US09440354B2
A robot having a signal sensor configured to measure a signal, a motion sensor configured to measure a relative change in pose, a local correlation component configured to correlate the signal with the position and/or orientation of the robot in a local region including the robot's current position, and a localization component configured to apply a filter to estimate the position and optionally the orientation of the robot based at least on a location reported by the motion sensor, a signal detected by the signal sensor, and the signal predicted by the local correlation component. The local correlation component and/or the localization component may take into account rotational variability of the signal sensor and other parameters related to time and pose dependent variability in how the signal and motion sensor perform. Each estimated pose may be used to formulate new or updated navigational or operational instructions for the robot.
US09440351B2
A method and/or computer program product controls operations of a robotic device. A robotic device receives a first signal from a positioning hardware device that is worn by a user. The first signal describes a relative location between the user and the robotic device. A second signal describes an angle between the user and the robotic device and between the user and the user-selected object. Based on the first signal, the second signal, and a record of object positions of objects within a predefined area of the user, the identification and location of the user-selected object is determined. A determination is made regarding whether or not the robotic device is authorized to perform a specific task on the user-selected object based on the location of the user-selected object. If authorized, the robotic device performs the specific task on the user-selected object.
US09440337B2
A pipe wrench includes a body and a first jaw has one end fixed to the body, and a second jaw is slidably located in a first recess defined in the top of the body and is located beneath the first jaw. A resilient member is connected between the body and the second jaw. A first link has one end pivotably connected to an end of the second jaw. A second link has the first end thereof pivotably connected to the mediate portion of the first link. An adjustment member threadedly extends through a closed end of the body and contacts against the second end of the second link. The second jaw is quickly slid by the resilient member and controlled by the adjustment member, so that the object can be released and clamped quickly.
US09440333B2
Methods of forming a polycrystalline table may involve disposing a plurality of particles comprising a superabrasive material, a substrate comprising a hard material, and a catalyst material in a mold. The plurality of particles may be partially sintered in the presence of the catalyst material to form a brown polycrystalline table having a first permeability attached to an end of the substrate. The substrate may be removed from the brown polycrystalline table and catalyst material may be removed from the brown polycrystalline table. The brown polycrystalline table may then be fully sintered to form a polycrystalline table having a reduced, second permeability. Intermediate structures formed during a process of attaching a polycrystalline table to a substrate may include a substantially fully leached brown polycrystalline table. The substantially fully leached brown polycrystalline table may include a plurality of interbonded grains of a superabrasive material.
US09440330B2
An improved shot blasting blade is disclosed with an attachment portion designed to slide into a radial slot in a shot blasting wheel. The blade has rails that contactingly ride on a top surface of the wheel just outside the slot, and two sets of opposed runners that extend into the slot and contact the top inner surface of the slot.
US09440318B1
An apparatus for the rapid removal of components of a cylinder type lock includes a retention member for accepting a portion of a fastener which has been inserted into the keyway of a cylinder, a sliding yoke connected to the retention member and a pivoting handle for moving the yoke. The yoke and retention member are constrained to linear travel in either a forward or rearward direction enabling the extraction of the plug inline with the lock cylinder in a single movement of the handle.
US09440317B2
A system for mounting a scaffold on a balloon catheter includes two positioning and alignment stations, which are used to prepare a scaffold and catheter for crimping using the same crimping head. The system is configured for automated assembly of the scaffold and catheter prior to crimping and performing post-crimping inspection for the crimped scaffold and prior to placing a restraining sheath over the crimped scaffold.
US09440314B2
A hybrid laser arc welding assembly including a gas metal arc welding torch and a laser arc welding laser head. The torch and laser head are disposed adjacent one another and aimed at targets of a pair of work pieces spaced from one another such that the melted material produced by the torch overlaps with the melted material produced by the laser head, and therefore, the torch and laser head combine to create a hybrid laser arc weld to join the work pieces. The laser head is adjustable dynamically relative to the work-pieces to optimize the hybrid laser arc weld.
US09440313B2
Three systems for the destruction of the data storage portion of electronic media storage devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives and hybrid hard drives. One system utilizes a mill cutter with which the hard drive has relative motion in the direction of the axis of the mill cutter to destroy the data storage portion. A second system utilizes a laser to physically destroy the data storage portion. The third system utilizes a chemical solvent to chemically destroy the data storage portion.
US09440307B2
The first embodiment of the invention is a spot welding method using a welding gun including a pair of electrodes holding and welding a welding point of a workpiece. The method including: transmitting an ultrasonic from one of the electrode pair to the workpiece with the electrode pair holding the workpiece; receiving the ultrasonic at the other electrode passed through the electrode pair and the workpiece; and detecting a holding state of the workpiece on the basis of an amplitude of the received ultrasonic. According to the embodiments of the invention, the welding gun can hold the workpiece at the proper position and with the correct angle, thereby reducing the welding flaws.
US09440305B2
A method of resistance spot welding aluminum alloy workpieces together includes several steps. In one step a welding electrode is provided. The welding electrode has a weld face. In another step, the weld face of the welding electrode is shaped to have a desired radius of curvature. The shaped weld face is then textured to a desired surface roughness, and resistance spot welding using the welding electrode is performed to the aluminum alloy workpieces. In yet another step, the weld face is dressed to an extent sufficient to remove contamination build-up that may have accumulated on the weld face from the aluminum alloy workpieces.
US09440300B2
An electric discharge machining apparatus of the present invention includes a power supply, an electrode gap configured so as to be formed by an electrode and a workpiece, and an earth floating-capacitance current-suppressing coil configured to be inserted between the power supply and the electrode gap. Accordingly, the impedance in the charging path from the power supply to an interelectrode capacitance (an interelectrode parallel capacitor and an interelectrode parallel floating capacitance) can be decreased, and the impedance in the charging path to an earth floating capacitance can be increased, thereby enabling the electric current from the earth floating capacitance during discharge machining to be suppressed.
US09440294B2
A cutting insert for use on a tool body includes a first member formed in a predetermined shape and a second member formed separate from the first member in a second predetermined shape and coupled to the first member. At least one of the first member or the second member comprise a number of cutting portions adapted to perform cutting operations on a workpiece.
US09440290B2
A bimetallic nanowire synthesis method is provided. The method includes adding first and second solutions into a vessel containing a porous template with the first solution containing first and second reagents added on one side of the porous template and the second solution added on an opposite side of the porous template. The first reagent includes a first salt of at least one of a transition metal, an actinide metal and a lanthanide metal. The second reagent includes a second salt of at least one of a transition metal, an actinide metal and a lanthanide metal. The second solution contains a reducing agent.
US09440282B2
A method of manufacturing a razor head component that includes the steps of: providing a strip of material elongated along a first direction, the strip having first and second edges parallel with the first direction; having a first portion that includes a first edge, a second portion having a second edge, and an intermediate portion intermediate the first and second portions; bending the intermediate portion of a part of the strip about a bending axis parallel to the first direction; and fixing a razor blade onto the second portion of the part.
US09440280B1
A portable crimping device preferably includes a support base, a hydraulic cylinder, a hand hydraulic pump, a crimping device and a pair of mounting brackets. The pair of mounting brackets are attached to the support base. An output of the hand hydraulic pump is connected to an input of the hydraulic cylinder. The hand hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinder are retained by the pair of mounting brackets. The crimping device preferably includes a base yoke member, a die pivot member and an actuation base. A pair of crimp dies are retained in the base yoke member and the die pivot member. The actuation base is slidably retained in the base yoke member. The die pivot member is engaged with the die pivot member. Pumping of the hand hydraulic pump causes the actuation base to crimp an object placed between the pair of crimp dies.
US09440275B2
The invention relates to a device for working sheet-like material, such as a press brake for bending steel sheet. The device includes: a frame; two, relative to each other movable, substantially parallel beams for working the sheet-like material, which beams are connected to the frame; driving means for driving the substantially parallel beams away or towards each other; at least one spring means, connected at a horizontal position along said beams for urging the beams away from each other; wherein the spring means have a spring constant that is adjustable.
US09440271B2
The invention is directed to a device for straightening a stream of a cooling medium for cooling a roll or a metal strip. This device comprise a hollow body, extending over at least part of the width of the roll or the metal strip, and a tube, arranged in the hollow body and extending in the direction of the width of the roll or the metal strip, wherein the hollow body is divided in the direction of the width of the roll or the metal strip into a number of chambers, and the tube comprises openings for introducing cooling medium into the chambers of the hollow body, and the chambers respectively comprise an opening for the flowing out of cooling medium from the hollow body. Furthermore, according to the invention the chambers, respectively, comprise a channel, formed between the inner wall of the hollow body and the tube, for conducting cooling medium from the openings of the tube to the opening for the outflow of cooling medium from the hollow body, wherein the flow cross-section of the channel narrows art least at its downstream end.
US09440270B2
A force sensor system for measuring forces that are transferred from film strips or sheet metal strips to a measuring roll during rolling in roll stands can be inserted into a cylindrical hole of a measuring roll under preload. The force sensor system includes a first force sensor and a preloading device for creating a preload on the first force sensor, so that the first force sensor can determine a force acting radially on the measuring roll. The first force sensor has a high sensitivity, which corresponds to the required measurement sensitivity of the contact force of the film strip or sheet metal strip. The force sensor system includes a second force sensor, which also can be placed under preload by means of the preloading device. The second force sensor is a statically measuring force sensor.
US09440269B2
Waste containing a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug is collected in a container and contacted with a solidification material to form a solidified waste. The solidification material includes a mixture of an organic polymer and a Portland cement clinker. The organic polymer facilitating dispersal of the Portland cement clinker upon contacting said waste with the solidification material, wherein a volume of the solidified waste forms a stable matrix. The solidified waste is sealed within the container.
US09440262B2
Methods and apparatus for separating polysilicon powder from a mixture of granular polysilicon and polysilicon powder are disclosed. The method includes tumbling the polysilicon material in a tumbling device. The tumbling device includes a tumbler drum having one or more lifting vanes spaced apart from one another and extending longitudinally along an interior surface of the tumbler drum. The lifting vanes facilitate separation of polysilicon powder and granules as the tumbler drum is rotated about its longitudinal axis of rotation.
US09440260B2
Mechanical post-harvest processing devices for processing plant material by separating a desired portion of plant material from an undesired portion of plant material are shown and described. The mechanical post-harvest processing devices each include: a saddle having a plant material container-proximate region and one or more saddle openings; a plant material container having one or more plant material container openings and an exterior surface proximate the saddle and circumferentially enclosing a post-harvest processing space; and a rotary actuator mechanically connected to the plant material container and configured to rotationally drive the plant material container such that the plant material chamber rotates within the saddle. In some examples, a portion of the one or more plant material container openings and a portion of the one or more saddle openings overlap at one or more positions during rotation of the plant material chamber.
US09440254B2
The invention provides a method and apparatus for laminating a sheet to a substrate in a stress free and distortion-less manner. The method comprises providing the sheet and substrate such that an attractive force between them exists that is capable of bringing the sheet and surface together at least when their distance is shorter than a critical distance. The method creates these conditions by locally making an initial contact between the sheet and substrate such that at a contact front, being the boundary between areas where the substrate and sheet are in contact and those where they are not in contact, these conditions exist. In a further step the sheet and substrate are allowed to gradually make contact such that the contact front advances along either of the substrate or sheet surface therewith increasing the contacting area between the substrate and the sheet. The method is advantages when used during imprint lithography or embossing processes or other processes where feature patterns need to be transferred from the substrate to the surface or vice versa.
US09440250B2
A pop-up irrigation device for use in a low pressure irrigation device is described. The device has a housing, a riser partially extensible from the housing and a nozzle body removably attached to an end of the riser in a non-threaded manner, such as using a snap-fit. One, two or more connection tubes or ports may extend laterally from the housing and can each be configured to be connectable to flexible irrigation tubing. An annular cap can be attached to the open end of the housing and may include an annular, radially-inward extending seal. The closed end of the housing may include a depending stake with a plurality of blades to facilitate mounting of the housing relative to the ground.
US09440248B2
The invention relates to a fluid dispenser device, comprising: a body for mounting in stationary manner on the fluid reservoir; an actuator rod that is moved axially down and up inside the body; and a pusher that is mounted on the actuator rod by connection means including magnetizing means so as to generate a connection, by magnetic attraction, between the actuator rod and the pusher. The connection means comprises a rod organ engaged around the actuator rod and a pusher organ secured to the pusher, the actuator rod defining an internal fluid duct. The pusher forming a connection sleeve defining an internal fluid channel that leads to a dispenser orifice. The rod organ is deformed by the connection sleeve of the pusher, thus joining the duct to the channel in leaktight manner.
US09440243B2
A centrifuge vessel is configured to have at least two chambers therein separated by a divider, and with a spillway around a lip at an end of the divider to join the chambers. After centrifugation differing density phases of an original sample remain on opposite sides of the divider. Separate extraction ports are provided for removal of differing density phases of the original sample from opposite sides of the divider. A method of use of the centrifuge vessel includes centrifugation and extraction at differing orientations of the vessel for convenient and reliable extraction of differing density fractions from the original sample.
US09440238B2
A shredder includes a housing having an opening for the insertion of media to be shredded. A cutting assembly for the shredding of media is disposed in the housing. A media detector including an infrared emitter and an infrared sensor is disposed about the opening for the detection of the presence of media to be shredded in the opening. A controller is disposed in the housing and is in responsive communication with the media detector for controlling the operation of the cutting assembly. The controller is programmed with a dynamic media detection threshold that is at least in part passed upon an emission sensed value and a background sensed value.
US09440236B2
The invention concerns a method and an arrangement for the output of mineral material from a drum mill having a horizontal rotation axis, a sieving wall at its end wall, material can leave through the sieving openings in to pulp-lifting chambers, limited by the sieving wall, the end wall, a limiting wall, and limiting walls that lead towards an output cone, whereby material in the pulp-lifting chamber is emptied down towards the output cone when the pulp-lifting chamber is an upper part of a revolution. In order to increase the rate of revolution, material that does not reach the material output cone is collected in a material collection pocket which carry the material at a level radially closer to the rotation axis than the inner limiting wall, whereby collected mineral material leaves the material collection pocket during, a subsequent revolution.
US09440219B2
The invention relates to a filter material which is used, in particular in filters or as a filter for treating and/or purifying gas, in particular for clean room environments. The filter material comprises at least one activated carbon, in particular with reactive and/or catalytic finishing and the activated carbon is present in the form of discrete activated carbon particles, preferably in a spherical and/or grain form. The activated carbon comprises and/or is provided with at least one metal component which contains at least one metal-containing ionic liquid (IL), containing in particular metal ions, preferably based on a metal compound.
US09440216B2
Mass transfer packing with a minimal surface or a triply periodic minimal surface which enables significantly improved performance for separation and mixing applications particularly with respect to distillation, liquid-liquid contacting, and heat exchange applications.
US09440215B2
The present invention provides a membrane reaction apparatus for recovering heat of reaction, which includes a membrane reactor. The said membrane reactor includes a reaction pipeline, a membrane and a sweep pipeline. The reaction pipeline has a reaction space, and an exothermic reaction occurs therein, which generates product gas and heat of reaction. Part of the product gas penetrates through the membrane around the reaction space and enters into the sweep pipeline. Sweeping gas enters into the sweep pipeline and carries the product gas and the heat of reaction away. It is feasible to wrap the product gas around the sweep pipeline, for enhancing the heat transfer from the product gas to the sweeping gas. The heat of reaction brought by the sweeping gas can be further released in a heat exchanger, so that the heat of reaction is available to be recovered and used for other endothermic processes.
US09440193B2
A urea spray selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) control system includes an SCR catalyst provided in a discharge pipe of an engine, a dosing valve for injecting urea water at an upstream side of the SCR catalyst, and NOx sensors, wherein the system controls injection of the urea water from the dosing valve. The system includes a plurality of NOx model maps corresponding to an atmospheric pressure condition, an outdoor air temperature, and an engine water temperature, and determines an amount of NOx from each NOx model map on a basis of detection values of an atmospheric pressure detector, an outdoor air temperature detector, and an engine water temperature detector, and controls an amount of injection of the urea water from the dosing valve on a basis of the amount of NOx thus determined.
US09440189B2
Processes, methods, system and uses in relation to chemical sequestration of carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide containing gas by carbonation of an alkaline earth metal containing material. The carbon dioxide containing gas is contacted with an aqueous slurry in a carbonation unit for carbonation of at least a portion of the alkaline earth metal to produce a carbon dioxide depleted gas and a carbonate loaded slurry which is substantially exempt of precipitated alkaline earth. metal carbonates. The carbonate loaded slurry is then separated into an aqueous phase and a solid phase; and the aqueous phase is supplied to a precipitation unit for precipitating alkaline earth metal carbonates. The carbonation stage may be performed at a carbonation temperature between about 10° C. and about 40° C. and a carbonation pressure between about 1 bar and about 20 bars. The solid phase may be recycled to the carbonation stage.
US09440182B2
A carbon dioxide absorbent composition is described, including (i) a liquid, nonaqueous silicon-based material, functionalized with one or more groups that either reversibly react with CO2 or have a high-affinity for CO2; and (ii) a hydroxy-containing solvent that is capable of dissolving both the silicon-based material and a reaction product of the silicon-based material and CO2. The absorbent may be utilized in methods to reduce carbon dioxide in an exhaust gas, and finds particular utility in power plants.
US09440180B2
Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system. In some embodiments, oxygen concentrator system includes one or more components that improve energy usage during operation of the oxygen concentrator system.
US09440170B2
A filter (10) includes a liquid holding vessel (12) with an inlet (14) and an outlet (16). A removable filter cartridge (24) is positionable within the vessel. The cartridge includes a plurality of filter element assemblies (82) each of which includes a plurality of filter elements (86). Filter elements are selectively back flushed through a back flush assembly (26) which includes a positionable back flush conduit arm (28) that rotates in response to a back flush arm shaft (36) that extends in a shaft support (46) of the filter cartridge.
US09440169B2
A fuel filtration system includes an electric pump, a filter assembly, and conduits for fluidly connecting the pump and filter assembly in series with a fuel tank to define a kidney filtration loop. The filter assembly includes a filter assembly head, including attachment openings therethrough, and a filter exchange module, including a mounting plate having externally threaded mounting connectors extending outwardly from one face thereof and internally threaded bores opening through another face thereof. In a mounted configuration, a fuel filter is threaded onto each mounting connector such that the filter is fluidly aligned with a fuel flow opening through the mounting plate, fasteners are positioned through the attachment openings and threadably received within the bores, and fuel flow passages of the filter assembly head define a flow distribution in which one pair of filters is fluidly in parallel and another pair of filters is fluidly in series.
US09440166B2
A method of extracting an analyte from a sample is described. The sample is added to a sample container. A liquid solvent and a gas are added into the sample container. The addition of the gas is controlled to establish an elevated pressure within the sample container. The liquid solvent is heated to an elevated temperature that is below the boiling temperature of the liquid solvent at the elevated pressure. A type of gas is used that does not transition to a supercritical fluid at the elevated temperature and pressure used in the extraction process. The analyte can dissolve from the solid sample into the liquid solvent. Next, at least a portion of the liquid solvent containing the dissolved analyte can be removed from the sample container for subsequent analysis.
US09440156B2
A method of operating a ride system to provide passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that have a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station.
US09440150B2
A game device includes: a first requirement achievement determining unit operative to determine whether or not a requirement of gameplay predefined in a game is achieved based on a progress status of the game; a second requirement achievement determining unit operative to determine whether or not a result of determination by the first requirement achievement determining unit meets a predetermined condition; a display processing unit operative to display information related to the requirement of gameplay determined by the first requirement achievement determining unit as being achieved, and information related to the predetermined condition determined by the second requirement achievement determining unit as being met, where the first requirement achievement determining unit is implemented by game software and the second requirement achievement determining unit is implemented by system software.
US09440148B2
A method and apparatus wherein complex physical interactions and collisions are modeled at a high level of detail while reducing the computational demands placed on the processing system. In one embodiment the method comprising the steps of defining a first object and a second object, each object adapted for colliding with the other object; assigning an interaction type for at least one of the first and second object in response to an object parameter; and selecting between a continuous simulation of a collision and a discrete simulation of the collision in response to the interaction type.
US09440141B2
A competitive table game includes a rapidly spinning game wheel, an annular collection area, a base, and a plurality of rollable playing pieces. The game wheel is rotatably connected onto the base while the annular collection area is concentrically positioned around the game wheel. During each game, the players roll the plurality of rollable playing pieces on a smooth top surface of the game wheel as the plurality of rollable playing pieces is tangentially positioned on the smooth top surface and released attempting to match the linear velocity at the respective position on the game wheel. Then the plurality of rollable playing pieces moves across the smooth top surface and drops into the annular collection area, where the winner of each game is determined according to the game rules of each different game and the positioning of the plurality of rollable playing pieces. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US09440133B2
A modular airbag system may include at least one inflatable airbag configured to deploy outward on a side(s) of the airbag system, for example, in two opposite substantially horizontal directions, at least one airbag compartment, and one or more straps configured to strap the modular airbag system securely to one of a user's body and/or an object, and configured to release the modular airbag system from one of the user's body and/or the object.
US09440124B2
Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion with a strike face, a sole portion, and a top portion with a plurality of weight ports. The body portion may define a periphery of the golf club head. The golf club head may also include a plurality of weight portions with each weight portion disposed in one weight port of the plurality of weight ports. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09440112B2
A bat selection device includes: a parameter input unit which receives an input of a swing parameter value relevant to swing of a batter, for each of at least two or more bats having moments of inertia different from one another swung by the batter at an object, of a plurality of bats; an estimation unit which estimates the swing parameter value corresponding to each of the plurality of bats based on each received swing parameter value; and a selection unit which calculates an index parameter value indicative of an index for selecting a bat suitable for the batter from the plurality of bats, for each of the plurality of bats, based on the estimated swing parameter value corresponding to the bat, and selects the bat suitable for the batter based on the index parameter values.
US09440111B2
A dual chamber device 1 for exercising is comprised of a first chamber 2, a second chamber 3 and a rotation bracket 12 connected therebetween, said device 1 can be inverted such that when positioned in a first exercise mode the exerciser can do pushups by grasping a handle bar 5 and simultaneously rotating the first chamber 2 about the second chamber 3, and in the second mode 2 the exerciser can do pushups by forming a fist and placing his/her knuckles on the knuckle pad 4 and simultaneously rotating the second chamber 3 about the first chamber 2.
US09440099B2
The present invention relates to cosmetological and dermatological compositions comprising heparan sulfate. The invention further discloses a process for the purification of heparan sulfate for dermatological and cosmetological applications, which process comprises the following steps: solubilization of heparan sulfate in water, adsorption on an anion exchange resin, desorption from the resin by using conditions which result in selective desorption of hepar an sulfate. The cosmetological and dermatological compositions according to the invention show, inter alia, anti-age, lenitive, and whitening effect.
US09440087B2
A semi-automated AED with a second shock switch. In an illustrative embodiment, programming running on the AED after prompting a user of the AED to push a shock switch looks to see if an event associated with pushing the shock switch, such as the delivery of a shock, has occurred. If the event being monitored for has not occurred within a given time, the user is prompted to push another button to initiate the event.
US09440084B2
A programming session for an implantable medical device that includes a posture responsive therapy mode includes at least two phases. In a first phase, a first set of therapy parameter values are modified while the posture responsive therapy mode is deactivated. In the posture responsive therapy mode, the medical device automatically selects one or more therapy parameter values that define therapy delivered to a patient based on a detected posture state. In a second phase, the posture responsive therapy mode is activated and a second set of therapy parameter values are adjusted after observing a patient response to the posture responsive therapy delivered with the first set of therapy parameter values selected during the first phase. The second set of therapy parameter values may, for example, define the patient posture states or the modification profiles with which the medical device adjusts therapy upon detecting a posture state transition.
US09440083B2
A process, method, and devices thereof for the rapid destruction of cancer tumor(s) which are made up of thousands to millions of living malignant cancer cells. Such an approach seeks to kill said tumor(s) by causing apoptosis or excitotoxicity and/or osmotic-shock within a human or animal for medical treatment.
US09440078B2
An aspect relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises a heart rate monitor to sense a heart rate and provide a signal indicative of the heart rate, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator to intermittently generate a stimulation signal to provide baroreflex stimulation for a baroreflex therapy, and further includes a modulator to adjust the stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the heart rate such that the stimulation signal provides a desired baroreflex stimulation corresponding to a desired heart rate.
US09440077B2
A functional electrical stimulation (FES) device and system. In one embodiment, sequential bipolar pulse stimulation may be provided to an area of a living body via one or more electrode leads applied to the area via a FES device comprising a current pulse generating circuit comprising output nodes for operative coupling to the one or more electrode leads, and configured for operative coupling to a voltage supply. The current pulse generating circuit generally comprises positive and negative stimulation paths drawing from the voltage supply to respectively apply positive and negative currents through the area via the one or more electrode leads. In one example, the stimulation paths comprise respective capacitive elements, a capacitance ratio of which dictating, at least in part, an amplitude ratio of the positive and negative currents, wherein periodic alternative activation of the stimulation paths provides the sequential bipolar pulse stimulation.
US09440076B2
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and IPG control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in current IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made.
US09440069B2
The invention includes an electro-acupuncture stimulation system for in vivo and in situ analgesia and tissue repair and regeneration. Electrodes, which can be acupuncture needles, are percutaneously implanted that deliver a pulsed electrical current that creates an electrical field, which envelopes the targeted tissue and restores cell-generating homeostasis to the affected tissue and thereby promotes analgesia and tissue re-growth in otherwise debilitated or deteriorating tissue. Methods and apparatuses are also disclosed that may include a needle locking system and acupuncture-needle assemblies for long-term in situ electrical stimulation.
US09440066B2
A lead extension for an electrical stimulation system includes a lead-extension body, terminals, and a connector. The connector includes a contact housing and a gasket housing. Multiple connector contacts are disposed in the contact housing and are coupled to the terminals. A retention member is disposed along one end of the contact housing and is receivable by a retention socket defined in the gasket housing. A deformable gasket is disposed in the retention socket. A lumen extends through the connector and is suitable for receiving an electrical stimulation lead. The received lead is retained in the lumen by using the retention member to compress the gasket along a longitudinal length of the connector. The longitudinal compression of the gasket causes a corresponding radial expansion of the gasket, which retains the electrical stimulation lead within the lumen.
US09440056B2
A device for dispensing a topically administered drug has a spreader which is used to actuate a pump to release the drug and then to spread the drug on the skin and. The spreader is coupled to a lock that prevents it from actuating the pump after a number of drug doses have been dispensed. The pump can be actuated to release no more than the selected quantity of drug per day or actuation.
US09440027B2
A module assembly for use with an injection system to co-deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a primary delivery device containing a primary medicament accepts the module that has an automatic triggering system activated by a dispense interface needle guard. When the module contains a single dose of a secondary medicament, both the primary and secondary medicaments are delivered through a single dispense interface, preferably a hollow needle. The module assembly does not require the user to manually engage a reservoir containing the secondary medicament. Instead, a trigger automatically activates movement of a lower hub when the needle guard is retracted.
US09440023B2
A drug delivery safety system includes a programmer with a display and a communications device adapted to communicate with an ambulatory medical device. The programmer has access to a database of information, and is adapted to receive and process the information and a user input and to control the display to provide a graphical user interface that prompts a user of the programmer to provide an additional user input when the user input requests a drug delivery protocol for the ambulatory medical device that is not already stored in the database as a clinician-approved drug delivery protocol.
US09440021B2
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system include a controller device that is configured to removably attach to a pump device in a manner that provides a secure fitting, an overall compact size, and a reliable electrical connection. In particular embodiments, the controller device can be secured to the pump device in a generally side-by-side arrangement. The compact size can enhance the discreteness and portability of the infusion pump system.
US09440020B2
A nasal nebulizer contains a main canister with at least one air exit port and an insert with at least one fluid channel. The fluid channel ends in a common bell housing above a base of the insert, which rests within the canister. The insert and the canister may form one integral unit for single usage, where a cap plugs the air exit port and the fluid channel, allowing for the transport or long-term storage of fluids within the nebulizer device. The insert may include an extension extending out to the canister and a vertical groove may extend down the fluid channel to a hole in the extension, which upon use helps create a vacuum that pulls in deflected fluid for re-use. The nebulizer may also contain a filter surrounding the tube portion near the top of the canister to catch any extraneous matter expelled from the nose during usage.
US09440019B2
The invention relates to a sorption agent for removing endotoxins from a biological fluid, comprising a water-insoluble, porous carrier having a neutral hydrophobic surface wherein the surface of the carrier has an adsorptive coating made of polymyxin and albumin, wherein polymyxin and albumin are bonded to the surface of the carrier in a noncovalent manner. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a sorption agent. The sorption agent is used in extracorporeal blood purification, in particular in order to treat individuals, who have sepsis.
US09440016B2
Systems and methods for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis having integrated electrodialysis and electrodeionization capabilities are provided. In an embodiment, the dialysis system includes a carbon source, a urease source, an ED/EDI unit. The carbon source, urease source, and/or the ED/EDI unit can be in the form of removable cartridges.
US09440011B2
A hybrid blood component storage bag having one side of the bag with a greater permeability than another side of the bag and the method of making such bag.
US09440000B2
Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a crosslinker and a proteinaceous substrate. The proteinaceous substrate includes one or more proteins and a polyamine, where the polyamine and a proteinaceous substrate are present in synergistic viscosity enhancing amounts, and may also include one or more of: a carbohydrate, a tackifying agent, a plasticizer, or other modification agent. In certain embodiments, the crosslinker is a heat-treated dialdehyde, e.g., heat-treated glutaraldehyde. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.
US09439988B2
A device for sanitizing human hands. One embodiment, comprising of a casing shell containing a heating element, an air displacement means, and a cavity that is able to accommodate a human hand.
US09439987B2
A method for high temperature sterilization of an emulsion, in particular a dermocosmetic preparation. The method comprises the steps of gradually pre-heating, performing ultra-high temperature sterilization and gradually cooling the emulsion. The emulsion is heated up to a pre-heating temperature, which is the temperature of the emulsion at the stability limit. Ultra-high temperature sterilization is performed by infusion of the pre-heated emulsion by heating the emulsion up to a sterilization temperature, maintaining the emulsion at the sterilization temperature, and cooling the emulsion under a vacuum at an end-of-sterilization temperature. The emulsion is gradually cooled with agitation to a storage temperature.
US09439979B2
Comparative gene analysis (CGA) was combined with pathway visualization software to identify a positive correlation between AAV6 transduction and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. It was found that EGFR is necessary for vector internalization and functions as a co-receptor for AAV6. The identification and characterization of AAV6's requirement of EGFR expression for high transduction activity has allowed construction of recombinant AAV6 vectors which are capable of targeting and killing specific types of head and neck tumors that because of this high EGFR activity, were until now, refractory to current therapies.
US09439971B2
The use of water-soluble or water-dispersible copolymers which are obtained by free radical-initiated polymerization of a mixture of i) 30 to 80% by weight N-vinyllactam, ii) 10 to 50% by weight vinylacetate and iii) 10 to 50% by weight of a polyether, with the proviso that the total of i), ii) and iii) is equal to 100% by weight, as binders for producing solid active ingredient-containing dosage forms.
US09439964B2
Treatment of skin tissue with photoactive materials and light, such as nanoparticles and formulations which are useful for cosmetic, diagnostic and therapeutic applications to mammals such as humans. In particular, embodiments of thermal treatment of the skin surface with coated metal nanoparticles are disclosed.
US09439952B2
The invention is a composition of human insulin or insulin analog that includes treprostinil and that has faster pharmacokinetic action than commercial formulations of existing insulin analog products.
US09439949B2
The method of tissue transplantation involving recellularizing of a donor organ with the utilization of the recipient's cytokines collected from the recipient's blood plasma at less than systemic pressure, and at the temperature greater than freezing and less than normal systemic temperature of the recipient's blood. Specifically, a method of harvesting a platelet-derived growth factors from platelet rich plasma (PRP), the growth factors having increased weight.
US09439938B2
The present invention relates to the use of avocado peels in order to obtain avocado unsaponifiable enriched in saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons and in sterols, said avocado peels accounting for 5 to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of avocado used. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining avocado unsaponifiable enriched in saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons and in sterols from at least avocado peels, said avocado peels accounting for 5 to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of avocado used. The invention also relates to an avocado unsaponifiable enriched in saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons and in sterols, obtainable by this method. Lastly, the invention relates to an avocado unsaponifiable enriched in saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons and in sterols, for use as a drug, advantageously in the in the prevention and/or treatment of conjunctive tissue disorders such as arthrosis, articular pathologies such as rheumatism, or periodontal diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
US09439929B2
This present application describes a therapeutic agent for treating acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease using clonal marrow stem cells (cMSCs) as active ingredient.
US09439926B2
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, and treatment of sexual dysfunction. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications, including treating erectile dysfunction or sexual dysfunction. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin, e.g., onto the penis, vulva, or other suitable portion of the skin. The composition can also be applied to a mucosal surface in some instances. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09439925B2
Described herein are methods of treating wounds, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a soluble or derivatized chitosan wherein the soluble or derivatized chitosan when administered contacts the wound, thereby treating the wound.
US09439919B2
The present invention provides for compositions and methods for administering one or more UDP compound, alone or in combination with another hematopoietic progenitor cell mobillizing compound (for example, but not limited to G-CSF), to mobilize hematopoietic progenitor cells for transplant or other purposes. The methods of the invention may be particularly advantageous as applied to improve the stem cell yield in so-called “poor mobilizing” patients.
US09439917B1
Compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of blepharitis, where the compositions include verbascoside, oligopeptide-10, and sulfonated shale oil, and the preparation of such compositions.
US09439915B2
Described herein are compositions useful in anticancer treatment. The compositions are composed of (a) an O2-aryl substituted diazeniumdiolate and (b) an amphiphile, wherein the amount of amphiphile is sufficient to produce a liposome or micelle. The compositions described herein provide numerous advantages such as increased solubility and stability of the O2-aryl substituted diazeniumdiolate in vivo. The compositions also do not induce hypotension. Methods for using the compositions in anticancer treatment are also described herein.
US09439907B2
The present application relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy. The method involves: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition of a drug to form a vapor, wherein the coated composition is in the form of a film less than 10μ thick; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy. In another aspect, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided, wherein the method involves: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition of a drug to form a vapor in less than 100 milliseconds, wherein the vapor has a mass greater than 0.1 mg; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy.
US09439904B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, to processes for making these compounds, and to their use as medicaments for treatment and/or prevention of Aβ-related diseases.
US09439902B2
Compounds of Formula (A) and (B) are described herein and the uses thereof for the treatment of diseases, conditions and/or disorders mediated by sodium-glucose transporter inhibitors (in particular, SGLT2 inhibitors).
US09439895B2
Described herein are methods of treating a mammal in need of treatment for non-histaminic pruritus by administering to the mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of RS-norketotifen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, thereby reducing the desire to scratch in the mammal. Non-histaminergic types of pruritus are resistant to treatment with selective histamine H-1-, H-2- and H-4-receptor inhibitors. In certain aspects, the non-histaminergic pruritus is associated with diabetes.
US09439891B2
Disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions, methods and kits for lowering the serum uric acid level of a subject and for the treatment of a condition associated with elevated serum uric acid levels comprising administering a composition comprising a first urate-lowering agent and a second urate-lowering agent. In some aspects the first urate-lowering agent is (−)-halofenate, (−)-halofenic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In some aspects the second urate-lowering agent is an inhibitor of uric acid production, a uricosuric agent, a uricase, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09439887B2
Compositions and pharmaceutical compositions including one or more selenium-containing COX-2 inhibitors are provided according to aspects of the present invention. Methods of treating a subject having or suspected of having cancer are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition including a selenium-containing COX-2 inhibitor.
US09439886B2
There is provided methods for producing a hydrogel comprising conjugates of a hydrogel forming agent and a flavonoid including a method for producing a hydrogel that is capable of adhesion of cells and which comprises enzymatically cross-linked conjugates of a hydrogel forming agent and a flavonoid. There is also provided a method for producing a hydrogel comprising conjugates of a hydrogel forming agent and a flavonoid without the addition of an exogenous peroxide or peroxidase or without the addition of an exogenous peroxide. Hydrogels produced by such methods and methods of using the hydrogels are also described herein.
US09439876B2
Methods of inhibiting or preventing the proliferation of a fungus and/or a bacteria in a living organism, in water, in air, and/or on surfaces, include administering or providing a therapeutic amount or an effective amount of an antimicrobial composition including Octodrine.
US09439866B2
The invention relates to a once a day formulation of trazodone or a trazodone derivative. The formulation contains trazodone or a trazodone derivative and a controlled release excipient so that, once administered orally, the trazodone or the trazodone derivative is maintained at a therapeutic plasma concentration from at least 1 hour to at least 24 hours after initial administration. After administration, the initial therapeutic action takes effect within the first hour and lasts at least about 24 hours. This therapeutic effect remains relatively and substantially stable for the remaining period of 24 hours. The formulations can be used for treating depression and/or sleeping disorders.
US09439861B2
Provided herein, for example, are microspheres comprising a gelatin or gelatin substitute and a copolymer of a N-tris-hydroxymethyl methylacrylamide monomer unit, a diethylaminoethylacrylamide monomer unit and a N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide monomer unit. Also provided are methods of producing microspheres comprising a gelatin or gelatin substitute and a copolymer of a N-tris-hydroxymethyl methylacrylamide monomer unit, a diethylaminoethylacrylamide monomer unit and a N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide monomer unit. Further provided herein, for example, are compositions comprising the microspheres and methods of using the microspheres and compositions thereof.
US09439851B2
The present invention provides a novel gastric retention system in the form of a tablet or a capsule coated with an expandable coating, more particularly, with an expandable coating comprising a film-forming polymer and an expandable component.
US09439847B2
The present invention relates to a composition for preventing hair loss or enhancing hair growth which comprises a cyclophilin A (CypA) protein, a nucleic acid having a nucleotide sequence encoding the CypA protein, or a CypA protein expression recombinant vector. The composition of the present invention is administered into skin cells to inhibit the IL-1 expression of the skin cells, to modulate the activities of ERK and c-jun, and to increase the expression of NF-kB p65, thereby promoting the growth and development of hair follicles. Therefore, the composition of the present invention can be useful in preventing hair loss or enhancing hair growth.
US09439843B2
The invention provides oral care compositions comprising isobutyl magnolol and propylene glycol monolaurate, together with methods of making and using the same. Also described is a method of enhancing the solubility of isobutyl magnolol in an oral care composition comprising effective amount of propylene glycol monolaurate. The composition is for use in the treatment of caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth yellowing and halitosis.
US09439841B2
Applicants have identified a critical skin benefit package that can be used in liquid alcohol sanitizing compositions that provides lower amounts of skin conditioners in combination with a specific ratio of different emollients that provide improved skin health with chronic repeated use. The package also provides improved skin feel with without a tacky residue upon drying.
US09439837B2
The present invention relates to a photosensitive composition comprising synthetic nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite or a synthetic precursor thereof doped with a rare earth ion, the use of the composition in restorative or cosmetic dentistry, a process for preparing the composition and a method of generating an image of an exposed dentinal surface of a tooth.
US09439836B1
A stimulating pacifier device includes a base, a nipple extending from the base, and a sound generator disposed in the base and configured to transmit sound. The device further includes at least one of a liquid fragrance permeable nipple or a flavored fluid dispenser.
US09439835B2
A system, a device, a method, and a computer program are provided that dispense pharmacy/clinic loaded medications only to a specific patient that has biometric information pre-programmed to a Biometric Electronic Communicating Drug Dispenser (BECDD) device by, e.g., a clinic physician or authorized user. The biometric information may include, e.g., a finger print, a retinal signature, a voice signature, a DNA code, a blood type, or the like.
US09439833B2
A system includes a cylinder having a bore with a piston disposed therein, the piston moveable along the bore of the cylinder and having a passage therethrough. The system also includes a mixer disposed in the passage in the piston and including at least one porous mixing device, the at least one porous mixing device comprising a three-dimensional lattice defining a plurality of tortuous, interconnecting passages therethrough, and having physical characteristics to sufficiently mix the first and second components, which characteristics include a selected one or more of mean flow pore size, thickness and porosity.
US09439831B2
A pedicure bowl has a bottom discharge drain opening communicating with a discharge duct and is arranged to receive a liner to ensure hygienic operation in the form of a thin flexible material applied over the inner surface to contain the liquid within the liner and to cover the drain opening. The drain opening is closed by the liner so that liquid within the container applies downward pressure on the liner at the drain opening and a sealing member is mounted in the duct downstream of the drain opening to prevent air flow so as to form a back pressure underneath the liner to prevent the downward pressure from rupturing the liner. The sealing member is operable to release the back pressure to cause the liner at the discharge opening to rupture.
US09439823B2
A patient transfer device for transferring a patient resting on a sheet from a first resting device to a second resting device.
US09439815B2
Absorbent members and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the absorbent member is a unitary absorbent fibrous web having a density profile through its thickness. In such an embodiment, the density profile of the fibrous web is skewed toward one of the surfaces of the fibrous web. In such embodiments, the maximum density of the web may be located outside of the central 30% zone of thickness of the web.
US09439812B2
The present invention aims to provide an absorbent article for pet animal ensuring a high fit of the absorbent core along the end edges thereof to the body of pet animal.An absorbent article further includes ventral side elastic element extending in the transverse direction (X) in the ventral region, the absorbent core is located in an area extending from an opening provided in the intermediate region for insertion of tail of pet animal toward the side of the ventral region and the absorbent core has a first end portion located on the side of the ventral region, and the first end portion of the absorbent core overlaps the ventral side elastic element in a planar view.
US09439808B2
An improved skin substitute is presented comprised of a silicone layer backed up with a woven nylon fabric layer, the silicone layer possessing a regular pattern of slits that permit the porosity of the skin substitute to be adjusted by clinicians by means of applying tension to the skin substitute that differentially opens the slits. A variety of therapeutic substances can be applied to the skin substitute to promote healing, including aloe and other medicinal preparations. A layer of water soluble or water insoluble anti-scar compound is also present, the preferred compound being salinomycin.
US09439805B2
Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.
US09439798B2
The present invention includes a walking boot device which immobilizes the ankle at about a 90° angle using a single anterior post that is angled at about 90° at an ankle joint from a lateral view, and encompasses an anterior one half of a calf proximally, and a dorsal one half of a forefoot distally. The post includes medial and lateral wings. The present invention defines an area for a medial and lateral malleolus and is narrow at the ankle and wider at the calf for a more anatomical fit. The present invention is secured to a leg using hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping attached proximally around the calf posteriorly, away from any bony prominences. The hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping is attached to the medial and lateral wings through brackets that are riveted into the wings. The present invention further includes foam inserts and a pneumatic bladder.
US09439795B2
A delivery device 10 for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a catheter assembly 16 including a shaft 26 around which a compartment 23 is defined, the compartment 23 being adapted to receive the valve in an assembled condition, and a retainer 30 including a pusher 32 and a holder 34 adapted to retain a stent portion 106 of the valve. The catheter assembly 16 also includes a distal sheath 24 adapted to selectively cover and uncover the compartment 23 and the valve, the distal sheath 24 extending around the shaft 26 at least when the distal sheath 24 covers the compartment 23. The pusher 32 includes one or more recesses 40 in a retention edge 33 thereof, each recess 40 being adapted to receive a junction 107 at an end of the stent portion 106 of the valve. The holder 34 includes one or more elongated ribs 50, each rib 50 being adapted to fit into a cell opening 108 of the stent portion 106 of the valve.
US09439788B2
A stent with a stent locking element and a method of securing a stent on a delivery implement, such as a catheter are disclosed. The locking element can include coupling elements capable of being releasably coupled to one another. The coupling elements may be adapted to inhibit shifting of the stent on the delivery implement. In some embodiments, the releasably coupled elements may secure the stent on the delivery implement.
US09439779B2
A composite interbody vertebral implant for facilitating fusion of adjacent vertebrae. The implant includes a first endplate of a porous metal material and a second endplate of a porous metal material which are configured to allow bone in-growth. The implant also includes a polymeric body positioned between and bonded to the first and second endplates such that polymeric material of the polymeric body is impregnated into pores of the first and second endplates to bond the components together. The implant may include a cavity extending through the composite implant configured to receive bone growth material to facilitate fusion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra.
US09439773B2
An enhanced artificial disk for stabilizing a pair of adjacent vertebrae. The enhanced artificial disk include a disk and a stabilizer. The stabilizer includes a substantially keyhole shaped opening for receiving a protrusion. By facilitating movement of the protrusion within the opening, the enhanced artificial disk is capable of exhibiting a normal range of motion associated with a healthy disk while limiting any abnormal range of motion.
US09439755B2
The inventive is directed to a haptic for fixation to, and manufacture in conjunction with, an intraocular lens to be implanted in the natural lens capsule of the human eye. The haptic secures the lens in an appropriate position within the natural capsule so as to provide optimal visual acuity through the aphakic lens. The haptic ends are designed to position the lens neutrally, anteriorly or posteriorly within the lens envelope. At the connection point of the ribbon portion to the solid end plate of the haptic, the haptic may be notched to facilitate compressing the lens into its injector for insertion into the eye through an incision in the cornea. Once compressed and passed through the cornea, the implanted lens will be secured by the haptics in the lens capsule once all possible natural lens material and epithelial cells have been removed.
US09439751B2
A hemostasis valve includes a longitudinal valve housing, a gasket, a grip assembly and an interference element. A x-valve includes a valve housing, at least one sealing component and a support layer. Stent graft delivery systems include a handle, an internal lead screw assembly, a lead screw nut, a support member fixed to the handle body, a sheath and a hemostasis valve.
US09439740B2
An oral hygiene implement is described herein. The oral hygiene implement has a handle; a head, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. The head has a plurality of contact elements. An indication element is positioned between the neck and handle of the oral hygiene element. A transmission element is positioned between the indication element and a light emitting source. The light emitting source provides electromagnetic energy to the transmission element.
US09439735B2
MRI guided cardiac interventional systems are configured to generate dynamic (interactive) visualizations of patient anatomy and medical devices during an MRI-guided procedure and may also include at least one user selectable 3-D volumetric (tissue characterization) map of target anatomy, e.g., a defined portion of the heart.
US09439734B2
A system is disclosed for determining the location of fixed wireless assets (FWAs). The system includes at least one FWA having an asset tracking number, at least one mobile device wirelessly coupled to the FWA via a first communication link, and a database having information that associates people with locations. The mobile device is assigned to one of these people. The system also includes a computer that is coupled to the FWA via a second communication link and to the database. The FWA is configured to forward the data received from the mobile device to the computer along with the FWA's asset tracking number. The computer is configured to determine the location of the FWA based at least in part on the data received from the FWA and the information retrieved from the database.
US09439730B2
A triaxial microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The triaxial microwave antenna includes a feedline having an inner conductor, a central conductor disposed about the inner conductor and an outer conductor disposed about the central conductor and a radiating portion including a high frequency radiating section and a low frequency radiating section.
US09439725B2
A balloon ablation catheter achieves reduction in diameter of the balloon upon balloon contraction and increased reliability of the thermocouple temperature sensor, which balloon ablation catheter is less likely to be influenced by the heating liquid discharged into the balloon and able to control the balloon surface temperature with high accuracy. The balloon ablation catheter includes a shaft wherein a lumen is formed; a balloon wherein the lumen communicates with the inside thereof; and a high-frequency-current-applying electrode formed by coiling a high-frequency-power-supplying lead wire around the shaft while sandwiching a temperature sensor lead wire between the high-frequency-power-supplying lead wire and the shaft such that the temperature sensor lead wire is fixed along the longitudinal direction of the shaft; wherein a thermocouple thermosensor is formed at the point where the high-frequency-power-supplying lead wire and the temperature sensor lead wire constituting the high-frequency-current-applying electrode contact with each other for the first time as seen from the posterior end side in the longitudinal direction.
US09439719B2
An operation handle for electrocautery includes: a grip, an operation rod, a stopping part, a positioning bar, and a driven member. One end of the operation rod is jointly connected to the grip, and the other end has a pressing portion. The operation rod moves selectively from an initial position to at least one work position. The stopping part is disposed on the operation rod and adjacent to the pressing portion. The positioning bar is disposed on the grip and comprises at least one positioning groove. When the pressing portion of the operation rod is forced, the operation rod moves from the initial position to the at least one work position, and one end of the driven member is lodged in the at least one positioning groove.
US09439712B2
An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical power generating source, an energy applicator operably associated with the electrosurgical power generating source, a heat-distribution indicator adapted to change echogenic properties in response to heat generated by energy delivered by the energy applicator, and a processor unit configured to generate at least one electrical signal for controlling at least one operating parameter associated with the electrosurgical power generating source. The system also includes an imaging system capable of acquiring image data. The imaging system is communicatively-coupled to the processor unit. The processor unit is adapted to determine an ablation rate at least in part based on analysis of one or more images acquired by the imaging system.
US09439711B2
A medical device for treating tissue includes a tissue-contacting surface and a solid state heating element that is thermally coupled to the tissue-contacting surface. The solid state heating element is configured to generate heat to thermally treat tissue.
US09439708B2
Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.
US09439705B2
An apparatus for elevating tissue within a body, including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis defined therethrough, in which the tubular member comprises a first lumen and a second lumen, separately formed therein, a balloon secured to a region of the tubular member, in which a region of the tubular member is engagable with an injection mechanism, in which the engaged injection mechanism is engagable to be in communication with the first lumen of the tubular member, and in which the first lumen of the tubular member provides a path to an interior of the balloon.
US09439695B2
An osteosynthesis system for treating fractures of tubular bones includes an intramedullary nail with an elongated nail body consisting of a hard metal material with two end sections and a middle section that has at least one transverse screw hole close to the end for screwing in at least one bone screw into each end section. The nail body has a through-channel for pushing through a guide element, in the middle section on the side of the through-channel with the lowest wall thickness, at least two transverse one-sided screw holes for screwing in bone screws are placed proximate to a fracture, all one-sided screw holes are formed as inlays made out of soft metal material securely joined to the nail body, and bone screws with an initial thread consisting of hard metal material that can be screwed into the bone and screw holes while forming threads.
US09439692B1
A minimally invasive spinal fixation system comprises first and second bone screws each including a threaded shaft for respective engagement with a vertebra and a yoke articulatingly attached to the shaft, each yoke including a pair of upstanding opposed arms defining a slot therebetween. A connecting element has opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the connecting element including a tab adjacent each end projecting from the connecting element transversely to the longitudinal axis. Bone screw extensions are provided for guiding the placement of the connecting element into the yoke slots, each extension having a pair of opposing slots that are sized to pass the tabs through the extensions when oriented in a first position and to prevent passage when the tabs are oriented in a second different position.
US09439685B2
A multi-layer osteogenic, osteoconductive and/or osteoinductive carrier device or system for applying an osteoinductive substance to a bone surface, and methods for making and using said carrier are disclosed. The multi-layer osteogenic carrier device can comprise a delivery layer comprising a porous material and an osteogenic material; and a support layer in communication with the delivery layer, the support layer capable of substantially conforming to an anatomical feature, wherein the support layer can hold the delivery layer in proximity to the anatomical feature. The multi-layer osteogenic carrier device can further comprise an adhesive layer capable of adhering the carrier to at least a portion of an anatomical feature, the adhesive layer in communication with at least a portion of the delivery layer. The carrier can be applied to and compressed to conform to the decorticated bone of a fusion site and kept in place by a rod clip attached to a spinal stabilization system. The carrier promotes fusion at least in part by providing an osteoinductive and osteoconductive substance at a target fusion site but also has the potential to be used with osteogenic material.
US09439666B2
An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from an open position, to a clamping position. One of the first and second jaw members includes one or more cam slots defined therein and configured to receive a cam member that upon movement thereof rotates the movable jaw member from the open position to the clamping position. A resilient member is operably coupled to the jaw member that includes the one or more cam slots. The resilient member is configured to provide a camming force to the cam slot and to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position.
US09439644B2
Devices and methods for anchoring tissue to bone are provided herein. In various embodiments, the tissue anchor systems and methods can provide a length of suture having terminal ends coupled to one another via a sliding knot so as to define a suture loop having an adjustable length. After passing a portion of the suture loop through a damaged tissue and coupling the suture loop to bone, the sliding knot can be advanced to shorten the suture loop in order to secure the tissue to bone.
US09439642B2
The invention primarily relates to fastening and stabilizing tissues, implants, and/or bondable materials, such as the fastening of a tissue and/or implant to a bondable material, the fastening of an implant to tissue, and/or the fastening of an implant to another implant. This may involve using an energy source to bond and/or mechanically to stabilize a tissue, an implant, a bondable material, and/or other biocompatible material. The invention may also relate to the use of an energy source to remove and/or install an implant and/or bondable material or to facilitate solidification and/or polymerization of bondable material.
US09439615B2
A non-invasive method distinguishes between two types of micro-calcification by x-ray imaging in mammography. Two major types of micro-calcifications are found and confirmed by histopathology and they are correlated to benign and malignant breast lesions. Distinguishing between them non-invasively will significantly improve early breast cancer diagnosis. This is based on the fact that these two types of micro-calcifications show opposite absorption and small-angle scattering signals in x-ray imaging. The imaging system, which can record these two signals of the breast tissue simultaneously for instance, an x-ray grating interferometer, can be used to uniquely determine the micro-calcification type. This is expected to be used in mammography to improve early breast cancer diagnosis, increase diagnosis accuracy and decrease the biopsy rate.
US09439611B2
There is provided a method that includes (a) detecting, at a point on a cable that runs from a controller to an x-ray generator, a prepare signal that is being transmitted from the controller to the x-ray generator to prepare the x-ray generator to generate an x-ray, and (b) transmitting, in response to the detecting, an initialize signal that causes a reset of a digital receiver panel that prepares the digital receiver panel to capture the x-ray. There is also provided a system that performs the method, and a storage device that controls a processor to execute the method.
US09439610B2
A method of automatic tooth segmentation, the method executed at least in part on a computer system acquires volume image data for either or both upper and lower jaw regions of a patient and identifies image content for a specified jaw from the acquired volume image data. For the specified jaw, the method estimates average tooth height for teeth within the specified jaw, finds a jaw arch region, detects one or more separation curves between teeth in the jaw arch region, defines an individual tooth sub volume according to the estimated average tooth height and the detected separation curves, segments at least one tooth from within the defined sub-volume, and displays the at least one segmented tooth.
US09439608B2
A method for deriving shape information of a person's skull and dentition, including the steps of: taking an impression of the person's dentition, taking a first scan of the person's head, while the person is wearing the impression, taking a second scan of the impression alone, combining the scans, deriving the shape information from the combined scans. Advantageously the method further includes the step of taking a third scan of the person's head alone without the impression.
US09439606B2
A system (100) includes an interventional apparatus (102) and an imaging scanner (101). The interventional apparatus includes a interventional instrument (204) configured to perform an image-guided interventional procedure for a patient. The interventional apparatus includes a position detector (122) that detects a position of the interventional instrument within a region of the patient at which the image-guided interventional procedure is performed from outside of the region of interest and generates a signal indicative of the detected position. The imaging scanner includes a controller (114) that activates the imaging scanner to scan the region of interest and the interventional instrument therein for one or more data acquisition cycles based on the movement signal.
US09439603B2
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus configured to carry out a pulse sequence in synchronization with a biosignal is provided. The pulse sequence includes an RF pulse, and a data acquisition sequence for acquiring data when a wait time has passed after the RF pulse, wherein the wait time has a variable value that can be varied based on the biosignal.
US09439593B2
A method, computer program product, and computer system for identifying at least one attribute of a user. An attention level of the user is determined with the identified at least one attribute. The attention level of the user is analyzed. An action of the user is classified as an attention deficiency event using the analyzed attention level of the user.
US09439590B2
Blood collection apparatus includes a blood collection container and a mix detection unit operatively coupled to the blood collection container. The mix detection unit includes a device to produce a data signal indicative of the extent to which the blood collection container is moved in a manner to promote mixing of blood collected into the container and an anti-coagulant also present in the container. A method described herein provides for filling a blood collection container with blood, inverting the blood collection container by hand to mix the blood with an anti-coagulant, and viewing or listening to an indication generated by a mix detection device attached to the blood collection container, wherein the indication provides information about the appropriate amount or mixing for the blood.
US09439589B2
Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices include unique architectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.
US09439581B2
A system for locating a target tissue site is described. The system includes a locating guide that frames an area of interest upon placement over skin of a patient, an electrode patch defining an aperture and including two or more electrodes for placement within the area of interest, and a medical imaging device that indicates a location of a target tissue site within the patient based on electrical signals generated by one or more of the electrodes. A clinician may guide an introducer needle into the aperture for implanting a medical lead proximate to the target tissue site.
US09439576B2
A lifesaving support apparatus includes: a sensor section which is adapted to be attachable to a patient, and which is configured to acquire information of blood flow of the patient; a determining section which, based on the information of blood flow, is configured to determine whether or not a use of an automatic external defibrillator is necessary; and an outputting section which is configured to notify a rescuer of information which is determined by the determining section.
US09439567B2
The present invention is directed to providing customized versions of firmware to a wearable sensor device. The customized versions of the firmware can allow one or more sensors in the wearable sensor device to perform in a manner that is most optimal for a particular user or the particular manner in which the wearable sensor device is used. In some cases, the customizations can include causing the sensors to use a sampling rate that is optimal for one or more activities that the particular user intends to perform while wearing the wearable sensor device.
US09439562B2
A diagnosis support apparatus comprises an acquiring unit that acquires a plurality of examination data items having different examination dates, a setting unit that sets an extraction condition for examination data items, an extracting unit that extracts, from the plurality of acquired examination data items, examination data items corresponding to the set extraction condition, and a displaying unit that arranges and displays the extracted examination data items, wherein the setting unit sets the extraction condition based on an interval between examination dates of examination data items.
US09439560B2
A laryngoscope includes an arm and a handle. The arm is configurable between at least a first and a second position. A first blade sheath secures over the arm in the first position and a second blade sheath secures over the arm in the second position. A method of configuring a laryngoscope includes configuring a laryngoscope arm into a first position or a second position and securing a selected blade sheath to the arm.
US09439554B2
An endoscope which is configured to be connected to an external processing device includes: an insertion part; a distal end part including an imaging unit configured to generate image information and an E/O converter configured to convert the image information into an optical signal and to output the converted optical signal; a connector part including an O/E converter configured to convert the optical signal into an electric signal, a first output unit configured to convert the electric signal into serial data and to output the converted serial data to the processing device, a second output unit configured to convert the electric signal into an optical signal and to output the converted optical signal to the processing device, and a selector configured to select one of the first output unit and the second output unit; and an optical fiber connecting the E/O converter to the O/E converter.
US09439553B1
A portable washing and drying apparatus useful for washing and drying baby bottle components and other baby-feeding accessories in limited spaces. The apparatus has a flexible membrane to place baby-feeding accessories so that the apparatus can lie in sink basins that have a variety of sizes and shapes. The membrane has a plurality of interspersed holes and a plurality of projections to hold accessories. The membrane may have vertical partitions that separate the flexible membrane into drying and washing regions. The membrane is supported by at least two frame members secured to opposing sides of the membrane and can be spatially adjusted from each other. In one configuration, the frame members have hooks that extend therefrom and attach to an external support, such as a towel bar. In another configuration, the frame members are connected by a chain and hook, so that the apparatus can hang from a shower rod.
US09439543B1
A compact, self-contained servicing apparatus for onboard lavatories on private aircraft and other vehicles comprises a reservoir container with a lid coupled to a flexible hose bearing a standard lavatory clean-out coupling on its opposite end. The coupling mates with a clean-out port beneath the lavatory of the vehicle. The hose permits contents of the onboard lavatory to flow under gravity into the container. The device includes a rinse bucket for pouring rinse water through the lavatory and for refilling the lavatory with disinfect and fluid. The device also optionally contains gloves, goggles, towels and other supplies used in the self-service process, and a second lid seals the container for transporting lavatory effluent to a disposal area. In one embodiment, the components of the apparatus nest within the container to form a service kit that stores onboard the vehicle when it is not in use.
US09439542B2
A vertical assembling and disassembling mechanism for a toilet seat includes a support, a fixing axle, and a turning member. A pin of the support can be inserted into or pulled out a radial pin hole of the fixing axle. The fixing axle includes a damper therein to connect with the turning member. The fixing axle is formed with a lock hole to receive a lock plate biased by a spring. A turning ring is provided to cooperate with the lock plate. The inner end of the lock plate is engaged with the pin. The inner wall of the turning ring is formed with an inverted step recess. When the turning ring is turned about 90±3 degrees, the outer end of the lock plate is engaged in the inverted step recess and the inner end of the lock plate is disengaged from an annular groove of the pin.
US09439539B2
A food processing device includes a dicing kit adapted to be received in a bowl which is coupled to a base. The dicing kit includes a dicing grid disposed within a frame which is coupled to a cover member having a rotating slicing tool disposed there between. The slicing tool is positively captured between the dicing grid frame and the cover member and is further adapted to rotate as powered by a motor disposed in the base portion of the food processor.
US09439528B2
An artificial tree that includes a first trunk body having a first elongated projection that extends axially from a first end toward a second end and forms a first keyway; a first electrical connector anchored within the first end of the first trunk body; a second trunk body, including a second elongated projection that extends axially, the second elongated projection forming a second keyway, the second elongated projection configured to be received by the first keyway; and a second electrical connector anchored within a first end of the second trunk body. The second elongated projection is received by the first keyway, and first and second electrical terminals of the first electrical connector make electrical connection with first and second electrical terminals of the second electrical connector, when the first end of the first trunk body is coupled to the first end of the second trunk body.
US09439526B2
A system for quickly attaching and detaching a coat rod or cargo restraint system to the interior surfaces of an aircraft to optimize the limited space aboard an aircraft.
US09439525B1
A cup includes two compartments in a unitary structure: an upper compartment that holds the liquid drink and a lower compartment that has a configured slot to slide onto the edge of a plate. The upper compartment has an open top-end and a closed bottom-end just like any other cup. The open top-end is larger than the closed bottom-end so as to permit stacking multiple cups together. The lower compartment is connected below the closed bottom-end of the first compartment. The second compartment defines a configured slot or cut-out that is shaped to receive the edge of a plate and contact the bottom of the plate. The cut-out starts with a wide slot at the wall of the cup that transitions to a narrow slot within the cup. The narrow slot is intended for the edge of the plate. The wider slot contacts the bottom of the plate.
US09439522B2
In a personalized band closed by a side release buckle comprising a hook fixedly attached to each end of the band and a double-sided catch for receiving and securing the hooks. A display panel for separately displaying band straps and personalized catches.
US09439519B2
A free-standing display fixture includes a main body having a top edge, a bottom edge, a right side panel, a center panel and a left side panel. Each of the left side panel, the center panel and the right side panel include interior surfaces and the interior surfaces of the left side panel and the right side panel face each other. Located between and coupled to left side panel and right panel are a plurality of uniquely arranged display components.
US09439518B2
A cutlery dispenser comprising a front cover, a housing, and a pushing assembly. The front cover further includes an opening and at least stop. The at least one stop is configured to cause a utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to fan through the opening for retrieval by a user. The pushing assembly urges the utensils forward in the dispenser toward the stop and toward the opening.
US09439513B2
Spring-soft intermediate mounting piece for use in a swivel chair, which comprises a chair column comprising a gas lift (1) and a standardized cone, as well as a seat mechanism comprising a conical sleeve, wherein the intermediate mounting piece comprises an elastic element so as to enable a spring-soft interconnection between the chair column and the seat mechanism. The intermediate mounting piece comprises a cartridge (3) for being able to receive the standardized cone of the chair column (9), wherein the cartridge (3) is at least partially encased by an elastic rubber element (7). In addition, the intermediate mounting piece, which comprises in an upper portion thereof a housing comprising a cone (4) for plugging the cartridge (3) of the seat mechanism and which encloses in a lower portion thereof the cartridge (3) together with the elastic rubber element (7) at least partially in the radial direction.
US09439512B2
An adjustable easel for configuring into multiple positions is described. The adjustable easel includes a work surface, an accessory tray, and a frame having a first and second pair of frame members that are selectively adjustable into a plurality of positions. The plurality of positions includes a first position, where the accessory tray and the plurality of frame members are configured to provide a portable storage case. In a second position, a first work surface is secured relative to the frame members, with the first pair of frame members positioned at a distance from the second pair of frame members. In a third position, a second work surface is secured relative to the frame members. A work surface support, coupled to the first and second work surfaces, is pivoted about a longitudinal axis of the frame when adjusting the position of the adjustable easel.
US09439507B2
A tool cabinet includes a cabinet housing, drawers disposed in the cabinet housing, two sideboards, a working platform unit, two slide rails, two lifting units, a linkage unit, a drive unit and reinforcement ribs. Each of the sideboards cooperates with the cabinet housing to define a receiving space. Each of the reinforcement ribs extends from a respective one of opposite sides of the cabinet housing toward the respective one of the sideboards. The linkage unit interconnects the lifting units. The drive unit is drivingly connected to one of the lifting units, and is operable to drive synchronized movements of the lifting units to move the working platform along the slide rails.
US09439504B1
A mobile workstation includes a body that defines an open interior. A lid is movably connected to the body. The lid is movable between an open position and a closed position. A bracket is secured to the body and at least partially disposed within the open interior. The bracket is movable with respect to the body such that the bracket moves from a storage configuration when the bracket is positioned within the open interior and an active configuration in which at least a portion of the bracket extends outwardly from the open interior when the lid is in the opened position. A graphical display is configured to be removably coupled to the front face of the bracket. The bracket is configured to removably receive the graphical display. The graphical display moves in conjunction with the bracket between the storage configuration and the active configuration.
US09439500B2
Pack assemblies for dog walking are disclosed herein. Such assemblies can include, for example, an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion can include a first strap and a second strap. The lower portion can include a leash assembly having a slider and a leash clip configured to be detachably coupled to a dog leash. In some embodiments, the leash clip can slide along the slider.
US09439497B2
A linear actuator includes an oscillating component that includes a threaded element, a traveler located inside the oscillating component that includes a mating threaded element, and a directional clutch located between the oscillating component and the traveler. The oscillating component is configured to be coupled to a source of oscillating motion and to be driven by the source of oscillating motion to cause oscillatory movements of the oscillating component. The directional clutch is configured to cause the oscillating component to drive the traveler in the first rotational direction when the oscillating component is rotated in the first rotational direction and to allow the oscillating component to slip by the traveler when the oscillating component is rotated in the second rotational direction. The threaded element and the mating threaded element are engaged such that rotational movement of the traveler in the first rotational direction causes linear movement of the traveler.
US09439481B1
A jewelry item includes a first ornament, a conical helical coil, and a pad. The conical helical coil includes a plurality of turns, the first ornament being attached to a first turn of the plurality of turns. The pad includes a central bore configured for receiving the helical coil. The jewelry item further includes a second ornament engaging a second turn of the plurality of turns. A compressive force between adjacent turns of the helical coil couples the jewelry item to a body part.
US09439477B2
A lace closure system may include a low friction guide that defines the turning radius and direction of a lace which, though tension, pulls two or more panels toward each other. The lace closure system may include a fixator that defines a slot into which the lace is led, containing multiple engagement surfaces that, when the lace is wrapped into the slot, serve to engage the lace preventing unwanted loosening. The lace closure system may include a ring onto which the lace is attached, to assist in applying manual tension to the lace. The ring may be shaped and sized to removably attach to an outer perimeter of the fixator after excess lace has been wrapped into the slot.
US09439476B2
A decorative ornament has a disc shaped plate member which is configured to fit into the top slit pocket opening of a “penny loafer” type shoe or an accessory with a similar opening. An extendable clasp is secured to the plate member. One or more decorative charms, each having a ring shaped section, are positioned around the crosspiece and extension member of the clasp. The decorative section of the charm hangs down from the clasp and extends over the upper surface of the shoe or accessory.
US09439474B2
An outsole, in which in the heel and ball regions several elements protrude downward with respect to a stop surface which surrounds the outsole on all sides. The elements can be deformed vertically and/or horizontally to all sides by the forces acting thereon during walking until they are aligned with the stop surface. At least two groups of elements are provided. With respect to the elements of a first group a force that is at least 10 N higher is required than with respect to the elements of a second group in order to bring the elements into alignment with the stop surface by vertical deformation. With respect to the elements of the first group force that is at least 5 N lower is required than with respect to the elements of the second group in order to bring the elements into alignment with the stop surface by horizontal deformation.
US09439466B2
A retractable sunshade cap (40) includes a crown (52) having a forwardly extending visor (54), three sunshield members (118)(160)(200), and fastening members. The bottom end of the sunshield members are attached to the base of the crown using detachable or permanent fastening members. Left and right sunshield members (118)(160) are disposed with their front ends attached near the front centerline (74) of the crown so that they drape forwardly down the side of the visor. Rear sunshield member (200) is disposed so that it drapes down from near the rear crown portion. Detachable fastening members are deployed to secure angled folded flaps that reduce the size of the sunshield members for storage and can serve as earflaps (274) to shade the ears, and are also deployed to secure portions of the sunshield members onto the crown near its vertex (72) for independent retraction and targeted shading of the face and neck. Another embodiment includes a front sunshield member (284) for shading the front of the face, comprising a visor sleeve (285), a sleeve flap member (290) disposed inside the sleeve that swings out, and detachable fastening members for securing the front sunshield member to the left and right sunshield members for shading and for refraction onto the visor.
US09439458B2
A system and method for an improved appearance of a pair of pants. The system includes a pair of pants having one or more rear pant pockets, and one or more pant inserts configured to be inserted into and engage respective one or more rear pant pockets during an operational use thereof such that the one or more pant inserts straighten or take out the creases in the general area of the respective one or more rear pant pockets to improve the general appearance of the pair of pants when worn by a user. The one or more pant inserts include a wearable fabric layer, a first fusible or bonding product layer, a stiff utility material layer, and a second fusible or bonding product layer bonded together.
US09439457B2
The present invention relates generally to an arch-supporting sock in which proper curvature of the arch is reinforced and strain on the leg, arch, and greater foot area is decreased, comprising a first region having a first elasticity coefficient and a second region, roughly encompassing the arch of the foot, having a second elasticity coefficient, wherein the second region provides greater structural support than the first region and the second elasticity coefficient is lower than the first elasticity coefficient. The arch-supporting sock may further comprise one or more perimetric boundaries between the first and the second region, each boundary comprising a perimetric elasticity coefficient, wherein one or more perimetric boundaries has a perimetric elasticity coefficient less than the first and second elasticity coefficients. Embodiments of the sock include non-interchangeable left or right socks with the arch support assemblage residing on the inner half of the sock.
US09439454B2
An electrically heated aerosol generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form the aerosol and a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heating element. The power supply includes a voltage source, two or more supercapacitors, and switches between the voltage source and the two or more supercapacitors. The switches are arranged so that, during a charging mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to be charged by the voltage source and, during a heating mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to discharge through the at least one heating element.
US09439453B2
A cigarette includes lighting and mouth ends. It may include a smokable segment disposed at the lighting end. It also includes a mouth-end segment; an aerosol-generation system disposed between the lighting and mouth ends, which includes (i) a heat-generation segment adjacent the smokable segment, including a heat source and an insulation layer and (ii) an aerosol-generating segment including a substrate, which may include tobacco pellets and aerosol-forming material disposed in a substrate cavity between the heat generation segment and the mouth end; a piece of outer wrapping material that provides an overwrap around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating segment, the heat-generation segment, and at least a portion of the smokable segment and includes a foil strip laminated thereon; those segments being connected together by the overwrap to provide a cigarette rod; that is connected to the mouth-end segment using tipping material.
US09439452B2
Embodiments provided herein concern tobacco and tobacco products having a reduced amount of a harmful compound. More specifically, several embodiments concern approaches to modify the expression of a gene that is involved in the production of a harmful compound in tobacco, tobacco products made using these approaches and methods of determining whether the removal of said compounds using said approaches yields a tobacco and/or a tobacco product that has a reduced potential to contribute to a tobacco-related disease.
US09439450B2
Systems and methods for preparing and dispensing single serving gelatin-based food products in an efficient and cost-effective way. A gelatin-based product making device includes a container receiving portion configured to removably receive one or more disposable dry ingredients containers that store dry ingredients used to make the gelatin-based products. The device is operative to automatically mix the dry ingredients with a liquid, heat the mixture, and rapidly cool the mixture to form a batch of gelatin-based product. The device includes a dispenser operative to dispense single servings of the gelatin-based product into cups that may be provided to consumers.
US09439449B2
A complete nutritional composition comprising Bifidobacterium strains or probiotic is provided for reducing the symptoms of allergies originating from food allergens in young children or infants. Preferably the composition reduces symptoms of allergies (secondary prevention) and also reduces sensitization (primary prevention). The composition comprises a probiotic of the genus Bifidobacterium.
US09439445B2
The invention relates to the use of L. casei ssp. paracasei for imparting antifungal properties to a fermented dairy product, and particularly for inhibiting the growth of molds of the Ascomycetes class in said product.
US09439427B2
The present invention relates to novel pyrazoles of formula I wherein the variables are as defined in the description, a method for controlling invertebrate pests, a method for protecting plant propagation material and/or the plants which grow therefrom, to plant propagation material, comprising at least one compound according to the present invention, and to an agricultural composition.
US09439421B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to compounds, methods of making compositions (used as a linker or a linker moiety), structures having the compound covalently bonded to the surface of the structure, methods of attaching the compound to the surface of the structure having —OH functionality (e.g., Calkyl—OH), methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, and the like.
US09439420B2
A biocidal composition comprising 2,2-dibromomalonamide and an electrophile containing biocide, and its use for the control of microorganisms in aqueous and water-containing systems.
US09439419B2
A biocidal composition comprising 2,2-dibromomalonamide and an electrophile containing biocide, and its use for the control of microorganisms in aqueous and water-containing systems.
US09439410B2
A line for use in angling sports, such as fly fishing, comprises a braid formed of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) strands and polyethylene (PE) strands. The PTFE strands and the PE strands are arranged such that in a rest position, an outer surface of the braid is defined by both the PTFE strands and the PE strands and when the braid is placed under tension, the outer surface of the braid is defined at least substantially by the PTFE strands due to bulging of the PTFE strands relative to the PE strands.
US09439409B2
A fishing reel housing for attachment to a rod along a longitudinal rod axis. The housing has a shaft for accepting a central bore of a line dispensing spool and an adjustment mechanism for selectively adjusting the shaft in position transversely away from the rod axis while maintaining its position along the rod axis. The fishing reel housing includes an adjustable line retainer assembly which moves a line retainer radially outwardly from the shaft as the adjustment mechanism is selectively adjusted. A fishing reel comprises the adjustable line retainer and reel housing with a spool with a central bore mounted thereon.
US09439392B2
A system for operating a robotic arm, comprises a controller and a robotic arm. The controller receives an indication that a stall of a rotary milking platform in which a dairy livestock is located has moved into an area adjacent a robotic arm that is detached from the rotary milking platform. The controller also determines whether a milking cluster is attached to the dairy livestock. The robotic arm is communicatively coupled to the controller and extends between the legs of the dairy livestock if the controller determines that the milking cluster is not attached to the dairy livestock. The robotic arm does not extend between the legs of the dairy livestock if the controller determines that the milking cluster is attached to the dairy livestock.
US09439386B2
The present invention relates to plants of a lettuce variety NUN 09051 LTL and, seeds and progeny thereof. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant by traditional breeding methods. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes.
US09439383B1
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01051693. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01051693. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01051693 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01051693 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09439380B1
A novel maize variety designated PH24F2 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH24F2 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH24F2 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH24F2 or a locus conversion of PH24F2 with another maize variety.
US09439374B2
A celery cultivar, designated TBG31, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of celery cultivar TBG31, to the plants of celery cultivar TBG31 and to methods for producing a celery plant by crossing the cultivar TBG31 with itself or another celery cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a celery plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic celery plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to celery cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG31, to methods for producing other celery cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG31 and to the celery plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid celery seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar TBG31 with another celery cultivar.
US09439364B2
An apparatus enables forming extruded plastic material into a strip that may be formed into an irrigation pipe. The apparatus includes a pair of juxtaposed rollers which when rotated, the linear velocity of a contact surface of one of the rollers of the pair is different from the linear velocity of a contact surface of the other roller of the pair. Thus, extruded material that passes between the rollers is concurrently stretched and flattened.
US09439361B2
There is provided apparatus including: a workstation having an operator work portion, a material source portion, a material delivery portion and a robot arm. A housing is located at the material source portion and contains plantlet holders, the housing being closable by a lid mechanically and sealingly engaging a peripheral lip of the housing. An empty housing is located at the material delivery portion to receive the plantlet holders. A tool assembly on the robot arm includes a plantlet holder manipulator for movement of a plantlet holder between the material source portion, the operator work portion, and the material delivery portion; and an integral closure manipulator operable to engage a lid for removal from and attachment to the housing.
US09439356B1
A hitch that connects one propelled mower assembly to one or more non-propelled mower assemblies, allowing the non-propelled mower to be pushed or pulled without jackknifing, while the individual mower decks are free to follow the terrain independently of each other. The hitch has two rigid connectors pivotally attached to and interconnecting the propelled mower and the non-propelled mower. Each mower deck can move freely relative to its lateral and longitudinal axes independent of each other.
US09439354B2
The apparatus for harvesting olives and similar products comprises a support body (2) suitable to be grasped; a shaker unit (3) comprising a containment box (7) suitable to be mounted at the top of the support body (2); at least one comb sector (6) shaping a support structure (9, 90, 99) provided with a plurality of teeth (10), carried mobile by the containment box (7); a motor member to actuate the comb sector (6) in a substantially swinging motion, a motor shaft (12) arranged substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis of the support body (2) and suitable to be actuated in a rotary motion by the motor member. The apparatus also comprises a first kinematic chain (14) actuated by the motor shaft (12), suitable to transmit a first rotary motion, and a second kinematic chain (15) also actuated by the motor shaft (12) and suitable to transmit a second motion of the substantially alternated type.
US09439352B2
A lawn mower may include a blade housing configured to house at least one blade, an engine supported at least in part by the blade housing to selectively rotate the at least one blade, a handle assembly comprising at least one handle member for guiding operation of the lawn mower by an operator walking substantially behind the lawn mower, and a handle height adjustment assembly. The handle height adjustment assembly enables the handle member to be fixed in at least a first operating position or a second operating position each of which defines different handle heights for the handle member responsive to the handle height adjustment assembly being in a locked state, and enables the handle member to be rotated between the first operating position, the second operating position, and a folded position responsive to the handle height adjustment assembly being in an unlocked state.
US09439344B2
An agricultural product delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box with an agricultural product inlet configured to receive an agricultural product, an air inlet configured to receive an airflow, a plurality of mixing chambers, and a plurality of air bypass channels. Each mixing chamber is configured to mix the agricultural product and a respective first portion of the airflow. The plurality of air bypass channels is configured to guide a respective second portion of the airflow from the air inlet to a respective mixing chamber of the plurality of mixing chambers. The plurality of bypass channels includes inside air bypass channels that contact adjacent inside air bypass channels, and outside air bypass channels that are arranged adjacent to an exterior inductor box wall.
US09439339B2
An attachment for agricultural implements which tills soil compacted by the wheels of the agricultural implement it is attached to. In one arrangement the power and force used to till the soil is gained from the torque of the machine pulling the agricultural implement it is attached to, alternatively the tilling device is independently powered. This arrangement reduces compaction caused by the wheels of row-crop planters through the use of a shank or rolling tines. The tilling device is mounted directly behind wheels of the agricultural implement. The tilling device has the ability to raise and lower into the soil with the engaging and disengaging of the implement. In addition, in its current form it can independently be disengaged from use by raising and locking it up out of the soil, even if the implement remains engaged.
US09445532B2
An improved capacitor packaging solution is presented that incorporates both thermal and electrical considerations. A package can include capacitor elements electrically coupled to a bus bar, and a thermally enhanced isolation layer between the bus bar and a case. The isolation layer can be provided adjacent a case base and sidewall portions. The bus bar can be disposed adjacent the isolation layer and be configured to extend along the package side and along the package length below the capacitor elements to provide an extended path for heat dissipation from the bus bar prior to its contact with capacitor elements. The enhanced isolation layer is configured to conduct heat away from the bus bar to the case to avoid the hotspot temperature of the capacitor. Reduced capacitor temperature allows use of smaller, cheaper capacitors, reducing inverter costs without compromising performance.
US09445531B1
A data center system includes a housing to house servers arranged in electronic racks and an air supply system to receive contaminated air from an external environment of the housing. The datacenter system further includes a misting and cooling system to clean and cool the contaminated air. The misting and cooling system includes a cooling and cleaning chamber to receive the contaminated air and nozzles to spray liquid droplets into the contaminated air within the cooling and cleaning chamber. The liquid droplets collect and remove at least a portion of the particles contained in the contaminated air to generate non-contaminated air. The data center system further includes an airflow delivery system to generate an airflow from the non-contaminated air to cause the airflow to travel through the servers of the electronic racks to exchange heat generated by the servers due to operations of the servers.
US09445530B2
This discloses apparatuses for cooling individual server racks or electrical enclosures. These devices maintain target enclosure temperatures within plus or minus 1 or 2 degrees F. The devices employ industrial cooling using staged cooling towers to evaporatively reach temperatures below the wet bulb temperature of the ambient air. Methods for using such apparatuses are disclosed as well.
US09445529B2
Input data, specifying aspects of a thermal design of a liquid cooled data center, is obtained. The input data includes data indicative of ambient outdoor temperature for a location of the data center; and/or data representing workload power dissipation for the data center. The input data is evaluated to obtain performance of the data center thermal design. The performance includes cooling energy usage; and/or one pertinent temperature associated with the data center. The performance of the data center thermal design is output.
US09445522B2
A novel structurally-embedded construction, design, and maintenance record data management system and a related method of operation provide immediate and on-the-property access to construction, design, and maintenance records that are electronically stored and updated in an electronic archive of the structurally-embedded construction, design, and maintenance record data management system. An authorized personnel who is physically on the property of a building, a bridge, a monument, or another construction structure for maintenance or improvement work, even after a natural disaster event, can readily access and update a history of construction, design, and maintenance records on-site. The extensive time, efforts, and expenses in tracking down various documents and information associated with a particular construction structure (i.e. for maintenance and renovation approvals and analysis by authorized personnel and various regulatory agencies) can be dramatically reduced, if the novel structurally-embedded construction, design, and maintenance record data management system is utilized.
US09445518B2
Disclosed is a display device and an apparatus for side surface sealing of display panel, which enable to realize thin profile and good exterior appearance in device, wherein the display device includes a display panel including a first substrate with pad regions, a second substrate bonded to remaining portions of the first substrate except the pad regions, and an upper polarizing film attached to an entire upper surface of the second substrate; a panel support member joined to an edge of a lower surface of the display panel; a panel driving part including a flexible circuit film attached to the pad regions; and a side surface sealing member for covering each side surface of the display panel, the flexible circuit film, the plurality of pad regions, and each side surface of the upper polarizing film.
US09445515B2
A circuit box includes a housing having an internal compartment. The housing includes first and second entrances for receiving first and second electrical wires, respectively, into the internal compartment. The housing includes first and second wire receptacles that include first and second dielectric shells, respectively, and first and second contacts, respectively, that are held by the first and second dielectric shells, respectively. The first and second contacts are electrically connected together. The first and second dielectric shells include first and second cavities that include pluggable interfaces that are configured to mechanically receive first and second wire terminals, respectively, that terminate the first and second electrical wires, respectively, such that the first and second contacts mechanically mate with the first and second wire terminals, respectively. A circuit element is held within the internal compartment of the housing. The circuit element is electrically connected to the first and second electrical wires.
US09445503B2
A carrier device for an electrical component includes a carrier, which includes an electrically insulating layer, and an electrical contact layer on the electrically insulating layer The electrical contact layer includes at least one bridge-shaped contact region At least one recess in the electrically insulating layer is arranged at least on one side surface of the bridge-shaped contact region and/or the bridge-shaped contact region includes a bridge width reducing toward the insulating layer.
US09445495B2
A method of fabricating a capacitance touch panel module includes forming a plurality of first conductive patterns on a substrate comprising a touching area and a peripheral area along a first orientation, a plurality of second conductive patterns along a second orientation, and a plurality of connecting portions in the touching area; forming a plurality of insulated protrusions, in which each insulated protrusion covering one connecting portion, and forming an insulated frame on the peripheral area; and forming a bridging member on each insulated protrusion.
US09445493B2
A signal line that is easily inflected includes a laminated body including at least insulator layers that include flexible material and are laminated from a positive direction side in a z axis direction to a negative direction side therein in this order. A ground conductor is securely fixed to a main surface on the positive direction side of the insulation sheet in the z axis direction. A signal line is securely fixed to a main surface on the positive direction side of the insulator layer in the z axis direction. A ground conductor is securely fixed to a main surface on the positive direction side of the insulator layer in the z axis direction. The ground conductors and the signal line define a stripline structure. The laminated body is inflected so that the insulator layer is located on an inner periphery side, compared with a location of the insulator layer.
US09445491B2
The described embodiments relate generally to use of an electrically conductive member, such as a grounding spring, used to electrically ground components on a printed circuit board as well as provide mechanical protection to the components. More particularly, a method and apparatus for attaching a grounding spring to multiple locations on the printed circuit board are disclosed. In one embodiment, the grounding spring can act as both a ground and a mechanical protection element for other surface mounted components disposed on the printed circuit board.
US09445473B1
A multi-stage LED dimming module includes a voltage source and an LED control module having a dual-link pull switch, a substrate, a control circuit and a multiple of LED light sources, and the control circuit further includes a rectifier/filter circuit unit, a resistor array unit and a control circuit unit, and the voltage source is electrically connected to the LED control module for controlling the brightness of the LED control module, so as to achieve the effects of providing a convenient application and a stable structure.
US09445468B1
A voltage converting device includes an input circuit to rectify an AC input voltage, a voltage converter receiving the rectified input voltage, a specific connection of a switch, an inductor, a capacitor and two discharging diodes coupled between the input circuit and a primary-side winding of the voltage converter, and an output circuit coupled to a secondary-side winding of the voltage converter to output a DC output voltage. Through proper operation of the switch, the AC input voltage may be converted into the DC output voltage.
US09445463B2
Disclosed is an LED lighting device using a ballast for a fluorescent lamp, the LED lighting device including: an LED part which includes at least one LED device; a rectifier which rectifies a power signal outputted from the ballast for a fluorescent lamp; and a controller which receives an output signal of the rectifier and controls power transmitted from the ballast to the LED part.
US09445461B2
A method is provided to produce a high-frequency heat treatment coil including a heating section for heating a heat treatment portion of an outer joint member for a constant velocity universal joint. The heating section is formed by machining in an integrated manner, and is joined to another section to complete the high-frequency heat treatment coil.
US09445460B2
A variable width transverse flux electric inductor has a fixed powered coil section and associated box-like moveable passive coil sections that electromagnetically couple with magnetic flux generated by current flowing through the fixed powered section. The passive coil sections can be transversely moved across the workpiece to accommodate induction heating of workpieces having different widths or track movement of the workpiece. Alternatively the fixed powered coil section and associated moveable coil sections may be connected to each other through flexible connections, sliding contacts or other means, such as clamps, so that an electrical connection can be maintained between both in any relative position.
US09445452B2
Techniques described herein provide coupling an application to a radio of a user device to, for example, optimize media streaming services. Implementations include receiving, by a user device, first data of a file and second data of the file. The user device may present the first data of the file using an application implemented by the user device. In response to a determination that an amount of data in the second data is greater than a predetermined threshold, the user device may invoke a command associated with a radio of the user device by calling a radio API to place the radio into a dormant state. The radio API may be configured to couple the application to the radio.
US09445451B2
An electronic device that communicates input messages and output messages with another electronic device using a Bluetooth Low Energy communication protocol is described. In particular, the electronic device receives input messages using a predefined characteristic to convey input information associated with a set of input attribute types. A given input message includes one or more input-command characters specifying a given input attribute type in the set of input attribute types and, optionally, an input delimiter and an input value in an input argument associated with the given input attribute type. Moreover, the electronic device provides output messages using the predefined characteristic to convey output information associated with a set of output attribute types. A given output message includes one or more output-command characters specifying a given output attribute type in the set of output attribute types. In this way, the predefined characteristic can be repurposed to convey other attribute types.
US09445438B2
Systems and methods for communicating in a wireless communication system are described. Various processes for reducing the initial link set up time are described. In one aspect a method in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, at a terminal, a message including information for establishing a link with a device in the wireless communication system. The method further includes identifying, at the terminal, a time slot and a back-off amount within the identified time slot based on a value included in the received message. The method also includes abstaining from sensing a medium based on the identified time slot and the identified back-off amount. The method further includes transmitting an association request message to establish the link with the device during the identified time slot after expiration of the back-off amount.
US09445431B2
A mobile communications device supporting operation on a first wireless technology and a second wireless technology with a wireless module and a controller module is provided. The wireless module performs wireless transceiving to and from a first base station of a first wireless technology and a second base station of a second wireless technology. The controller module transmits a control message prior to the starting of a uplink transmission period of the first wireless technology via the wireless module to occupy the uplink transmission period of the first wireless technology so as to allow transmission of signals of the second wireless technology during the uplink transmission period of the first wireless technology, wherein the first wireless technology is a long term evolution (LTE) technology and the second wireless technology is a WiFi technology.
US09445424B2
Embodiments herein relate to a method in a radio base station (12) for scheduling a radio resource to a first user equipment (10). The radio base station (12) is comprised in a radio communications network and controls a number of radio resources to be scheduled for communication to a number of user equipments (10,11). The number of user equipments comprises the first user equipment (10) and being served by the radio base station (12). The scheduling is based on channel quality of channels used by the respective user equipments. The radio base station (12) estimates a first channel quality of a channel used by the first user equipment (10). The radio base station determines a pathloss between the first user equipment (10) and the radio base station (12), and computes a second channel quality of the channel based on the estimated first channel quality and the determined pathloss. The radio base station (12) then schedules a radio resource out of the number of radio resources to the first user equipment (10) based on the second channel quality.
US09445423B2
Provided is a communication method of a base station and a terminal for enhancing a recovery performance of a signal using a feedback control message. The feedback control message may include information about a target received power at the base station with respect to feedback information of each of a plurality of terminals and information associated with a feedback mode of the feedback information.
US09445422B2
User equipment, UEs, (306a,d) being interfered by direct D2D traffic, and UEs (306b,c) involved in D2D communication being interfered by a UE (306a,d), instead of passively reporting that they are interfered to their serving base station (305), intervene and communicate directly with the pair of D2D communicating UEs or the UE that are causing the interference without involving any of the serving base stations.
US09445413B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for enabling a terminal to receive control information in a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of: determining resource units for Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (EPDCCH) of a plurality of resource units, with respect to each of one or more resource sets; and blind-decoding the resource units for the EPDCCH with respect to each of the one or more resource sets, wherein each of the one or more resource sets is set for one of localized EPDCCH transmission or distributed EPCCH transmission.
US09445408B2
Distributed computing in a wireless communication system. Reports may be received from a plurality of nodes in a wireless communication system. Each respective report may include information regarding computing resources at the respective node. A notification of a request for a computing resource may be received from a first wireless user equipment device. A first node may be selected from the plurality of nodes to provide the computing resource based on the reports received from the plurality of nodes. The first node may be assigned to provide the computing resource.
US09445406B2
If a plurality of channel state information reports corresponding to different cells have collided (Yes in step S2408), a mobile station device 1 selects two channel state information reports in accordance with priorities of report types and cell indices of cells, and drops the other channel state information reports (step S2412). The mobile station device 1 transmits the selected two channel state information reports using a resource for PUCCH format 3, which is used in case of collision of a plurality of channel state information reports corresponding to different cells (step S2414).
US09445398B2
A method for transmitting sounding reference symbol, a base station and user equipment. The method comprises: configuring, by a base station, user equipment of a CoMP transmission mode, with parameter configuration information for transmitting SRS, the parameter configuration information including a frequency comb of the SRS and one or more pieces of the following information: cyclic shift, root sequence information, power control information, and transmission duration information, of the SRS; and transmitting the parameter configuration information to the user equipment by the base station, such that the user equipment transmits the SRS to the base station according to the parameter configuration information. The method is simple and flexible, efficiently uses limited SRS resources, and solves the problem in the prior art.
US09445396B1
A user is enabled to use a mobile device to electronically acknowledge information relating to a sign encountered by the user within the user's environment. The mobile device detects a signal transmitted by an electronic source placed on or near the sign and register with a remote server. The registration may include an identifier of the electronic source and an identifier of the mobile device. In response to the registration, the mobile device receives content associated with the electronic source, and displays that content in a notification on a display of the mobile device. The user may then acknowledge the notification via a prompt on the display. The mobile device receives input from the user acknowledging the notification, and sends an acknowledgement message to the remote server.
US09445394B2
Automatic response to localized input is provided. Where a first user equipment enters a service area, the presence of the first user equipment can be determined from an identification information. The identification information can be employed to access information relating to the identification information. Where either the identification information or the information associated with the identification information satisfy one or more predetermined rules, a response can be determined. The determined response can be made accessible. As such, a second user equipment can receive the response based, at least in part, on the first user equipment entering the service area.
US09445393B2
A user equipment (UE) determines to activate a data session. The UE configures a data session activation request message to include an indication of an association with communication sessions of a given type (e.g., delay-sensitive communication sessions), and then transmits the data session activation request message to an access network. The access network determines to establish an aggressive paging cycle of a downlink channel for the UE based in part upon receiving a message (e.g., which can be different than the data session activation request message) that conveys the indication of the association to the access network. The access network sends at least one instruction for facilitating an allocation of the aggressive paging cycle to the UE, and the UE receives the at least one instructions and monitors the downlink channel accordingly.
US09445385B2
Methods and devices are disclosed for enabling efficient network registration using a shared radio resource for at least a first and second SIM of a multi-SIM wireless communication device. An overall priority-based ranking may be calculated for each SIM of the multi-SIM device, which may be used to determine an preferred order for the SIMs to register for services in their respective networks. Calculating the overall priority-based ranking for each SIM may include determining values for a service capability priority factor, an attachment time factor, and a sleep cycle duration factor.
US09445383B2
A system and method are disclosed for providing uplink timing synchronization during DRX operation in a wireless communication system.
US09445378B2
The present invention is method and apparatus for coverage enhancement. An embodiment of the present invention includes detecting a cell with primary synchronization signal (PSS) and/or secondary synchronization signal (SSS), detecting reference signal based on the detected synchronization signal, detecting broadcasting channel based on the detected reference signal and decoding master information block on the broadcasting channel, detecting system information block on a downlink data channel, transmitting random access preamble on random access channel based on a system information obtained from the system information block and receiving random access response corresponding to the random access preamble.
US09445358B2
A mobile communication terminal performs: registering a length of time starting at a time when an identifier of a base station is detected by a first communication unit, the identifier being transmitted by the base station accommodated in a first communication network, and ending at a time when the first communication unit accesses an access point accommodated in a second communication network in association with the identifier, the access point having an accessible range smaller than that of an accessible range of the base station; and starting, at the second first communication unit, a search for access information transmitted by the access point when a reference time determined based on a length of time associated with the registered identifier has passed a time when the identifier is detected, in a case where the identifier detected by the first communication unit is stored.
US09445357B2
A wireless communication system includes a plurality of base station devices, and a mobile station device configured to communicate with the plurality of base station devices. The mobile station device includes: a necessity determining unit configured to refer to a communication state of a first base station device that is a base station device in communication with the mobile station device, and determine necessity of carrier aggregation; a cell search unit configured to, in a case that the necessity determining unit determines that carrier aggregation is necessary, search a communication available base station device from the plurality of base station devices; and a carrier aggregation requesting unit configured to, in a case that at least one communication available base station device is detected by the search, transmit a request for carrier aggregation to the first base station device, thus providing a wireless communication system that can obtain an excellent speed.
US09445350B2
A control system includes: a storage device configured to store a list of priority callees for a plurality of mobile stations; and a controller configured to execute a procedure, including determining, based on call restriction information for call-restricted areas in which a plurality of restricted mobile stations and priority callees included on the list for the restricted mobile stations are respectively located, an allowed calling time period in which calling is allowed to the priority callees on the list for the restricted mobile stations, the restricted mobile stations being a plurality of the mobile stations located in a call-restricted area, and transmitting information indicating the allowed calling time period to the restricted mobile stations.
US09445346B2
Tones within a channel can be selected randomly and/or based on orthogonal tone selection. Random selection can include selecting tones randomly from a fixed set, which is referred to as channelized tone selection. Channelized tone selection can be chosen if a critical tone exists. Random selection can also include selecting resources randomly from the total number of resources available, which is referred to as non-channelized tone selection. Orthogonal tone selection can be chosen to mitigate the probability of receiver desensitization and/or to attempt to mitigate interference.
US09445344B1
It may be determined that a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) transmission schedule from a radio access network (RAN) to wireless communication devices (WCDs) uses HARQ acknowledgment bundling for a first set of two or more data slots, and that the HARQ transmission schedule does not use HARQ acknowledgment bundling for a second set of one or more data slots. It may further be determined that a first WCD supports carrier aggregation when receiving communications from the RAN, and that a second WCD does not support carrier aggregation when receiving communications from the RAN. Based on the first WCD supporting carrier aggregation, the RAN may transmit a first data to the first WCD in the first set of data slots. Based on the second WCD not supporting carrier aggregation, the RAN may transmit a second data to the second WCD in the second set of data slots.
US09445341B2
Systems and methods are provided that allow inter-working between communication networks for the delivery of service to mobile nodes. A gateway is provided that communicates with a femto cell to extend service to an area that otherwise does not receive coverage from a service provider. The femto cell is a small scale base station used to provide coverage over a small area (such as a home or business), and connect to a home or enterprise network. The femto cell provides service for a mobile node and a gateway permits communication over a broadband network. The gateway integrates the mobile nodes connecting via a femto cell into the service provider's network. The gateway also allows provisioning of services and applications, control of service levels, and provides seamless handoffs to marco base stations and other types of access technologies such as Wi-Fi.
US09445334B2
A multi-mode access point supports different radio access technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi and cellular) for serving multi-mode access terminals. To provide improved service for such an access terminal, the access point may redirect the access terminal from a first type of radio access technology to a second type of radio access technology under certain circumstances. A decision to invoke such a redirection may be based on, for example, at least one of: traffic conditions on the first type of radio access technology, traffic conditions on the second type of radio access technology, and whether a backhaul for the access point is currently a bottleneck for access point communication.
US09445329B2
A method and apparatus for providing a cloud-based mobility in a wireless network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a path switching request from a user endpoint device. The method then determines if the path switching request is for a regional hand-off. If the path switching request is for a regional hand-off, the method initiates a virtual machine move request for moving a virtual machine providing a mobility support function for a user of the user endpoint device. The method then determines if a response to the virtual machine move request is received. If the response to the virtual machine request is received, the method performs a user plane update and provides a response to the path switching request.
US09445327B2
User equipment (UE) includes an architecture for handling femtocell fingerprints, and searching for femtocells. The architecture may control the frequencies for which the femtocell search is performed in various manners. For example, the architecture may schedule a round-robin list of femtocell frequencies for measurement, and may reduce the search space according to the frequency bands actually in use in the region in which the UE is located, according to whether or not reselection timers are running for specific frequencies, or in other ways.
US09445326B2
In the 3GPP Long Term Evolution wireless communication system, when performing handovers, the client terminal is not required to know the Radio Frame Number of the target cell. While basic functionality of the LTE wireless communication system air interface can be maintained in the new serving cell after handover completion without knowing the Radio Frame Number of the new serving cell, it is not possible to immediately resume many other important functions of LTE wireless communication system air interface, such as CSI measurements and reporting, SRS transmission, and SPS. Such functions can only be resumed after the Radio Frame Number becomes known. Conventional methods acquire the Radio Frame Number after completion of the handover. This may delay the resumption of the CSI, SRS, and SPS functions. A method and apparatus are disclosed that enable the client terminal to resume the CSI, SRS, and SPS functions immediately after handover completion.
US09445294B2
In one embodiment, a mobility management device MME selects a Logged MDT implementation terminal that should implement a measurement process by Logged MDT, from among a plurality of radio terminals UE in a mobile communication system 1 compatible with the Logged MDT defined in the 3GPP standards. The mobility management device MME stores camping history information in which information indicating a TA on which a radio terminal has camped is associated with information indicating a time period during which the radio terminal has camped on the TA, for each of the plurality of radio terminals UE. Then, the mobility management device MME selects, as the Logged MDT implementation terminal, a radio terminal having a relatively long camping time period corresponding to a measurement target area on which the measurement process is to be performed, from among the plurality of radio terminals UE.
US09445289B2
One embodiment of the present disclosure sets forth a technique for convergence and automatic disabling of access points in a wireless mesh network. Specifically, an access point within a wireless mesh network computes one or more network metrics to determine whether the metrics are unfavorable or favorable. If the network metrics are favorable, then the access point disables the access point's network connection. An access point turns the network connection back on based on whether a routing was lost for at least a preset amount of time, utilization of one or more neighboring access points is above a preset value, or one or more network metrics have degraded by a certain percentage value. One advantage of this approach is that cost savings may be achieved when the number of access points dynamically changes to accommodate varying communications conditions.
US09445275B2
Methods and apparatus for mitigation of radio interference between two or more wireless concurrently operating interfaces in a wireless device having an aggressive form factor. In one embodiment, the interfaces are used for different tasks (e.g., WLAN for data and PAN for human interface devices), and the device includes logic configured to evaluate the priority of the tasks and adjust the operation of one or more of the interfaces accordingly.
US09445273B2
A method of establishing network connection between a network device and a WLAN is disclosed. The method includes: determining whether there is previous security association between the network device and the WLAN at the time of requesting for network association, and establishing a new security association between the network device and the WLAN using security data generated in the course of establishing the previous security association if there is the previous security association.
US09445262B2
A method of for issuing a radio frequency (RF) card key of an authentication server is disclosed. The method includes receiving an encrypted serial number of a smart card from a mobile terminal, decrypting the encrypted serial number, extracting an RF card key corresponding to the decrypted serial number, encrypting the RF card key, and transmitting the encrypted RF card key to the mobile terminal.
US09445260B2
A portable endpoint device comprises a first virtual device and a second virtual device integrated in a same single unit and configured such that the first virtual device and the second virtual device are configured to allow communication therewith as virtually different physical devices despite being integrated in the same single unit. In operation, the device is configured to receive a first signal from another endpoint device to indicate the availability of the another endpoint device for attachment; send, to the another endpoint device a second signal utilizing first scheduling-related information, the second signal including a first one of a plurality of identifiers for unique identification in association with the portable endpoint device; receive, from the another endpoint device a third signal that is sent in response to the second signal; and receive, from the another endpoint device data utilizing a second one of the identifiers for identification in association with the portable endpoint device.
US09445249B2
A disaster response system receives location data and status data from participating devices in an area affected by a disaster. The disaster response system provides data to client devices outside the affected area. The data indicate statuses of people within the affected area. Disaster response system also instructs routers to perform actions to adjust bandwidth available for a particular use during and after the disaster.
US09445238B2
Provided is a system and method for enabling a user, of a wireless radio equipped mobile data processing system, to: aim the mobile data processing system, perform a shoot action, and subsequently confirm the target(s) shot. Aim information is transmitted outbound by radio frequency from the mobile data processing system to a remote data processing system (e.g. a targeted data processing system) for determining the target being successfully shot. Information for confirmation is transmitted inbound by radio frequency to the mobile data processing system (e.g. from a targeted data processing system), for example to complete the shoot action. Aim information may include location information, directional and posture information, distance information, target size, and/or other shooting data to further qualify the shoot action.
US09445235B2
A proximity fence can be a location-agnostic fence defined by signal sources having no geographic location information. The proximity fence can correspond to a group of signal sources instead of a point location fixed to latitude and longitude coordinates. A signal source can be a radio frequency (RF) transmitter broadcasting a beacon signal. The beacon signal can include a payload that includes an identifier indicating a category to which the signal source belongs, and one or more labels indicating one or more subcategories to which the signal source belongs. The proximity fence defined by the group of signal sources can trigger different functions of application programs associated with the proximity fence on a mobile device, when the mobile device moves within the proximity fence and enters and exits different parts of the proximity fence corresponding to the different subcategories.
US09445234B2
In an implementation, techniques are provided for tracking the location of a device that transmits wireless signal. The wireless signal can be received at a set of receivers. Distances to the device are determined based on signal strength. From the distances, boundaries encompassing possible locations of the device are defined. Boundary intersections are analyzed in order to determine the location of the device.
US09445232B2
Systems and methods for using structured communications in an observation platform are disclosed. A signal is received from a first communication device at a second communication device associated with a computer system wherein a first characteristic of the signal corresponds to an audible source and a second characteristic of the signal corresponds to information indicative of a geographic position of the first communication device, and wherein the second communication device is associated with a radio range. A first user associated with the first communication device is recognized at the computer system. Context information is derived for the signal at the computer system. The signal is relayed to a destination derived from the context information via a network, wherein the destination is outside of the radio range of the second communication device.
US09445228B2
A system detects absence of a mobile device. The system includes a mobile device detection system that detects mobile devices in communication range of the mobile device detection system. Expected device logic compares mobile devices detected in communication range of the mobile device detection system with a list of mobile devices expected to be presence during a check of mobile devices in communication range of the mobile device detection system. A notification system notifies a user when at least one mobile device in list of mobile devices expected to be presence during a check of mobile devices in communication range of the mobile device detection system is not in communication range of the mobile device detection system.
US09445225B2
A spectator sport system and method that displays different views of a sporting event and, in particular, uses a position selected by the spectator to assist in displaying a view from the selected position. The spectator, using an internet device, can zoom, pan, tilt and change the view, as well as change the view to another position, such as a finish line, goal, or a participant position (e.g. Driver of car #3 or Tiger Wood's position). The starting position can be specified, as well as the target position or orientation from the starting position. Vital information on the sporting event or a participant can be appended to the view. In some forms, augmented reality or any geographic referenced datasets can be used and combined, such as 3D imagery or 3D renderings, to enhance the experience.
US09445223B2
A portable electronic device including a network unit and a processing unit is provided. The processing unit is connected to the network unit. The processing unit determines whether a beacon is received through the network unit wirelessly. If the processing unit receives the beacon through the network unit, the processing unit parses the beacon to derive a network address of a server. The processing unit transmits a connection request to the server according to the network address through the network unit. The processing unit establishes a connection with the server through the network unit when receiving a confirmation signal in response to the connection request.
US09445222B2
A method comprises receiving a signal indicative of receipt of a first Bluetooth low energy message (42), the first Bluetooth low energy message (42) including at least one transmission time adjustment parameter, determining an adjusted transmission time for a subsequent Bluetooth low energy message (44) based on the at least one transmission time adjustment parameter, and causing transmission of the subsequent Bluetooth low energy message (44) at the adjusted transmission time.
US09445221B2
A method, an apparatus, and a system for switching coordinators in a Personal Area Network (PAN) are provided. The method includes initiating a request for switching at least one device present in a network session to a first priority PAN coordinator, the initiated request including a count of the at least one device, transmitting the initiated request to the first priority PAN coordinator, the initiated request including a requirement for supporting the at least one device of that count, determining whether the first priority PAN coordinator is capable of supporting the at least one device, and switching, when the first priority PAN coordinator is capable of supporting the at least one device, the network session of the at least one device with the first priority PAN coordinator to facilitate establishment of the network session with the first priority PAN coordinator.
US09445215B2
A machine type device for deployment in a wireless network includes a processing circuit operable to generate an application layer message and a request including information identifying the machine type device as capable of using a particular protocol stack. After radio resources are setup between the machine type device and the base station controller, the processing circuit is further operable to transmit the application layer message and a local wireless network alias to a base station controller, the local wireless network alias indicating the machine type device is capable of using the particular protocol stack.
US09445214B2
During an electronic call between a first person and a second person, a method maintains a voice of the second person to the first person at a sound localization point (SLP). The location of the SLP to the first person remains fixed while the first person moves with respect to the SLP.
US09445212B2
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone module and a manufacturing process thereof are described. A thickness of a transparent temporary cover plate temporarily disposed in a conventional plastic package structure is adjusted. After a mold for a plastic protector is formed, an UV ray is utilized to irradiate the mold to reduce adherence on the temporary cover plate and a back surface of the MEMS acoustic wave sensing chip. Then, the temporary cover plate is removed, and the left space left is the main source for the back-volume of the MEMS microphone. Finally, a tag is covered on the plastic protector, so as to define the whole back-volume and form a closed back-volume. In the above-mentioned process, the size of the back-volume is the same as an area of the whole MEMS microphone chip. In addition, the back-volume can be defined.
US09445206B2
A hearing aid device has a housing with a battery drawer constituting a battery door that is movably mounted to the housing. The battery drawer has a finger engagement portion arranged at an outside surface of the battery drawer and a closing mechanism. The mechanism closes the battery door in response to force pushing the finger engagement portion in a first direction and keeps the battery door closed. The mechanism can also include a member that partly opens the battery door in response to force pushing the finger engagement portion in the same first direction. Moreover, a switch can be included that turns the hearing aid device on and off in response to force pushing the finger engagement portion. The closing mechanism can have a rotatably mounted member that is attached to a base extending from the member with a head that protrudes from the base.
US09445197B2
An automobile audio system having at least two near-field speakers located close to an intended position of a listener's head is configured by determining a first binaural filter that causes sound produced by each of the near-field speakers to have characteristics at the intended position of the listener's head of sound produced by a sound source located at a first designated position other than the actual locations of the near-field speakers, determining an up-mixing rule to generate at least three component channel signals from an input audio signal having at least two channels, and configuring the audio system to, determine a first binaural signal corresponding to a combination of the component channel signals originating at the first designated position, and filter the first binaural signal using the first binaural filter and to output the filtered signals using the near-field speakers.
US09445196B2
In an audio system having acoustic echo, incoming audio signals are decorrelated by applying both phase modulation and amplitude modulation. The resulting decorrelated signals are rendered by loudspeakers, and co-located microphones generate outgoing audio signals that include echo signals caused by the existence of acoustic echo paths from the loudspeakers to the microphones. Acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) is applied to the outgoing audio signals to reduce the amount of echo in those signals. Decorrelating the incoming audios signals using amplitude modulation in addition to phase modulation can increase the effectiveness of the AEC processing. In a frequency-domain implementation, the amount of amplitude modulation can be different for different frequency bands (e.g., greater amplitude modulation for lower frequencies corresponding to human speech and/or no amplitude modulation for higher frequencies).
US09445195B2
Directivity control method and device which can emphasize or suppress sound deriving from an arbitrary direction with a little computation using two microphones closely disposed are provided. An interchange circuit 2 alternately interchanges a pair of input signals InL, InR for each one sample to generate a pair of interchanged signals InA, InB. A coefficient updating circuit 3 multiplies the one InB of the interchanged signals by a coefficient m to generate an error signal between the interchanged signals InA, InB. A recurrence formula of the coefficient m containing the error signal is calculated to update the coefficient m for each one sample. Subsequently, the pair of input signals InL, InR are multiplied by the sequentially updated coefficient m, and output.
US09445191B2
A method of adjusting an ANC system is disclosed in which a microphone is acoustically coupled to a loudspeaker via a secondary path and the loudspeaker is electrically coupled to the microphone via an ANC filter. The method includes measuring phase characteristics of the secondary path in various modes of operation; determining from the measured phase characteristics a statistical dispersion of the phase characteristics in the various modes of operation; determining from the statistical dispersion a minimum phase margin; adjusting the ANC filter to exhibit in any one of the modes of operation phase characteristics that are equal to or greater than the minimum phase margin; and adjusting the ANC filter to exhibit in any one of the modes of operation amplitude characteristics that are equal to or smaller than a maximum gain margin.
US09445189B2
A noise suppressing apparatus that calculates a suppression coefficient for suppressing noise of an input signal by using a frequency spectrum of the input signal includes a frequency converting section that converts the input signal into a frequency spectrum; a noise level estimating section that calculates an estimated noise level of the input signal; a weight coefficient calculating section that calculates N (N is 2 or more) weight coefficients at predetermined intervals; and a suppression coefficient calculating section that calculates a joint distribution model of sound by weighting N statistical distribution models with the N weight coefficients, derives an estimation expression for a sound spectrum of the input signal on the basis of posteriori probability using the calculated joint distribution model of sound as priori probability, and calculates the suppression coefficient on the basis of the derived estimation expression and level of the input signal.
US09445173B2
According to embodiments described herein, a circuit includes an interface circuit configured to be coupled to a transducer and a detection circuit. The interface circuit is configured to provide a digital output signal to a signal input terminal of a processing circuit. The detection circuit is configured to receive the digital output signal and provide a low power enable signal to a low power enable terminal of the processing circuit. In the various embodiments, the digital output signal is based on a transduced signal from the transducer and the low power enable signal is determined by comparing the digital output signal with a first threshold.
US09445163B2
A method for assessing viewer interest in content and advertisements may include receiving an indication regarding a content playback mode change (e.g., a change from a skip or fast-forward mode to a pause or rewind mode) occurring during playing of a media content segment such as a television program or movie. The method then proceeds to associate the playback mode change with a sub-segment of the television program, such as an advertisement or commercial, and a level of interest of a user in the advertisement or commercial is determined based on the associated content playback mode change. An item, such as an advertisement or promotional offer can be selected to be presented to the user based on the determined level of interest of the user in the advertisement or commercial. Systems for assessing viewer interest in content and advertisements include devices and components configured to perform or enable such methods.
US09445160B2
The present invention provides a converter filter that includes a bandstop frequency range to protect against overloading of the input circuits of legacy converter boxes from the relatively high power upstream return path signal between 5 and 85 MHz. The converter filter also functions to pass the downstream signal path with minimal loss and reflection. The converter filter comprises a circuit including a low pass filter and high pass filter in parallel with each other that operate to substantially pass signals in a first frequency band of approximately 5 to 52 MHz and a second frequency band of approximately 85 MHz to 2 GHz while substantially blocking signals in a third frequency band of approximately 52 MHz to 85 MHz.
US09445157B2
An electronic program guide (EPG) may include entries that enable access to one or more images. In some implementations, when an image-related entry is selected by a user, a device presents the one or more images that are associated with the selected entry. In some implementations, portions of the EPG are presented as links. Selection of a link effectuates a search and may be followed by the visual presentation of one or more images resulting from the search. Additionally, in some implementations, an image can be communicated with an electronic communication. In response to the electronic communication, an image entry may be added to the channel lineup of the EPG. Selection of the image entry in the EPG may cause the device to visually present the image.
US09445155B2
A user selects a content item that he wishes to send. He then performs a gesture to specify a direction toward which the content item is to be sent. For example, he pretends to “throw” his portable communications device toward the West. To receive the content item, potential recipients also make gestures that specify receiving directions. For example, a recipient pretends to “catch” a ball thrown from the East. If the sending and receiving directions are compatible, then the content item is sent from the sender's device to the recipient's device. Enhancements to the basic scheme described above can be made to, for example, specify a dispersion angle for the sending or receiving directions or to include other restrictions so that, for example, only intended recipients can receive the content even if other potential recipients are in the specified sending direction and make appropriate receiving gestures.
US09445149B2
Aspects of a method and apparatus for band separation for multiband communication systems are provided. One or more circuits for use in a transceiver may comprise a triplexer and a leakage processing module. The triplexer may comprise a multiband port, a Multimedia Over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA) port, a television upstream port, and a television downstream port. The leakage processing module may comprise a television downstream input port, a cable television downstream output port, a MoCA port, and a cable television upstream port. The leakage processing module may be operable to (1) process a MoCA signal to generate a first compensation signal; (2) process a cable upstream signal to generate a second compensation signal; (3) process a filtered signal based at least in part on the first and second compensation signals; and (4) output the processed filtered signal via the cable television downstream output port of said leakage processing module.
US09445147B2
A method and apparatus are provided for producing full synchronization of a digital file with a live event. Using time-based cues such as musical beats, the live event is time mapped. The video file to be synced is measured in frames per second is then translated from its frames per second original time code into the time code of the live event in beats per minute making it possible to measure the playback rate of the source media file in the same units of measurement as the live event. The result is a playback mechanism that allows for more precise real time playback rate corrections by an operator by providing a visible cue so they can better keep the source media synced with the live event, even if there are real time tempo variations in the live event.
US09445144B2
Media content quick speed presentation systems and methods are operable to present selected portions of a media content stream at a quick speed presentation rate. An exemplary embodiment receives the media content stream; identifies a normal speed scene in the received media content, wherein the normal speed scene is presented at a normal speed presentation rate; and identifies a quick speed scene in the received media content, wherein the quick speed scene is presented at a quick speed presentation rate.
US09445140B2
A method for storing user activity data is disclosed. The method includes receiving user activity data from the multiple computer programs, and identifying a subset of the user activity data in accordance with storage criteria associated with the multiple computer programs. The method also includes storing in a user activity database the subset of the user activity data identified in accordance with the storage criteria associated with the multiple computer programs, and displaying the subset of the user activity data stored in the user activity database.
US09445133B2
A method for pruning and grooming DVD content into a format compatible to be viewed over a network is disclosed. The method provides for automated DVD conversion. The method provides for removing and editing DVD content that is not desirable to be delivered over the network and adding and editing additional content that is desirable to be delivered over the network. The method provides for navigational enhancement that provide: tie-ins to on demand portals; key-mapping; button highlighting; intra-menu navigation; inter-menu navigation and DVD disc merge capability.
US09445131B1
A novel de-blocking and de-banding filter and a related method of operation reduce and/or remove blocking and banding artifacts that originate from a low bitrate video compression. For filtering a luminance channel, the de-blocking and de-banding filter determines filtering needs and also adjusts filtering strengths based on a compression level (Qp) and a gray level of the video signal. For filtering a chrominance channel, the de-blocking and de-banding filter determines the filtering needs and adjusts the filtering strengths based on Qp alone. Preferably, the de-blocking and de-banding filter utilizes a low pass filter of adjustable strength at a border of a block perpendicular to the border or a band border. The adjustable strength of the de-blocking and de-banding filter is a function of the compression level (Qp) and/or the gray level of the video signal, but does not depend on a duration of the blocking and/or banding artifacts.
US09445128B2
A method of generating a video sequence including setting a state of a deblocking control flag in a frame header of a frame to indicate that a deblocking parameter is presented for some but not all layers. A method of processing a received video sequence including determining a state of a deblocking control flag of a frame header and retrieving a deblocking parameter for some but not all layers. A scalable video system including a deblocking control circuit which sets a state of a deblocking control flag in a frame header to indicate that a deblocking parameter is presented for some but not all layers. A scalable video system including a deblocking control circuit which determines the state of a deblocking control flag in a frame header of a received video sequence and which retrieves a deblocking parameter for some but not all layers of the frame.
US09445127B2
A video coding method for encoding a video signal at a low data rate with high video quality is disclosed. To minimize the number of bits required for a residual signal, invalid reference pixels adjacent to a current block are generated using at least one reconstructed valid reference pixel adjacent to the current block. After valid reference pixels adjacent to the current block and the generated reference pixels are filtered, the intra-prediction mode of the current block is determined. Therefore, since a reference block most approximate to the current block is generated, the amount of data needed for the residual block of the current block can be minimized.
US09445126B2
In one example, this disclosure describes a method of loop filtering of reconstructed video data during a video coding process. The method may comprising applying a one-dimensional (1D) switched filter to the video data in a first dimension that is either horizontal or vertical, and applying a 1D adaptive filter to the video data in a second dimension that is perpendicular to the first dimension.
US09445123B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for intra prediction. The intra prediction method for a decoder, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of entropy-decoding a received bitstream, generating reference pixels to be used in the intra prediction of a prediction unit; generating a prediction block from the reference pixels on the basis of a prediction mode for the prediction unit and reconstructing an image from the prediction block and a residual block, which is obtained as a result of entropy encoding, wherein the reference pixels and/or the prediction block pixels are predicted on the basis of a base pixel, and the predicted pixel value can be the sum of the pixel value of the base pixel and the difference between the pixel values of the base pixel and the generated pixel.
US09445119B2
The present invention relates inter alia to a method for processing an encoded video sequence, said method comprising the steps of: —reconstructing the encoded video sequence and providing a plurality of neighboring pictures; —transforming each of said neighboring pictures or at least a coherent region of each neighboring picture into the coordinate system of a reference picture based on a motion model, and thereby generating a picture stack comprising transformed pictures; —combining the pixel amplitudes of corresponding pixels of said transformed pictures using a weighting function, to form a processed pixel amplitude for at least one image pixel of the reference picture; and —generating a processed picture based on said at least one processed pixel amplitude of said image pixel.
US09445118B2
A video decoding apparatus using an inter-prediction is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least: a decoder configured to reconstruct a flag and quantized transform coefficients by decoding a bitstream, the flag indicating one among a plurality of modes for determining the motion vector of the current block; a predictor configured to determine a motion vector of a current block to be decoded in a current picture, and predict pixels in current block using the motion vector of the current block; an inverse quantizer and inverse transformer configured to inversely quantize and then inversely transform the quantized transform coefficients to thereby reconstruct residual signals; and an adder configured to add the predicted pixels to the reconstructed residual signals which correspond to the predicted pixels.
US09445116B2
Implementations are provided that relate, for example, to view tiling in video encoding and decoding. A particular method includes accessing a video picture that includes multiple pictures combined into a single picture (826), accessing information indicating how the multiple pictures in the accessed video picture are combined (806, 808, 822), decoding the video picture to provide a decoded representation of at least one of the multiple pictures (824, 826), and providing the accessed information and the decoded video picture as output (824, 826). Some other implementations format or process the information that indicates how multiple pictures included in a single video picture are combined into the single video picture, and format or process an encoded representation of the combined multiple pictures.
US09445106B2
A picture coding method of the present invention codes a picture signal and a ratio of a number of luminance pixels and a number of chrominance pixels for the picture signal, and then one coding method out of at least two coding methods is selected depending on the ratio. Next, data related to a picture size is coded in accordance with the selected coding method. The data related to the picture size indicates a size of the picture corresponding to the picture signal or an output area, which is a pixel area to be outputted in decoding in a whole pixel area coded in the picture signal coding.
US09445105B2
An image coding method includes: adding, to a candidate list, a first adjacent motion vector as a candidate for a predicted motion vector to be used for coding the current motion vector; selecting the predicted motion vector from the candidate list; and coding the current motion vector, wherein in the adding, the first adjacent motion vector indicating a position in a first reference picture included in a first reference picture list is added to the candidate list for the current motion vector indicating a position in a second reference picture included in a second reference picture list.
US09445101B2
A video decoding method includes: decoding a skip information indicating whether or not a current block to be decoded is a skip block; when the skip information indicates that the current block is the skip block, decoding motion information of the current block, determining a motion vector of the current block, and reconstructing the current block directly from a predicted block, without decoding information on residual signals of the current block; and when the skip information indicates that the current block is not the skip block, decoding prediction information of the current block from the bitstream, decoding information on a quantization parameter and transform coefficients which correspond to the current block, when at least one of the transform coefficients is not zero, reconstructing residual signals from the transform coefficients and reconstructing the current block based on the prediction information and the reconstructed residual signals.
US09445082B2
According to one embodiment, an image processing system includes a stereoscopic display device and an image processing apparatus. The stereoscopic display device is configured to enable a stereoscopic image constituted by using a predetermined parallax number of parallax images to be stereoscopically viewed. The image processing apparatus comprises a rendering processor configured to apply rendering processing to volume data serving as three-dimensional medical image data, a rendering processing controller configured to control the rendering processor so as to generate from the volume data a parallax image group composed of the predetermined parallax number or more of parallax images, and a storage controller configured to store in a memory the parallax image group generated by the rendering processor. The stereoscopic display device is configured to display the stereoscopic image constituted by selecting the predetermined parallax number of parallax images out of the parallax image group stored in the memory.
US09445078B2
This invention concerns a measuring system for the calculation of dimensions, including area and volume, of objects in various shapes. In particular, it concerns miniature 3D measuring equipment that is perfectly suitable for 3D measurements of subcutaneous tumors in mice. The primary objective of this invention then also consists of a measuring system for 3D measurements of objects in various shapes, which includes a handheld device that has at least 1 camera, 1 projector and a measuring chamber. In another implementation, the handheld device will have 2 cameras and a projector and the 3D measurement is based on stereo-vision. Another objective is directed to ensuring that said handheld device also has a processor module, a user interface, a power supply, a data communication interface, and exchangeable measuring chambers which provide the flexibility and autonomy to speed up the measurement procedure, and significantly improve the reproducibility of the measurement.
US09445076B2
When coding multiview video data, a video coder can code one or more pictures in one or more reference views, including a first reference view and determine a disparity vector for a current block based on motion information of one or more neighboring blocks of the current block, wherein the current block is in a second view, wherein the disparity vector points from the current block to a corresponding block in a picture of the same time instance in one of the one or more reference views.
US09445074B2
Provided are an apparatus and a method for manipulating depth of a stereoscopic image that enable a user to manipulate depth of a stereoscopic image easily and intuitively. The apparatus may include: a histogram analyzing unit acquiring a depth distribution chart by performing histogram analysis of a disparity map corresponding to an input image; a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) fitting unit acquiring multiple depth layers by performing GMM fitting of the depth distribution chart; a disparity adjusting unit adjusting at least one of a position and a volume of at least one of the multiple depth layers and calculating a disparity mapping function on which a result of the adjustment is reflected in response to a user request; and a disparity map recalculating unit calculating a new disparity map by optimizing the disparity mapping function.
US09445073B2
Image processing methods and systems in accordance with depth information are provided. At least one image with depth information is obtained. The image is displayed on a display unit of an electronic device. A selection of an ROI (Region Of Interest) in the image is received via a user interface. A first depth value corresponding to the selected ROI is obtained from the depth information, and the first depth value is mapped to a first effect level of an image effect, wherein the image effect has a plurality of effect levels. The image effect is applied to the image according to the depth information of the image, wherein the selected ROI is applied with the image effect in the first effect level.
US09445066B2
A CPU controls an attitude adjustment unit to change the lengths of legs of an electric leg part independently of each other so that a roll angle is changed to roll a projected image, and controls an image converter to correct the projected image to be a rectangular image on a projection target based on the changed roll angle.
US09445061B2
An image sensor may include an array of image pixels arranged according to a predetermined pattern. A 3-by-3 pixel sub-sampling method is provided that supports a high-speed sub-resolution video mode. The 3-by-3 sub-sampling method may involve organizing the image pixel array into groups, each of which contains a 3-by-3 array of nine pixels. Image pixels at the four corners of each group may be sampled and combined to form a final output. Final outputs produced from each group may form a sub-sampled array that is used by the sub-resolution video mode.
US09445059B2
An image processing system for a vehicle includes a first unit, a second unit and a video transmission link, which couples the first and second units, in terms of signaling, for transmitting digital video data. The video transmission link transmits digital video image signals having a predefined data format for a respective pixel of a video image, the data format including three blocks, each having a predefined number of bits. The first unit ascertains an uncompressed transformed video image signal suitable for transmission via the video transmission link as a function of a respective first video image signal such that the transformed video image signal has the predefined data format of the video transmission link. The first video image signal represents respective uncompressed first video images of a sequence of first video images, which are provided at a predefined frame rate and which, in each case, have a first image resolution having a predefined number of pixels, wherein in each case four pixel values are assigned to the respective pixels of the first video image. The second unit is designed to again ascertain the first video image signal as a function of the transformed video image signal received via the transmission link.
US09445056B2
A method, Internet protocol television (IPTV) enabled communication device, and computer program product for automatic message services are provided. A processor executes instructions from a memory. An input and output (I/O) device is for transmitting and receiving, respectively. A client application is stored in the memory and configured to provide the automatic message service. The client application receives input of a message to be presented at an appropriate time, receives input of an action associated with the message, receives input of a recipient for the message, and presents the message for display to the recipient at the appropriate time.
US09445054B2
An information providing apparatus sends an image forming instruction to an image forming apparatus to cause the image forming apparatus to form an image to generate image data and transmit the image data to the information providing apparatus, stores the image data received from the image forming apparatus in a memory area of a memory, and stores identification information that uniquely identifies the image data and information indicating the memory area to which the image data is stored in association with each other to generate management information in the memory.
US09445048B1
Systems and methods are disclosed for gesture-initiated actions in videoconferences. In one implementation, a processing device receives one or more content streams as part of a communication session. The processing device identifies, within the one or more content streams, a request for feedback. The processing device processes, based on an identification of a request for feedback within the one of the plurality of content streams, the one or more content streams to identify a presence of one or more gestures within at least one of the one or more content streams. The processing device initiates, based on an identification of the presence of one or more gestures within at least one of the one or more content streams, an action with respect to the communication session.
US09445045B2
A video conferencing device for improving video quality when a communications device is used for a video conference. In one embodiment the device includes (1) a data collection module for collecting data regarding the location and orientation of a user's face relative to a camera on a communications device; and (2) a facial correction module associated with the data collection module, the facial correction module modifying a user's facial orientation and characteristics for transmission during a video conference based on data from the data collection module and from an associated database of relevant facial characteristics.
US09445038B2
A television has first and second electronic subsystems which collectively operate to produce a display. The television is controlled by a processor, the processor also operating to determine a period of time where no output is being produced, and to maintain the first electronic subsystem and said second electronic subsystem into a power reduced state, e.g., a sleep state. The television maintains a database of times when it is likely to operate to produce said output, and automatically removing the first electronic system from the power reduced state, and not removing the second electronic subsystem from the power reduced state at one of the times, and without an indication.
US09445035B2
A digital cable broadcast receiver and a method for automatically processing caption data of various standards and types, is disclosed. The digital broadcast receiver includes: a demultiplexer for dividing a received broadcast stream into video data, audio data, supplementary information; a controller for determining whether caption data included in the video data is digital caption data or analog caption data on the basis of caption information included in the supplementary information, and outputting a control signal according to a result of the determining; a digital caption decoder for extracting and decoding digital caption data from the video data according to the control signal; and an analog caption decoder for extracting and decoding analog caption data from the video data according to the control signal.
US09445033B2
There is provided a method for detecting a rotation angle of a remote controller(21) in a television system(30,40) in order to realize a detection for the rotation angle of the remote controller(21) with respect to the television(20), which extends an application prospect of the television system. The television system (30,40) includes a television (20) and a remote controller (21), and the method comprises: collecting(S101), by the remote controller (21), an image of preset infrared sensors on the television (20) and imaging the collected image to a preset plane as a standard image, in a case in which the remote controller(21) does not rotate with respect to the television(20); collecting(S102), by the remote controller(21), an image of the infrared sensors on the television(20) and imaging the collected image to the preset plane again, in a case in which the remote controller(21) rotates with respect to the television(20); and calculating(S103) a rotation angle in a case in which the remote controller(21) rotates with respect to a screen of the television(20) by comparing the image with the standard image. There is further provided a television system(30,40).
US09445029B2
A solid-state imaging apparatus of this invention includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and configured to generate signals by photoelectric conversion, a plurality of signal lines each provided on each column of the pixels, and a plurality of column circuits each provided for each of the signal lines. It is possible to select one of a first readout operation of simultaneously processing the signals of the pixels on a plurality of rows by the plurality of column circuits and a second readout operation of simultaneously processing the signal of the same pixel by different gains by the plurality of column circuits.
US09445028B2
An image sensor may include an array of image sensor pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each image pixel arranged along a given column may be coupled to analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuitry that is capable of converting analog pixel signals into a digital floating point equivalent representation. The ADC circuitry may be configured to perform exponent conversion during a first time period at a nominal reference voltage level and to perform mantissa conversion a subsequent time period at an adjustable reference voltage level that can be less than the nominal reference voltage level. Readout circuitry implemented in this way can perform conversion in a shorter period of time using a reduced resolution ADC to serve effectively as a higher resolution ADC.
US09445020B2
Since the great number of elements constituting a unit pixel having an amplification function would hinder reduction of pixel size, unit pixel n,m arranged in a matrix form is comprised of a photodiode, a transfer switch for transferring charges stored in the photodiode, a floating diffusion for storing charges transferred by the transfer switch, a reset switch for resetting the floating diffusion, and an amplifying transistor for outputting a signal in accordance with the potential of the floating diffusion to a vertical signal line, and by affording vertical selection pulse φVn to the drain of the reset switch to control a reset potential thereof, pixels are selected in units of rows.
US09445019B2
A solid-state image sensor includes pixels each including first and second photoelectric conversion portions provided in a substrate, the second photoelectric conversion portion having lower sensitivity than the first photoelectric conversion portion; a barrier region provided between the first and second photoelectric conversion portions; a waveguide provided on a light-entrance side of the substrate and including a core and a cladding; and a protective layer provided between the waveguide and the substrate. Seen in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, a center of an exit face of the core is on a first-photoelectric-conversion-portion side with respect to a center of the barrier region in each pixel in a central part of a pixel area. A standard deviation of a refractive-index distribution of the protective layer in a region directly below the exit face of the core is 0.1 or smaller in an in-plane direction of the substrate.
US09445014B2
A system and method is provided for enhancement of an object in a video frame, where the method includes recognizing and locating an object within an image frame and performing an automatic enhancement process on the object. The automatic enhancement process may include performing image and/or object enhancement on the object to make the object easier for an observer to detect. Such object enhancement may include enhancement to part of the object, such as the perimeter of the object, or to the entire object, and may also include varying enhancement, such as causing enhancing features to blink, flash or otherwise change to catch a viewer's attention, making the object easier to detect.
US09445012B2
A camera controller device of the present technique includes a switching operation unit for switching a camera to be controlled, an adjuster for adjusting adjustment elements of a camera to be controlled, and a controller for controlling the entire device. The adjuster has a start point and an end point of an adjustment range. The controller compares a setting value of the adjustment element of the camera before switching with a setting value of the adjustment element of the camera after switching, and when both the setting values do not match with each other, the controller prohibits an operation of the cameras until the setting value of the adjustment element of the camera after switching matches with a setting value set by the adjuster.
US09444998B2
A control method of an electronic device is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input signal including a physiological signal of a subject to be examined through a sensor module of the electronic device, detecting an input operation based on at least the input signal, and acquiring an image through a camera module according to the input operation.
US09444994B2
An image pickup apparatus is provided with: an objective optical system; an image pickup device; a contrast AF section adjusting a focus so that a peak value of a contrast evaluation value of an image is taken; an amount-of-motion detecting section detecting, from a plurality of time-series images, amounts of motion of the subject; and a control section controlling the contrast AF section so as to calculate another contrast evaluation value in a region where a region to be excluded where an amount of motion is equal to or larger than a threshold is excluded from a calculation target region, and the contrast AF section corrects the other contrast evaluation value based on an area of the calculation target region and an area of the region where the region to be excluded is excluded from the calculation target region.
US09444993B2
A focus detector, which detects a defocus amount from a displacement amount between images formed by a pair of light beams split from an image pickup system so as to pass through a pair of pupil regions, includes a pair of lenses and phase difference sensors, a memory unit for storing an image displacement amount between the image signals on the phase difference sensors in an in-focus state, a waveform read out controller for setting pixels to be calculated for the phase difference sensors, respectively, based on the image displacement amount, a correlation calculator for calculating a correlation amount between the image signals from the pixels to be calculated, a waveform degree-of-conformity calculator for calculating a waveform degree-of-conformity based on the image signals obtained from the pixels to be calculated, and a defocus calculator for calculating the defocus amount based on the correlation amount and the waveform degree-of-conformity.
US09444989B2
An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element including a plurality of focus detection pixels configured to generate a pair of image signals based on light beams passing through pupil regions different from each other in an image pickup optical system, a detection unit configured to detect a base line length of the plurality of focus detection pixels and a pupil division direction based on position information of a focus detection region in the image pickup element and information relating to the image pickup optical system, and a calculation unit configured to calculate a phase difference in the pupil division direction by using the pair of image signals.
US09444979B2
An imaging device includes an image sensor to convert an optical image of a subject into an electric signal, an image processor to generate an image according to the electric signal, an image synthesizer to synthesize, pixel-by-pixel, images generated by the image processor in a same composition under a same condition, a digital clamp processor to perform a digital clamp to remove an offset component from a synthesized image obtained by the image synthesizer, and a digital clamp controller to control a digital clamp amount of the digital clamp processor on the basis of a number of images synthesized by the image synthesizer.
US09444978B2
A turbulence-free CCD camera system with nonclassical imaging resolution, for applications in long- distance imaging, such as satellite and aircraft-to-ground based distant imaging, utilizing an intensity- fluctuation correlation measurement of thermal light. The proposed camera system has the following advantages over classic imaging technology: (1) it is turbulence-free; (2) its spatial resolution is mainly determined by the angular diameter of the light source. For example, using sun as the light source, this camera may achieve a spatial resolution of 200 micrometer for any object on Earth. 200-micrometer resolution is insignificant for short distance imaging, however, taking a picture of a target at 10-kilometer, a classic camera must have a lens of 90-meter diameter in order to achieve 200-micrometer resolution. Unlike a classic camera, the proposed turbulence-free CCD camera system has adequate spatial resolution zoom a long distance and still distinguish the objects within a small area, even with a small lens.
US09444972B2
An image forming apparatus includes an exposure unit, including a plurality of light-emitting units that correspond to a respective plurality of pixels and a lens array optical system, for emitting exposure light. A photosensitive member is exposed by the exposure light from the exposure unit. A correcting unit estimates, from image data, an intensity of ghost light at a position of each pixel on the photosensitive member in a case when the photosensitive member is exposed by the exposure unit, using the image data, and corrects the image data based on the estimated intensity of the ghost light.
US09444967B2
A solid-state image sensing device includes: a photoelectric conversion unit that converts light into electrical signals for respective pixels and outputs the electrical signals; a signal separation unit that separates an offset signal, which is generated due to dark current, from each of the electrical signals outputted by the photoelectric conversion unit and outputs image signals which are electrical signals converted from light for the respective pixels; and a signal adding unit that adds the image signals, which is outputted from the signal separation unit, for each group of a plurality of pixels.
US09444965B2
A scan device includes a main body, a transparent glass plate, a carrier, a light source, a reflecting unit, a lens and an image sensor. Light is emitted from the light source through the transparent glass plate to a document. Then, the light is reflected by the document and passes through the transparent glass plate to reach the reflecting unit. The light is reflected by the first mirror to travel to the second mirror and the third mirror and reflected by the second and third mirrors for several times, then reaches the fourth mirror and fifth mirror to passes through the lens, and forms an image on the image sensor.
US09444962B2
An information processing unit determines, when receiving information through a reading process from a recording medium, whether a user identified by the information has transition authority for a transition from an energy saving mode to a normal mode of carrying out information processing; sends a transition request for carrying out a transition from the energy saving mode to the normal mode to a power supply control part when determining that the user has the transition authority; and carries out the transition to the normal mode in response to the transition request and, when authentication of the user is successful, displays on a user interface part a display screen page for receiving an operation concerning the information processing.
US09444961B2
An image forming apparatus including a main control unit and a communication unit includes a receiving unit configured to receive a packet via a network when the main control unit and the communication unit are in a power saving state, a first canceling unit configured to cancel the power saving state of the communication unit in response to receiving of the packet by the receiving unit, a first determination unit configured to determine whether to cancel the power saving state of the main control unit based on the packet received by the receiving unit when the first canceling unit has canceled the power saving state of the communication unit, and a second canceling unit configured to cancel the power saving state of the main control unit when the first determination unit has determined to cancel the power saving state of the main control unit.
US09444956B2
The invention introduces a method for generating and manipulating grouped photos, executed by a processing unit, which contains at least the following steps. Photos shot in a geometric region are selected from a storage unit, and shooting dates thereof are read. Time intervals between every two adjacent shooting dates are calculated, and CDFGs (Continuous Data-time Fragment Groupings) are generated accordingly. For each CDFG comprising two or more shooting dates, a total number of photos associated with each shooting date is obtained, and one or more groups are generated accordingly. Information regarding the groups is displayed in a map to help a user to search and browse photos.
US09444955B2
A method of creating a label to be printed on a label printing apparatus comprising: determining at least one option to be made available to a user relating to a label-creating process; displaying said at least one option on a display; and enabling a user to select said at least one option; wherein said determination of the at least one option to be made available to the user is based upon at least one parameter.
US09444954B2
An image processing apparatus includes a determining unit that determines a possibility that image data is determined to contain specific information and a display control unit that determines a display mode of a preview image of the image data in accordance with the level of the possibility determined by the determining unit.
US09444951B2
Provided is an image forming apparatus that is capable of solving a problem caused at a discharge part in quick, effective manner. The discharge part is for placing a discharged printed matter. A camera captures an image of a sheet stacking surface of the discharged printed matter. A delivery decision processing part determines, based on the image captured by the camera, a current condition of the discharged printed matter that is placed in the discharge part. Then, the delivery decision processing part takes a specified action in response to the determination result.
US09444944B2
Systems and methods performed by an IP telephony system are designed to determine when two parties to a recently terminated telephony communication are simultaneously calling each other in an attempt to re-establish a telephony communication. When the IP telephony system determines that this situation is occurring, the IP telephony system acts to connect the two parties, rather than have both of them see their new call setup attempt fail because the other party's telephony device is indicated to be busy.
US09444936B2
An apparatus is provided and includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions that when executed from a non-transitory physical medium by the processor cause the processor to detect when a request for interaction that is configured for a scheduled processing is received or otherwise registered at a service access point associated with a contact center, identify schedule data from the request and add the schedule data along with a request identification and a location identifier to a scheduling and reporting application, consult a contact center interaction routing system in response to determining that the scheduled interaction request is to be processed, and route or cause processing of the interaction request based on the schedule data. According to one embodiment, the schedule data includes a scheduled time and date for processing the request.
US09444933B2
There are provided a communication apparatus capable of performing voice communication via an IP network, and performing FAX communication using a deemed voice, and a method of controlling the same. At the time of reception of an incoming call, the apparatus determines whether an incoming voice communication call or digital data has been received. If it is determined that the incoming voice communication call has been received and there is an already connected voice communication section, the SLIC superimposes a tone of a notification of the incoming call during voice communication on a voice during voice communication. When the telephone instructs to switch to the incoming call, the apparatus establishes a new session for the incoming call, and controls the selector to connect the already connected voice communication session to the digital modem to send a holding tone.
US09444932B2
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for managing digital media content within a quick service restaurant environment to provide a consistent visual experience and accurate, timely data across various digital media displays to QSR customers. In some embodiments, a digital media management appliance (“DMMA”) is used to manage the distribution of digital media data which is used to drive various display devices present in the QSR environment. The DMMA may be configured to extract data from a point of sale (“POS”) system and/or other data sources within the QSR environment in order to generate display data for the digital media devices in the store.
US09444929B2
A system and method for reporting mobile device usage activity. The method includes monitoring location data and/or sensor data of a particular mobile device corresponding to a particular user and monitoring usage activity occurring on the particular mobile device, the usage activity including voice communication, electronic messaging, and application usage. A processor determines whether the particular mobile device is operating in a moving vehicle based on the location data and/or the sensor data. It is further determined whether the usage activity occurs while the particular mobile device is operating in a moving vehicle. A report is generated and provided indicating whether the usage activity occurs while the particular mobile device is operating in a moving vehicle.
US09444926B2
A method of controlling a mobile terminal, and which includes establishing, via a wireless communication unit of the mobile terminal, a wireless data channel to an external device; receiving, via a controller of the mobile terminal, application execution information from the external device, said application execution information indicating an application executed on the external device that is to be executed on the mobile terminal; displaying, via the controller, a lock screen corresponding to the application to be executed on the mobile terminal on a touchscreen of the mobile terminal; receiving, via the controller, a lock release signal indicating the lock screen has been released; and executing the application on the mobile terminal when the lock screen is released.
US09444920B2
The flex and stay cell phone/electronic device charging stand of the present invention is a USB cable used to hold a cell phone/electronic device in a standing position while it is used to synchronize and charge said cell phone/electronic device. It has two unique features. On the front end there is a removably attachable sleeve that allows for the USB cord to flex and stay in a bent position. This allows the user of the cord to create a stand for his or her electronic device for ease of use on a table or flat surface. On the back end of the cord is a removably attachable docking station for a cell phone or electronic device so when the device is being charged it can sit next to the wall outlet with an easy way to access said device.
US09444919B2
An electronic device is provided, including a mounting plate, a first component and a second component disposed on the mounting plate, a substrate disposed on the mounting plate and having a portion disposed between the first component and the second component, and a third component disposed on the mounting plate and electrically coupled to the substrate.
US09444918B2
An apparatus comprising an enclosure and a cover comprising a shape-memory alloy is provided. The enclosure has at least one void that facilitates access to a component of the apparatus. The cover has at least an opened shape and closed shape, wherein the cover allows access to the component via the void in the opened shape and covers at least part of the void in the closed shape, wherein the cover transitions from the closed shape to the opened shape in response to the apparatus being accessed.
US09444917B2
Example techniques of the present disclosure provide a first computing device comprising one or more processors and at least one module operable by the one or more processors to output, to a second computing device, a first set of HDLC protocol data units in accordance with a first format in which each of the first set of HDLC protocol data units includes a start-of-frame indicator, a length indicator, a data portion, and an end-of-frame indicator. The module may be further operable by the one or more processors to determine an inability of the second computing device to process at least one of the first set of HDLC protocol data units and output a second set of HDLC protocol data units in accordance with a second format in which each of the second set includes the data portion, a checksum portion, and the end-of-frame indicator and excludes the length indicator.
US09444914B2
A system that includes a first interleaved sequence of configurable parsing engines and concatenating modules. Each parsing engine is followed by a concatenating module. The first interleaved sequence is arranged to process an information unit. Different portions of the information unit are processed by different configurable parsing engines. At least one configurable parsing engine is arranged to (a) process of a portion of the information unit in response to a previous processing result provided from a previous configurable parting engine; and to (b) generate a current processing result to be used by a next configurable parsing engine.
US09444908B2
Distributing an executable job load file to compute nodes in a parallel computer, the parallel computer comprising a plurality of compute nodes, including: determining, by a compute node in the parallel computer, whether the compute node is participating in a job; determining, by the compute node in the parallel computer, whether a descendant compute node is participating in the job; responsive to determining that the compute node is participating in the job or that the descendant compute node is participating in the job, communicating, by the compute node to a parent compute node, an identification of a data communications link over which the compute node receives data from the parent compute node; constructing a class route for the job, wherein the class route identifies all compute nodes participating in the job; and broadcasting the executable load file for the job along the class route for the job.
US09444895B2
An apparatus and a method support bidirectional pairing between devices. A connectable peripheral device is discovered. A list of discovered connectable peripheral devices is displayed. When a peripheral device is selected from the displayed list of the discovered connectable peripheral devices, an indicator operation request message for operating an indicator of the selected peripheral device is generated and transmitted to the selected device. The selected peripheral device operates the indicator according to the indicator operation request message to indicate a connection request from the device.
US09444893B2
A network power control module includes a switch and a processor installed in at least one electronic device within an area. The switch is electrically coupled to a first external power supply and the electronic device, and the processor includes a communication module in electrical communication with a control device at a remote end via a router of the area for receiving a control signal and then switching the switch to output or stop outputting voltage of the first external power supply to the electronic device, so that users can control the electronic devices at a remote control freely without requiring complicated network configurations to facilitate the schedule management for household affairs and improve the users' comfortability and home security effectively.
US09444886B2
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which first performance data and second performance data are obtained for a first virtual machine and a second virtual machine on a network, the performance data is analyzed, performance of the first virtual machine is predicted, and a performance trend for the first virtual machine is determined. Performance of the second virtual machine is predicted in accordance with analyzing of the second performance data and a potential transfer of execution of an application from the first virtual machine to the second virtual machine. Execution of the application is transferred to the second virtual machine after determining an expected improvement in execution of the application relative to the first virtual machine. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09444880B2
The present invention provides a novel approach for storing, analyzing, and/or accessing biological data in a cloud computing environment. Sequence data generated by a particular sequencing device may be uploaded to the cloud computing environment during a sequencing run, which reduces the on-site storage needs for the sequence data. Analysis of the data may also be performed in the cloud computing environment, and the instructions for such analysis may be set at the originating sequencing device. The sequence data in the cloud computing environment may be shared according to permissions. Further, the sequence data may be modified or annotated by authorized secondary users.
US09444877B1
The invention provides systems and methods for automatically delivering a file from an originating computer system including a processor and memory to a destination computer system including a processor and memory. The method includes creating at least one master file delivery application and at least two file delivery agents running on the at least one originating computer system. A first file delivery agent of the at least two file delivery agents is controlled by a first master file delivery application of the at least one master file delivery application. A second file delivery agent of the at least two file delivery agents is run either by a second master file application. The method also includes dynamically balancing loads by the one master file delivery application, between the first file delivery agent controlled by the first master file delivery application and the second file delivery agent. The balancing is based on a number of files retrieved by the first file delivery agent and a number of files retrieved by the second file delivery agent; and transmitting at least one file according to at least one destination parameter associated with the at least one file.
US09444876B2
Systems and methods for delivering digital content are disclosed herein. The system facilitates the transfer of digital content to consumers from one or more sources through recognition of an identifier that is associated with the digital content.
US09444866B2
Network condition prediction and multimedia streaming consumption prediction are provided. The prediction may be based on a device's prior location, behavior, and statistics thereof. By gathering location data from users anonymously and securely, a virtual location network with millions of nodes are provided. Each virtual location, at a given time, is stored with associated network metrics gathered from various devices in a database. The database may comprise a probabilistic model and a behavioral model tracking device metrics.
US09444853B2
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for monitoring access of a pre-read material for a meeting are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request to monitor access of the pre-read material for the meeting, creates a document that records an access history of the pre-read material by each one of one or more invited attendees in accordance with one or more parameters specified in the request, updates the document each time the pre-read material is accessed by one of the one or more invited attendees and provides the document to a meeting requestor.
US09444852B2
A system for bandwidth management and codec negotiation, according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a configuration storage module having supported codecs storage, codec lists and preferred site settings storage, and a call manager having an extension module, a trunk module, a location service engine, a codec manager, a bandwidth manager, and a media manager. The codec manager and the bandwidth manager used for negotiating a codec for a call between two endpoints. The present invention also includes a number of methods including a method for negotiating a codec for a call, a method for managing bandwidth for a call, a method for adding a description of a new codec supported by an endpoint, a method for adding an identifier of a supported codec to a codec list and a method for editing code site codec settings.
US09444851B2
Mobile network (MN) for mobile devices (UE1, UE2), the mobile devices being arranged for exchanging communication data via the mobile network or, by selection, via a Device-To-Device [D2D] communication channel, the mobile network comprising a base station (ENB1) and a controller (010), wherein the controller (010) is arranged for: i) receiving an interception request from a lawful intercept controller (020), the interception request being indicative of a subscriber; ii) determining whether a target device associated with the subscriber participates in the D2D communication channel (D2D) based on D2D control data; and iii) if the target device is deemed to participate in the D2D communication channel (D2D), requesting the base station (ENB1) to intercept the communication data exchanged via the D2D communication channel (D2D); and wherein the base station (ENB1) is arranged for, in response to a request from the controller, intercepting radio signals (RS) of the D2D communication channel based on the D2D control data.
US09444843B2
A mobile communication device is provided. The mobile communication device includes a first trusted platform module, a second trusted platform module, a processor, and a storage medium. The storage medium includes instructions that cause the processor to establish a root of trust for a first persona and a second persona, wherein the first persona includes a first operating system and a first trusted execution environment, and the second persona includes a second operating system and a second trusted execution environment. The instructions also cause the processor to store measurements defining the root of trust for the first persona in the first trusted platform module, store measurements defining the root of trust for the second persona in the second trusted platform module, and load the first persona and the second persona using the roots of trust for the first and second personas.
US09444842B2
A network security policy may be implemented at network switches as a set of active packet disposition directives. In a dynamically programmable network, the network switches can be dynamically reprogrammed with new packet disposition directives. A security mediation service permits such dynamic reprogramming as long as the new directives are consistent with the then-current network security policy. The security mediation service evaluates candidate packet disposition directives for conflicts with the currently active security policy, before instantiating the candidate packet disposition directives at the network switches.
US09444840B2
Various embodiments provide a method and apparatus of providing a distributed security service that runs light instances in a number of security devices and central instances of the security services in select security devices. A received or transmitted client content segment is directed to a light instance which either applies a security policy corresponding to the client content segment if the client content segment has been previously analyzed and has a valid security policy, or else, the light instance sends the client content segment to a central instance to be analyzed. The central instance may then provide a complete security analysis on the client content segment, determine a security policy corresponding to the client content segment and push the determined security policy to one or more of the light instances. Advantageously, a distributed security service delivery may provide highly secure, network efficient and cost effective security service delivery.
US09444839B1
A method is provided for identifying a compromised client device from a masquerading device. The method includes capturing a plurality of attributes from a network device connecting to a web service. In a specific embodiment, each of the attributes represents a parameter, and the plurality of parameters uniquely identifying the network device from a plurality of other networks devices. The method maintains the network device substantially free from any software programs associated with the capturing of the plurality of attributes. That is, in a specific embodiment, the method does not rely on installing executable code in the network device to capture the attributes. Based on information associated with the attributes, the method can determine if the network device is compromised.
US09444837B2
The present invention concerns a method in a network including at least a first device and a second device, where the sending of a packet by two devices simultaneously generates a collision. The method includes the steps of emitting by the first device a packet comprising a first part, and a second part including at least an identification of a source and a destination of the packet, receiving the first part of the packet by the second device; and in the case of the second device detecting a collision during the reception of the second part of the packet, issuing a packet indicating collision detection by the second device.
US09444835B2
A method for tracking machines on a network of computers includes determining one or more assertions to be monitored by a first web site which is coupled to a network of computers. The method monitors traffic flowing to the web site through the network of computers and identifies the one or more assertions from the traffic coupled to the network of computers to determine a malicious host coupled to the network of computers. The method includes associating a first IP address and first hardware finger print to the assertions of the malicious host and storing information associated with the malicious host in one or more memories of a database. The method also includes identifying an unknown host from a second web site, determining a second IP address and second hardware finger print with the unknown host, and determining if the unknown host is the malicious host.
US09444831B1
One embodiment relates to a computer-implemented process for detecting malicious scripts at a client computer using a malicious script detector. A web page interceptor intercepts an access of web page data at a universal resource locator address. A script preprocessor determines script fragments embedded in the web page data and extracts variable and function names from the script fragments. A context analyzer determines whether the script fragments reference known-good scripts. The context analyzer may check variable and function names in the script fragment against a database of known-good contexts. Those script fragments which were determined to reference known-good scripts may be categorized as non-malicious. An emulator may perform emulation on remaining script fragments which were not determined to reference known-good scripts and not perform emulation on the script fragments which were determined to reference known-good scripts. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
US09444823B2
A system and method are provided that allow an application on a first terminal to inquire about available network communication associations that it can use to send data to another terminal, thereby avoiding the establishment of a new network communication association with the other terminal. A security information module may serve to collect and/or store information about available network communication associations between the first terminal and another terminal across different layers. The security information module may also assess a trust level for the network communication associations based on security mechanisms used to establish each association and/or past experience information reported for these network communication associations. Upon receiving a request for available network communication associations, the security information module provides this to the requesting application which can use it to establish communications with a corresponding application on the other terminal.
US09444818B2
Communications and data security policy data for two or more communications jurisdiction zones is obtained that includes data indicating allowed protocols for the respective communications jurisdiction zones. Data indicating a desired exchange of data between a first resource in a first communications jurisdiction zone and a second resource in a second communications jurisdiction zone is received/obtained. The first communications jurisdiction zone communications and data security policy data and the second communications jurisdiction zone policy data is automatically obtained and analyzed to determine an allowed type of secure communications security level for the desired exchange of data that complies with both the first communications jurisdiction zone communications and data security policy data and the second communications jurisdiction zone policy data. A communications channel, including the allowed type of secure communications security level, is automatically establishing between the first resource and the second resource.
US09444815B2
To access a service, each user device stores one first key. The user device is connected to a first server. A terminal sends to a second server a connection request. The second server responds with first data relating to a transaction identifier and an associated challenge. The terminal determines a first result depending upon the first data and the first key. The terminal sends to the first server the first result and user device data. The first server identifies a user device based upon the user device data and sends to the device the first result. The device determines the challenge and the transaction identifier based upon the first result and the first key and sends to the second server the challenge and the transaction identifier. The second server verifies whether the data received from the device matches the first data and, if so, authorizes the terminal to connect.
US09444813B1
Systems and methods of token-based protection for remote resources are disclosed. For example, a method may include receiving, at a second computing device, a configuration message from a first computing device. The configuration message includes information to configure a resource at the second computing device. For example, the resource may be a cloud transcoder. The method also includes generating, at the second computing device, a short token that enables the first computing device to access the resource. For example, the short token may be used to receive a long token that can be used to send application programming interface (API) requests to the cloud transcoder.
US09444803B2
An authentication method and system oriented to a heterogeneous network are disclosed. After receiving a service request sent by a virtual terminal, a unified authentication platform generates a service token according to the service request, and sends the service token to the virtual terminal and a target network; the virtual terminal submits the service token to the target network, and requests the target network to provide service data; and the target network compares the service token submitted by the virtual terminal with the service token sent to the target network by the unified authentication platform, and provides the service data to the virtual terminal when the service token submitted by the virtual terminal is consistent with the service token sent to the target network by the unified authentication platform. By a unified authentication platform, the disclosure unifies authentication systems in a ubiquitous network, reduces huge signaling overhead and service delay in a heterogeneous network due to authentication, and improves authentication efficiency in the ubiquitous network.
US09444801B2
An example technique is provided for authenticating a first communication session. The technique includes receiving an indication that a first network device has established a first communication session with a user-side device. A second network device authenticates the first communication session by establishing a second communication session via session initiation protocol (SIP) or voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) communication with the user-side device before the user-side device directs a user password to the first network device in the first communication session. Also, private identification information of the user is retrieved from a database and sent to the user-side device in the second communication session. The user-side device compares the private identification information received in the second communication session to locally stored private identification information to determine whether the received private identification information matches.
US09444799B2
The present invention is suitable for use in a multi-encrypted system that dynamically allocates stream identifiers in a second stream depending upon the identifiers in a first stream. The first stream is monitored and counters are incremented with the presence of an identifier. The count for each of the counters is then received. Using the count, a control processor then assigns or revises identifiers in the second stream.
US09444797B2
Technologies are generally described for generating obfuscated message data. In some examples, a method performed under control of a server may include calculating co-occurrence probabilities of a plurality of combinations, each of which includes at least two elements that are included in original message data; extracting, from the original message data, a first data set that includes at least one combination that has a first co-occurrence probability from among the plurality of combinations and a second data set that includes at least one combination that has a second co-occurrence probability from among the plurality of combinations; generating dummy data by using the first data set and the second data set; and adding the generated dummy data to the original message data to generate obfuscated message data.
US09444796B2
Techniques are presented for optimizing secure communications in a network. A first router receives from a second router an encrypted packet with an unknown security association. The first router examines the packet to determine whether the counter value is in a range of predicted counter values. Additionally, a key server is configured to provision routers that are part of a virtual private network. The key server selects a counter value that is part of a security association and calculates a key value. The key server sends the key value together with the security association to enable routers to exchange encrypted packets with each other in the virtual private network using the key value and the security association. The key server increments the counter value to a value within a range of counter values capable of being predicted by the routers.
US09444789B2
An example method includes receiving a request for a cloud capability set during an Internet Key Exchange negotiation associated with a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel between a subscriber and a cloud, wherein the cloud capability set comprises one or more cloud capabilities, mapping the request to one or more cryptographic modules that can support the cloud capability set, and offloading the VPN tunnel to the one or more cryptographic modules. The request can be an Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP) packet listing the one or more cloud capabilities in a private payload. The method may further include splitting the VPN tunnel between the cryptographic modules if no single cryptographic module can support substantially all the cloud capabilities in the cloud capability set. In some embodiments, the request is compared with a service catalog comprising authorized cloud capabilities.
US09444781B2
A recursive DNS server receives a request for domain name information associated with a domain name from a subscriber. In response to the request for domain name information, the recursive DNS nameserver determines a subscriber identifier and subscriber information associated with the subscriber identifier. The recursive DNS nameserver resolves the request for domain name information based on the subscriber information to generate a response to the request for domain name information. The recursive DNS nameserver then returns the response to the request for domain name information to the subscriber.
US09444780B1
Methods and systems for using and providing trustworthy DNS resolutions are provided. A method for using trustworthy DNS resolutions may include obtaining a DNS resolution listing for a domain name and validating the listing's plausibility using a plausible range list. The method may also include selecting a DNS resolution from the DNS resolution listing based on a requested host associated with the domain name. The method may further include initiating a connection to the host using the selected DNS resolution. A method for providing trustworthy DNS resolutions may include obtaining a plurality of potential DNS resolutions for a domain name. The method may also include generating a DNS resolution listing for a domain name and providing the DNS resolution listing. A system may include a DNS resolution selection module and a connection module. Another system may include a DNS resolution inquiry module and a DNS resolution listing provision module.
US09444774B2
A system and method for implementing a service oriented architecture that supports complex event processing and business activity monitoring. An enterprise service bus (ESB) generates a first list of one or more devices, receives a selection from a user associated with a first device of a second device in the first list, generates a second list that includes functions associated with the selection from the first user, receives a request from the first device to perform one of the functions in the second list, translates a first communication protocol of the request received from the first device into a second communication protocol used by the second device to create a translated request, translates a first message format of the request into a second message format and transmits the translated request to the second device.
US09444772B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for a social search engine. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a question from an asker in which the question is associated with one or more topics; selecting candidate answerers based at least partly on each answerer's respective relationship to the asker; sending the question successively to groups of one or more candidate answerers according to the ranking until an answer is received from a particular one of the candidate answerers; and sending to the asker the received answer and information that identifies the particular answerer.
US09444765B2
System and method for categorizing a plurality of network resources. Collected properties of a network resource are analyzed to determine applicability of various predefined categories to that network resource. At least one category from among the predefined categories is assigned to that network resource according to a determination of applicability of the at least one category to the network resource. A resource-specific time interval for re-categorizing each one of the network resources is dynamically adjusted based on a plurality of previous categorization results for that network resource, such that different network resources will be associated with correspondingly different re-categorization intervals.
US09444764B2
A computer implemented method may manage network resources within a server cluster. The server cluster may include any number or switches and servers connected via one or more network links. In one aspect, the method may receive a request for provisioning of an application and retrieve management data defining a network topology of the server cluster. The method may also determine a maximum network bandwidth for each network link in the server cluster, a required amount of bandwidth for the application and a resource allocation of network bandwidth for the application to accommodate the maximum network bandwidth for each network link. The method may further provision the application to a network resource within the server cluster with the resource allocation of network bandwidth.
US09444763B1
Techniques for provisioning computing resources utilize colorings of collections of resources. The collections may be networks of resources hosted by a computing resource provider that are operated under the direction of one or more customers of the resource provider. Colors may be applied to the collections of resources, such as by a customer of the resource provider. The same customer or another customer may request that resources be provisioned according to at least one relationship with one or more collections of resources having one or more colors. Resources may then be provisioned according to the request.
US09444753B2
Methods and apparatus are described for improving call performance and data throughput. The methods and apparatus include receiving one or more packet data units (PDUs) during a transmission time interval (TTI) from a network entity, wherein the one or more PDUs are associated with a radio bearer. Further, the methods and apparatus include determining one or more out-of-order PDUs from the one or more PDUs. Moreover, the methods and apparatus include reordering the one or more out-of-order PDUs, wherein the one or more out-of-order PDUs are reordered within the TTI. Additionally, the methods and apparatus include processing the one or more reordered PDUs.
US09444744B1
In one embodiment, an indication of a plurality of network nodes, load balancing criteria, and one or more access control list (ACL) entries are received. A plurality of forwarding entries are created, a forwarding entry of the plurality of forwarding entries based upon an ACL entry and the load balancing criteria and corresponding to a network node of the plurality of network nodes. A network element applies the plurality of forwarding entries to network traffic to selectively load balance the network traffic, wherein network traffic meeting the load balancing criteria and permitted by the one or more ACL entries is load balanced among the plurality of network nodes.
US09444743B2
In an OpenFlow network, it is determined which port of which node device a terminal connected to a group of node devices is connected to, by only using the source MAC address and port number of a packet transmitted from the terminal. Specifically, the node device compares a set of the port number and source MAC address information of a packet transmitted from the terminal to the node device with a set(s) of a port number and MAC address information held in a preliminary search table to check whether they match each other. When the comparison does not result in a match, the node device notifies the controller by using the inquiry information (packet-in) function of OpenFlow. Furthermore, the node device compares the destination MAC address information of the packet with a set(s) of MAC address information held in a final search table to check whether they match each other.
US09444741B2
Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating network flows in a networked environment. In various embodiments, a switch transmits data using an egress port that comprises an egress queue. The switch sets a congestion notification threshold for the egress queue. The switch generates a drain rate metric based at least in part on a drain rate for the egress queue, and the congestion notification threshold is adjusted based at least in part on the drain rate metric.
US09444730B1
A computer implemented method and system comprising receiving a data packet from a network source, extracting source and destination data from the received data packet, determining a user from the extracted source and destination data from the received data packet. If a label does not exist for the extracted source and destination data from the received data packet, creating a label for the data packet, the label comprising the extracted source data and historic source data for the determined user, calling a chaotic function with the label for the received data packet. If the chaotic function returns false, calling an alternative function for an output with the label for the received data packet. If the chaotic function returns true, capturing the output of the chaotic function, and updating the label with the output of the chaotic function or with the output of the alternative function.
US09444728B2
In one embodiment, a packet switching device includes one or more host devices and a cascade of aggregation nodes. The aggregation nodes aggregate customer traffic and communicate it with the host device. Typically the aggregation nodes are remotely located from the host device. The host device may be connected to one or both ends of the cascaded topology of aggregation nodes. In one embodiment, the cascaded topology of aggregation nodes automatically configures itself using initiation packets. In one embodiment, the cascaded topology of aggregation nodes reacts to detected faults, such as by changing direction packet traffic is sent through the cascaded topology. By cascading aggregation nodes, in contrast to having each aggregation node connected to the host device via one or more point-to-point links, communications costs are decreased in one embodiment.
US09444726B2
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for distributing communication of a data stream among multiple devices are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include sending a request to a network to establish a shared connection to distribute communication of a first data stream among a plurality of devices. The request is generated by a separate device that is different from the plurality of devices. Such example methods also include receiving, in response to the request, network addresses to be used to establish respective data connections with the plurality of devices. The respective data connections are to carry respective partial data streams forming the first data stream. Such example methods further include aggregating the respective partial data streams received from the plurality of devices via the respective data connections to form the first data stream.
US09444725B2
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for dynamically applying network functions to traffic flows based on heuristics, policy conditions and client-specified conditions. A network monitors a network traffic flow to determine whether the network traffic flow meets a first criterion of a first rule. The criterion specifies that when the first criterion is met a network function be used to analyze or process the network traffic flow. When the network traffic flow is determined to meet the first criterion, the network determines a first route through the network to a network function provider that provides the network function and configures one or more routers along the first route to forward the network traffic flow to the network function provider for analysis or processing.
US09444720B2
Interest in multicast group membership may be advertised via a routing system on an Ethernet network along with an indication of an algorithm to be used by the nodes on the network to calculate the distribution tree or trees for the multicast. Each node, upon receipt of the advertisement, will determine the algorithm that is to be used to produce the multicast tree and will use the algorithm to calculate whether it is on a path between nodes advertising common interest in the multicast. Example algorithms may include shortest path algorithms and spanning tree algorithms. This allows multicast membership to be managed via the routing control plane, while enabling spanning tree processes to be used to forward multicast traffic. Since spanning tree is able to install multicast state per service rather than per source per service, this reduces the amount of forwarding state required to implement multicasts on the routed Ethernet mesh network.
US09444718B2
A test network is provided to test updates to configurations and resources of a distributed platform and to warm servers prior to their deployment in the distributed platform. The test network tests and warms using real-time production traffic of the distributed platform in a manner that does not impact users or performance of the distributed platform. At least one distributed platform caching server passes content requests that it receives to the test network using a connectionless protocol. The test network includes a test server that is loaded with any of a configuration or resource under test or whose cache is to be loaded prior to the server's deployment into the distributed platform. The test network also includes a replay server that receives the requests from the caching server, distributes the requests to the test server, and monitors the test server responses.
US09444717B1
Systems and methods are described for testing computing resources. In one embodiment, a request is received for testing a computing configuration. A set of computing settings that can be implemented on one or more computing devices is searched. An initial test population for testing the computing configuration is determined. The initial test population is iteratively updated based on test results and a fitness function.
US09444712B2
Bandwidth usage for an existing communication tunnel between a first device and second device is monitored. A determination is made that additional bandwidth is required for communication between the first network device and the second network device. A determination is made that for the addition of the additional bandwidth would exceed available bandwidth for the existing tunnel. Additional bandwidth is established between the first network device and the second network device.
US09444711B1
A web server monitors and receives measurements as to how long a client device takes to load or display individual items after a user first requests a web page containing the items. The measurements may be based on a duration that begins at a time between a user's navigation request and network browser's transmission of a request for a new web page. The recorded measurements received by the web server may include measurements relating to the latency experienced by the user in loading a particular item of content for a web page, such as an image, or may include the latency experienced by the user in loading an entire web page. One or more components used by the network browser, such as a network browser plug-in and or scripting language embedded in a web page, may provide one or more routines for measuring and reporting the latencies experienced by the user.
US09444708B2
Outage detection in a cloud based service is provided using synthetic measurements and anonymized usage data of the cloud based service. Synthetic measurements and usage data are processed through a shared aggregator to generate aggregated data. The synthetic measurements and the usage data are analyzed through a decision tree to correlate an outage based on the synthetic measurements and the usage data. A confidence value is assigned to the outage. An alert is generated that includes information associated with the outage and the confidence value.
US09444701B2
A method for discovering an operating system of a remote machine includes monitoring network communications to detect a plurality of data packets that were generated by the remote machine. The contents of each detected data packet are read so as to extract a packet signature of each detected data packet. Each packet signature is compared with at least one signature of a database of signatures in order to determine a similarity between each packet signature and the signature from the database. A confidence level for at least one candidate operating system is calculated based on the determined similarities. A candidate operating system is selected based on the confidence level for that operating system. Relating computer program product and data processing system are also disclosed.
US09444700B2
One embodiment of a device includes a network filter configured to filter a plurality of network streams in real-time at the network analysis device to access at least one of the plurality of network streams based on filter parameters input to the network filter. The device further includes a processor configured to compile network information associated with the accessed at least one of the plurality of network streams to allow interaction with the network information.
US09444694B1
Techniques to process service requests are described herein. In various embodiments, an identifier data associated with a service consumer with which a service request is associated is used to determine a subset comprising fewer than all members of a set of service instances. A selected service instance is selected from among the service instances in the subset to perform the service request.
US09444693B2
A relay device identifies information acquired from an image forming apparatus (managed device) as private data to be managed in the local system and public data to be managed on a management device on a cloud, and sends the public data together with a pointer to the private data to the management device. The relay device acquires the public data from the management device and when applying the private data to the managed device together with the acquired public data, the relay device acquires the private data based on the pointer and distributes that data together with the public data to the managed device.
US09444691B2
Overlapping Push Button Configuration (PBC) sessions are prevented without any deadlocks of technology specific PBC methods by controlling the run of technology specific PBC sessions within a heterogeneous network of network node devices interconnected via at least one I interface and/or over multiple hops and authenticated for the network, by enabling a two-level PBC within the heterogeneous network based on a network node device of the network node devices being authenticated for the network as registrar, which is especially selectable or determined. Level-1 of the two-level PBC performed at the abstraction layer of the heterogeneous network accomplishes the detection of the wish for PBC, prevention of overlapping PBC sessions independent of underlying communication technology, coordination of technology-specific PBC runs, whereas in level-2 of the two-level PBC performed within a technology-specific communication technology a technology-specific PBC is used, which is triggered by the level-1.
US09444683B2
A device receives packet information associated with a traffic flow and a network segment. The network segment includes a portion of a network via which the traffic flow is transmitted. The device associates the received packet information with a period of time. The device determines that the period of time has expired, and aggregates the received packet information based on determining that the period of time has expired. The device determines a network performance parameter associated with the traffic flow over the network segment based on the aggregated packet information. The device generates performance information that identifies the network performance parameter, the traffic flow, and the network segment. The device provides the performance information.
US09444677B2
In one embodiment, a method comprises selecting, by an ingress provider edge router, one of first or second provider edge routers as a primary router for reaching a destination via a core network, and selecting the other of the first or second provider edge routers as a backup router for reaching the destination via the core network; and inserting, into an IPv6 data packet destined for the destination, a primary label assigned by the primary router and a repair label assigned by backup router, and an IPv6 extension header specifying first and second segment identifiers associated with the respective first and second provider edge routers and a protected flag that enables fast rerouting of the IPv6 data packet to the backup router if the primary router is unavailable.
US09444675B2
Presented herein are techniques performed in a network comprising a plurality of network nodes each configured to apply one or more service functions to traffic that passes the respective network nodes in a service path. At a network node, an indication is received of a failure or degradation of one or more service functions or applications applied to traffic at the network node. Data descriptive of the failure or degradation is generated. A previous service hop network node at which a service function or application was applied to traffic in the service path is determined. The data descriptive of the failure or degradation is communicated to the previous service hop network node.
US09444672B2
A modulator includes a symbol mapper that is configured to map respective bits sets of a bit sequence corresponding to a burst and including data, training, tail, and guard bits into respective symbols to form a symbol sequence of data, training, tail, and guard symbols. A vector precoder is configured to apply a vector precoding transformation to the data and training symbols to form precoded symbols. These precoded symbols are combined with the tail and guard symbols in a symbol processor to form a sequence of transmit symbols. The record precoding conducted by the modulator of a transmitter enables improved link performance without the cost of increased processing complexity of the receiver algorithm.
US09444670B2
A signal transmitting and receiving method and an apparatus for selecting an interference pattern from a security key and transmitting and receiving a signal based on the selected interference pattern are provided.
US09444666B2
A device for generating a vector-modulated output signal based on a baseband signal having an in-phase component and a quadrature component, a first LO signal for the in-phase component of the baseband signal and a second LO signal for the quadrature component of the baseband signal comprises a baseband combination circuit, which is configured to combine the in-phase component and the quadrature component in order to obtain a plurality of combined IQ signals. Furthermore, the device includes a plurality of mixer cells for generating the vector-modulated output signal, based on the combined IQ signals, the first LO signal and the second LO signal.
US09444665B2
A signal processing system includes a variable gain amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a gain compensation module and a signal processing module. The variable gain amplifier applies a variable gain to an analog input signal to generate an amplified analog signal. The ADC converts the amplified analog signal to an amplified digital signal. The gain compensation module applies a compensation gain to the amplified digital signal to generate a compensated signal. The compensated signal has an instantaneous change lower than a predetermined threshold. The signal processing module performs a signal processing procedure on the compensated signal.
US09444660B2
A method for offset cancellation in a receiver loss of signal (RxLOS) circuit of a serializer/deserializer (SerDes) receiver device includes receiving a differential input signal via the first stage of a peak detector cell of the RxLOS circuit and shorting the differential output of the first stage via a control switch of the second stage of the RxLOS circuit. The control switch may further transition the RxLOS circuit from normal operating mode to an offset cancellation mode wherein the control switch may manually or automatically short the differential output of the first stage.
US09444646B2
A method for managing instant message communications, including conducting an instant message (IM) session between a first member of a callable workgroup and an external user participant that calls the callable workgroup; initiating, by the first member of the callable workgroup, a second IM session between the first member and at least one other member of the callable workgroup; and conducting the second IM session between the first member and the at least one other member of the callable workgroup, the at least one other member of the callable workgroup participating in the second IM session capable of monitoring communications of the first IM session between the first member and the external user.
US09444643B2
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing IP multicast over split plane wireless LAN. An access tunnel (AT) is defined as an IP multicast interface at a first network device. The AT is capable of communicating with a second network device that is an Internet Protocol (IP) multicast receiver, wherein a local Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) the first device serves the second network device's mobility VLAN. The first network device sends a query to the second network device over the AT and receiving, in response to the sending the query, a report. A data structure is built defining a multicast group membership from the report, and multicast data is forwarded in accordance with the data structure.
US09444642B2
The control device of a LAN multiplexing apparatus performs a process to encapsulate a MAC frame received from at least any one of the LAN and the wireless LAN with a packet header including a packet network address including at least a multiplexing identifier and a MAC address and to send the encapsulated packet to the packet network, and a process to send a MAC frame obtained by decapsulating a packet received from the packet network to at least any one of the LAN and the wireless LAN corresponding to a destination of the MAC frame.
US09444635B2
A method can include analyzing endpoint preference data from each of a plurality of endpoints of a multimedia conference. The endpoint preference data for each respective endpoint represents a desired distribution of bandwidth for different types of data in the multimedia conference for each respective endpoint. The method can also include allocating bandwidth between the different types of data for each of the plurality of endpoints in the multimedia conference based on the analysis of the endpoint preference data.
US09444631B2
Compact certificate formats that may be used in a fabric or network between devices. The compact format includes a serial number field tagged with a tag of 1, a signature algorithm field tagged with a tag of 2, an issuer field tagged with a tag of 3, an encoded version of a public key tagged with a tag of A, and a signature field tagged with a tag of C. Each field includes the respective tags and corresponding values encoded in a tag-length-value (TLV) format, and each tag value is represented in hexadecimal.
US09444627B2
Method of providing a Global Platform (GP) compliant Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) starts with main processor executing an application stored in memory device. Application includes client application (CA) and trusted application (TA). Executing the application includes running CA in client process and TA in TEE host process. Client process and TEE host process are separate. Using TEE host process, a request including identifier of the TA is received from client process to open session. Using GP Trusted Services enclave included in TEE host process, TA enclave associated with the identifier is determined and loaded in the TEE host process using the GP Trusted Services enclave to establish the session. Using TEE host process, commands to be invoked in TA enclave and set of parameters needed for commands are received from client process. Using GP Internal APIs, commands in TA enclave associated with identifier are executed. Other embodiments are also described.
US09444620B1
A method, computer readable medium, and apparatus for secure application delivery includes forming at a traffic management device a session identifier in response to a first request from a client device for access to a network application. The session identifier is encrypted for sending to the client device using a session variable formed by hashing at least one physical identifier associated uniquely with the client device in response to the first request. In a second request from the client device to access the network application, the encrypted session identifier is decrypted using an updated value of the session variable. The access to the network application is provided when the decrypted session identifier matches the formed session identifier, and denied when the decrypted session identifier does not match the formed session identifier.
US09444613B2
A sensor may include a clock generator configured to generate a clock. A receiver may be configured to receive signals from a control unit, and a transmitter they be configured to send signals to the control unit. In one implementation, the transmitter is configured to send a synchronization signal based on the clock. A period between a first edge and a second edge of the synchronization signal may be dependent on the clock and both edges are either rising or falling.
US09444590B2
A mobile communication system where a base station and a user equipment communicates on multiple aggregated carriers is disclosed. In the mobile communication system, the base station notifies to the user equipment information which is relevant to inclusion of an information field indicating scheduling carrier in downlink control information format by using radio resource control signaling, and the user equipment receives, from the base station, downlink control information in the downlink control information format according to the information which is relevant to inclusion of the information field indicating scheduling carrier.
US09444586B2
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus receives a semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) message indicating transmission of a first packet during a first period of a first hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process, and a configuration for TTI-bundled transmission. The apparatus transmits a first TTI-bundled packet on the first resources during the first period of the first HARQ process. The apparatus identifies second resources for transmitting a second TTI-bundled packet during a second period of the first HARQ process based on the SPS message. The apparatus determines whether to offset transmission of the second TTI-bundled packet to a period of a second HARQ process when at least one of the second resources for transmitting the second TTI-bundled packet overlaps with at least one resource used for retransmitting the first TTI-bundled packet according to the first HARQ process.
US09444583B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a precoding indicator combining method, a terminal and a network-side device. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal and from a network-side device, an offset position of a downlink fractional dedicated physical channel F-DPCH or a downlink dedicated physical channel DPCH of at least one cell, and an offset position of a downlink fractional transmitted precoding indicator channel F-TPICH of at least one cell; and determining, by the terminal, a transmitted precoding indicator TPI combining window of the cell, so that an effective position of a TPI is located at a timeslot boundary of the first uplink dedicated physical control channel DPCCH after an end boundary of the TPI combining window, thereby enabling a UE to use a timely TPI and improving demodulation performance of the UE for sending data.
US09444580B2
In various embodiments, a computer-implemented method for optimized data transfer utilizing optimized code table signaling is disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving, by a processor, a digital bit stream and transforming, by the processor, the digital bit stream to an encoded digital bit stream. The encoded digital bit stream comprises at least one of a gateway channel, a composite channel, or a data channel, and any combination thereof. The computer-implemented method further comprises providing, by the processor, the encoded digital bit stream to a transmission system for transmission.
US09444568B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transmitting uplink control information in the wireless communication system, which supports carrier aggregation and operates by a TDD, and comprises the steps of: receiving periodic information for reporting CSI; generating A/N information with respect to at least one cell from a plurality of cells to transmit from an uplink subframe n; and performing an action for transmitting the CSI information from the uplink subframe n according to the periodic information, wherein the CSI information and the A/N information are transmitted from the uplink subframe n through the same physical channel when a specific condition is satisfied, and only the A/N information is transmitted from the uplink subframe n when the specific condition is not satisfied, wherein the specific condition is Mp=0, and the A/N information comprising only A/N with respect to a first piece of specific downlink data that is received through a specific SCell, wherein the Mp expresses the number of downlink subframes that corresponds to the uplink subframe n with respect to a PCell.
US09444566B1
Methods of performing time-of-day synchronization in a packet processing network include accumulating timestamps transmitted in packets between master and slave devices, which are synchronized to respective master and slave clocks and separated from each other by the packet processing network. Operations are also performed to determine whether first timestamps accumulated in a first direction across the packet network demonstrate that a first packet delay variation (PDV) sequence observed from the first timestamps is stationary. A phase offset between the master and slave clocks is then adjusted using a time-of-day (ToD) estimation algorithm. This adjusting can include evaluating a location-dependent statistic of the first PDV sequence.
US09444562B2
A signal repeating system for a wireless network includes signal repeating circuitry defining an uplink path for processing signals repeated between endpoints. The signal repeating circuitry includes circuitry for selectively varying at least one parameter of the signals that are processed in the uplink path. Circuitry evaluates how signals received in the uplink path of the signal repeating system respond to the variation of the signal parameter. Processing circuitry is configured for comparing a signal associated with the variation of the signal parameter with the evaluated response to determine if the variation causes a change in the uplink path signal response for detecting traffic in the uplink path.
US09444561B2
The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for simulating per-UE Doppler shifts. One exemplary method includes generating uplink signals to be transmitted from a plurality of different simulated UEs to an air interface device under test. The method further includes applying per-UE Doppler shifts to the signals, wherein applying per-UE Doppler shifts includes applying different Doppler shifts to at least some of the signals. The method further includes transmitting the signals to the air interface device under test.
US09444560B1
An output of a transmitter is looped back to an input of a receiver during a first time period while applying a frequency offset between the transmitter and the receiver. A first imbalance between an in-phase (I) branch and a quadrature-phase (Q) branch in the receiver is determined based on a signal received at the receiver during the first time period. The receiver is calibrated based on the determined first imbalance. After calibrating the receiver, the output of the transmitter is looped back to the input of the receiver during a second time period during which the frequency offset is not applied. A second imbalance between an I branch in and a Q branch in the transmitter is determined based on a signal received at the receiver during the second time period while the frequency offset is not applied. The transmitter is calibrated based on the determined second imbalance.
US09444552B2
An optical receiver module includes: a circuit board; a plurality of photo detectors mounted on a first surface of the circuit board; a plurality of amplifiers mounted on the first surface; a plurality of anode wiring patterns that are respectively formed between anode terminals of the photo detectors and the amplifiers on the first surface; a plurality of cathode wiring patterns that are respectively formed between cathode terminals of the plurality of photo detectors and the plurality of amplifiers on the first surface; and an electrode formed on a second surface of the circuit board or in an inner layer of the circuit board so as to include a region in which the plurality of cathode wiring patterns are formed. The plurality of cathode wiring patterns are respectively electrically connected to the electrode.
US09444550B2
Flexible VON provisioning may include calculating a candidate mapping pattern to satisfy a virtual optical network (VON) demand based on virtual-to-physical node mapping choices. A distance-adaptive routing and spectral slot assignment evaluation of the candidate mapping pattern may be performed. When the VON demand is satisfied by the candidate mapping pattern, the candidate mapping pattern may be added to a valid mapping patterns list. A final mapping pattern may be selected from the valid mapping patterns list, the final mapping pattern having one of a lowest slot layer and a smallest overall slot usage on the valid mapping patterns list. Then, network resources may be reserved based on the final mapping pattern selected to service the VON demand.
US09444544B1
A method is disclosed for an unmanned vehicle using a Short Message Service (SMS) to relay information to and from a separate management system is disclosed. All or portions of the payload/data to be transmitted to and from the unmanned vehicle and management system uses this SMS, specifically payload/data that aids in the operation and location determination (such as GPS data) of the unmanned vehicle.
US09444535B2
A wireless receives at least one channel state input information element (IE) from a first base station. The wireless device computes a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) employing, at least in part, the at least one channel state input IE and measurement of signals received from a second base station. The wireless device transmits the PMI to the first base station.
US09444532B1
Beam measurement values are computed by transforming a signal to a beamspace representation using a beamforming matrix that includes a plurality of columns that define a plurality of beams. A second plurality of beams is selected from the plurality of beams based on a power captured by each beam derived from the computed beam measurement values. For each beam of the second plurality of beams as a first beam, a spatial phase shift component and a temporal delay component is computed based on the fixed spatial angle associated with the first beam and a carrier frequency, a filter is defined using the spatial phase shift component and the temporal delay component, a beam measurement value associated with the first beam from the computed beam measurement values is selected, and the defined filter is applied to the selected beam measurement value to define a filtered value.
US09444531B2
A transmitter generates and transmits a low rate signal to its intended receiver. Upon receiving the low rate signal, the intended receiver generates and transmits a channel sounding response (CSR), said CSR being a short burst having a predefined transmit format and carrying predetermined information. The transmitter then analyzes the CSR and determines uplink channel response, estimates downlink channel response, and determines appropriate transmit parameter settings based on the analysis and downlink response estimate. Adjustment of the transmit parameters can be made in either the MAC or PHY layer or in a combination of both. After adjusting its transmit parameters and modulating sub-carriers with user-data according to the determined transmit settings, the transmitter transmits the user-data to the receiver on a preferred portion of bandwidth. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter also generates and transmits a transmit format control (TFC) signal containing the determined transmit parameter settings, including sub-carrier modulation information, to the receiver.
US09444529B2
A method for selecting a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) mode based on energy efficiency and selecting an antenna subset to be used in a communication, in a wireless communication system using a multi-user massive multi-antenna is provided. The method selects an antenna subset capable of minimizing transmission power without using all antennas, based on power consumed by an Radio Frequency (RF) circuit as well as the transmission power. The method further includes selecting a mobile station to which the signal is to be transmitted, selecting a multi-antenna technique based on power consumption of all antennas, selecting an antenna subset to transmit the signal to the mobile station among all the antennas, and transmitting the signal to the mobile station by using the antenna subset.
US09444527B2
To reduce overhead of CSI feedback without decreasing throughput in applying CoMP transmission, a radio communication method of the invention is characterized by including, in a user terminal measuring quality information for each of cells to perform Coordinated Multi-Point transmission, and notifying a radio base station apparatus of the quality information, in the radio base station apparatus calculating a quality difference between the cells to perform Coordinated Multi-Point transmission, by using the quality information for each the cells from the user terminal, determining granularity of inter-cell channel state information for each of the cells based on the quality difference, and notifying the user terminal of the granularity, and, in that the user terminal generating inter-cell channel state information for each of the cells according to the granularity from the radio base station apparatus, and transmitting the inter-cell channel state information for each of the cells to radio base station apparatuses of cells to perform Coordinated Multi-Point transmission.
US09444526B2
In cooperative signal communication between a mobile terminal (200) and a plurality of access nodes (100-1, 100-2, 100-3), cooperation signals (20), e.g. received signals or signals to be transmitted, are communicated with the access nodes (100-1, 100-2, 100-3). The cooperation signals (20) are quantized according to a quantization parameter, e.g. quantization depth and/or quantization type, which is adapted on the basis of a cooperative communication parameter. The cooperative communication parameter is a characteristic of the cooperative communication process, e.g. modulation scheme.
US09444518B2
A one-touch application is launched by a user of a mobile communication device (MCD) selecting a single selector element on the MCD, and in response the MCD automatically and without further user interaction establishes near field communication (NFC) with an electronic product, receives identifying data from the electronic product over NFC, and uploads the identifying data wirelessly to a cloud server associated with a manufacturer of the electronic product. The server sends back to the MCD and/or to the electronic product information about the electronic product.
US09444512B2
Reduction of intermodulation distortion in a high-frequency switch is achieved. A semiconductor device (1) includes an antenna terminal (ANT_LB), plural external terminals (RX_LB, TX_LB, TRX_LB, TERM_LB), plural first high-frequency switches (101 to 104), and plural control terminals. Each first high-frequency switch includes plural first field-effect transistors, plural first resistors (Rg_1 to Rg_6) connected to the gate terminals of the first field-effect transistors, and a second resistor (Rc) disposed between the corresponding control terminal and the first resistors. The second resistor in the first high-frequency switch disposed between the first terminal supplied with an RF transmission signal and an RF reception signal of a frequency division duplex system and the antenna terminal is configured so that linearity of current-voltage characteristics thereof is higher than linearity of current-voltage characteristics of the first resistor.
US09444511B2
A plug-and-play antenna may be used with many different types of wireless communication devices. An antenna may be coupled to an impedance tuning component and a waveform generator. A calibration control module receives radio status information, controls the waveform generator to vary a response of the antenna, and tunes the impedance tuning component to match impedances between a radio and the antenna.
US09444497B1
A method and apparatus for adaptively tuning an integrated circuit are disclosed. For example, an integrated circuit (IC) comprises a monitored path comprising circuit elements operating on a clock signal, where a last circuit element of the circuit elements comprises a first flip flop. The IC also comprises a second flip flop operating on an early clock signal, where the early clock signal is phase shifted from the clock signal, and where the second flip flop is coupled to the monitored path prior to the last circuit element. The IC also comprises a transition detection module for detecting when an output from the first flip flop toggles, and an error prediction module to detect a potential error on the monitored path. The IC comprises a controller that is configured to scale a voltage or a frequency of the IC.
US09444491B2
A coding method, a decoding method, a coder, and a decoder are disclosed herein. A coding method includes: obtaining the pulse distribution, on a track, of the pulses to be encoded on the track; determining a distribution identifier for identifying the pulse distribution according to the pulse distribution; and generating a coding index that includes the distribution identifier. A decoding method includes: receiving a coding index; obtaining a distribution identifier from the coding index, wherein the distribution identifier is configured to identify the pulse distribution, on a track, of the pulses to be encoded on the track; determining the pulse distribution, on a track, of all the pulses to be encoded on the track according to the distribution identifier; and reconstructing the pulse order on the track according to the pulse distribution.
US09444488B1
A signal modulation circuit includes a feedback circuit configured to generate the feedback signal for feeding back a drive signal from a driver circuit to an input signal. The feedback circuit includes at least first and second resistors connected together in series, the second resistor having a higher resistance value than that of the first resistor. One end of the first resistor is connected to a subtracter, and one end of the second resistor is connected to the driver circuit. A first line distance as the line length between one end of the first resistor and the subtracter and a second line distance as the line length between one end of the second resistor and the driver circuit are set shorter than a third line distance as the line length between the other end of the first resistor and the other end of the second resistor.
US09444481B1
An analog to digital converter includes an analog input and a voltage comparator coupled to the analog input for comparing a voltage at the analog input to a digitally synthesized waveform. A digital to analog converter (DAC) generates the digitally synthesized waveform. The DAC includes a plurality of capacitors selectively connected in parallel wherein the period between the selection of capacitors is less than the settling time of the voltage across the capacitors.
US09444479B2
There is disclosed current-mode time-interleaved sampling circuitry configured to be driven by substantially sinusoidal clock signals. Such circuitry may be incorporated in ADC circuitry, for example as integrated circuitry on an IC chip. The disclosed circuitry is capable of calibrating itself without being taken off-line.
US09444474B2
A multi-loop phase locked loop (PLL) system with noise attenuation has a first PLL including a local oscillator, a second PLL coupled to an output of the first PLL, and a third PLL in a feedback path between the second PLL and first PLL. A first phase comparator compares an input signal with the first feedback signal to generate a first phase error signal for the first PLL. The first phase error signal is multiplied by a scaling factor k determining the amount of noise attenuation. The third PLL has a bandwidth preferably at least ten times higher than the second PLL so that the overall transfer function of the second and third PLLs is approximately the transfer function of the second PLL. The transfer function of the third PLL is multiplied by a scaling factor 1/k. This arrangement allows the use of an uncompensated local oscillator in the first PLL. The noise generated in the uncompensated local oscillator is reduced by the attenuation factor k.
US09444468B2
Oscillator devices and corresponding methods are disclosed. In some embodiments an apparatus includes an oscillator circuit arrangement, a frequency variable resistor circuit coupled to an output of the oscillator circuit arrangement and a reference resistor circuit. The apparatus further includes a sample and hold circuit, wherein a first input of the sample and hold circuit is coupled to an output of the reference resistor circuit and a second input of the sample and hold circuit is coupled to an output of the frequency variable resistor circuit, wherein an output of the sample and hold circuit is coupled with an input of the oscillator circuit arrangement.
US09444462B2
An integrated circuit includes an output buffer and a control circuit. The output buffer has a signal input, a signal output, and a set of control inputs. The output buffer has an output buffer delay, and a driving strength adjustable in response to control signals applied to the set of control inputs. Alternatively, the output buffer delay is variable. The control circuit is connected to the set of control inputs of the output buffer. The control circuit uses first and second timing signals to generate the control signals, and can include a first delay circuit that generates the first timing signal with a first delay, and a second delay circuit that generates the second timing signal with a second delay that correlates with the output buffer delay.
US09444456B2
Power supply is facilitated. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a power regulator circuit includes first and second regulators and a controller for controlling operation of the power regulator circuit in standby and normal operational modes. The first and second regulators respectively provide regulated power at main and standby power levels, the standby power level being lower than the main power level. For the standby mode, the controller operates the second regulator for supplying power to an integrated circuit at the standby power level. For transitioning to the normal mode, the controller turns the first regulator on while continuing to operate the second regulator for supplying power to the integrated circuit during a start-up period. After a start-up period (e.g., when the first regulator is up to full power), the controller operates the first regulator for supplying power for operating the processor in a high-frequency mode.
US09444453B2
Measuring an effect of body capacitance in a touch sensitive device is disclosed. This effect can be caused by poor grounding of a user or other objects touching the device or of the device itself. The device can operate in a stray capacitance mode to measure a body capacitance effect and in a normal mode to detect a touch on the device. During the stray capacitance mode, the device can obtain a body capacitance measurement from the device. During the normal mode, the device can obtain a touch measurement from the device. The device can calculate a body capacitance factor based on a ratio between the body capacitance measurement and the touch measurement and use the body capacitance factor to compensate for erroneous or distorted touch output values from the device. Various components of the device can be switchably configured according to the particular mode.
US09444451B2
Provided is a switch circuit capable of reliably controlling the transmission or interruption of a voltage of from GND to VDD to an internal circuit even when a positive or negative voltage is input to an input terminal. By adding PMOS transistors to NMOS transistors constituting the switch circuit and controlling gates of the PMOS transistors by a voltage of the input terminal, the transmission or interruption of the voltage of from GND to VDD can be reliably controlled.
US09444448B2
High performance gate drives and methods for driving semiconductor switching elements, such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), are provided. The gate drive can control the voltage applied to the gate of the IGBT to one or more intermediate voltages near the threshold voltage of the IGBT to control dv/dt of the collector-emitter voltage during and the di/dt of the collector current turn off. For instance, a voltage level between the turn on voltage and the turn off voltage can be applied for a first time period to control dv/dt of the collector-emitter voltage and di/dt of the collector current during turn off. Another voltage level between the turn on voltage and the turn off voltage can be applied for a second time period during reverse recovery of a freewheeling diode coupled in parallel with the IGBT.
US09444430B1
A technique relates to a microwave device. A qubit is connected to a first end of a first coupling capacitor and a first end of a second coupling capacitor. A resonator is connected to a second end of the first coupling capacitor and a second end of the second coupling capacitor. The resonator includes a fundamental resonance mode. A filter is connected to both the qubit and the first end of the first or second coupling capacitor.
US09444427B2
A surface acoustic wave device includes, on a substrate, functional electrode units each including at least one IDT electrode, wiring electrodes connected to the functional electrode units, insulation films provided between the wiring electrode and the substrate, and a support member that surrounds the functional electrode units and at least a portion of the wiring electrodes. A thickness of the support member is larger than a thickness of the insulation films, and the insulation films and the support member are made of the same material.
US09444426B2
A bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator device includes a bottom electrode on a substrate over one of a cavity and an acoustic mirror, a piezoelectric layer on the bottom electrode, a top electrode on the piezoelectric layer, and a temperature compensation feature having positive temperature coefficient for offsetting at least a portion of a negative temperature coefficient of the piezoelectric layer. At least one of the bottom electrode and the top electrode includes an integrated lateral feature configured to create at least one of a cut-off frequency mismatch and an acoustic impedance mismatch.
US09444421B2
Lumped-element based class-E Chireix combiners are disclosed that are equivalents of a quarter-wave transmission line combiner. The proposed class-E equivalent power amplifier circuits that are used can be derived from a parallel tuned class-E implementation. The proposed low-pass equivalents can behave similarly in terms of class-E performance, but absorb the 90 degree transmission line.
US09444416B1
An apparatus includes a first depletion-mode transistor, a first enhancement-mode transistor, and a pull down switch. The first depletion-mode transistor has a common source configuration. The first enhancement-mode transistor has a common gate configuration. The first depletion-mode transistor and the first enhancement-mode transistor are coupled in a cascode arrangement. The pull down switch is operatively coupled between a gate of the enhancement-mode transistor and a circuit ground.
US09444412B2
A distortion compensation apparatus includes a pre-distorter, a gain control unit, and a learning unit. The pre-distorter adds distortion according to compensation coefficients to individual input signals prior to the input signals being input to a power amplifier. The gain control unit applies gain control to individual feedback signals fed back from the power amplifier according to a maximum level of the feedback signals within a time frame. The learning unit updates the compensation coefficients used by the pre-distorter, using the feedback signals subjected to the gain control by the gain control unit.
US09444410B1
A wide-band single-ended-to-differential low-noise amplifier using a push-pull architecture with an input node coupled to the sources of a first PMOS transistor and a first NMOS transistor, a positive output node coupled to the drains of the first PMOS transistor and the first NMOS transistor, a negative output node coupled to the drains of a second PMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor, and bias circuitry coupled to the gates of the first and second PMOS and first and second NMOS transistors. The source of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to the gate of the second PMOS transistor, the source of the first NMOS transistor is coupled to the gate of the second NMOS transistor, the source of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to a first supply voltage, and the source of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to a second supply voltage.
US09444409B2
An amplification device includes at least two amplifiers. The amplification device further includes: a switching unit that switches an amplification mode to one of a first amplification mode and a second amplification mode based on power of a signal before or after amplification by the amplifiers; a separating unit that separates an input signal to two signals having a constant amplitude and different phases from each other when switched to the first amplification mode by the switching unit; a modulation unit that modulates an input signal into a signal having a constant amplitude when switched to the second amplification mode by the switching unit; an amplification unit that amplifies the two signals obtained by the separating unit or two signals obtained by the modulation unit by using the amplifiers; and a combining unit that combines the two signals amplified by the amplifiers.
US09444397B2
A solar panel is disclosed that can be daisy-chained with other solar panels. The solar panel automatically generates output alternative current (AC) power that is in parallel with input AC power coming into the solar panel when the solar panel senses the input AC power so that the solar panel operates as a slave in this state. The solar panel automatically generates standalone AC output power when the solar panel fails to detect input AC power coming into the solar panel where the solar panel operates as a master in this state. The solar panel generates the standalone output AC power without any reliance on input AC power generated by a utility grid and/or other AC power sources external to the solar panel.
US09444394B1
A modular deployable structure that includes at least two panels, one of which is configured to be pivotably attached to a further structure for deployment therefrom and return thereto. Interfaces pivotably interconnect each two panels, and are in the form of a pin clevis joint arrangement. Dogbone links are pivotably attached to the interfaces to effect pivoting of the panels. Linkage members extend adjacent to the panels and are pivotable relative to the dogbone links. The linkage members pivotably interengage one another, for example via gears. A drive mechanism effects pivoting of one of the linkage members to in turn effect synchronized pivoting of all of the linkage members and the panels.
US09444378B2
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.
US09444376B2
A sensorless motor controller includes a variable link control, including a radiation-hardened field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a back electromotive force (EMF) decoder circuit. The back EMF decoder infers the position of a rotor of the motor. A filter on the decoder conditions the back EMF signal and has multiple cutoff frequencies which can be dynamically controlled by the FPGA in order to compensate for phase shift in the back EMF signal. The FPGA also controls a variable DC link and its digital speed control loop.
US09444374B2
The present invention specifies a converter for an electrical machine. A power circuit breaker (T1) comprises at least two semiconductor elements (9, 10) connected to one another to form said power circuit breaker. At least one control circuit (C1, C2, 14) is associated with the at least one power circuit breaker (T1) and is connected to a respective control input of each of the at least two semiconductor components (9, 10) in order to selectively switch the same on and off by means of respective switching signals (S1, S2). The switching signals (S1, S2) are generated on the basis of switching losses and conduction losses of the power circuit breaker (T1).
US09444361B2
A mechanical arrangement of a multilevel power converter circuit includes a power converter having a first portion with a plurality of first control inputs, at least three direct current voltage inputs, and an alternating current voltage output, and a second portion with a plurality of second control inputs, the at least three direct current voltage inputs and the alternating current voltage output. The second portion is split apart from the first portion. The power converter has at least three levels corresponding to the at least three direct current voltage inputs.
US09444360B2
A current-source converter includes high-arm side switching elements and low-arm side switching elements. A voltage between the DC power supply lines is detected as a line voltage of an input line, based on a conduction pattern of the high-arm side switching elements and the low-arm side switching elements.
US09444359B2
Disclosed is a power conversion apparatus with further reduced inductance of conductors coupling condensers. The power conversion apparatus includes a smoothing circuit having first and second electrolytic condensers connected to each other in series and third and fourth electrolytic condensers connected to each other in series. The distance between a positive terminal of the first electrolytic condenser and a negative terminal of the third electrolytic condenser is shorter than the distance between the positive terminal of the first electrolytic condenser and a positive terminal of the fourth electrolytic condenser. The distance between the positive terminal of the fourth electrolytic condenser and a negative terminal of the second electrolytic condenser is shorter than the distance between the positive terminal of the fourth electrolytic condenser and the positive terminal of the first electrolytic condenser.
US09444346B2
A converter comprises an input stage coupled to a power source, wherein the input stage comprises a plurality of power switches, a resonant tank coupled to the plurality of power switches, a transformer coupled to the resonant tank, an output stage coupled to the transformer, an efficiency point tracking indicator coupled to the converter, a detector coupled to the efficiency point tracking indicator and a control circuit configured to receive an efficiency point tracking signal from the detector and adjust a switching frequency of the power switches based upon the efficiency point tracking signal.
US09444320B1
A power controller includes a plurality of power supply output circuits and a multi-level converter connected to the plurality of power supply output circuits to receive a plurality of sets of voltages. The multi-level converter is configured to supply power to a load from a plurality of output terminals. An observer module is operably coupled to the multi-level converter to selectively control multi-level converter common-mode voltage with respect to the plurality of power supply output terminals.
US09444319B2
An electric rotating machine includes a power transmission mechanism and an armature. The power transmission mechanism is equipped with a first, a second, and a third rotor. The first rotor includes n soft-magnetic members. The second rotor includes k soft-magnetic members. Note that n and k are an integer more than one. The third rotor is made up of magnets whose number of pole pairs is m where m is an integer more than or equal to one. The armature faces the third rotor. The first, second, and third rotors are arranged so as to establish a magnetic coupling among them. The soft-magnetic members of the first and second rotors and the magnets of the third rotor meet a relation of 2m=|k±n|. This arrangement is capable of achieving the transmission of power regardless of electric energization of the armature.
US09444317B2
A magnetic resistance changing mechanism for changing a magnetic resistance of a stator magnetic path including a stator yoke portion and each tooth portion by mechanically changing the stator magnetic path is provided. A pair of side protruded portions are formed on circumferential sides of a rotor side end portion of each tooth portion. The rotor side end face of each tooth portion is shaped so that a gap between the rotor side end face of each tooth portion and an outer periphery of the rotor is increased continuously or stepwisely from a circumferential intermediate portion of the rotor facing end face toward circumferential end portions thereof.
US09444312B2
A metal plate is insert-molded into a case so as to be exposed inside a B terminal mounting aperture so as to overlap with a busbar, a B terminal bolt is press-fitted from an opposite side from the busbar into a press-fitting aperture that is formed on the portion of the metal plate that is exposed inside the B terminal mounting aperture, a spacer and a nut are mounted onto a shaft portion of the B terminal bolt, and the nut is electrically connected to the busbar by the busbar being pressed and held between the spacer and the nut by a fastening force from the nut.
US09444310B2
A motor drive apparatus includes a motor having a shaft, an end frame, and a control unit having a heat sink. The end fame and the heat sink are arranged to overlap at least partly when the end frame and the heat sink are projected on a plane, which is parallel with a rotation axis of the shaft. This arrangement improves heat radiation performance of the motor drive apparatus.
US09444303B2
The invention relates to a device (10) for mounting a shaft (1; 26) in a housing (100), having a bearing (5; 5b; 5c) which is connected to the shaft (1; 26) and which is arranged at least indirectly in the housing (100) by means of a positive or non-positive fit, wherein the bearing (5; 5b; 5c) is held in a separate holding body (11; 11a to 11c). It is provided according to the invention that the holding body (11; 11 a to 11c) is held so as to be fixed to the housing (100) in at least one direction by means of a positive and/or non-positive fit, and that the holding body (11; 11a to 11c) is connected directly to components of an electric motor (25).
US09444302B2
A rotary electric machine includes a rotor, a stator, a circuit substrate, a tubular closed-top and closed-bottom motor case arranged to accommodate the rotor, and bearings. The motor case is axially divided into a first casing and a second casing. Each of a first and a second tap portion of the first and the second casings includes an inner circumferential surface and at least one groove arranged on the inner circumferential surface. A lead bush includes a through-hole arranged to guide a lead wire and at least three annular bulging portions arranged at a specified interval along an outer circumferential surface of the lead bush. A middle annular bulging portion of the three annular bulging portions is fitted to the groove of each of the first tap portion and the second tap portion so that the lead bush is gripped between the first tap portion and the second tap portion.
US09444296B2
In a three-phase, four-pole, four-parallel-circuit stator winding of an electrical rotating machine, each of two sets of U-phase output terminals U1, U2 is formed of two sets of parallel circuits each formed of windings having a same pitch (one is formed of first and second winding circuits 1, 2 and the other is formed of third and fourth winding circuits 3, 4). The winding of each winding circuit is formed of two serially-connected coil phase bands (coil phase bands a and b form the first winding circuit 1 and coil phase bands c and d, coil phase bands e and f, and coil phase bands g and h form the second, third, and fourth winding circuits 2, 3, 4, respectively). A voltage vector phase difference and a voltage difference between the winding circuits can be eliminated without providing a jumper wire to winding end portions.
US09444293B2
In a rotary electric machine, a cylindrical stator core holding frame is cantilevered on a housing. A cylindrical stator core is fitted together and held inside the stator core holding frame. The stator core holding frame includes: a flange portion that is fixed to the housing; and a frame cylindrical portion that is coupled to the flange portion, and that holds the stator core. A thickness of the flange portion is greater than a thickness of the frame cylindrical portion.
US09444289B2
This specification provides a wireless power system capable of changing a resonant frequency and a resonant frequency changing method thereof. To this end, a wireless power receiver according to one exemplary embodiment includes a power receiving unit having a receiving side resonant circuit provided with at least one inductor and at least one capacitor, and configured to receive a wireless power signal, the wireless power signal being generated based on a resonance phenomenon between the receiving side resonant circuit and a transmitting side resonant circuit of a wireless power transmitter, and a power reception control unit configured to control the power receiving unit to change a connection between the at least one inductor and the at least one capacitor so as to change a resonant frequency corresponding to the wireless power signal.
US09444287B2
An uninterruptible power supply device including a filter for rejecting, in the voltage of a power supply node between a converter and an inverter, a ripple voltage of a frequency twice a frequency of an output voltage of the inverter to generate a DC voltage. This filter includes an extraction unit for extracting the ripple voltage from the voltage of the power supply node, and a subtraction unit for subtracting the ripple voltage extracted by the extraction unit from the voltage of the power supply node to generate the DC voltage.
US09444286B2
An uninterruptible power supply system, including: a plurality of uninterruptible power supply devices which are connected in parallel with respect to a load, and switch between power supplies supplying power to the load depending on states of the power supplies; a control unit controlling an operation of switching between the power supplies by the uninterruptible power supply devices; and a storage battery connected to the plurality of uninterruptible power supply devices in common. The uninterruptible power supply device has a converter converting AC power of an AC power supply into DC power, a contactor switching between the DC power converted by the converter and DC power input from the storage battery, and an inverter inverting the DC power into AC power and supplying the power to the load. The control unit deactivates the converter which does not contribute to supplying a power amount required for the load, of a plurality of converters.
US09444283B2
A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting wireless power to at least one wireless power receiver. The apparatus includes a communication unit that receives power management information from the at least one wireless power receiver, wherein the power management information includes a power capacity of each of the at least one wireless power receiver; and a controller that analyzes the power management information and determines whether an output capacity of the wireless power transmitter is greater than a total sum of the power capacities of the at least one wireless power receiver.
US09444273B1
An apparatus and method for operating a peer-to-peer wireless communication network among batteries. A first step includes providing a plurality of batteries with each internally housing a processor and a wireless communication transceiver. A next step includes designating one of the batteries as a master in the network, and the remaining batteries as slaves. A next step includes measuring at least one battery operating parameter for each battery by its associated processor. A next step includes peer-to-peer communicating a health indication of each battery, based on the at least one battery operating parameter, to the master that can determine which of the batteries is the healthiest, and inform a user of the healthiest batteries.
US09444267B2
Cell voltage equalizer includes voltage detection ICs configured to measure output voltages from cells, respectively; discharge circuits (40) provided to the respective cells, and configured to discharge the output voltages from the respective cells; and a main microcomputer (33 configured: to find a state of charge of a rechargeable battery (13) on the basis of the output voltages from the cells measured by the voltage detection ICs; to judge whether or not the state of charge is a predetermined level; to find differential values by subtracting a predetermined baseline voltage from the output voltages from the cells measured by the voltage detection ICs; and to equalize the output voltages if there exists a cell whose differential value is not less than a first voltage threshold value, by use of the corresponding discharge circuit (40).
US09444261B2
A power line communication device that will control multiple sub-units without exception via broadcasting from a main unit is disclosed. The power line communication device controls the machines connected to each sub-unit from a main unit using power line communication. The power line communication device has a controller, a main unit superimposing control signals containing data from said controller onto the power line, and multiple sub-units controlling the connected machines by receiving control signals being broadcast from the main unit. Each sub-unit is set up to be capable of data transfer, and it is possible to initiate data transfers from the main unit or selected sub-units.
US09444259B2
The present invention relates to a downhole safety device (1) for a downhole tool (2) for controlling a delivery of electricity from a power device to an electrical component in the tool, comprising a first member (3) comprising a plurality of conductors (4) and a second member (6) comprising a plurality of conductors (7). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for activating the safety device.
US09444257B2
A micro-grid control system has a first 2×2 decoupled controller that controls voltage and voltage angle by adjusting real and reactive power using real time feedback, and a second 2×2 decoupled controller that controls real and reactive power by adjusting voltage and voltage angle using real time feedback. The first 2×2 decoupled controller and second 2×2 decoupled controller together form a hierarchical microgrid control system, where the second 2×2 decoupled controller is a supervisory controller of the first 2×2 decoupled controller. The micro-grid control system may also include a third 2×2 decoupled controller that supervises the second 2×2 controller.
US09444252B2
A hybrid power plant is characterized by a substantially constant load on generators regardless of momentary swings in power load. Short changes in power load are accommodated by DC components such as capacitors, batteries, resistors, or a combination thereof. Resistors are used to consume power when loads in the power plant are generating excess power. Capacitors are used to store and deliver power when the loads in the power plant demand additional power. Reducing rapid changes in power load as seen by the generators allows the generators to operate at higher efficiencies and with reduced emissions. Additionally, power plants employing combinations of generators, loads, and energy storage devices have increased dynamic performance.
US09444243B2
A protection and control system includes a first merging unit which obtains an electric variable from a transformer installed in an electric power system, and digitally converts the obtained electric variable to output the converted electric as first electric variable information to a network, and a plurality of protection and control devices, each of which obtains the first electric variable information from the first merging unit through the network, judges whether or not a system fault occurs in a zone to be protected of the electric power system based on a predetermined relay characteristic, and outputs main trip information to the network when that the system fault occurs is judged, wherein the first merging unit judges whether or not the system fault occurs in the zone to be protected.
US09444239B2
The present invention relates to a bar for the electrical contacting of an electrically conductive substrate in the form of a thin, electrically conducting and resilient contact. The bar comprises a current-collecting bar on which a plurality of contact fingers is fitted. The invention is distinguished by the contact fingers being configured resiliently in the direction of the contact to be produced.
US09444237B2
Cable management apparatuses and related methods for managing a plurality of cables are provided. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a cable management apparatus having a body with a plurality of grooves. Each groove of the plurality of grooves is for receiving therein a portion of at least one cable. The body also has a plurality of cavities. Each cavity of the plurality of cavities is for receiving a portion of at least one securing member for securing the at least one cable to the body.
US09444234B2
A switchgear includes a housing having first and second side walls and at least one shelf member. The at least one shelf member includes a guide element. A withdrawable switchgear unit is slidingly supported on the at least one shelf member. A blocking mechanism is mounted to the withdrawable switchgear unit. The blocking mechanism includes a guide pin arranged in the guide element and a blocking pin operatively connected to the guide pin. The blocking pin selectively restricts movement of the withdrawable switchgear unit between at least two operational positions.
US09444232B2
A site grounding and bonding system provides for the grounding of a plurality of facilities at a field site using a ground box through which electrical connections are made between one or more ground devices and a distribution panel electrically connected to the facilities. The grounding devices may include one or more grounding plates and one or more ground rods buried beneath the earth. A bumper pole may be placed adjacent to the ground box and bonded to the grounding devices through the ground box. The system allows for the safe grounding of a number of facilities at a site without the necessity of placing separate grounding rods and connecting conductors for each facility.
US09444220B2
A method for controlling wavelength tunable laser comprises the steps of inputting information specifying a first wavelength, determining whether or not the first wavelength is identical to a second wavelength coinciding with any of the fundamental wavelengths stored in the first memory, acquiring a drive condition for the second wavelength from the first memory when it is determined that the first and second wavelengths are identical to each other, calculating a drive condition at the first wavelength, when it is determined that the first and second wavelengths differ from each other, by acquiring the drive condition for the second wavelength from the first memory and using the drive condition according to the difference between the first and second wavelengths, and controlling an lasing wavelength of the wavelength tunable laser according to the drive condition in the acquiring step or calculating step.
US09444218B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, for optical communication. One optical assembly includes a Fabry-Perot (FP) laser diode; a first polarization controller (PC) coupled to the FP laser diode; a circulator having four ports, a first port coupled to the first PC; an optical fiber coupled at a first end to a second port of the circulator; a second PC coupled to a third port of the circulator; an optical amplifier coupled to the second PC and a fourth port of the circulator; a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) filter coupled to the second end of the optical fiber; a splitter having at least three ends coupled at a first end to the WDM; and a Faraday rotator mirror (FRM) coupled directly or indirectly to a second end of the splitter.
US09444217B2
A laser diode includes a laser diode emitting light due to an electrical signal; a wavelength conversion plate for shifting the wavelength of the light emitted from the laser diode; a reflecting part for reflecting the light emitted from the laser diode towards the wavelength conversion plate; and a projecting part for emitting, in the forward direction, the light shifted by the wavelength conversion plate. The laser diode can provide a high-power but small-sized laser light source device, and a narrow emission angle can be achieved using the laser diode.
US09444213B2
A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of insulator layers, a conductor layer separating each of the insulator layers, and at least one connector connecting two conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.
US09444210B2
A wire terminating tool has a handle and a positioning member coupled to the handle. The positioning member has a plurality of notches. A wire retention member is retractably slidingly coupled to the handle. The wire retention member has a plurality of wire engagement slots, wherein in a load position, the wire retention member selectively secures each of the wires in a respective one of wire engagement slots. When in an unload position, the wire retention member is retracted, therein transferring the wires from the wire retention member to a plurality of terminals of a termination block via the notches in the positioning member. A seating apparatus seats the wires in the terminals, therein providing a metal-to-metal contact between the wires and terminals. A cutting apparatus cuts the wires by a roller cutter, diagonal cutter, blade, and shear operably coupled to the handle.
US09444201B2
An electric connector includes an insulation body, a shielding shell, first and second conductive terminals, and an organizer. The insulation body has a base portion and a tongue portion extended horizontally forward from the base portion. The shielding shell encloses the insulation body. Each first or second conductive terminal has a retaining section fixedly located in the insulation body, a contact section extended forward from the retaining section and located on the tongue portion, and a soldering section bent upward from the retaining section and extended outside the base portion. The organizer located on the base portion has an elongate slot and apertures that penetrate the base portion. The elongate slot allows the soldering sections of the first conductive terminals to pass through and anchor therein. Each aperture allows the soldering section of each second conductive terminal to pass through and anchor therein.
US09444189B1
Pluggable connector includes a module body having a mating plug that is configured to be inserted into a receptacle assembly during a mating operation. The mating plug has first and second plug sides that face in opposite directions and a front edge that joins the first and second plug sides. The pluggable connector also includes a plurality of signal contacts that are positioned along the first and second plug sides and a ground plate disposed within the mating plug. The ground plate is positioned between the signal contacts along the first plug side and the signal contacts along the second plug side. The pluggable connector also includes a plurality of resonance-control blades disposed within the mating plug and extending between the ground plate and at least one of the first plug side or the second plug side. The resonance-control blades have edge projections that engage the ground plate.
US09444182B2
The invention relates to a system (16) for forming a modular distribution panel (14), comprising a carrying device (10) having a front plate (20) and comprising at least one distribution module (12), which has at least one connection socket (30) at a head end (28), wherein the head end (28) of the at least one distribution module (12) is opposite the back side of the front plate (20) when the distribution module (12) is fastened to the carrying device (10) and the front plate (20) enables access to the at least one connection socket (30) from the front. The carrying device (10) has a U-profile-shaped accommodating part (18), for which the front plate (20) forms the base of the U-profile shape and into which the head end (28) of the at least one distribution module (12) can be inserted, wherein the distribution module (12) can be detachably fastened to the carrying device (10) at the head end (28) inserted into the accommodating part (18) by means of a clip connection.The invention also relates to a method for assembling a corresponding modular distribution panel (14).
US09444175B2
A socket connector has a core. The core has a base located at a first end of the core and has a plurality of orifices opening at a second end of the core. Each socket contact in a plurality of socket connectors includes a socket contact lead. Each of the socket contacts in the plurality of socket connectors is located in an orifice in the plurality of orifices so that the socket contact lead of each socket contact lead extends through the base and outside the socket connector. A core cap is affixed to the core so that the core cap covers the plurality of orifices.
US09444173B1
A retractile power outlet assembly for a vehicle includes a socket body including a first electrical contact providing an electrical current from a power source and a displaceable retractile cap carrying a second electrical contact. A resilient member disposed in the socket body biases the displaceable cap away from the first electrical contact. In turn, a power plug is provided, configured for mating engagement with an interior of the socket body. The socket body further includes a holder cap against which the resilient member urges the displaceable retractile cap to sealingly occlude the socket body. The displaceable retractile cap further includes a head portion for carrying the second electrical contact, the head portion including a flange configured to receive a sealing gasket to provide that sealingly occluding fit. The head portion further includes a bore configured to receive the third electrical contact therethrough to touch the second electrical contact.
US09444171B1
A fast wire connector includes a body and a conductive sheet. At least one connecting space, a top housing chamber and a bottom housing chamber are formed within the body. The at least one connecting space includes a top hole, a bottom hole and a housing chamber. The conductive sheet is disposed within the housing chamber and bended at two ends to form at least one top contact portion, at least one bottom contact portion, a top bending portion and a bottom bending portion. The top and bottom bending portions are respectively inserted into the top housing space and the bottom housing space. The top and bottom contact portions contact an inner surface of the body. Two elongate through-holes are respectively disposed on positions of the front side surface of the body corresponding to the top contact portion and the bottom contact portion.
US09444170B1
An electronic charging device for vehicles comprises a stretchable contact head, a housing connected with the contract head, an outside diameter of a bottom part of the housing is equal to an inside diameter of a power taking mouth of a vehicle cigarette lighter, a power adapter is located inside the housing, the power adapter has a first electrode contact and a second electrode contact, the first electrode contact is located at the bottom part of the housing, a top area of the contract head is defined as the second electrode contact, a top part of the housing has a charging port, the charging port is connected with the power adapter, the housing further includes a limiting element, the limiting element is clamped with the contract head through a clamping piston structure, the housing further has a spring, one end of the spring resists the contract head.
US09444169B2
An insertable electrical contact is disclosed herein. The insertable electrical contact can include a body having a connector end, a conductor receiver end, and a middle portion disposed between the connector end and the conductor receiver end. The insertable electrical contact can also include at least one retractable drive pin disposed in the body, where the at least one retractable drive pin has a normal position and a retracted position, where the at least one retractable drive pin is disposed within the body when in the retracted position, and where the at least one retractable drive pin is protrudes from an outer surface of the body when in the normal position. The at least one retractable drive pin can be in the retracted position as the body is inserted into a connector sleeve and can revert to the normal position when the body is positioned within the connector sleeve.
US09444168B2
A socket terminal (10) to be fitted and connected to a mating pin terminal (20) includes a tubular portion (11) to be fitted to the pin terminal (20). The tubular portion (11) includes a base portion (12) provided on a side opposite to a fitting starting end to the pin terminal (20) and a plurality of terminal pieces (13) extending in an axial direction of the tubular portion (11) from the base portion (12) toward the pin terminal (20), spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the tubular portion (11) and capable of resiliently coming into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pin terminal (20) fitted in the tubular portion (11). The base portion (12) includes a plurality of terminal pieces (16) projecting toward the pin terminal (20) radially of the tubular portion (11) and configured to hold the outer peripheral surface of the pin terminal (20).
US09444164B2
A terminal includes two crimp sections, one that engages a bare conductor and one that engages an insulated conductor. The terminal includes two legs that are configured to be located in apertures in a support circuit board. Thus a wire can be electrically connected to the circuit board in a low-profile manner.
US09444160B2
An electrical connector is to be connected to a mating connector. The electrical connector includes a circuit board member formed of an insulation plate member; and a holding member for holding the circuit board member. The circuit board member includes a connecting portion to be connected with a mating connector of the mating connector. The connecting portion includes a pair of conductive band portions and a first insulation region disposed between the conductive band portions.
US09444154B2
The present disclosure provides a terminal fitting-equipped conductor that has a high level of tensile strength and can achieve stable contact resistance. A terminal fitting-equipped conductor is a terminal fitting-equipped conductor to which a terminal fitting is attached by crimping an end portion of a flexible metal braided portion made of a plurality of metal wires braided together. The wires are fused to each other by resistance welding and a crimped portion is formed at the end portion of the metal braided portion. The crimped portion is crimped to a barrel portion with which the terminal fitting is provided. The wires are mutually bonded by being fused to each other, and fixed. As a result, the crimped state of the crimped portion to the barrel portion is stable.
US09444153B2
A composite molding comprises an insulative molded body molded into a prescribed shape; an insulative transfer layer covering at least part of a front surface of the molded body; an electrode pattern layer formed between the molded body and the transfer layer; an electrically conductive contact pin having one end side buried in the molded body and fixed thereto and an other end stuck out from the molded body; and an electrically conductive bonding agent formed between the electrode pattern layer and the molded body and bonding to the electrode pattern layer and the contact pin to form an electrical connection between the electrode pattern layer and the contact pin. This arrangement prevents defects caused by embedding a contact pin in a molded body and reliably makes an electrical connection between the contact pin and an electrode pattern layer.
US09444152B2
An Antenna Mode Steering (AMS) method in a signal receiving apparatus using at least one antenna is provided. The method includes measuring a received signal quality of a signal received through the at least one antenna for each of antenna modes available in the signal receiving apparatus, and selecting a specific antenna mode from among the antenna modes as an antenna mode to be used in the signal receiving apparatus based on the measured received signal quality.
US09444141B2
A method and portable device provide multi-band, multi-antenna signal communication in a portable device having wireless communication capability. A portable device comprises a single loop multi-feed (SLM) antenna system which includes a continuous conductive ring located along and adjacent to a first device periphery area. The SLM antenna system also comprises multiple communication feeds each respectively coupled to one of multiple transceivers and to the conductive ring. The SLM antenna system includes multiple ground connection points each of which is coupled to a ground plane. Each ground connection point is selectively positioned at a corresponding location on the continuous conductive ring in order to configure, within the SLM antenna system, multiple corresponding antenna elements. The SLM antenna system enables frequency tuning associated with a first antenna element to be performed independently of frequency tuning associated with a second antenna element and supports signal propagation via the multiple antennas using respective frequency bands.
US09444136B2
An antenna for receiving a transmitted signal with signal receiving components including a housing disposed about signal-receiving components. The housing includes a first housing portion forming a first side of the housing, the first housing portion including first and second opposing edge portions, third edge portion extending between the first and second opposing edge portions, and a second housing portion forming a second side of the housing, the second housing portion including fourth and fifth opposing edge portions, and a sixth edge portion extending between the fourth and fifth opposing edge portions, wherein the first housing portion is configured to be coupled to the second housing portion in such a manner that the first and fourth edge portions engage, the second and fifth edge portions engage, and the third and sixth edge portions cooperatively form an elongated groove configured to receive a signal line.
US09444135B2
An integrated circuit package has a first side and an opposite second side. The integrated circuit package comprises: a stack of layers comprising at least a first and second electrically isolating layers, a dielectric material arranged on the stack of layers at the second side for encapsulating the integrated circuit package, a first integrated antenna structure for transmitting and/or receiving a first radio frequency signal, and a first array of electrically conductive vias extending through at least the first electrically isolating layer and the dielectric material. The first integrated antenna structure is arranged between the first and second electrically isolating layers and is surrounded by the electrically conductive vias which are electrically connected to respective first metal patches arranged on the dielectric material at the second side.
US09444130B2
Electronic devices may include radio-frequency transceiver circuitry and antenna structures. The antenna structures may include a dual arm inverted-F antenna resonating element and an antenna ground. An antenna feed may be coupled between the inverted-F antenna resonating element and the antenna ground. An adjustable component such as an adjustable inductor may be coupled between the inverted-F antenna resonating element and the antenna ground in parallel with the antenna feed. The adjustable component may be operable in multiple states such as an open circuit state, a short circuit state, and a state in which the adjustable component exhibits a non-zero inductance. Antenna bandwidth can be broadened by coupling a loop antenna resonating element across the antenna feed. A portion of the antenna ground may overlap the loop antenna resonating element to further enhance antenna bandwidth.
US09444126B2
A high-frequency signal line includes a base layer including first and second principal surfaces, a signal line provided on the first principal surface, a ground conductor provided on the first principal surface along the signal line, and a plurality of high-permittivity portions arranged along the signal line and in contact with a portion of both the signal line and the ground conductor, each of the high-permittivity portions having a higher specific permittivity than the base layer.
US09444104B2
The present invention aims to provide an electrode mixture which shows little change in viscosity even after 24 hours from the preparation of the mixture and enables production of an electrode having a high electrode density and excellent flexibility and is capable of giving excellent electric properties to the resulting cell. The present invention relates to an electrode mixture including a powdery electrode material; a binder; and an organic solvent, the binder including a fluorine-containing polymer including a polymer unit based on vinylidene fluoride and a polymer unit based on tetrafluoroethylene, the fluorine-containing polymer including the polymer unit based on vinylidene fluoride in an amount of 80.0 to 89.0 mol % based on all the polymer units, and the organic solvent being N-methyl-2-pyrolidone and/or N,N-dimethylacetamide.
US09444103B2
The present invention aims to provide an electrode mixture which shows little change in viscosity even after 24 hours from the preparation of the mixture and enables production of an electrode having a high electrode density and excellent flexibility and is capable of giving excellent electric properties to the resulting cell. The present invention relates to an electrode mixture including a powdery electrode material; a binder; and an organic solvent, the binder including polyvinylidene fluoride and a fluorine-containing polymer including a polymer unit based on vinylidene fluoride and a polymer unit based on tetrafluoroethylene, the fluorine-containing polymer including the polymer unit based on vinylidene fluoride in an amount of 80.0 to 90.0 mol % based on all the polymer units, the polyvinylidene fluoride having a number average molecular weight of 150,000 to 1,400,000.
US09444100B2
In a secondary battery, a negative electrode, an electrolytic solution for negative electrode, a diaphragm, an electrolytic solution for positive electrode, and a positive electrode are disposed in order. The negative electrode includes a negative-electrode active material that has an element whose oxidation-reduction potential is more “base” by 1.5 V or more than an oxidation-reduction potential of hydrogen, and whose volume density is larger than that of lithium metal. The diaphragm includes a solid electrolyte transmitting ions of said element alone. A secondary battery with high volumetric density is provided.
US09444097B2
[Object] To provide a positive electrode for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery with which characteristics of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, such as a charge/discharge efficiency, a capacity retention ratio, and a discharge capacity retention ratio are not easily degraded even in the case where the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery is continuously charged at a high temperature.[Solution] A positive electrode 12 of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery 1 includes a positive electrode active material layer 12b. The positive electrode active material layer 12b contains a positive electrode active material and a compound represented by a general formula (1): MH2PO2 (1). In the general formula (1), M represents a monovalent cation.
US09444092B2
Modified graphite particles obtained from graphite or based on graphite, the said particles having impurities in their internal structure and having on the surface a low, even nil, rate of an impurity or several impurities. In addition, these particles have at least one of the following characteristics: a tab density between 0.3 and 1.5 g/cc; a potatolike shape; and a granulometric dispersion such that the D90/D10 ratio varies between 2 and 5 and the particles have a size between 1 and 50 μm. These particles can be used for fuel cells, electrochemical generators, or as moisture absorbers and/or oxygen absorbers and they have important electrochemical properties. The electrochemical cells and batteries thus obtained are stable and safe.
US09444085B2
A stack type battery includes a stack including: a plurality of cathode sheets; a plurality of anode sheets, which are alternately disposed with the cathode sheets; and a plurality of separators, where each of the separator is disposed between a corresponding cathode sheet of the cathode sheets and a corresponding anode sheet of the anode sheets, where the stack includes first to third protrusions, the first protrusion includes a portion of the cathode sheets which does not overlap the anode sheets and the separators, and the second protrusion includes a portion of the anode sheets which does not overlap the cathode sheets and the separators.
US09444084B2
A composition for solubilizing a fluoropolymer is described. Further described, is how the fluoropolymer composition is obtained, as well as the process for its preparation and its use as a coating applicant. The composition can include a solubilized fluoropolymer and a solvent blend of a diester and dimethylsulfoxyde.
US09444082B2
An object of the present invention is to secure both of vehicle body floor upper space and battery mounting space, in setting of a mounting position of a high-power cut-off switch to a battery pack case. Battery pack case 1 having battery modules 2 and SD switch 4 that cuts off battery high-power circuit by manual operation is arranged in a lower position of vehicle body floor 100. In this battery pack structure for electric vehicle, an inside space of the battery pack case 1 is divided into two areas in a vehicle front-and-rear direction, and one of the two areas is defined as a battery module mounting area 7. SD switch 4 is provided in an upper surface position of the case that covers an electrical component mounting area 8, which is the other area, located on a vehicle front side with respect to battery module mounting area 7.
US09444077B2
A method of manufacturing a light-emitting element. The method includes forming an underlayer that includes a reflective electrode, forming a bank that has liquid repellency, irradiating the bank with characteristic energy rays to decrease liquid repellency of the bank, and forming a functional layer. The bank is formed on the underlayer and is provided with an opening and an inclined portion surrounding the opening. The opening has a shape that has a long axis and a short axis and is positioned above the reflective electrode. In plan view, end sections of the inclined portion in a direction of the long axis overlap the upper surface of the reflective electrode, while central sections of the inclined portion in the direction of the long axis do not overlap the upper surface of the reflective electrode.