cable that is fixed to the image reading unit at one end of the first cable and is deformable in accordance with a movement of the image reading unit; and a second cable that is fixed to the image reading unit at one end of the second cable and is deformable in accordance with the movement of the image reading unit, wherein the first cable and the second cable are provided such that a rotation moment of the image reading unit generated by a reaction force of the first cable and a rotation moment of the image reading unit generated by a reaction force of the second cable cancel each other out.
US09332139B2

An information processing apparatus for causing an image forming apparatus to perform printing, the image forming apparatus being able to perform calibration in order to correct an output color to a target color indicated by target information, includes a storing unit configured to, when printing processing is executed for a print job by the image forming apparatus, store the target information in association with the print job.
US09332135B1

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for managing a shared quota for a plurality of network subscribers in a consumer telecommunications network. In use, an Sy interface session is established for a subscriber of a consumer telecommunications network, the Sy interface session being between a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) node and an Online Charging System (OCS) node of the consumer telecommunications network. Further, it is determined whether the subscriber is associated with any multi-subscriber shared usage counters on the consumer telecommunications network. Responsive to determining that the subscriber is associated with at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter on the consumer telecommunications network, a reference to the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter is provided to the PCRF node by the OCS node. Additionally, the OCS node monitors the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter. Responsive to determining that a status of the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter has changed, a single Spending Status Notification Request (SNR) message is sent to the PCRF node, the single SNR message notifying the PCRF node that the status of the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter has changed. Responsive to the PCRF node receiving the single SNR message notifying the PCRF node that the status of the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter has changed, the PCRF node determines which open sessions on the consumer telecommunications network are associated with the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter. Furthermore, one or more policy changes to the open sessions are executed in accordance with the change to the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter.
US09332134B2

The technology described herein provides wireless charging for battery-operated electronic devices (14) including both mobile and fixed battery-operated devices. A wireless charging system, based on any suitable wireless charging technology(ies), allows easy access/discovery, registration, authorization, monitoring, and/or compensation for charging services. The technology uses donor mobile radio nodes (12) that register as potential charging stations for requesting radio nodes (14). The donor and requesting nodes negotiate the charging event, and in a preferred example embodiment, payment by the requester for the charging service to donor is arranged.
US09332130B2

The present invention provides a highly flexible system that can receive SMDR messages in many different formats and process these messages to produce useful reports and control information. The system can collect data via a LAN/WAN connection from PBX systems with internal data storage, PBX systems without internal data storage and legacy PBX systems that are connected to a buffer for storage of SMDR records.
US09332127B1

A portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device comprises a processor, a memory, a display, and a first application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, receives indications of a plurality of events. The application also stores event information associated with the events in the memory, and when a user interface of a second application that is presented on the display is navigated away from, presents an announcement about one of the stored event information on the display.
US09332125B2

This provides for controlling mobile device functions and features. For example, it limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user, when the user is engaged in another activity. In an example, it enables other mobile device features based on occurrence of events related to the user or environment. Another example addresses controlling the mobile device features, such as SMS, while the user is in a vehicle or driving. Another example restricts the ability of the driver of a vehicle to text, while the vehicle is in motion, by automatically disabling the texting ability of mobile device within and around the perimeter of the driver's seat. Other variations, examples, improvements, detection mechanisms, models, techniques, calculations, verification mechanisms, and features are also described in details.
US09332121B2

A method and system of establishing calling preferences for a user are provided. The method includes: defining a user profile containing an association between the user and two or more communication devices, each device having an associated device type; assigning the user to at least one group; obtaining group preferences associated with one or more of the user's groups; determining user preferences for the user based on the group preferences and the device types of the communication devices associated with the user; and storing the user specific preferences in a user profile associated with the user.
US09332116B1

Embodiments of the invention include a set of rules established by a third-party to control the execution of various functions offered by a device. The set of rules can block a function outright, or can specify particular combinations of days and times when the function can be executed and when it is blocked. Then, when the user of the device requests an instance of the function to be executed, the set of rules can be accessed to determine whether the requested function instance is permitted, after which the device can either block or execute the requested function instance.
US09332101B1

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for storing image data in a mobile device. In some embodiments, the method includes generating an image on the mobile device, identifying automatically at least one person in the image, creating a cropped image of the at least one person and storing the cropped image to memory upon request of a user of the mobile device.
US09332099B2

An electronic device may include a smoke detector. The electronic device may use the smoke detector to monitor for the presence of smoke. In response to detecting smoke with the smoke detector, the electronic device may issue an alert or take other suitable action. The electronic device may transmit alerts to nearby electronic devices and to remote electronic devices such as electronic devices at emergency services facilities. Alerts may contain maps and graphical representations of buildings in which smoke has been detected. Motion detectors and other sensors and circuitry may be used in determining whether electronic devices are being used by users and may be used in determining where the electronic devices are located. Alerts may contain information on the location of detected smoke and building occupants.
US09332093B2

A method and a device for connecting electronic devices are provided. The method includes: sending a first communication connection request to a second electronic device and establishing a first path based on a first protocol by a first electronic device; receiving a response message, determining whether the content of the response message satisfies a first preset condition; if the content of the response message satisfies the first preset condition, sending a second communication connection request to the second electronic device through the first path and establishing a second path based on a second protocol; where the first protocol is different from the second protocol and the first path correlates with the second path. With this method, different data is transmitted between two electronic devices through the first path and the second path simultaneously and data interaction and sharing are achieved in a simple way.
US09332092B2

A method for processing a Data Record Packet includes: a General Packet Radio Service Supported Node (GSN) sends a Data Record Packet to a Charging Gateway Function (CGF), wherein the Data Record Packet is a normal packet or a possibly duplicated packet, and the message header of a message for sending Data Record Packet includes a sequence number and the message body includes packaging time; and the CGF sends a response message of receiving the Data Record Packet to the GSN, wherein the Packet Transfer Response Command information element in the response message is used to indicate whether the response message is for the normal packet or the possibly duplicated packet. Therefore, the problem that possibly duplicated packets occupy sequence number resources is solved without limiting the network transmission speed.
US09332089B2

Described are sequence numbers for client-server communication, to control a client's use of server resources. A server grants the client credits, and the client consumes a credit for sending each command to the server. Each credit corresponds to a sequence number, with the set of sequence numbers forming a valid command window. The server enforces that for each received command, the command includes a sequence number that is within the valid command window and that the sequence number has not been used with another command. The server may also maintain a maximum window size, such that clients with credits cannot send a command with a sequence number that beyond a maximum sequence number. When incorporated into a data communication protocol, quality of service, combating denial of service, detection of message loss, division of server resources, secure message signing, and other numerous benefits result.
US09332088B2

A process transmission system comprises a process transmission server and a client device configured to communicate with the process transmission server. The process transmission server receives program request information from the client device, packs a process of a program to generate a process package comprising a central processing unit (CPU) register value associated with the program, and transmits the process package to the client device. The client device transmits program request information to the process transmission server, receives a process package corresponding to the program request information from the process transmission server, and executes a process by performing data processing on the received process package. The data processing comprises storing the process in a main memory device of the client device based on the process package and transmitting the CPU register value to a CPU of the client device.
US09332087B2

Buffering an interactive digital content item includes downloading the interactive digital content item, and beginning execution of the interactive digital content item with a buffer after enough of the interactive digital content item is downloaded to fill the buffer and before the interactive digital content item is completely downloaded. The size of the buffer is dynamically set as a function of one or more experience parameters.
US09332084B2

Some embodiments provide systems and methods for sandboxing content optimization to occur entirely within a network edge or PoP of a CDN. Some embodiments pass a first request for a first URL to a first back-end at the network edge that is configured to cache an optimized instance of the particular object. When the optimized instance of the particular object is not cached at the first back-end, a second request is issued for a second URL identifying a non-optimized instance of the particular object. The second request resolves internally within the network edge to a second back-end that is configured to cache the non-optimized object. The non-optimized object from the second back-end is optimized and passed to the first back-end. The first back-end caches the optimized instance of the non-optimized object and serves the optimized instance to a requesting end user.
US09332068B2

A method of converting client-server software agents to peer-to-peer software agents coupling a client to an adaptor software module is provided. The method includes directly coupling a client in software to an adaptor software module, wherein said adaptor software services underlying traffic from an unmodified agent and relays it on behalf of said unmodified agent, wherein all traffic generated by said unmodified agent is relayed directly to said adaptor software module.
US09332053B2

According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for load balancing SCTP messages. The method includes receiving an SCTP message containing an address, a port identifier, and a verification tag. The method includes determining, using the verification tag, an associated application server from a plurality of application servers. The method includes sending the SCTP message to the application server for processing.
US09332052B2

A method of controlling an execution of a software application. The method includes, within a control device designed for driving at least one multimedia contents restitution device: a step of obtaining, from an execution device configured to trigger an execution of the software application, first connection data to be used by a restitution device to establish a first communication link across a network with the execution device and receiving, during the execution, via the first communication link a multimedia stream resulting from the execution; a step of transmitting to the restitution device parameters for restitution of a multimedia content comprising the first connection data; and a step of dispatching to the restitution device a command for restitution of the multimedia content, intended for triggering a restitution by the restitution device of the multimedia stream.
US09332041B2

A method is provided for identifying a device during an emergency for callback. The method includes storing an address of a user agent (UA) during initiation of an emergency call by the UA, associating an E.164 number with the stored address of the UA that placed the emergency call, and routing the emergency call containing the E.164 number.
US09332036B2

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing user receptivity driven policy in a communications network are disclosed. The method includes storing subscriber preference information indicating a willingness of a subscriber to receive a first type of content as well as policy and charging enhancement information associated with the subscriber preference information. Content is received from a content provider. Based on the subscriber preference information, it is determined whether the subscriber is willing to receive the content. In response to determining that the subscriber is willing to receive the content, the content is communicated to the subscriber and a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) is communicated with for temporarily enhancing a network or charging policy of the subscriber based on the policy charging enhancement information.
US09332035B2

Methods and apparatus to measure exposure to streaming media are disclosed. An example method includes detecting an ID3 tag associated with streaming media presented at a client device. A first request is sent from the client device to a first internet domain, the first request identifying the streaming media. A redirection message is received from the first internet domain. In response to the redirection message, a second request is sent to a second internet domain specified by the redirection message. A cookie is provided identifying the client device to the second internet domain.
US09332025B1

A computer-implemented method for detecting suspicious files may include (1) detecting a file within incoming file traffic directed to a file recipient, (2) identifying a type of the file within the incoming file traffic directed to the file recipient, (3) determining a frequency with which the type of the file appears within the incoming file traffic directed to the file recipient, and (4) performing a security action on the file in response to the frequency of the type of the file within the incoming file traffic falling below a predetermined threshold. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09332018B2

A method and system for accessing a resource associated with a resource control entity that includes receiving, by a ledger, a request, corresponding to a user, to access the resource; obtaining, in response to the request, user metadata; sending to the user a ledger authentication token, which a credential application uses to verify that the ledger is a valid ledger; receiving, from the credential application, a public key encrypted payload including signature entries; decrypting, by the ledger, the encrypted payload using a payload secret key to obtain the signature entries and other user data; obtaining results of a verification by successively verifying each of the signature entries until a scoring threshold associated with the resource is met, and transmitting, to the resource control entity, a notification including the results of the verification, which the resource control entity uses to determine whether to grant the user access to the resource.
US09332015B1

An example method is provided and may include receiving a DIAMETER-based error over an SWm interface by a first evolved packet data gateway (ePDG) for a user equipment (UE) attempting to connect to the first ePDG; determining an Internet Key Exchange version two (IKEv2) error type corresponding to the DIAMETER-based error; and communicating the IKEv2 error type to the UE over an SWu interface. In some cases, the IKEv2 error type can be included in a notify payload or in a vendor ID payload for an IKE authentication response (IKE_AUTH_RESP) message. By distinguishing the IKEv2 error type, the UE can determine whether the error is a temporary or a permanent type and can determine whether to attempt to connect again to the first ePDG after a period of time or attempt to connect to another ePDG, which can help to reduce unnecessary signaling and provide better connectivity and user experience.
US09332014B2

A system for receiving satellite radio signals and/or internet content and extracting a plurality of channels from the satellite radio signals and/or internet content is disclosed. The content of the channels is converted to IP packets and streamed across an Ethernet network. In one embodiment, each of the channels is associated with an IP address or port. Users receive the content of the channels by selecting the IP address or port associated with the desired content. An administrator may control the channels that are available to the users. In one embodiment, the users each have a subscription to access the content, and the subscription may control the channels that the user access.
US09332004B2

A network- and/or client-side digital content acquisition system facilitates automatic and simplified transactions, between a user of a consumer electronic device (“CED”) and a digital content source, for authorizing access to digital content items (“DCIs”). Computer-readable visual symbols are associated with DCIs. A particular computer-readable visual symbol has a visual symbology, presented on a surface, which encodes information regarding DCIs, sources responsible for authorizing access to the DCIs, and consideration (if any) due from a user. A user of a particular CED identifies, and uses the CED to reproduce and decode, a particular computer-readable visual symbol. Upon reproduction and/or decoding, the CED automatically requests access to the DCI, and provides a security token that links the user and the CED, and automatically authorizes transfer of consideration (if any) due from the user. Upon authentication of the security token, the user automatically receives access to the DCI.
US09332001B2

Techniques are described for providing customizable sign-on functionality, such as via an access manager system that provides single sign-on functionality and other functionality to other services for use with those services' users. The access manager system may maintain various sign-on and other account information for various users, and provide single sign-on functionality for those users using that maintained information on behalf of multiple unrelated services with which those users interact. The access manager may allow a variety of types of customizations to single sign-on functionality and/or other functionality available from the access manager, such as on a per-service basis via configuration by an operator of the service, such as co-branding customizations, customizations of information to be gathered from users, customizations of authority that may be delegated to other services to act on behalf of users, etc., and with the customizations that are available being determined specifically for that service.
US09331998B2

The disclosure presents systems, methods and computer program products relating to an overlay network in a cloud environment. A management machine may manage an overlay network. Machine(s), which may be provided by cloud provider(s), may be added to or removed from the overlay network. Data relating to a machine may be gathered and configuration data may be determined, for example when the machine is being added to the overlay network. A device associated with a user authorized for the overlay network may connect to the overlay network. The overlay network may include one or more secure tunnels wherein a private IP address or public IP address may encapsulate an overlay IP address.
US09331995B2

Secure configuration of a mobile application (“app”) includes sending the required configuration data for the app to the user's mobile computing device in a communication, for example an email with an attachment. A verification value is included in the attachment to protect the authenticity and integrity of the configuration data. A challenge code is issued to the user (or group of users). The challenge code is used to verify the configuration data.
US09331993B2

A communication device comprising a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory device is disclosed. The CPU is configured to send a first attach request including a first subscription identity (FSI) to the network apparatus, receive an authentication request including a random number and an authentication token from the network apparatus as a response to the first attach request. Further, the CPU is configured to authenticate the authentication token using the random number and a first key associated with the FSI, obtain a second key and a second subscription identity (SSI) in response to authentication of the authentication token failing, where SSI is obtained from the authentication request. The CPU is further configured to send an authentication failure to the network apparatus. The second key and SSI are stored in the memory device such that the second key is associated with SSI.
US09331978B2

A method for tracking a user's movements between network addresses can include, subsequent to a request for a (current) network address from a user, receiving the network address and an identifier for a region associated with the network address. The method can also include locating a record that contains the identifier for the region and a time that immediately precedes the request for the network address from the user. The record may further contain a prior network address. The method can further include generating an entry for a table that includes the identifier for the region, the current network address, and the prior network address. A server computer or a client computer can generate the entry. Improved accountability and improved user profile accuracy can be obtained with the method. A data processing system readable medium can comprise code that includes instructions for carrying out the method.
US09331972B2

An exemplary method is implemented by an electronic device for transmitting a data message to at least a first end-user communication device. Data that forms a user message for conveyance to a first end-user communication device and a first value are received under the control of an enhanced services application program. A digital packet is formed with a header segment and a user data segment. The user data segment is formed under the control of the enhanced services application program and contains a first command and the user message, the first command representing that the user message is to be automatically deleted by the recipient first end-user communication device. The first command includes the first value that represents how long until the user message will be automatically deleted by the first end-user communication device. The digital packet is transmitted to the first end-user communication device.
US09331969B2

Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for allowing a user to switch between interfacing with a service through a network or through short message service (SMS). A chat service is executed through which a first user at a first computer can communicate directly with a second user at a second computer. A request is received from the first computer to enable the first user to interface with the chat service through a mobile device of the first user using SMS instead of through the network using the first computer. The chat service is configured to interface with the mobile device through SMS, including communicating chat information through SMS to the first user's mobile device, and communicating control information through SMS to the first user's mobile device such that the first user can control a full functionality of the chat service using SMS.
US09331965B2

Systems and methods for automatically generating e-mail subject lines are provided. A method for automatic generation of subject lines for electronic mail (email), comprises extracting topics from an email message, computing a sender relevance score for each topic, computing a receiver relevance score for each topic, ranking the topics based on the sender and receiver relevance scores, extracting syntactic units from the email message, ranking the extracted syntactic units from the email message based on the topic ranking, and assigning one or more subject lines to the email message based on the ranking of the syntactic units.
US09331958B2

A cluster compute server includes nodes coupled in a network topology via a fabric that source routes packets based on location identifiers assigned to the nodes, the location identifiers representing the locations in the network topology. Host interfaces at the nodes may be associated with link layer addresses that do not reflect the location identifier associated with the nodes. The nodes therefore implement locally cached link layer address translations that map link layer addresses to corresponding location identifiers in the network topology. In response to originating a packet directed to one of these host interfaces, the node accesses the local translation cache to obtain a link layer address translation for a destination link layer address of the packet. When a node experiences a cache miss, the node queries a management node to obtain the specified link layer address translation from a master translation table maintained by the management node.
US09331956B2

The disclosure discloses a processing method for a stateful Path Computation Element (PCE) and a stateful PCE. The method includes: the stateful PCE completes path computation of the stateful PCE, and reserves or locks resources needed by a computed path; the stateful PCE receives a first notification message, wherein the first notification message is used for notifying the stateful PCE of a path which is unsuccessfully established during a Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP) signalling procedure or a path which is successfully deleted during an RSVP signalling procedure; and the stateful PCE releases resources needed by the path notified by the first notification message. The disclosure improves the real-time property and accuracy of the resource information which the stateful PCE is aware of, and the accuracy of the path computation of the PCE, so as to avoid resource conflict.
US09331952B2

Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for modifying an assignment of nodes to roles in a computing environment. There are a plurality of resource thresholds for each of a plurality of roles, wherein each role defines a type of operations and node resource usage for the nodes, and a measurement of node resource usage for the nodes. For at least one of the node, operations are performed comprising: determining at least one of the roles assigned to the node; determining a role resource threshold for each role assigned to the node; determining whether the measured node resource usage at the node exceeds the determined role resource thresholds for each role assigned to the node, wherein the role having the determined resource threshold exceeded by the node resource usage comprises a role to adjust; and determining a modification of the assignment of nodes to the role to adjust.
US09331942B2

A network switch includes a memory configurable to store alternate table representations of an individual trie in a hierarchy of tries. A prefix table processor accesses in parallel, using an input network address, the alternate table representations of the individual trie and searches for a longest prefix match in each alternate table representation to obtain local prefix matches. The longest prefix match from the local prefix matches is selected. The longest prefix match has an associated next hop index base address and offset value. A next hop index processor accesses a next hop index table in the memory utilizing the next hop index base address and offset value to obtain a next hop table pointer. A next hop processor accesses a next hop table in the memory using the next hop table pointer to obtain a destination network address.
US09331934B2

A packet distribution system includes: a first transfer device that is placed on a boundary of a core network and near first and second terminal devices; a second transfer device that is placed on the boundary of the core network and near a content distribution device; and a control device that, when a first content packet is distributed to the first terminal device, a distribution request packet is transmitted from the second terminal device, and a second content packet newly distributed from a content distribution device to the second terminal device is detected by the second transfer device, causes the second transfer device to abandon the second content packet based on control information included in the second content packet, and causes the first transfer device to copy the first content packet distributed to the first terminal device, to the second terminal device.
US09331933B2

A method of redirecting network traffic from a first, uncontrolled network to a second, controlled network by rewriting the Type of Service field in the header information of an Internet Protocol (IP) packet so as to include a service code indicating that the IP packet cannot access the uncontrolled network, thereby redirecting the network traffic to a second network element.
US09331924B2

A distribution route construction method includes: transmitting, in a data distribution system, at least one check packet to a plurality of terminals within a network from a check packet transmission terminal; checking a reply packet from the plurality of terminals; grouping the plurality of terminals into a first terminal group including a first terminal whose reply packet reaches the check packet transmission terminal and a second terminal group including a second terminal whose reply packet does not reach the check packet transmission terminal; changing a designation terminal for data communication to reduce communication data traffic between the first terminal group and the second terminal group; and reconstructing distribution routes based on the checking and the changing.
US09331909B2

The invention relates to a system, device and method for handling a configuration request. The system comprises a plurality of auto-configuration servers and an auto-configuration server management device communicatively coupled to the plurality of auto-configuration servers. The auto-configuration server management device is arranged for communication over the network with a manageable electronic device, and is arranged for receiving the configuration request from the manageable electronic device. One or more auto-configuration servers that can handle the configuration request are identified based on the identification of the manageable electronic device. The load of the one or more identified auto-configuration servers is analyzed, and based on the load analysis, an auto-configuration server is selected as destination address for the configuration request. The invention improves the configuration of customer premises devices.
US09331905B1

Examples disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and software to establish service configurations via Ethernet Local Management Interface. In one example, a method of operating a communication system to configure Ethernet elements includes, in a request Ethernet element, determining identification data based on a media access control (MAC) address and a virtual local area network (VLAN) for the requesting Ethernet element. The method further provides, in the requesting Ethernet element, transferring, via Ethernet Local Management Interface (E-LMI), the identification data to a receiving Ethernet element. The method also includes, in the receiving Ethernet element, receiving the identification information, transferring a service configuration request based on the identification information to a configuration management system, and receiving a service configuration from the configuration management system.
US09331899B2

Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a baseboard management controller (BMC) managing a computer system including N computer nodes. The BMC has: (a) a processor, (b) a physical network interface controller, (c) a first communication interface controller, (d) a memory having firmware stored. The firmware can: (a) initiate N virtual BMC stacks each managing at least one health or performance related aspect of a respective one of the N computer nodes, and (b) initiate N virtual network interface controllers each communicating with the physical network interface controller. Each of the virtual BMC stacks has a network interface configured to communicate with a respective virtual network interface controller, and each of the N virtual BMC stacks is configured to communicate with a network connected to the physical network interface controller through a virtual network interface controller.
US09331898B2

The present invention provides an alarm method for a multi-mode base station. The method includes generating, by the multi-mode base station, alarm information in a first operation mode in a first multi-mode operation mode. The multi-mode base station determines that the alarm information is applicable to all operation modes in the first multi-mode operation mode. The multi-mode base station sends the alarm information as public alarm information of the first multi-mode operation mode to a network management system. The present invention further provides a multi-mode base station and a communication system. The present invention is capable of determining a scope of operation modes related to alarm information generated in the multi-mode base station, which is used to manage the alarm information.
US09331892B2

Systems, apparatuses and methods are disclosed for creating and managing sub-panels. Device data may be received in the system from each of a plurality of user devices, wherein the device data includes device usage data, device configuration data, demographic data and the like. Data collection rules are created or loaded into a central processing apparatus, where the device data is processed in the central processing apparatus to determine if device data related to one or more user devices complies to the data collection rules. Sub-panels may be defined in accordance with the processing, wherein the sub-panel may include one or more devices determined to be compliant with the data collection rules. Modification instructions may be generated in the central processing apparatus for the sub-panel, wherein the modification instructions are configured to be transmitted to at least some of the devices in the sub-panel, and wherein the modification instructions include data enabling each device in the sub panel to modify or enable at least one of (i) data collection operations and (ii) data reporting relating to future device data.
US09331890B1

Receiving a WebSocket frame is disclosed. The WebSocket frame is received. It is determined whether the WebSocket frame includes a control byte sequence in a payload data portion of the WebSocket frame. In the event the WebSocket frame includes in the payload data portion, the control byte sequence and other data, the WebSocket frame interpreted as including a control message. In the event the WebSocket frame does not include in the payload data portion, the control byte sequence, the WebSocket frame interpreted as not including the control message.
US09331888B1

In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a gateway located at a subscriber premises. The gateway is configured to bridge, at the subscriber premises, a voice communication between an Internet Protocol (“IP”) network and a voice communication service available at the subscriber premises. In certain embodiments, the gateway is configured to bridge the voice communication from the IP network to at least one of a Public-Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) service, a Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) service, and a video phone service at the subscriber premises. In certain embodiments, a registration server communicatively coupled to the gateway by the IP network is configured to maintain registration information associated with the gateway.
US09331883B1

A wireless access point (WAP) including: a station grouping module, a transmit selector, a spatial mapper, an output injector, and an input injector. The station grouping module selects a group of station nodes for concurrent MIMO communications. The transmit selector determines whether all station nodes in the group support a multi-user (MU) protocol. The spatial mapper precodes concurrent transmissions to the group using a precode matrix “Q” which spatially separates the concurrent MIMO transmissions to each station node in the group. The output injector injects preambles for synchronizing timing of the MIMO transmissions at the output of the spatial mapper, responsive to an affirmative determination by the transmit selector. The input injector injects preambles before precoding in the spatial mapper, responsive to a negative determination by the transmit selector; whereby transmission preambles are precoded when at least one station node in the group doesn't support the MU protocol.
US09331881B2

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for embedding a supplementary data channel in OFDM-based communication systems. One embodiment takes the form of a process that includes obtaining a primary data signal that includes a given symbol, where the given symbol includes primary payload data prepended with a given cyclic prefix. The process also includes obtaining supplementary payload data. The process also includes identifying an available portion of the given symbol. The process also includes generating a modified primary data signal at least in part by replacing the available portion of the given symbol with a subset of the supplementary payload data. The process also includes outputting the generated modified primary data signal for transmission via an air interface.
US09331865B2

Various aspects are directed to communications, as may be implemented in an automotive network. An input transistor has a gate coupled to an input port and to a voltage-limiting circuit, connected between the gate and a power rail. The voltage-limiting circuit presents a voltage to the gate corresponding to a voltage on the input port and less than the supply voltage level, and clamps a gate-source voltage of the transistor. In a power-saving mode, current is blocked on the current path when the input port is at the supply or ground voltage levels. When the input port transitions away from the threshold voltage, the apparatus transitions to a wake-up mode in which current is no longer blocked in the current path and in which a wake-up signal is provided based on the voltage at the input port and a bias voltage.
US09331860B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for virtual world integration with a collaborative computing application. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for virtual world and collaborative computing application integration can be provided. The method can include loading a virtual world, detecting a posting in a collaborative application, and creating an object with the posting in the virtual world. The method further can include detecting a creation of an object in the virtual world including content, and creating a posting in the collaborative application with the content from the object in the virtual world. In one aspect of the embodiment, creating an object with the posting in the virtual world can include determining a topic for the posting, identifying a place in the virtual world corresponding to the topic, and creating the object in the identified place.
US09331857B2

The present invention discloses an application charging method. The method includes receiving, by a CTF device, a charging rule of an application from a PCRF device, wherein the charging rule of the application carries an application identifier and charging rule parameters of the application, executing the charging rule of the application, and detecting, according to an application identifier, a flow of the application transmitted on one or more bearers, sending, by the CTF device according to charging rule parameters of the application, a charging session establishment request to a charging system and establishing a charging session of the application, collecting charging information about the detected flow of the application, and sending the collected charging information about the flow of the application to the charging system by using the charging session of the application.
US09331845B2

A system and method is disclosed for adjusting for timing variations between a data signal and an associated data read signal being transmitted from a first chip and received on a second chip.
US09331839B2

The receiver includes a first buffer configured to buffer a data to generate a first internal data, a first delay unit configured to retard the first internal clock signal by a first delay period to generate a first delayed internal clock signal, and a second buffer configured to buffer the first internal data to generate a first input data.
US09331836B2

The present disclosure relates to de-multiplexing at least one RF input signal feeding RF power amplifier circuitry to create multiple de-multiplexed RF output signals, which may be used to provide RF transmit signals in an RF communications system. Output transformer circuitry is coupled to outputs from the RF power amplifier circuitry to provide the de-multiplexed RF output signals, which may support multiple modes, multiple frequency bands, or both. The de-multiplexed RF output signals may be used in place of RF switching elements in certain embodiments. As a result, RF front-end switching circuitry in the RF communications system may be simplified, thereby reducing insertion losses, reducing costs, reducing size, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the output transformer circuitry may provide load line transformation, output transistor biasing, or both to the RF power amplifier circuitry.
US09331827B2

A method in a first radio node is described for adapting a receiver type in the first radio node. The first radio node includes a first and a second receiver types. The first radio node is included in a wireless communications network, which further includes a second radio node and at least one third radio node. The method includes determining a Cyclic Prefix, CP, length of at least one radio signal transmitted by the second radio node, and a CP length of at least one radio signal transmitted by the at least one third radio node. The first node then adapts, the receiver type to be one of the first type and the second types. This is done based on a relation between the CP length of the radio signal transmitted by the second radio node, and the CP length of the radio signal transmitted by the third radio node.
US09331821B2

The present invention discloses a data retransmission method, apparatus, and system, and relates to the field of communications. In a data retransmission method, a special codeword is determined according to a difference between a number of layers selected by a transmitter and the number of layers that need to be occupied for retransmitting a codeword. The number of layers that need to be occupied by the codeword to be retransmitted is smaller than the number of layers selected by the transmitter and no new data needs to be transmitted and wherein the number of transport blocks comprised in the special codeword is equal to the difference. The codeword that needs to be retransmitted and the special codeword are allocated to each transport layer through a layer mapping.
US09331820B2

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling an uplink (UL) scheduling and Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) timing supported in a TDD-FDD CA environment. The method includes receiving, on a first serving cell, at least one of a first UL grant and a first Physical HARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH) about a second serving cell through a cross-carrier scheduling, and receiving, on the second serving cell, at least one of a second UL grant and a second PHICH about the second serving cell through a self scheduling. According to aspects of the present invention, in a TDD-FDD carrier aggregation deployment environment, an efficient UL scheduling/HARQ operation may be performed for a UE in which a cross-carrier scheduling is configured. Further, in order to satisfy high data rate required by a UE, data transmission efficiency may be enhanced in accordance with the purpose of carrier aggregation.
US09331817B2

The present invention relates to a method for configuring a retransmission protocol on the uplink between a network node and a relay node in a mobile communication system, the configuration being performed at a network node or at a relay node, and to the corresponding relay node apparatus and network node apparatus capable of configuring the retransmission protocol. In particular, the number of transmission processes is determined based on the position of time intervals available for the transmission and may be selected in order to control the round trip time of the retransmission protocol. Once the number of transmission processes has been configured, the transmission processes are mapped on the available time intervals in a predefined order and repetitively.
US09331814B2

In one embodiment, a method for data communication may include receiving a first set of soft bit values in a Hybrid Automatic Repeat-Request (HARQ) buffer using a first bit width. The method may also include soft combining the first set of soft bit values with a second set of soft bit values to obtain a set of combined soft bit values. The method may also include transforming the set of combined soft bit values from the first bit width to a decoder input bit width to obtain a set of transformed soft bit values.
US09331804B2

A method and system are provided for improving maintenance of timing information when a node enters holdover due to a lost connection between a sub-network and a reference clock. Each node within the sub-network sends information concerning the drift of its local oscillator to a single node, and the single node uses this information to determine timing information for the entire sub-network. The single node may also use knowledge of the characteristics of the local oscillators. In this way, drift from the reference clock can be minimized without incurring significant added hardware costs.
US09331803B2

Disclosed is a synchronization system including a control apparatus and a plurality of terminals connected via a network. The control apparatus includes a transmitting unit that transmits first waiting time information to each of the terminals, where the first waiting time information is synchronization waiting time for a predetermined signal transmitted from the control apparatus to the terminals. Each of the terminals receives the first waiting time information from the control apparatus and receives second waiting time information from another of the terminals. The second waiting time information has been calculated by the other terminal based on the first waiting time information as received by the other terminal. Each terminal calculates a synchronization time for the predetermined signal based on both of the first waiting time information from the control apparatus and the second waiting time information from the other terminal.
US09331801B2

As viewed from the front of an operation panel, adjustment sections for individual input channels are positioned on the operation panel close to a human operator, and a display, a control section for setting an equalizer process, compressor process etc. for one selected channel and a signal delivery control section for setting signal delivery to mixing buses for the selected channel are positioned in a horizontal row remotely from the human operator. Operators in the delivery control section are varied in function in accordance with a selected operation mode. For example, in a mix send mode, a plurality of rotary operators are set to function as send level adjustment operators for the respective input channels so as to adjust send levels to a given mixing bus, while, in a mix master mode, the rotary operators are set to function as output gain adjustment operators for the respective mixing buses.
US09331798B2

A system and method for determining the location of a mobile device in a communications network having one or more proximity sensors. A request to locate the mobile device may be received and at least one of the proximity sensors tasked to receive a signal transmission from the mobile device. One or more signal characteristics of the signal transmission from the mobile device may be measured by each tasked proximity sensor, and a location of the mobile device determined as a function of the measured characteristics. This may be accomplished by associating a fixed location with each tasked proximity sensor, and then determining the location of the mobile device as a function of one of the associated fixed locations.
US09331794B1

A method of measuring signal impairments is disclosed for use in an asynchronous Digital Signal Processing (DSP) based data and timing recovery circuit including an interpolator circuit. The method includes: calculating amplitude values for data and timing recovery; calculating an interpolation index for the interpolator circuit; and overriding the interpolation index. In another implementation, a method of measuring signal impairments in an asynchronous DSP-based data and timing recovery circuit including an interpolator circuit includes: calculating amplitude values for data and timing recovery; calculating a timing control signal; and overriding the timing control signal.
US09331792B2

A receiver of the present invention includes a microphone, an unnecessary signal remover, and an FM detector. The microphone receives a transmission signal generated by frequency modulating a signal in a frequency band that is receivable by the microphone, on the basis of transmission data. The unnecessary signal remover removes unnecessary signal components by processing the received signal from the microphone. The FM detector restores transmission data by performing FM detection of the received signal from which unnecessary signal components were removed by the unnecessary signal remover.
US09331788B2

A communication device includes a signal correcting unit that performs signal correction on an electric signal indicating information to be transmitted to reduce signal deterioration occurring in transmission of the electric signal; a conversion unit that converts the electric signal subjected to the signal correction into a digital signal on which information indicating the signal correction performed by the signal correcting unit is superimposed; and a light-emitting element that emits light in accordance with the digital signal converted by the conversion unit.
US09331786B2

An OLT comprising an optical port configured to couple to an optical distribution network, a processor coupled to the optical port and configured to generate a DL-MAP based on non-broadcast downstream bandwidth allocations for a plurality of network units, wherein each of the downstream bandwidth allocations is not assigned to all of the network units, generate an EPON MPCP downstream gate message comprising the DL-MAP, and embed the DL-MAP in the EPON MPCP downstream gate message, and a transmitter coupled to the processor and the optical port, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the EPON MPCP downstream gate message to the network units via the PON.
US09331784B2

A dynamic tunable chromatic dispersion compensator with low latency is provided that includes a chirped fiber Bragg grating in a compensating optical fiber core. The chirped fiber Bragg grating includes wavelength gratings spaced at distances varying with respect to the length of the compensating optical fiber core to compensate for differential delay in a synchronous time protocol for a bidirectional computer data communication link. The dynamic tunable chromatic dispersion compensator also includes one or more controllable elements to modify the length of the compensating optical fiber core in response to one or more commands, and an optical junction to optically couple the chirped fiber Bragg grating to an optical fiber of the bidirectional computer data communication link.
US09331778B2

A portable terminal sends to a second server sound contents request information comprising a tag ID corresponding to light received from an illumination device, the light-receiving position on the light-receiving surface, and the area ratio of the light-receiving range to the light-receiving surface in order to acquire sound contents. The second server 700 combines individual sound contents corresponding to the tag ID in the sound contents request information, first basic sound contents corresponding to the light-receiving position, and second basic sound contents corresponding to the area ratio. Then, the second server creates sound contents for giving information about the object present at the location where the illumination device emitting the light corresponding to the tag ID is installed and the direction and distance of the object when seen from the portable terminal and sends the sound contents to the portable terminal.
US09331772B2

An RF shielded room (14) which houses a magnetic resonance scanner (12) also houses a patient monitor (20) which includes a plurality of sensors (18) which collect physiological data about a patient undergoing a magnetic resonance examination. The monitor includes a transmitter (46) which transmits the physiological data on at least two frequency channels of a broadband frequency spectrum. A communication unit (26) located outside the RF shielded room includes first and second receivers (54, 58) which receive the physiological data from the monitor on the first and second frequency channels, respectively. A processor (62) combines physiological data received by the first and second receivers to. A display (32) displays the combined physiological data. A switch (56) switches antenna connections of the receivers (54, 58) responsive to detection of multipath fade.
US09331768B2

Methods are disclosed for improving communications on feedback transmission channels, in which there is a possibility of bit errors. The basic solutions to counter those errors are: proper design of the CSI vector quantizer indexing (i.e., the bit representation of centroid indices) in order to minimize impact of index errors, use of error detection techniques to expurgate the erroneous indices and use of other methods to recover correct indices.
US09331747B2

Systems, devices and methods described herein provide or possess functionality that enables providing enhanced device configuration. In one implementation, one or more communication stations are provided. A wireless communication device in close proximity may be configured to communicate with the one or more communication stations. Once a communication session is established between the wireless communication device and the one or more communication stations, configuration particulars, such as configuration data, may be provided to the wireless communication device via the one or more communication stations.
US09331732B2

A protective structure and an electronic device using the same are disclosed. The electronic device includes a first housing member, a second housing member, a blocking unit, and an operating module. The second housing member faces the first housing member, wherein a slit is located at the periphery of an enclosure disposed between the first and second housing members. The blocking unit, having a shape compatible with the shape of the slit, is disposed therein and includes a sealing member and a first foamable material. The sealing member is compressed by the first and second housing members, and the first foamable material is formed in the slit along an extending direction of the sealing member.
US09331731B2

A wireless charge wristband-type mobile communication device includes a base. The base has an engaging trough. A power supply coil and a first charge coil are embedded in the base. The base is provided with two wristbands. Each wristband is provided with at least one first battery therein. The coil of the base is electrically connected with the first battery. The engaging trough is provided with a display. A second charge coil and a second battery electrically connected with the second charge coil are embedded in the display. The display is coupled by the engaging trough. The electrical energy can be transmitted in the way of electromagnetic induction to the display anytime and anywhere. During electrical energy transmission, the user can take the display along at will. Besides, through a wireless power supply device, the display can be charged wirelessly to enhance the convenience of the display.
US09331716B2

The present inventions are related to systems and methods for data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for data encoding.
US09331705B2

A timing adjustment circuit includes a detection unit to generate a detection signal in response to a first clock having a duty cycle of 50% and a first frequency, a second clock having a duty cycle of 50% and a second frequency that is half the first frequency, and a third clock having a duty cycle of 50%, the second frequency, and a phase displacement of 90 degrees relative to the second clock, the detection signal indicating timing relationship between the first clock and the second and third clocks, a low-pass filter to receive the detection signal, and a variable-delay circuit to adjust relative timing relationship between the first clock and the second clock in response to an output of the low-pass filter such that a center point of a pulse of the first clock is aligned with a center point of a pulse of the second clock.
US09331703B1

Techniques and mechanisms implement a sample rate converter for resampling data, such as audio data. The resampling may be based on a resampling clock. As the frequency of the resampling clock varies (e.g., due to jitter, rate adjustment, etc.), a control loop feedback mechanism can detect the variations and gradually correct the sampling rate of the resampled data.
US09331699B2

Level shifters, memory systems, and level shifting methods are described. According to one arrangement, a level shifter includes an input configured to receive an input signal in a first voltage domain, an output configured to output an output signal from the level shifter in a second voltage domain different than the first voltage domain, a plurality of pull-down devices, and wherein one of the pull-down devices is coupled with the input and the output, a plurality of cross-coupled devices coupled with the pull-down devices and configured to provide transitions in the output signal as a result of transitions in the input signal, a plurality of current limiting devices coupled with the cross-coupled devices and configured to limit a flow of current from a source to the cross-coupled devices, and a plurality of dynamic devices configured to selectively provide charging current from the source to the cross-coupled devices.
US09331696B2

A signal sensing circuit is provided. The signal sensing circuit comprises a first current-to-voltage circuit, a second current-to-voltage circuit and an impedance shifting circuit. The first current-to-voltage circuit converts a first input current into a first voltage that is directly proportional to a first impedance. The second current-to-voltage circuit converts a second input current into a second voltage that is directly proportional to a second impedance. The impedance shifting circuit generates a third voltage according to the first voltage, wherein the first impedance/the second impedance=K(first voltage/third voltage), where K is a real number.
US09331693B2

A touch display device including a substrate, a display medium layer disposed above the substrate, first side electrodes and a sensing electrode disposed above the substrate is provided. The display medium layer includes charged particles and micro-structures connected to each other. Each of the micro-structures holds a portion of the charged particles, and has a first side wall which is not parallel to the substrate. Each of the first side electrodes is disposed above the first side wall of each of the micro-structures. The micro-structures are disposed between the substrate and the first side electrodes. A touch sensing unit is composed by the sensing electrode and the first side electrodes.
US09331688B2

A modular electronic detection device comprises a mechanical actuator connected to a target through a front surface of a panel. The device further comprises a plurality of sensors for detecting the position of the target, which are connected to a printed circuit board. The modular detection device of the present invention can be incorporated into an aircraft and can be used in aircraft assembly.
US09331686B2

A circuit is provided having a core circuit for sinking a first current from a first internal power supply node, a power bouncing reduction circuit for receiving power from a second internal power supply node and sourcing a second current to the first internal power supply node in accordance with a change of voltage at the first internal power supply node, and a package for coupling the first internal power supply node and the second internal power supply node to a first external power supply node and a second external power supply node, respectively. A corresponding method is also provided.
US09331685B2

A comparator system includes: a clock node configured to supply a clock signal; a comparator configured to compare a signal of a first input node with a signal of a second input node in synchronization with the clock signal; and a first variable capacitance coupled between the first input node and the clock node.
US09331672B2

A generator circuit is coupled to apply a control signal the gate terminal of a power transistor driving an output node. A reference voltage is generated having a first voltage value as the reference for the control signal and having a second, higher, voltage value for use in stress testing. A clamping circuit is provided between the reference voltage and the power transistor gate to function in two modes. In one mode, the clamping circuit applies a first clamp voltage to clamp the voltage at the gate of the power transistor when the generator circuit is applying the control signal. In another mode, the clamping circuit applies a second, higher, clamp voltage to clamp the gate of the power transistor during gate stress testing.
US09331669B2

Filter devices and duplexer devices are disclosed. A filter device includes two or more surface acoustic wave resonators, including at least a first shunt resonator, formed on a surface of a substrate. A ground conductor formed on the surface of the substrate connects the first shunt resonator to a ground pad. At least a portion of an edge of the ground conductor is shaped as a plurality of serrations.
US09331661B2

An integrated circuit (IC) electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection incorporating inductor-capacitor (LC) resonance tanks is disclosed. The filter comprises at least one circuit composed of a diode and an inductor connected in series, wherein the diode induces a parasitic capacitance and the circuit is grounded. When a number of the circuit is two, a passive element is coupled between the two inductors and cooperates with them to induce two parasitic capacitances connected with the circuits. When a number of the circuit is one, two diodes respectively connect with the inductor through two passive elements. Each diode can induce a parasitic capacitance. The two passive elements and the inductor can induce a parasitic capacitance connected with the circuit.
US09331648B2

An amplifier circuit for improved slew rate consists of three main sections, which are the common mode rejection stage, primary gain stage and the output stage. The main circuit is a modified version of the fully differential operational amplifier circuit. The modifications done to this said circuit, enhances impedance which results in improved slew rate. In addition to the modifications in the primary gain stage, there's a cascade configuration to prevent systematic offset. The common mode rejection stage is primarily used due to the narrow common mode input range resulting from the cascade configuration. Additionally, another primary gain stage is included in the design prior to the output, since the output from the primary gain stage is narrow. This structure results in producing an improved slew rate.
US09331647B2

An amplifier is provided having a first mixed-length MOS device set for receiving an input signal and outputting an output signal, and a first load for providing termination for the output signal, wherein the first mixed-length MOS device set comprises a parallel connection of a plurality of MOS devices having different channel lengths including at least a short channel length MOS device and a long channel length MOS device. In one configuration, a threshold voltage of the short channel length MOS device is greater than a threshold voltage of the long channel length MOS device. A related method is also provided.
US09331638B2

Disclosed is a Doherty power amplifier apparatus, including: a drive amplifier circuit, a power splitter circuit and a power combiner circuit, wherein the power splittercircuit is connected to the drive amplifier circuit, the apparatus further comprising: a carrier amplifier circuit and a peak amplifier circuit connected in parallel between the power splitter circuit and the power combiner circuit, wherein the carrier amplifier circuit comprises one or more parallel carrier amplification branches, wherein each carrier amplification branch comprises a multi-stage carrier amplifier apparatus, the multi-stage carrier amplifier apparatus is used for achieving multi-stage carrier amplification; and the peak amplifier circuit comprises one or more parallel peak amplification branches, wherein each peak amplification branch comprises a multi-stage peak amplifier apparatus, the multi-stage peak amplifier apparatus is used for achieving multi-stage peak amplification.
US09331636B2

The invention relates to a method of calibrating an envelope path and an input path of an amplification stage including an envelope tracking power supply, the method comprising: generating input signals having a known relationship for each of the input and envelope paths; and varying an amplitude and a delay of the signal in one of the envelope and input paths in order to reduce the variation in the power detected in a signal at the output of the amplification stage.
US09331634B2

Apparatus and methods concern down-converting a radio frequency (RF) signal. As an example, one apparatus includes a first mixer and a second mixer. The first mixer down-converts an RF signal to produce a first intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The second mixer down-converts the first IF signal to produce a second IF signal having a plurality of phase components. The down-converter also includes a plurality of summing circuits. Each of the summing circuits is configured to combine various ones of the phase components of the second IF signal to produce a respective phase component of a third IF signal. The number of phase components in the third IF signal is different from the number of phase components in the second IF signal.
US09331631B2

Thin film photovoltaic devices that include at least one lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate are provided. The photovoltaic device can include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of photovoltaic cells on the transparent substrate; a first conductive ribbon electrically connected to a first photovoltaic cell; an encapsulation substrate laminated to the transparent substrate such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells and the conductive ribbon are positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation substrate; and, a first lead bar extending through a first connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate. The first lead bar is electrically connected to the first conductive ribbon. For example, a meltable conductive material can be connected to the first lead bar and to the first conductive ribbon to establish an electrical connection therebetween. Methods are also provided for electrically connecting a lead to a thin film photovoltaic device.
US09331629B2

A photovoltaic frame fastener is provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic frame attachment apparatus includes a strut or rail defining a generally U-shaped channel and a snap-in clip or fastener. In another aspect, a single-piece fastener includes a strut-engaging surface, at least one flexible wing matable with an opening in a strut, a flexible tongue internally projecting in a central manner from a top wall of a body, and a slot adapted to receive a portion of a photovoltaic panel frame. Yet another aspect of a photovoltaic frame fastener includes laterally projecting tabs abutting against a top of a strut.
US09331623B2

The present invention provides a brushless motor in which the voltage utilization ratio can be increased and the torque and output of the motor can thereby be increased, and also provides a drive method for a brushless motor. The brushless motor includes an armature constituted by an armature core having armature windings of a plurality of phases, and a field pole constituted by a field pole core having a plurality of permanent magnets. A voltage, in which at least a 5th order harmonic component is superimposed on a 1st order fundamental wave of a voltage under predetermined phase difference condition and amplitude condition in order to increase a 1st order fundamental wave peak of the applied voltage over an applied voltage peak, is applied to the armature windings.
US09331618B2

A magnetic pole position detector includes, a voltage command unit that generates high-frequency voltage command in a dq coordinate system, a three-phase transformation unit that transforms the high-frequency voltage command in the dq coordinate system to high-frequency voltage command in a three-phase coordinate system by using an estimated magnetic pole position, a current detection unit that detects three-phase current fed from a power converter for generating drive power, a dq transformation unit that transforms the detected three-phase current to current in the dq coordinate system by using the estimated magnetic pole position, an estimated magnetic pole position calculation unit that calculates a new estimated magnetic pole position to be used in three-phase dq transformations, and a magnetic pole position confirmation unit that confirms that, when converging on a certain position, the estimated magnetic pole position is the magnetic pole position at the time when the synchronous motor is started.
US09331605B2

In the present invention, a half-value width of a rocking curve, an average roughness of a surface, and an average grain diameter are all specified at one time with respect to a Pt layer that constitutes a lower electrode for a piezoelectric element, thereby stably film-forming the Pt layer having excellent characteristics, and stably forming, on the Pt layer, a piezoelectric thin film having excellent characteristics.
US09331602B2

A MEMS vibrator includes: a substrate; a base portion which is disposed on the substrate; and a plurality of vibration portions which extends in a direction that intersects with a normal line of the substrate from the base portion. In a planar view, when a length of the vibration portion in a direction in which the vibration portion extends from the base portion is L, and a length of the vibration portion in a direction that intersects with a direction in which the vibration portion extends from the base portion is W, a dimension ratio (L/W) of the vibration portion satisfies a relationship in which 0.2≦(L/W)≦7.0.
US09331598B2

There is provided a power factor correction device including, a first switch switching input power to adjust a phase difference between a current and a voltage of the input power, a second switch switched on before the first switch is switched on to form a transfer path for residual power in the first switch, a first inductor charging and discharging energy according to switching of the first switch, and a second inductor adjusting an amount of current flowing through the second switch according to switching of the second switch, wherein the first inductor and the second inductor are inductively coupled.
US09331576B2

A dual-polarity multiple-output boost converter that includes an inductor coupled in series between a high-side switch and a low-side switch. A first terminal of the inductor is coupled to an output of the high-side switch and the second terminal of the inductor is coupled to an input of the low side switch, with an output of low-side switch being coupled to a reference terminal. A plurality of outputs provide a plurality of output voltages, including a first plurality of outputs to provide a first plurality of different output voltages having a first polarity and at least one second output to provide at least one second output voltage having a second polarity opposite the first polarity. A control circuit is coupled to the high-side switch and the low-side switch to control an on-time of the high-side switch and the low-side switch.
US09331561B2

Disclosed is a method for the improvement of the line quality in a system, in which a common feeding (1), via at least one distribution transformer (3), feeds at least two non-linear loads (11) drawing non-sinusoidal currents from the common feeding (1), wherein between the common feeding (1) and the distribution transformer (3) there is at least one primary side transformer line (2) and between the at least one distribution transformer (3) and the loads (11) there is at least one lower voltage secondary side transformer line (22), wherein at least one active filter (24) attached to at least one lower voltage secondary side transformer line (22) is used for the attenuation or elimination of higher order harmonics experienced by the common feeding (1). Furthermore a high power distribution system for use of such a method is disclosed, in particular for the operation of an electrostatic precipitator.
US09331557B2

A method for cleaving a plate-shaped workpiece formed with two or more linear recesses into three or more parts includes: a first positioning step of holding the workpiece by a positioning unit in place to position a first linear recess; a first clamping step of clamping one side of the first linear recess by a fixing clamp and the other side by a rotating clamp; a first cleaving step of moving back the positioning unit and rotationally separating the rotating clamp; a second positioning step of releasing the clamps and causing the positioning unit to position a second linear recess; a second clamping step of clamping one side of the second linear recess by the fixing clamp and the other side by the rotating clamp, and a second cleaving step of moving back the positioning unit and rotationally separating the rotating clamp.
US09331543B2

Some embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including a housing that defines a machine cavity. A coolant jacket can be at least partially defined by the housing. In some embodiments, a plurality of coolant apertures can be disposed through portions of the housing to fluidly connect the coolant jacket and the machine cavity. One or more solenoid assemblies can be at least partially supported by the housing and positioned substantially adjacent to at least some of the coolant apertures. The solenoid assemblies can be configured to regulate passage of a coolant into the machine cavity from the coolant jacket.
US09331542B2

The electric motor is the electric motor that includes a shaft part that rotates around a rotation shaft and a casing that accommodates at least part of the shaft part. A through hole is formed in the casing at a position that overlaps with the rotation shaft. A set screw is screwed into the through hole so as to close the through hole. An O-ring is interposed between the casing and the set screw so as to suppress intrusion of water and dust into the casing.
US09331536B2

A rotator coil is provided that includes a coil conductor and a mica tape wound a plurality of times around an outer periphery of the coil conductor. The mica tape includes mica paper and a reinforcing member, and has an adhesive resin layer containing an acryloyl-based component and a cyanate ester-based component between the mica paper and the reinforcing members. The reinforcing member, the mica paper, or both, are impregnated with a thermosetting resin composition, and hardened.
US09331535B1

An energy conversion system includes rotor, stator and shell components configurations for increasing power efficiency and improving replacement and repair efficiency. The system harvests environmental energy for lower power generation and accounts for non-mechanical sources of rotational resistance within the generator.
US09331534B2

An improved magnetic generator has been developed that is particularly suitable for creating modular micro wind turbines, although other power generation applications are contemplated. The generator utilizes a series of rotors with axially aligned magnets on each side of the rotor face. As a drive shaft rotates the rotors in proximity to stators, a magnetic flux and electricity is generated. In certain embodiments, the rotors utilize magnet pockets to stabilize the magnets. In the preferred embodiments, layers of magnets are placed in each magnet pocket to achieve magnetic amplification by having multiple magnets, and their respective fluxes, influence the stators.
US09331528B2

In one aspect, a three-phase axial flux stator is provided. The stator includes a plurality of stator modules oriented in an axial direction, and each of the stator modules includes a pair of teeth connected by a yoke section. The stator also includes a plurality of windings, each of the windings wound around one of the stator modules. The stator modules and the windings produce a three-phase flux in an axial direction.
US09331526B2

An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.
US09331521B2

An energy storage apparatus includes an input unit connected to a solar cell to receive a DC power, a sensing unit for sensing and outputting a voltage of the solar cell, a signal generating unit for generating a periodic signal whose magnitude is periodically changed, a voltage generating unit for variously generating a reference voltage corresponding to the periodic signal, a control signal generating unit for generating a duty control signal by using regions in which the periodic signal has a magnitude lower than or higher than the reference voltage, a charging unit for performing a charging operation by means of an on/off switching operation according to the duty control signal, a battery unit for charging an energy by means of the charging operation of the charging unit, and a main control unit configured to control so that the charging operation is initiated with a reference voltage.
US09331520B2

A device includes a charge controller to regulate a battery output voltage based on an input voltage and an input current received from a charging circuit. A loop controller monitors the input voltage and the input current to generate a feedback signal to adjust the input voltage to the charge controller.
US09331514B2

A charging apparatus is provided, and relatively high charging efficiency is still maintained when a charging current changes. The charging apparatus includes: a voltage regulator; a charging power tube, where a source electrode of the charging power tube is connected to an output end of the voltage regulator and a drain electrode of the charging power tube is connected to a positive electrode of a battery, and the charging power tube is configured to generate a charging current; a charging controller, where an output end of the charging controller is connected to a gate electrode of the charging power tube, and the charging controller is configured to control the charging power tube to adjust the charging current; and a reference voltage module, configured to obtain the charging current and a battery voltage and output a reference voltage.
US09331506B1

A battery recharger and heating apparatus, which is positioned within an insulated and weather proof chest, is disclosed. Electrical power is supplied to the apparatus to enable batteries to be charged in the insulated and weather proof chest and to remain in the insulated and weather proof chest until time of use. The interior of the insulated and weather proof chest is heated with a heating element such as a light bulb or heating pad.
US09331488B2

An enclosure design is disclosed to accommodate and support the unique features and capabilities of the Smart and Scalable Power Inverters or Mini-Inverters that have multiple input channels to easily connect to multiple solar PV panels, invert the DC power to AC power, and daisy chain together to generate AC power to feed the power grid or supply power to electrical devices. Further disclosed is a message system using LEDs (light-emitting diodes) mounted on the enclosure to indicate the system status and the status of each input channel of the Smart and Scalable Mini-Inverters.
US09331475B2

A magnetic fault current limiter core (10a) comprising at least one first magnetic element (12) and at least one second magnetic element (14), the magnetic elements (12,14) being arranged to define a substantially parallel array of magnetic elements (12,14), the or each first magnetic element (12) including a soft magnetic material and the or each second magnetic element (14) including a hard magnetic material, wherein the or each soft magnetic material in a non-saturated state has a higher magnetic permeability than the or each hard magnetic material.
US09331466B2

A protective device for an electric power adapter/charger includes a trumpet-shaped support member having an inner passage along a longitudinal axis for receiving and supporting a cable of the adapter/charger to prevent bending the cable at sharp angles and an enclosure for enclosing at least a portion of the support member and at least a portion of a body of the adapter/charger to secure to the support member to the adapter/charger. The support member includes first and second portions connectable about a parting plane containing the longitudinal axis so that the support member can be laterally connected about the cable. The enclosure includes first and second portions connectable about a parting plane containing the longitudinal axis so that the enclosure can be secured about the body of the adapter/charger and clamping the first and second portions of the support member together.
US09331459B2

A generator coupling kit is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the generator coupling kit may comprise a wire adapted to couple with a generator on a first end, the wire adapted to couple with an outdoor box on a second end; the outdoor box adapted to couple with the wire; an indoor electrical panel adapted to couple with the outdoor box via a generator breaker; and the generator breaker adapted to couple with indoor electrical panel, the generator breaker adapted to couple with the outdoor box via internal wiring, the generator breaker comprising a circuit breaker.
US09331456B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor laser according to an aspect of the present invention includes (a) sequentially epitaxially growing a first cladding layer, an active layer and a second cladding layer on a semiconductor substrate composed of InP or GaAs and having a plane index of (100), (b) forming a plurality of growth start surfaces having a plane index greater than (100) in an upper surface of the second cladding layer, and (c) epitaxially growing a third cladding layer containing zinc in the plurality of growth start surfaces of the second cladding layer.
US09331437B2

A high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) socket for fastening on a metallic chassis includes a main body, a connecting member and a plastic piece. The connecting member includes a slot portion and a bent portion. The slot portion has a first and a second ends. The first end is connected with the main body. The bent portion is connected with the second end and has a first abutting surface abutting against the inner surface. The plastic piece is connected with the main body and has two second abutting surfaces. When the first abutting surface abuts against the inner surface before the plastic piece is fastened on the metallic chassis, a gap exists between the second abutting surfaces and the inner surface. When the plastic piece is fastened on the metallic chassis, the plastic piece is deformed and the second abutting surfaces abut against the inner surface.
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